Murder of Roger Ackroyd, The

Synopsis

The book opens shortly after the widow Mrs. Ferrars unexpectedly commits suicide. It is suspected that she committed suicide because she was being blackmailed over the manner in which her mean, abusive, alcoholic husband died.

Her last action before killing herself was to send a letter to her fiancé Roger Ackroyd, a letter explaining why she could no longer live in her current situation and who is to blame for it. Shortly after receiving the letter Ackroyd is murdered, presumably by Mrs. Ferrars’ mysterious blackmailer.

Enter Hercule Poirot, retired investigator and neighbor.