A background on suspects
Suspects are the characters in a mystery that are the possible criminals. If you have read a mystery before, you may have read about a detective who looks for clues, gets some suspects in mind, and then looks for more clues to determine which of the suspects committed the crime.
In Scooby-Doo, often times the culprit was not even one of the suspects! This is a real plot twist, and another example of a red herring.
In Scooby-Doo, often times the culprit was not even one of the suspects! This is a real plot twist, and another example of a red herring.
Suspects in the murder on the orient express by: Agatha Christie
After investigating the body of Mr. Ratchett, Hercule Poirot decides to interview Hector MacQueen since he was Mr. Ratchett's secretary. After this interview, it seems as if Hector is not a suspect. Monsieur Bouc says, "So you pronounce one person at least innocent of the crime." But, Hercule Poirot replies "Me, I suspect everybody till the last minute. All the same, I must admit that I cannot see this sober, long-headed MacQueen losing his head and stabbing his victim twelve or fourteen times. It is not in accord with his psychology - not at all." So, Hercule Poirot believes that everyone is a suspect. Below you will find a list of all of the suspects and a brief bit of writing explaining why they are possible suspects.
List of Suspects:
- Mary Debenham
- Colonel Arbuthnot
- Hector MacQueen
- Princess Dragomiroff
- Mrs. Hubbard
- Greta Ohlsson
- Pierre Michel (Wagon Lit Conductor)
- Count Andrenyi
- Countess Andrenyi
- Hildegarde Schmidt
- Antonio Foscarelli
- Edward Masterman
- Cyrus Hardman
Mary Debenham:
Mary's middle name is Hermione. This could be what the "H" on the found handkerchief stands for. Mary says that it does not belong to her. Is she telling the truth? Mary's dressing gown is a pale mauve color. She saw the lady in the kimono, but the kimono isn't hers. She is right handed. Poirot finds out that Mary Debenham was actually the governess for the two Armstrong children! This could be a motive for killing Ratchett. Poirot found out the true identity of Miss. Debenham when Helena Andrenyi told him that her governess's name was Freebody. Helena described the governess as big and red haired. This is the absolute opposite of Miss Debenham. Also, the name Freebody was gotten by Helena from the name of a store called Debenham and Freebody. When the name Debenham was running through the Countess's mind, she thought of the store and said the name Freebody. This governess was a fake, the real one was Miss. Mary Hermione Debenham. Mary Debenham said that she had never been to the States but, she was familiar with the American term "long distance" for a phone call. How could she know this if she hadn't been to America? Poirot discovered that she had indeed been in the U.S. when she was the governess for the Armstrong family.
Mary's middle name is Hermione. This could be what the "H" on the found handkerchief stands for. Mary says that it does not belong to her. Is she telling the truth? Mary's dressing gown is a pale mauve color. She saw the lady in the kimono, but the kimono isn't hers. She is right handed. Poirot finds out that Mary Debenham was actually the governess for the two Armstrong children! This could be a motive for killing Ratchett. Poirot found out the true identity of Miss. Debenham when Helena Andrenyi told him that her governess's name was Freebody. Helena described the governess as big and red haired. This is the absolute opposite of Miss Debenham. Also, the name Freebody was gotten by Helena from the name of a store called Debenham and Freebody. When the name Debenham was running through the Countess's mind, she thought of the store and said the name Freebody. This governess was a fake, the real one was Miss. Mary Hermione Debenham. Mary Debenham said that she had never been to the States but, she was familiar with the American term "long distance" for a phone call. How could she know this if she hadn't been to America? Poirot discovered that she had indeed been in the U.S. when she was the governess for the Armstrong family.
Colonel Arbuthnot:
There is a pipe cleaner found in Mr. Ratchett's room while Dr. Constantine and Hercule Poirot are investigating. Colonel Arbuthnot is the only person on the train who smokes a pipe. Also, he uses identical pipe cleaners. Also, he knew who Colonel Armstrong was. Perhaps he even knew him personally? He is right handed. Colonel Arbuthnot said that he and Mary Debenham had only known each other a few days, but he calls her Mary not Miss. Debenham. They most likely had known each other much longer than they admitted. Poirot finds out that they had known each other and the Armstrong family. In fact, Colonel Arbuthnot had most likely been a good friend of Colonel Armstrong's and probably had gone through the war with him. Later, the Colonel confesses that he had been John Armstrong's best friend. Mr. Armstrong had even saved Colonel Arbuthnot's life in the war!
