The 7 ½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle

Bookseller recommendation

“This unique locked-room mystery is like Freaky Friday meets Groundhog Day—in a dark, historical country setting, of course. The novel jumps right in with the main character lost on the grounds of a once-handsome estate—he doesn’t know where he is or how he got there; he doesn’t even know his own name. Come to find out that he’s been tasked with solving a murder, and he’ll have eight chances to do so. Each day he’ll wake up in a different body, none of them his own. The only way he can stop reliving this nightmare is to find out who killed Evelyn Hardcastle. With lots of moving pieces, Stuart Turton’s debut is sure to keep you guessing. James Cameron Stewart’s narration sets the scene perfectly.”

— Mary • Raven Book Store

Bookseller recommendation

“An amazingly twisty murder mystery! This book is super creative and I've never ready anything like it, but it is well worth the journey! It will ALL make sense in the end...”

— Morgan • Fred & June's Books

Bookseller recommendation

“This mystery is gripping from before the first page – even the table of contents had me intrigued. We are dropped immediately into a man who wakes up with no memories, injuries on his arm, and a desperation to help someone he can’t recall. Soon, we realize that the day repeats itself, and the narrator keeps waking up in the body of a different guest of a party trying to solve compounding mysteries in order to escape the loop. Turton weaves a complex story while keeping a steady hand on a complex and inwardly-twisting narrative. Keep your thinking cap on and enjoy. ”

— Maggie • Quail Ridge Books

Bookseller recommendation

“A murder has happened at the esteemed Blackheath House. Or, rather a murder will happen every night--the same night played over again-- at Blackheath House until our protagonist Aiden Bishop breaks the cycle. Every repeated day, Aiden must unravel a little more of the mystery surrounding the Hardcastle manor and its inhabitants in attempt to solve and prevent the murder of Evelyn Hardcastle. But for every day that starts over, Aiden wakes up in a different guest's body. The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle simultaneously evokes a classic Agatha Christie novel while also providing an utterly original take the genre. A bold and innovative novel that will keep you reading late into the night to find out the ending!”

— Kelly • Mysterious Galaxy Books