The Murder of Roger Ackroyd
Book - 1985
Publisher:
New York : Dodd, Mead, 1985, c1926
Edition:
1st ed
ISBN:
9780396085744
0396085741
0396085741
Characteristics:
276 p. ; 23 cm


Opinion
From Library Staff
Christie is my favorite author and the Murder of Roger Ackroyd is my favorite book. Read carefully, if you feel like you know he did it, you're probably wrong.
From the critics

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Add a CommentThis mystery has more twists than Lombard Street in San Francisco. The murderer makes the mistake of thinking that s/he can outwit the famed detective, Hercule Poirot. Not a chance, but the path to the truth is a great read.
No matter how much you carefully follow and analyze the motives and behaviors of suspects you will NEVER be able to guess the name of the true villain. So take off your thinking cap and enjoy the story. I am not a fan, though, of being denied the pleasure of assembling a puzzle satisfactorily.
This is the third Hercule Poirot full length novel that was first published in 1926. The Murder of Roger Ackroyd appeared on many "best mystery novels of all time" lists. This mystery does not disappoint. It features a murder in a room with a locked door. It's not quite a locked room mystery but close to it. The novel is told in first person by Doctor James Sheppard, a next door neighbour of Poirot. Poirot had retired from his London detective agency a year earlier and now living in the village of King's Abbot. He's hired by Roger Ackroyd's niece to find the murderer of her Uncle, Roger Ackroyd. We follow the investigation through the eyes of Dr. Sheppard whom Poirot compares from time to time to his good friend Captain Hastings. It's an excellent mystery with a twist at the end that will leave the readers surprised. Highly recommended. Well deserved to be Agatha Christie's best Poirot book.
This novel is astounding. I was not in the least surprised to find that this work was not only incredibly riveting, but also very intriguing. I had a blast attempting to discover "who dun it" whilst the focus of Detective Hercule Poirot transferred from suspect to suspect. I was very curious to find out who committed the crime. Christie intensifies this desire by writing chapters that end with cliffhangers. These cliffhangers leave readers hungry for more. On the other hand, some of the cliffhangers are not as suspenseful as others. Some of the chapters are dry, but they end with stronger cliffhangers to add a suspenseful element that reminds readers why they cracked the spine of a mystery novel in the first place. This only adds to the brilliance of Christie's work of art. I highly suggest that everyone read Agatha Christie's The Murder of Roger Ackroyd for it is a spectacular murder case expressed through terrific writing. Four stars! - @BlingThrash15 of the Teen Review Board at the Hamilton Public Library
This is one of the "must read" Christies. Of course, the less I say the more you'll enjoy it.
This Collins English Readers series edition, with CD audio recording, has shortened "The Murder of Roger Ackroyd" to 97 pages. It provides a list of characters, a glossary of unfamiliar words, and notes on the English culture of early 20th century. While aimed at ESL readers, this book will appeal to speed-readers who want an Agatha Christie murder mystery without the fluff and filler. Also, the audio recording is great to listen to on a long trip for an entertaining diversion!
Excellent mystery, riveting from the outset. This Poirot mystery had me guessing to the very ending. As always with Hercule Poirot, there is plenty of "grey cell" work interspersed with the utmost in discretion, along with a sprinkling of humor. This is a real character study, and there is a full cast of characters all of whom are suspect.
Strongly encourages suicide.
Brilliantly written. Wonderful. In true Agatha Christie fashion, the ending takes you completely by surprise. Whatever you do, DON'T let anyone spoil it. Might be worth a reread, though, to see what hints you missed. :)
One of Christie's first (and best) mysteries.