The Mysterious Affair At Styles
SYNOPSIS
Agatha Christie's first novel set during WW1 sees the popular detective of many of her later novels - one Hercule Poirot - living in England as a refugee near Styles Court, the country estate of his wealthy benefactress, Emily Inglethorp. Having recently remarried to a much younger man, much to the dismay and frustration of her two step-sons, the household is full of disputes, secrets and tension which ultimately builds to...murder!
poirot
The first novel by Agatha Christie introduces us to this famous, funny little Belgium detective.
when to read
Plenty of references to the hot summer days - definitely as summer read for me. As the first novel she wrote, this is a go to for any first time Agatha Christie reader.
murder mystery
Plenty of suspects to choose from within this traditional country house murder mystery.
England
Set in England during the First World War.
Publishing info
The Mysterious Affair At Styles is the first novel by Agatha Christie published in 1920 and written in part as a dare from her sister
overall rating
5/5
On Screen
Watching Agatha Christie
The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie was filmed as part of the ITV feature length episodes and is Season 2 episode 10 starring David Suchet as Poirot.
The Mysterious Affair At Styles Character List
| Captain Arthur Hastings | Friend of Poirot’s who falls for Dulcie Duveen |
| Chief Inspector James Japp | Scotland Yard detective |
| Emily Inglethorp | Elderly mistress of Styles Court, married to her second husband Alfred |
| Alfred Inglethorp | Younger husband to Emily Inglethorp |
| John Cavendish | Stepson of Emily Inglthorp by her first marriage |
| Mary Cavendish | Wife of John |
| Lawrence Cavendish | Younger stepson of Emily Inglethorp |
| Evelyn Howard | Friend of Mrs Inglthorp |
| Cynthia Murdoch | Orphaned daughter of a friend of the Cavendish family who is living with them and working as a dispenser |
| Dr Bauerstein | A toxicologist |
| Dorcas | Maid at Styles Court |
SPOILERS BELOW!
Emily Inglethorp
Alfred her husband is the murderer with his accomplice Evelyn Howard (also his lover, also his cousin!)
Financial gain – Emily was a wealthy woman
Poisoned with strychnine
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