AUGUST 2010: The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Chrisite

[Novel Tea Book Club]

The NTBC book choice for AUGUST 2010 is:

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd
by Agatha Christie



The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie definitely met with mixed reviews from the Novel~Tea Book Club.

This novel is one recommended by many and is representative of Christie's deft handling of the detective/mystery genre. Her plot twist in this book reportedly caused shock and indignation amongst its early readers and even today.

Our book group was very divided on The Murder of Roger Ackroyd. Some loved it and some hated it. For those that were impressed it represented a time that is past when mysteries were indeed mysteries and full of cleverness. For those that were dismayed, they found the book and Poirot predictable and boring.

All of us agreed that the story was well written and thought out. We also agreed that the character of Caroline was superbly portrayed.

It was noticeable that those with previous experience with Christie and especially with Hercule Poirot enjoyed the book more than those who were one there first "Agatha Christie expedition."

Overall, we did agree that the exposure to the "unreliable narrator" was an excellent experience for the club.

We would recommend this book for book clubs as an example of the genre, but with forewarning that there will likely be some very mixed reviews (but that is the fun of a book club!).

Our rating: 3/5 stars.


Synopsis: Village rumor hints that Mrs. Ferrars poisoned her husband, but no one is sure. Then there's another victim in a chain of death. Unfortunately for the killer, master sleuth Hercule Poirot takes over the investigation

The Authour:
Agatha Christie's genius for detective fiction is unparalleled. Her worldwide popularity is phenomenal, her characters engaging, her plots spellbinding. No one knows the human heart or the dark passions that can stop it better than Agatha Christie. She is truly the one and only Queen of Crime.