Daisy Darker

This novel had me completely engrossed from the start and on the edge of my seat, to the point where I couldn't read it at night for fear of having dreams about it (you definitely wouldn't want to be a character in this book). I'd have to take breaks to catch my breath and do something else for a bit, it is that tense. Alice Feeney does a fantastic job of creating an atmosphere that feels so real.

Similar concept to And Then There Were None, but a very original and surprising ending that makes you want to reread the whole thing.

Soooo much fun!! Loved it so much! Deeply cared and had strong emotions for the characters (positive and negative) and was rooting and cheering for some and vexing others!! That is one of the things I love about Feeney, I feel like their talent for ensuring we really get to know the people in the novel so that we can really care about what happens to them and miss them when it ends, or cheer when they disappear. lol This one will have you guessing and picking the book or headphones back up even at midnight to read/listen just a little longer...

Not my usual read (listen), but a good book friend recommended it. I loved the atmospheric feel – rainy, windy, dark Halloween on a remote island – plus the plot twists & turns. The characters were unlikable, which usually bothers me, but the book was a welcome distraction & entertaining.

I can truly say I knew who was doing what here, but I did NOT guess the truth about Daisy Darker. Strangely, I did at one point guess correctly, but it was so fleeting it doesn't count. Truly a twisty, fun ride.

“Daisy Darker” by Alice Feeney is a thrilling homage to classic murder mysteries that would make Agatha Christie proud! From the moment I entered the world of the Darker family, I was captivated by the blend of suspense, intrigue, and the dark secrets that lie within their coastal estate.

The premise is chilling: a family member is murdered every hour on the hour during a fateful gathering, creating an atmosphere thick with tension and urgency. The dual timelines serve as a clever narrative device, expertly guiding us through Daisy's haunting past while unraveling the chilling present. This structure not only enhances the storytelling but also echoes the intricate plotting found in Christie's work, where every detail matters and nothing is quite what it seems. Just when you think you have it all figured out, Feeney pulls the rug out from under you with more than one twist, leaving you breathless and questioning everything.

The sense of foreboding builds steadily throughout the novel, with each death ratcheting up the stakes. Each character is painted with layers of complexity, much like the classic suspects in a Christie novel. Just as I began to form theories about who could be behind the unfolding drama, Feeney skillfully threw in another surprise that sent my mind reeling. The twists come in rapid succession, culminating in a finale that is both shocking and utterly satisfying.

What struck me most was how easily I became engrossed in the story; it's an easy read, yet rich in detail and emotion. Feeney's writing pulls you in and keeps you turning pages late into the night, reminiscent of the page-turners of the Golden Age of Mystery. The vivid imagery and compelling dialogue create an immersive experience that makes you feel as if you're part of the investigation.

In summary, “Daisy Darker” is a modern twist on the classic murder mystery that any fan of Agatha Christie will adore. With its clever plot, engaging characters, and the chilling premise of a murder occurring every hour, it's a must-read for anyone craving a thrilling journey into a world of suspense and dark family secrets. So grab a cozy blanket, settle in, and prepare for a captivating ride that will keep you guessing until the very last page!

A pretty decent mystery. Starts off a little slow. But it got better as the flashbacks started getting a bit more sinister. And I didn't see the twist coming at all. Not sure I loved it. But I was intrigued.

I really loved this. I did predict the ending about 30% in but I didn't see the whole twist coming!
Nana was my favorite character!

I removed a star because I almost didn't like the book at the beginning. It was slow getting into it, but at the end I loved it. It was a fun mystery thriller and yet I wouldn't have guessed the ending.

3.5/5⭐️

i have a lot of mixed feelings about this book - initially i didn't think there was a plot and then i was literally dropping my jaw in public and being too freaked to read it at night time, to being underwhelmed by the end.

i think the biggest reason this isn't a higher rating is because of the pacing, it felt too slow at the start and then was quick and then sort of dwindled out. the ending just wasn't for me as a personal preference.

i think i would still recommend this - just with some pre warnings!

With how much people seemed to love this book I perhaps had expectations that were a little high.
It wasn't bad book by any means but none of the characters were really all that interesting to me and the twist at the end came as something of a “oh ok” moment more than a twist.

Ik kon dit audioboek gewoon niet wegleggen! Zo meeslepend. Het droeg me ook volledig doorheen het in elkaar zetten van deze Orbit!
Hoewel dit waarschijnlijk een verhaal is waarin ik, als ik er te lang over na zou denken, plotgaten en zaken zou ontdekken die nergens op slaan, ga ik dit niet doen. Ik heb me rot geamuseerd tijdens het luisteren en ik ga die ervaring niet bederven met over analyseren.

Ik hield enorm veel van de onheilspellende atmosfeer, het claustrofobische gevoel van gevangen zitten vanwege de getijden, het prachtige oude Victoriaanse landhuis en de raadselachtige rijmpjes. Die laatste maken een voor mij meeslepend verhaal steeds des te meeslepender! Het einde was een shocker en de kers op de taart!

Twisty Murder Mystery Unveiled


Meet Daisy Darker, the protagonist and narrator of this extraordinary tale, who unveils her poignant truth from the very first line, confessing to be “born with a broken heart.” With this intriguing opening, the book embarks on a journey into the realms of the unusual, captivating readers with each progressive chapter.

