What do you think?
Rate this book
The Girl in the Train: An Agatha Christie Short Story: An Agatha Christie Short Story
A classic Agatha Christie short story, available individually for the first time as an ebook.
After being fired from his uncle’s firm for his playboy antics, George Rowland decides to leave London on a whim. Waiting for his train to depart from Waterloo, a beautiful young girl dashes in and begs him to hide her. Wrapped up in the excitement he agrees to follow a suspicious looking man and guard a packet for her. But he soon finds that she isn’t quite as innocent as she looks…
After being fired from his uncle’s firm for his playboy antics, George Rowland decides to leave London on a whim. Waiting for his train to depart from Waterloo, a beautiful young girl dashes in and begs him to hide her. Wrapped up in the excitement he agrees to follow a suspicious looking man and guard a packet for her. But he soon finds that she isn’t quite as innocent as she looks…
Audible Audio
First published January 1, 1993
38 people are currently reading
522 people want to read
About the author
Agatha Christie
5,803 books75k followersAgatha Christie also wrote romance novels under the pseudonym Mary Westmacott, and was occasionally published under the name Agatha Christie Mallowan.
Dame Agatha Mary Clarissa Christie, Lady Mallowan, DBE (née Miller) was an English writer known for her 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, particularly those revolving around fictional detectives Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. She also wrote the world's longest-running play, the murder mystery The Mousetrap, which has been performed in the West End of London since 1952. A writer during the "Golden Age of Detective Fiction", Christie has been called the "Queen of Crime". She also wrote six novels under the pseudonym Mary Westmacott. In 1971, she was made a Dame (DBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for her contributions to literature. Guinness World Records lists Christie as the best-selling fiction writer of all time, her novels having sold more than two billion copies.
This best-selling author of all time wrote 66 crime novels and story collections, fourteen plays, and six novels under a pseudonym in romance. Her books sold more than a billion copies in the English language and a billion in translation. According to Index Translationum, people translated her works into 103 languages at least, the most for an individual author. Of the most enduring figures in crime literature, she created Hercule Poirot and Miss Jane Marple. She atuhored The Mousetrap, the longest-running play in the history of modern theater.
Associated Names:
Agata Christie
Agata Kristi
Агата Кристи (Russian)
Агата Крісті (Ukrainian)
Αγκάθα Κρίστι (Greek)
アガサ クリスティ (Japanese)
阿嘉莎·克莉絲蒂 (Chinese)
Dame Agatha Mary Clarissa Christie, Lady Mallowan, DBE (née Miller) was an English writer known for her 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, particularly those revolving around fictional detectives Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. She also wrote the world's longest-running play, the murder mystery The Mousetrap, which has been performed in the West End of London since 1952. A writer during the "Golden Age of Detective Fiction", Christie has been called the "Queen of Crime". She also wrote six novels under the pseudonym Mary Westmacott. In 1971, she was made a Dame (DBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for her contributions to literature. Guinness World Records lists Christie as the best-selling fiction writer of all time, her novels having sold more than two billion copies.
This best-selling author of all time wrote 66 crime novels and story collections, fourteen plays, and six novels under a pseudonym in romance. Her books sold more than a billion copies in the English language and a billion in translation. According to Index Translationum, people translated her works into 103 languages at least, the most for an individual author. Of the most enduring figures in crime literature, she created Hercule Poirot and Miss Jane Marple. She atuhored The Mousetrap, the longest-running play in the history of modern theater.
Associated Names:
Agata Christie
Agata Kristi
Агата Кристи (Russian)
Агата Крісті (Ukrainian)
Αγκάθα Κρίστι (Greek)
アガサ クリスティ (Japanese)
阿嘉莎·克莉絲蒂 (Chinese)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
January 24, 2022
I listened to this Agatha Christie short story on audio, around 39 minutes, narrated by Hugh Fraser. Playboy George Rowland has been disowned by his rich uncle, travelling on a train, he encounters a beautiful girl who begs him to hide her, pulling him into the adventure of his lifetime when she asks him to follow a sinister man and look after a mysterious package for her. I'll be honest, this was a little too on the preposterous side for me, and none of the characters appealed to me either. Other Christie fans might enjoy this more.
June 26, 2024
Do you believe in love at first sight?
After too many late nights spent on the town, George Rowland gets fired and cut off by his wealthy uncle. He decides to hop on a train and take a trip to Rowland Castle in the hopes that, even though he only shares a last name, they will somehow greet him with open arms.
You can clearly see why his uncle tossed him out.
