Crime, Mysteries & Thrillers discussion

Welcome to our discussion of The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (Hercule Poirot #4), by Agatha Christie, which is part of our Fall/Winter Collection Group Reads. Your discussion leader is Lisa.
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Summary

Considered to be one of Agatha Christie's greatest, and also most controversial mysteries, 'The Murder of Roger Ackroyd' breaks the rules of traditional mystery.

The peaceful English village of King’s Abbot is stunned. The widow Ferrars dies from an overdose of Veronal. Not twenty-four hours later, Roger Ackroyd—the man she had planned to marry—is murdered. It is a baffling case involving blackmail and death that taxes Hercule Poirot’s “little grey cells” before he reaches one of the most startling conclusions of his career.

Hi all! I'm very much looking forward to this one - supposed to be fantastic!

I waited a long time before I read it. In 2021. Nice twist.

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd and Murder on the Orient Express are the most unique novels in Christie's collection. You could suffer amnesia and still remember who the killers are, they are that memorable. Enjoy.

Karen wrote: "I waited a long time before I read it. In 2021. Nice twist."

I'm excited for this one, Karen, I've heard it's a great ending indeed.

i read it about 40 years ago when i was a real christie-addict.... loved the series too.... the books and her murders are the best!

This is the book that ruined me for all 1st person books for YEARS!

I discovered I had it in my to be read books so I’ve started. I can’t believe I never read this one. It’s intrigued me right from page 1.

Kirsten, ruined in a good way, because it was so well done? I’m excited to see all of these comments and so looking forward to this read!

Lisa wrote: "Kirsten, ruined in a good way, because it was so well done? I’m excited to see all of these comments and so looking forward to this read!"

No, it basically traumatized me. I didn't read 1st person books for YEARS afterwards.

I've started and so far I love it.

In case anyone wants to see this review:

https://kingsriverlife.com/02/24/the-...

Perhaps after you have read the book.

Karen

I finally started this yesterday - I've been so behind on my reading this month :( So far, it's grabbed me more than The Hollow Man did.

Lisa wrote: "I finally started this yesterday - I've been so behind on my reading this month :( So far, it's grabbed me more than The Hollow Man did."

This is a better read to me than The Hollow Man.

I've just begun listening to the Audible edition of The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, narrated by Richard Armitage.

Rated this 5 stars one of the better poirots

Zai wrote: "Rated this 5 stars one of the better poirots"

I agree that it's one of the better Poirot's. Not to give anything away but did you figure it out?

I'm enjoying the humor in this book. Christie's writing is so subtle and brilliant. Her asides and interjections. Such great stuff.

Lisa wrote: "I'm enjoying the humor in this book. Christie's writing is so subtle and brilliant. Her asides and interjections. Such great stuff."

Have you started formulating a guess for whom the culprit might be?

I've finished it! Roughly halfway in, I [correctly] guessed the identity of the murderer.

˜”*°•.˜”*°• Sheri •°*”˜.•°*”˜ wrote: "Zai wrote: "Rated this 5 stars one of the better poirots"

I agree that it's one of the better Poirot's. Not to give anything away but did you figure it out?"


I wasn't expecting that twist on such an old novel so no haha

This is one of those books where it's virtually impossible to have a discussion about it without giving away a vital clue. But I agree, one of her best

Should we change this to a spoiler thread so we can openly discuss? Or use spoiler tags? I sure don’t want anything to be ruined for anyone, but would love to be able to chat freely. As a third option, I could open another discussion thread clearly marked as a post-read, spoilery chat.

Maggie wrote: "This is one of those books where it's virtually impossible to have a discussion about it without giving away a vital clue. But I agree, one of her best"

Yes. So hard to discuss without spoiler tags. One of the most devious.

One of my all-time favorites :)

I finally finished. What a great book. Beyond the brilliance of the reveal, there was so much humor, such personality within each character. There is so much humor and humanity within Poirot, his brilliance so well balanced with his flaws. (view spoiler)[ And the reveal of the murderer packed such a punch. Not only did I not see it coming at all, but Christie did such a great job with the character of Dr. Sheppard. His likability and role as reader avatar made it all the more shocking. I loved his character throughout, the banter between him and his sister, his commentary on her. His insights and relationship with Poirot. Just so great. And, I grew to like Caroline, despite her nosy and intrusive personality. She ended up playing a solid role in the way this all unfolded. And I found myself feeling sad for her at the end, thinking about the loss she was going to face. (hide spoiler)] What a great read!

yes, I loved it too. my favorite of Agatha Christie!

I have read it many times, it is a book you can enjoy even if you already know the solution. You can better appreciate how Agatha Christie puts clues here and there. (view spoiler)[ Like Lisa I always felt very sorry for Caroline, even if I think it does not come to her as a total surprise, she knows her brother and in her way she is an intuitive person. (hide spoiler)]

Supposedly Dame Agatha puts enough info that you should be able to figure it out for yourself.

I did begin think he might be the culprit because I didn't think anyone else had a good enough reason to kill him. (view spoiler)[ I too liked Caroline. (hide spoiler)]