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Murder on Castaway Island
Ten little castaways…
…and then there were none.
On a cloudless summer day, ghostwriter Phyl Long, and educator Virgie Campbell meet as they wait for a private boat to Castaway Island. The attraction between the two is immediate, as is the excitement of a relaxing weekend getting to know each other. But once they arrive on the island, Phyl and Virgie discover things aren’t what they should be. After meeting the other guests, they realize the staff are confused, there’s no Wi-Fi, and the phone coverage is spotty. And there’s no way to leave.
A charged accusation. A death. Another death, and then another…and another… As their fellow island occupants are murdered one by one, Phyl and Virgie realize their only hope of escaping is to work together to unmask the killer. Before it’s too late.
…and then there were none.
On a cloudless summer day, ghostwriter Phyl Long, and educator Virgie Campbell meet as they wait for a private boat to Castaway Island. The attraction between the two is immediate, as is the excitement of a relaxing weekend getting to know each other. But once they arrive on the island, Phyl and Virgie discover things aren’t what they should be. After meeting the other guests, they realize the staff are confused, there’s no Wi-Fi, and the phone coverage is spotty. And there’s no way to leave.
A charged accusation. A death. Another death, and then another…and another… As their fellow island occupants are murdered one by one, Phyl and Virgie realize their only hope of escaping is to work together to unmask the killer. Before it’s too late.
192 pages, Paperback
Published January 16, 2024
About the author
Alicia Gael
4 books19 followersAlicia Gael (she/her) started writing stories when she was twelve, but didn’t publish her first novel until she was sixty-five. She has a Creative Writing Certificate from UC San Diego Extension, a master’s in criminology from CSU Fresno and is a graduate of the Golden Crown Literary Society’s writing academy I-III. She is also a retired probation officer and criminal justice professor. Her short stories have been published in The Bangalore Review (Deception) and The Quiet Reader (No Time For Stories.) The first chapter of her yet to be completed historical fiction novel, The Journey, was published in the 2022 CA Writer’s Literary Review anthology.
She lives on the California Central Coast with her wife and can often be found kayaking or looking for sea glass on the beach.
She lives on the California Central Coast with her wife and can often be found kayaking or looking for sea glass on the beach.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
January 22, 2024
On a Friday, ten people meet on Castaway Island, off the coast of Massachusetts. Each has received either an invitation or an employment opportunity tailored to their needs or hobbies. Amongst them are a judge, a former cop, a teacher, a doctor, a writer… Little do they know that what awaits them over the weekend on this private island is very far from what they’ve been told to expect and that one of them is on a mission to make the others pay for various people’s deaths.
This sapphic retelling of Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None is Alicia Gael’s debut novel, and what a debut it is! I loved the writing from the start, the way the author sets the mood immediately. She also makes the different points of view work seamlessly, avoiding any sensation of head hopping, which, considering how many characters are involved, is quite a feat.
As a reader, it’s hard to get attached to characters when there’s a promise of certain death for some and you don’t know which ones. Even if the author seems to favour one or two, giving them slightly more time on the page at the beginning, can you trust her not to kill them? I’m a very character-driven reader and it could have interfered with my enjoyment, yet I found myself relishing the thrill of not knowing, the anticipation of potential heartbreak.
The only issue I have with this story is that had I been one of the people who got lured to Castaway Island, I’d have Googled the hell out of the person who invited me or offered me employment before I went. Some suspension of disbelief is needed here, which is made very easy by how riveting everything else is. I didn’t count how many times I had to remind myself to breathe. I was on the edge of my seat almost from page one and only sat back comfortably after I’d read the last sentence. What a ride! 4.5⭐️
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read all my reviews on my blog (and please buy from the affiliation links!): Jude in the Stars
January 31, 2024
4.5 An entertaining whodunnit with a well disguised killer and a whole lot of suspension of belief. This sapphic version of an Agatha Christie classic places ten people with few apparent connections on an island with no internet access and a whole lot of debts to be paid. Someone is seeking justice and or revenge. Better watch your back.
This is a fun, fast paced read. The characters are well drawn considering how many suspects and victims the author has to include in each scene. Some are easy to like while others are easy to hate. Rooting for the evil ones to meet their demise kept me reading late into the night. To balance the blood there is some great non-binary rep along with a gentle fade to black romance to enjoy.
Looking forward to reading anything Alicia Gael publishes in the future. She is an author to watch.
This is a fun, fast paced read. The characters are well drawn considering how many suspects and victims the author has to include in each scene. Some are easy to like while others are easy to hate. Rooting for the evil ones to meet their demise kept me reading late into the night. To balance the blood there is some great non-binary rep along with a gentle fade to black romance to enjoy.
Looking forward to reading anything Alicia Gael publishes in the future. She is an author to watch.
February 1, 2024
3.5 Stars
January 6, 2024
I enjoy mysteries and why not a sapphic variation of an Agatha Christie classic. Ten women are invited to a private island off the coast of Nantucket. They are brought there under various ruses arriving at the same time. I like that glossary of guests in the beginning of the story but after a couple of chapters I was familiar with the characters. A mysterious poem puts them on edge and when the people start dying it becomes a question of who can you trust.
