Agatha Christie's The Murder of Roger Ackroyd is hailed for its masterful twist and innovative narrative technique, making it a classic in the detective fiction genre. However, some readers feel the surprise ending strains credulity. Despite this, the novel is widely celebrated for its clever plotting and impact on mystery storytelling.

Fans of intricate mysteries and classic whodunits will relish The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie. Ideal for readers who enjoy Arthur Conan Doyle's The Hound of the Baskervilles and Dorothy L. Sayers' Whose Body?, this novel captivates with its clever twists and a famous, perplexing resolution.

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie follows Dr. James Sheppard as he assists Hercule Poirot in investigating the murder of Roger Ackroyd, who was found stabbed in his locked study. The case reveals various secrets among the household and numerous suspects with potential motives, leading to a surprising and unique conclusion in the mystery genre.

Mysterious / Suspenseful / Dark / Challenging / Unnerving

- The Murder of Roger Ackroyd was published in 1926 and is considered one of Agatha Christie's most famous and innovative works, revolutionizing the mystery genre with its unique narrative twist.
- The novel features Hercule Poirot, one of Christie's most beloved detectives, who had supposedly retired to grow vegetable marrows before being drawn back into detective work by the case.
- In 2013, The Crime Writers' Association ranked The Murder of Roger Ackroyd as the best crime novel ever written, highlighting its enduring impact and popularity within the genre.

**Hercule Poirot**  
A retired Belgian detective characterized by his meticulous appearance and keen intellect, known for his odd yet effective investigation methods.

**Dr. James Sheppard**  
The novel's narrator and sidekick to Poirot, who provides a first-person account of the investigation, sharing similarities with Arthur Conan Doyle's Dr. Watson.

**Caroline Sheppard**  
Dr. Sheppard's sister who relies on intuition and local knowledge, which significantly aids Poirot's investigation.

**Roger Ackroyd**  
The victim of the murder around which the mystery revolves, sharing a past interest in uncovering blackmail against Mrs. Ferrars.

**Mrs. Ackroyd**  
Roger Ackroyd’s sister-in-law, who acts as a caregiver for her niece Flora and remains a background character throughout most of the narrative.

**Flora Ackroyd**  
Roger’s niece and the love interest of both Major Blunt and Ralph Paton, known for her role in unexpectedly driving parts of the investigation forward.

**Major Hector Blunt**  
A guest at Ackroyd’s house and potential suspect whose connection with Flora encourages him to remain within society.

**Geoffrey Raymond**  
Ackroyd’s reliable secretary who becomes involved in the investigation but plays a minor role in the story's development.

**Miss Russell**  
A maid at Ackroyd's house with a secret concern, who briefly draws suspicion during the investigation.

**Ursula Bourne, née Paton**  
A character tied to a key symbol in the mystery, providing crucial background information uncovered later in the story.

**Ralph Paton**  
A frequently mentioned but physically absent character, whose whereabouts are central to the unfolding mystery.

**Inspector Raglan**  
The local police inspector working on the case who contrasts with Poirot in his approach and methodology.

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The Murder of Roger Ackroyd Summary and Study Guide

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Chapters 1-5

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 6-11

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Chapters 12-16

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Chapters 17-22

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Chapters 23-27

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Character Analysis

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd Character Analysis

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The Murder of Roger Ackroyd

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