Six thriller authors. One writing retreat.
You'd die to be on the guest list . . .
Legendary mystery author J. R. Alastor's books are sold all over the world, but no one knows his real name. After years hiding in the shadows, he has sent out six invitations to an exclusive murder mystery retreat on his private island.
Mila del Angél has been hired to ensure the week runs smoothly. She has yearned for revenge on a ghost from her past for years - and this could be her chance to get it.
The six bestselling thriller writers accept their invitations without question - it's an opportunity any author would kill for.
What should have been a week of trope-filled games takes a sinister turn when one guest is found dead, and the others find themselves in the midst of a nightmare drawn from Alastor's dark imagination. They may have written thrillers - but now they and Mila must survive one...
It's difficult to write a closed-circle mystery these days, since everyone carries a powerful communications device at all times. Broadly speaking, authors deal with this in two ways; the characters have to surrender their phones for a social media stunt or reality TV show (or they're stolen or lost), or the location is isolated, with no signal or way to recharge. This novel takes the second route. Six authors are invited to a retreat at the island home of an author so reclusive no one alive knows who he is. Expecting a week of brainstorming and manuscript critiquing, they soon realise that their host has different plans...
It's very hard to review this book without spoiling the plot! I loved all the little games and riddles the host had prepared for his guests - some real work has gone into them, and there's plenty of clues that the reader will only notice in hindsight. Mila's asides didn’t resonate with me personally - perhaps because I’m not as steeped in the genre - but they may hold clever hints for seasoned mystery fans. The setting is amazing and - aside from the whole murderous rampage thing - sounds like somewhere I'd love to visit.
Whether you're a long-time fan of closed-circle mysteries or - like me - new to the genre, this story delivers a suspenseful and satisfying ride.
Book recommendation: If you enjoyed the closed circle aspect of this story, try The Launch Party by Lauren Forry. Set aboard the first hotel in space, it combines tense horror with a truly inescapable setting.
Film recommendation: Agatha Christie is of course the master of closed circle mysteries, and Murder on the Orient Express is her crowning jewel. Trapped on a train in a snowstorm, a diverse group of people grapple with a murder.
You Are Fatally Invited publishes on the 13th of February, 2025. I received a free copy and am giving an honest review.
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