The Mysterious Affair at Styles

Name: The Mysterious Affair at Styles
Author: Agatha Christie

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 · 57,935 words

First lines

The intense interest aroused in the public by what was known at the time as "The Styles Case" has now somewhat subsided. Nevertheless, in view of the world-wide notoriety which attended it, I have been asked, both by my friend Poirot and the family themselves, to write an account of the whole story. This, we trust, will effectually silence the sensational rumours which still persist.

I will therefore briefly set down the circumstances which led to my being connected with the affair.

What this Textopian page supports

The Mysterious Affair at Styles is listed on Textopian as a novel by Agatha Christie, dated 1920 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Agatha Christie
Date: 1920 CE
Language: English
Genres: Mystery, Crime Fiction, Detective Fiction, Thriller, Literary Fiction
Length: 57,935 words
Structure: 13 chapters, 2,426 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Mystery — The title of the book itself suggests a mysterious affair, and the plot follows the investigation of a murder mystery.
Crime Fiction — The book follows the investigation of a crime, and the protagonist is a detective.
Detective Fiction — The protagonist is a detective, and the plot follows the investigation of a crime.
Thriller — The book contains suspenseful elements, as the protagonist attempts to solve the mystery.