# Interview with Mirelle explained — The Mystery of the Blue Train

> Chapter companion for The Mystery of the Blue Train by Agatha Christie.

## What happens

Major Knighton seeks out Poirot and confides his concern about Mirelle, Derek Kettering's mistress, who has been trying to see Mr. Van Aldin. Despite Van Aldin's refusal, Knighton privately met with her and believes she knows something about the murder. Poirot and Knighton visit Mirelle at her hotel, where Poirot takes the lead, claiming to represent Van Aldin. Mirelle later gives a statement to the examining magistrate, accusing Derek of murdering his wife, claiming she saw him leave Ruth's compartment before the train reached Lyons. Poirot subtly questions her inconsistencies, particularly about how she knew Ruth was dead before it was publicly known, and about the missing rubies.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Appearances

Mirelle's dramatic testimony is revealed to be potentially unreliable, highlighting the theme of appearances versus reality.

### Justice and Morality

The chapter explores the pursuit of justice as Poirot and the magistrate question Mirelle's motives and the validity of her accusations.

## Character check-ins

### Hercule Poirot

Accompanies Knighton to interview Mirelle, takes the lead in the conversation, and later questions Mirelle's statement during the official interrogation.

### Major Knighton

Seeks out Poirot to discuss Mirelle's request to see Van Aldin; arranges the interview with Mirelle despite Van Aldin's refusal.

### Mirelle

Derek Kettering's mistress; gives a statement accusing Derek of murdering his wife, but shows inconsistencies when questioned by Poirot.

### Derek Kettering

Accused by Mirelle of murdering his wife; she claims to have seen him leave Ruth's compartment before the train reached Lyons.

### Rufus Van Aldin

Refuses to see Mirelle; Knighton and Poirot act on his behalf despite his wishes.

### Katherine Grey

Mentioned as having confirmed seeing Derek Kettering go into his wife's compartment before the train reached Lyons.

## Key lines

> I have a strong impression, M. Poirot, that that woman knows something.

Knighton believes Mirelle has crucial information about the murder.

_Knighton expresses his conviction to Poirot after his private meeting with Mirelle._

> It has been the ambition of my life to lay the Comte de la Roche by the heels. This time, ma foi, I thought we had got him. This other—it is not nearly so satisfactory.

The Commissary regrets that the evidence points to Derek Kettering rather than the Comte de la Roche, whom he has long wanted to arrest.

_The Commissary reveals his disappointment that the case seems to implicate Derek instead of the Comte._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mystery_of_the_blue_train_se/chapters/xxvii-interview-with-mirelle
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mystery_of_the_blue_train_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mystery_of_the_blue_train_se/chapters