There is a pipe cleaner found in Mr. Ratchett's room while Dr. Constantine and Hercule Poirot are investigating. Colonel Arbuthnot is the only person on the train who smokes a pipe. Also, he uses identical pipe cleaners. Also, he knew who Colonel Armstrong was. Perhaps he even knew him personally? He is right handed. Colonel Arbuthnot said that he and Mary Debenham had only known each other a few days, but he calls her Mary not Miss. Debenham. They most likely had known each other much longer than they admitted. Poirot finds out that they had known each other and the Armstrong family. In fact, Colonel Arbuthnot had most likely been a good friend of Colonel Armstrong's and probably had gone through the war with him. Later, the Colonel confesses that he had been John Armstrong's best friend. Mr. Armstrong had even saved Colonel Arbuthnot's life in the war!
Hector MacQueen:
Even though Hercule Poirot doesn't think that Hector murdered Mr. Ratchett, he is still a possible suspect. During the interview with MacQueen, M. Poirot finds out that Hector didn't like his employer. This could be a possible reason that Hector would have murdered Mr. Ratchett. During a second interview, M. Poirot tells MacQueen the real identity of his employer. Hector is disgusted and says that he feels almost as though he would have been willing to do the deed himself. MacQueen also says that he met Mrs. Armstrong more than once and that his father was the district attorney who handled the case of Daisy Armstrong. He is right handed. Also, MacQueen made a remark that was very interesting to Poirot. This remark was "But surely…" MacQueen pauses "I mean, that was rather careless of the old man." Poirot thought, what is he had been meaning to say "But surely that was burnt!" Then, MacQueen would have known about the note and it being burned. Hector was connected to the Armstrong family because he had always adored Sonia Armstrong.
Even though Hercule Poirot doesn't think that Hector murdered Mr. Ratchett, he is still a possible suspect. During the interview with MacQueen, M. Poirot finds out that Hector didn't like his employer. This could be a possible reason that Hector would have murdered Mr. Ratchett. During a second interview, M. Poirot tells MacQueen the real identity of his employer. Hector is disgusted and says that he feels almost as though he would have been willing to do the deed himself. MacQueen also says that he met Mrs. Armstrong more than once and that his father was the district attorney who handled the case of Daisy Armstrong. He is right handed. Also, MacQueen made a remark that was very interesting to Poirot. This remark was "But surely…" MacQueen pauses "I mean, that was rather careless of the old man." Poirot thought, what is he had been meaning to say "But surely that was burnt!" Then, MacQueen would have known about the note and it being burned. Hector was connected to the Armstrong family because he had always adored Sonia Armstrong.
Princess Dragomiroff:
Princess Dragomiroff is the godmother of Mrs. Armstrong. This could be a motive for her to murder at Ratchett. But, she is weak and fragile. Could she have mustered the strength to kill Mr. Ratchett? She was also a very good friend of the Armstrong family. Even though the Princess was a very good friend to the Armstrong family, and was a godmother to one of the daughters (Sonia Armstrong), she didn't remember where the other daughter was. The Princess also didn't remember the new last name of the youngest daughter. This is very strange, could the Princess be lying? Later, Poirot finds out that the Princess was actually lying about not knowing the name of the younger daughter. Poirot discovers that the Princess knew that the younger sister (Countess Andrenyi) was aboard the train. So, she lied to conceal the Countess's true identity. Princess Dragomiroff has a dressing gown of blue satin, so she was not the one wearing the scarlet kimono. She didn't sign the paper and asked Poirot to write her name so, she may be left handed. Also, the handkerchief is revealed to belong to Princess Dragomiroff. In Russia, the letter "H" is the letter "N". Princess Dragomiroff's Christian name is Natalia, which starts with the letter "N".
