"The Mysterious Affair at Styles" is the very first mystery novel by Agatha Christie, and is said to have launched her prolific career. According to rumor, it was originally written on a bet that Dame Christie would not be able to write a book without the reader being able to guess a murderer. In this, there are many red herrings and crisscrosses. It takes a logical mind to keep pace. Inspector Hercule Poirot, a Belgian refugee of the Great War, is settling in England near the home of his friend, Emily Inglethorp. Only he discovers shockingly, this woman is soon killed and must apply his detective skills to solve the mystery. This American English book edition for USA audiences contains full illustrations to help the reader solve the crime along side the brilliant detective and includes historical commentary.