The Mysterious Affair at Styles

A wealthy woman is poisoned in a locked country house… and the world meets Hercule Poirot for the first time.

The Mysterious Affair at Styles, first published in 1920, is Agatha Christie's debut novel and the unforgettable introduction to Hercule Poirot, the meticulous and brilliant Belgian detective who would go on to become a legend in detective fiction.

Set in an English country manor during World War I, this classic whodunit begins with the shocking murder of Emily Inglethorp, the wealthy matriarch of Styles Court. With a house full of potential suspects—each with motives and secrets—Poirot must unravel a web of deceit, inheritance, and betrayal to find the truth.

Why this mystery is essential:

The very first appearance of Hercule Poirot

A classic country house murder mystery

Full of red herrings, clever twists, and logical deductions

The novel that launched Agatha Christie's legendary career

Perfect for readers of:

Golden Age detective fiction

Classic British mysteries

Christie's Poirot series (in reading order)

Fans of locked-room and inheritance-related plots

What readers are saying:

"Brilliant, timeless, and sharply written. Poirot's debut is a must-read." – Mystery Fiction Review

"A satisfying mystery with all the charm of Christie's best." – Verified Amazon Reader

Click «Buy Now» to experience the case that introduced the world to Hercule Poirot—and to Agatha Christie herself.