Princess Dragomiroff is the godmother of Mrs. Armstrong. This could be a motive for her to murder at Ratchett. But, she is weak and fragile. Could she have mustered the strength to kill Mr. Ratchett? She was also a very good friend of the Armstrong family. Even though the Princess was a very good friend to the Armstrong family, and was a godmother to one of the daughters (Sonia Armstrong), she didn't remember where the other daughter was. The Princess also didn't remember the new last name of the youngest daughter. This is very strange, could the Princess be lying? Later, Poirot finds out that the Princess was actually lying about not knowing the name of the younger daughter. Poirot discovers that the Princess knew that the younger sister (Countess Andrenyi) was aboard the train. So, she lied to conceal the Countess's true identity. Princess Dragomiroff has a dressing gown of blue satin, so she was not the one wearing the scarlet kimono. She didn't sign the paper and asked Poirot to write her name so, she may be left handed. Also, the handkerchief is revealed to belong to Princess Dragomiroff. In Russia, the letter "H" is the letter "N". Princess Dragomiroff's Christian name is Natalia, which starts with the letter "N".
Mrs. Hubbard:
Mrs. Hubbard says that she would like to get her hands on Cassetti. When Hercule Poirot tells her the real identity of Ratchett, she thinks that he to what he deserved. The handkerchief that was found has an "H" on it. This could stand for Hubbard, but, Mrs. Hubbard says that this handkerchief doesn't belong to her. Is this true? She is right handed. Mrs. Hubbard said that she couldn't see if the communicating door between her compartment and Ratchett's was locked because her sponge bag blocked the lock. So, she asked Greta to check. But, the lock on the doors in all of the odd numbered compartments is above the handle. So, the sponge bag wouldn't have blocked the lock. Mrs. Hubbard is in No. 3. So, she could see the lock from where she was lying. Mrs. Hubbard was actually the mother of Mrs. Armstrong! She was the famous actress Linda Arden!
Mrs. Hubbard says that she would like to get her hands on Cassetti. When Hercule Poirot tells her the real identity of Ratchett, she thinks that he to what he deserved. The handkerchief that was found has an "H" on it. This could stand for Hubbard, but, Mrs. Hubbard says that this handkerchief doesn't belong to her. Is this true? She is right handed. Mrs. Hubbard said that she couldn't see if the communicating door between her compartment and Ratchett's was locked because her sponge bag blocked the lock. So, she asked Greta to check. But, the lock on the doors in all of the odd numbered compartments is above the handle. So, the sponge bag wouldn't have blocked the lock. Mrs. Hubbard is in No. 3. So, she could see the lock from where she was lying. Mrs. Hubbard was actually the mother of Mrs. Armstrong! She was the famous actress Linda Arden!
Greta Ohlsson:
Greta Ohlsson was (most likely) the last person to see Ratchett alive. Her dressing gown is brownish and of natural wool. The kimono doesn't belong to her either. She is right handed. Poirot also finds out that Greta was the nurse for Daisy. When Greta said that she was a trained nurse, it got Poirot thinking that she may shave been the nurse for the little girl.
Greta Ohlsson was (most likely) the last person to see Ratchett alive. Her dressing gown is brownish and of natural wool. The kimono doesn't belong to her either. She is right handed. Poirot also finds out that Greta was the nurse for Daisy. When Greta said that she was a trained nurse, it got Poirot thinking that she may shave been the nurse for the little girl.
Pierre Michel:
A button from a Wagon Lit Conductor uniform was found in Mrs. Hubbard's room. Pierre is a conductor, but he says that he is not missing any buttons. Neither are the other conductors aboard the train. He is right handed. Pierre was also discovered to be the father of the maid who threw herself out of the window. This is a possible reason for Pierre Michel to want to kill Ratchett.
A button from a Wagon Lit Conductor uniform was found in Mrs. Hubbard's room. Pierre is a conductor, but he says that he is not missing any buttons. Neither are the other conductors aboard the train. He is right handed. Pierre was also discovered to be the father of the maid who threw herself out of the window. This is a possible reason for Pierre Michel to want to kill Ratchett.
Count Andrenyi:
He smokes, but not a pipe. So, the pipe cleaner could not be his. He is right handed. Count Andrenyi is connected to the Armstrong's too. This is because his wife is the younger daughter of Linda Arden. She is the sister to Mrs. Armstrong and the aunt of Daisy.
He smokes, but not a pipe. So, the pipe cleaner could not be his. He is right handed. Count Andrenyi is connected to the Armstrong's too. This is because his wife is the younger daughter of Linda Arden. She is the sister to Mrs. Armstrong and the aunt of Daisy.
