Review - The Murder of Roger Ackroyd

I really didn't expect to enjoy this as much as I did. I mean, I like crime/mystery fiction, especially as something to take a break from literature or heart-breaking stuff (Guy Gavriel Kay, I'm looking at you). But I didn't expect to like Agatha Christie's writing so much. This first exposure to her work is due to my Crime Fiction class, which now I'm really excited about, and I'm probably going to look out for more.

It was cleverer than I expected. I'm generally able to guess the plot and motivations and all of that, no matter what kind of fiction I'm reading, but Agatha Christie's pretty good at misdirection. I think I did get there before the reveal -- but only a little!

I liked the way she described things and set up characters. I particularly liked the character of Caroline, somehow, though I can't put my finger on why. She was an essentially good-hearted busybody. The narrative voice is wonderful, misleading you so well without ever seeming to.

I wasn't actually that interested in Poirot himself. I found him a little irritating, actually, and I don't particularly feel the need for the next Agatha Christie book I read to be another with him in it.

I hope I have this good an experience with all of the crime fiction on my list!