"The 7 ½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle" by Stuart Turton: Review/Giveaway

by Lorie Lewis Ham

Details at the end of this post on how to enter win a copy of this book, and links to purchase it.

The 7 ½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle is the debut novel of Stuart Turton, and one of the best books I’ve read all year! It is also a mystery unlike any other that I have ever read, though the setting and characters do make me think of an Agatha Christie type story.

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The main character, Aiden Bishop, suddenly finds himself in the forest of Blackheath Manor fearing he has witnessed a murder and not remembering who he is. He also fears that the person murdered, or at least in danger, is a woman named Anna—though he has no idea who Anna is. This is how the story begins and it is a roller coaster ride all the way to the end. The setting of the story is that of a classic British mystery filled with the upper class of society, servants, quirky guests and a murder, just like an Agatha Christie-but Turton takes that basic setting and turns it on its head. The narrator of the story soon learns that he is jumping from body to body reliving the same day and has been tasked with solving a murder as his only way to escape this nightmare. While doing so he also has to avoid the terrifying footman who is out to stop him, and maybe even kill him.

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You have to pay close attention while reading this book as it keeps shifting in time and between different hosts. Within each host, Aiden takes on the characteristics of the host, along with its physical limitations. At times, he nearly feels like he is losing himself-especially since he doesn’t really know who he is. He also doesn’t know whom he can trust.

To say much more would give too much away and the best part of the story is discovering the whole thing right along with Aiden. This mystery had me guessing all the way through. The idea is not only brilliant but very unique-it is the perfect blend of a traditional mystery set within a paranormal world and the ending was one I never would have expected. If you love a good mystery, do not miss The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle!

To enter to win a copy of The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line "hardcastle,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen December 8, 2018. U.S. residents only. If entering via email please include your mailing address (so if you win we can get the book sent right out to you), and if via comment please include your email address. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.

You can use these links to purchase the book. If you have adblocker on you may not be able to see the Amazon link:

The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle

Lorie Lewis Ham is our Editor-in-Chief and an enthusiastic contributor to various sections, coupling her journalism experience with her connection to the literary and entertainment worlds. Explore Lorie's mystery writing at Mysteryrat's Closet.

Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.