The Mysterious Affair at Styles

A country house. A poisoning. The birth of a legend.

In Agatha Christie’s electrifying debut novel, the sleepy estate of Styles Court is shattered by murder. Wealthy widow Emily Inglethrop is found poisoned in her locked bedroom, and suspicion falls on her family and fortune-hunting husband. Enter Hercule Poirot—the brilliant, egg-headed Belgian detective recently arrived as a wartime refugee—who is reluctantly drawn into the case by his old friend Captain Hastings.

With its ingenious plot, dazzling array of red herrings, and one of the most satisfying final revelations in mystery fiction, The Mysterious Affair at Styles introduced the world to Hercule Poirot and launched the career of the greatest crime writer of all time. Christie combines a classic locked-room puzzle, sharp social observation, and sparkling wit in a story that remains as fresh and addictive today as when it was first published.

• First published in 1920 (1921 in the UK)
• Agatha Christie’s debut novel and the first appearance of Hercule Poirot
• Written during World War I while Christie worked as a nurse and dispenser

Available in multiple formats:

• Paperback & Hardcover: Elegant print editions presenting the complete, unabridged text, ideal for your bookshelf.
• Ebook: DRM-free EPUB compatible with Kindle, Kobo, Apple Books, and all major e-readers.
• Audiobook: Professionally narrated, complete and unabridged, perfect for immersive listening.

The perfect starting point for anyone new to Agatha Christie and a must-have for longtime fans—a timeless classic that launched the Golden Age of detective fiction.

About the Author

Agatha Christie (1890–1976) was an English crime novelist, short story writer, and playwright, widely regarded as the best-selling novelist of all time. Her works have sold over two billion copies worldwide, outranked only by the Bible and Shakespeare. Creator of the immortal Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, Christie’s mastery of plotting, misdirection, and human nature made her the undisputed Queen of Mystery. The Mysterious Affair at Styles marked the dazzling beginning of a legendary career that would span over fifty years.