Audiobook Review: The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie

Author: Agatha Christie

Narrator: Richard Armitage

Title: The Mysterious Affair at Styles

Series: Hercule Poirot #1

Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Classic

Format: Audiobook

Published: January 1, 1920

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

Agatha Christie's debut novel was also the first to feature Hercule Poirot, her famously eccentric Belgian detective.

A refugee of the Great War, Poirot has settled in England near Styles Court, the country estate of his wealthy benefactor, the elderly Emily Inglethorp. When Emily is poisoned and the authorities are baffled, Poirot puts his prodigious sleuthing skills to work. Suspects are plentiful, including the victim’s much younger husband, her resentful stepsons, her longtime hired companion, a young family friend working as a nurse, and a London specialist on poisons who just happens to be visiting the nearby village.

All of them have secrets they are desperate to keep, but none can outwit Poirot as he navigates the ingenious red herrings and plot twists

Review:

Been itching to read some Agatha Christie...it has literally been years! Last time I read one was in the early 2000s....High School time....dang. I've read a handful, but I never read them all. There are just SOOO many. Soooo I decided to start from the beginning. 

Poirot has settled in England after the Great War. He is settled in near Styles Court who belongs to his wealthy benefactor Emily Inglethrop. When Emily is poisoned and the authorities are baffled because everyone is suspicious and have motives, but all of them have alibis, Poirot is called in to crack the case. 

Not that this was bad, but you can tell this is her debut story especially after reading ones MUCH later in the series. However, it was fun seeing Poirot at his creation. You can tell she has a lot of plans for this poor man. 

The mystery was good and I was absolutely unsure of who did it. They all had motive but no real evidence to link anyone 100% to the crime. Lots and lots of red herrings littering the place. 

The ending did drag on a bit and it took everything I had to focus up. The mystery dragged on a bit too much. I would've preferred more time with interviews and looking around. 

The narration was fun! It was done by the famous Richard Armitage! Eee! Adorable. He was fantastic. Loved all his voices. I'm glad I decided to try this version of audio. 

All-in-all, a nice intro into Poirot. Not necessary to read the books in order, but it was nice seeing where it all began. The mystery was good and I had no idea! Nicely stumped there ;) But the ending did drag a touch. I'll give this 3 stars. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Mysterious

Challenge(s):
- Audiobook #24

- Cloak and Dagger - #13