A review by lavenderlilacs1912
The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie

adventurous challenging lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Agatha Christies first Poirot novel, The Mysterious Affair at Styles introduces the sharp, peculiar Belgian detective Hercule Poirot, who along with Miss. Marple would become one of the most iconic literary detectives of all time. Poirot's first adventure begins with his reunion as a refugee to England from Belgium with the books narrator Arthur Hastings and they both get drawn into a baffling case of poisoning at the country estate of Styles Court. 

Christie's setup of the mystery was great, I especially enjoyed how everything fitted together perfectly at the end. While the eventual ending reveal was not as shocking a twist as her other novels (*cough cough* Murder of Roger Ackroyd) It made sense and was cleverly revealed. Poirot was delightful every time he appears on the page and his Sherlock/Watson esque friendship with Hastings is a treat. Hastings as the narrator was a good choice as well. 
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