From the Bookshelf of Reading the Detectives…

The Mysterious Affair at Styles (Hercule Poirot, #1)

Agatha Christie

Start date: January 1, 2025

Finish date: January 31, 2025

Discussion: Group Challenges

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Group Challenges

* Sept 25: The Mystery of the Blue Train (1928) by Agatha Christie
By Susan · 16 posts · 18 views

last updated Sep 12, 2025 08:12PM

* Sept 25: The Mystery of the Blue Train (1928) - SPOILER Thread
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last updated Sep 16, 2025 12:58PM

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What Members Thought

Dec 11, 2017 Susan rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This is Agatha Christie’s debut novel, published in 1920, and the first featuring her detective, Hercule Poirot. By any standards it is an assured and well written debut novel and, considering the period it was written, it is also remarkably undated. Apparently, Agatha Christie was challenged by her sister to write a detective story, for which I am eternally grateful, as this was her offering. Like one of the characters in this novel, Agatha worked in the dispensary of a local hospital and gaine ...more

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Nov 02, 2016 Kavita rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: mystery, uk, golden-age-mystery

This has never been one of my favourite books, and I keep forgetting the plot and everything else despite having read it many times. But there is nothing essentially wrong with the book, except that I found it a little dry.

Poirot and Hastings meet for the first time in this book on page. I think much of the pleasure from a Poirot mystery comes from Hastings, and Hastings wasn't as well developed here as the one I would grow used to.

It is the middle of World War I and Mrs Inglethorp is hosting ...more

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Oct 02, 2017 Rachel Burke rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: own-and-read, own-kindle, own-physical, own

A wonderful mystery and an excellent book!

I do love well written unreliable first-person narrator, and Hastings is the quintessential unreliable narrator. He tells the trip th as he sees it, but his perception is far enough removed from reality that it's hilarious to the reader.

His married friend casually mentions messing around with the maid and it's included because Hastings is besotted with his wife. Also, did Hastings mention how much funnier he is than John? Because he is, just ask him. A ...more

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Jan 21, 2018 Frances rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: mystery-series

This is Christie's first mystery novel, and also the first novel featuring Hercule Poirot, Christie's most famous detective. We meet Poirot and Hastings for the first time and are treated to a mystery with the intricate plot and surprising denouement for which Christie was justifiably famous. This is a fun read in its own right, and for a debut mystery novel it shows an author already at the top of her game. ...more

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Mar 19, 2015 Rachel Burke rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: own-and-read, own-physical, own

I've recently decided my "Agatha Christie books read" list was too light. So I'm reading all the Hercule Poirot stories in order. This is the first Poirot novel and its a delight. A real who-dunnit and a charming look into Hastings as well. ...more

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Jul 29, 2013 Cricket Muse rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Having feasted on a David Suchet Poirot marathon I thought I should actually read an Agatha Christie, so I started with the first one. It's easy to see why she became known as rhe Queen of Mysteries. Her plot and characterizations are rich, complicated, and at times confusing. This first Poirot mystery is tje perfect lazy day summer read. I am glad I watched it before I read as Christie does a bit of twisting and turning as she reveals the story. ...more

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