Early Agatha Christie Explored

One of my reading goals is to read my way through the collection of various favorite authors I have. My parents were both huge fans of Agatha Christie, and they were the ones who introduced me to her murder mysteries when I was a teenager. I was excited to return to the beginning with her debut novel, The Mysterious Affair at Styles.

The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sisters can challenge us like no other, and we tend to rise to the occasion when they do. Madge Christie dared her sister, Agatha, to write a mystery that the reader couldn’t figure out the murderer – thankfully, Agatha was up for the challenge. As a result, she wrote what would be her debut novel, The Mysterious Affair at Styles, which also featured the Belgian detective Hercule Poirot.

Christie had an extensive understanding of medicines and poisons from her volunteer work in the dispensary in the Torquay Hospital during World War I. So it is understandable that poison would become her first weapon of choice.

Christie lays the groundwork for Poirot's character - revealing his quirks and idiosycracies. We learn that Poirot's intellect, distinct personality, and moral compass are critical ingredients in helping him successfully get to the bottom of any mystery.

I enjoyed reading The Mysterious Affair at Styles – silly me thought I was clever enough to figure out the murderer since I have read several of her books. I mistakenly presumed Christie hadn't honed her skill to the level that readers know her mysteries to be. I was surprised by the ending which made complete sense. That is the beauty and the genius of her mysteries that make them so enjoyable. The Mysterious Affair at Styles proved to be an excellent stepping stone.

Murder on the Links, the second installment in Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot mysteries, presents a captivating murder mystery full of twists, turns, and red herrings. The intricate plot and themes of relationships, family, and revenge add depth to the story, but the abundance of subplots sometimes challenged me to keep track of the action.

In this story, we learn more about Poirot's investigative approach.

"My friend, in working upon a case, one does not take into account only the things that are 'mentioned.' There is no reason to mention many things which may be important. Equally, there is often an excellent reason for not mentioning them."

We see Poirot's methodical and astute nature reflected in his words. He looks beyond the surface. He pays attention to both spoken and unspoken details, relying on his "little grey cells" to solve the most perplexing of mysteries.

Poirot's "little grey cells" are not metaphorical; they refer to the grey matter in his brain. Grey matter is a tissue in the brain responsible for higher-level functions such as thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving. Poirot's intelligence, honed by years of experience and observation, allows him to see things others cannot. He can connect seemingly unrelated clues and discern motives and reasons behind the crime. Poirot's "little grey cells" give him a unique advantage as a detective, enabling him to think outside the box and develop creative solutions to problems.

Christie's commendable writing style and ability to craft a compelling mystery are evident, however, Murder on the Links sometimes felt too complex, leaving me confused and lost. The abundance of subplots and numerous characters made keeping track of the action difficult, and the story seemed to meander at times, dampening the overall experience.

I struggled with the character of Captain Hastings, Poirot's partner. His portrayal as a love-sick puppy and his questionable morality were irritating and detracted from my overall enjoyment of the book. At times, I just wanted him to stop talking, but as the story's narrator, his constant presence was unavoidable, and on more than one occasion, I wished he would let the story unfold without unnecessary commentary.

Murder on the Links introduces many characters and subplots, making it difficult to maintain focus and grasp the intricacies of the mystery, which is very much a part of her style. Christie's talent for creating suspense and keeping readers guessing until the end is commendable. The novel's themes of relationships, family, and revenge add depth to the story, enriching the overall reading experience.

The audiobook version, narrated by Richard Armitage, provided a fresh perspective on the intricate mystery. Armitage's narration skills were commendable, especially considering the numerous characters present in the story. He gave distinct voices to each character, making it easier to follow their roles and contributions to the plot.

While I still found some of the subplots and complexities challenging to follow, Armitage's engaging performance added a layer of enjoyment to the audiobook. His ability to capture the suspense and emotions of the story, particularly his portrayal of Poirot, immersed me further into Agatha Christie's world of mystery and intrigue. Armitage's narration elevated the audiobook experience, making it a worthwhile choice for fans of Christie's work.

In the end, Murder on the Links is a solid mystery with plenty of twists and turns that fans of Agatha Christie will likely appreciate. However, I found the presence of Captain Hastings somewhat irritating, coupled with all the subplots that made it challenging to enjoy at times fully. While I admire Christie's writing, I believe her later works may offer a more refined and polished reading experience. 3 Stars.

As the year comes to a close, and I look at the collection, The Man in the Brown Suit is next on my list of her reads - however none of her more famous characters seem to be in that story. A young woman, Anne Beddingfeld finds herself in the middle of a mystery only she can solve that tales her from London's Hyde Station all the way to Africa.

I will have to wait to read The Big Four to meet up with her Detective Hercule Poirot again. Christie first published The Big Four in 1927, her seventh mystery - four years after The Man in the Brown Suit. The Secret of Chimneys (1925) and The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (1926) in between. By 1927 , Christie had published a novel each year, four featuring Detective Hercule Poirot.

Do you enjoy reading Agatha Christie mysteries? Who is your favorite lead detective in her books - are you a Hercule Poirot fan or Miss Marple? Please share your favorites and not so favorites of her books in the comments. Thanks for reading!