The Mysterious Affair at Styles

Booklist

“Hercule Poirot, the famous Belgian detective, enthusiastically invites readers to help him solve his latest case in this darling Agatha Christie adaptation. Jaunty rhyming text introduces the prominent players via a glimpse of the titular Styles manor, with each character visible in a separate window. It’s immediately established that the wealthy Emily Cavendish has been poisoned, and it’s up to the supersleuth to sort out the suspects. The story speeds ahead with stops at the chemist, the grounds, and confused courtrooms, all eventually leading to a dramatic denouement. It’s enormous fun, and though the overarching narrative remains intact, each spectacular spread also offers an extra enterprise: a hedge maze, a matching game, spot-its, and an ongoing mouse hunt. Younger readers will adore the vivid illustrations and entertaining activities; older readers will be able to absorb the entertaining story while compiling clues. A glossary, including some French vocabulary, rounds out the offerings. It may be a murder mystery, but it’s a supremely cozy and stylish one, and an ideal introduction to the amazing Poirot.” — Emily Graham

All About Agatha Podcast | Interview with Marci Kay Monson, Author of the New Children's Book, Agatha Christie's The Mysterious Affair at Styles

“Marci Kay Monson has created something very interesting in this children's picture-book version of The Mysterious Affair at Styles. I can't think of a better way to start off what I hope is a long-running discussion of YA mystery, here on the podcast.”

Green Child Magazine | 6 Books To Add To Your List Right Now

“Agatha Christie’s mysteries hold up timelessly, and this is an excellent introduction to her novels for kids. This book engages kids interactively with great illustrations and fun activities, like finding clues, solving mazes, and pretending to be a judge. Read it together to boost your child‘s problem-solving skills, reading ability, and even their eye-hand coordination! This entire book is written in rhymes, and there are tons of clues to figure out on each page by ‘reading between the lines.’ Don’t miss the glossary at the end to help your child understand the context and French words!”

The Cluesletter | Featured Authors: Marci Kay Monson

“Kids’ imaginations are incredible, and I think adding in some mystery will lead to great imaginative play in young readers’ lives.”

Bookstr | Marci Kay Monson: Why Little Readers Love Puzzling Out Classic Mysteries

The debut picture book author talks adapting Agatha Christie for young readers and the pleasure of solving a good whodunnit at any age.

Cracking the Cover | New Picture Book Series

“This retelling of The Mysterious Affair at Styles is the first in a series of interactive picture book “mini mysteries” for children. And it’s tons of fun.

Marci Kay Monson’s rhythmic text ushers in new information and further activities, which help them solve the mystery alongside Poirot. Artist Greg Paprocki’s playful illustrations are colorful and bright and perfectly matched to the text.

There are a number of novels for middle-readers that feature a young Agatha or are inspired by her works. My 10-year-old has a number of them and read the original The Mysterious Affair at Styles this past summer. She loves everything to do with Agatha Christie, and was excited about this picture book, even though she’s too old for it.

This is a great start to what looks to be a really fun new series.”