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Book Reviews of The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (Hercule Poirot, Bk 4)

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (Hercule Poirot, Bk 4)
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd - Hercule Poirot, Bk 4
Author: Agatha Christie
ISBN-13: 9780425200476
ISBN-10: 0425200477
Publication Date: 8/31/2004
Pages: 358
Rating:
  • Currently 4.1/5 Stars.
 29

4.1 stars, based on 29 ratings
Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

30 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

aardvark avatar reviewed The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (Hercule Poirot, Bk 4) on + 157 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Perhaps the best of the Poirot books
reviewed The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (Hercule Poirot, Bk 4) on + 13 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I'm not a big fan of murder mysteries, but this one has an unusual twist.
reviewed The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (Hercule Poirot, Bk 4) on + 13 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This book is a great, classic murder mystery. The twists and turns are great. This really is true detective fiction.
reviewed The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (Hercule Poirot, Bk 4) on + 35 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Great book by Dame Agatha! One of my favorite stories
vavoice avatar reviewed The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (Hercule Poirot, Bk 4) on + 158 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This book, published in 1926, is still superior to many of today's pulp mysteries. Christie took me on somany twists and turns, that I was positively dizzy by the end. But I stuck to my guns. I chose my suspect carefully and, even after Poirot had pulled all of the skeletons from the closet, dusted them off, and paraded them before the reader, my pick still looked like the best...until the great inspector started pointing out all of the missed clues, which had been right in front of me. I was at once shamed, awed and excited when the true murderer was named. Were I a mutant, this book would get three thumbs up!
WhidbeyIslander avatar reviewed The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (Hercule Poirot, Bk 4) on + 715 more book reviews
If you like cozy mysteries, golden age mysteries, or just a mystery period, this is a book you have to read. It deserves its reputation, and I bet like countless readers you'll reread a critical chapter to see how Christie fooled you. If you've seen some of the horrible televised versions, but never read it, you no doubt are puzzled by the high praise this book gets. But read it yourself and you'll see why.
kathyk avatar reviewed The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (Hercule Poirot, Bk 4) on
I read this book many years ago and I remember being bowled over by the end of the story. Definitely one of Christie's best mysteries. I know I finished it within hours of picking it up. I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good whodunnit. Great read - don't miss this one. ;D
reviewed The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (Hercule Poirot, Bk 4) on + 15 more book reviews
Agatha Christie's first book. A masterpiece like all her others.
reviewed The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (Hercule Poirot, Bk 4) on + 68 more book reviews
One of the great Christie's. I didn't guess who did it, and I will be surprised if you guess it.
reviewed The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (Hercule Poirot, Bk 4) on + 2 more book reviews
Very good whodunit!
Bernie avatar reviewed The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (Hercule Poirot, Bk 4) on
Village rumor hints that Mrs. Ferrars poisoned her husband, but no one is sure. Then there's another victim in a chain of death. Unfortunately for the killer, master sleuth Hercule Poirot takes over the investigation.
srfbluemama avatar reviewed The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (Hercule Poirot, Bk 4) on + 80 more book reviews
This was my first Agatha Christie novel and it will not be my last. I really liked Hercule Poirot in this one, and I think this is one of my favorite covers for the book. :)
ACE-10 avatar reviewed The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (Hercule Poirot, Bk 4) on + 14 more book reviews
This story twists "reality" and keeps you guessing from beginning to end.
reviewed The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (Hercule Poirot, Bk 4) on
Five stars--this has to be one of Christie's best. Full of twists and turns, red herrings and a surprise ending. Highly recommended.
athompson362 avatar reviewed The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (Hercule Poirot, Bk 4) on + 45 more book reviews
A very clever who-dunit. A retired Poirot solves several small puzzles throughout the book leading up to the denoument. No Hastings in this book - but he is referenced.
RevCherylMarie avatar reviewed The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (Hercule Poirot, Bk 4) on + 13 more book reviews
This is one of Christie's best.
reviewed The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (Hercule Poirot, Bk 4) on + 61 more book reviews
In the quiet village of King's Abbot a widow's suicide has stirred suspicion - and dreadful gossip. There are rumors she murdered her...
reviewed The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (Hercule Poirot, Bk 4) on + 3352 more book reviews
In a peaceful English village an attractive widow dies of an overdose. Within 24 hours her fiance is murdered. Poirot has his hands full with a bunch of suspicious relatives.
reviewed The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (Hercule Poirot, Bk 4) on
This was a classic mystery novel. If you love a mystery, don't miss this book! It kept me guessing the whole way through. And I still got it wrong!
AllieFWilliam avatar reviewed The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (Hercule Poirot, Bk 4) on + 97 more book reviews
A very unexpected ending.
reviewed The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (Hercule Poirot, Bk 4) on + 257 more book reviews
Village rumor hints that Mrs. Ferrars poisoned her husband, but no one is sure. Then there's another victim in a chain of death. Unfortunately for the killer, master sleuth Hercule Poirot takes over the investigation
reviewed The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (Hercule Poirot, Bk 4) on + 421 more book reviews
A classic Christie that is not to be missed !.....A shocking ending that had many crying "Foul"......
marguerite avatar reviewed The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (Hercule Poirot, Bk 4) on + 2 more book reviews
Very enjoyable read in step with the Poirot series. Charming descriptions of the great detective in homely social situations. Christie introduces exciting new technology of the day, too.
reviewed The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (Hercule Poirot, Bk 4) on + 18 more book reviews
This has been my favorite Christie so far. Really good ending and excellent writing.
reviewed The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (Hercule Poirot, Bk 4) on + 33 more book reviews
From: The Agatha Christie Companion - The Complete Guide to Agatha Christie's Life and Work

