Graham G. (Foucault) reviewed Mysterious Affair at Styles (Hercule Poirot, Bk 1) on + 27 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Much as I enjoyed this, I have to say that I didn't think this was among Christie's best. I found the plot a little convoluted and hard to follow sometimes. I found some of the characters difficult to tell apart at times (although I think that's something that I sometimes struggle with, since I am terrible at remembering names). Perhaps it's because I haven't read a Christie for a while, and need to "acclimatize" myself to the style. But perhaps, it's simply that this was Agatha's first book.
here is the official Agatha Christie website. There are lots of fan-based sites too, as a search will reveal. here is one of the better ones.
here is the official Agatha Christie website. There are lots of fan-based sites too, as a search will reveal. here is one of the better ones.
My first Christie book and I'm hooked.
Helen R. (Skip) -
This is the book that not only launched Dame Agatha's career, but introduced Belgian detective Hercule Poirot to the world.
The heiress of Styles has been murdered, dying in agony from strychnine slipped into her coffee. And there are plenty who would gain from her death: the financially strapped stepson, the gold digging younger husband, and an embittered daughter-in-law.
The heiress of Styles has been murdered, dying in agony from strychnine slipped into her coffee. And there are plenty who would gain from her death: the financially strapped stepson, the gold digging younger husband, and an embittered daughter-in-law.
This is a hardback edition that has footnotes explaining some of the more obscure references in the book. It also has a ribbon bookmark, not to mention that it is a very good mystery!
another great book for all agatha christie fans. a must read.
Linda R. (wolfie123) - , reviewed Mysterious Affair at Styles (Hercule Poirot, Bk 1) on + 422 more book reviews
This is the book that introduces the world to Hercule Poirot, the world famous Belgian detective and Capt. Hastings as well. It is typical Christie....unexpected and full of red herrings...Gotta love Agatha Christie.....
A clever little story and classic Agatha Christie, full of plot turns and impossible coincidences. I enjoyed it.
Classic mystery by Agatha Christie - elegant story teller!
Rebecca H. (amichai) reviewed Mysterious Affair at Styles (Hercule Poirot, Bk 1) on + 368 more book reviews
Another great Poirot mystery read beautifully by David Suchet (who played Poirot on PBS.) Highly recommend.
Robert M. (shotokanchef) reviewed Mysterious Affair at Styles (Hercule Poirot, Bk 1) on + 813 more book reviews
This is Poirots first case: a locked room murder. He is brought in to solve a probable murder by his old acquaintance, Captain Hastings. A rich, elderly woman has been poisoned. The rather dysfunctional household is in general turmoil. The reader is led through a series of probable suspects, each in turn supposedly cleared to make way for the next. Alas, poor Hastings! Poirot will not disclose anything until the very end. But, finally Hastings inadvertently leads Poirot to the case-breaking clue and he springs to action to denounce the mastermind. Read this one before you read Curtain, his last case.
Victoria B. (Victoria) reviewed Mysterious Affair at Styles (Hercule Poirot, Bk 1) on + 175 more book reviews
CHRISTIE CLASSIC, SOME CONSIDER IT HER BEST.
Linda R. (wolfie123) - , reviewed Mysterious Affair at Styles (Hercule Poirot, Bk 1) on + 422 more book reviews
This is the book that introduces the world to Hercule Poirot, the world famous Belgian detective and Capt. Hastings as well. It is typical Christie....unexpected and full of red herrings...Gotta love Agatha Christie.....
I enjoy the dry subtle humor of Christie's work.
Linda R. (wolfie123) - , reviewed Mysterious Affair at Styles (Hercule Poirot, Bk 1) on + 422 more book reviews
This is the book that introduces the world to Hercule Poirot, the world famous Belgian detective and Capt. Hastings as well. It is typical Christie....unexpected and full of red herrings...Gotta love Agatha Christie.....
Amy Christine C. (ACE-10) reviewed Mysterious Affair at Styles (Hercule Poirot, Bk 1) on + 14 more book reviews
This is the first Christie book to feature Poirot. If you don't already like Poirot, this book will make you fall in love with everyone's favorite Belgium Detective.
How could you not love Agatha?
Rhonda S. (RhondaS) reviewed Mysterious Affair at Styles (Hercule Poirot, Bk 1) on + 191 more book reviews
one of Agatha's Christie's best and one of my personal favorites
Lorelie L. (artgal36) reviewed Mysterious Affair at Styles (Hercule Poirot, Bk 1) on + 471 more book reviews
Agatha Christie launches the legendary career of Hercule Poirot with this classic tale of intrigue. Did one of the Cavendish brothers poison their stepmother, Mrs. Iglethorp, or was it her new husband? Nadia May reads with such a delightful English accent, intonation, and careful pacing that the suspense and drama build gradually. Each character is easily distinguishable and a treat to listen to, especially Poirot. This baffling tale with many characters is a bit difficult to follow but well worth the effort. The compulsion to discover the truth is motive enough for all readers.
Gerhard O. (nccorthu) reviewed Mysterious Affair at Styles (Hercule Poirot, Bk 1) on + 569 more book reviews
Good book setting up the Hercule Poirot character for future books. Its the first of this series of classic detective stories.
In 1920 (literally 100 years ago), Agatha Christie started her long and illustrious career with Hercule Poirot and THE MYSTERIOUS AFFAIR AT STYLES. Over her career, she wrote literally hundreds of books, short stories, plays, and even an autobiography.
This book is set during World War I with an elderly, retired Belgian detective taking refuge in England. An older woman, married to a man 20-years younger, is found in the throes of death. Poirot, living outside the estate, is summoned by Captain Hastings, a visitor at the estate. Mrs. Christie flings red herrings about with abandon and it takes considerable time to wade through the clues and false leads to a solution. I thought it was a bit contrived; obviously, this was the author's early work.
I listened to an audio version of this book with the voice of Penelope Dellaporte. I thought this reader struggled with the Belgian/French accent and that was distracting to the story.
Hercule Poirot
** 1. The Mysterious Affair at Styles(1920)
2. The Murder on the Links(1923)
3.Poirot Investigates (1924)
This book is set during World War I with an elderly, retired Belgian detective taking refuge in England. An older woman, married to a man 20-years younger, is found in the throes of death. Poirot, living outside the estate, is summoned by Captain Hastings, a visitor at the estate. Mrs. Christie flings red herrings about with abandon and it takes considerable time to wade through the clues and false leads to a solution. I thought it was a bit contrived; obviously, this was the author's early work.
I listened to an audio version of this book with the voice of Penelope Dellaporte. I thought this reader struggled with the Belgian/French accent and that was distracting to the story.
Hercule Poirot
** 1. The Mysterious Affair at Styles(1920)
2. The Murder on the Links(1923)
3.Poirot Investigates (1924)
Janet E. (jee) reviewed Mysterious Affair at Styles (Hercule Poirot, Bk 1) on + 89 more book reviews
This may be the best Poirot/Hastings mystery. It gives you a real flavor of Britain at the beginning of the war and of English country life at the time. One of my all time favorite Christie.
Samantha L. (sleach329) reviewed Mysterious Affair at Styles (Hercule Poirot, Bk 1) on + 21 more book reviews
Great story.
