The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle

★★★★★ 5/5

As an ardent Christie enthusiast, I am naturally drawn to locked room mysteries that draw inspiration from her captivating body of work. "The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle" seems to fit into this category, albeit with an unexpected twist. This romp of a mystery begins with an exhilarating chase, leaving me breathless at every twist and turn. The unconventional approach to the confining elements within which the main character must solve the mystery added a layer of intrigue, allowing me to unravel the rules of this world alongside the narrator.

Moreover, in contrast to some other mysteries, all the essential clues needed to solve the mystery were provided in real-time to readers, mirroring the experience of the narrator. There were no hidden or blindsiding revelations that the master detective suddenly unearthed under our noses. This book is delightfully solvable, and the pleasure lies in the way Turton masterfully places the next clue right in front of you, keeping the mystery engaging until the very last page. If you allow yourself to be whisked away into the perilous scenery of Blackhearst, this novel becomes an enthralling page-turner that will keep you captivated throughout.