The Murder of Roger Ackroyd

The term “sour grapes” is often used in reference to an instance in which someone adopts an attitude to something because they can’t equal it themselves. That was certainly the case when a 20th century critic wrote a derogatory article in the New York Magazine, stating:

“Who cares Who Killed Roger Ackroyd?”—Edmund Wilson

He added: “Wasteful of time and degrading to the intellect.”

We learn that Wilson was long since misguided when he said he had outgrown detective stories by the time he was twelve-years-old. His comment was degraded by publisher, editor, and critic, Howard Haycraft. He called this story:

“One of the most influential crime novels ever written.”

In Great Britain, in 2013, the Crime Writer’s Association listed it as the best crime novel ever, just one of the many accolades accorded Agatha Christie, the bestselling author in history. Her works have always achieved vast audiences, ignoring any criticism. Some critics consider this to be the masterpiece of all the stand-alone novels written by Christie.

As you listen with us, you will inevitably agree that there is an innovative ending with a highly unusual twist. You can now hear that for yourself.