The Murder of Roger Ackroyd

by Agatha Christie
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd cover
Good Books rating 4.44
Mystery
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Paperback • £7.99–£11.99 Hardback • £14.99–£22.00
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Format • £9.49
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Technical
  • ID: 49
  • Added: 2025-08-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9781479471102
  • Published: 2022-01-10
  • Formats: 144
  • Reviews: 4

Hercule Poirot, the renowned Belgian detective, retires to a quiet village to focus on his hobby of perfecting vegetable marrows. However, his retirement is cut short when his friend, Roger Ackroyd, is found murdered. Poirot is drawn back into the world of crime-solving to unravel the intricate web of secrets and deceptions surrounding Ackroyd's death. This gripping tale, featuring one of Christie's most famous twists, showcases her mastery of the mystery genre. The novel includes a new introduction by Karl Wurf and an Agatha Christie bibliography, providing additional context and insight into the author's work.

Reviews
Reddit - Books · 2025-08-21
Compelling 4.50

While The Murder of Roger Ackroyd is considered one of Agatha Christie's best works, it may not be the best introduction to her writing. The book is praised for its engaging and complex plot but noted for its unconventional narrative style.

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd is widely regarded as a masterpiece of detective fiction, known for its surprising plot twists and intricate storytelling. However, some readers caution that it might not be the ideal starting point for new readers of Agatha Christie due to its unique narrative structure. The discussion highlights the book's complex plot and the skillful way Christie handles suspense, making it a compelling read for fans of the genre. Despite its strengths, the unconventional storytelling might make it less accessible to those new to Christie's works.

Quick quotes

    The Murder of Roger Ackroyd - A great book but should not be recommended as an "introduction to Agatha Christie".

    It's one of the best murder mysteries ever written.

    Christie's unconventional narrative style might make it less accessible.

The Fiction Addiction · 2025-03-29
brilliant 4.50

The book is praised for its intricate plot and ability to keep readers guessing until the end. It is considered a well-written mystery with a wide list of suspects.

The reviewer highlights how The Murder of Roger Ackroyd is a masterclass in mystery writing. They appreciate the clever misdirection and the way the story keeps the reader engaged with a variety of suspects. The reviewer also notes that the book's ending is particularly satisfying, making it a standout in the genre. They believe it's a must-read for fans of classic mysteries, as it exemplifies the best of Agatha Christie's work.

Quick quotes

    Overall, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd is a well-written mystery that keeps the reader guessing from a wide list of suspects until the final ...

    The book plays a complicated shell game with narrative and empathy, leveraging the first to misdirect the second, and vice versa.

    It's a classic whodunnit, with lots of suspects, hidden motives, clues, mysterious strangers, and dubious alibis

Cozy Crime Mystery · 2024-08-23
classic 4.50

The novel is ranked as one of Christie's best works, cementing her reputation with its clever plot and enduring appeal in detective fiction.

Cozy Crime Mystery ranks 'The Murder of Roger Ackroyd' highly among Agatha Christie's novels, emphasizing its role in cementing her status as a master of detective fiction. The review praises the novel's intricate plotting and the skillful way Christie plays with reader expectations, particularly through the use of an unreliable narrator. The book is seen as a hallmark of the Golden Age of Detective Fiction and remains a favorite for its intriguing narrative techniques and suspense.

Quick quotes

    "The Murder of Roger Ackroyd is the novel that cemented Christie's reputation as a master of the genre."

    "Its clever use of the unreliable narrator keeps readers guessing until the very end."

    "A timeless classic that defines the Golden Age of Detective Fiction."

Milam's Musings · Brett Milam · 2023-02-11
Masterful 4.25

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd is a masterful mystery that plays with the conventions of the genre. It is lauded for its clever plot and the way it keeps readers guessing until the end. However, some elements might feel a bit dated to modern readers.

Brett Milam praises The Murder of Roger Ackroyd for its innovative storytelling and the way it challenges traditional mystery tropes. The book's ability to keep readers engaged with its complex web of clues and suspects is highlighted as a major strength. Despite its timeless appeal, Milam notes that certain aspects of the novel may feel somewhat outdated to contemporary readers. Nonetheless, the book remains a landmark in detective fiction, celebrated for its skillful plotting and surprising twists.

Quick quotes

    Because, of course, it was written by the master, Agatha Christie.

    It's a masterful mystery that plays with the conventions of the genre.

    Certain aspects may feel somewhat outdated.

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