The Mysterious Affair at Styles is a detective novel by Agatha Christie. It was written in the middle of World War I, in 1916, and first published by John Lane in the United States in October 1920 and in the United Kingdom by The Bodley Head (John Lane's UK company) on 21 January 1921. The U.S. edition retailed at US$2.00 and the UK edition at seven shillings and sixpence (7/6).
Styles was Christie's first published novel, introducing Hercule Poirot, Inspector (later, Chief Inspector) Japp, and Arthur Hastings (Lieutenant and later, Captain). Poirot is described as "a dear little man", "an extraordinary looking little man" and a "quaint dandyfied little man".
The story is told in first person by Hastings and features many of the elements that have become icons of the Golden Age of Detective Fiction, largely due to Christie's influence. It is set in a large, isolated country manor. There are a half-dozen suspects, most of whom are hiding facts about themselves. The book includes maps of the house, the murder scene, and a drawing of a fragment of a will, as well as a number of red herrings and surprise plot twists.
I find it’s anti-semitism offensive.15
I absolutely loved it! It keeps you guessing up until the very end and is never at all dull. I finished it in a couple of days and immediately started another one, Agatha Christie’s writing is phenomenal!55
Started this book on Wednesday and finished it today. I love Agatha Christie books, and this one is no different. Great plot that kept me hooked, with a twisted ending. Definitely recommend.55
Agatha Christie’s mystery novels are perfect. They are intricate and complex, but always with enough information given that the very astute reader can solve the mystery oneself, or at least will feel that they haven’t been left in the dark as a passive observer.55
A thrilling, heart stopping breath taking book.....strongly recommend55
Superb story telling and plot. Enough clues to boggle your mind in a most delightful way. Beautifully written. It does contain some religious and racial slurs which were only too prevalent in her day (and continue on today). However, an excellent read.55
Great book! Love! Love Agatha Christie's books.55
Good reading45
Hercule Poirot is the best! Agatha Christie, I wish you were alive to make more of this! You are my favorite author!55
You can't beat a mystery by Agatha Christie. As usual her characters are so perfect for their roles. Her Belgium detective is always so clever in his search for the murderer. Everyone is under suspicion & she allows the reader to keep thinking they know who did it. And in the end she springs the killer upon you in a diabolical manner. God bless her & her stories.55
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