The Murder of Roger Ackroyd
SYNOPSIS
Set in the peaceful village of Kings Abbot, Poirot is enjoying his retirement and anonymity while he puts his mind to the simple pleasure of growing vegetable marrows. This peaceful existence is not to last however when a murder is committed and he is called in to help. Roger Ackroyd is found killed in his study but who could have done it - someone from the household, a mysterious blackmailer or a stranger seen in the local area not long before he died. Oh and where exactly has Ralf Paton disappeared to?
poirot
Our third time meeting the Belgium sleuth - Agatha Christie brings him out of his would-be retirement.
when to read
An anytime read - one of my personal favorites.
murder mystery
Traditional English country murder mystery.
england
Set in an English village.
Publishing info
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd is Agatha Christie's 6th novel, published in 1926.
overall rating
5/5
On Screen
Watching Agatha Christie
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie was filmed as part of the ITV feature length episodes and is Season 7 episode 1 starring David Suchet as Poirot.
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd Character List
| Caroline Sheppard | Sister of Dr Sheppard |
| Dr James Sheppard | Doctor at Kings Abbott and brother of Caroline |
| Captain Ralf Paton | Handsome stepson of Roger Ackroyd, engaged to Flora but secretly married to Ursula |
| Flora Ackroyd | Roger Ackroyd’s niece |
| Roger Ackroyd | Wealthy businessman who wanted to marry Mrs Ferrars |
| Mrs Dorothy Ferrers | Widow who commits suicide after being blackmailed |
| Miss Elizabeth Russell | Housekeeper to Roger Ackroyd at Fernly Park |
| Mrs Cecil Ackroyd | Widowed sister-in-lar to Roger and Flora’s mother |
| John Parker | Roger Ackroyd’s butler |
| Geoffrey Raymond | Secretary to Roger Ackroyd |
| Major Hector Blunt | Big game hunter, friend of Roger Ackroyd in love with Flora |
| Ursula Bourne | Parlormaid for Roger Ackroyd |
| Charles Kent | Stranger spotted in Kings Abbot who speaks to Dr Sheppard |
| Mrs Folliott | Offer reference for Ursula Bourne |
| Colonel Melrose | Chief Constable |
| Inspector Raglan | Inspector at Cranchester |
| Inspector Davis | Local inspector |
| Mr Hammond | Ackroyd’s solicitor |
SPOILERS BELOW!
Roger Ackroyd (although the title kind of gives it away)
Doctor Sheppard! The narrator himself is the killer – this makes it great for a second read once you know…
Keep a secret – the doctor has been blackmailing Mrs Ferrars after she killed her husband but he pushed her too far and she killed herself, writing the identity of the blackmailer in a letter to Roger Ackroyd.
Stabbed – almost clinical you could say.
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