# The Mystery of the Blue Train > novel by Agatha Christie **Wikidata**: [Q636815](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q636815) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mystery_of_the_Blue_Train) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/the-mystery-of-the-blue-train ## Summary The Mystery of the Blue Train is a detective fiction novel by Agatha Christie, published in 1928. The story is set against the backdrop of the luxurious Le Train Bleu, a famous French night express train that operated from 1886 to 2003. It follows Christie's signature style of mystery and intrigue, featuring an investigator solving a crime. ## Key Facts - Published in 1928 by William Collins, Sons, a former Scottish publisher founded in 1819. - Classified as a literary work and a detective fiction novel, a subgenre of crime and mystery fiction. - Preceded by *The Big Four* (1927) and followed by *The Seven Dials Mystery* (1929). - The novel is set on Le Train Bleu, a luxury French night express train that operated from 1886 to 2003. - The story is set in the United Kingdom, which was established as a country in 1927 under the Royal and Parliamentary Titles Act. - The novel has a sitelink count of 34 and is documented on Wikidata with the description "novel by Agatha Christie." - The official website for the novel is hosted on Agatha Christie's official site: [https://www.agathachristie.com/stories/the-mystery-of-the-blue-train](https://www.agathachristie.com/stories/the-mystery-of-the-blue-train). ## FAQs **What is the genre of *The Mystery of the Blue Train*?** *The Mystery of the Blue Train* is a detective fiction novel, a subgenre of crime and mystery fiction where an investigator solves a crime. **Who published *The Mystery of the Blue Train*?** The novel was published by William Collins, Sons, a former Scottish publisher founded in 1819. **What is the setting of *The Mystery of the Blue Train*?** The novel is set on Le Train Bleu, a luxury French night express train that operated from 1886 to 2003, and in the United Kingdom. **What is the publication date of *The Mystery of the Blue Train*?** The novel was published in 1928. **What are the preceding and succeeding works by Agatha Christie?** *The Mystery of the Blue Train* is preceded by *The Big Four* (1927) and followed by *The Seven Dials Mystery* (1929). ## Why It Matters *The Mystery of the Blue Train* is a significant work in Agatha Christie's literary career, showcasing her mastery of the detective fiction genre. Set on the iconic Le Train Bleu, the novel combines the allure of luxury travel with the suspense of a murder mystery, a hallmark of Christie's storytelling. Its publication in 1928 places it in the Golden Age of Detective Fiction, a period that defined the genre and influenced countless writers. The novel's connection to the United Kingdom and its publication by William Collins, Sons, a historic Scottish publisher, further underscores its cultural and literary importance. As a detective fiction novel, it contributes to the enduring popularity of the genre and Christie's legacy as the "Queen of Mystery." ## Notable For - Being a classic example of Agatha Christie's detective fiction, blending mystery and intrigue. - Its setting on Le Train Bleu, a symbol of luxury and elegance in early 20th-century travel. - Its publication by William Collins, Sons, a historic Scottish publisher with a legacy dating back to 1819. - Its role in the Golden Age of Detective Fiction, a pivotal era for the genre. - Its connection to the United Kingdom, a central setting for many of Christie's works. ## Body ### Literary Classification and Genre *The Mystery of the Blue Train* is classified as a literary work, specifically a detective fiction novel. Detective fiction is a subgenre of crime and mystery fiction, characterized by an investigator or detective solving a crime. This genre became immensely popular during the Golden Age of Detective Fiction, a period in which Agatha Christie was a leading figure. The novel exemplifies Christie's ability to craft intricate plots and memorable characters, solidifying her reputation as a master of the genre. ### Publication and Publisher The novel was published in 1928 by William Collins, Sons, a former Scottish publisher founded in 1819. William Collins, Sons was a prominent publishing house in the United Kingdom, known for its contributions to literature and education. The publisher's headquarters were located in Glasgow, Scotland, and it played a significant role in the literary landscape of the 19th and 20th centuries. The publication of *The Mystery of the Blue Train* by such a historic publisher underscores its cultural and literary significance. ### Setting and Historical Context The novel is set on Le Train Bleu, a luxury French night express train that operated from 1886 to 2003. Le Train Bleu was renowned for its opulence and was a favorite among European elites, making it an ideal setting for a Christie mystery. The train's route connected Paris to the French Riviera, a region synonymous with glamour and intrigue. The story also takes place in the United Kingdom, which was formally established as a country in 1927 under the Royal and Parliamentary Titles Act. This historical context adds depth to the novel's setting and reflects the geopolitical landscape of the time. ### Position in Christie's Literary Career *The Mystery of the Blue Train* is positioned between two other notable works by Agatha Christie: *The Big Four* (1927) and *The Seven Dials Mystery* (1929). This places the novel in a prolific period of Christie's career, during which she produced some of her most enduring works. The novel's publication in 1928 marks it as part of the Golden Age of Detective Fiction, a time when the genre flourished and Christie's influence was at its peak. ### Cultural and Literary Impact As a detective fiction novel, *The Mystery of the Blue Train* contributes to the enduring popularity of the genre. Christie's ability to weave complex narratives and create compelling characters has made her works timeless, and this novel is no exception. Its setting on Le Train Bleu adds a layer of sophistication and allure, appealing to readers' fascination with luxury travel and mystery. The novel's connection to the United Kingdom and its publication by a historic Scottish publisher further enhance its cultural significance. ### Legacy and Recognition *The Mystery of the Blue Train* remains a celebrated work in Agatha Christie's bibliography. Its sitelink count of 34 on Wikidata indicates its continued relevance and interest among readers and scholars. The novel is documented on Christie's official website, ensuring its accessibility to modern audiences. Its classification as a literary work and its inclusion in the detective fiction genre highlight its importance in the broader context of 20th-century literature. ## References 1. MusicBrainz 2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 3. [Source](https://www.abc.es/cultura/abci-pasion-canaria-agatha-christie-202009140114_noticia.html)