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A review by bookishevy
The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie
adventurous
dark
funny
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
🎧 AUDIOBOOK REVIEW 🎧
I enjoyed The Murder of Roger Ackroyd so much that I downloaded a few more Agatha Christie books on Audible. All narrated by the talented Richard Armitage. This is Christie's debut novel and the first to feature eccentric Belgian detective Hercule Poirot.
Poirot, a WWI refugee, settles in England near Styles Court, the country estate of the wealthy, elderly Emily Inglethorp, who helped him get settled. When authorities are baffled by Emily's poisoning, Poirot puts his herculean sleuthing skills (see what I did there?) to work. Suspects include Emily's much younger husband Alfred, John and Lawrence, her resentful stepsons from her first husband's previous marriage, her longtime hired companion Evelyn, John's wife Mary, Dorca the maid, Cynthia, a young family friend working as a nurse in a nearby dispensary, and Dr. Bauerstein, a poison expert from London who just happens to be visiting a nearby village. So many suspects, so many secrets, red herrings, and plot twists that Poirot must outwit to find Emily's killer.
This story, like Roger Ackroyd's, explores how money complicates relationships. It is narrated by Arthur Hastings, a friend of Poirot who is a guest at Styles Court while on sick leave from the Western Front. Christie wrote this during the Great War. Hercule Poirot was inspired by her work as a nurse, helping Belgian soldiers and refugees. Poirot's life as a refugee is touched upon.
I enjoyed this read. I suspected who the mastermind was, but the accomplice had me like #IKYFL Christie doesn't make it easy to stick with your first choice. I appreciate the wrenches she throws into the story to shake readers off the killer's scent and keep us guessing. That's why she's the queen of mystery.
TW: Antisemitism
I enjoyed The Murder of Roger Ackroyd so much that I downloaded a few more Agatha Christie books on Audible. All narrated by the talented Richard Armitage. This is Christie's debut novel and the first to feature eccentric Belgian detective Hercule Poirot.
Poirot, a WWI refugee, settles in England near Styles Court, the country estate of the wealthy, elderly Emily Inglethorp, who helped him get settled. When authorities are baffled by Emily's poisoning, Poirot puts his herculean sleuthing skills (see what I did there?) to work. Suspects include Emily's much younger husband Alfred, John and Lawrence, her resentful stepsons from her first husband's previous marriage, her longtime hired companion Evelyn, John's wife Mary, Dorca the maid, Cynthia, a young family friend working as a nurse in a nearby dispensary, and Dr. Bauerstein, a poison expert from London who just happens to be visiting a nearby village. So many suspects, so many secrets, red herrings, and plot twists that Poirot must outwit to find Emily's killer.
This story, like Roger Ackroyd's, explores how money complicates relationships. It is narrated by Arthur Hastings, a friend of Poirot who is a guest at Styles Court while on sick leave from the Western Front. Christie wrote this during the Great War. Hercule Poirot was inspired by her work as a nurse, helping Belgian soldiers and refugees. Poirot's life as a refugee is touched upon.
I enjoyed this read. I suspected who the mastermind was, but the accomplice had me like #IKYFL Christie doesn't make it easy to stick with your first choice. I appreciate the wrenches she throws into the story to shake readers off the killer's scent and keep us guessing. That's why she's the queen of mystery.
TW: Antisemitism
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder
Minor: Antisemitism