Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie
Narrator: Tim Bruce
Series: Hercule Poirot #4
Published by Brilliance Audio on January 11, 2022
Genres: Mystery
Length: 7 hours, 43 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm
Hercule Poirot thought that retiring to a small village to do some gardening would bring his detective career to a halt. But when Roger Ackroyd's body is found in his study with a knife stabbed into him, Poirot takes on the case. Ackroyd, whose wealthy fiancee had just recently committed suicide, is hosting a dinner party for a swathe of guests one night when a friend comes to him in confidence and reveals that someone had been blackmailing his late fiancee. That is the last time anyone saw Mr. Ackroyd alive.
Join one of Agatha Christie's most notable characters in this entertaining and surprising murder mystery.
Hercule Poirot retires to the country and lives in a little village where gossip is an Olympic sport, but little ever happens. Or so it seems, then there is a suicide, followed by a murder, to get the tongues of King’s Abbot wagging and Poirot out of retirement. Of the many Agatha Christie stories, this has been one of my favorites and I was delighted to get a re-listen on audio with new to me narrator, Tim Bruce.
Agatha Christie has a particular style to her writing, but her books are in no way formulaic. Take The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, for example, the whole story is told within the pages of the local doctor, James Sheppard’s journal. In fact, for a great deal of this book, James is the central figure and Poirot barely appears until at least a third of the way in.  Wry and witty, yet observant James and his hilarious snooping sister, Caroline, were hot on the trail to get answers now that something exciting has happened in their quiet village.
For the most part, the household of Roger Ackroyd is the main setting and provides the bulk of the characters. His murder draws the police who are not exactly impressed with Poirot’s quirky methods and what catches his focus. He is taken up by the little inexplicable things and the ‘psychology’ behind actions and words. James Sheppard became his detecting side kick.
I enjoy how Christie provides a large cast of characters, some side trails to muddy the water a bit, and then that twist which comes with the reveal. Of course, one feels they should have seen it coming especially since she is generous with her hints in retrospect.
All in all, this mystery set in the English countryside of the past, clever plot, and distinct characters was just as fabulous this latest encounter as it was in the past. Those who enjoy classic British mystery should definitely give this one a go.
Narration:
Tim Bruce was an excellent narrator and caught the tone and accents of each character well. Class, nationality, gender, age, and personal mannerisms all shone forth. I was easily able to sink into his storytelling and appreciate the mystery all the better.
Listen to a clip: HERE
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Terrific review, Sophia. I have never read an Agatha Christie book, but you’re getting close to convincing me I need to read one.
Haha, glad that I can tempt you closer, Wendy. 🙂
I love seeing these come to audio.
Same here! It’s been so many years that getting the newer audios is like getting a fresh chance at Christie Mysteries.
i have read a lot of agatha christie way back. used to get them from my grandmother. glad to know they stand the test of time
They sure do. There are some dated and cringy moments, but the mysteries are solid as can be.
I always love these. Miss Marple is my favorite but I like them all. The old PBS series were great too.
I enjoy Miss Marple as the main sleuth, too. Yes, those old Masterpiece Mystery adaptions are the best. 🙂
I love these classic mysteries. Glad to see you enjoyed this one. Miss Marple is my favourite detective.
I agree. When I want a cozy read or listen, Christie is a good bet. Another fan of Miss Marple. I want to be her when I’m eighty. 🙂
I have yet to read any of Christie’s work but I don’t even think that I have heard of this one before. It sounds really good!
Glad I could intrigue you, Carole. This is one of her fun ones, I think.
Oh it’s been so long since I haven’t read one of her books
I’ve enjoyed getting a reunion with them since it has been a while for me, too.
Oh wow that’s a blast from my past I lOVE Dame Agatha and love seeing these brought back in audio. I need to get some of them, I have to admit Roger Akroyd isn’t my favorite but maybe I’ll get another sip a cuppa and put in my earbuds. Thanks Sophia Rose
Yes, it is fab getting them put on audio. LOL, that’s okay, maybe another visit will improve it for you.
Thanks Sophia – I’ve yet to read an AC book, but have always been interested. Sounds like this new narrator is a good one. With the books – I know each is a standalone mystery, but should one start at the beginning – is there an overarching plot?
You can pretty much start anywhere you want and with whatever detective series or standalone you want. I don’t think there are any that have to be read in order. Hugh Frazer is my favorite of the narrators, but Tim Bruce was pretty good in this one.
This is one of my favorites from Agatha Christie, too! Such a fun twist! My dad recently read this one and called me right after he finished with shock, lol! I’ll have to listen to the audio sometime.
I think it is so much fun when people read that twist for the first time. 🙂 Yes, the new narrations are really fun to go back for a revisit, Rachel!
I love this book. It is one of my favorite Agatha Christie mysteries. I am glad you loved it too!
How fun! Yes, it was a fab mystery.
This is a fun one. The twist is so classically Christie, and so utterly unexpected the first time you read it.
It really is. I remember being gobsmacked that first time and even this listen had me amazed at how she pulled it off.
Interesting to hear that while Christie has a certain style, she can keep us on our toes 😉
Yes, I like how she changes it up with the POV and this one being epistolary.