The Mysterious Affair at Styles

The Mysterious Affair at Styles, written by Agatha Christie in 1920, is the first of her novels to feature Hercule Poirot. The small, fastidious Belgian is one of her most iconic characters and among the most famous fictional detectives in the world. The novel is exemplary of the “cozy mystery,” in which well-heeled figures work out the solutions to complex, puzzle-like murders within comfortable settings. This one takes place during the years of the Great War, or World War I, on a secluded estate.

This summary refers to the Vintage Paperback edition, published in 2020.

Plot Summary

Note: This Plot Summary for The Mysterious Affair at Styles will reorder the book from the perspective of the murderer. Anyone wishing to experience the mystery and organization of Christie’s original plot should skip ahead to the chapter summaries.

In the midst of World War I, the widow Emily Cavendish marries Alfred Inglethorp, the secretary in charge of much of her wartime charitable work. Her first husband died many years ago, leaving the estate of Styles Court and all of his considerable money to his wife to do with as she wished. Emily Inglethorp is an inconsistent holder of said property, however, prone to often rewriting her will.