Book Review: The Last Murder at the End of the World by Stuart Turton

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 368 pages

Published: May 21, 2024

Publisher: Thomas and Mercer

Genre: Mystery & Thriller, Suspense, Sci-fi & Fantasy

Synopsis:

Solve the murder to save what’s left of the world.

Outside the island there is nothing: the world was destroyed by a fog that swept the planet, killing anyone it touched.

On the island: it is idyllic. One hundred and twenty-two villagers and three scientists, living in peaceful harmony. The villagers are content to fish, farm and feast, to obey their nightly curfew, to do what they’re told by the scientists.

Until, to the horror of the islanders, one of their beloved scientists is found brutally stabbed to death. And then they learn that the murder has triggered a lowering of the security system around the island, the only thing that was keeping the fog at bay. If the murder isn’t solved within 92 hours, the fog will smother the island–and everyone on it.

But the security system has also wiped everyone’s memories of exactly what happened the night before, which means that someone on the island is a murderer–and they don’t even know it.

And the clock is ticking.

Readers were engrossed in The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle. Readers were chilled with The Devil and the Dark Water. And now Stuart Turton has returned with a new, mind-bending mystery that intrigues and excites any mystery fan. It is safe to say that The Last Murder at the End of the World is one of the highly anticipated books of 2024.

The island is an idyllic place to live. The 142 villagers and three scientists live on this island in harmony. However, outside the island, there is nothing. The entire world was destroyed by a fog, killing everyone it touched. But the villagers create a well-working society by obeying their nightly crew and doing what the scientists tell them. Until one of the scientists is found brutally murdered, this dreadful murder also triggers a switch in their security system, the one thing keeping the deadly fog encompassing the island. And if the murder is not solved in the next 92 hours, the fog will smother the island and kill everyone on it. Easier said than done. The security system also wiped everyone’s memory of what happened the night before, which means they are on the same island with a murderer, and they don’t even know it.

After reading The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle and The Devil and the Dark Water, I anxiously anticipated what creative tale Turton came up with. Lo and behold, Turton, once again, did not disappoint. From the first page, I was hooked, curious, shocked and amazed. Just a rush of emotions came at me at once! I knew I was in for an exciting ride. I don’t see how Turton created such an innovative story. It had all the elements of making a great mystery. Realistic characters and well-written storytelling…it just ticked all the boxes. What surprised me even more was the science-fiction aspect of the book. I am not a big fan of science fiction; however, how Turton incorporated it into the story made me forget that it was even the story. The fact that it just flowed so well made this book fascinating.

What I also love about Turton’s books is that he inputs concepts of morality and social commentary along with his stories. It’s not bogged down, but it makes you think outside your world and truly reflect on how society is run. I don’t want to go into many details because that will reveal spoilers, but it is vital to highlight one of the many things that makes this one astonishing read.

Looking for an exciting thriller that is a perfect genre blend of mystery and science fiction? Then look out for The Last Murder at the End of the World, one of the highly anticipated books of 2024, which must be on your TBR today. This edge-of-your-seat thriller is by far one of the best Turton has come up with, and I can’t wait to see what more creative madness she comes up with.