The Mysterious Affair at Styles: A Hercule Poirot Mystery (Warbler Classics)
One morning at Styles Court, an Essex country manor, the elderly owner is found dead of strychnine poisoning. Arthur Hastings, a soldier staying there on sick leave from the Western Front, ventures out to the nearby village of Styles St. Mary to ask help from his friend Hercule Poirot, an eccentric Belgian inspector. Thus, in this classic whodunit, one of the most famous characters in detective fiction makes his debut on the world stage. With a half dozen suspects who all harbor secrets, it takes all of Poirot's prodigious sleuthing skills to untangle the mystery--but not before the inquiry undergoes scores of spellbinding twists and surprises. Contains the original illustrations and a detailed biography.
BUY THE BOOK
Community Reviews
I knew starting the book that, whatever I thought was gonna happen, and who I thought the killer was - in the end I'd be wrong. But just when you're almost to the end, and sure you have it figured out - Poirot explains everything, and you find out just how wrong you were.
The whole time you're questioning what's important, who's telling the truth - and who killed Emily Inglethorp?
The whole time you're questioning what's important, who's telling the truth - and who killed Emily Inglethorp?
It might have just been the audiobook performance (by Hugh Fraser), but this book really seemed to just plod along. I didn't like Hastings as a character—he’s too much of a buffoon to be interesting. This is my least favorite if the Christie novels I’ve read, and he is a big part of that. The mystery itself was pretty good, though really it relied on some pretty technical chemical knowledge, such that no average reader could have been expected to ever solve it. Still, quite intriguing. And the final twist of bringing it right back around to the original suspect was a nice touch.
Agatha Christie's "The Mysterious Affair at Styles" continues to reaffirm my love for mystery novels. What immediately struck me was Christie's mastery in crafting a compelling plot that kept me thoroughly engaged. Her ability to introduce unexpected twists and turns throughout the story is nothing short of brilliant, and it was filled with suspense, leaving me constantly reassessing my theories.
However, as someone who appreciates a fast-paced narrative, I still wished for a bit more in-depth character development. The characters themselves were undeniably intriguing, but their backgrounds and personalities felt somewhat superficial, making it a tad challenging to establish deep emotional connections with them and recall their roles in the story.
In conclusion, "The Mysterious Affair at Styles" is a must-read for any mystery enthusiast, and it certainly added another gem to my collection of mystery novels. It stands as a captivating prologue to the Hercule Poirot series, showcasing Christie's exceptional storytelling. Although some may desire more profound character exploration, the novel's relentless plot twists will undoubtedly leave you eager to explore further adventures with Poirot.
However, as someone who appreciates a fast-paced narrative, I still wished for a bit more in-depth character development. The characters themselves were undeniably intriguing, but their backgrounds and personalities felt somewhat superficial, making it a tad challenging to establish deep emotional connections with them and recall their roles in the story.
In conclusion, "The Mysterious Affair at Styles" is a must-read for any mystery enthusiast, and it certainly added another gem to my collection of mystery novels. It stands as a captivating prologue to the Hercule Poirot series, showcasing Christie's exceptional storytelling. Although some may desire more profound character exploration, the novel's relentless plot twists will undoubtedly leave you eager to explore further adventures with Poirot.
This was pretty good for a debut mystery novel! You can follow the resolution well enough but I don't think it's constructed in a guessable way, as I read it a second time knowing who the murderer is and it still wasn't apparent.
This was my first Hercule Poirot book. I purchased the first nine on a binge book buying sort of night and have decided to go in order. Having only read one other Agatha Christie book, [b: And Then There Were None|16299|And Then There Were None|Agatha Christie|https:images.gr-assets.com/books/1391120695s/16299.jpg|3038872], previously, I wasn't sure what to expect.
Poirot, I like you. I even like how you come out with all your conclusions in the last chapter so that even someone like me who doesn't work to solve anything can understand what the hell was going on.
Hastings, you are both darling and daft. I don't know if you make an appearance in the other books, but I wouldn't be too sad if you didn't because you didn't add anything for me.
I haven't had tea in quite some time, but I had three cups while reading this. It's that kind of mystery. I better buy more tea.
3 Stars because I liked it but am confident there will be better ones to come.
Poirot, I like you. I even like how you come out with all your conclusions in the last chapter so that even someone like me who doesn't work to solve anything can understand what the hell was going on.
Hastings, you are both darling and daft. I don't know if you make an appearance in the other books, but I wouldn't be too sad if you didn't because you didn't add anything for me.
I haven't had tea in quite some time, but I had three cups while reading this. It's that kind of mystery. I better buy more tea.
3 Stars because I liked it but am confident there will be better ones to come.
See why thousands of readers are using Bookclubs to stay connected.