Murder on the Orient Express: The Graphic Novel
A gripping graphic novel that challenges teens to analyze motive, morality, and justice—all under Poirot’s watchful eye. Stylish, intense, and smartly layered, it’s classic Christie with modern depth.
$25.99
Quantity:
2026 Eleventh-Grade Curriculum Kit
Murder on the Orient Express: The Graphic Novel is a visual adaptation of Agatha Christie’s classic mystery, presenting the story through illustrated panels while preserving the structure and complexity of the original.
The central problem is straightforward—a murder on a snowbound train—but the solution is not. As your student follows Hercule Poirot’s investigation, he sorts through conflicting accounts, shifting alibis, and competing motives.
The graphic format makes those layers easier to track. Changes in perspective, character development, and pacing help students follow the logic of the mystery without losing key details.
This kind of story invites close reading. Students compare testimony, notice inconsistencies, and begin forming their own conclusions before the final reveal.
It also raises questions that don’t resolve cleanly. As the solution comes into view, students are left weighing justice, responsibility, and whether the outcome feels right.
Students who enjoy puzzles or character-driven stories often stay more engaged here than with a traditional novel, especially when the visual format helps them keep track of the details.
Note: This edition includes some strong language and mature themes. We recommend previewing pages 98, 111, 141–142, 173, 179, 187, and 235 to determine appropriateness for your student.
How to Use Murder on the Orient Express: The Graphic Novel
- Start with the prologue. It sets up key details that become important later, so it's worth slowing down at the beginning.
- Work through one chapter at a time. This helps your student keep track of who said what and how each account fits—or doesn't.
- Encourage your student to pause and take notes as he goes. Keeping track of characters, motives, and small details makes the final resolution easier to follow.
- Check in occasionally to talk through what he's noticing. Many students begin forming theories partway through, and those early conclusions are worth revisiting.
- At the end, take time to discuss the outcome. The solution raises questions about justice and responsibility that don't have a simple answer.
Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers
Author: Agatha Christie
Adapted and Illustrated By:Bob Al-Greene
Age Recommendation: 13+
Grade Recommendation: 8th-12th
Faith-Based: No
Consumable: No
Pages: 288
ISBN: 9780063160354
Format: Trade Paperback
Language: English
Copyright: September 12, 2023
Imprint: William Morrow Paperbacks
“If you’ve never read an Agatha Christie mystery or this one in particular, I recommend you try the graphic novel version.” Read the Review
- September 23, 2026
Steph H.
Murder on the Orient Express is another great graphic novel choice included in the Timberdoodle kits. This book came in my son's 11th grade kit and didn't even make it to the bookshelf after the box was opened. My son read it right away, and his siblings have picked it up when he was finished. I have tried to read it myself, but apparently I still have to wait my turn. The artwork is detailed and engaging, and adds visual cues to a story that has been adapted from a full-length novel. Although it is a murder mystery, it isn't overly graphic. The story brings up some themes that my kids thought about after the book was finished, and we've had some interesting discussions afterward reading.
