Book Review: The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle

The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton

Every now and then, I try to read a book that stretches me. A book that is out of my comfort zone. A book I would not usually pick up.

Sometimes these new-to-me genres get a round of applause and other times they get tossed aside. The novel, The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle, was a definite stretch for me, but I am glad I read it. Even if I still do not understand it...

Here is the book blurb:

"Evelyn Hardcastle will be murdered at 11:00 p.m. 
There are eight days, and eight witnesses for you to inhabit. 
We will only let you escape once you tell us the name of the killer. 
Understood? Then let's begin...

Evelyn Hardcastle will die. Every day until Aiden Bishop can identify her killer and break the cycle. But every time the day begins again, Aiden wakes up in the body of a different guest. And some of his hosts are more helpful than others..."

I put the blurb here because I am afraid I cannot put the plot into words adequately. The plot is very unique. Essentially, the novel weaves back and forth in time over the course of eight days with the main character waking in the body of various hosts.

Add in that this all takes place at a crumbling estate where the estate owners are celebrating the return of their daughter, Evelyn, on the anniversary of the murder of their son. Then, add in rivals who are also trying to solve the murder while being hosted in other party guests' bodies - and you have a whole lot going on.

For me, I found the plot and the idea very enjoyable. The characters were well developed and well nuanced. That was probably my favorite part of the novel.

However, I am not a true mystery reader. Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie are often difficult for me. Not because they aren't enjoyable but because I am not used to reading mysteries and paying attention to every single detail. In a book like Evelyn Hardcastle, I almost felt like I needed to keep my own detective's notepad. And, for some people, that sounds like a dream! For me, it was just a little hard to keep up with.

With that being said, I am glad I read it and believe there will be many (many) who will love the novel. Those who are fans of mysteries and time travel will especially enjoy it.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with this copy to read and review! This book will be released September 18th, 2018.