The Darker family, without a doubt, epitomizes dysfunction. Every Halloween, Daisy, her two sisters, and their divorced parents gather at Sea Glass—an isolated mansion, inaccessible during high tides—to celebrate their grandmother's birthday. This year, as “Nana” turns eighty, she chooses to reveal her will. However, the joyous occasion takes a sinister turn when Nana is discovered murdered, a cryptic poem etched in chalk nearby. As the tide engulfs Sea Glass, trapping its inhabitants within, the Darker family finds themselves cut off from the mainland.

Isolated and running out of time, the surviving family members bear witness to a series of murders, each occurring at the stroke of an hour, accompanied by a new version of the chilling chalk poem. The use of these poems becomes one of the most captivating elements of the book, sending shivers down the readers' spines.

This is a tale of sheer peculiarity, yet utterly mesmerizing. The characters, including an unexpected arrival by boat—an old friend—harbor deep-seated animosity towards one another and carry hidden secrets, making for an enticing mix. Reminiscent of Agatha Christie's “And Then There Were None,” we are treated to a cascade of perplexing murders, with tension and suspicion escalating among the surviving family members after each death. The narrative gracefully shifts between the present and the past, with eerie clues left in the form of VHS tapes, prompting glimpses into historical events.

Typically, adept at unraveling the identity of the killer, I found myself caught off guard by the dizzying twists and turns that unfolded in the final pages of this novel. Upon reaching the end, I felt compelled to reevaluate everything I had read, revisiting earlier passages to fully appreciate the cunning intricacies of the plot.

tbh i thought it was very obvious that daisy was dead from the start and it really lessened my enjoyment of the book.. but the writing was really nice and there were a lot of profound parts <3

Daisy Darker is a remarkably dark and thought-provoking book that explores the depths of darkness in the most profound ways. It unfolds as a slow burn, occasionally venturing into eerie and unsettling territories, all within the backdrop of a captivating tidal island. The vibrant scenery near Sea Glass and the intricately crafted characters left me yearning for more, completely engrossed in their world. The narration was a true delight, compelling me to savor each and every word as I immersed myself in the story's depths. There was one particular scene that I found deeply unsettling and unforgettable—the description of the eyes visible from the cupboard—it left a strong impact on me. Throughout the book, I was thoroughly engrossed, my anticipation building with each turn of the page. As someone who prides themselves on predicting outcomes in thrillers, I was astounded when this story took unexpected turns, leaving me in awe of its cleverness and unpredictability. The revelation of the culprit and the motives behind their actions gave me pause, serving as a chilling reminder of the darker aspects of human nature. The haunting descriptions throughout the book have left a lasting impression, evoking a sense of unease and introspection. Just when I thought the story had reached its conclusion, there was another reveal, taking me on an emotionally intense journey. While some may find aspects of the story unrealistic, I find solace in losing myself within the intricate web of a well-crafted mystery. This particular book held a special place in my heart as it continuously surprised me with its shocking twists and turns. I was left astounded that I couldn't anticipate any of them. The quote, “some people are ghosts even before they're dead,” resonates deeply and encapsulates the book's underlying theme. It serves as a profound reminder of how humans yearn for validation and love, not necessarily from those closest to us, but from anyone who truly sees and hears our stories. Indeed, some stories can only be revealed with the passage of time. Daisy Darker, a book I immersed myself in for over a week, left me with a lasting impression, a testament to the profound lessons it imparted.

not a fan of traditional lockroomed mysteries but i had so much fun with this one. it got me out of a 2-3 week reading slump and the END TWIST?!?! phenomenal. loved. 

At first I was unsure if I liked the book, I really had no idea what was in store for me. The entire time I just felt like everyone was lying. Which is why the ending completely threw me for a loop. Wow. Just wow.

4.5

4.5

Well I definitely didn't hate this as much as some people did, but can also see why it irked people so much.

I was actually spoiled for the ‘big twist' in this one but I still wanted to read it to see why it was so divisive. Knowing the twist, it made me see the writing choice quite easily and thought, had I not been spoiled, it was quite well done as nobody spoke to Daisy directly, answered her questions, touched her, etc. for most of the story . That said though, the twist was a bit of a bold choice that won't sit with everyone, especially as it wasn't the only twist - they just became more ludicrous as each was revealed.

I listened to this one on audio which was narrated again by the brilliant Stephanie Racine, I always enjoy her narration and think it improved the experience of this book.

WHATTTT?! That was my biggest reaction to the twists in this book. Being a thriller lover, I can usually predict a twist, but I honestly didn't see these coming.

WHATTTT?! That was my biggest reaction to the twists in this book. Being a thriller lover, I can usually predict a twist, but I honestly didn't see these coming.

DNF 30%. Daisy hasn't had a single conversation or interaction with anyone else in the house. I'm all for twist endings, but they shouldn't be painfully obvious from the start. Won't be reading this author again.

there's no way booktubers who read 20 thrillers a month on average said this book had shocking plot twists. guessed every single one of them like 50% into the book and im just so annoyed. this was literally a 5 star prediction for me and i was so excited to read and love it after all the hype but here we are. ALSO THE WRITTING? all these weird metaphors and pseudo literally sentences at the end of every paragraph were so annoying + why the fuck are they eating all these weird foods like chicken in chocolate gravy, peas in green jelly-o or mashed potatos with sprinkles??????? and the main character keeps saying the food is good, i know you are lying

3 stars figured it out ☹️

Definitely the best Alice Feeney I've ever read in that 1, There's characters I actually like. 2, there's no sexual assault  & 3, It's not packed to the brim with plot twist after plot twist. I think I'm done with Alice Feeney, but I wanted to give her one last chance for some sick reason and I'm happy to go out on a high enough note, which is to say i didn't hate it. I'll count that as win enough.