The Last Murder at the End of the World by Stuart Turton

I listened to a podcast and the speakers were enthusiatic about the book. I have enjoyed most of the books recommended by All the Books. 

Emory is one of the generations following a catastrophe that has destroyed the Earth. Well, all but the people living on the island. They are led by three of the elders, the three people who were alive when the fog came tearing out of the earth. The Elders are Niema, her son Hephaestus, and Thea. 

The island holds a village where everyone works to serve each other. It is a balance that is strictly maintained. When one of the villagers broke the balance by attacking Niema, he was sent away. Everyone is generally content although Emory does have a lot of questions. Sometimes, she even questions the Elders which has caused a rift between Emory and her father. Even her grandfather's death hasn't brough them together. 

Then, there's a murder on the island. The unthinkable has happened. And Emory's questioning nature is pushed forward by Abi (a being not seen on page until the end of the story; most like Jiminy Cricket giving helpful advice and pushing the villagers to behave morally.)

Three and a half stars

This book came out March 28, 2024

Borrowed as ebook from Libby

Opinions are my own

The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton

The premise of this book, a Groundhog Day Agatha Christie murder mystery with a touch of Quantam Leap thrown in, really intrigued me. I like all of those things. But would the author be able to make it work?
A man wakes up without a memory. He seems to be at a house party. It is nineteen years after a similar house party where the young son of a lord was drowned. Soon after, his sister was sent to Paris. This party is ostensibly for her return but it seems that someone has something more insidious in mind. Evelyn Harding is going to die. Our protagonist is "hosted" by various members of the party, one each day. He only has eight "days" to figure out who kills Evelyn Harding or else... I, I have to be honest. I never really did figure out what the absolute consequences were.
It took me awhile to get into the first person narrative. The ending was... how much can I say without giving it away? It wrapped up most of the plot points but it took a lot of effort. It is a good book though and I'm guessing it will be very popular when it comes out.

Four stars
This book comes out September 1