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A review by drjoannehill
The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Re-reading for Bridges Book Club.
Second read (for Bridges Book Club Sept 2024).
I am terrible for remembering plots and names from books I read a while ago, so this was almost like a brand new book, I only remembered parts. It kept me awake as my brain was trying to process what was going on in what I'd read that day - the time of day, what was going to happen in what order. We're at a crumbling country house on a stormy day, in the lead up to a dinner and ball to which the Lord and Lady have invited a range of guests. The lead character loops through the same day eight times trying to solve a murder that happens late in the evening, and he does so from eight different perspectives (body-hopping) who each have their own strengths and weaknesses. Some of his characters meet and the ones in the future (later on in the loop) wonder whether they should re-do the same actions or conversations that they remember from earlier on, from the other perspective. That's not to mention the twisty conspiracies and betrayals going on amongst the family and guests on the scene, that affect how the murder is solved. We do not always know the lead character's motives for specific actions and conversations - he acts on instinct sometimes, and is not always in a hurry to try to solve the mystery. Plenty to think about regarding how physical and mental strengths and weaknesses, different perspectives and circumstances, can affect how we interact with others, build friendship, and learn the information we need. I was surprised which "bodies" the lead character is in when he learns crucial information and turns things to his advantage (given his earlier prejudice about certain people).
I am very interested to know what the Book Club thinks of it (not the usual fare). I'm exhausted! But I still think it is a clever and exciting book.
First review (2020).
Clever 'time travel body-hopping murder mystery' as the author terms it. You have to pay attention. I wasn't sure if some things were plot holes or meant to be there. Would probably be very different on second reading.
Second read (for Bridges Book Club Sept 2024).
I am terrible for remembering plots and names from books I read a while ago, so this was almost like a brand new book, I only remembered parts. It kept me awake as my brain was trying to process what was going on in what I'd read that day - the time of day, what was going to happen in what order. We're at a crumbling country house on a stormy day, in the lead up to a dinner and ball to which the Lord and Lady have invited a range of guests. The lead character loops through the same day eight times trying to solve a murder that happens late in the evening, and he does so from eight different perspectives (body-hopping) who each have their own strengths and weaknesses. Some of his characters meet and the ones in the future (later on in the loop) wonder whether they should re-do the same actions or conversations that they remember from earlier on, from the other perspective. That's not to mention the twisty conspiracies and betrayals going on amongst the family and guests on the scene, that affect how the murder is solved. We do not always know the lead character's motives for specific actions and conversations - he acts on instinct sometimes, and is not always in a hurry to try to solve the mystery. Plenty to think about regarding how physical and mental strengths and weaknesses, different perspectives and circumstances, can affect how we interact with others, build friendship, and learn the information we need. I was surprised which "bodies" the lead character is in when he learns crucial information and turns things to his advantage (given his earlier prejudice about certain people).
I am very interested to know what the Book Club thinks of it (not the usual fare). I'm exhausted! But I still think it is a clever and exciting book.
First review (2020).
Clever 'time travel body-hopping murder mystery' as the author terms it. You have to pay attention. I wasn't sure if some things were plot holes or meant to be there. Would probably be very different on second reading.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Fatphobia, Violence, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Sexual violence