The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle
Ratings595
Average rating3.9
This was so good! Kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time! And there are multiple twists at the end! Just when you think Aiden has solved it another element to the mystery is revealed. Yet the ending was satisfying and everything was wrapped up in a solid explanation. Excellent storytelling, excellent audiobook narration. 5/5 ⭐️
It's really hard to write a review without spoilers for this one, so I'll have to be vague. Overall, I liked it, but the book was too caught up in the trappings of the mystery and not focused enough on the mystery itself.
In the end it felt like a lot of the time spent had been wasted by the main character (and the reader) trying to figure out what was going on. And it wasn't clear what his objective was, because he didn't know what it was himself. (Was it to escape? Was it to solve the murder? Was it to save Evelyn? Was it to save someone else? Was it to make someone else miserable?) So then it became unclear if or when the objective would be accomplished.
As for the mystery, the author made it seem like it was fair play, that we could solve it as readers if we really tried, but it wasn't, and we couldn't. The answers and crucial clues are kept hidden and then appear out of the blue. Most of the time you feel like the protagonist acts purely on his emotions without using his brain at all, but then suddenly he has the whole mystery figured out.
As for the trappings of the mystery, the big reveal had a morality lesson thrown in that overshadowed the ending. You can't teach a lesson on redemption and the human capacity for change in 15 pages of a 450 page book, especially when that hasn't been a running theme throughout.
I had a few more pet peeves that can't be mentioned without spoilers, but I still rated the book a three because I enjoyed reading it for the most part. With some (rather large) tweaks I would have enjoyed it more.
While I loved the premise and the concept of the murder mystery tied in with time, the book had too many characters. I could not keep track of who was who. I had to refer to the character list at least 15 times. This convoluted plot of repeated events, slew of characters and a rather lengthy page count (this should not have been a 400+ page read!), made it hard to enjoy the whodunnit aspect of the book. Towards the end, despite the reveal of the murderer, I was truly exhausted. I think I must have switched places with Aiden by the end of this read
I didn't enjoy this book however I don't know how anyone was supposed to unravel any of that without it being explained to them... Maybe I'm just dumb
There's nothing better than finding a mystery that actually keeps me on my toes and surprises me. When you read a lot in this genre, it's easy to start recognizing the patterns. The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle very much has the feeling of a classic mystery (namely Agatha Christie), but it also feels fresh.
Trapped in an endless loop of investigating the same murder, Aiden Bishop takes on different ‘hosts' to help him solve the case of Evelyn Hardcastle's death. He's done this many times before, however, after going through eight different perspectives of this one day with no answer, his memory is wiped and he has to begin all over again. Having gone through these loops more times than can be counted, he starts to lose grasp on who he is in the real world. What's more is that he loses sight of why he's trapped in Blackheath in the first place.
I got invested in the plot right away though I had a lot of trouble keeping all of the characters and their roles straight. The slow pace didn't help this and it wasn't until halfway through the book that I felt I had a grasp on who was who. Even then some of the names were jumbled. Another thing I struggled (and I'll be vague) with was Aiden's Blackheath backstory and conclusion later on in the book. It didn't work for me though thankfully it didn't interfere with the mystery itself. That part of the ending was unreasonable if you ask me. As for the mystery of Evelyn's death, conclusions there were also a bit farfetched, though not quite as baffling.
Despite my quips, I can't deny how hooked I became. My predictions were off which always makes me happy. The writing is good, too, and the characters are both likable and dislikable enough that you don't always know who you're rooting for. If you enjoy twisty plots, this one's for you.
Dear Heavens this took forever to read. It wasn't a bad book but it was waayyy too long. If it had been about 300 pages with half the characters it would've been really good. I was just over it by the time I got to the end. I was so ready to be done that I hardly cared about the major twists and there were a few. Didn't hate it, glad I finished it, not the greatest read for me.
Twists and turns kept me thoroughly engaged, and the multiple character perspectives kept the story fresh, even though it's the same day & events.
An engaging, thoughtful and creative mystery. The best novel I've listened to in a long time!?? ?? ?? ??
