I can’t believe I had not read The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie before, given that it is such an acclaimed book. As someone who loves Christie and lists, this is pretty frustrating. Anyway, shall we get on to the book review, then?
Have you read The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie? What is your favorite murder case by Agatha Christie? Do you like watching Christie on screen adaptations? Let us talk. Share on XAbout the book
Book Name: The Murder of Roger Ackroyd
Series: Hercule Poirot #4
Author: Agatha Christie
Genre: Fiction – Thriller, Mystery
Characters: Mrs. Ferrars, Roger Ackroyd, Flora Ackroyd, Ralph Paton, Hercule Poirot, Dr James Sheppard, Caroline Sheppard, Mrs. Ackroyd, Hector Blunt, , Geoffrey Raymond, Parker, Elizabeth Russell, Charles Kent, Inspector Raglan, Mr. Hammond
Plot Summary
In King’s Abbot, a wealthy widow Mrs Ferrars overdoses on veronal and dies. Within a span of twenty four hours, her fiancé Roger Ackroyd, a another wealthy widower is stabbed to death.
Roger Ackroyd recently had come to the knowledge that the rumors were true and Mrs Ferrars had indeed murdered her violent first husband. He also had suspected that someone was blackmailing her. But before he could act on it, he was murdered too.
With a house of servants, friends and family who had motives and means to do it, it becomes overwhelming for the local cops. When Roger’s niece Flora commissions the now retired detective, Hercule Poirot, to find out the murderer.
Of course he solves it! How he does that forms the rest of the story in The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie.
Book review
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd has been named as one the “1001 books to read before you die” list and its twist is said to have changed the detective fiction genre for ever.
I know it seems like a tall praise, but I completely agree with the statement. And I never saw the twist coming (and you know that has been happening often these days, if you have been reading my Christie’s reviews).
I have read quite a number of Poirot cases, and I have never been a fan of his eccentricities. But The Murder of Roger Ackroyd changed my mind. He is hilarious!
Above all, I love the way author had given subtle clues all through the book and until the detective explains it during his dramatic reveal, I never realized them. I had to re-read those parts to check! I think that is the hallmark of detective novels and there is a reason why Christie is the best selling author of all times.
What worked for me
- The twist blew my mind off.
- This is one of those rare Agatha Christie’s books that made me laugh out loud at places. Who knew Christie was this funny!
- I love the subtle hints and clues buried under the nose all through the book, and they become apparent only during the big reveal.
What may have been better
- NOTHING!
Bottom line
If you are fan of Agatha Christie, you have to pick The Murder of Roger Ackroyd because it is almost as good as And then there were none. And if you are not a fan of the detective/mystery novel genre, this book might change your mind!
Similar book reviews
- Crooked House by Agatha Christie
- The Sittaford Mystery by Agatha Christie
- The Secret of Chimneys by Agatha Christie
- 4:50 from Paddington by Agatha Christie
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Let’s chat
Have you read The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie? What is your favorite murder case by Agatha Christie? Do you like watching Christie on screen adaptations? Let us talk.
I sadly haven’t read this Gayathri… In fact I have shamefully not read enough of Christies’ acclaimed crime novels! 😏I recently read and loved Crooked House and I am a big fan of the long-running ITV screen adaptation, which stars the brilliant David Suchet as Poirot. 😊
I loved Crooked house book and the movie!
It was one of my first Agatha Christie books and yes – it does deserve all the hype and I can promise you, it will continue to do so for generations to come!
Great review!
I am glad we have a common favorite.
I read it many years ago when I was a teenager but still remember the shocking end – and my subsequent re-reading to see what I had missed ! I love Agatha Christie’s style, she greatly improved my knowledge of poisons, lol. I’m currently re-reading all of her books in publication order. The first were not so great, a lot like pulp, but I hope to get to the better ones soon, The murder of Roger Ackroyd is next ^^ Great review, Gavathri 🙂