BookPath
The Mystery Of The Blue Train
Agatha Christie

The Mystery Of The Blue Train

Quick Answer

Read "The Mystery Of The Blue Train" as the 6th book in the Hercule Poirot Mysteries sequence. This follows the recommended publication order to preserve character development.

Sequence Warning

⚠️ Do NOT read before "The Big Four" (Book 5)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Verdict Insight: As the 6th installment, this volume is critical for following the central narrative progression and plot development.

Is this helpful?
2024239 pp
Bound for the Riviera, detective Hercule Poirot has boarded Le Train Bleu, an elegant, leisurely means of travel, free of intrigue. Then he meets Ruth Kettering. The American heiress bailing out of a doomed marriage is en route to reconcile with her former lover. But by morning, her private affairs are made public when she is found murdered in her luxury compartment. The rumour of a strange man loitering in the victim's shadow is all Poirot has to go on. Until Mrs. Kettering's secret life begins to unfold...
Next Recommended Book

Peril At End House

Book #7 of 19 in Series

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for deep lore fans.

Order Confidence

high Confidence

Why this order?

Our team of curators analyzes publication history, author interviews, and internal narrative continuity to establish the definitive reading sequence. This ensures zero spoilers and maximum narrative impact.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for Hercule Poirot Mysteries conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip reading The Mystery Of The Blue Train?

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Can I read The Mystery Of The Blue Train before The Big Four?

No. We recommend reading The Big Four first. The Mystery Of The Blue Train is the 6th book in the series and follows the core narrative established in earlier volumes.

Is The Mystery Of The Blue Train required reading for the Hercule Poirot Mysteries?

Yes, it is a core installment in the series reading order and contains critical character development and plot progression.

What comes after The Mystery Of The Blue Train in the reading order?

The next recommended book after The Mystery Of The Blue Train is Peril At End House (Book #7).