Voted number 12 on the Mystery Guild of America's list of "Top Mystery Novels of All Time," The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, just Agatha Christie's seventh novel, showcases the author's skill in developing both characters and plot.
It Begins with Murder
The story begins with a murder, that of a wealthy widow named Mrs. Ferrars, in a small English village. She is found dead in her bed, the victim of an overdose of veronal. The incident is followed the next evening by the death of Roger Ackroyd, a wealthy widower thought to have wanted to marry Mrs. Ferrars. That the two murders are connected seems certain.
Dr. Sheppard
The story is told as a narrative, in the first person, by country physician, Dr. Sheppard, who is a friend of Ackroyd's and who examined both bodies. The suspects are many. There are Major Blunt, a big-game hunter and frequent house guest of Ackroyd's; Cecil Ackroyd, A widowed sister-in-law; Flora Ackroyd, Cecil's daughter; Geoffrey Raymond, a young secretary; Ursula Bourne, a parlormaid; and Ralph Paton, Ackroyd's adopted son. All, it seems, have secrets to hide, including the good doctor.
Enter Hercule Poirot
When suspicion turns to young Mr. Paton, Flora Ackroyd, whom she says Ralph intended to marry, calls for Hercule Poirot who has conveniently just retired to a nearby village. He immediately sets to work, using his "little grey cells." Sorting throught the clues, he finds a discarded ring, a chair out of place, a telephone call, and a surprising -- even startling -- solution to the mystery. First time readers, read carefully -- especially the very last pages. This is Christie at her very best.
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