Thursday, January 6, 2011

The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie

My first read of the year is an Agatha Christie Hercule Poirot mystery.  I'm truly at a loss as to how to review this engaging murder mystery without giving away the plot, so I'll be brief and endeavor to do my best.

The wealthy mistress of Styles Court, Mrs. Emily Inglethorp, is in her final death agonies early in the morning.  Present are Mr. Hastings (our narrator and visitor to Styles), Lawrence Cavendish (her stepson), John Cavendish (another stepson), John's wife Mary, and  Cynthia (a dependent relative to Mrs. Inglethorp).  Mrs. Inglethorp's husband of two months is not there.  The doctor's declare that Mrs. Inglethorp has been poisoned and immediately suspicion falls on the new husband who will gain a fortune now that Mrs. Inglethorp is dead.  But is he guilty?  Styles is filled with people with secrets, jealousy, and motives.  Typical of Agatha Christie, she leads the reader down false trails, twists and turns, and will keep you guessing until Hercule Poirot reveals the culprit.

I highly recommend this mystery and it is now one of my most favorite Christie novels.  This book counts for The Support Your Local Library Challenge and The Vintage Mystery Challenge.

9 comments:

Jo said...

I am to read more Agatha Christie this year. So I hope to catch this book at some point.

Bev said...

The has been a populare starting book for the Vintage Readers. So glad you enjoyed it! Great Review! I've got your link up on the progress site.

Yvette said...

I believe this is the first Agatha Christie I ever read - eons ago at the dawn of time. I've since read all the Christie books and continue to reread them. This is one of the few Christie stories, by the way, that was beautifully filmed by the BBC - PBS Mysteries the first time around. David Suchet is perfection as Belgian refugee Hercule Poirot and Captain Hastings is recuperating from the WWI front.

The villain in this story is almost impossible to figure out.

nerdybookgirl said...

I'm adding it to my Netflix queue straight away!!! Thanks for the recommendation!

nerdybookgirl said...

It was a great read! I also really liked The Cat Among the Pigeons; I read it several years ago.

nerdybookgirl said...

I'm so excited about this challenge, Bev, and I think Christie is the perfect place to start!

Heather said...

I read my first Christie last year and I definitely need to read more. Looks like I better get this one next! Might be good for this weekend...since they are calling for snow. I could stand to curl up with Agatha, my nice warm blanket, and the kitty. If only the children would be quiet.... lol

urban craft said...

I was raised on AC shows on PBS. not the same I know. One day I will get around to actually picking up one of the mysteries in written form.

Eva said...

I know I read this one, but it was must have been ages ago, because I can't even remember the killer! Seems like it's time for a reread. :D