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ansatejones's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder, Suicide, and Death
Minor: Violence, Antisemitism, Mental illness, Classism, Addiction, Drug abuse, Xenophobia, Sexism, Racism, Cultural appropriation, and Drug use
emeraldsanto's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie is a classic whodunit that showcases the author's mastery of the mystery genre. Set in a quiet English village, the story unfolds after the murder of the wealthy and enigmatic Roger Ackroyd. The narrative is presented from the perspective of Dr. James Sheppard, a reliable and observant narrator who becomes intricately involved in the investigation.
One of the notable strengths of this novel is its construction. Agatha Christie weaves a carefully crafted plot, full of intricate details and red herrings that keep readers guessing until the very end. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the suspense to build gradually, and the twists and turns are cleverly executed. Christie's attention to detail is commendable, and her ability to create a closed-circle mystery in a seemingly idyllic setting is truly remarkable.
However, I did not find the book as exciting as I had hoped. While the story is well-constructed, some readers may find the pacing a bit slow at times, especially if they are seeking a more action-packed or adrenaline-fueled thriller. The murder investigation primarily unfolds through conversations and interviews, which may not offer the same level of excitement as more dynamic plot developments.
One of the notable strengths of this novel is its construction. Agatha Christie weaves a carefully crafted plot, full of intricate details and red herrings that keep readers guessing until the very end. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the suspense to build gradually, and the twists and turns are cleverly executed. Christie's attention to detail is commendable, and her ability to create a closed-circle mystery in a seemingly idyllic setting is truly remarkable.
However, I did not find the book as exciting as I had hoped. While the story is well-constructed, some readers may find the pacing a bit slow at times, especially if they are seeking a more action-packed or adrenaline-fueled thriller. The murder investigation primarily unfolds through conversations and interviews, which may not offer the same level of excitement as more dynamic plot developments.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Addiction, Classism, Drug abuse, Death, Medical content, Drug use, Murder, and Suicide
risemini's review against another edition
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Murder, and Suicide
bringmybooks's review against another edition
challenging
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I love Agatha Christie, and I really really liked this book - but even though it gets 5 stars from me (I really did like it!!), I also feel just the slightest bit let down.
B̷R̷I̷N̷G̷ ✨ 𝗕𝗢𝗥𝗥𝗢𝗪 ✨ B̷Y̷P̷A̷S̷S̷
I think this is a result of being told for years upon years upon years upon years that this is the best mystery novel ever written, that it is Christie at her penultimate, that this book is the absolute bedrock upon which so many others have followed.
It was rather a weird way to feel upon finishing, because I genuinely loved it (also, this was my first Poirot!) and I thought the last two pages were BRILLIANT - but I was also left with a bit of, “Yeah, I mean, that was wild but … also?”
It definitely makes me want to read up more on the history of these sorts of novels and just how much of an impact Roger Ackroyd made on other books that followed because I would really like to better understand the cultural impact.
OKAY BUT - all of that being said: Should you read it? YES.
If you want to read this so that you can cross it off your list, I think a library borrow would be totally reasonable.
However, if you’re planning on reading more than just this one in the Poirot series, buy it so that all of your editions match and are beautiful!
(I’m looking at the Vintage reprints myself: ISBN 9780593466360 for TMORA).
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Death, Suicide, Classism, Drug abuse, Drug use, Misogyny, and Murder
Minor: Antisemitism
cepbreed's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Oh my god. THAT ENDING. I picked this up specifically because someone told me the murderer was the person you’d least suspect and not suspect them is exactly what I did!! I actually had myself convinced it was Caroline for half the novel because I thought it wouldn’t usually be her, the gossip junky. Even when Poirot told her to stay back from the dinner party where he promised the murderer would be I thought he was simply trying to lure her to sneak there. She’s exactly like the social media true crime obsessives. Turns out there is a trope even less suspicious than the prideful crime obsession civilian, the “Watson” type. All detectives have some sort of figure that follows them around and represents the audience in a way. The Watson dumbs down the case by serving as a vessel for the detectives explanations. Not once did it ever cross my mind that Dr. Sheppard would be the murderer. Reading the last chapter was an intense experience. I am so thankful for Agatha Christie’s brain.
Random note but I would LOVE to see a film adaptation simply because the chaotic mahjong scene would be amazing. I can see the whip pans now!
Also “M. Poirot and his little ideas!” Is such a fun little saying. I’m totally adopting this lifestyle so from now on when anyone questions me I’ll just say it’s just one of my little ideas.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Death, and Murder
Minor: Blood, Drug use, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
bbbarttt's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Suicide and Death
literarydais's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder and Death
cocopeia's review against another edition
dark
informative
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Murder
singalana's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Roger Ackroydin murhaa pidetään yhtenä Christien parhaista kirjoista, enkä yhtään ihmettele miksi. Teos on salapoliisiromaani, jossa eläköitynyt Hercule Poirot kutsutaan tutkimaan Roger Ackroydin murhaa. Teosta epäillään niin Ackroydin sukulaisia kuin palvelijoitakin ja juttua sekoittaa monen monituista omituista seikkaa. Christien luomilla hahmoilla on kaikilla omat persoonallisuudenpiirteensä, omituisuutensa sekä salaisuutensa. Päärooleissa on tohtori Sheppard (kertoja), hänen siskonsa Caroline, sekä tietysti itse suuri Hercule Poirot.
Agatha Christie on mestari punomaan kertomuksia, joissa kaikki ovat epäilyksen alaisia, ja kun loppuratkaisun aika koittaa, lukija saa huomata, että vihjeet olivat hänen nenänsä edessä koko ajan! Teksti on vetävää ja salaisuuksien vyyhti purkautuu, koukuttaen lukijan tehokkaasti.
Roger Ackroydin murha on taattua Agatha Christie-laatua salapoliisikertomusten ystäville.
Content Warnings
Minor: Addiction, Colonisation, Suicide, Blood, Classism, Murder, Alcohol, and Death
aeschef's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Suicide