4 stars for The Mysterious Affair at Styles (Hercule Poirot book 1) by Agatha Christie.
I have finally read a book written by the Queen of Crime. It is not just any of her detective novels or short story collections, but the very first book of the Hercule Poirot mystery series where she created the most notable Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot, who goes on to be one of her most famous and long-running characters.
I have never been much of a fan of mystery crime novels. Needless of say, since young, I have no interest in any of Agatha Christie's books even when her books are so readily available in school libraries and national libraries. But that was in the past, before I read the Magpie Murders series. I will say the Magpie Murders books open my eyes and make me look at mystery crime novels in a different light. Since then, I have learnt to appreciate whodunnits.
The story of The Mysterious Affair at Styles is told from first person viewpoint by a Mr Hastings. Even though Poirot is a central character to the entire affair, the author chooses another character as the protagonist. As we read on, it soon becomes apparent why this is so. Detective Poirot is an astute observer of human behaviour and criminal mind. His intelligence at solving difficult puzzles of crimes earns him the respect and admiration of police forces across countries. But to prop up the clever Poirot, there will be need for another to come across as being dense. And who else but the protagonist is the best choice?
The first 15% of the story is spent on getting readers up to speed on the background and development of what is to come. Characters are introduced by name and profession and how they relate to one another. As with most mystery cases, the obvious deduction is usually and most likely to be the incorrect one. There are twists and turns, ups and downs and so many suspects that it is hard to guess who the perpetrator is.
This is a book I enjoy reading. My only grievance is the French words and phrases scattered throughout the book which I do not understand. I dislike having to interrupt my reading just so to do a Google translate but I dislike even more not knowing the meaning - no matter it is a word or two or a short sentence - of what I am reading.
As a debut novel, The Mysterious Affair at Styles may not be Agatha Christie's best, but it definitely is a story well-thought-out and well researched at a time of war (towards the end of War War I). It is also one that clearly demonstrates a lot of potential in the author's writing style and thought processes, and hint of more good stories to come.
It is hard to believe that I have finished reading a book that was first published more than one hundred years ago, in 1920, and way before I am born. It is even harder to believe that it has taken me so long to read an Agatha Christie's book. What is not hard to believe is I will want to manage my reading time to include more mystery crime cases solved by the fictional Poirot.
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication date: 26 Sep 2013
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The famous case that launched the career of Hercule Poirot. When a wealthy heiress is murdered, Poirot steps out of retirement to find the killer. As the master detective makes his way through the list of suspects, he finds the solution in an elaborately planned scheme almost impossible to believe.
*Blurb from Goodreads*
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