Reviews tagging 'Drug use'

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie

26 reviews

peasandpancakes's review against another edition

mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No

4.0

I get why people say this is the best Agata Christie book. It was so clever! Only until the last couple of pages did I deduce who it might be. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death and Murder

Moderate: Suicide

Minor: Drug use

ennsez's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

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

4.25

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Drug use and Murder

Minor: Racism and Suicidal thoughts

kimveach's review against another edition

mysterious reflective 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've known about this book for years, but I have finally read it.  Even though I knew the ending, it was wonderful to see it all play out.  The dedication is particularly remarkable, especially after you've finished the book.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Addiction, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Medical trauma, Murder, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, and Classism

el90's review against another edition

challenging dark mysterious

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Murder

Moderate: Drug use

lulum10's review against another edition

adventurous dark funny mysterious reflective tense slow-paced

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

5.0

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Content Warnings

Minor: Addiction, Death, Drug use, Suicide, Grief, and Murder

hannahcstocks's review against another edition

adventurous dark lighthearted 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? It's complicated

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Self harm, Suicide, Violence, Medical content, Grief, Murder, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism

Minor: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Forced institutionalization, and Blood

ansatejones's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark mysterious medium-paced

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

5.0

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Death, Suicide, and Murder

Minor: Addiction, Drug abuse, Drug use, Mental illness, Racism, Sexism, Violence, Xenophobia, Antisemitism, Cultural appropriation, and Classism

redheadorganist's review against another edition

adventurous challenging mysterious medium-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

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Drug use, Suicide, and Murder

emeraldsanto's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious reflective medium-paced

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

3.5

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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Content Warnings

Moderate: Addiction, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Suicide, Medical content, Death of parent, Murder, and Classism

bringmybooks's review against another edition

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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Content Warnings

Moderate: Addiction, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Misogyny, Suicide, Murder, and Classism

Minor: Antisemitism