A dystopian murder mystery set on an idyllic island. The island became home to the last of the world’s population after a mysterious fog swept the planet, killing everyone that it touched. One hundred and twenty-two villagers, and three scientists call the island home, and seemingly live in perfect harmony, with the villagers content to farm, fish, obey the nightly curfew, and do whatever the scientists tell them to.
That perfect harmony is shattered when one of the scientists is found stabbed to death, and the death has shut off the security system that protects the island from the fog. The islanders now have 107 hours to solve the murder, if they do then the security system will be reactivated, if they fail the last of the human race will be wiped out. Unfortunately for the islanders the security system has also wiped everyone’s memories of the night before, can the islanders figure out what happened and who is responsible before it is too late?

This was my first book by Stuart Turton and I thought that it was very entertaining, plenty of twists and turns, and lots of red herrings.

Stuart Turton has a knack for creating original murder mysteries which traverse genres. His stand-out debut The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle used a time-travel mechanic and executed it brilliantly. His follow-up delved into historical fiction, and this new release offers us a murder mystery in the world of science-fiction and survival, set against a unique dystopian landscape.

A small Greek island has become a utopian world, housing the last of humanity. A dangerous fog has swept across the rest of the world, killing thousands, but it doesn't touch the island and the villagers residing there live simple, tranquil lives under the careful watch of the three Elders.

As the novel begins, their peace is quickly disrupted. A key member of their community is found dead, and the fog, which has always stayed at bay, begins to descend upon the island. They have a limited amount of time to uncover the truth behind the death before the island is swallowed by the fog.

It's an exciting premise, and Turton packs a lot into this multi-layered story and complex world. Our main protagonist is Emory, one of the villagers who has dared to question their idyllic life. Her inquisitive nature leads her to be put in charge of the murder investigation and she embarks on a race against time to find answers.

I knew with a Turton novel that this wouldn't be a straightforward murder mystery, but with this story I felt that the author added more complexity than usual. The island is a whole new world, and the story is very heavy on the science fiction. It's actually narrated by an AI being which lives in the islander's heads, there's mysterious labs beneath the island's surface, and dangerous experiments being carried out behind closed doors. The twists come thick and fast - some with little build-up - and the story became so convoluted it became difficult for me to even attempt to deduce the ending. But, despite everyone being a suspect at one point or another, I did like the lead characters of Emory and her family and I was rooting for them throughout.

Ultimately, this is a clever and ambitious story - I'd expect no less from this author - but I feel he may have tried to do just a little too much, which meant that some of the twists didn't have the impact they should have for me personally. Still, it's an original, creative and fast-paced sci-fi thriller which I'd recommend for fans of those genres.

I loved this novel. Stuart Turton never fails to surprise, and come up with such original stories. Set on a Greek island in a post-apocalyptic world a murder is committed but by whom and why. No spoilers as this story is best read blind. What a brilliant concept with well rounded wonderful characters and such believable world building. This book kept me reading to the early hours and I’m just sorry it has now ended. I can’t wait for the authors next novel. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this novel in return for an honest review.

Sometime in the future mankind has been wiped out by a deadly folk. On a remote island three scientists and a hundred & twenty two villagers live in harmony protected by a barrier erected by the scientists to keep the fog at bay. When the eldest scientist & village leader is found murdered it causes chaos- especially as it seems she has lowered the barrier & the fog will claim the island in a very short time. The villagers have always accepted the Elder's lead, but Emory, a villager who always asks questions, finds herself being tasked with looking for answers.

This was a fascinating story. Just when you thought you knew what was going on another piece of information was revealed. I became totally enthralled by this world & was sorry to leave it. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.

PHEW! This was crazy confusing. but brilliant. Readers are thrown into a very strange world. I found I HAD to keep reading until I worked out what was actually happening, which meant I had to read all the way until the end. Even then, I wasn't 100% sure!

Turton has written yet another gripping tale of mystery. Focussing on the lives of an isolated community who follow a strict regime to minimise contact with the fog that has wiped out the greater population.

