The Murder of Roger Ackroyd

Based on the initial inquiries, Parker is the primary suspect in the murder. Sheppard and the inspector on the scene (named Raglan) discuss the possibility that Parker killed Ackroyd, locked the door, and snuck out the window. Sheppard is unconvinced because of the time—he does not believe that Ackroyd would have waited one hour to confront Parker. While investigating the weapon used to kill Ackroyd, Raglan notes that the dagger is unique and calls for Raymond to identify the object.

Raymond recognizes it as a Tunisian curio given to Ackroyd by Major Blunt. Blunt is called in and confirms that the dagger is from Tunis, that he gave it to Ackroyd, and that it usually resides in the drawing room silver table. Questioning then turns from who was near Ackroyd’s study to who was near the silver table. However, everyone recognizes that there is little more they can do that evening, and Sheppard departs.

The next day, Flora approaches Sheppard and asks that he come with her to his neighbor’s house—famed detective Hercule Poirot. Flora wants him to investigate her uncle’s murder. They talk to Poirot, who agrees to come out of retirement and take the case on one condition: once he starts investigating, he will not stop until the whole truth is revealed, no matter how unsavory.