LJ Ross Chooses a Classic Whodunnit for March's Book Club
Northumberland-born LJ Ross is the bestselling author of the DCI Ryan murder mystery series. Each month, she shares an exclusive Book Club pick with Living North
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd
Agatha Christie
Agatha Christie’s ‘The Murder of Roger Ackroyd’ remains one of the most celebrated detective novels of all time. First published in 1926, the story is set in a quintessential English village where the shocking murder of the wealthy Roger Ackroyd sends ripples through the insular community. The case is soon taken up by famous Belgian sleuth, Hercule Poirot, who is enjoying what he hopes will be a peaceful retirement nearby…
LJ’s Thoughts:
‘It’s a bold writer of crime fiction who would pronounce judgment upon the Grande Dame of that genre, but I’ll go out on a limb and say that, as ever, she doesn’t disappoint! Christie’s writing is crisp, engaging, and laced with humour, making the book a delight even for those new to her little Belgian detective. The characters are vividly drawn, and suspicion is cast widely so that the reader is kept guessing throughout. Aside from its ingenious plot structure, the beauty of this novel lies in Christie’s ability to challenge the reader’s assumptions – particularly, through her use of a locked room narrative, which was highly original at the time of the book’s publication and represented a pivotal moment in the redefinition of the crime fiction genre. In short, it’s an excellent read, for lovers of crime fiction and beyond.’