His train car is invaded by a beautiful woman who begs him to hide her. Intrigued and smitten, he agrees. When it's time for her to get off, he pleads with her to be able to help in her mysterious quest, and she sends him on a wild goose chase that results in a happily ever after for more than just himself.
This one has a lot of the same romantic elements as another of Christie's shorts, The Golden Ball. I like the whimsical way she wrote these silly stories, but you need to go into them without the expectation that the HEAs will be rooted in any sort of reality.
Originally published in 1924 in The Grand Magazine.
Read as part of the short story collection The Golden Ball and Other Stories.
After too many late nights spent on the town, George Rowland gets fired and cut off by his wealthy uncle. He decides to hop on a train and take a trip to Rowland Castle in the hopes that, even though he only shares a last name, they will somehow greet him with open arms.
You can clearly see why his uncle tossed him out.
His train car is invaded by a beautiful woman who begs him to hide her. Intrigued and smitten, he agrees. When it's time for her to get off, he pleads with her to be able to help in her mysterious quest, and she sends him on a wild goose chase that results in a happily ever after for more than just himself.
This one has a lot of the same romantic elements as another of Christie's shorts, The Golden Ball. I like the whimsical way she wrote these silly stories, but you need to go into them without the expectation that the HEAs will be rooted in any sort of reality.
Originally published in 1924 in The Grand Magazine.
Read as part of the short story collection The Golden Ball and Other Stories.
October 28, 2025
Written near the mid 1920s, this story very much has the feel of those light and charming early tales of Earl Derr Biggers’ pre-Charlie Chan stories. The Girl in the Train is a product of another era which readers will either embrace or dismiss. I loved it.
The Girl in the Train is an utterly charming light romantic adventure, a story that is very old-fashioned and enjoyable, not to mention quite humorous. Christy displays a deft touch for light adventure here that is quite refreshing. Those expecting something more akin to Poirot or Marple, or especially Mr. Quin, may find it too light and frivolous, but being a fan of Earl Derr Biggers’ early stories like The Agony Column, I found this quite wonderful.
The Girl in the Train is an utterly charming light romantic adventure, a story that is very old-fashioned and enjoyable, not to mention quite humorous. Christy displays a deft touch for light adventure here that is quite refreshing. Those expecting something more akin to Poirot or Marple, or especially Mr. Quin, may find it too light and frivolous, but being a fan of Earl Derr Biggers’ early stories like The Agony Column, I found this quite wonderful.
February 2, 2021
The Girl in the Train is a short story by Agatha Christie, first published in The Grand Magazine in February 1924. In the UK, the story was included in a short story collection, The Listerdale Mystery, in 1933. The story was not published in the US until 1971 when it was included in The Golden Ball and Other Stories.
George Rowland is a bit of an upper class twit, and he's at odds with his uncle who controls the money. After a fight over his lack of direction and laziness, George decides to lay low for awhile. He hops a train to a spot he finds in a tourist guide -- Rowland's Castle. Little does he realize he will encounter a girl in distress and shady dealings that will, in the end, change the course of his life!
Fun, entertaining story! Loved it!
I don't have a copy of The Listerdale Mystery story collection, so I'm re-creating it by reading the stories in later collections (The Witness for the Prosecution and Other Stories (1948) and The Golden Ball and Other Stories (1971), both audio books by HarperAudio). Loving the stories so far! I wish I could see one of them in the original magazine format! I'm sure that the illustrations, page layout and accompanying ads were awesome! I will keep scouring the internet in the hopes of finding a scan or digital copy of any of the old magazines that first featured Christie's short stories!
In 1982, this story was adapted for television. It was one of 10 stories included in The Agatha Christie Hour (Episode 3). I had never heard of The Agatha Christie Hour before, but found all the episodes on AcornTV. The episode kept pretty close to the story as written -- cute and very entertaining!
On to the next! :)
George Rowland is a bit of an upper class twit, and he's at odds with his uncle who controls the money. After a fight over his lack of direction and laziness, George decides to lay low for awhile. He hops a train to a spot he finds in a tourist guide -- Rowland's Castle. Little does he realize he will encounter a girl in distress and shady dealings that will, in the end, change the course of his life!
Fun, entertaining story! Loved it!
I don't have a copy of The Listerdale Mystery story collection, so I'm re-creating it by reading the stories in later collections (The Witness for the Prosecution and Other Stories (1948) and The Golden Ball and Other Stories (1971), both audio books by HarperAudio). Loving the stories so far! I wish I could see one of them in the original magazine format! I'm sure that the illustrations, page layout and accompanying ads were awesome! I will keep scouring the internet in the hopes of finding a scan or digital copy of any of the old magazines that first featured Christie's short stories!
