Reviews tagging 'Medical content'

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie

12 reviews

kimveach's review against another edition

mysterious reflective 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've known about this book for years, but I have finally read it.  Even though I knew the ending, it was wonderful to see it all play out.  The dedication is particularly remarkable, especially after you've finished the book.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Death, Toxic friendship, Addiction, Drug abuse, Medical content, Blood, Murder, Suicide, Gaslighting, Classism, Drug use, Medical trauma, and Violence

cyluho's review against another edition

mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Murder

Moderate: Suicide

Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Mental illness, and Medical content

hannahcstocks's review against another edition

adventurous dark lighthearted mysterious medium-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

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Classism, Death, Drug use, Injury/Injury detail, Self harm, Toxic friendship, Gaslighting, Drug abuse, Medical content, Grief, Suicide, Murder, and Violence

Minor: Animal death, Forced institutionalization, Animal cruelty, and Blood

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.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Death of parent, Addiction, Classism, Drug abuse, Death, Medical content, Drug use, Murder, and Suicide

jennywren60's review against another edition

mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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Content Warnings

Minor: Medical content, Murder, Suicide attempt, Blood, Death, Drug use, and Gaslighting

fraise's review against another edition

mysterious reflective 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? It's complicated

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Murder and Suicidal thoughts

Moderate: Blood, Sexism, Classism, Suicide, Addiction, Death of parent, Drug abuse, and Grief

Minor: Infidelity, Animal death, Alcohol, Blood, and Medical content

daryn's review against another edition

challenging dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Murder, Violence, and Suicide

Moderate: Drug abuse, Medical content, and Addiction

lajoy's review against another edition

mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

1.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Racism, Forced institutionalization, Medical content, Murder, Suicide, Classism, and Drug abuse

lalu's review against another edition

mysterious tense

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Diverse cast of characters? No

5.0

This was sooo good! The way all those little details, truths and lies come together was ingenious. I especially enjoyed the extremely subtle hints that pointed towards the murderer. 
I guessed who it was around the 70% mark

when Caroline calls her brother weak and a few minutes later Poirot describes the murderer as having "a strain of weakness—deep down". But to be fair I had read beforehand that the book ends with quite a plot twist and was therefore looking out for these kinds of hints. And I was nevertheless amazed that I had been correct.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Suicide, Medical content, and Murder

Minor: Drug abuse

jhbandcats's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I’d never read this Agatha Christie book before and was really impressed at the complexity of the plot. Based on my memories of what I read in my youth, her books weren’t that complicated. Clearly I either didn’t read them well or thoroughly, or I just wasn’t remembering clearly. 

Without giving details or spoilers I’ll only say Christie uses a great plot device in this story. I found it surprising and very satisfying as a result. As with all mysteries, everyone has something to hide, some far more unsavory than others. 

Definitely recommended. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Addiction, Classism, Medical content, Murder, Suicide, and Violence