The commune is simplistic in approach, with each assigned a task due to aptitude. However, as the story unfolds revelations are exposed involving the production of children, the true whereabouts of the lost community that were sealed underground and the mysterious hidden lives of the village elders.

When the leader is found murdered, the peaceful community must face the realisation that there are darker powers at work controlling them and a brave few must question all they have known in order to find the culprit

With plenty of twists and turns and red herrings, The Last Murder. will keep you guessing right up to the end..

I see a book written by Stuart Turton and I WILL read it.

The Last Murder at the End of the World was absolutely brilliant. I feel like I don't have enough words to properly show how amazing this actually is. I absolutely loved 'The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle' and it is safe to say that this book lives up to the same standards as Evelyn Hardcastle.

The Last Murder at the End of the World combines a murder mystery with a post-apocalyptic setting and it kept me guessing until the very end. It is a clever book that is well planned out. The Last Murder at the End of the World is a difficult book to write about without spoiling too much. Stuart Turton's writing style is absolutely captivating, so rich and immersive that I could practically feel the fog closing in around me.

I adore Emery and Clara to death, I loved their developing relationship throughout the book. Let me also tell you, there is very little that unnerves me more than the thought of having an A.I called Abi control people and making choices for the "greater good", let me tell you that. The circumstances don't matter, I ain't trusting that.

I adored this book, and I will continue to keep an eye out for anything that Stuart Turton puts out!

I absolutely loved this very clever and wholly original book!

Such a brilliant concept and very unique. I don't think I've ever read a book quite like it.

It combined some of my favourite genres - dystopian, mystery and thriller into one page turning wonderful read that I could not put down.

As the story progresses, it becomes a more and more compulsive read - the the twists are just ingenious.

One of the best "who dunnits" I have read in a very long time and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this book.

This is a whodunnit set in a post apocalyptic world. It's a strange setting for sure, but an absolute joy to read! Put this on your lists to buy, and then revel in it! Many thanks to NetGalley, the Publishers and the author for the opportunity to read this great tome.

I absolutely loved this book. I went into it knowing nothing beyond the blurb, but having read Stuart Turton's first two novels I had high hopes. He did not disappoint, it's a belter! Difficult to tell too much without spoilers but it's essentially a murder mystery, only he has quite a unique take on the setting and how it all plays out. Brilliant writer, highly recommend.

First book I have read by this author. To say not disappointed is an understatement. Everything was on hold whilst this reader became immersed in a storyline gaining momentum in a race against time to save the last inhabitants still alive after an apocalyptic incident destroyed the world as we know it apart from a small island sparsely populated. This fragile community of survivors live their lives to strictly enforced rules set by elders who brook no dissent. Emory, our chief protagonist consistently questions the status quo enraging the elders and shunned by a community struggling with anyone who does not conform to the mores of this gentle and obedient survivors of the human race. . When tragedy and disaster strikes, Emory finds herself fighting for her life and struggling to ensure the survival of her family friends and islanders. A hugely enjoyable and entertaining book that manages to weave a fascinating preview of a sci fi world where artificial intelligence, scientific brains and a compliant people allow a trajectory of incidents and events that no longer seem incredible but rather an insight into a potential future race less inclined to damage the world around them. Highly recommended as a 5* read with a premise and conclusion that delivers on every level. Many thanks to author, publisher and net

I had read The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle a couple of years ago so I anticipated another unconventional book and this is exactly you get in this blending of a number of genres creating a whodunnit murder mystery in a post apocalyptic world.

We meet the last outcrop of humanity living on a Greek Island. A plague of insects 'The Fog' have devoured the world population and the only place where people remain is this small island where a team of scientists have managed to hold off the swarm.

There are 122 villagers living on this island and three scientists, who are known as the Elders. The villagers are kind and accepting of their somewhat strange society and everything is very regimented but most villagers are accepting of their roles with the exception of Emory a woman who has always been seeking answers to things that don't make sense.

