The Mysterious Affair at Styles - A Hercule Poirot Mystery

During World War One, Hastings is visiting friends in the British countryside when the matriarch of the family suddenly dies. Suspicion immediately falls upon the husband home everyone dislikes but there’s a mystery to this. Thankfully, the great detective, Hercule Poirot, Is living nearby. At the request of the family and his dear Hastings, Poirot is on the case.—I’ve always loved the Hercule Poirot books. I find the little Belgian detective absolutely delightful especially in his kindness and childlike joy in making people happy. He’s got all of the intelligence of Sherlock Holmes but possesses the kindness of Dr. Watson. Seeing him in his first appearance is fun.This is a classic Agatha Christie novel in every sense. It’s set in the British countryside. At the manor house. With a small cast of characters all of whom have the means more of an opportunity to commit the crime. The foreshadowing is there and it is on point. And then there’s the typical Agatha Christie twist. And it’s a twist because the clothes are in there it’s just the way that they presented you discount them. Much like the characters in the book discount the clothes when they are presented them. This is what makes the twist effective. You have all of the information. You know everything that Poirot knows. And still Christie can surprise you. It’s lovely.As stated before, this is the first published Hercule Poirot mystery. It was written in 1916 at the height of World War I. Which means that cultural and societal conventions of the time are in play. This includes things like casual racism and use of racist language regarding people of color including those of Roma and African descent.It also includes massive amounts of xenophobia which button is still well known for. And there’s also casual anti-Semitism because again this is the 1910s. It’s important to know this going in. The words and the sentiments expressed in this novel are wrong, and they were wrong then. But they are still products of their time. And erasing them or refusing to allow people to read them is trying to erase that history. And our present is build upon this very real history. At the same time it’s important to have this context. As a historian this book is a fascinating trip into the mindset of someone who lived through World War I and was writing about it contemporaneously. Yes there is problematic language used, There always is in primary resources. And this can be considered a primary resource of life in the 1910s.It’s also a fun raiser some really great characters. Which is why I’m going to get this five stars with the caveat that readers understand that they are reading a novel that is a product of its time.Five stars.

The narrative isn't disappointing at all. Every little clue matters, up till the gasping end where all the previous details fits together. The story keeps me guessing about who the villain really is, and what relationship do the personnel have in confidence.What disappointed me is the kindle version's editing. Compared to the paperback copy I've bought, the kindle version lacks all illustrations -which are crucial to comprehend the story and clues -and the french phrases are all inaccurate, namely all diacritics are missing.

I hadn't read this particular book concerning Poirot; I was as stumped as the narrator in following the twists and turns of the story. In the end, the bad guys are caught, just in time to save a man for being found guilty of murder. As a result, a marriage is saved. Clearly, an exercise in deductive reasoning.

A truly wonderful and satisfyingly delicious mystery by the Queen of Mysteries herself who gifts the reader with two marvelous things--a corker of a murder mystery and the introduction of the world's most famous, well-known fictional detective ever brought to life by the genius mind of Dame Agatha Christie. It is here that we are blessed with the first glimpse of this quirky little Belgian detective now finding himself living across the Channel having been pushed out of his native Belgium by the onslaught of the German High Command, the Kaiser during the Great War.Little did he know that the woman who so generously provided him and several of his countrymen housing until they could return would end up being killed and that he would meet up with a previous acquaintance, a Lieutenant Hastings, and that this cold and grievous murder would become the start of a lifelong friendship and an 'odd-couple-like' relationship of solving murders by the dozens over many decades to come.Although rejected by many publishers when attempting to get this, her first novel, into print, when she finally did, can't you just see those who rejected her either crying in their beer or looking for a new job. At the least, those publishing company's BODs must have been feeling like the stock market crash of 1929 and hit them, whereas in reality it was yet to come.Sadly, I have watched the total canon of David Suchet's brilliant and perfect portrayal of Poirot at least ten times each only to have become an armchair critic pointing out the differences between the book and TV versions. The Mysterious Affair at Styles is an outstanding mystery on paper if for no other reason that the novice reader will not guess who the murderer(s) are except by accident. Although Mrs. Christie was adept at using various murder weapons, poison was her favorite if for no other reason there are so many types of poisons that one can use. And strychnine was the first of many she will use.The Mysterious Affair at Styles like her total canon of work is extremely easy to read compared to P. D. James, for example. She wanted everyone to enjoy her gruesome tales--and gruesome and bloody and gory they are. Even the little sketches of a room's layout she added to aid the reader were very simplistic and drawn by her own hand. I know I read at least 30 of her novels in seventh grade when I was only 13 and 14 years old. No Harry Potter then. And I never could logically figure who the murderer was. Yet, I did guess a couple of them, but they were purely lucky guesses.Do yourself a favor--introduce yourself or reintroduce yourself to the magic of and the genius mind of Agatha Christie by reading or re-reading The Mysterious Affair at Styles.

Loved the book. As her first attempt at detective fiction, it was interesting to read and understand how much she developed her skill as the years passed. However, get a magnifying glass if you plan to read this particular book.

The Mysterious Affair at Styles is a testament to Agatha Christie’s prowess as the “Queen of Mystery.” It is a compelling and engaging read that will delight fans of detective fiction. This novel not only introduces readers to one of literature’s most beloved detectives but also sets the standard for the many mysteries that Christie would go on to write. For anyone interested in classic whodunits, The Mysterious Affair at Styles is an essential read.

I always enjoy agatha christie novels. Hercule poirot is a genius and the story is amazing. I highly recommend you read the books in order.

I love murder mystery novels and this does not disappoint.

A maior escritora de polícia de suspense da história da literatura do gênero

"The Mysterious Affair at Styles" is a timeless masterpiece that has left me utterly captivated from start to finish. Agatha Christie's first novel featuring the iconic Hercule Poirot is a true gem in the world of mystery fiction.The intricate plot, the skillfully drawn characters, and the cleverly placed clues had me constantly guessing and second-guessing the outcome. Christie's impeccable storytelling prowess weaves a web of suspense and intrigue that keeps you eagerly turning the pages.Hercule Poirot, the brilliant Belgian detective, is a character for the ages, and his deductive methods are nothing short of extraordinary. His interactions with the other characters in the story are both charming and insightful, adding depth to the narrative.I appreciate how the author engages the reader in the investigation, allowing us to play armchair detective alongside Poirot. The setting at Styles Court provides a rich and vivid backdrop for the unfolding drama.If you're a fan of classic mysteries, "The Mysterious Affair at Styles" is an absolute must-read. Agatha Christie's cleverly crafted puzzle will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. I can't recommend it enough for anyone who enjoys a good old-fashioned whodunit. This book is a true testament to the genius of Agatha Christie and deserves a place on every mystery lover's bookshelf!

Compré este libro porque lo tenía que leer en clase de inglés y me ha gustado mucho. Lo he leído bastante rápido ya que hace que te enganches y quieras averiguar mas sobre que pasó realmente en la historia. Además si eres fan de las historias de detectives te enganchará. A pesar de ser un libro antiguo el lenguaje no es extremadamente difícil, si tienes un nivel intermedio o algo mas alto puedes leerlo.

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