The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle
Set in a 1920s country house, this unique coupling of a classic house party murder mystery with a supernatural/speculative foundation is a brilliant first novel. It’s incredibly complicated, but the narrative drive and excellent writing keep the suspense going and the reader deeply involved, if confused much of the time. Aiden Bishop wakes up each day inhabiting the body of a different house guest. Each gives him a different perspective of the mystery, but he has no memory of his own life, nor of the ones he inhabited previously at the party. He is tasked with discovering and preventing whoever plans to murder Evelyn Hardcastle, the daughter of the hosts of the house party in the decidedly strange and menacing, neglected mansion. Bishop gradually learns that these same eight days occur repeatedly and will continue to do so until the mystery is solved, Evelyn is saved, and the loop is closed.
This could be tedious, but the writing keeps the reader fascinated. Bishop learns (near the end) the true purpose of the house, why the houseguests are there, and why they cannot leave. No spoilers here, but it is well worth the longish read to discover the real mystery. The speculative/science fiction foundation just adds to the unique quality of the novel. It will be a pleasure to anticipate Turton’s next novel.
