After Stuart Turton's first book, The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle, I knew I would read anything he wrote. This book didn't hit the same magical notes for me as that first outing, but it is still a fantastic and inventive murder mystery.
We get introduced to Niema, one of three scientists on an isolated island with 122 residents, at the beginning. Even though I didn't particularly like her "I know best even if people get hurt" attitude, I didn't wish for her immediate death! But, she is murdered and unfortunately, everyone's memories are erased by the island's resident AI, Abi. So -- no eyewitnesses, no alibis, no guilty-acting suspects. Our real main character is Emory, who is tasked with finding the murderer before the deadly fog that surrounds the island enfolds its residents within 92 hours.
I really liked this setting, the diverse character POVs, and the short snappy chapters. Fans of Turton, as well as Jeff VanderMeer, Sarah Moss, and Catriona Ward (other atmospheric mysteries) will love this.

When a world-ending fog creeps closer to the last safe island in the world, solving a murder might be the only way to keep the barriers up to protect the last people alive.

I binged this book in a day! It's so strange and twisty in all the best ways. I don't want to say too much for fear of spoilers, but I plan to buy myself a hard copy.

The Last Murder at the End of the World by Stuart Turton (2024) – When human carelessness results in a black killing fog covering the world, a small group of people survive on a protected island. After 90 years, the leader of the group decides to tell everyone the truth. Her death triggers events that will allow the fog to penetrate this last bastion of life on Earth, unless one outcast can solve the mystery and find the murderer.

Why I Liked It – Stuart Turton offers another brilliant mystery surrounded by a cocoon woven from dozens of unanswered questions.

When I read Turton’s first book, the brilliant “The 7 ½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle,” I went into “I Can’t Wait For The Next Book” mode. I had to wait for two years to read “The Devil and the Dark Water”. Like his first book, Turton expertly twists genres together to create another brilliant book. As with everything, it looks like the pandemic slowed things down, because it’s been FOUR years between that book and this one. His third book continues with the masterful blending of genres, and labyrinthine plots and sub-plots. The result is the third “can’t put it down” book in a row.

The truth about this island and its inhabitants reveals itself slowly. There was a cataclysmic event that poured a murderous black cloud across the planet. It killed without compassion everything it touched. The secrets of that cloud may lie in an underground laboratory. Also, in those sealed rooms is another group of survivors, held in perfect sleeping stasis. But the killing cloud got into the lab before it was sealed. While the sleeping survivors are safe, they and the laboratory are beyond the reach of the rest. With the help of three “elders”, the villagers continue to make a life for them all. It’s a precarious sanctuary. It may not survive certain revelations about what brought all of them to this place.

Turton is a master of weaving complex stories together, and revealing the hidden truths at just the right moment. Just when you think you understand what is going on, another twist sends you in a new direction. Here is a story of a fragile dystopia, in danger from without and within by the arrogance of those who think they can play God. It’s also a tribute to the very best of humanity. In the end, their future, as well as ours, may rest on those attributes.

Once again, when people ask what I’ve read that’s good, I’ll respond with “Have you heard of Stuart Turton?”

"The Last Murder at the End of the World" will hit bookshelves May 31, 2024. This review was of an Advance Reader Copy and complies with my published ARC policies.

Rating - **** Recommended

(This review will appear at the link below as of February 28, 2024)

Thank you very much to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This novel was a 5-star read for me up until the last 20% or so, when the twists and answers started getting delivered in a large info-dump that left my head spinning and I had to go back and read some parts again. But even with that, this is a 4-4.5 star read for me.

The first 75% of the book is. So. Good. I actually really enjoy stories in which you’re dropped into a world in the middle of its existence with little explanation and having to figure out what’s going on as you go. It adds to the overall mystery and intrigue of the story for me. This novel builds up the mystery, suspense, and intrigue right away, though the actual murder in the title doesn’t occur until well into the story. The buildup is worth it.

The end was far too rushed for my liking and I actually felt like I got too MANY questions answered; I guess I’m one of those odd people who likes to be left hanging sometimes!

This was a strong novel, an intriguing read, and I highly recommend it!

In Stuart Turton's "The Last Murder at the End of the World," readers are treated to a literary gem that seamlessly blends elements of mystery, dystopia, and suspense into an unforgettable narrative. From start to finish, Turton captivates with a premise that is as original as it is chilling, leaving readers eagerly turning pages until the very end.

