The Mysterious Affair at Styles

Captain Hasting’s, wounded at the Front, is recuperating at Styles Court in Essex. When Emily Inglethorpe is found poisoned, it is fortunate for Hastings that he bumps into his old friend, the famous detective, Hercule Poirot.

When the evidence seems to point to one particular family member, it is up to Poirot to prove the real murderer is someone else entirely... About this novel on wikipedia

---

TRIVIA: in Styles Court also the setting of Curtain, Poirot's last case. The house in which Agatha Christie lived with her first husband, Colonel Archibald Christie, was named Styles.

LOCATIONS: Styles Court, Essex

---

Buy this novel on Agatha Christie LTD Shop

This story appear on Agatha Christie Poirot TV Series

Available on Agatha Christie LTD

The Disappearance Of Mr.Davenheim

POIROT INVESTIGATES, SHORT STORY COLLECTION

The very first collection of superb short stories featuring Hercule Poirot and Captain Hastings...First there was the mystery of the film star and the diamond! then came the 'suicide' that was murder! the mystery of the absurdly chaep flat! a suspicious death in a locked gun-room! a million dollar bond robbery! the curse of a pharoah's tomb! a jewel robbery by the sea! the abduction of a Prime Minister! the disappearance of a banker! a phone call from a dying man! and, finally, the mystery of the missing willl. What links these fascinating cases? Only the brilliant deductive powers of Hercule Poirot!... About this novel on wikipedia

---

TRIVIA: Brooklands was a 2.75 miles (4.43km) motor racing circuit and airfield built near Weybridge in Surrey, England. It opened in 1907, and was the world's first purpose-built motorsport venue. The circuit hosted its last race in 1939, and was also one of Britain's first airfields. Nowadays it plays host to Brooklands Museum, a major aviation and motoring museum, as well as various vintage car rallies.

LOCATIONS: Brooklands, Surrey

---

Buy this novel on Agatha Christie LTD Shop

This story appear on Agatha Christie Poirot TV Series

Available on Agatha Christie LTD

Surrey

THIS COUNTY APPEARS IN POIROT'S CASE:

Five Little Pigs, How Does Your Garden Grow?, The Disappearance Of Mr.Davenheim

Surrey is a county in the South East of England and is one of the Home Counties. The county borders Greater London, Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, Hampshire, and Berkshire. The historic county town is Guildford. Surrey County Council sits at Kingston upon Thames, although this has been part of Greater London since 1965.

Surrey is divided into 11 boroughs and districts: Elmbridge, Epsom and Ewell, Guildford, Mole Valley, Reigate and Banstead, Runnymede, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath, Tandridge, Waverley, Woking. The largest town in Surrey is Guildford, Woking, Ewell north of the county, Camberleyin the west of the county.

Surrey has a population of approximately 1.1 million people. The historic county town is Guildford, although the county administration was moved to Newington in 1791 and to Kingston upon Thames in 1893. The county council's headquarters have been outside the county's boundaries since 1 April 1965 when Kingston and other areas were included within Greater London by the London Government Act 1963. Due to its proximity to London there are many commuter towns and villages in Surrey, the population density is high and the area is more affluent than other parts of the UK. Surrey is the most densely populated county after Greater London, the metropolitan counties and Bristol. Much of the north east of the county is an urban area contiguous to Greater London. In the west, there is a conurbation straddling the Hampshire/Surrey border, including in Surrey Camberley and Farnham.

Most English counties have nicknames for people from that county, such as a Tyke from Yorkshire and a Yellowbelly from Lincolnshire; the traditional nickname for people from Surrey is 'Surrey Capon', as it was well known in the later Middle Ages as the county where chickens were fattened up for the London meat markets.

Surrey has been mentioned in literature: in the Harry Potter series, Harry's only living relatives, the Dursleys, live in Little Whinging, a fictional town located in Surrey. Much of H. G. Wells's 1898 novella The War of the Worlds is set in Surrey with many specific towns and villages identified. The Martians first land on Horsell Common on the north side of Woking, outside the Bleak House pub, now called Sands. In the story the narrator flees in the direction of London, first passing Byfleet and then Weybridge before travelling east along the north bank of the Thames.

The county has also been used as a film location. Part of the movie The Holiday was filmed in Surrey: Kate Winslet's character Iris lived there and Cameron Diaz's character Amanda switched houses with her as part of a home exchange. The final scene of Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason uses the village church in Shere, as does the movie The Wedding Date. In the 1976 film The Omen, the scenes at the cathedral were filmed at Guildford Cathedral. Surrey woodland represented Germany in the opening scene of Gladiator, starring Russell Crowe; it was filmed at The Bourne Woods near Farnham in Surrey.

Surrey is the location for Lara Croft's mansion in the Tomb Raider game series.

Sunningdale, Berkshire

Sunningdale is a large village and civil parish in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead in the English county of Berkshire. It is very close to the present border with Surrey, and is not far from Ascot, Sunninghill and Virginia Water. The present-day civil parish of Sunningdale came into existence in 1894 under the provisions of the Local Government Act 1894; it had previously been part of Old Windsor. It was, until 1995, partly in Berkshire and partly in Surrey. The Surrey area of the village, known as Broomhall, and including the World-famous Sunningdale Golf Club, was also split between the boroughs of Surrey Heath and Runnymede.

Famous residents have included John Lennon and Yoko Ono (however Tittenhurst Park lies officially under nearby Ascot), Richard Beckinsale, British pop group Five Star who resided at the Stone Court estate, London Road, between 1987 and 1990, Chesney Hawkes, Agatha Christie, Billy Ocean, Ellie Librie, and Gary Lineker.

The area is also popular with professional golfers, and home to many large, expensive dwellings, example being Coworth House and Fort Belvedere.

SEE AND DO:

• Sunningdale Golf Club, Sunningdale
  "All that one would hope to find in the ideal golf club is in abundance at Sunningdale. Two magnificently conditioned courses of superb design and so pleasing to the eye, a clubhouse which provides members and visitors with an unforgettable experience of pampered comfort, accompanied by exceptional food and wine, a staff that anticipates and provides for the members’ wishes, no matter how eccentric they may be, a first class professional’s shop and competent instruction on hand, the most knowledgeable caddies in the game and the finest halfway house I know."

  
  

  Sir Michael Bonallack

Guildford, Surrey

Guildford is a large town in Surrey in the South East of England. It has still retained much of its historical charm. A short walk up the cobbled high street shows many buildings which are hundreds of years old. The medieval castle was used by the King of England in the 1400s and because of this Guildford is the only royal town in Surrey.

Guildford grew up into a large town because of its location at roughly the half way point between England's main naval port at Portsmouth and the admiralty in Greenwich, London. People travelling by horse drawn carriage between the two would stop at inns in Guildford (such as The Angel and The Lion) to swap horses over and to refresh themselves. With the advent of the steam train in the 19th century, Guildford was no longer needed for this purpose, and it fell into decline. But as more and more people started to commute into work in London in the early 20th century, Guildford became more and more rich and popular.

Guildford is the county town of Surrey, but not the administrative centre (that is Kingston-upon-Thames, which is actually in a London borough). It is the economic and cultural centre of the whole of West Surrey.

Although under 30 miles away from Central London Guildford has its own individuality and is not similar to boroughs in London or other commuter towns in Surrey. Guildford is a large town with all the amenities of a City.

Guildford has been the home of Lewis Carroll:

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (1865) is a novel written by English author Charles Lutwidge Dodgson under the pseudonym Lewis Carroll. It tells the story of a girl named Alice who falls down a rabbit hole into a fantasy world populated by peculiar and anthropomorphic creatures. The tale is filled with allusions to Dodgson's friends. The tale plays with logic in ways that have given the story lasting popularity with adults as well as children. It is considered to be one of the most characteristic examples of the genre of literary nonsense, and its narrative course and structure have been enormously influential, mainly in the fantasy genre. The book is commonly referred to by the abbreviated title Alice in Wonderland, an alternative title popularized by the numerous stage, film and television adaptations of the story produced over the years.

SEE AND DO:

• Lewis Carrolls House, Guildford
  Lewis Carroll, author, mathematician and photographer, Lewis Carroll (b1832) lived in Guildford until his death in 1898. Visit Lewis Carolls house 'Chestnuts', on Castle Hill in the centre.

