Comments (30)

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Mar 08, 2024 CALS_Amanda rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Agatha Christie shows her potential in this first of her mysteries, which introduces Poirot and Hastings as well as the rural English settings and clever use of chemistry that are among her trademarks. Christie herself was dissatisfied…
May 12, 2023lcvoth23 rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
Just a perfect Agatha Christie. Had me completely hooked.
Oct 24, 2022Tdruid rated this title 1.5 out of 5 stars
I really want to like Agatha Christie - the mother of mystery novels - but I just can’t stand Poirot. His endless, effusive prattling on and on, without ever getting to the point aside, that level of arrogance is just appalling.…
Apr 30, 2022Dubarnik rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
A fun novel. Weak character development, no narrative to speak of, but a fun novel. As always with Agatha, I was surprised when the perpetrator was finally revealed!
Apr 27, 2022Tica77 rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
It is not surprising that Agatha Christie went on to pen dozens of Poirot and Miss Marple mysteries. Her stories are easily read by different types of readers. Although the narrative maintains your interest until the last chapter, Ms.…
Apr 08, 2022FloraWest rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Caused a sensation at the time for reasons that would spoil everything but aside from that, a well-plotted mystery and a great introduction to a certain Belgian detective.
Mar 17, 2021bibliosara rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
A fast paced whodunit by the Queen of Mystery herself introduces the incredible character of Hercule Poirot. The narrator is somewhat unreliable; his naïve observations lend a note of humor to the murder mystery that the plot revolves…
Feb 14, 2021MillieBT rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Interesting story with many twists
Jan 21, 2021JCLCharlesH rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
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…
Sep 15, 2020HenrySue rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
This is the book that started it all. This is the first Hercule Poirot full length novel that was originally published in 1920. Captain Hastings meeting up with Hercule Poirot to solve their first case together. Well, it's really Poirot…
Aug 23, 2020mphadnis rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
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…
Jul 30, 2020Walter724 rated this title 3 out of 5 stars
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!
Feb 25, 2020
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…
Dec 08, 2019jimf2560 rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
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:…
Jun 01, 2019blue_dog_17792 rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Poirot's first mystery; it's really good.
Sep 20, 2018
5 stars for all Agatha Cristie!
Sep 12, 2018Steve_the_Pirate rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
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,…
Aug 27, 2018red_leopard_238 rated this title 3 out of 5 stars
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!
May 04, 2018princess_slp rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
I made a commitment to read all of Christie's Poirot novels in chronological order. This being the first in the series, as well as the only Christie novel I have ever read, here is my takeaway: CONS: --There is a very large and often…
Mar 16, 2018FabulouslyWeird rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Having read a few novels with Poirot I had recently decided to try and read all of them starting at the beginning. Poirot makes a delightful debut to the readers of the series. Although you may have your own suspicions as to the guilty…
Nov 16, 2016ArapahoeLesley rated this title 3 out of 5 stars
A good mystery with delightful characters. Poirot is beyond absurd and Hastings is as stuffy as can be. It made me smile.
Oct 20, 2016pattypi rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Remarkable work for a novice writer. Was very curious to read the two endings and see the difference between thrm.
Mar 28, 2016readfox rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
This is my second Christie novel, and I really enjoyed it. With many plot twists, new discoveries, and an unsuspected reveal at the end, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat. The detective, Hercule Poirot, is a quirky,…
Jun 19, 2015FW_librarian rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
This story introduces Poirot and it's no disappointment with its full characterizations and a complicated plot entailing surprises and a twist ending. Having picked up random copies of Christie, it was fun to recognize how much Poirot has…
May 14, 2015puzumaki rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
The great aspects of this book are that it's a fast read and keeps you guessing until the end. The problem is it bumbles a lot, and knowing the answer to the mystery makes Poirot seem incredibly erratic. If his actions fit a lot better…