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The Early Classics of Agatha Christie
Golden Deer Classics publishes the greatest works of history's greatest authors and collects them to make it easy and affordable for readers to have them all at the push of a button. All of our collections include a linked table of contents.
Agatha Christie was a British author of crime fiction. Christie's career spanned over 50 years and featured over 60 novels. Christie's book The Mysterious Affairs at Styles, was the first to feature the legendary character Hercule Poirot. This collection includes the
The Mysterious Affair at Styles
The Secret Adversary
Agatha Christie was a British author of crime fiction. Christie's career spanned over 50 years and featured over 60 novels. Christie's book The Mysterious Affairs at Styles, was the first to feature the legendary character Hercule Poirot. This collection includes the
The Mysterious Affair at Styles
The Secret Adversary
435 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 24, 2017
1019 people are currently reading
860 people want to read
About the author
Agatha Christie
5,855 books76.3k followersAgatha Christie also wrote romance novels under the pseudonym Mary Westmacott, and was occasionally published under the name Agatha Christie Mallowan.
Dame Agatha Mary Clarissa Christie, Lady Mallowan, DBE (née Miller) was an English writer known for her 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, particularly those revolving around fictional detectives Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. She also wrote the world's longest-running play, the murder mystery The Mousetrap, which has been performed in the West End of London since 1952. A writer during the "Golden Age of Detective Fiction", Christie has been called the "Queen of Crime". She also wrote six novels under the pseudonym Mary Westmacott. In 1971, she was made a Dame (DBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for her contributions to literature. Guinness World Records lists Christie as the best-selling fiction writer of all time, her novels having sold more than two billion copies.
This best-selling author of all time wrote 66 crime novels and story collections, fourteen plays, and six novels under a pseudonym in romance. Her books sold more than a billion copies in the English language and a billion in translation. According to Index Translationum, people translated her works into 103 languages at least, the most for an individual author. Of the most enduring figures in crime literature, she created Hercule Poirot and Miss Jane Marple. She atuhored The Mousetrap, the longest-running play in the history of modern theater.
Associated Names:
Agata Christie
Agata Kristi
Агата Кристи (Russian)
Агата Крісті (Ukrainian)
Αγκάθα Κρίστι (Greek)
アガサ クリスティ (Japanese)
阿嘉莎·克莉絲蒂 (Chinese)
Dame Agatha Mary Clarissa Christie, Lady Mallowan, DBE (née Miller) was an English writer known for her 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, particularly those revolving around fictional detectives Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. She also wrote the world's longest-running play, the murder mystery The Mousetrap, which has been performed in the West End of London since 1952. A writer during the "Golden Age of Detective Fiction", Christie has been called the "Queen of Crime". She also wrote six novels under the pseudonym Mary Westmacott. In 1971, she was made a Dame (DBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for her contributions to literature. Guinness World Records lists Christie as the best-selling fiction writer of all time, her novels having sold more than two billion copies.
This best-selling author of all time wrote 66 crime novels and story collections, fourteen plays, and six novels under a pseudonym in romance. Her books sold more than a billion copies in the English language and a billion in translation. According to Index Translationum, people translated her works into 103 languages at least, the most for an individual author. Of the most enduring figures in crime literature, she created Hercule Poirot and Miss Jane Marple. She atuhored The Mousetrap, the longest-running play in the history of modern theater.
Associated Names:
Agata Christie
Agata Kristi
Агата Кристи (Russian)
Агата Крісті (Ukrainian)
Αγκάθα Κρίστι (Greek)
アガサ クリスティ (Japanese)
阿嘉莎·克莉絲蒂 (Chinese)
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
December 2, 2023
Well, Agatha's first novels are somehow better than her last ones, when the pattern was already well-known by everyone.
Poirot has become rather a nuisance for his "spiritual mother" and something new must be invented. So Styles and The Secret Adversary are probably among the worthiest ones...
Poirot has become rather a nuisance for his "spiritual mother" and something new must be invented. So Styles and The Secret Adversary are probably among the worthiest ones...
February 28, 2018
There’s little I can add, I’m sure, to everything written about Agatha Christi. As a first time reader I found her style mellifluous and the English is beautiful. And she really does keep you guessing right until the end in both of these stories. I also found her piercing, pre-feminist wit refreshing, there’s no ideological baggage here.
July 12, 2019
Two early books by Agatha Christie. The first, “The Mysterious Affair At Styles,” a serious story with murder at the hub.
The second, “A Serious Adversary,” featuring Tommy and Tuppence, was more like a play date.
All in all, a fun read. I haven’t read Agatha in a while. Nice to revisit.
The second, “A Serious Adversary,” featuring Tommy and Tuppence, was more like a play date.
All in all, a fun read. I haven’t read Agatha in a while. Nice to revisit.
