The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie (1920)

The Mysterious Affair at Styles is Agatha Christie’s debut novel, published in 1920, introducing one of her most iconic characters, the detective Hercule Poirot. Set in the fictional Styles Court in Essex during World War I, the novel centers around the mysterious death of Emily Inglethorp, the wealthy mistress of Styles Court. The story is narrated by Arthur Hastings, a friend of Poirot, who becomes involved in the investigation of this intricate murder mystery.

Plot Summary

In the peaceful countryside of Essex, the tranquil world of Styles Court is suddenly shattered by an unexpected tragedy. Arthur Hastings, a former soldier recovering from war wounds, has been invited to the grand estate by his old friend, John Cavendish. He arrives expecting a restful stay, but instead finds himself entangled in a dark mystery.

Styles Court is a charming estate owned by Emily Inglethorp, a wealthy and strong-willed woman who controls the family’s fortune. She had recently married a man much younger than herself, Alfred Inglethorp, a strange and unlikable figure who is openly resented by the rest of the household. Despite her generosity towards her family, Emily’s marriage to Alfred has raised tensions, particularly with her stepsons, John and Lawrence Cavendish, who rely on her financial support.

Among the other residents of Styles Court are John’s wife, Mary Cavendish, a quiet, enigmatic woman with whom Hastings feels an instant fascination, and Evelyn Howard, Emily’s devoted companion, who makes no secret of her dislike for Alfred. There’s also Cynthia Murdoch, a bright and lively young woman working at the local Red Cross Hospital, who owes her stay at Styles to Emily’s kindness. Tensions are simmering beneath the surface of this grand household, and it isn’t long before they boil over.

One night, the peaceful sleep of the household is disrupted by alarming sounds from Emily’s bedroom. The door is locked from the inside, and by the time it’s broken open, it’s too late. Emily lies in her bed, convulsing and gasping for breath, but no one can help her. She dies in front of her family, leaving behind a mystery that will shake the foundations of Styles Court.

The circumstances of Emily’s death are suspicious. Her dying words, the scattered items in her room, and the strange behavior of those around her raise questions. The family doctor suspects a heart attack, but another doctor, Bauerstein, a specialist in poisons, hints that something more sinister might be at play. Hastings, sensing the gravity of the situation, immediately thinks of his old acquaintance, Hercule Poirot.

Poirot, now living as a refugee in the nearby village, is soon drawn into the investigation. The little Belgian detective, with his egg-shaped head and impeccable moustache, wastes no time in gathering information. Hastings, eager to help but often baffled by Poirot’s methods, follows him as he methodically interviews the household and examines the scene of the crime.

The investigation takes many twists and turns. Suspicion first falls on Alfred Inglethorp, Emily’s much younger husband. His strange behavior, his financial motives, and the clear animosity between him and the rest of the household make him an obvious suspect. Evelyn Howard, in particular, had warned Emily about him, and on the day of her death, she had argued violently with him. But Poirot, ever the methodical detective, is not so easily swayed by appearances.

As Poirot digs deeper, he uncovers a web of lies, hidden relationships, and long-held grudges. John Cavendish, the eldest stepson, is burdened by financial troubles and has his own reasons for resenting his stepmother. Lawrence Cavendish, a quiet and reserved man, is equally implicated when details of his troubled medical career come to light. Mary Cavendish, with her calm demeanor, harbors secrets of her own, and her close relationship with Dr. Bauerstein raises eyebrows. Cynthia Murdoch, seemingly innocent, is also drawn into the puzzle due to her work in the hospital dispensary, where poisons are readily available.

Poirot carefully pieces together the evidence: a coffee cup smashed deliberately, a fragment of green fabric, the strange timing of Emily’s final symptoms. He focuses on the seemingly insignificant details that others overlook, knowing that in these small clues lies the key to the truth. As the investigation progresses, he realizes that the crime is more intricate than it first appeared.

One of the critical pieces of evidence is Emily’s will. It had been changed shortly before her death, leaving her entire fortune to Alfred. This seems like a damning motive, but Poirot is not convinced that things are so simple. The more he observes, the more he suspects that the murderer has carefully crafted a scheme to mislead everyone, planting evidence to point the blame in the wrong direction.

