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The Mystery of the Blue Train · Chapters

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Chapter companions for The Mystery of the Blue Train by Agatha Christie.

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  1. Chapter 1

    Dedication

    The author dedicates the book to two distinguished members of the O.F.D., Carlotta and Peter.

  2. Chapter 2

    The Mystery of the Blue Train

    The chapter introduces the luxurious Blue Train and sets the stage for the mystery surrounding Ruth Kettering's murder. Key characters are established, including Ruth, her estranged husband Derek, and her father Rufus Van Aldin, as tensions simmer beneath the surface of wealth and appearances.

  3. Chapter 3

    The Man with the White Hair

    A secret transaction takes place in a dilapidated Paris apartment between Boris Ivanovitch, a Russian agent, and an American buyer, involving a mysterious package. Olga Demiroff, a Russian girl, assists. After the American leaves, they observe a white-haired man in the street, hinting at a larger conspiracy.

  4. Chapter 4

    II: M. le Marquis

    M. le Marquis, a masked figure, visits the antique dealer M. Papopolous late at night to discuss a failed attempt on an American gentleman. They speak of discretion and indirect methods, hinting at a larger scheme involving rubies. After M. le Marquis leaves, Papopolous's daughter Zia reveals she was eavesdropping and notes that M. le Marquis speaks French like a well-bred Englishman and wears a wig.

  5. Chapter 5

    Heart of Fire

    Rufus Van Aldin returns to the Savoy and meets his secretary, Major Knighton. He receives a letter from his daughter Ruth Kettering, which visibly upsets him. He reveals a priceless ruby necklace, including the famous 'Heart of Fire', intended as a gift for Ruth, and expresses his concern over her unhappy marriage.

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  1. Chapter 6In Curzon Street
  2. Chapter 7A Useful Gentleman
  3. Chapter 8VI: Mirelle
  4. Chapter 9Letters
  5. Chapter 10Lady Tamplin Writes a Letter
  6. Chapter 11An Offer Refused
  7. Chapter 12X: On the Blue Train
  8. Chapter 13XI: Murder
  9. Chapter 14At the Villa Marguerite
  10. Chapter 15Van Aldin Gets a Telegram
  11. Chapter 16XIV: Ada Mason's Story
  12. Chapter 17The Comte de la Roche
  13. Chapter 18XVI: Poirot Discusses the Case
  14. Chapter 19An Aristocratic Gentleman
  15. Chapter 20XVIII: Derek Lunches
  16. Chapter 21An Unexpected Visitor
  17. Chapter 22Katherine Makes a Friend
  18. Chapter 23At the Tennis
  19. Chapter 24M. Papopolous Breakfasts
  20. Chapter 25A New Theory
  21. Chapter 26XXIV: Poirot Gives Advice
  22. Chapter 27XXV: Defiance
  23. Chapter 28A Warning
  24. Chapter 29Interview with Mirelle
  25. Chapter 30XXVIII: Poirot Plays the Squirrel
  26. Chapter 31A Letter from Home
  27. Chapter 32Miss Viner Gives Judgment
  28. Chapter 33XXXI: Mr. Aarons Lunches
  29. Chapter 34XXXII: Katherine and Poirot Compare Notes
  30. Chapter 35A New Theory
  31. Chapter 36The Blue Train Again
  32. Chapter 37Explanations
  33. Chapter 38By the Sea