February 6, 2021
This book offers two of Agatha Christie's earliest classics. THE MYSTERIOUS AFFAIR AT STYLES, introducing Hercule Poirot, was penned in 1920, while 1922 saw the first publication of Tommy and Tuppence's THE SECRET ADVERSARY. Although Hercule Poirot and Miss Jane Marple are staid, established sleuths, Christie writes Tommy & Tuppence as happy-go-lucky adventurers in their 20's (or so).
THE MYSTERIOUS AFFAIR AT STYLES --
This book is set during World War I with an elderly, retired Belgian detective taking refuge in England. An older woman, married to a man 20-years younger, is found in the throes of death. Poirot, living outside the estate, is summoned by Captain Hastings, a visitor at the estate. Mrs. Christie flings red herrings about with abandon and it takes considerable time to wade through the clues and false leads to a solution. I thought it was a bit contrived; obviously, this was the author's early work.
THE SECRET ADVERSARY --
Jane Finn, in the Prologue, was given some important papers as the Lusitania was sinking (the man who asked her to take them knew only women and children would be given seats on boats to be saved from the sinking ship). However, it is now 5 years later and the papers are still missing. People are looking for the quiet woman who accepted the important papers from the spy/government agent who obviously died.
Tommy and Tuppence have survived the rigors of World War I and are footloose in London, without jobs or money. They form a partnership, hoping to stabilize their lives with regular employment. They are soon hired to find the elusive Jane Finn.
This pair act on impulse and with more bravery than wisdom. The action is plentiful but I found much of it to be cartoonish or outlandish. In other words, I don't think this story has worn well (in the 100 years since written).
THE MYSTERIOUS AFFAIR AT STYLES --
This book is set during World War I with an elderly, retired Belgian detective taking refuge in England. An older woman, married to a man 20-years younger, is found in the throes of death. Poirot, living outside the estate, is summoned by Captain Hastings, a visitor at the estate. Mrs. Christie flings red herrings about with abandon and it takes considerable time to wade through the clues and false leads to a solution. I thought it was a bit contrived; obviously, this was the author's early work.
THE SECRET ADVERSARY --
Jane Finn, in the Prologue, was given some important papers as the Lusitania was sinking (the man who asked her to take them knew only women and children would be given seats on boats to be saved from the sinking ship). However, it is now 5 years later and the papers are still missing. People are looking for the quiet woman who accepted the important papers from the spy/government agent who obviously died.
Tommy and Tuppence have survived the rigors of World War I and are footloose in London, without jobs or money. They form a partnership, hoping to stabilize their lives with regular employment. They are soon hired to find the elusive Jane Finn.
This pair act on impulse and with more bravery than wisdom. The action is plentiful but I found much of it to be cartoonish or outlandish. In other words, I don't think this story has worn well (in the 100 years since written).
April 30, 2018
It was a visit to the past- usually during the summers when I was a student and read A Christie- to re read these books. AC developes her characters and plot with great care- but the persons in the Affair at Syles did not capture my sympathies- though I really liked Poirot and his idiosyncracies. The 2nd book, with Tuppence and Tommy as the young adventurers, was fun. Through many different situations and meeting lots of persons, T and T show their style, youth, courage, and integrity when faced with a villain working against the British government. The end is nice because it sums up all the loose ends- this is a trait of AC's books.
June 1, 2023
It's always a pleasure to read Agatha Christie, and her early works are no exception. Her first published book was The Mysterious Affair at Styles, written while she lived at Styles. It was the introduction of Hercule Poirot, already retired, who accepted a friend's invitation to visit Styles. This visit was filled with family disputes, rumors, scandal, and murder.
The Secret Adversary introduces Tommy and Tuppence who !manage to get themselves involved in missing persons, political intrigue, kidnapping and murder.
4
The Secret Adversary introduces Tommy and Tuppence who !manage to get themselves involved in missing persons, political intrigue, kidnapping and murder.
4
April 23, 2018
Great book of all time
I love Agatha Christie books. It keeps you wanting to read until the very last page. The Early Classic is a great book. Its about her first book she wrote Mysterious Affair at Styles. the first time in the story you meet Poirot . The love his little mustache .
I love Agatha Christie books. It keeps you wanting to read until the very last page. The Early Classic is a great book. Its about her first book she wrote Mysterious Affair at Styles. the first time in the story you meet Poirot . The love his little mustache .
August 2, 2018
Read it before, and I love it still!
More than one candidate for the villain of the piece...Even though I've read the story before (years ago), I was still guessing! And our heroes, though written so long ago, still have a modern air that makes them quite amusing. If you haven't read this one -- or have read it but don't quite remember -- I highly recommend it!
