Just to give my early thoughts since I’m already halfway through the book. Spoilers abound for this book and for “The Mysterious Affair At Styles”.
I’ve seen through a handful of Agatha Christie novels, starting with the famous “And Then There Were None.” I even saw the BBC adaptation of it. Afterwards, story upon story followed, including “Murder on the Orient Express” and “The Mysterious Affair At Styles.” Dame Agatha is quite skillful to portray stories whether it’s within a closed area or even a whole village.
“Roger Ackroyd” gives us a familiar setting and a viewpoint. The village is no Styles, Sheppard is no Hastings either. Damn. Poirot definitely hasn’t forgotten what became of Cynthia Murdoch, even jesting it to make light of his friend… probably.
I noticed I haven’t been paying much attention to the story ever since the titular murder has occurred. There are questionable deeds done, yes, but something caught my eye. Particularly, the way Dr. Sheppard presented the events JUST before Ackroyd is killed, by a Tunisian dagger, nonetheless.
Excuse the military times, but I’ll be referring to those of the Prime Meridian.
The last word from Ackroyd came at 2040H; Sheppard left him at 2050H. He encounters Parker (the butler( at the door, the bastard eavesdropping unashamedly. The investigation reveals that Ackroyd was murdered past 2145H, right after his niece Flora kissed him goodbye. Again, Parker is found with a drink in hand.
So what am I trying to make out here? Both times, those who left told Parker that his master did not wish to be disturbed. An air of suspicion draws around him each time. The way Ackroyd is described both times is peculiar – not uttering a proper word each time, at least from Sheppard and Flora’s statements.
Why is that? I’ll tell you. Dr. Sheppard is the killer (I think). It’s the wording that kills him. You see, within the span of ten minutes, assuming he obtained the dagger beforehand:
– He stabbed Ackroyd, shocking him enough to not utter a word.
– He turned his chair to a position where Flora wouldn’t notice his wounds. That girl is probably half-asleep by then.
– He disposed of the envelope with Mrs. Ferrars’ letter, containing the blackmailer’s identity. Why Ackroyd refused to disclose the name? Why bother? He’s in front of him, anyway.
– There’s ample time to set up the window trick (unintentionally). Paton coming to the estate to kill Ackroyd is a red herring; rather, he calls Dr. Sheppard from somewhere. That’s because HE was the one who discovered Ackroyd’s corpse, leaving footprints behind.
– Also, Paton would have turned the chair in the correct position (somehow), but I’m not sure on this.
That scenario is very possible, and I’m eager to hear the other end of the case.
What are your thoughts? Comment and Share as you please. Pardon the irregularity of posts. I am currently writing the revision of my debut novel and the story of a visual novel I planned a year ago.
Follow me on Twitter, @JamieDW_Offc. Until next time!
Jamie D.W.'s World of Mysteries 