27 Best Agatha Christie Quotes

“The truth is that I am an ordinary man, with no particular talent for crime.”

Dr. Sheppard's opening narration, reflecting on his own ordinariness, which ironically contrasts with his hidden guilt.

“I am not a clever man, but I have a certain amount of common sense.”

Dr. Sheppard's self-assessment, which is later shown to be unreliable.

“The murderer is with us in this room.”

Poirot's dramatic statement during the final confrontation, revealing that the killer is among the assembled suspects.

“I have been a very good friend to you, Dr. Sheppard.”

Poirot's words to Dr. Sheppard, hinting at his knowledge of Sheppard's guilt before the final revelation.

“It is not a pretty story, but it is a true one.”

Dr. Sheppard's closing lines, as he confesses to the murder in his written account.

“Ten little soldier boys went out to dine; One choked his little self and then there were nine.”

The nursery rhyme that hangs in each guest's room and foreshadows the deaths.

“In the midst of life, we are in death.”

Said by Judge Wargrave after the first death, reflecting the suddenness of mortality.

“I have a feeling that I'm not going to leave this island.”

General Macarthur's resigned statement to Vera, indicating his acceptance of his fate.

“The whole thing is fantastic. It's like a nightmare.”

Vera Claythorne's expression of disbelief and horror as the deaths mount.

“I'm not a murderer. I'm a judge.”

Judge Wargrave's assertion when accused, highlighting his self-perceived role as an instrument of justice.

“The truth is, I'm not a very nice person.”

Philip Lombard's candid admission to Vera, revealing his morally ambiguous nature.

“The truth, however ugly in itself, is always curious and beautiful to the seeker after truth.”

Poirot says this to Hastings early in the novel, reflecting on the nature of his investigation.

“I am not a clever man, but I am a very good detective.”

Poirot modestly remarks to Hastings about his own abilities.

“It is the brain, the little grey cells, that matter.”

Poirot's recurring phrase, used when explaining his method to Hastings.

“The truth is, however, that the heart of man is a deep and mysterious place.”

Poirot reflects on the complexity of human nature during his investigation.

“I have seen evil done by good people, and good done by evil people.”

Poirot comments on the moral ambiguity of the passengers.

“Love can be a terrible thing, you know. It can drive you to madness.”

Poirot discusses the motive of jealousy with a fellow passenger.

“It is not the past that matters, but the future.”

Poirot advises a character to look forward rather than dwell on the past.

“The impossible could not have happened, therefore the impossible must be possible in spite of appearances.”

Poirot's internal reasoning when faced with the seemingly impossible murder in a locked compartment.

“I have a theory that the murderer was a person who was not on the train at all.”

Poirot's initial suggestion to Bouc, before he reveals the true solution.

“The people on the train were not all of the same class, but they were all of the same kind.”

Poirot's observation about the passengers, hinting at their shared connection.

“I am not a policeman. I do not care for the letter of the law. I care for justice.”

Poirot's explanation to Bouc and Constantine as he decides which solution to present.

“It is a matter of conscience. I have to decide what is right.”

Poirot's reflection on the moral dilemma posed by the murder.

“It is the brain, the little grey cells, that are the key to the mystery.”

Poirot explains his method to Hastings early in the investigation, emphasizing the importance of mental deduction over physical clues.

“The truth is never pure and rarely simple.”

Poirot reflects on the complexity of the case, hinting that appearances are deceptive.

“I am not a dog to fetch and carry. I am a detective.”

Poirot responds to a request that he considers beneath his dignity, showing his pride in his profession.

“The impossible is always possible.”

Poirot comments on the seemingly impossible circumstances of the murder, suggesting that the solution lies in an unexpected direction.