Ummm, wut? It was fun and confusing and overall enjoyable but I learned early on to just go with it and see where it landed rather than try and truly follow along with all the twists and clues, etc. I agree with those that would love to see the spreadsheet Turton used to stay organized.
4.5 Really interesting and unique take on a whodunnit with lots of twists and turns. One of those stories where everything is confusing until it slowly starts to unravel and everything makes sense in the end. I really enjoyed it. If you can accept the confusion and go along for the ride it's a really intriguing story. Bit of a slow burn but kept me wanting to keep picking it up to figure the story out which I was surprised by. Unlike anything else I've read.
3.5
Fun, if a bit flimsy at times. I think this would make a really cool video game...
It's the rampant fatphobia and misogyny for me. There's a really interesting idea for a book here, but the execution is god awful. I got swept up in the entertaining bits, but even the slightest reflection on this books take on incarceration or justice will find it quite hollow.
I started listening to the audiobook and I find the premise so interesting. This is the moment to point out that I am a huuuge fan of murder mysteries, all of Agatha Christie, Sherlock Holmes, cozy mysteries, more serious crime/murder/psychological thrillers. So I was quite interested but the narrator in my opinion isn't really good, his voice just irritated me to no beyond and I tried to be focused on the story but my mind just drifted and after a couple of chapters I was soooo lost. So I dnf'd it.
But I couldn't let it go. I was sure if I just had the book in my hands and be able to read it in my on pace and focusing only on the story I would love this book.
So when I found it in the used books site and in Hungarian I was thrilled.
Just a couples of chapters in and I know I was right......I was totally absord in the story, transported to Blackheath, my mind racing to figure out what the hell is happening, my heart pounding in fear for what is about to unfold, what is going to happen with the main character.
It is a hell of a ride, something new but also with the elements of a nice murder mysterie.....or not?
Anyways I'm so glad I give it another chance. And figured out that audiobooks aren't for me.....at least the ones not read by Stephen Fry.
A really enjoyable mystery read - there were jumps, logical leaps and some backstory i didn't quite buy as well as long expository dialogue but overall very enjoyable tale. I had fun listening to it. Very unique
Finished this one on March 30, and I really loved it! I loved the story, the puzzle which is incredibly interesting. The atmosphere in the book is stunning!
This book just didn't do it for me. It was overly complicated, confusing, and not enough happened to keep me interested. I had about 100 pages to go and I ended up just skipping to the end because I was so frustrated (and I never do that). It had a really interesting premise, and a lot of promise, but it ended up falling flat for me.
. this was so unique and interesting!!!!! i feel like some pages could've been taken out but all in all i lovvvvvved this book.
i can't stop thinking ab this a week later so.... up to 5 stars
Somewhere between 3.5 and 4, to be specific.
Definitely the most creative, original and intricate plot I've read in a long time. If you are a fan of some detective work and mind puzzles, you'll enjoy this. I definitely found myself mulling over what seems to be the main thesis of this book- I won't state it here since, spoilers, but it is interesting to ponder over- though ultimately I do not agree. The setting was definitely an interesting way to present the themes this book covers.
At first I was unsure if I was going to like this book at all. I almost gave up after about half way through. But boy that ending was fantastic. I was going to rate this book between 2 and 3 stars but the pace really picks up and does not let go. No spoilers but I think the twist of this book is really great. Plus Mystery and Sci-fi and I think late 19th early 20th century who would have thought up that combo. Look forward to the authors next book
At first I was unsure if I was going to like this book at all. I almost gave up after about half way through. But boy that ending was fantastic. I was going to rate this book between 2 and 3 stars but the pace really picks up and does not let go. No spoilers but I think the twist of this book is really great. Plus Mystery and Sci-fi and I think late 19th early 20th century who would have thought up that combo. Look forward to the authors next book
This was great! A murder mystery where you get to explore the world from all kinds of angles by repeating different parts of the story from different perspectives. Suitably complex story with twists and turns, and a satisfying ending.