My favorite mystery/thriller of February! If you are nostalgic for Agatha Christie, love Knives Out and watched and re-watched the Clue movie as a kid, pick up this fun locked-room mystery. This is absolutely my type of mystery.
The legendary author JR Alastor invites 6 different thriller authors to his secluded estate for a week-long “writer’s retreat” hosted by event planner Mila. Mila communicates with JR on her apple watch while the authors are treated to tasks through puzzles and “tropes” such as the dinner party, cursed artifacts and survive the night. They are joined by Rodrigo and Olivia (seriously?) who are partners in life and in writing. Cassandra, who is rumored to have killed her 2nd husband. Fletcher, an egomaniacal old white guy. Ashton, a broody and guilt ridden young man attracted to Mila. Violet, a 21 year old with only one title to her name.
Soon there are deaths! Missing bodies! A storm keeping them trapped on the island! And everyone has secrets and guilt in their past that MUST be revealed! And where and WHO is JR Alastor??
This is great on audio, with eight different audiobook narrators to keep straight all of these characters. It is still dizzying and a bit hard to follow if you typically listen at 2.0 speed or higher. I did skip back and re-listen to certain chapters to hear what I missed.
If you ARE going to listen on audio, I will warn you that the CHAPTER TITLES are a spoiler so beware of the Table of Contents if you like to keep your mysteries spoiler-free. To be completely honest, for me it sort of helped to know where the book was going so I could focus on the characterization.
This is all plot and pacing and I loved it.
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