Everyone is controlled by an AI Abi who is in their heads, talking to everyone and controlling all their actions. Indeed some parts of the novel takes the form of a first person narration through Abi's voice as she knows all their thoughts

Then one night, a murder takes place which breaks the rules holding this society together and they need to solve the murder quickly or the island will be taken over by The Fog of Insects. Emory is given 2 days to figure out who commited the murder and get their confession in order to save their lives. Will see figure it out or will the last outpost of humanity die?

I found this book a game-changer in how Turton weaves the different genrea of murder mystery, dystopia and sci-fi together. If you are dubious about sci-fi and looking for somewhere to start then this is a good place as it's more a ticking clock murder mystery than sci-fi. One downside for me is it's far more plot driven than character based, Emory the main character is the only one you're rooting for throughout the novel.

If you're looking for a very different take on a murder mystery or wanting to dip your toes into sci-fi and like plot driven books then this a good one!

I really enjoyed this. It didn’t grip me and blow me away in the way that The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle did, but it was still a really good read full of suspense, mystery and murder.

I really enjoyed the setting of this book. Even though it was post-apocalyptic, it wasn’t depressing. There was a nice rustic village vibe with a nice community. It was nice to see a book that had a bit more hope in it than some of the post-apocalyptic stuff that’s written at the moment.

The mystery was really good. There were plenty of good reveals and I really liked the main character, Emory. She felt almost neurodiverse-coded as she asked a lot more questions than the other villagers and was seen as odd/ different because of it. It made me relate to her a lot.

Honestly it was just a solid four star. It was a joy to read but didn’t wow me in the way Evelyn Hardcastle did.

As the story begins, tensions run high among the islanders. Suspicions and paranoia grip the small community as they grapple with the reality that a murderer walks among them. The victim, Dr. Elena Martinez, was a respected scientist known for her work on finding a solution to the deadly fog that enveloped the world.

The island's leader, Mayor Thomas Hughes, calls for an emergency meeting in the town hall to address the crisis. He appoints a small group of volunteers to investigate the murder, led by Sarah Reynolds, a former detective from the mainland who happened to be stranded on the island when the fog descended.

Sarah and her team quickly begin their investigation, interviewing witnesses and gathering evidence. They discover that Dr. Martinez has been working on a breakthrough that could potentially neutralize the fog and save humanity. This revelation leads them to suspect that the murderer may have been someone who stood to benefit from her silence.

As time ticks away, tensions escalate on the island. Accusations fly, alliances form and dissolve, and secrets come to light. Sarah and her team race against the clock, piecing together the puzzle before it's too late.

Meanwhile, the fog creeps ever closer, a constant reminder of the impending doom facing the islanders. With each passing hour, the pressure mounts, and the stakes grow higher.

In a thrilling climax, Sarah uncovers the identity of the murderer and the motive behind the crime. But as she prepares to reveal the truth to the islanders, she realizes that the solution to their salvation may come at a heartbreaking cost.

The E-Book could be improved and more user-friendly, such as links to the chapters, no significant gaps between words and a cover for the book would be better. It is very document-like instead of a book. A star has been deducted because of this.

This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and I would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

Stuart Turton is, in my opinion, one of the most original and imaginative authors writing today; I loved his first book, The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle, which was unlike anything else I’ve ever read. His second novel, The Devil and the Dark Water, a mystery set aboard a 17th century Dutch trading ship, disappointed me, but I recently read his short story, The Master of the House and loved that one too, so I was curious to see what this, his newest novel, would be like.

The Last Murder at the End of the World combines a murder mystery with a post-apocalyptic setting. The world as we know it has been destroyed by a black toxic fog that has swept across the planet, killing everyone it touches. The only place the fog hasn’t reached is a small Greek island, home to the Blackheath scientific research facility. The island is inhabited by one hundred and twenty-two villagers and three scientists from Blackheath, who have become known as the Elders. While the scientists continue their research into the fog and the security system that is holding it back from the island, the villagers farm the land and obey the rules set out for them by the scientists, while being discouraged from thinking too deeply for themselves.

