The Murder of Roger AckroydThe Murder of Roger Ackroyd
Score Classic
What it's about
In a quiet English village, a wealthy widow dies of an overdose, and a day later the rich Roger Ackroyd is found stabbed in his study. Luckily, the famous detective Hercule Poirot has just retired to the village to grow marrows. The local doctor, Dr. Sheppard, becomes his assistant and tells the story.
Why it's worth reading
It's on Le Monde's list of the books of the century and is often called the greatest detective novel ever written. Its ending shocked readers in 1926 and still does.
You'll love it if you liked
And Then There Were None
Rebecca
The Name of the RoseGood to know
Avoid spoilers at all costs; the ending is famous. It works as your first Poirot.
By the numbers
- Readers86 out of 100 · counts 42%
- Critics0 out of 100 · counts 14%
- Bestseller45 out of 100 · counts 34% (its stronger lane)
- Buzz0 out of 100 · counts 10%
Critics and Bestseller are two ways to earn a place: a book's stronger one counts more. Buzz rewards recent bestseller weeks and prizes, so older books start at zero. The parts combine into the Must-Read Score, shown on a scale where the best book we found scores 99 and the last book to make the ranking scores 50.
Where it ranks
- #62 of the 555 mysteries and thrillers we rank
- #228 of the 762 classics we rank
- #726 of the 2,816 books we rank
Why it made the list
Reads as
Gripping
More by Agatha Christie
And Then There Were None
Curtain
Murder on the Orient Express
Sleeping MurderIf you like this, read next
The Godfather
The Pillars of the Earth
In Cold Blood
Crime and Punishment
Advise and Consent.
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Quick answers
Is The Murder of Roger Ackroyd worth reading?
Yes. It's on Le Monde's list of the books of the century and is often called the greatest detective novel ever written. It ranks #726 of the 2,816 books in our ranking, with a Must-Read Score of 75.8 (the best book we found scores 99).
What is The Murder of Roger Ackroyd about?
In a quiet English village, a wealthy widow dies of an overdose, and a day later the rich Roger Ackroyd is found stabbed in his study. Luckily, the famous detective Hercule Poirot has just retired to the village to grow marrows. The local doctor, Dr. Sheppard, becomes his assistant and tells the story.
How long does it take to read The Murder of Roger Ackroyd?
About 7 hours (286 pages), or about 2 weeks at 30 minutes a day.
What should I read after The Murder of Roger Ackroyd?
If you liked it, try And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie, Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier or The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco.