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Classic Racing Mystery From The King Of Crime: The Mysterious Affair at Styles

Casey Bell

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Published in Knockdown: A Classic Racing Mystery From The King Of Crime

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The Mysterious Affair at Styles is a classic racing mystery novel by Agatha Christie, first published in 1920. It introduces Hercule Poirot, one of Christie's most famous and beloved detectives. The novel is set in a country house during a weekend party, and involves the murder of a wealthy woman. Poirot is called in to investigate the crime, and he quickly discovers that everyone in the house is a suspect.

Knockdown: A classic racing mystery from the king of crime

by Dick Francis

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1660 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	227 pages

Plot

The Mysterious Affair at Styles takes place at Styles Court, the country home of Emily Inglethorp. Emily is a wealthy widow who has recently married a much younger man, Alfred Inglethorp. On a weekend in July, a group of guests arrive at Styles Court for a party. Among the guests are John Cavendish, Emily's stepson; Mary Cavendish, John's wife; Lawrence Cavendish, John's brother; Cynthia Murdoch, Lawrence's fiancée; and Dr. Bauerstein, the family doctor.

On the night of the party, Emily is found dead in her bedroom. She has been poisoned with strychnine. Poirot is called in to investigate the murder, and he quickly discovers that everyone in the house had a motive for wanting Emily dead.

Characters

Hercule Poirot

Hercule Poirot is a Belgian detective who is known for his brilliant mind and his eccentric methods of investigation. Poirot is called in to investigate the murder of Emily Inglethorp, and he quickly discovers that everyone in the house is a suspect.

John Cavendish

John Cavendish is Emily Inglethorp's stepson. He is a young man who is struggling financially. John had a difficult relationship with his stepmother, and he was often resentful of her wealth.

Mary Cavendish

Mary Cavendish is John's wife. She is a kind and caring woman who is devoted to her husband. Mary was close to Emily, and she is deeply saddened by her death.

Lawrence Cavendish

Lawrence Cavendish is John's brother. He is a wealthy young man who is engaged to Cynthia Murdoch. Lawrence was not close to Emily, and he was often critical of her.

Cynthia Murdoch

Cynthia Murdoch is Lawrence's fiancée. She is a beautiful and charming young woman. Cynthia had a good relationship with Emily, but she was not close to her.

Dr. Bauerstein

Dr. Bauerstein is the family doctor. He is a kind and caring man who is devoted to his patients. Dr. Bauerstein was close to Emily, and he is deeply saddened by her death.

Themes

The Importance of Family

The Mysterious Affair at Styles is a story about the importance of family. Emily Inglethorp's murder brings her family together, and it forces them to confront their own relationships with each other. The novel also explores the theme of forgiveness, as the family members must learn to forgive each other for their past mistakes.

The Power of Money

The Mysterious Affair at Styles also explores the theme of the power of money. Emily Inglethorp's wealth is a source of both conflict and danger. Her family members are all motivated by greed, and they are willing to do anything to get their hands on her money.

The Nature of Evil

The Mysterious Affair at Styles is a dark and suspenseful novel that explores the nature of evil. The murderer is a cold-blooded killer who is motivated by greed and hatred. The novel also explores the theme of redemption, as the murderer is ultimately brought to justice.

The Mysterious Affair at Styles is a classic racing mystery novel that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The novel features a cast of complex and compelling characters, and it explores a number of important themes. The Mysterious Affair at Styles is a must-read for fans of mystery fiction.

Knockdown: A classic racing mystery from the king of crime

by Dick Francis

4.7 out of 5