• The Guildhall, High Street, Guildford
  A marvellous Tudor/Stuart building with its overhanging 1683 clock.

• Guildford Castle and Grounds, Castle Street, Guildford
  Medieval castle built to protect the town in the 1400s and one of Henry III's most luxurious residences. Recent conservation work revealed a 12th century first floor chamber which is now open to the public.

• Guildford Cathedral, Stag Hill, Guildford
  A 1930s brick built cathedral which was the first to be built on a new site in the south of England since the Reformation. The inside is more impressive than the outside. The cathedral was started in the 1930s, but it wasn't until 1961 that it was consecrated due to an interruption in construction due to World War II.

ACCOMODATION, FOOD & DRINK:

• Mandolay, Guildford ( --> Reviews <--)
  The Mandolay is situated in the heart of Guildford, Surrey, and prides itself as being one of the finest hotels in the area. Corporate or leisure, we ensure that you are made to feel welcome and look forward to returning.

• Asperion Hotel, Guildford ( --> Reviews <--)
  We aim to create a high quality guest experience that is ethical, sustainable and rewarding. Passionate about food and guest service, we are also environmentally-aware, taking conscientious steps to participate in protecting our planet, within all aspects of our business strategy. Asperion's enviable location - within walking distance of historic Guildford town centre, mainline train station, University of Surrey and the Research Park - makes the Asperion a desirable and unique place to stay.

Farley Green, Surrey

Farley Green is a small hamlet in the Surrey Hills to the south east of Guildford.

On the outskirts of Farley Green, lies Farley Heath where one of Surrey's few Roman remains, a temple, can be found. The open heathland was the site of the largest Romano-British settlement in Surrey. The site was excavated by Martin Tupper, an antiquarian and poet, who lived in nearby Albury. Some of his finds are now housed in the British Museum. The temple was in use some time before the end of the 1st century AD and was believed to be destroyed by fire around 450 AD. The outline of the temple can still be seen and is marked out by stones set in concrete.

The village houses spread mostly along Shophouse Lane which then becomes steep and narrow towards Winterfold Forest. The forest is where some of the Great Train Robbery proceeds were discovered buried. The whole area had been the haunt of smugglers in the distant past.

ACCOMODATION, FOOD & DRINK:

• Barn Cottage bed and breakfast, Farley Green
  Howard and his French wife Christine welcome you to Barn Cottage. An attractive house in beautiful countryside near Guildford and the picturesque village of Shere. Originally a 16th century farm stable converted at the turn of the century and recently renovated.The house has an informal style, with a charming French flavour. Barn Cottage is located in the lovely village of Farley Green, in the of the Surrey Hills near Guildford. The Surrey Hills offer some of the best walking, riding and cycling (especially mountain biking) in the south east. We are often used for by film crews looking for traditional english rural settings.

  
  

  

  Recently both "Bridget Jones Diary" and "The Holiday" were filmed here.

Newland's Corner, Surrey

Newland's Corner is an area of natural beauty near Guildford in Surrey, England. There are large areas of chalk grassland and woodlands. It has some of the best views of the Surrey Hills, and lies on the North Downs Way.

Drove Road in Newland's Corner is also a fairly good site for amateur astronomy (stargazing), and is one of the closest 'dark sky' sites to the centre of London. With a downhill ridge facing south, the viewer is displayed to many famous constellations such as Orion and Gemini in winter.

Agatha Christie's car was found abandoned at a lake in the area close to her home in Sunningdale in Surrey on the 3rd of December 1926. As a result, it is the setting of the climax of the final scene of the Doctor Who episode The Unicorn and the Wasp.

ACCOMODATION, FOOD & DRINK:

• Carlo's Trattoria, Newland's Corner ( --> Reviews <--)
  Ciao, welcome to Carlo's. After 20 years as one of the best loved Italian restaurants in Guildford, Surrey, Carlo's has seen many changes but one thing always remains, a genuine passion and pride for Italian cuisine. Each dish is overseen from the market stall to the table ensuring every meal is delivered to our exacting standards. And even after a stylish modernisation and expansion making it perfect for large, intimate parties Carlo's still maintains all the warmth and charm of the classic Italian trattoria.