Countess Andrenyi:
She has a corn-colored chiffon dressing gown. The scarlet kimono is not the Countess's either. She is right handed. The Countess lied about her identity being Elena Andrenyi. Poirot discovers that her real identity is Helena Goldberg. Then, she married the Count and became Countess Helena Andrenyi. The Countess was actually the younger sister of Mrs. Sonia Armstrong! This could be a possible motive for the Countess to be involved in the murder. Then, the Countess and her husband both swear that Helena had nothing to do with the murder. Even though the handkerchief has the initial "H" on it, it does not belong to Helena Andrenyi.
She has a corn-colored chiffon dressing gown. The scarlet kimono is not the Countess's either. She is right handed. The Countess lied about her identity being Elena Andrenyi. Poirot discovers that her real identity is Helena Goldberg. Then, she married the Count and became Countess Helena Andrenyi. The Countess was actually the younger sister of Mrs. Sonia Armstrong! This could be a possible motive for the Countess to be involved in the murder. Then, the Countess and her husband both swear that Helena had nothing to do with the murder. Even though the handkerchief has the initial "H" on it, it does not belong to Helena Andrenyi.
Hildegarde Schmidt:
Hildegarde could be the name that the "H" on the handkerchief stands for. But, Hildegarde says that this handkerchief is not hers. Is she lying?
Also, the Wagon Lit Uniform was found in Hildegarde's suitcase! It is not hers, and Poirot thinks that it was put there. His thinking is that the murderer (dressed as a conductor) bumped into Hildegarde in the corridor, when the maid was going to attend to the Princess. While Hildegarde's compartment was empty, the murderer snuck in and put the uniform in her suitcase. Then, the murderer left Hildegarde's compartment and the uniform wasn't found until days after the murder. She is right handed. Hildegarde was also found to be the cook in the Armstrong household. Poirot discovered this when he asked the maid if she was a good cook. She said yes. This got Poirot thinking that she could have been a cook for the Armstrong family.
Hildegarde could be the name that the "H" on the handkerchief stands for. But, Hildegarde says that this handkerchief is not hers. Is she lying?
Also, the Wagon Lit Uniform was found in Hildegarde's suitcase! It is not hers, and Poirot thinks that it was put there. His thinking is that the murderer (dressed as a conductor) bumped into Hildegarde in the corridor, when the maid was going to attend to the Princess. While Hildegarde's compartment was empty, the murderer snuck in and put the uniform in her suitcase. Then, the murderer left Hildegarde's compartment and the uniform wasn't found until days after the murder. She is right handed. Hildegarde was also found to be the cook in the Armstrong household. Poirot discovered this when he asked the maid if she was a good cook. She said yes. This got Poirot thinking that she could have been a cook for the Armstrong family.
Antonio Foscarelli:
M. Bouc strongly believes that Antonio Foscarelli is the murderer. This is because the Italian comes from America (Chicago). Also, an Italian's weapon is a knife. An Italian stabs not once, but multiple times. M. Bouc thinks that Mr. Ratchett and Antonio were in the kidnapping business together. This is because Cassetti is an Italian name. M. Bouc thinks that then, Cassetti did the "double cross" on the Foscarelli. To get revenge, Foscarelli plotted to kill Cassetti. First, he tracked down Cassetti and sent warning letters. Then, he got revenge in a brutal way, by stabbing his fellow co-worker to death. But, Hercule Poirot thinks that this is much too simple. Also, the man who was in the same compartment as the Italian (Edward Masterman) said that the Italian never left the compartment. So, the Italian couldn't have murdered Ratchett. Unless Edward Masterman was lying. He is right handed. Later, Poirot finds out that the Italian was the chaffer for the Armstrong family. Poirot found this out because the Italian was supposedly a car salesman. This is a slightly obvious pseudonym for a chauffeur. This connection to the Armstrong family is a possible motive for killing Ratchett.
M. Bouc strongly believes that Antonio Foscarelli is the murderer. This is because the Italian comes from America (Chicago). Also, an Italian's weapon is a knife. An Italian stabs not once, but multiple times. M. Bouc thinks that Mr. Ratchett and Antonio were in the kidnapping business together. This is because Cassetti is an Italian name. M. Bouc thinks that then, Cassetti did the "double cross" on the Foscarelli. To get revenge, Foscarelli plotted to kill Cassetti. First, he tracked down Cassetti and sent warning letters. Then, he got revenge in a brutal way, by stabbing his fellow co-worker to death. But, Hercule Poirot thinks that this is much too simple. Also, the man who was in the same compartment as the Italian (Edward Masterman) said that the Italian never left the compartment. So, the Italian couldn't have murdered Ratchett. Unless Edward Masterman was lying. He is right handed. Later, Poirot finds out that the Italian was the chaffer for the Armstrong family. Poirot found this out because the Italian was supposedly a car salesman. This is a slightly obvious pseudonym for a chauffeur. This connection to the Armstrong family is a possible motive for killing Ratchett.