In 1982, this story was adapted for television. It was one of 10 stories included in The Agatha Christie Hour (Episode 3). I had never heard of The Agatha Christie Hour before, but found all the episodes on AcornTV. The episode kept pretty close to the story as written -- cute and very entertaining!
On to the next! :)
April 1, 2025
This is not a typical mystery by Agatha Christie. It is certainly a weakly written story of hers. There is nothing intelligent about it; and practically, no mystery. It almost bordered on the absurd.
December 16, 2019
1.5 stars boring stars!
There was no mystery or a compelling plot. Just an English guy with a title and no money and a girl with too much money but no title get together in the most unromantic way mercenary way possible with a bit of fake mystery thrown in to make it look interesting. I'm just so glad it was mercifully short audiobook (1hr)from my local library.
There was no mystery or a compelling plot. Just an English guy with a title and no money and a girl with too much money but no title get together in the most unromantic way mercenary way possible with a bit of fake mystery thrown in to make it look interesting. I'm just so glad it was mercifully short audiobook (1hr)from my local library.
January 25, 2023
Oh this was a joy! It had such a whimsical 1930s feel to it with light-hearted characters set on a train ride towards forever love. You can't beat a Christie novella which supplies all the feels.
January 23, 2023
Absolutely brilliant 👏
"Betty bright eyes" 👀 ✨️
"Betty bright eyes" 👀 ✨️
October 23, 2018
This was absurd and a lot of fun.
October 16, 2021
Slow and mundane sounding at first but picked up very quickly from the train onwards. Simple cute mysterious adventure of George Rowland. George is a snob and Elizabeth is a mercenary. So they each admitted. The beautiful couple they must be. Off to Rowland's Castle with Lady Elizabeth Gaigh. yeayyy
October 15, 2023
As if Agatha Christie was hanging out with Bertie Wooster for the weekend. 😆 Lots of fun.
July 27, 2024
The Girl in the Train: A Short Story by Agatha Christie
Introduction -
The Girl in the Train is a short story written by Agatha Christie which was first published in the Grand Magazine in February 1924. A young man is cut off from the family fortune and, with little better to do, jumps on a train. But as with many an Agatha Christie story, a train is never merely about the destination, the real interest lies in the passengers. The girl he meets there will change his life forever.
My thoughts -
This is an example of AC's departure from pure mystery into the world of suspense and intrigue which, overall, did not fare well. I'm really fond of her short story, novella, and novel length mysteries, but find her intrigue and espionage themed stories to be a bit lacking. Still though, not a bad story, so in alignment with my rating system, 3 stars = Good - better than average.
Introduction -
The Girl in the Train is a short story written by Agatha Christie which was first published in the Grand Magazine in February 1924. A young man is cut off from the family fortune and, with little better to do, jumps on a train. But as with many an Agatha Christie story, a train is never merely about the destination, the real interest lies in the passengers. The girl he meets there will change his life forever.
My thoughts -
This is an example of AC's departure from pure mystery into the world of suspense and intrigue which, overall, did not fare well. I'm really fond of her short story, novella, and novel length mysteries, but find her intrigue and espionage themed stories to be a bit lacking. Still though, not a bad story, so in alignment with my rating system, 3 stars = Good - better than average.
September 23, 2025
This short story is hilarious! George Rowland, a playboy, has finally lost his job at his uncle's firm and decides to try his luck at a small country town called Rowlands Castle. Here he is talking to his uncle's butler, Rogers.
"The die is cast. Pack me a small suitcase, will you Rogers? Also my compliments to the cook, and will she oblige me with the loan of the cat. Dick Whittington, you know. When you set out to become a Lord Mayor, a cat is essential."
"I'm sorry, sir, but the cat is not available at the present moment."
When he boards the train an attractive young woman hurls herself into his compartment and hides under George's seat. When she stands up as the train pulls away, the girl is very grubby. The narrative continues:
"Whether the carriages cleaners do, or do not, sweep under the seats every day is doubtful. Appearances were against their doing so, but it maybe that every particle of dirt and smoke finds its way there like a homing bird."
This story was a burst of sunshine (reading as I am at the moment a rather glum and humourless novel) and I've never known Christie to be so much fun. She is not taking herself seriously here and this story is not meant to be taken as seriously as her more acclaimed novels. Four stars for the fun.