Albury, Surrey

THIS VILLAGE APPEARS IN POIROT'S CASE:

Five Little Pigs

Albury is a village and civil parish in the borough of Guildford in Surrey, England, about 4 miles (6.4 km) south-east of Guildford town centre. The village is within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Site of Special Scientific Interest.

The village of Albury is in fact divided into a village and two hamlets, the village being Albury and the hamlets Farley Green and Little London, each separated by woods and heathland. The River Tillingbourne runs through the centre of the village and in the recent past fed the flour mill at the Chilworth edge of the village, which has now given way to a small estate of houses.

SEE AND DO:

• Albury Park Mansion, Albury
  Albury Park Mansion has been considered one of Surrey's major country houses for at least 500 years. The original dwelling was recorded in the Domesday survey as Elderberrie Manor but after Sir John Evelyn created what were to become famous gardens and parkland at the turn of the 17th century, the site of the Mansion became recognised as one of the most beautiful spots in the County. The gardens themselves are occasionally open to the public and visitors watch the Tillingbourne river meandering through the grounds by the tiny Saxon church in a timeless atmosphere which enchants all. Albury Park Mansion is renowned for its great architecture, first by Sir John Soane and later by Augustus Pugin, who designed the 66 chimneys that are a compelling feature of the house today.

ACCOMODATION, FOOD & DRINK:

• The Drummond Arms Hotel, Albury ( --> Reviews <--)
  The Drummond Arms Hotel boasts pride of place alongside the gently flowing River Tillingbourne in the Surrey Hills. The Hotel has ten delightful rooms all offering en-suite facilities, TV and Tea & Coffee making equipment. The Bar is frequented by locals, hotel residents and others who are attracted by the warm welcome, attractive surroundings and of course the freshly prepared food available throughout. Good food: all our dishes are prepared from fresh ingredients and are cooked on the premises.

• William IV, wine, dine and unwind, Albury
  What is your ideal of an English country pub? If it is a 16th century Freehouse with love beams, roaring fires in winter, stone floors, home cooked food and great cask ales then the William IV, surrounded by the stunning walking and riding country of the Surrey Hills, is just your kind of place. There are no fruit machines, no music and no mobiles - you have been warned! - just the sounds of happy drinkers and contented diners.

Near Albury:

• Carlo's Trattoria, Newlands Corner ( --> Reviews <--)
  Ciao, welcome to Carlo's. After 20 years as one of the best loved Italian restaurants in Guildford, Surrey, Carlo's has seen many changes but one thing always remains, a genuine passion and pride for Italian cuisine. Each dish is overseen from the market stall to the table ensuring every meal is delivered to our exacting standards. And even after a stylish modernisation and expansion making it perfect for large, intimate parties Carlo's still maintains all the warmth and charm of the classic Italian trattoria.

• Barn Cottage bed and breakfast, Farley Green
  Howard and his French wife Christine welcome you to Barn Cottage. An attractive house in beautiful countryside near Guildford and the picturesque village of Shere. Originally a 16th century farm stable converted at the turn of the century and recently renovated.The house has an informal style, with a charming French flavour. Barn Cottage is located in the lovely village of Farley Green, in the of the Surrey Hills near Guildford. The Surrey Hills offer some of the best walking, riding and cycling (especially mountain biking) in the south east. We are often used for by film crews looking for traditional english rural settings.

  
  

  

  Recently both "Bridget Jones Diary" and "The Holiday" were filmed here.

Five little pigs

The crime-fighting careers of Hercule Poirot and Captain Hastings have come full circle – they are back once again in the rambling country house where they solved their first murder together.

Both Poirot and Great Styles have seen better days – but despite being crippled with arthritis, there is nothing wrong with the great detective’s ‘little grey cells’. However, when Poirot brands one of the seemingly harmless guests a five-times murderer, some people have their doubts. But Poirot alone knows he must prevent a sixth murder before the curtain falls – and with this deadly opponent there won’t be an encore... About this novel on wikipedia

---

TRIVIA: the novel is named for a nursery rhyme usually referred to as This Little Piggy that is used by Poirot to organise his thoughts regarding the investigation.

LOCATIONS: the village of Albury, Surrey

---

Buy this novel on Agatha Christie LTD Shop

This story appear on Agatha Christie Poirot TV Series 9