Edward Masterman:
Edward Masterman was the valet for Mr. Ratchett. He didn't like his employer but said that he didn't know Mr. Ratchett's true identity as Cassetti. Edward did know about the kidnapping and murdering of Daisy Armstrong and he also knew about threatening letters Mr. Ratchett had received. On the night Ratchett was murdered, Edward Masterman had a toothache and couldn't sleep until 4:00 am. He does not smoke a pipe, so the pipe cleaner found in Ratchett's compartment is not his. He is right handed. Poirot discovers later that Masterman was actually Colonel Armstrong's batman in the war and his valet in New York afterwards. This connection could be a possible motive for killing Ratchett. Also, the valet said that Ratchett took a sleeping draught. But, would Ratchett have a loaded pistol under his bed if he wasn't even in shape to fight back against a murderer? No, probably not. So, Ratchett intended on being alert the night of the murder. Either MacQueen or the valet gave Ratchett a sleeping draught without him knowing it. Then, he wouldn't be alert, wouldn't fight back, wouldn't scream, and would be easier to kill.
Edward Masterman was the valet for Mr. Ratchett. He didn't like his employer but said that he didn't know Mr. Ratchett's true identity as Cassetti. Edward did know about the kidnapping and murdering of Daisy Armstrong and he also knew about threatening letters Mr. Ratchett had received. On the night Ratchett was murdered, Edward Masterman had a toothache and couldn't sleep until 4:00 am. He does not smoke a pipe, so the pipe cleaner found in Ratchett's compartment is not his. He is right handed. Poirot discovers later that Masterman was actually Colonel Armstrong's batman in the war and his valet in New York afterwards. This connection could be a possible motive for killing Ratchett. Also, the valet said that Ratchett took a sleeping draught. But, would Ratchett have a loaded pistol under his bed if he wasn't even in shape to fight back against a murderer? No, probably not. So, Ratchett intended on being alert the night of the murder. Either MacQueen or the valet gave Ratchett a sleeping draught without him knowing it. Then, he wouldn't be alert, wouldn't fight back, wouldn't scream, and would be easier to kill.
Cyrus Hardman:
He is right handed. Cyrus has no connections to the Armstrong family, however he was in love with the French maid. Poirot found this out when he talked to Hardman about the beauty of foreign girls. Sudden tears came to Cyrus's eyes. This led Poirot to believe that Cyrus had been in love with a foreign girl. The French maid would have been the girl.
He is right handed. Cyrus has no connections to the Armstrong family, however he was in love with the French maid. Poirot found this out when he talked to Hardman about the beauty of foreign girls. Sudden tears came to Cyrus's eyes. This led Poirot to believe that Cyrus had been in love with a foreign girl. The French maid would have been the girl.
Suspect List and Why or not They are Suspected (found on pages 236-240):
Hector MacQueen - American subject. Berth No. 6. Second Class.
Motive: Possible arising out of association with dead man?
Alibi: From midnight to 2 a.m. (Midnight to 1:30 vouched for by Col. Arbuthnot and 1 :15 to 2 vouched for by conductor.)
Evidence Against Him: None.
Suspicious Circumstances: None.
Conductor - PIerre Michel - French subject.
Motive: None.
Alibi: From midnight to 2 a.m. (Seen by H.P. in corridor at same time as voice spoke from Ratchett's compartment at 12:37. From 1 a.m. to 1:16 vouched for by other two conductors.)
Evidence Against Him: None.
Suspicious CIrcumstances: The Wagon Lit uniform found is a point in his favor since it seems to have been intended to throw suspicion on him.
Edward Masterman - English subject. Berth No. 4. Second Class.
Motive: Possibly arising out of connection with deceased, whose valet he was.
Alibi: From midnight to 2 a.m. (Vouched for by Antonio Foscarelli.)
