The Mysterious Affair at Styles is a classic mystery novel by Agatha Christie, first published in 1920. The novel introduces the famous detective Hercule Poirot, who is called in to investigate the murder of Emily Inglethorp, the wealthy mistress of Styles Court. The novel begins with the arrival of John Cavendish, Emily's stepson, and his wife Mary at Styles Court. They are soon joined by their friend, Dr. Bauerstein, and the housekeeper, Mrs. Cavendish. Soon after, Emily is found dead in her bedroom, poisoned by a cup of coffee. The police are called in to investigate, and Poirot is asked to help. He soon discovers that Emily had recently changed her will, leaving her fortune to her husband Alfred, and not to her stepson John. Poirot begins to suspect that one of the people at Styles Court may have had a motive to kill Emily. As Poirot investigates, he discovers that Emily had been receiving anonymous letters, and that she had been taking a drug called strychnine. He also discovers that Alfred had been having an affair with a woman named Cynthia Murdoch. Poirot eventually discovers that Alfred had poisoned Emily in order to get her money, and that Cynthia had helped him. Alfred and Cynthia are arrested and sent to prison. The novel ends with Poirot reflecting on the case and the importance of justice.
By Agatha Christie · First published 1920 · Genre: Mystery, Crime Fiction, Detective Fiction · 13 chapters