The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle

A brilliantly original high concept murder mystery from a fantastic new talent: Gosford Park meets Groundhog Day, by way of Agatha Christie

The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton is an intricately plotted novel that masterfully combines classic detective fiction with a refreshing twist of the supernatural. The story revolves around an elaborate and mystifying murder mystery set in the sprawling, decaying mansion of Blackheath. Evelyn Hardcastle will die—again and again—every day until her killer is identified.

Our protagonist, Aiden Bishop, finds himself trapped in a bizarre and bewildering predicament. Each day, he wakes up in the body of a different guest at Blackheath, and he must utilise their unique perspectives and abilities to gather clues and piece together the truth. But the challenge is immense as some hosts are more helpful than others, and the mansion is fraught with secrecy, danger, and deception.

The narrative is a thrilling race against time, with the twist that time itself is caught in a fantastical loop. Aiden must solve Evelyn's murder by reliving the same day over and over again, navigating layers of puzzling events while attempting to avoid his own demise. The condition for his escape from this surreal cycle is identifying the true murderer. However, unmasking the killer is far from straightforward, as every body Aiden inhabits presents unique challenges and limitations.

The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle is not just a gripping murder mystery—it is a thought-provoking exploration of identity, memory, and the complexities of human nature. Stuart Turton's writing is dazzling, and his ingenious narrative structure keeps readers utterly engrossed from beginning to end. Prepare yourself for a book that defies convention and redefines the art of the mystery novel.