I like the concept and the pace was quick. It absolutely held my attention as I tried to pay attention and I played along as an armchair sleuth trying to see who is alone or together when things happen. There isn’t time to bring depth to the characters but everyone has some background and a few have connectors to each other. Being cut off from the mainland heightens the tension. I was guessing the whos and whys till the end. Quick and entertaining for mystery readers. Thank you to NetGalley and Bella Books for the ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review.
I like the concept and the pace was quick. It absolutely held my attention as I tried to pay attention and I played along as an armchair sleuth trying to see who is alone or together when things happen. There isn’t time to bring depth to the characters but everyone has some background and a few have connectors to each other. Being cut off from the mainland heightens the tension. I was guessing the whos and whys till the end. Quick and entertaining for mystery readers. Thank you to NetGalley and Bella Books for the ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review.
December 31, 2023
This was a very fun and entertaining book to read about ten individuals who were all invited to an all-expenses paid get-a-way on Castaway Island, off the coast of Nantucket. They soon learned that they were all there under false pretenses. Some were hired to be there and some thought they were meeting friends or on a retreat of sorts.
Soon, they realized there was no WiFi and very poor or no phone reception. They were trapped. At a meeting after supper they were startled by a recorded voice accusing each of them with murder….and so the drama began!
On the mantle, someone noticed 10 figurines and a poem that began, “Ten little castaways went out to dine; one choked their little self and then there were nine.” That led to the beginning of the deaths. As the book progressed and more of them died…or were murdered, mistrust and suspicions increased. This is where the intrigue increased!
The author did a great job of quickly setting up the story, introducing the characters and turning me into a wannabe detective! I tried to think ahead and try to figure out who was next. The drama also increased when we were informed of the possible motives for each person in attendance and that some member’s motives were related to beliefs that their grief was caused by someone else there.
I felt that the book was well done and my interest was absolutely consumed. I hope everyone enjoys this unique story. My thanks to NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest opinion.
Soon, they realized there was no WiFi and very poor or no phone reception. They were trapped. At a meeting after supper they were startled by a recorded voice accusing each of them with murder….and so the drama began!
On the mantle, someone noticed 10 figurines and a poem that began, “Ten little castaways went out to dine; one choked their little self and then there were nine.” That led to the beginning of the deaths. As the book progressed and more of them died…or were murdered, mistrust and suspicions increased. This is where the intrigue increased!
The author did a great job of quickly setting up the story, introducing the characters and turning me into a wannabe detective! I tried to think ahead and try to figure out who was next. The drama also increased when we were informed of the possible motives for each person in attendance and that some member’s motives were related to beliefs that their grief was caused by someone else there.
I felt that the book was well done and my interest was absolutely consumed. I hope everyone enjoys this unique story. My thanks to NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest opinion.
December 31, 2023
A classic whodunnit that keeps you on the edge of your seat!
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Ten women are lured to Castaway Island. Each of them for different reasons, but once they all arrive it doesn’t take long to figure out it was all a ruse. The real reason they are all there is to get murdered. One of the group has it out for all of them, but which one? Is it the old judge, the ghost writer, the teacher or maybe the stubborn Christian woman? Or maybe one of the others?
It might seem difficult to keep track of so many different characters but Gael does an amazing job giving all the women very distinctive characters. It never gets too over the top or cartoonish, each one of them feels like an actual person. Ok, some of them I would gladly push off of a cliff myself, but that’s just a testament to the quality of these characters Gael created.
There were a few instances where I found myself snorting derisively at one woman and then trying to whisper encouragements into another character’s ear. With so many little storylines interwoven, all kinds of emotions are bound to make an appearance.
The island is as much of a character in the book as the women on it. Especially because the bad weather plays a major part in creating the mystique around the murders.
There is a small part of the story dedicated to romance, but it’s not more than a side story. If you expect spicy romance then you might be disappointed. For me, after reading a lot (and I do mean A LOT) of regular sapphic romances, Murder on Castaway Island is a nice breeze of fresh air. I did love the short epilogue proving there is a HEA even in a murder mystery.
I suggest you gather your notebook, a pen and maybe a tiny glass of something strong and see if you can solve this mystery before all ten little castaways are done for!
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Ten women are lured to Castaway Island. Each of them for different reasons, but once they all arrive it doesn’t take long to figure out it was all a ruse. The real reason they are all there is to get murdered. One of the group has it out for all of them, but which one? Is it the old judge, the ghost writer, the teacher or maybe the stubborn Christian woman? Or maybe one of the others?
It might seem difficult to keep track of so many different characters but Gael does an amazing job giving all the women very distinctive characters. It never gets too over the top or cartoonish, each one of them feels like an actual person. Ok, some of them I would gladly push off of a cliff myself, but that’s just a testament to the quality of these characters Gael created.
There were a few instances where I found myself snorting derisively at one woman and then trying to whisper encouragements into another character’s ear. With so many little storylines interwoven, all kinds of emotions are bound to make an appearance.
