The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Aidan Bishop is attending a masquerade ball in the early 20th century at the Hardcastle Family's Blackheath Estate, which is a crumbling mansion on a large plot of land including a graveyard. What he doesn't realize is that Evelyn Hardcastle will be killed and he is responsible for determining the murderer. Over the course of the next eight days, he takes on the persona of each of the eight guests, trying to figure out their motives and movements over the course of one day. It is a ground-hog like scenario in which he inhabits a different 'host' each day.
This is exactly the type of book that I typically love. However, I found it very difficult to follow. Initially it is not apparent that Aidan Bishop is inhabiting each of the mansion's guests, changing them at the beginning of each new day. Also, there is a large cast of characters; it is difficult to follow and keep all the characters straight. It would probably benefit me to read the book again, knowing now what I know about the plot. However, it took me several weeks to plow through the book the first time.
Bonus points, however, for the map of the estate inside the front cover
and even more bonus points for the Masquerade Ball invitation, which
lists the Hardcastle hosts, the guests, and the household staff. This
was invaluable to me in keeping all the characters straight! I referred
to it constantly while reading the book.
To be honest, I think that it would be excellent as an original movie or multi-part streaming service show. It has great similarities to the Knives Out movies and other streaming mysteries with large casts of characters. I'm giving it four stars because of the unique premise and the fact that I'm a sucker for lavish British house party mysteries. But just be aware of the length and complexities of the book before you embark on this 'masquerade mystery.'
Read more of my reviews at https://thegoodreader13.blogspot.com/
View all my reviews