Evidence Against Him or Suspicious Circumstances:
None, except that he is the only man the right height or size to have worn the Wagon Lit uniform. On the other hand, it is unlikely that he speaks French well.
Mrs. Hubbard - American subject. Berth No. 3. First Class.
Motive: None.
Alibi: From midnight to 2 a.m. - None.
Evidence Against Her or Suspicious Circumstances:
Story of man in her compartment is substantiated by the evidence of Hardman and that of the woman Schmidt.
Greta Ohlsson - Swedish subject. Berth No. 10. Second Class.
Motive: None.
Alibi: From midnight to 2 a.m. (Vouched for by Mary Debenham.) Note. - Was last to see Ratchett alive.
Princess Dragomiroff - Naturalized French subject. Berth No. 14. First Class.
Motive: Was intimately acquainted with Armstrong family, and godmother to Sonia Armstrong.
Alibi: From midnight to 2 a.m. (Vouched for by conductor and maid.)
Evidence Against Her or Suspicious Circumstances: None.
Count Andrenyi - HUngarian subject. Diplomatic passport. Berth No. 13. First Class
Motive: None.
Alibi: Midnight to 2 a.m. (Vouched for by conductor - this does not cover period from 1 to 1:15.)
Countess Andrenyi - As above. Berth No. 12.
Motive: None.
Alibi: Midnight to 2 a.m. Took trional and slept. (Vouched for by husband. Trional bottle in her cupboard.)
Colonel Arbuthnot - British subject. Berth No. 15. First Class.
Motive: None.
Alibi: Midnight to 2 a.m. Takled with MacQueen till 1:30. Went to own compartment and did not leave it. (Substantiated by MacQueen and conductor.)
Evidence Against Him or Suspicious Circumstances: Pipe cleaner.
Cyrus Hardman - American subject. Berth No. 16. Second Class.
Motive: None known.
Alibi: Midnight to 2 a.m. Did not leave compartment. (Substantiated by MacQueen and conductor.)
Evidence Against Him or Suspicious Circumstances:
None.
Antonio Foscarelli - American subject. (Italian birth.) Berth No. 5. Second Class.
Motive: None known.
Alibi: Midnight to 2 a.m. (Vouched for by Edward Masterman.)
Evidence Against Him or Suspicious Circumstances: None, except that weapon used might be said to suit his temperament. (Vide M. Bouc)
Mary Debenham - British subject. Berth No. 11. Second Class.
Motive: None.
Alibi: Midnight to 2 a.m. (Vouched for by Greta Ohlsson.)
Evidence Against Her or Suspicious Circumstances: and her refusal to explain the same.
Hildegarde Schmidt - German subject. Berth No. 8. Second Class.
Motive: None.
Alibi: Midnight to 2 a.m. (Vouched for by conductor and her mistress.) Went to bed. Was aroused by conductor at 12:38 approx. and went to mistress.
Note: The evidence of the passengers is supported but the statement of the conductor that no one entered or left Mr. Ratchett's compartment between the hours of midnight to 1 o'clock (when he himself went into the next coach) and from 1:15 to 2 o'clock.
Hector MacQueen - American subject. Berth No. 6. Second Class.
Motive: Possible arising out of association with dead man?
Alibi: From midnight to 2 a.m. (Midnight to 1:30 vouched for by Col. Arbuthnot and 1 :15 to 2 vouched for by conductor.)
Evidence Against Him: None.
Suspicious Circumstances: None.
Conductor - PIerre Michel - French subject.
Motive: None.
Alibi: From midnight to 2 a.m. (Seen by H.P. in corridor at same time as voice spoke from Ratchett's compartment at 12:37. From 1 a.m. to 1:16 vouched for by other two conductors.)
Evidence Against Him: None.
Suspicious CIrcumstances: The Wagon Lit uniform found is a point in his favor since it seems to have been intended to throw suspicion on him.
Edward Masterman - English subject. Berth No. 4. Second Class.
Motive: Possibly arising out of connection with deceased, whose valet he was.
Alibi: From midnight to 2 a.m. (Vouched for by Antonio Foscarelli.)
Evidence Against Him or Suspicious Circumstances:
None, except that he is the only man the right height or size to have worn the Wagon Lit uniform. On the other hand, it is unlikely that he speaks French well.
Mrs. Hubbard - American subject. Berth No. 3. First Class.
Motive: None.
Alibi: From midnight to 2 a.m. - None.
