The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie
Format: Kindle
Genre: Fiction, Crime, Mystery
This is my third meeting with the world-famous Hercule Poirot. This is Ms. Christie’s first book starring M Poirot and his friend Hastings.
M Poirot is a renowned detective from Belgium and a refugee in England during WWI. During his stay in England, Poirot stays near Styles Court, the country estate of Emily Inglethorp, Poirot’s wealthy supporter.
When Emily is killed by poisoning, Hastings who is the friend of the family requests the help of Poirot in solving the mystery.
After the initial character building, the investigation heats up and then people start becoming suspect or getting cleared of it.
The needle of suspicion moves from one character to the other throughout the book – from Mrs. Inglethorp’s much younger husband, her stepsons, her daughter-in-law, hired companion, a family friend working as a nurse, and a toxicologist.
Everyone in this book behaves shadily and has their secrets. At one point it looks like everyone is involved in the crime and at others, it seems like it was merely an accidental death.
There are ample twists and turns throughout this book that keep us interested and engaged.
Hastings provides occasional comedic relief in the otherwise serious tale when he jumps to the wrong conclusions based on the hints that Poirot throws his way.
When the real murderer is revealed, the brilliance of Poirot and in turn Agatha Christie shines the brightest. The villain is smart by definitely can’t beat the intellect and eccentricity of Poirot.
If you enjoy an old-world mystery, this one is for you. A good 4-star read.
Bookishly 