Jumia Books The Mysterious Affair at Styles Author: Agatha Christie

The Mysterious Affair at Styles is the groundbreaking debut of Hercule Poirot, Agatha Christie’s legendary Belgian detective. Set in the quiet English countryside during World War I, the novel begins with the sudden death of wealthy Emily Inglethorp at Styles Court—a stately manor surrounded by secrets, suspicion, and simmering family tensions.

The household is a closed circle of potential suspects: a much younger husband, resentful step-sons, a cryptic companion, and a family doctor with questionable motives. When Poirot is summoned to investigate, he applies his signature methodical reasoning and psychological insight to untangle a web of lies, inheritance schemes, and hidden relationships.

Christie’s plotting is meticulous, her clues cleverly planted, and her resolution both surprising and satisfying. The cover’s imagery—a stately brick house under a bright sky, with a lone silhouette in the foreground—perfectly captures the novel’s blend of elegance and intrigue. This is not just a murder mystery; it’s a masterclass in deduction and the birth of one of fiction’s most enduring detectives.

???? Key Themes:

Classic detective fiction and logical deduction

Country house mystery and closed-circle suspects

Social dynamics and wartime backdrop

Justice, truth, and psychological insight

Introduction of Hercule Poirot’s investigative style

???? Kenyan Relevance:

For Kenyan readers—especially fans of crime fiction, literary classics, and analytical storytelling—this novel offers:

A timeless introduction to detective logic and genre foundations

Ideal for mystery-themed bundles and literary heritage collections

Perfect for readers exploring character-driven suspense and historical intrigue

???? Cataloging Suggestions:

Category: Classic Mystery / Detective Fiction / Crime Literature

Bundles: Pair with Murder on the Orient Express, Death in the Clouds, or The Murder of Roger Ackroyd for a “Poirot Essentials” series

Audience Tags: Adult Readers, Mystery Fans, Literary Classic Seekers, Logic Enthusiasts