After meticulous investigation and a dramatic final confrontation, Poirot gathers the household together to reveal the truth. He explains how the murder was carried out with cold precision, using a rare poison to make Emily’s death look natural. The guilty party had planned everything down to the smallest detail, manipulating the evidence to frame Alfred and mislead the police.

But Poirot’s sharp mind sees through the ruse. The real murderer is not Alfred but someone much closer to Emily. The murderer had exploited the complex relationships within the household, banking on the obvious animosity toward Alfred to draw suspicion away from themselves. In the end, it is revealed that one of Emily’s stepsons, along with an unexpected accomplice, had orchestrated the entire plot, motivated by a mix of financial desperation and deep-seated resentment.

With the crime solved, the household at Styles Court is left to pick up the pieces. Poirot’s brilliance has not only brought justice for Emily Inglethorp but also unraveled the dark secrets that had been festering within the family. For Hastings, the case is an eye-opening experience, one that leaves him in awe of Poirot’s unparalleled deductive skills.

As the quiet returns to Styles Court, it is clear that nothing will ever be the same again.

Main Characters

• Hercule Poirot: A retired Belgian detective living in England, Poirot is meticulous and uses his sharp intellect and methodical approach to solve the mystery at Styles Court. His reliance on “little grey cells” and his eccentric mannerisms make him a unique and memorable detective.
• Arthur Hastings: A former British Army officer recovering from war injuries, Hastings is the novel’s narrator. He reconnects with his old friend John Cavendish and is invited to Styles Court, where he becomes an accidental participant in the murder investigation. Hastings is enthusiastic and admires Poirot’s skills, though he sometimes misunderstands or underestimates the detective.
• Emily Inglethorp: The wealthy matriarch of Styles Court, Emily is found dead under suspicious circumstances. Her fortune and recent marriage to a much younger man make her death the focus of investigation.
• Alfred Inglethorp: Emily’s second husband, much younger than her and considered an outsider by the family. His strange behavior and clear financial interest in Emily’s death immediately cast suspicion on him.
• John Cavendish: Emily’s stepson, who resides at Styles Court with his wife, Mary. He is struggling financially, and his strained relationship with his stepmother adds complexity to his character.
• Mary Cavendish: John’s wife, a reserved and enigmatic woman. She appears distant but has a hidden depth of emotion and is involved in subplots that add layers to the investigation.
• Evelyn Howard: Emily’s companion and assistant, who is outspoken and strong-willed. She has clear suspicions about Alfred Inglethorp and is one of the key figures in unraveling the mystery.

Theme

• Deception and Trust: The novel explores how appearances can be deceptive, and almost every character harbors secrets that complicate the investigation. Poirot often emphasizes that one must look beyond what seems obvious.
• Justice and Morality: Poirot’s sense of justice is central to the story, as he is determined to uncover the truth, no matter the personal consequences for those involved. The moral question of whether the guilty deserve punishment or forgiveness is touched upon.
• War and Displacement: Set against the backdrop of World War I, the novel subtly explores the impact of the war on individuals, particularly through Poirot, a Belgian refugee, and Hastings, an invalided soldier.
• The Fragility of Social Status: The relationships between characters often reflect the fragility of class and status. Emily’s control of the family’s finances creates tension, and her marriage to Alfred, a man considered below her status, disrupts family dynamics.

Writing Style and Tone

Agatha Christie’s writing in The Mysterious Affair at Styles is characterized by its straightforward and efficient prose, typical of the Golden Age of detective fiction. She presents the narrative through Hastings’ perspective, whose admiration for Poirot sometimes leads to amusing misunderstandings and misinterpretations. The use of first-person narration provides an intimate glimpse into the unfolding events, while also keeping certain details hidden from the reader, maintaining suspense.

Christie employs a classic “whodunit” structure, carefully planting clues and red herrings throughout the story. Her language is accessible, yet she skillfully builds complex puzzles that challenge both the characters and the readers. The tone is both suspenseful and light-hearted, with moments of wit and humor, especially in Poirot’s interactions with Hastings. Poirot’s character adds a touch of the exotic, with his meticulous attention to detail and his foreign mannerisms, contrasting with the English countryside setting.