The story unfolds in a future where a lethal fog has decimated most of humanity, leaving only a handful of survivors clinging to existence on a remote island. This island, shielded from the deadly mist by sophisticated barriers, becomes humanity's last sanctuary.

Despite the island's idyllic facade, tensions simmer beneath the surface. The inhabitants, a small community of villagers and three scientists, coexist in a fragile balance. However, their peace is shattered when one of the scientists is brutally murdered.

The stakes couldn't be higher. The island's survival depends on solving the murder within 92 hours, as failure to do so would result in the barriers collapsing, allowing the deadly fog to engulf the island and its inhabitants. Complicating matters further, the island's security system has wiped everyone's memories of the events leading up to the murder. This means that the killer could be among them, completely unaware of their own actions.

As the clock ticks down, tensions escalate, and suspicions run rampant. The villagers must confront their darkest secrets and hidden grudges as they race against time to uncover the truth. But how do you extract a confession from someone who doesn't even know they're a murderer?

As I delved deeper into the pages, I felt like I was right there alongside the characters, racing against time to unravel the truth before it was too late. The tension was palpable, the twists were jaw-dropping, and let me tell you, my heart was pounding with every shocking revelation!

And oh, the characters! Turton has crafted a cast that's so vivid and complex, it felt like I was getting to know old friends. But trust me, nothing is as it seems on this island, and as secrets were revealed and alliances were tested, I found myself on the edge of my seat, desperate to know what would happen next.

But it wasn't just the plot that had me hooked—it was Turton's writing style, so rich and immersive that I could practically feel the fog closing in around me. And those short, snappy chapters? Let's just say they made it impossible to put the book down!

So if you're looking for a book that'll take you on the adventure of a lifetime, look no further than "The Last Murder at the End of the World." Trust me, you won't be able to put it down, and when you reach the end, you'll be left breathless, exhilarated, and begging for more. Believe me, this is one novel you won't want to miss!

This one was hard for me to get into but I'm glad I picked it back up. I really enjoyed the mystery and the eventual progress of the characters.

This was such a unique dystopian murder mystery! So fun! I got really caught up in this world, enjoying each surprise along the way!
This story takes place on an island, safe from a deadly fog that’s covering the planet. The villagers inhabiting the island are the only living beings left to rebuild the planet’s population.
The villagers are mostly content to live in peace on the island until a murder takes place and things start to not add up.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for this advanced reader’s copy, in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are my own.

At no point in reading this book could I predict what came next and that was the best part about it. It's set up as a non-traditional murder mystery and it gets more and more non-traditional as it goes along. I appreciated all the post-apocalyptic and sci fi elements of this book. It was interwoven with such a grounded and human story it helped those elements feel more real. The changing perspectives throughout the book gave it a dimension I appreciated. Each character played a role in ways I didn't expect. There was so much to be learned from each character I appreciated that we were able to jump from perspective to perspective with every chapter. There was also so much movement in this book the momentum really carried you in the second half and it was compulsively readable. I felt like with every passing hour of the story the doom felt more impending.

The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle was the most confusing book I've ever loved. It was mind bending in the best way and has truly stayed with me. It was such a unique plot and I couldn't for the life of me figure out how Stuart Turton kept everything straight. So when I had a chance to read his second book, I jumped on it. Let me tell you - Turton has only gotten better. I can't even begin to summarize it because to do so would spoil all the fun. But it was a wild ride and Turton has become a must-read author for me.

I loved this book.

It is SO interesting and relevant with the current changes in the world. Everyone has layers and nuance. It felt epic, all in one book.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the copy.
The last murder at the end of the world is a combination of sci - fi, post apocalypse fiction, and murder mystery all rolled into one fantastic read. The story follows Emory as she attempts to solve the mystery of a loved member of the village society. The book seamlessly melds multiple different styles and perspectives to constantly keep the reader guessing and surprised by the twists. The story moves at a great pace and vividly tells the story in a way that makes you feel like you know the imaginary island. The story is also enhanced by the unique narrative perspective of an omnipresent AI system overlooking the island. Overall, I would highly recommend The last murder at the end of the world due to its blending of genres and fascinating story. 4/5

The Last Murder at the End of the World by Stuart Turton is another brilliant mystery! Each new book by Turton is even better than the last. Set in a future where fog has killed off most of the human population, one remaining island has stayed safe. A murder has been committed, and if it is not solved within the next 107 hours, the fog will cover the island, killing all of its inhabitants. But the catch is everyone's memory of the night of the murder has been wiped. The Last Murder at the End of the World is an inventive puzzle of a mystery that kept me flying through the pages to find out what happened. Turton is a master at what he does, and I can't wait to see what he writes next! And for those who have read his other two novels, some fun little easter eggs are in this book that reference them!

