The 7 ½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle

I really enjoyed this book until about 2/3 the way in. I felt it dragged on way too long and I didn't care anymore.

Unique and wild

I had to give it five stars, because it sets out to do something unique and new and difficult, and it succeeds, as well as being a pleasure (if a confusing one) to read.

I can imagine it being done better, in theory, but I doubt that will happen in my lifetime, so I won't reserve a star for that.

It isn't a murder mystery, or a SF time-travel or body-hopping story, but describing it as not those things is as close to describing what it is, as we can get without ruining it. Also, it takes place in and around a big old nearly-ruined English estate, and who doesn't love that?

Read this, if only so that in the future when someone says "sort of like in that seven and a half deaths book", you'll know what they mean.

This is a most clever sci-fi mystery, absolutely unpredictable. This tale kept me turning pages, and there is much to think about. The reader will see the same day as several different people, from various perspectives. That is really all I should say, but for anyone in the mood for a mysterious page turner, I highly recommend it. There is much to discuss.

Wonderful book! I have never read a murder mystery before, let alone one with such a modern twist to it. This hit all of the marks of your typical murder mystery, but managed to keep the story fresh and interesting. I listened to the audiobook, which was fairly well acted, but I did find it a bit long, despite it being under 500 pages (it's over 17 hours). I'm curious if I'd have enjoyed it more or less reading a physical copy. Definitely recommend!

With a familiar premise mashed with a familiar genre, what results is a debut novel that is a breath of fresh air for both and will leave even the most seasoned mystery readers bewildered.