Disaster strikes when one of the scientists is murdered and the barrier keeping the fog at bay is broken down. If the islanders can solve the murder within ninety-two hours, the barrier will be restored – if not, the fog will envelop the entire island. One of the villagers, Emory, is more resourceful than the others; rather than just accepting the situation and her place in society, she has always been curious and eager to learn. The task of investigating the crime, then, falls mainly to Emory – but to make her job even more difficult, the security system has also wiped the memories of the villagers, so someone could be a murderer without even knowing it.

The Last Murder at the End of the World is a difficult book to write about without spoiling too much. From the beginning, we are faced with lots of intriguing questions. Why do none of the villagers live past the age of sixty? Who or what is ‘Abi’, the omniscient voice who is present in everyone’s mind? Are the three Elders working with the villagers or against them? Everything is explained eventually but I won’t discuss the plot in any more depth here. I think if you’ve read other dystopian/post-apocalyptic novels you’ll already have an idea of the sort of things being explored, such as why some people survived and not others and whether society can be rebuilt to make the new world a better place than the last one.

The murder mystery element is interesting mainly because of the limitations that are placed upon it – the short period of time in which Emory has in which to solve the mystery and the fact that nobody can remember anything they may have done or witnessed on the night of the crime. There are also some surprising plot twists and revelations that meant I was constantly questioning and re-evaluating everything I thought I had figured out. However, this is definitely a book where the characters take second place to the plot; the three scientists are particularly difficult to like and, apart from Emory, the villagers are bland and not easily distinguished from each other. For this reason, The Last Murder at the End of the World is a novel I enjoyed from an intellectual perspective but not from an emotional one.

Ninety years after a deadly fog envelopes the world, the last remaining humans survive on a Greek Island. Through science they have discovered a way to hold off the fog, and are working on ways to defeat it. As ‘Elders’ of the island, with knowledge of the old world, they are supported by villagers, artificial beings known as crums; and Abi, an omnipresence that can read everyone’s thoughts. When one of the villagers is murdered and the barrier to the fog falls, a villager called Emory is tasked with solving the murder to save the island.

I think the concept of this book is so clever. Stuart Turton’s depiction of the island, its inhabitants and the technology is extraordinary. Behind the imagery, the parallels between humanity and the use of AI and science is uncanny.

I enjoyed the story but found how the narrative jumped quite confusing. Add in Abi as an all-seeing character that just randomly pops up sometimes, made it even more so. I found myself having to re-read bits constantly. I also found it quite long and got quite frustrated towards the end. I sympathised with the villagers, and whilst I think the author did try to gain sympathy with the elders, I found it quite difficult.

I’m really stuck on rating this book. Do I think it is worth recommending? Yes, it is definitely unique and I can imagine people having strong opinions on it. Would I read it again, myself? Probably not as it was hard work. Though I do find myself wondering if I would enjoy it more the second time around now I know the ending.

Hooked yet again. There were so many twists and turns, no-one could rely on anyone or anything, you never see what's coming. There are lots of short chapters Which I love. I can't wait to see what Turton comes up with next.

I am yet to read a Stuart Turton book that I haven't liked! The Last Murder at the End of the World started off a little slowly as it took me a while to get used to Abi as the narrator, but I was absolutely gripped from about two thirds of the way through, I did not want to put it down. It had lots of twists I didn't see coming which had me second guessing myself up until the end. As well as the thriller element of it, the characters felt really well developed and I found myself much more emotional than I was anticipating for an apocalyptic sci-fi book. I adored Evelyn Hardcastle and have been looking for a book as engaging since, I think this comes very close!

I quite enjoyed my first dip into the Stuart Turton literary pool, I would recommend it to my bookish friends who appreciate a tightly wound and complex storyline with a larger cast of deeply layered characters, but for me I felt that there was too much going on. That was completely my attention spans fault. Stuart's writing is very atmospheric and intoxicating.

Strange and Beautiful

Well I was not expecting that!
Stuart Turton is a master world creator and The Last Murder at the End of the World was a fascinating ride through a post apocalyptic mystery with twists and turns at every corner.

An small island community who have 92 hours to solve a murder to survive.

Although it took me a little while to fully immerse myself and get to grips with all the characters, I thoroughly enjoyed the ride.

This book was, thought provoking, strange and beautiful all rolled into one.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for this ARC.