The Mysterious Affair at Styles (Dramatised)

By: Agatha Christie

Narrated by: Nicola McAuliffe, Philip Jackson, Simon Williams, John Moffatt

Length: 2 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's summary

This is the very first Poirot/Hastings story. Set in 1916, we meet Captain Hastings as he is invalided out of the Great War and goes to convalesce at Styles Court, the family home of his great friend, John Cavendish. By an extraordinary coincidence, billeted in the village is a brilliant little retired detective with an egg-shaped head, who made a considerable impression on the Captain when he was in Belgium.

Styles is not a happy household and in the blistering summer heat, tensions mount. Even so, the tragic murder which occurs is not expected. The entire family is drawn into the case but with their reluctant permission, Hastings calls upon the services of the diminutive Belgian. Thus begins one of the great partnerships and friendships in the history of crime.

John Moffatt stars as Hercule Poirot, Simon Williams as Captain Hastings and Philip Jackson as Detective Inspector Japp, who already has reason to be indebted to the distinguished and unique hero of so many mysteries.

A destroyed will, a shattered coffee cup, an old envelope - such are the seemingly unrelated details surrounding the murder of Mrs Inglethorp, mistress of Styles Court. With a thoroughness that is to become legendary, Hercule Poirot, the methodical little Belgian, begins his first - and perhaps most fascinating - investigation.

Cast includes Philip Jackson, Nicola McAuliffe and Simon Williams.

©1920 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)1920 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Dame Agatha's First

Agatha Christie's first novel introduces us to Hercule Poirot and his faithful friend, Captain Hastings. Set during WWI, it is a nearly perfect first book, and this adaptation features typically outstanding performances by John Moffatt and Simon Williams. The supporting cast is equally skillful and this dramatization does a great job of turning the story into a lovely full-cast listen.

Drama delivered!

Great performances by all the actors that dramatized this book. This mystery is a well woven intrigue. Agatha Christie never disappoints me with a few twists and turns--Hastings and I are always left in the dark by Hercule Poirot.

Most Entertaining!

Where does The Mysterious Affair at Styles (Dramatised) rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I thoroughly enjoy the BBC radio dramatizations of the Agatha Christie novels. They are well done and the Mysterious Affair at Styes, is no exception.

What did you like best about this story?

It is Agatha Christie's first novel. I read the book and then wanted to listen to the full cast audio. Really enjoyed the whole performance.

What about the narrators’s performance did you like?

I was able to tell the different characters voices apart. All the actors were lively and engaging in character. Love, love all the background noises and side effects.

Any additional comments?

Wonderful way to relax in the evening after a long day.

Good addition to the series

If you could sum up The Mysterious Affair at Styles (Dramatised) in three words, what would they be?

Great series start

Who was your favorite character and why?

Poirot is always my favorite. Although he is self important and vain, he is often put in his place by those who don't fall at his feet because of his intelligence. It keeps him humble.

What aspect of the narrators’s performance would you have changed?

I would have choosen someone with a younger, stronger sounding voice to be Hastings.

Any additional comments?

I like the dramatizations; the characters really come to life. I didn't really care for this recording's Hastings. He sounds old and dottering when Hastings is suppose to be relatively young and a good man in fight. His inflection was good (showing Hastings penchant for falling immediately in love with every beautiful woman in need). Otherwise I have no complaints.