A review by bhavya_reads
The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie

adventurous dark mysterious slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

 
“Instinct is a marvelous thing. It can neither be explained nor ignored.”


~ Rating- 4 stars ~

Content / Trigger Warnings- Adultery, Death, Infidelity, Loss of a Parent, Murder, Poisoning

Note- I have tried to include all the content warnings that I noticed, but there is no guarantee that I haven’t missed something.

-Mention of some of these in the review-

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“They tried to be too clever---and that was their undoing.”


The elderly Emily Inglethorp, a wealthy heiress, is poisoned. The suspects are her fortune-hunting husband, her jealous relatives, even her hired companion. The solution is Hercule Poirot, a master detective, who is summoned to solve this case.

“You gave too much rein to your imagination. Imagination is a good servant, and a bad master. The simplest explanation is always the most likely.”


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➼This was my first Christie novel, and I am impressed with her storytelling. The beginning of the book was quite slow, and I was very confused, but as the book progressed and the clues unfolded, I was stunned by how well written it was.

➼I didn't see the plot twist coming. I hope I get better at predicting them as I read more Christie, but we'll see.

➼Hercule Poirot is an intriguing character, and I am looking forward to more stories where he is present.

➼I didn't care much for Hastings, and I found it a bit annoying to be in his perspective, but I suppose that was intentional. He didn't really serve a big purpose as a character, but as a narrator he was necessary to mislead us readers. I must say I prefer Watson as a sidekick over Hastings.

➼Overall, I'm pleased with this book and can't wait to read the next!

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“Everything must be taken into account. If the fact will not fit the theory---let the theory go.”


➼Audiobook Comments
David Suchet's narration was wonderful, and really brought the story to life. I would recommend it to beginners. Audiobook Rating- 4/5

“Every murderer is probably somebody's old friend.”


Review written on 2/1/2022.

DISCLAIMER-All opinions on books I’ve read and reviewed are my own, and are with no intention to offend anyone. If you feel offended by my reviews, let me know how I can fix it.

How I Rate-
1 star- Hardly liked anything/ was disappointed
2 star- Had potential but did not deliver/ was disappointed
3 stars- Was ok but could have been better/ was average / Enjoyed a lot but something was missing
4 stars- Loved a lot but something was missing
5 stars- Loved it/ new favourite

 
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