<p>Mr. Roger Ackroyd is found dead in a locked room, stabbed with an antique dagger. Dr. James Sheppard, the local physician, discovers the body of his friend and narrates the ensuing hunt for the killer. All the guests and staff at Ackroyd's country house seem to have solid alibis-except for his missing stepson. The local police are puzzled, but the recently retired detective Hercule Poirot unexpectedly turns up and joins the fray. Dr. Sheppard gamely assists the legendary Poirot as he untangles one of the most fiendish mysteries in Christie's extensive oeuvre.</p>