More than one candidate for the villain of the piece...Even though I've read the story before (years ago), I was still guessing! And our heroes, though written so long ago, still have a modern air that makes them quite amusing. If you haven't read this one -- or have read it but don't quite remember -- I highly recommend it!
February 12, 2022
Good Sports
As usual, Ms. Christie delivered. She does so with her own grand style and polish. In my lifetime I have read each and every book she's written and 3 of her plays. Without giving away her twist and turns , I will say , I never doubted that Tuppeince and Tommy would end up together ❤
As usual, Ms. Christie delivered. She does so with her own grand style and polish. In my lifetime I have read each and every book she's written and 3 of her plays. Without giving away her twist and turns , I will say , I never doubted that Tuppeince and Tommy would end up together ❤
April 27, 2018
The Queen of story wriing
Agatha Christie is he Queen of story telling, she hold you imagination until the very end. The characters are all believable. Every story is different . I would recommend these books to any one.
Agatha Christie is he Queen of story telling, she hold you imagination until the very end. The characters are all believable. Every story is different . I would recommend these books to any one.
November 8, 2018
Sleuthing
Am a fan of Agatha Christie' characters on television, but have read little of her work. Having read the two novels in this collection, I am amazed at the twists and turns she manufactured to keep the reader enthralled. Excellent reading for me
Am a fan of Agatha Christie' characters on television, but have read little of her work. Having read the two novels in this collection, I am amazed at the twists and turns she manufactured to keep the reader enthralled. Excellent reading for me
January 25, 2020
I know I have read these two stories but it has been years and I didn't remember how they came out. One is "The Mysterious Affairs at Styles" and the other is "The Secret Adversary". I enjoyed reading both of them.
January 26, 2020
Intrigued
I judge a book by how it holds my attention
In both of these books that was enough intrigue to keep me turning pages
The writing style was a bit of a challenge but the characters and ever changing plot held me
I judge a book by how it holds my attention
In both of these books that was enough intrigue to keep me turning pages
The writing style was a bit of a challenge but the characters and ever changing plot held me
February 16, 2020
Live the finest of wines
Agatha Christie has so many favourite stories, with each retelling, my heart skips and delights in the romance and heman & spokeswoman triumphs, death to spell checker wizard
Agatha Christie has so many favourite stories, with each retelling, my heart skips and delights in the romance and heman & spokeswoman triumphs, death to spell checker wizard
April 10, 2018
Great
These books won't disappoint. Keep you hanging on to the end. Typical Christie. Great reads and always kept me reading.
These books won't disappoint. Keep you hanging on to the end. Typical Christie. Great reads and always kept me reading.
April 28, 2018
Starting to read an Agatha Christiie novel @ rehab. Or is it THE most famous A.C. novel of all time? Strange...never read it before.
October 3, 2019
Really good read
February 3, 2020
What a fun, exciting book! I have read it at least 3 times over many years. Still exciting!
February 12, 2020
Love it could not put it downi wish there was more like this it was so good
Love it could not put it down I wish there was more like this it was so good I put five
Love it could not put it down I wish there was more like this it was so good I put five
March 23, 2020
Mysteries
Love Sharma Christie! I always enjoy reading her books! They hook you right the bat!
They have a way of getting you into the story!
Love Sharma Christie! I always enjoy reading her books! They hook you right the bat!
They have a way of getting you into the story!
March 31, 2020
2 classic mysteries from the early 20's. Well worth the read. No-one weaves a mystery like Agatha Christie.
May 6, 2020
The first mystery of Hercule Poirot, The Mysterious Affair at Styles, and the first Tommy and Tuppence mystery, The Secret Adversary.
Two great mysteries.
Two great mysteries.
July 7, 2020
Agatha Christie is always a treat. Love all her stories.
August 15, 2020
What can I say? It's Agatha Christie!
August 26, 2020
Top 5 for sure
I loved it. I loved everything about it. It is now in my top 5 Agatha books. Too much fun.
I loved it. I loved everything about it. It is now in my top 5 Agatha books. Too much fun.
July 26, 2021
Not her best work.
She got better with time. Don’t dismay! Not her best work , but she got better with time. This one was kind of a mess.
She got better with time. Don’t dismay! Not her best work , but she got better with time. This one was kind of a mess.
August 4, 2021
She had a style of her own. I really enjoyed these early books, but her later books are better.
December 31, 2021
Master of the genre
An English manor house mystery and a spy thriller. Have to admit I fell for the red herrings both times!
An English manor house mystery and a spy thriller. Have to admit I fell for the red herrings both times!
January 30, 2022
A couple of well told stories.
Thanks!
Thanks!
December 12, 2022
Lots of good reading
The stories we all fascinating. But each case is different. Time well spent on cold winter's nights! Poireau is using his little gray cells.
The stories we all fascinating. But each case is different. Time well spent on cold winter's nights! Poireau is using his little gray cells.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews