Reviews with content warning for Drug use - The Murder of Roger Ackroyd

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie is a classic whodunit that showcases the author's mastery of the mystery genre. Set in a quiet English village, the story unfolds after the murder of the wealthy and enigmatic Roger Ackroyd. The narrative is presented from the perspective of Dr. James Sheppard, a reliable and observant narrator who becomes intricately involved in the investigation.

One of the notable strengths of this novel is its construction. Agatha Christie weaves a carefully crafted plot, full of intricate details and red herrings that keep readers guessing until the very end. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the suspense to build gradually, and the twists and turns are cleverly executed. Christie's attention to detail is commendable, and her ability to create a closed-circle mystery in a seemingly idyllic setting is truly remarkable.

However, I did not find the book as exciting as I had hoped. While the story is well-constructed, some readers may find the pacing a bit slow at times, especially if they are seeking a more action-packed or adrenaline-fueled thriller. The murder investigation primarily unfolds through conversations and interviews, which may not offer the same level of excitement as more dynamic plot developments.

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bringmybooks's review against another edition

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challenging funny mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I love Agatha Christie, and I really really liked this book - but even though it gets 5 stars from me (I really did like it!!), I also feel just the slightest bit let down.

B̷R̷I̷N̷G̷ ✨ 𝗕𝗢𝗥𝗥𝗢𝗪 ✨ B̷Y̷P̷A̷S̷S̷

I think this is a result of being told for years upon years upon years upon years that this is the best mystery novel ever written, that it is Christie at her penultimate, that this book is the absolute bedrock upon which so many others have followed.

It was rather a weird way to feel upon finishing, because I genuinely loved it (also, this was my first Poirot!) and I thought the last two pages were BRILLIANT - but I was also left with a bit of, “Yeah, I mean, that was wild but … also?”

It definitely makes me want to read up more on the history of these sorts of novels and just how much of an impact Roger Ackroyd made on other books that followed because I would really like to better understand the cultural impact.

OKAY BUT - all of that being said: Should you read it? YES.

If you want to read this so that you can cross it off your list, I think a library borrow would be totally reasonable.

However, if you’re planning on reading more than just this one in the Poirot series, buy it so that all of your editions match and are beautiful!

(I’m looking at the Vintage reprints myself: ISBN 9780593466360 for TMORA).

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cepbreed's review against another edition

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mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Oh my god. THAT ENDING. I picked this up specifically because someone told me the murderer was the person you’d least suspect and not suspect them is exactly what I did!!

I actually had myself convinced it was Caroline for half the novel because I thought it wouldn’t usually be her, the gossip junky. Even when Poirot told her to stay back from the dinner party where he promised the murderer would be I thought he was simply trying to lure her to sneak there. She’s exactly like the social media true crime obsessives. Turns out there is a trope even less suspicious than the prideful crime obsession civilian, the “Watson” type. All detectives have some sort of figure that follows them around and represents the audience in a way. The Watson dumbs down the case by serving as a vessel for the detectives explanations. Not once did it ever cross my mind that Dr. Sheppard would be the murderer.

Reading the last chapter was an intense experience. I am so thankful for Agatha Christie’s brain.

Random note but I would LOVE to see a film adaptation simply because the chaotic mahjong scene would be amazing. I can see the whip pans now!

Also “M. Poirot and his little ideas!” Is such a fun little saying. I’m totally adopting this lifestyle so from now on when anyone questions me I’ll just say it’s just one of my little ideas.

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prashiie's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No

4.0

"I am much aged, my power may not be what they were. In all probability this is the last case I shall ever investigate. But Hercule Poirot does not end with a failure."

Even retirement cannot stop Hercule Poirot from doing what he does best: solving mysteries!
This time he doesn’t have Hastings with him. So with Dr. Sheppard as his assistant, Poirot sets out to investigate. A typical whodunit with a surprising twist! As usual, he doesn’t say much and he has his peculiar ways.
"My friend Hastings, he of whom I told you, used to say of me that I was the human oyster. But he was unjust. Of facts, I keep nothing to myself. But to everyone his own interpretation of them."

One of my favourite characters in this story is Caroline. She knows almost everything that happens in King’s Abbot.

"Caroline can do any amount of finding out by sitting placidly at home. I don’t know how she manages it, but there it is."

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maiahhtratchh's review against another edition

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mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I must admit that this book could not really keep my attention. It read like a clue game which was interesting and it was exactly what I would expect from a whodunnit book. The ending, though, did get me engaged. Unfortunately it was 250 pages too late. I do think that without the foreword and closing remarks by Laura Thompson I would not have appreciated it as much as I did.

I must admit that I did kind of catch the twist but, I would’ve caught it no matter what. By hearing that it has one of the wildest twists in the genre and that it took everyone by storm I suspected absolutely everyone at one point shy of hercule… I even suspected roger

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jennywren60's review against another edition

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mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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thebakerbookworm's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Okay, this one is officially my favorite Poirot (of the ones I’ve read so far).

First off, the narrator is NOT Hastings and I was shocked by this in the first chapter (and also breathed a sigh of relief). Poirot doesn’t at first even appear, but we soon see his connection to our new narrator. I loved getting to know all the different people in this little village, and seeing how they all connect. I think Caroline might’ve been my favorite—I loved her unashamed nosiness!

The murder mystery seems mediocre at first, but the twists and turns it takes, and all the red herrings, really set it above. It’s no surprise that this is one of Christie’s best books! She really did so much for the murder mystery genre; I can’t believe it took me this long to read this. Anyways, I did start to get suspicious of a certain character part way through, but that’s also because I knew the hype of the book and I was trying to think outside the box. And honestly the reveal at the end is just so great, nothing could’ve prepared me for that!

I think I’m on a Poirot kick and I want to read more now. Do I continue in order, or jump around?

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