The Murder of Roger Ackroyd

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd book

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 SheppardSister of Dr Sheppard
Dr James SheppardDoctor at Kings Abbott and brother of Caroline
Captain Ralf PatonHandsome stepson of Roger Ackroyd, engaged to Flora but secretly married to Ursula
Flora AckroydRoger Ackroyd’s niece
Roger AckroydWealthy businessman who wanted to marry Mrs Ferrars
Mrs Dorothy FerrersWidow who commits suicide after being blackmailed
Miss Elizabeth RussellHousekeeper to Roger Ackroyd at Fernly Park
Mrs Cecil AckroydWidowed sister-in-lar to Roger and Flora’s mother
John ParkerRoger Ackroyd’s butler
Geoffrey RaymondSecretary to Roger Ackroyd
Major Hector BluntBig game hunter, friend of Roger Ackroyd in love with Flora
Ursula BourneParlormaid for Roger Ackroyd
Charles KentStranger spotted in Kings Abbot who speaks to Dr Sheppard
Mrs FolliottOffer reference for Ursula Bourne
Colonel Melrose Chief Constable
Inspector RaglanInspector at Cranchester
Inspector DavisLocal inspector
Mr HammondAckroyd’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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