THE MYSTERIOUS AFFAIR AT STYLES (Mini Mysteries), by Marci Kay Monson and Greg Paprocki, Gibbs Smith, Sept. 24, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)
Agatha Christie’s The Mysterious Affair at Styles is adapted for young readers in Marci Kay Monson and Greg Paprocki’s new book by the same title.
The Mysterious Affair at Styles is Agatha Christie’s first detective novel (a cozy mystery―no violence or gore), and where she introduces her fictional detective Hercule Poirot. The story, set in England during World War I, is a true who-done-it full of mysterious characters and teasing clues.
Monson’s retelling of the original book captures the plot and distills it for children, gently ushering them into the literary world of Christie’s mysteries. Along with the story, there are activities, games, and puzzles throughout to help with children’s engagement, and might just foster a few budding detectives.
There is also a glossary of terms and French words. —Synopsis provided by Gibbs Smith
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.
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