TV detective Morgan Shepard wakes up in a hotel room with five other people - and a corpse in the tub. If he can't figure out which person in the room killed the man in the tub, they will all die.
When I first read the blurb for this book, I immediately thought of the Saw movies. And it kind of started out like that, opening immediately with Sheppard and the others waking up and discovering the body. I wondered who they all were, if they were randomly thrown together or if there was some connection, and if any of them were lying. Interspersed through the narrative are flashbacks to Sheppard's childhood and it becomes pretty apparent who is setting him up.
While I enjoyed the first half of the book, my interest began to wane as the initial mystery is replaced by another. I thought the writing was good, though, and the relatively short chapters kept the pace moving quickly. I rolled my eyes a bit near the end, though, when (MINOR SPOILER ALERT) Sheppard and the villain come face to face and instead of taking out Sheppard immediately, the villain proceeds to monologue his entire motivation and plan. Come on, villain, you know how that's going to work out for you! 3.5 stars
Aiden Bishop has 8 days to find a killer. The catch? The day of the murder will keep repeating itself until he solves it, and each day he will wake up as a different guest in the crumbling mansion he's found himself in. He will only be free once he solves the murder of Evelyn Hardcastle.
This was a highly imaginative and unique locked-room mystery. Not only does the main character have to solve the murder, but he will see it from the viewpoint of several other people staying at the estate. Each "host" felt distinct; some were cunning and intelligent, while others had more physical prowess. Aiden has to learn to use the strengths of each one without letting them overwhelm him.
Turton did a brilliant job creating the atmosphere; I felt so immersed in the story and the setting, which was a good thing because this book really needs your attention. It's so easy to miss little things. And then there's a huge twist at the end that will totally change the way you look at the story and, for me anyway, leave you with more questions than answers! 4 stars
I think the Evelyn Hardcastle book sounds more like one I'd read than the other. I've noticed both of these books, but am taking a break from thrillers right now. I'll keep the Turton book in mind because that whole set-up is indeed clever.
ReplyDeleteIt is very clever, and not really so much of a thriller as a mystery!
DeleteI don’t think I’ve ever read a locked-room mystery. Both of these sound really atmospheric and unique. Great reviews!
ReplyDeleteAj @ Read All The Things!
Thanks, Aj!
DeleteI've heard great things about Evelyn Hardcastle! I'm glad to see you've enjoyed it too. The mystery sounds fantastic!
ReplyDeleteIt was very fun!
DeleteI really like the sound of the Hardcastle book. I am wanting to check it out, plus I am curious how she only dies 7.5 times.
ReplyDeleteHaha, I guess you'll have to read it to find out! Also, the original title was 7 Deaths, but they had to change it for the US edition because of 7 Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.
DeleteI've had a copy of Evelyn Harcastle sitting around for a while and I keep wanting to pick it up, but I haven't still for some reason? Your review sounds wonderful, so I'm definitely bumping it up soon. I hate the monologue trope in books--it's so irritating. Great reviews!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jordan! Awesome, I hope you enjoy it!
DeleteOk, no, that first one sounds terrifying. But I did enjoy Evelyn Hardcastle. There were a lot of characters to keep track of, but it gets easier as the book goes on. And yes, I have questions that still need answering...
ReplyDeleteSo many questions...
DeleteI have been seeing that Evelyn Hardcastle book everywhere. It seems like it delivered a full and great reading experience for you.
ReplyDeleteIt did! It was super interesting and complex.
DeleteThese two have been on my TBR for a bit -- and I was looking forward to Guess Who a wee bit more than Evelyn HArdcastle, so it's a bit disappointing to read it's not as good as I thought. Villains monologuing actually really do drive me nuts!
ReplyDeleteI know, it's such a silly trope! The rest of the book was pretty good, though.
DeleteI had seen Evelyn Hardcastle around and was intrigued just by the title but didn't know what it was about. Super interested in picking it up now. Great reviews!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Grace! I hope you enjoy it!
DeleteThe 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle has been on my radar for a while so I'm happy to see those 4 stars for it. It sounds fantastic!
ReplyDeleteIt was a great book!
DeleteThis book really does demand your attention! It's so mind-boggling. I totally agree about the amazing atmosphere, and I also loved how distinct each character was.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed it too! :)
I had high hopes for this one, and it really didn't disappoint!
DeleteI really want to read The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle and it is on my TBR. I am glad you enjoyed it. As I really feel this is a book I could get into. Great mini reviews!
ReplyDeleteMary
Thanks, Mary!
Deleteit really sounds good
ReplyDeleteThey were both good!
DeleteNoooooo not the typical trope used for Guess Who! (Just when I wanted to put that on my TBR as well.) :(
ReplyDeleteHaha, well, if you can get past that minor thing, the book was still pretty good!
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