Murder on the Orient Express: B1 (Collins Agatha Christie ELT Readers)

Title: "Murder on the Orient Express: B1 (Collins Agatha Christie ELT Readers)" by Agatha Christie

Overview: "Murder on the Orient Express: B1" is an adapted version of Agatha Christie's famous detective novel, specifically designed for English language learners at the intermediate level (B1). The book is part of the Collins ELT Readers series, which aims to provide engaging and educational reading materials for learners.

Key Themes:

1. Detective Fiction: The novel is a classic example of detective fiction, where renowned detective Hercule Poirot must solve a murder mystery.
2. Isolation: The setting of the Simplon Orient Express, a luxurious train traveling through Europe, creates an isolated environment where the characters are trapped together, heightening the suspense and intrigue.
3. Mystery and Suspense: The plot revolves around a murder that takes place on the train, with no apparent way for the killer to have entered or left. This setup leads to a complex investigation and suspenseful revelations.

Plot Summary:

The story begins with Hercule Poirot, a renowned detective, traveling home to London on the Simplon Orient Express. During the journey, a wealthy businessman named Ratchett is found murdered in his compartment. The investigation reveals that Ratchett was actually Cassetti, a man responsible for the kidnapping and murder of a young girl named Daisy Armstrong. The passengers on the train, who are all connected to the Armstrong family in some way, become suspects. Poirot must navigate through the complex web of relationships and alibis to uncover the truth behind the murder.

Critical Reception:

While there is no specific critical reception provided for the adapted version of "Murder on the Orient Express: B1," Agatha Christie's original novel has been widely acclaimed for its intricate plot, memorable characters, and masterful use of suspense. The original novel has been praised for its ability to keep readers engaged and guessing until the very end.

Adaptation Details:

• Level: The book is graded at Level 3 in the Collins ELT Readers series, which corresponds to CEF level B1.
• Word Count: The adapted version has a word count of 11,000 – 20,000 words.
• Additional Resources: The book includes full reading of the adapted version available for free online, helpful notes on characters, cultural and historical notes relevant to the plot, a glossary of more difficult words, and free online resources for students and teachers.

Publication Details:

• Publisher: HarperCollins UK
• Publication Date: January 1, 2018
• Pages: 96 pages
• Dimensions: 5.00(w) x 7.75(h) x 0.20(d)

About the Author:

Agatha Christie is renowned as the Queen of Crime. Her books have sold over a billion copies in English and another billion in over 70 foreign languages, making her the most widely published author of all time, outsold only by the Bible and Shakespeare. She authored 80 crime novels and short story collections, 20 plays, and six novels written under the name of Mary Westmacott.

Availability:

The book is available in paperback and can be purchased from various retailers, including Barnes & Noble. It is also available as an audiobook narrated by Roger May.