logo

33 pages 1 hour read

The Mysterious Affair at Styles

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1920

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Agatha Christie

The Mysterious Affair at Styles

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1920
Book Details
Pages

296

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Essex, England • 1910s

Publication Year

1920

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14+ years

Lexile Level

770L

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

In Agatha Christie's The Mysterious Affair at Styles, Belgian detective Hercule Poirot investigates the murder of Emily Inglethorp at her estate during World War I to uncover who fatally poisoned her. The novel explores a complex web of familial tensions, inheritance disputes, and red herrings, culminating in Poirot's expert unveiling of the true culprits. The book includes graphic descriptions of death.

Mysterious

Suspenseful

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.2

444,278 ratings

73%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

The Mysterious Affair at Styles, Agatha Christie's debut novel, introduces the brilliant detective Hercule Poirot. Reviews praise its intricate plot and clever resolution, showcasing Christie's knack for mystery. Some critique the pacing as uneven, but overall, it’s a commendable start to a prolific career in crime fiction.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Mysterious Affair at Styles?

A reader who enjoys classic whodunits with intricate plots and clever detective work will relish The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie. Fans of Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes series and Dorothy L. Sayers’s Lord Peter Wimsey novels will find Christie's debut Hercule Poirot novel captivating.

4.2

444,278 ratings

73%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

Arthur Hastings

Arthur is the narrator and an associate of detective Hercule Poirot, who is recovering from WWI injuries while staying at Styles Court. He often struggles to understand the unfolding mystery, serving as an audience surrogate.

Poirot is a renowned detective characterized by his use of his "little grey cells" to solve complex mysteries. Despite being underestimated due to his appearance and accent, he gains the confidence of those around him.

Emily is a wealthy woman known for quickly changing her will to influence those around her. She invites Poirot to Styles Court, leading to his investigation of her murder.

Alfred is Emily’s husband, initially suspected due to his means and opportunity, and presents an unsettling demeanor. Evelyn Howard, Emily’s secretary and friend, provides strong support for Emily and is vocal against Alfred.

John is Emily's stepson, facing trial for her murder, and struggles with maintaining his family legacy. His wife, Mary, despite their strained relationship, becomes his key supporter.

Lawrence, John's brother, pursued medicine and briefly literature, while Cynthia volunteers in postwar work at Styles. Their shared knowledge of medicine becomes significant as they navigate suspicions and personal feelings.

Book Details
Pages

296

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Essex, England • 1910s

Publication Year

1920

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14+ years

Lexile Level

770L

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.