Part 1: The Setting
Chapter 1: Introduces the peaceful village of King's Abbot and its inhabitants, including the wealthy widower, Roger Ackroyd. We meet the narrator, Dr. Sheppard, and his involvement in the case through his friendship with Ackroyd.
Chapter 2: The arrival of Flora Ackroyd's (Roger's niece) fiancé, Ralph Paton, throws a wrench in the calm atmosphere. Paton, a young and charming man, seems to have a suspicious connection to the disappearance of the late Mrs. Ackroyd's money.
Chapter 3: An unexpected visitor arrives at the Ackroyd household: a mysterious woman named Mrs. Ferrars, who claims to have information about Mrs. Ackroyd's death. She warns Roger Ackroyd to be careful.
Chapter 4: Dr. Sheppard learns about the complicated history of Roger Ackroyd's first marriage and the tragic fate of his first wife.
Chapter 5: A heated argument between Roger Ackroyd and Ralph Paton further fuels suspicions about Paton's true intentions. Dr. Sheppard observes the tense dynamics within the Ackroyd household.
Part 2: The Investigation
Chapter 6: A shocking discovery throws the village into disarray: Roger Ackroyd is found murdered in his study. Dr. Sheppard's initial suspicion falls upon Ralph Paton.
Chapter 7: Poirot arrives in King's Abbot, taking over the investigation. He immediately begins questioning the suspects, including the seemingly innocent Ralph Paton.
Chapter 8: Poirot's keen eye notices inconsistencies in the stories of the witnesses, including the housekeeper, Ursula Bourne, and Flora Ackroyd.
Chapter 9: Poirot digs deeper into the past, uncovering secrets surrounding the late Mrs. Ackroyd's death. He suspects foul play but remains tight-lipped about his findings.
Chapter 10: Poirot's investigations lead him to the mysterious Mrs. Ferrars. She reveals crucial information about Mrs. Ackroyd's affair and her own connection to the case.
Chapter 11: Poirot reveals his suspicions to Dr. Sheppard, hinting at the unexpected identity of the murderer.
Part 3: The Resolution
Chapter 12: Poirot continues to gather evidence and piece together the intricate puzzle of the murder.
Chapter 13: Poirot confronts the murderer, exposing their motive and their ingenious plan to frame someone else. The truth unravels, revealing a web of deception and lies.
Chapter 14: The murderer is apprehended, and the mystery surrounding the murder of Roger Ackroyd is finally solved. Poirot explains his deductions and the intricate chain of events that led to the crime.
Chapter 15: The aftermath of the murder leaves a lasting impact on the village and its inhabitants. Dr. Sheppard reflects on the events and the enduring brilliance of Hercule Poirot.
Note: This is a brief summary of the key events in each chapter. It is recommended to read the novel to fully appreciate the intricate plot and character development.