On the elegant, plush Orient Express — the train from Istanbul to Paris — Ratchett, an imperious millionaire gangster, killer, kidnapper, and child abuser, confronts Inspector Hercule Poirot and offers the little Belgian $20,000 if he will help him stay alive. Poirot declines, adding, "I do not like your face, Monsieur." Later that evening, as the train sits halted and snowbound, Ratchett is found dead inside a room locked from the inside, a victim of multiple stab wounds. Clearly, the clever, ruthless killer is still on board the train. Detective Poirot must find the killer of the much-hated millionaire among thirteen suspects, each with a compelling reason to kill Ratchett.