Evidence Against Her or Suspicious Circumstances:
Story of man in her compartment is substantiated by the evidence of Hardman and that of the woman Schmidt.
Greta Ohlsson - Swedish subject. Berth No. 10. Second Class.
Motive: None.
Alibi: From midnight to 2 a.m. (Vouched for by Mary Debenham.) Note. - Was last to see Ratchett alive.
Princess Dragomiroff - Naturalized French subject. Berth No. 14. First Class.
Motive: Was intimately acquainted with Armstrong family, and godmother to Sonia Armstrong.
Alibi: From midnight to 2 a.m. (Vouched for by conductor and maid.)
Evidence Against Her or Suspicious Circumstances: None.
Count Andrenyi - HUngarian subject. Diplomatic passport. Berth No. 13. First Class
Motive: None.
Alibi: Midnight to 2 a.m. (Vouched for by conductor - this does not cover period from 1 to 1:15.)
Countess Andrenyi - As above. Berth No. 12.
Motive: None.
Alibi: Midnight to 2 a.m. Took trional and slept. (Vouched for by husband. Trional bottle in her cupboard.)
Colonel Arbuthnot - British subject. Berth No. 15. First Class.
Motive: None.
Alibi: Midnight to 2 a.m. Takled with MacQueen till 1:30. Went to own compartment and did not leave it. (Substantiated by MacQueen and conductor.)
Evidence Against Him or Suspicious Circumstances: Pipe cleaner.
Cyrus Hardman - American subject. Berth No. 16. Second Class.
Motive: None known.
Alibi: Midnight to 2 a.m. Did not leave compartment. (Substantiated by MacQueen and conductor.)
Evidence Against Him or Suspicious Circumstances:
None.
Antonio Foscarelli - American subject. (Italian birth.) Berth No. 5. Second Class.
Motive: None known.
Alibi: Midnight to 2 a.m. (Vouched for by Edward Masterman.)
Evidence Against Him or Suspicious Circumstances: None, except that weapon used might be said to suit his temperament. (Vide M. Bouc)
Mary Debenham - British subject. Berth No. 11. Second Class.
Motive: None.
Alibi: Midnight to 2 a.m. (Vouched for by Greta Ohlsson.)
Evidence Against Her or Suspicious Circumstances: and her refusal to explain the same.
Hildegarde Schmidt - German subject. Berth No. 8. Second Class.
Motive: None.
Alibi: Midnight to 2 a.m. (Vouched for by conductor and her mistress.) Went to bed. Was aroused by conductor at 12:38 approx. and went to mistress.
Note: The evidence of the passengers is supported but the statement of the conductor that no one entered or left Mr. Ratchett's compartment between the hours of midnight to 1 o'clock (when he himself went into the next coach) and from 1:15 to 2 o'clock.
Culprit
The culprit or criminal in a mystery is the person who committed the crime. In The Murder on the Orient Express, the culprit(s) are/is the murderer(s).
Warning! Spoilers! The Murderer(s) are revealed!
THE CULPRIT IN Murder on the orient express By: Agatha Christie Is/are...
The murderer(s) of Samuel Edward Ratchett are…drum roll…
There were twelve different murderers. These twelve worked together to kill Cassetti because they all had a connection to the Armstrong family. When Cassetti kidnapped and murdered Daisy Armstrong, he escaped the consequences. This was very unfair to all of the people left who were connected to that family, so, they plotted to kill him themselves. They each stabbed Ratchett once. The only passenger who was not one of the murderers was Countess Helena Andrenyi. Count Andrenyi kind of "took her place" in the murder.
- Mary Debenham
- Colonel Arbuthnot
- Hector MacQueen
- Princess Dragomiroff
- Mrs. Hubbard
- Greta Ohlsson
- Pierre Michel
- Count Andrenyi
- Hildegarde Schmidt
- Antonio Foscarelli
- Edward Masterman
- Cyrus Hardman
There were twelve different murderers. These twelve worked together to kill Cassetti because they all had a connection to the Armstrong family. When Cassetti kidnapped and murdered Daisy Armstrong, he escaped the consequences. This was very unfair to all of the people left who were connected to that family, so, they plotted to kill him themselves. They each stabbed Ratchett once. The only passenger who was not one of the murderers was Countess Helena Andrenyi. Count Andrenyi kind of "took her place" in the murder.