Reviews with content warning for Death - 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.

Content Warnings

risemini's review against another edition

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dark funny mysterious tense fast-paced

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

4.75

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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.

Content Warnings

bbbarttt's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

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

3.5

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literarydais's review against another edition

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mysterious medium-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

4.0

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