The Mysterious Affair at Styles: A Hercule Poirot Mystery (Warbler Classics) Paperback – Illustrated, January 2, 2020

This is Agatha Christie’s debut novel, published in 1920, and the first to feature her detective, Hercule Poirot. By any standards, it is an assured and well-written debut novel and considering period it was written, is also undated. Apparently, Agatha Christie was challenged by her sister to write a detective story, for which am eternally, as this was her offering. Like one characters in this novel, Agatha worked in the dispensary of a local hospital and gained knowledge poisons, which she used in her novel. She also the arrival of Belgian refugees during WW, which gave her detective his background.Our narrator, Hastings, writes an account of the ‘Affair at Styles.’ He has been invalided home from the Front he is invited to stay at Styles with an old friend, John Cavendish. John at Styles with his wife, Mary, his brother, Laurence, his step-mother, her companion, Evie Howard, and his mother’s, Cynthia. Recently there has another addition to the household too, as his step-mother has remarried the younger Alfred Inglethorp. Alfred has caused an of constraint in the household and, when Mrs Inglethorp murdered, he the natural suspectNearby, M. Poirot has been staying in a house provided by Mrs Inthorp, along with other Belgian refugees. Hastings knew Poirot and, when the murder occurs, he asks him to investigate. This book contains many of the that Poirot fans will come to know – not only Hastings but also Detective Inspector James Japp of Scotland. Interestingly, edition also includes the original, unpublished ending, in which Poirot explains the crime in the courtroom – this was re-written at request of the publisher to take place the drawing-room setting that lovers of Golden Age mysteries are very with. A wonderful beginning to my favourite detective series of time.

This is my first intro to Poirot. Love him. Such a funny character. Not much a fan of Hastings, is he his Watson? I liked the happy ending of the couples and the “clever” criminals ended up looking stupid. I was completely lost on the clues. I was not picking up what was being laid down. It was a fun ride though. Probably won’t read more Poirot’s unless I have someone to discuss them with. (This one was chosen by my book club) Overall short and fun read.

Great book in great condition with a great cover. You can't go wrong with Agatha Christie. I highly recommend. Get into it.

The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie is a joy to read if you love mysteries. The fact that this is Christie's first novel out of the 80 she wrote has left me in awe of her. The character of Hercule Poirot is original and unique considering the book was published in 1920.The story is a perfect mystery with a locked room, many suspects and twisty reveals. Our narrator, Hastings, is visiting the once majestic manor, Styles Court, home to his friend John Cavendish while he is recuperating from a wound suffered in WWI. During the early hours of the morning John's mother suffers convulsions and dies. It is concluded that she was poisoned.Hastings, who considers himself an amateur sleuth, contacts his friend retired Inspector Hercule Poirot to help solve the case. Once Poirot enters the picture we know we are in for a fun time of sleuthing and misleads.I am a huge fan of 1800s and early 1900s classic English novels. This book is a prime example why they are my guilty pleasure. Christie's descriptive prose paints a perfect scene. It is like watching a book instead of reading it. Then there is the overall politeness of the language. Even during arguments, trial litigation, and threats never is a bad word said and titles are always used as a courtesy. It is pure posh English and I am so here for it!The genius of Hercule Poirot is a testament to Christie's creativity. I clearly see his influence in other detectives that followed him from Sam Spade to Columbo.I had such fun reading this mystery. I changed my mind several times on who was guilty. I screamed of course when the real culprit came to light. If you enjoy a good crime novel treat yourself to this classic who-dun-it!

Arthur Hastings is on military leave, staying with his good friend, John Cavendish at John's stepmother's estate. Among the group living at Styles we have Mrs. Inglethorp, the stepmother and matriarch; Mr. Inglethorp, Mrs. Inglethorp's substantially younger and relatively new husband; Cynthia, youthful protege to Mrs. I; Lawrence, John's brother; Mary, John's elegant and beautiful wife; and Miss Howard, a loyal household servant. Early one morning, Mrs. Inglethorp is discovered in her room, violently convulsing. To the horror of *most* everyone in the household, she subsequently dies. Hastings suspects foul play and immediately enlists the help of the brilliant Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot. There are many suspects and limited time. Will the murderer be brought to justice? DUM DUM DUUUUUMMM.So yes, obviously the murderer is caught and this should not be a spoiler for anybody who is even vaguely familiar with Agatha Christie (as I was until very recently). That is not where the fun lies anyway. The fun is being along for the ride as the eccentric and ingenious Poirot pieces all the clues together and dazzles everyone with his big reveal. It's in the amusement derived from Hastings's over-the-top obliviousness and occasional pouting sessions (you are a grown man, pls check yourself).This mystery was not as enjoyable as The ABC Murders, but I'm sure that has to do with this installment being Christie's first HP endeavor versus ABC being the thirteenth. I was more annoyed this time around at Poirot's constant withholding of information and Hastings's persistent ignorance at everything in life.Ultimately, Mysterious Affair at Styles was a good book to check off my classics reading list, but I know it isn't the best Christie has to offer. Next time I tackle this series I'll be reading Poirot Investigates so it'll be interesting to compare.