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The Murder of Roger Ackroyd

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1926

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Book Brief

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Agatha Christie

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1926
Book Details
Pages

286

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

King's Abbot, England • 1920s

Publication Year

1926

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

13+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie follows Dr. James Sheppard as he assists Hercule Poirot in investigating the murder of Roger Ackroyd, who was found stabbed in his locked study. The case reveals various secrets among the household and numerous suspects with potential motives, leading to a surprising and unique conclusion in the mystery genre.

Mysterious

Suspenseful

Dark

Challenging

Unnerving

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Agatha Christie's The Murder of Roger Ackroyd is hailed for its masterful twist and innovative narrative technique, making it a classic in the detective fiction genre. However, some readers feel the surprise ending strains credulity. Despite this, the novel is widely celebrated for its clever plotting and impact on mystery storytelling.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Murder of Roger Ackroyd?

Fans of intricate mysteries and classic whodunits will relish The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie. Ideal for readers who enjoy Arthur Conan Doyle's The Hound of the Baskervilles and Dorothy L. Sayers' Whose Body?, this novel captivates with its clever twists and a famous, perplexing resolution.

Character List

Hercule Poirot

A retired Belgian detective characterized by his meticulous appearance and keen intellect, known for his odd yet effective investigation methods.

The novel's narrator and sidekick to Poirot, who provides a first-person account of the investigation, sharing similarities with Arthur Conan Doyle's Dr. Watson.

Dr. Sheppard's sister who relies on intuition and local knowledge, which significantly aids Poirot's investigation.

The victim of the murder around which the mystery revolves, sharing a past interest in uncovering blackmail against Mrs. Ferrars.

Roger Ackroyd’s sister-in-law, who acts as a caregiver for her niece Flora and remains a background character throughout most of the narrative.

Roger’s niece and the love interest of both Major Blunt and Ralph Paton, known for her role in unexpectedly driving parts of the investigation forward.

A guest at Ackroyd’s house and potential suspect whose connection with Flora encourages him to remain within society.

Ackroyd’s reliable secretary who becomes involved in the investigation but plays a minor role in the story's development.

A maid at Ackroyd's house with a secret concern, who briefly draws suspicion during the investigation.

A character tied to a key symbol in the mystery, providing crucial background information uncovered later in the story.

A frequently mentioned but physically absent character, whose whereabouts are central to the unfolding mystery.

The local police inspector working on the case who contrasts with Poirot in his approach and methodology.

Book Details
Pages

286

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

King's Abbot, England • 1920s

Publication Year

1926

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

13+ years

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