I loved the 7 1/2 deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle. Unfortunately, his books after have all fallen short for me. I don't know if it is just because of how much I loved the first book and I have unrealistic expectations, or if they really are not as good. I hope its just me.

The post-apocalyptic world on a remaining island is the setting of Stuart Turton’s extremely well-crafted latest book. A dense fog surrounding the island is about to encroach and destroy what is left of humanity in 92 hours, if a murder mystery remains unsolved. There are three scientists and 122 villagers living on the island. Niema, Thea, and Emory are crystal clear characters and the island itself feels real. The story is narrated by Abi, an AI, who has also wiped the memories of that night, but to say too much would spoil the many surprises, twists and turns. This book is engaging and thought-provoking, with Turton only revealing what is necessary to move the story along. Read closely and enjoy this outstanding book. With thanks to Netgalley and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark for this ARC. My opinions are my own. susanh_bookreviews

This is set in a future world, with the only survivors after an apocalypse. The leader has been murder and only Emory has the skills to figure out who did it before the rest of the survivors are killed. This was such a unique world and there were so many secrets to reveal! Very enjoyable read.

I enjoyed this! I think Stuart Turton has a very interesting, strange mind, and I continue to be fascinated by the ideas he comes up with. I feel like this book did what it wanted to do, and I liked the conversations it was having. I think it would make a good discussion book, so it would be great in a book club. I enjoyed Emory and Clara as characters, and I liked uncovering the mystery.
I think the main reason I'm rating this a four instead of a five is that it felt a little long. I feel a little badly saying that because it's not really that long of a book, but after a while, I was too far ahead of the characters. I wanted the plot to move more quickly in the middle because I had already figured out that aspect of the story.
Overall, this was a fun time, and if the premise sounds interesting to you, you should definitely pick it up. I do want to check out more from Stuart Turton in the future.

A highly compelling mystery set on a post-apocalyptic island with science fiction elements. I have enjoyed Stuart Turton's previous novels and while I enjoyed this one, it was a bit harder for me to follow. 127 villagers and 3 scientists live harmoniously on an island after the world has been consumed with a life-ending fog. Until one of the scientists is murdered, lowering the protective barrier around the island and giving those left only 92 hours to solve the murder before the fog kills them all. This was a highly compelling read, written in very short chapters that leave you wanting to know what happens next. I enjoyed the unique fusion of mystery and sci-fi, but I did sometimes have difficulty deciphering who was talking. I feel like saying any more would be giving certain aspects of the story away. If you enjoyed Turton's previous books or are looking for a fast-paced mystery, this is a story for you. Thank you to Netgalley and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark for providing me with an early copy in exchange for my honest review,

This book was an intriguing blend of science fiction and locked room mystery with a large amount of dystopian fantasy added in.

It is the story of an island that is home to a village of 123 people and the three scientists who basically run the island. Ninety years ago the world’s population was wiped out by a deadly fog. The island was saved by a barrier put in place by the scientists. Since that time the villagers and scientists have lived together harmoniously. Then, the unthinkable happens and one of the scientists is murdered. With that murder comes the knowledge that the barrier will come down in 92 hours unless the murderer is found and punished. Unfortunately, no one remembers anything from the night of the murder.

As one person begins to investigate this unimaginable crime, truths about the scientists and the villagers, their pasts, their relationships and everything they’ve based their lives on will be brought into the open, secrets will be revealed and no one will ever be the same. At times, it seemed these secrets were being revealed a little fast and furious and it became a bit confusing but finally it all did work itself out. Personally, however, I prefer a more even pacing to the frenzied tempo toward the end.

My copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to the the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review it.

Stuart Turton NEVER fails to amaze- pushing the limits of what a thriller is capable of time after time. The Last Murder at the End of the World is not only no exception- it is, in my opinion, his best work yet. A thrill to read and full of creative and exciting elements!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this arc. I thought the concept of this book was very interesting. I’m just not sure I’m the target audience. Overall I thought it was okay.