"The die is cast. Pack me a small suitcase, will you Rogers? Also my compliments to the cook, and will she oblige me with the loan of the cat. Dick Whittington, you know. When you set out to become a Lord Mayor, a cat is essential."
"I'm sorry, sir, but the cat is not available at the present moment."
When he boards the train an attractive young woman hurls herself into his compartment and hides under George's seat. When she stands up as the train pulls away, the girl is very grubby. The narrative continues:
"Whether the carriages cleaners do, or do not, sweep under the seats every day is doubtful. Appearances were against their doing so, but it maybe that every particle of dirt and smoke finds its way there like a homing bird."
This story was a burst of sunshine (reading as I am at the moment a rather glum and humourless novel) and I've never known Christie to be so much fun. She is not taking herself seriously here and this story is not meant to be taken as seriously as her more acclaimed novels. Four stars for the fun.
October 14, 2021
“The Girl in the Train” by Agatha Christie receives four stars from me. I enjoyed the story even though it doesn’t have Miss Marple.
I found the story fun and a little silly. The plot is engaging. Christie does build suspense even with such a story. Her main character is something else. He’s a bit silly himself. Begging the girl not to reveal her secret because that will keep the suspense up. As a writer, I learned that mysteries can be fun, and silly, and still be engaging in the same way as a murder mystery.
I found the story fun and a little silly. The plot is engaging. Christie does build suspense even with such a story. Her main character is something else. He’s a bit silly himself. Begging the girl not to reveal her secret because that will keep the suspense up. As a writer, I learned that mysteries can be fun, and silly, and still be engaging in the same way as a murder mystery.
March 15, 2019
Agatha Christie writes a P.G. Wodehouse story! Funny. In The Golden Ball and Other Stories.
January 7, 2022
Kort en wat vreemd verhaaltje van AC
November 9, 2019
*3.25 out of 5 stars
June 2, 2023
Não é incrivelmente genial como o último livro que li dela, mas dá para entreter e passar o tempo. Eu gostei, é rápido e fluído, dá algumas voltas à cabeça, mas nada de mais, foi bem ok
June 2, 2016
I had a feeling this one was familiar to me. Turns out I had read this one before, but I really enjoyed it once more. I love the premise of this story and really wish it had a full length novel dedicated to it.
July 12, 2019
I found this quite fun, tongue in cheek and entertaining. All will eventually be revealed.
January 5, 2022
An entertaining short story of adventure, with a main character of questionable sanity, that portraits nicely the boiling blood of youth & the dream of creating a great future for oneself, while proclaiming to older generations "I know better, I don't care what you say. I'm going to make my way into this world, the way I want to, not yours! (No matter what it takes! And it will be great!!!)".
It is a bit silly, almost absurd at times, but it will probably leave you with a smile on your face thanks to it's almost satirical portrayal of young people and their feelings
It is a bit silly, almost absurd at times, but it will probably leave you with a smile on your face thanks to it's almost satirical portrayal of young people and their feelings
January 14, 2021
I listened to this as audio book (I couldn’t find an audio version on here).
I really wasn’t impressed. I thought a short Agatha Christie story would be short and sharp with a lot of mystery but this was a bit boring with no result mystery at all. Maybe it was the length. Maybe Christie needs more words to express her true self!
I haven’t read any of her full length novels but this hasn’t put me off.
I really wasn’t impressed. I thought a short Agatha Christie story would be short and sharp with a lot of mystery but this was a bit boring with no result mystery at all. Maybe it was the length. Maybe Christie needs more words to express her true self!
I haven’t read any of her full length novels but this hasn’t put me off.
October 24, 2020
This did not hold my attention. I constantly had to rewind because I kept losing the thread.
Audio book
about 40 minutes
Audio book
about 40 minutes
February 20, 2024
what even was this
October 28, 2025
A longer short story without the famous characters we all know. About a man who is desperate for an adventure and finds himself in one!
February 11, 2020
I just needed a little brain snack told to me by Hugh Fraser. Very enjoyable, not the best of stories though.
December 9, 2021
Well, I couldn’t sleep so decided to take part in the #readChristie2021
May 25, 2022
this is the next part in my saga of "Ella reads agatha christie in the worst possible order and then is confused when it doesn't make any sense"
December 14, 2024
Serendipity.
Read as part of the collection The Listerdale Mystery and Eleven Other Stories.
Read as part of the collection The Listerdale Mystery and Eleven Other Stories.
June 22, 2025
A delightful short story, with potential spies, mystery and disguise, and a tongue firmly in cheek! All set near Rowlands Castle. Great fun!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews