The time era is 1634 a time when witches were burnt at the stake if you used herbs for healing one had to be careful in case of being accused of witchcraft and it was also a time when women were married off and pitted against wealth and not ever love, more what the husband or father of the female could get out of it. This is such a story of witchcraft or devilry an unloved woman that had brains and what others believed at the time. Samuel Pipps was a detective of sorts purely by clever thoughts rather than that of methodical reasoning, everybody talking of his execution and when he's not even had his trial, Arent Hayes his bodyguard and friend accompanies him on this dreadful voyage from Batavia to Amsterdam. Alongside Arent Hayes the noblewoman Sara Wessel unloved and often beaten by her husband and their daughter who is of marriageable age also on this voyage of doom. With devilry and murder taking its toll on this voyage and will it ever reach its destination? On a personal note, the novel was a tad too long and got a bit boring in places, the author would have done better leaving some bits out that were not relevant, the characters were well thought out and a good description but toward the end, it was a bit in disarray. I found it challenging and I struggled to finish it but finish it I did
I would like to thank Raven Books from Bloomsbury Publishing PLC and Netgalley for a chance to read this novel.

When Arent Hayes steps aboard a ship headed back to Amsterdam, he's on a mission - to save his best friend and famous crime solver Sammy Pipps from the hangman's noose. Pipps has been arrested on unknown charges by the governor general, and Arent is intent on clearing his name. However, things become complicated when a cryptic message is shared by a leper as they board the ship, who promptly bursts into flames. The crew and passengers are soon haunted by a demon known as 'Old Tom' and everyone's past comes into play as Arent ends up on a mission to not only save Sammy but everyone on board.

For anyone looking for a dark book with an engrossing mystery tangled up with a bit of horror, and solid characters you really feel for - this is the perfect pick! I really enjoyed this book, and I found that everything was laid out really well, and the mystery just kept turning corners, to the point where there were times I felt I couldn't quite keep up with it (in a good way).

I really loved the dynamic between Arent Hayes and Sammy Pipps - the crime-solving duo where Pipps gets all the praise. They typically fell into the small and big partnership with Sammy being light, delicate and clever and Arent big and brawny yet full of intellect and kindness. They reminded me a little bit of Locke Lamora and Jean from The Gentleman Bastards series.

I also really loved the intelligence and strength of all the women on board - from Sara to Lia and Cressjie, as well as Isabel. The women all had really great qualities as well as flaws, and stood strongly next to the male characters in the book without feeling like pale comparisons (which can sometimes happen in historical thrillers where women are often confined by social status).

There were some great jump scare moments in this book, and scenes that really made me feel creeped out. They were described really well, as were many great points in the book and I often felt like I could see the scene play out in a movie or TV show (the candle coming closer and closer to Vos without him knowing for example).

One of the strongest things for me in this book was the utter wretch that would have been life on this kind of ship - from the small cabin spaces (if you were lucky enough to have a cabin) to the constant threat a crew on the edge portrays. There was always an air of danger and darkness from the soldiers to the musketeers.

I did feel like I was pleasantly surprised in this book at different times, particularly with Arent - he was a bit like Shrek - many layers of onion to unpeel.

While the ending and the reveal did feel a bit extravagant, it was also impressive - the rolling out of the whys and hows. At first, I felt it may be a bit over the top but the more I think about the more impressed I am at these characters and all the intricacies laid out within the pages to make everything come together so nicely.

The Devil and the dark water

An exciting twisted multi dimensional novel with great characters. I really enjoyed reading this book and was sorry to finish it but it wasn’t a quick read so I feel fulfilled.

Oh, how I am hopelessly in love with anything Stuart Turton writes. I was a big, big fan after reading The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle in 2019 and knew (knew!) that I had to get my hands on Turton's next novel as soon as I could.

Reader, I was not disappointed in the slightest. The Devil and the Dark Water was a wonderful mysterious affair set aboard the Saardam - a locked room mystery so to speak (with a slight supernatural flair).

Turton balanced a Sherlock and Holmes vibe whilst simultaneously offering us an ensemble cast fit to rival Agatha Christie. The stakes were high, every turn gripped by mutiny and dark spirits, and a troupe of untrustworthy scallywags. The aim of the game: solve the mystery of Old Tom or die!

All in all, this was an absolutely fantastic read that had me turning the pages as fast I could. Can I have Turton's next novel now, please?

‘The Devil and the Dark Water,’ by Stuart Turton is set in 1634 aboard the Saardam, a merchant ship returning from Bratavia to Amsterdam. On board, are Samual Pipps and Arent Hayes, characters intentionally modelled by Turton on Sherlock and Holmes, alongside a cast of nobels headed by the Governor General, Jan Hann and his wife Sara Wessel, a witch finder and assistant, cut throat sailors, soldiers, a leper and ‘Old Tom’.

Turton draws upon the tropes used by novelists such as Arthur Conan Doyle, and interweaves them with historical and supernatural fiction, all the time nodding and winking at his readership. It makes for a pacy enjoyable read, one I found hard to put down. It very much felt like part of a series of stories, and as if there was a set up for more. I desperately wanted to know what would happen and how the mysteries would be solved.

I won’t give away the ending, but this was the one part of the novel I found less pleasing. Everything is tied up and the mysteries solved, but where detective novels appeal because the bad are punished, this doesn’t seem to happen here. This is probably more true to life, but it didn’t give the escapist black and white outcome that I usually relish in these types of books.

I read the authors previous book, which I enjoyed, so I was excited to read his next offering, even though it felt different to books I would normally read, given the era it is set in. However, this has perhaps opened up a new area of books to explore now as I thoroughly enjoyed it. The book combines a historical mystery, with a touch of the supernatural and a malevolent undercurrent. I found it particularly interesting to think about how the theme of witchcraft and suspicions would have been so key during this time. I also enjoyed the setting on a ship. It is like a more up todate (but not) take on the old country house style murder mystery.

An historical novel set on a sailing ship around the 1600s . The Governor General of Batavia is returning to Holland with his family , bringing along some valuable items of luggage which are held in the Powder store .As they are going to join the ship a Leper who has had his tongue cut out tries to warn them away from the ship and is then engulfed in flames .
Despite the warning everybody goes on board and the ship sets sail . There is a mark like an eye on the sail which according to previous tales was the mark of "Old Tom" an evil spirit who takes over people in return for promises of great wealth . A number of sinister sightings and events occur which are all linked to Old Tom and the people on board try to find out what is causing these to happen . The ship is eventually driven on to an Island where the answer to what is happening is discovered . A well written book bringing the atmosphere and fears of sailing in those times , with the hardened crewmen and discomforts of life on board .

Well, what can I say, Stuart Turton delivers yet another rollercoaster of adventure, mystery and suspense! On board of a ship sailing from Batavia to Amsterdam in XVII century, family and friends of a powerful merchant travel in luxury while the crew and those less fortunate inhabit the lower decks, and an imprisoned famous detective rots in a cell. But when mysterious things start to happen, and people began to fear the devil roaming through the ship, it is two unlikely characters who will need to solve this mystery and save everyone.
I reached for this book almost solely based on my enjoyment of "The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle". This new gripping thriller follows a more linear timeline, but the plot is as complicated and twisty as ever. This is a typical closed door mystery, when a small group of protagonists are suspects, and it feels like a one of the classic whodunnits. But there are unexpected, more sinister elements, presence of the Devil or another malevolent force can be felt throughout the book. The question is whether this is a real danger or simply a manifestation of human dark nature?
It was the supernatural elements of the book that kept me guessing till the end, as I was not sure what to expect from this author! There was a twisting plot and murky, unlikable characters, and evil found in mundane. I am not sure that I loved the ending, but I really liked the investigation and the discovery of the truth. I hope that the author will write more amazing and twisted mysteries and I look forward to reading more of his work.

Ever since I read The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle, I've been waiting for a new release from Stuart Turton with bated breath. So when I was given the chance to read an advanced copy of The Devil and the Dark Water last month I was positively hopping with glee!

Turton's latest book is similar to his debut in some ways, and largely different in others. Still a mystery needing to be solved, we now find ourselves stranded at sea with another large cast of characters in a creepy, somewhat supernatural whodunnit. Samuel Pipps, a 17th century Sherlock Holmes, and his sidekick Arent Hayes must get to the bottom of some devilish goings-on aboard the ship the Sardaam - before it's too late.

I was gripped by this book from the off. The first few chapters are everything you want in a gothic autumn read - suspense, spookiness and a hint of the supernatural. The entire time I was reading I was actively trying to solve the riddle and unmask the villains.

That said, the plot hugely stalls in the middle and there's more than a little repetition in events, not to mention how frequently the reader is reminded of what has happened so far. Luckily, the characters managed to carry the story, if not the tension, until the end.

Alas, the ending too had me more than a little disappointed. I won't go into detail, but needless to say it just didn't deliver the same sense of satisfaction as Evelyn Hardcastle. Not a dealbreaker in terms of recommending this book - I'm sure some readers will appreciate the direction it takes - but just a personal preference.

I would 100% recommend this book to anyone in the market for a fun, if not fast, gothic autumn read.

Following his huge success with The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle Stuart Turnton is back with a dark and disturbing murder mystery. 1634 Batavia, one of the East India Companies most successful trading ports, the Governor General is returning to Amsterdam, with the famous detective Samuel Pipps in manacles, to take his place on the board of the Gentlemen 17. But as they prepare to depart, they receive a warning from a leper about the voyage, and they see a strange symbol on the sail, a mark of the devil. As the voyage progresses there is death, strange whisperings and the promise of three unholy miracles. With Pipps imprisoned it is up to his assistant, Arent Hayes and the Govenor General’s wife Sara to investigate the devilish happenings and to save all those on board.

What can I say about this book? The answer is a lot, but I don’t want to say too much as I think you should experience the book for yourselves. Stuart Turton cleverly combines a historical mystery, with a touch of the supernatural and a malevolent undercurrent. This book plays on the obsession of that period with whitchcraft and the occult, or should I say the fear of it. Setting this book on a ship is perfect, it is a calustrophic environment with nowhere to run so emotions run high, everybody suspects everybody else and on board a ship there are different rules; you can be killed for simply being in the wrong area.

Stuart Turton writes such brilliant and memorable characters, not all of them nice. At the centre of this is Arent Hayes and Sara Wessel, thrown together to try and stop whatever is haunting their voyage. Arent may come from a rich family but he turned his back on that and became a mercenary before working as a bodyguard for Pipps and helping him solve mysteries. He is battle hardened with the scarrs to prove it, and physically big, but he has a heart, and there is a kindness and loyalty to him; he will go to great lengths to protect those he cares about. Sara is the wife of the Govenor General, a man who hits and bullys her at every opportunity, and whom she tries to protect her daughter from. She is intelligent, open minded and a healer, and her position grants her access to places Arent can’t. She takes on her role as helper to Arent with a reverence that shows her strength of character in the face of adversity; she also has her own secret agenda. There are a cast of of colourful and diverse characters including the permanently drunk Chief Merchant Van Schooten, Larme the dwarf, Crauwel the vain captain and Cressije, mistress to the Govenor General and friend of Sara. As their lives cross, tension arise, love blossoms and all are tempted by the devil.

To say I loved The Devil and the Dark Water is a huge understatement. The combination of mystery, history, witchcraft, suspense, malevolece and adventure make this such a compelling and immersive read. The motely crew of characters were wonderfully drawn, all with their own agendas at play. Stuart Turnton shows himself to be a masterful storyteller, layering the plot, drawing the reader in to this fabulous story and taking them on the most amazing journey; this is a stunning and sublime read.

With thanks to the publisher for the copy received. I was looking forward to reading this book after thoroughly enjoying The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle. Even though it is completely different with the storyline and setting it was similar with its depth of character and plot. You couldn’t read either of these books quickly. It is probably the longest I’ve taken to read a book all year.

I was lucky enough to read a sampler a few months ago, which ended on a sinister note so I knew that this was a novel that unsettle me. The fear of a ship under a threat from a devil was extremely convincing. All of the characters reacted in a different way and it didn’t take long for simmering resentments to boil over into an increasingly dangerous situation.

It wasn’t just the threat from the devil that left me uneasy. The leper, who should have been dead, the attitudes to the women on board the ship and the animosity between the sailors and rest of the passengers left me in no doubt about how volatile the situation was. And when the storm hit and lives became endangered this feeling increased. I had no idea who I could trust, who could have been possessed and no idea which way the storyline would end.

A lot felt believable. In particular the way in which women were regarded. The marriages they were forced into and the way in which they were controlled by the families. I wasn’t quite sure that they would have been as strong willed and forward thinking as they were portrayed but it did work well in the storyline. The superstitions were believable and I imagine that many sailors in modern day have similar views.

I read this book digitally, I would love to read it again as a print copy. From what I have seen it is stunning, it would probably be a more enjoyable read and it has the added bonus of maps.

The Devil and the Dark Water offers swashbuckling fun on the high seas.
The novel draws you in from the start with a leper on the quayside warning that the voyage is doomed and then mysteriously bursting into flames. It is 1634 and the Saardam is about to set sail on an 8 month voyage from the Dutch East Indies to Amsterdam and you know that an awful lot is going to happen before it reaches its destination, that is, if it reaches it at all. The detective Samual Pipps is being transported to Amsterdam to stand trial for an unspecified crime. He is imprisoned in a small cell on the ship. On the voyage strange symbols start to appear on the ship and events occur which many on the ship believe is the work of a demon. Pipps bodyguard Aren’t Hayes is on board and investigates the strange events. An extremely intricate and complex plot is woven which involves a number of characters and back stories which are carefully filled in. When the denouement comes it is all quite outrageous. An extremely entertaining read.

This one starts with a wallop – a shocking incident occurs on the quayside as the ship is being loaded for the dangerous voyage back to Amsterdam, and we are immediately plunged into the reactions of the main protagonists who feature throughout the story. I wasn’t exactly floundering for the first few chapters, but I did flip back a couple of times to ensure that this wasn’t a second book – and I’m used to crashing midway into series. And then the pacing slowed up a bit as we learnt more about the passengers and what they are doing on the ship.

We have a number of crucial characters, as well as a number of bit players, so it did take a while to properly get going. But once it did, this was a tense read with plenty going on and danger oozing from the creaking timbers of the ship – which made an excellent locked room for this mystery, where no one could escape. It took me a while to fully bond with the main characters, given the large character cast and the fact that this is an action-led story, but I fully sympathised with poor Sara, married off to her father’s enemy and beaten and badly treated ever since. Arent was also better drawn than most of the other characters, and also had a fascinating backstory. I liked the fact that while looking like a brute whose size and strength guaranteed he always brought down the wrong sort of attention, he was in reality a thoughtful, idealistic and highly intelligent man.

Turton manages to mostly depict an impressive number of characters successfully, but I didn’t find Lia particularly convincing. We were told several times that her awkward habit of saying the wrong thing at the wrong time had caused problems in the past. But given that she’d been sequestered away by both parents most of her life, she seemed far too smart and savvy, particularly during the denouement. And while I appreciate that children during that era had to grow up fast, after all as a young teen, she was considered old enough for marriage – she seemed to be handling a very difficult situation with a tough-minded stoicism that most of the adults around her couldn’t muster.

That said, the denouement to this twisting tale of demons and devil worship is a solid pleasure to read, especially as Turton resisted the temptation to scurry through the necessarily complex explanation. He brought all the trailing threads together in a tour de force that provided me with a tingle of satisfaction that I don’t get all that often. Highly recommended for fans of historical thrillers. While I obtained an arc of The Devil and the Dark Water from the publishers via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
8/10

The Devil and the Dark Water is a full on dark swashbuckling adventure, with a compelling mystery at its heart which will keep a reader hooked. I read Stuart Turton's first book The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle last year and really loved it so I was intrigued to see what would come next from this author and I was so impressed by this book. I will say however, that while stylistically or thematically, this book has some similarities to his first book, this book definitely stands up on its own and the two can't really be compared as they're so different in nature.

The Devil and the Dark Water is so full of character and so deeply atmospheric at all times that I couldn't help but feel transported to the time and world of the book and onto the decks of the Saardam. I enjoyed how detailed the description of the setting was, from the ship itself to contextual information of the time period it's set in (17th century) to clothing and other customs. I also appreciated that the author does touch upon the corrupt and immoral nature of the East India Company and their legacy of colonialism, slavery and exploitation of BIPOC. At no point did I feel like the company were glamorised and they shouldn't be. If you're unfamiliar with their role in history, I'd recommend doing some research.

I loved how the mystery element plays out, with clues and details sprinkled throughout and twists and turns galore. There are layers to the thriller aspect here too, with it being unclear whether there is really a demon which has beset the ship and its passengers or whether the answer is slightly more human as well as the smaller mysteries between the different characters. It was also kind of amusing that there's a skilled detective on the ship - Samuel Pipps- who is imprisoned so his right hand man, Arent has to take over and other characters, also get to play detective. I feel like a real mystery buff may be able to figure out some of the reveals which occur, there were a few I clocked on to but this didn't dampen any of the enjoyment for me. I also liked how there were several threads within the book which were each engaging to follow and I appreciated how it all interlinked and came to a satisfying close.

I also thought the cast of characters we are introduced to, much like in Turton's first novel, are all interesting and add a lot to the novel and tone. We have our two main characters; Arent and Sara who take it upon themselves to investigate the strange happenings on the ship and solve the mystery and save everyone else from certain doom. We also have a host of more secondary characters, who are still integral to the plot and serve various functions, from Lia, Sara's intelligent and quick witted daughter, to Captain Crauwels, who has a reputation for successful voyages and a taste for the finer things in life, to the malevolent governor general Jan Haans, who controls all around him. I definitely rooted for Arent and Sara on their quest to find the truth and enjoyed all their attempts to do so, as well as their burgeoning romance and attraction which has an extra forbidden layer to it due to Sara being married to the governor general.

Overall, The Devil and the Dark Water was a truly thrilling read and I can't wait to read whatever Stuart Turton writes next. If you're looking for a good old fashioned mystery / thriller tied in with historical fiction then this is a book you won't want to miss!

This was a tough read for me, I enjoyed the plot however found it at times hard going. I loved the characters and really felt they brought the book alive. It’s one of those book I will need to read again to really enjoy. I will do a second review when I’m read the book again as I don’t feel at the moment I can give it the justice it deserves.

I'll say one thing for Stuart Turton, he writes original books. I didn't enjoy "Evelyn Hardcastle" as much as some people but I thought I would give this one a chance and I'm not sorry I did although it's still not as great as some of the reviewers say in my opinion.

Samuel Pipps is being transported for a mysterious crime and his bodyguard, Arent Hayes, accompanies him despite Sammy's protests. Also on the ship are the governor general and various members of his retinue and family (including his wife and his mistress) and a motley crew of generally unpleasant soldiers, sailors and cutthroats. As the 8 month voyage progresses, strange things start to happen and it transpires that "Old Tom" may have taken hold of the ship. Arent tries to solve the mystery with the help of Sammy who is only able to come out at night and Sara, the governors wife. Can he save the ship before it's too late?

Arent and Sara are "the good guys" and we can tell this because they are super good and always do the right thing. Jan Haas and many others of the supporting cast are the "bad guys" and we know this because they are really bad. What I'm trying to say is that in actuality this novel almost becomes a parody of itself. There are some great characters and some great events but there are too many "here's a really obvious thing" happening and rather a lot of time wasted. As I've got older and have a lot more books I want to read, I have less patience with editors who let these sorts of things through. This is not a thought provoking, slow moving, character driven piece it's a murder mystery so let's get on with the action rather than wasting the readers time!

All in all, better than "Evelyn Hardcastle" but still quite a bit too much meandering for me. Less is very often more in a case like this, let's have less with a lot more content next time please!

I received an e-arc of this book from the publishers in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Raven Books!

Stuart Turton returns with the much anticipated The Devil and the Dark Water. It is essentially, as Hannah Gadsby would say, his ‘difficult second album’- released on a tidal wave of expectation due to the amazing success of his debut novel The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle.

So, can genius strike twice? Yes. Apparently it very definitely can.

Stuart Turton has definitely lived up to the hype and is quickly establishing himself as not only one of my go-to authors, but also a commanding voice in the ‘murder mystery’ ‘sci-fi’ ‘historical fiction’…wait. What genre is this exactly? *flips to author’s note* ‘historical fiction. where the history is the fiction’ ah. ok. Well as I was saying, Turton is rapidly carving a space for himself on my bookshelves and as an authority in his particular type of writing.

It is a very particular type too. His books are effortlessly woven mysteries with engaging characters who can captivate you regardless of how much time they actually get at the forefront of the story. Coupled with settings which are so atmospheric it’s almost magical – seriously I swear I felt seasick at certain points – his books make for some of the most original we’ve seen in the last 5 years.

The Devil and the Dark Water follows the ‘Saardam’ a ship sailing from Batavia to Amsterdam and it reportedly doomed from the outset.

Prisoner and sleuth Samuel Pipps, together with his bodyguard and friend Arent Hayes are travelling on the ship, Samuel having being arrested for reasons unbeknownst to him. Alongside them travel a large cast of characters including the Governor General – Jan Haan – his wife Sara, and their daughter Lia. Captain Crauwells and his mish mash crew are charged with making sure the Saardam makes port in Amsterdam, but there may or may not be a devil on board and whispers follow them through the waters from the minute they leave Batavia.

I found Arent to be a most intriguing character, with a quiet humility about him Turton made me want to know more about his character and motivations. Smaller characters like Lia, Dorothea, and Crauwells were no less vibrant, Lia actually quickly became one of my favourite characters in the book. I absolutely loved the entire thing, I think it’s a masterful piece of work – but in particular what stood out to me was the overall atmosphere. At times I could feel the old creaking ship around me, smells and all, and the way Turton does this is just unlike anything else I’ve ever read. As the reader you are so completely caught in the net of the story that at times it’s a shock to return to ‘normal life’. Fellow blogger Ollie said some similar things in his review, which you can find here!

Furthermore, another of Turton’s talents is on effortless display once again with a number of subplots woven intricately – yet perfectly – into the story. These subplots are just as, if not more, engaging than the actual plot and serve to prove that Turton is easily one of the most talented writers around at the moment. You can just tell that this book has been so carefully and meticulously crafted and has been done with someone who cares a great deal about his writing, something which really stands out in both of Turton’s books.

Another favourite was the representation of women in the novel, once again carefully crafted and done delicately and accurately without it feeling like the writing was performative, it was done incredibly well. I don’t know if you can tell but I very quickly lost my heart to this book.

To be completely transparent, if I were asked to pick my favourite of Turton’s books, I would pick Seven Deaths purely because where Seven Deaths was absolute genius, this book for me erred on the side of slightly far-fetched at times, not necessarily in a bad way, but in a way I personally like a little less. Do not let that put you off though, this is still one of the best most engaging books I’ve read and truly was a joy to finally get my hands on. In fact, one thing I would say this book does slightly better than Seven Deaths is the characters – I cared about them all and wanted to read more about them all. There was not one point where I found myself wanting to skip interactions or felt I was getting bored – whereas if I recall correctly Seven Deaths did have a bit of that.

The Devil and the Dark Water was an absolute pleasure to read, I count myself lucky to be around at the same time as these books, they’re just that good. Needless to say I would never have seen that ending coming, which for someone like me, who reads a tonne of murder mystery and can see a cliché ending from several miles away, is deeply and satisfyingly refreshing.

If you have any hesitations about reading this and my review hasn’t swayed you either way, check out some other reviews – you’ll see that we’re pretty much all singing from the same hymn sheet – you won’t regret reading it. When you read that last page, you’ll close it with a sigh of satisfaction, safe in the knowledge that this book is in your life forever. And, like me, you’ll begin your vigil, patiently stalking social media for news of the next book by the genius that is Stuart Turton.

Murder, mystery, and mayhem aboard a merchant ship of the East India Trading Company as it returns from the East Indies to Amsterdam. Stuart Turton's second novel is just as energetic, atmospheric, and compelling as his first.

This was excellent. So dark and creepy and enjoyable.

I went in cold, having avoided reviews and dreaded spoilers, I'm glad I did as any hint about the plot would have spoilt it.

This was so, so enjoyable. Stuart Turton is an evil genius.

In 1634, Arent Hayes is a mercenary working as bodyguard to Samuel Pipps, a world famous detective who has been accused of a grave crime. Imprisoned onboard a ship sailing from Batavia to Amsterdam, Pipps cannot help when a murderous leper (who has already been seen to die not once, but twice) and unknown evil begins to stalk the passengers. With a crew of motley characters who would kill him as soon as look at him, Arent has to solve the mystery before they are all doomed.

Having absolutely loved The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle, I was really excited at having a chance to read an ARC of this one. It's very different in setting, but has a plot which at first read seems rather straightforward, but as you reach the conclusion, the reader realises that almost nothing is as it seems. It's quite slow to get going and I didn't enjoy it quite as much as The 7 1/2 Deaths but it is still a cracking read.

Thanks to NetGalley and publishers, Bloomsbury Publishing PLC (UK & ANZ)/Raven Books, for the opportunity to read an ARC.

CW: There is a scene of animal death but it's very quick and not graphic.