This wonderful novel has been called one of Agatha Christie's best, criticized by some for too many twists and turns and dead ends and hailed by others for the same thing. The British Crime Writers' Association named it the best mystery of all time in 2012.
Hercule Poirot has retired to the little village of King's Abbot, settling in next door to Dr. James Sheppard and his overly inquisitive, but surprisingly perceptive, older sister, Caroline. When Dr. Sheppard's good friend, Roger Ackroyd, is found dead in his study, suspects and motives abound. The prime suspect is Roger's mysteriously absent step-son, Ralph Paton, a good-looking dilettante who has recently become engaged to Flora Ackroyd, Roger's niece, and stands to inherit the Ackroyd fortune. But, could the nervous butler, Parker, have had reason to dispose of his employer? What about efficient secretary (and lover of horse races), Geoffrey Raymond, or Miss Russell, the older, but still attractive, housekeeper who asks Dr. Sheppard about various poisons? Someone was being blackmailed, but is there a connection to the murder?
Dr. Sheppard becomes Hercule's right-hand man as they investigate the crime, following the clues to the surprising conclusion. Mystery lovers will find the twists and turns, dead ends, and puzzling clues an intriguing experience. This is Agatha Christie at her best. No wonder her work remains so popular today!
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