The Mysterious Affair at Styles

The story is set in the country house of Styles where the wealthy heiress Emily Inglethorp has been murdered. Poirot is asked by his friend Captain Arthur Hastings to help solve the case and the two detectives begin to investigate the members of the household and their relationships with the victim. The plot is known for its clever twists and turns and for its use of various red herrings and false leads. The novel also introduces many of the recurring themes and character traits that would become hallmarks of Christies writing including Poirots fastidiousness and Hastings bumbling charm.