The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (Annotated)

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd is a classic detective novel by Agatha Christie, first published in 1926. The story is narrated by Dr. James Sheppard, a close friend of the victim, Roger Ackroyd. The novel revolves around the murder of wealthy widower Roger Ackroyd in his country house, Fernly Park. Hercule Poirot, the famous Belgian detective, is called in to investigate the case. What makes this novel particularly intriguing is its unconventional narrative structure. The twist lies in the fact that Dr. Sheppard himself is the narrator, and as the story progresses, readers discover that he is not just a passive observer but plays a crucial role in the unfolding events. The novel is celebrated for its innovative and controversial use of the first-person narrative, keeping readers in suspense until the very end. It's considered one of Agatha Christie's masterpieces and is often cited as one of the greatest mystery novels ever written. The unexpected twist in the resolution of the case is a hallmark of Christie's storytelling and has left a lasting impact on the mystery genre.