This is the book that made Christie famous, and today it remains one of the most famous books in all detective writing, and certainly one of the most controversial. It is Christie's brilliant deception as to the murderer's identify that caused gasps among critics, fellow writers, and the public, followed by camps divided equally into those who cried "Bravo!" and those who cried "Foul play! Cheating!"

Dorothy L. Sayers came publicly to Christie's defense by saying that the book was "Fair! And fooled you!...it is the readers business to suspect everybody."
reviewed The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (Hercule Poirot, Bk 4) on + 5 more book reviews
Classic murder mystery with a great twist at the end. Captivating story; I highly recommend this book.
NYbooks avatar reviewed The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (Hercule Poirot, Bk 4) on + 100 more book reviews
Greatest of Christie's mysteries renown for its ending. You will never forget it.
reviewed The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (Hercule Poirot, Bk 4) on + 49 more book reviews
A classic Agatha Christie. Features Hercule Poirot. Excellent. Perfect clean copy
reviewed The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (Hercule Poirot, Bk 4) on + 1452 more book reviews
The tale begins with Dr. Sheppard unveiling details regarding the death of Mrs. Ferrar. It is the belief of his sister, Caroline, that she had murdered her husband who had died earlier. She committed suicide. It is true but why? Caroline constantly sifts through community events and gossip to arrive at her various conclusions. The reader discovers that she was blackmailed. Mrs. Ferrars was close to Roger Ackroyd, believed to be her confidante and lover. When he is found stabbed with a collectable dagger that he cherished the plot thickens. Who murdered him and why?

As the story commences it is believed that Ackroyd had learned the identity of the blackmailer. Many twists and turns enlighten the reader about the various individuals involved in the case, each of whom has something to hide from the police. The niece, Flora Ackroyd, persuades Poirot to investigate the murder and discover the truth. The suspects are many: Flora herself; Major Blunt, a close friend; Mrs. Ackroyd, who is not close to her husband; Mr. Raymond, his secretary; Parker, the butler whose past involves blackmail; Ursula Bourne, an educated woman serving as parlor maid dismissed for unknown reasons; Mrs. Russell, the housekeeper whose strange actions are puzzling; and Ralph Patton, nephew, the chief heir whose continuing absence places him at the the front of the group.

As the reader learns the secrets of the individuals involved the case becomes even more complex. It's a fascinating mystery with Dr. Sheppard narrating the entire book. Of course, Poirot unravels it all. However, this reader did not expect the identity of the murderer who also commits suicide to protect the reputation of someone else. Very well done! I so enjoy these Agatha Christie mysteries.
reviewed The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (Hercule Poirot, Bk 4) on + 1452 more book reviews
The tale begins with Dr. Sheppard unveiling details regarding the death of Mrs. Ferrar. It is the belief of his sister, Caroline, that she had murdered her husband who had died earlier. She committed suicide. It is true but why? Caroline constantly sifts through community events and gossip to arrive at her various conclusions. The reader discovers that she was blackmailed. Mrs. Ferrars was close to Roger Ackroyd, believed to be her confidante and lover. When he is found stabbed with a collectable dagger that he cherished the plot thickens. Who murdered him and why?

As the story commences it is believed that Ackroyd had learned the identity of the blackmailer. Many twists and turns enlighten the reader about the various individuals involved in the case, each of whom has something to hide from the police. The niece, Flora Ackroyd, persuades Poirot to investigate the murder and discover the truth. The suspects are many: Flora herself; Major Blunt, a close friend; Mrs. Ackroyd, who is not close to her husband; Mr. Raymond, his secretary; Parker, the butler whose past involves blackmail; Ursula Bourne, an educated woman serving as parlor maid dismissed for unknown reasons; Mrs. Russell, the housekeeper whose strange actions are puzzling; and Ralph Patton, nephew, the chief heir whose continuing absence places him at the the front of the group.

As the reader learns the secrets of the individuals involved the case becomes even more complex. It's a fascinating mystery with Dr. Sheppard narrating the entire book. Of course, Poirot unravels it all. However, this reader did not expect the identity of the murderer who also commits suicide to protect the reputation of someone else. Very well done! I so enjoy these Agatha Christie mysteries.