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brooke_marcum's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide
akira_outofthegravity's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
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
4.0
There’s a reason this is a classic.
For those who don’t know the twist- there can’t be many of you, this is a fantastic detective book. For those who do this is an incredible piece of art that plays with word choice.
I knew the twist, and this is actually a reread (but it was so long ago I read it I’ve decided just to mark it as read once) and I was astounded by how clever the wording was. Certain phrases that have a double meaning depending on if you know the ending, I think this is a rare book, in that you can enjoy it regardless of if you know how it ends.
Highly recommend!
For those who don’t know the twist- there can’t be many of you, this is a fantastic detective book. For those who do this is an incredible piece of art that plays with word choice.
I knew the twist, and this is actually a reread (but it was so long ago I read it I’ve decided just to mark it as read once) and I was astounded by how clever the wording was. Certain phrases that have a double meaning depending on if you know the ending, I think this is a rare book, in that you can enjoy it regardless of if you know how it ends.
Highly recommend!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Murder, and Suicide
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
tinygoldfox's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Absolutely floored me with the ending, did not see it coming at all and it was astounding!
The writing is easy to read and funny, I can see why Agatha Christie is still the world's best selling author! Nearly 100 years since this book was first published and it still hits home.
AMAZING!
The writing is easy to read and funny, I can see why Agatha Christie is still the world's best selling author! Nearly 100 years since this book was first published and it still hits home.
AMAZING!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Xenophobia and Suicide
Minor: Alcoholism and Racial slurs
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
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
eudaemonics's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder and Suicide
canadawithoutthec's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide and Murder
prashiie's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
"I am much aged, my power may not be what they were. In all probability this is the last case I shall ever investigate. But Hercule Poirot does not end with a failure."
Even retirement cannot stop Hercule Poirot from doing what he does best: solving mysteries!
This time he doesn’t have Hastings with him. So with Dr. Sheppard as his assistant, Poirot sets out to investigate. A typical whodunit with a surprising twist! As usual, he doesn’t say much and he has his peculiar ways.
"My friend Hastings, he of whom I told you, used to say of me that I was the human oyster. But he was unjust. Of facts, I keep nothing to myself. But to everyone his own interpretation of them."
Even retirement cannot stop Hercule Poirot from doing what he does best: solving mysteries!
This time he doesn’t have Hastings with him. So with Dr. Sheppard as his assistant, Poirot sets out to investigate. A typical whodunit with a surprising twist! As usual, he doesn’t say much and he has his peculiar ways.
"My friend Hastings, he of whom I told you, used to say of me that I was the human oyster. But he was unjust. Of facts, I keep nothing to myself. But to everyone his own interpretation of them."
One of my favourite characters in this story is Caroline. She knows almost everything that happens in King’s Abbot.
"Caroline can do any amount of finding out by sitting placidly at home. I don’t know how she manages it, but there it is."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Minor: Infidelity, Suicide, Drug use, Alcoholism, and Addiction