This manor house mystery by Agatha Christie introduced readers the the Belgian detective Hercule Poirot. Using his methods of investigation, one on one interviews with suspects, and deduction in the Sherlock Holmes tradition, Poirot is able to solve crimes and pulls the reader along with him. This engaging mystery had plenty of twists to keep the reader hooked.

This is the book that started it all. This is the first Hercule Poirot full length novel that was originally published in 1926. Captain Hastings meeting up with Hercule Poirot to solve their first case together. Well, it's really Poirot that does the solving. The story is told from Captain Hastings' perspective. This first Poirot mystery has all the ingredients of a locked room mystery. As other reviewers have noted, there are lots of twists and turns which I believe helped make this a very satisfying mystery. HIghly recommended.

Age rating: 10+
The wealthy Emily Inglethorp has been murdered - poisoned by a deadly dose of strychnine - and renowned detective Hercule Poirot, with his accomplice Arthur Hastings, is on the case.
The mystery is a puzzling one - for who could have entered and escaped her room when the door was locked? Was it her devoted husband, her two stepchildren, her short-tempered but faithful housekeeper, or the dainty young nurse who works at a close-by hospital dispensary?
This is Agatha Christie’s very first Hercule Poirot novel: The Mysterious Affair at Styles. With plot-twists and surprises on every page, this book is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. Can Poirot uncover the bitter truth?

It was so interesting to read this first Agatha Christie novel and to be introduced to Hercule Poirot for the first time! I liked reading how Agatha unwinds a mystery: good detective work!

Christie's first, and indeed one of her very best.
Found the murderer, unlocked locked doors, reconciled a marriage on the rocks, arrested a German spy, played cupid to lovers who were blind. What a story!
What is a spill vase?!? VITAL to know!!!

Fans of Hercule Poirot will enjoy the debut of his quirky yet brilliant Belgian character in this book. An interesting murder mystery with multiple twists and turns, just what you would expect from Dame Agatha Christie. The only cons: there is some racially and ethnically insensitive language that is inappropriate to the modern ear, and in this particular edition there were quite a few typographical errors.

Poirot's first mystery; it's really good.

5 stars for all Agatha Cristie!

In "The Mysterious Affair at Styles" by Agatha Christie, an intriguing tale of murder and deception is brought to life by the first appearance of Christie's most renowned detective Hercule Poirot. Taking place in 1916 during World War I, Poirot is a Belgium detective who is aided in escaping Belgium by Mrs. Inglethorpe. (It is interesting to note that the character of Hercule Poirot was inspired from Christie's personal experience with Belgium refugees during WWI) Poirot finds himself being called upon by Mr. Hastings when it is found that Mrs. Inglethorpe has passed away due to what is believed to be foul play. Christie outlines over a handful of characters that could be possible murder suspects, and continually adds to the initial details she gives for each character concerning their actions leading up to and after the murder. Christie carefully gives clues and information away a piece at a time which culminate into many surprises and twists that keeps the pages turning and the suspense level high as there is not a foresee-ably predictable end in sight. Hercule Poirot is a cunningly humorous and wise detective who garners support from both the reader and characters in the book as it is easy to want to root for him to bring it all together in the end. Overall, this novel not only represents the first appearance of Hercule Poirot, it also represents Agatha Christie's first published work which was in production for over five years before its first publication in 1920. Mystery novel fans and non-fans alike owe it to themselves to read this gem of a story that stands the test of time in providing an entertaining and engaging story which introduces the beloved character of Hercule Poirot in Christie's debut success.

As one of Ms. Christie's beginning novels, this was very well-written. However it was a bit long and the result of the mystery did not reflect upon the amount of work Poirot put in. Still enjoyed the book and love Agatha Christie!