Published in 1926, the sensational year when Agatha Christie''s real life was no different than her crime
fiction, as she
staged her own disappearance when she learnt of her husband''s affair with his secretary. Murder of Roger Ackroyd is unique because of its unconventional twists and turns to the formula of
detective fiction. Ackroyd, a rich and respectable man, close to the vicar, well liked by many is suddenly found dead in his study. His death comes as a second blow to the quiet village - King''s Abbot - already reeling under shock caused by the
strange death of Mrs. Ferrars just a day before. The primary suspect is Ralph Paton, Ackroyd''s step-son. The handsome boy has had scrapes with his step-father because of money, a handsome; albeit worthless loafer Ralph''s life also comes under scrutiny for his involvement with a village girl. His strange disappearance from the village after the murder helps to tighten the noose around his neck. Till Monsieur Poirot, Christie''s Belgian detective enters the scene. Will he be able to proove Ralph Paton innocent? Meanwhile, Ralph''s fiancee Flora, a niece of Mr. Ackroyd oblivious of the ''alleged affair'' of Paton with the village girl, pleads with Poirot to intervene. The Butler, the house keeper, a mysterious stranger, Ackroyd''s sister-in law, Flora herself, the secretary are under the eye of suspicion. The novel has been narrated by Ackroyd''s family doctor and friend, Dr. Sheppard. The final denouement is so satisfying, so strangely unconventional that it makes us care about ''Who Killed Roger Ackroyd" disregarding Edmund Wilson''s complaint.