Description

Although this book states 1920, this was published in 1942. Synopsys: "The Mysterious Affair at Styles" is the debut novel by the celebrated author Agatha Christie. The book introduces the indomitable detective, Hercule Poirot, in a gripping murder mystery set in an isolated country mansion in England. When the wealthy Emily Inglethorp is found poisoned, her friend Arthur Hastings calls upon his old acquaintance Poirot to crack the case. The complex plot unfolds with a litany of suspects including Emily’s much younger husband, stepsons, and house staff, each with their own motives. Christie masterfully crafts a plot full of red herrings, false clues, and stunning twists, challenging Poirot's 'little grey cells' to decipher the truth and expose the real killer. The book signifies Christie's ingenious style that eventually earned her the title - the 'Queen of Crime.'

Synopsis

Title: The Mysterious Affair At Styles
Author/Publisher: Agatha Christie (Grosset & Dunlap)
Publication Year: 1942
Format: Hardcover

Published in 1942 by Grosset & Dunlap, this hardcover edition presents Agatha Christie's seminal debut novel, *The Mysterious Affair At Styles*. This significant work not only marked the beginning of Christie's unparalleled career as the 'Queen of Crime' but also introduced the world to one of literature's most enduring and beloved detectives, Hercule Poirot.

Set against the backdrop of a grand, isolated English country estate during the First World War, the narrative plunges readers into a classic whodunnit. When the wealthy matriarch Emily Inglethorp is found poisoned, the seemingly idyllic setting is shattered. Her old friend, the convalescing Captain Arthur Hastings, who is staying at Styles, calls upon his acquaintance, the eccentric Belgian refugee detective Hercule Poirot, to unravel the complex web of family secrets, suspicious wills, and intricate alibis.

• The Inaugural Poirot Mystery: Readers are first introduced to the legendary Belgian detective Hercule Poirot, whose meticulous methods, 'little grey cells', and distinctive personality immediately captivated audiences and established him as a detective fiction icon.
• A Quintessential Whodunnit: At its heart, the novel is a masterclass in detective fiction, presenting a complex murder puzzle with a limited cast of suspects, red herrings, and a trail of clues that only Poirot can meticulously piece together.
• Edwardian English Setting: The story unfolds within the confines of Styles Court, a grand English country estate, expertly crafting an atmosphere of polite society concealing deep-seated rivalries and hidden motives, characteristic of the era.

This 1942 Grosset & Dunlap edition offers an opportunity to own an early print of a foundational work in detective fiction. As the genesis of Agatha Christie's legacy and the first appearance of Hercule Poirot, *The Mysterious Affair At Styles* remains a highly sought-after volume, cherished by collectors and enthusiasts of classic crime literature alike.

Condition

This item has been professionally inspected and is in Very Good condition. Please refer to the photographs for detailed visual assessment.

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