The Mysterious Affair at Styles

“This, we trust, will effectually silence the sensational rumors which still persist.”

Nothing could be more sensational than a murder conducted with all the intrigues and complications of a soap opera. As always, Arthur’s protestations of diplomacy and conservatism are exaggerated. Poirot and his case will indeed prove satisfyingly sensational, belying Arthur’s opening protestation.

“I recalled her as an energetic, autocratic personality, somewhat inclined to charitable and social notoriety, with a fondness for opening bazaars and playing the Lady Bountiful. She was a most generous woman, and possessed a considerable fortune of her own.”

Emily Inglethorp is the first in a long career of generous but flighty dowager victims towards which Poirot will feel a debt of justice. Christie was attuned to the vulnerability of older women in society.

‘“Like a good detective story myself,’ remarked Miss Howard. ‘Lots of nonsense written, though. Criminal discovered in last chapter. Everyone dumbfounded. Real crime—you’d know at once.’”

Christie teases the reader’s expectations here, revealing herself to be as much a fan of the cozy mysteries as her audience. Even at this early stage in her career, Christie could expect that her readers were well aware of the most familiar tropes of the form.