The island is as much of a character in the book as the women on it. Especially because the bad weather plays a major part in creating the mystique around the murders.
There is a small part of the story dedicated to romance, but it’s not more than a side story. If you expect spicy romance then you might be disappointed. For me, after reading a lot (and I do mean A LOT) of regular sapphic romances, Murder on Castaway Island is a nice breeze of fresh air. I did love the short epilogue proving there is a HEA even in a murder mystery.
I suggest you gather your notebook, a pen and maybe a tiny glass of something strong and see if you can solve this mystery before all ten little castaways are done for!
January 21, 2024
A modern take on agatha Christie. 10 women get invitrd to an island on false pretenses. Then they are killed off one by ine
Only enough of the characters history was revealed towards the end to make the story go forward. This was relatively shirt and didnt give enough character development for me to care too much about any of them. The final act was over too quickly and the final reveal a little bit too over elaborate. It was just too short for me. However it was a cracking 4 star read that i would recommended to anyone who like a fairly simple mystery .
Thank you netgallery and publisher and author
Only enough of the characters history was revealed towards the end to make the story go forward. This was relatively shirt and didnt give enough character development for me to care too much about any of them. The final act was over too quickly and the final reveal a little bit too over elaborate. It was just too short for me. However it was a cracking 4 star read that i would recommended to anyone who like a fairly simple mystery .
Thank you netgallery and publisher and author
July 8, 2026
Wow! This book caused so many conversations in our household trying to work out who did it and why!
10 people on an island, no way of contacting the mainland for help!
If you're a fan of Agatha Christie, enjoy suspense, like just down for a good old murder or two (!) this is right up your street.
10 people on an island, no way of contacting the mainland for help!
If you're a fan of Agatha Christie, enjoy suspense, like just down for a good old murder or two (!) this is right up your street.
December 17, 2023
This debut sapphic novel by Alicia Gael has it all! It is a mystery thriller with a budding sapphic romance threading throughout the story. 10 women receive mysterious invitations to travel to Castaway Island. Upon arrival they learn their reasons for being there are not quite what they seem. Slowly they discover they are all mysteriously connected and being manipulated by a mysterious, missing host. One by one the murders begin.
Phyl and Virgie felt attraction for each other at first glance and in the midst of this murder mystery, their attraction grows and they join together to find out who the killer is. Only, the killer has to be one of the only 10 people on the island and they are part of that 10! I enjoyed the suspense and twists the story took and found myself reading until my eyes could no longer stay open!
I still had a few questions near the end and the author did an excellent job of answering them and tying up the loose ends during the epilogue.
I am a huge thriller fan and to have a sapphic thriller is the cherry on top for me. Even though I tend to figure out the end in most thrillers, I did not nail this one! Brava Alicia Gael. I look forward to your next book!
I was given an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Phyl and Virgie felt attraction for each other at first glance and in the midst of this murder mystery, their attraction grows and they join together to find out who the killer is. Only, the killer has to be one of the only 10 people on the island and they are part of that 10! I enjoyed the suspense and twists the story took and found myself reading until my eyes could no longer stay open!
I still had a few questions near the end and the author did an excellent job of answering them and tying up the loose ends during the epilogue.
I am a huge thriller fan and to have a sapphic thriller is the cherry on top for me. Even though I tend to figure out the end in most thrillers, I did not nail this one! Brava Alicia Gael. I look forward to your next book!
I was given an arc in exchange for an honest review.
January 9, 2024
"Murder on Castaway Island" is an exhilarating dive into a world of mystery, intrigue, and unexpected twists. Set on an isolated island, this gripping tale follows a group of eight captivating characters, each with their unique complexities and secret pasts.
Gael masterfully weaves a narrative where ambiguity reigns supreme, blurring the lines between right and wrong. The allure of the story lies in its morally gray characters, leaving readers constantly guessing about their true intentions. The atmosphere is reminiscent of the classic movie "Clue," but with a refreshing infusion of queer vibes that add depth and diversity to the characters. Gael's version omits the comedic hijinks, and the seriousness of the situation makes for a page-turner.
What truly sets this novel apart is its tantalizing element of forewarning through a dark poem that foreshadows each impending death. The tension and anticipation build with each verse, keeping readers on the edge of their seats, unsure of who might be the next victim, all while knowing what is coming. It's a brilliantly crafted element that adds an extra layer of thrill to an already engaging plot.
Amidst the suspenseful atmosphere and the unnerving circumstances, a tender romance blooms between two of the characters, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness. It's a delightful subplot that adds a touch of humanity and emotion to the gripping mystery.
"Murder on Castaway Island" is a must-read for mystery enthusiasts seeking a captivating and diverse cast of characters, a web of intrigue, and a thrilling journey filled with unexpected revelations. Alicia Gael has crafted a tale that keeps readers guessing until the end—a true testament to her storytelling prowess.
Gael masterfully weaves a narrative where ambiguity reigns supreme, blurring the lines between right and wrong. The allure of the story lies in its morally gray characters, leaving readers constantly guessing about their true intentions. The atmosphere is reminiscent of the classic movie "Clue," but with a refreshing infusion of queer vibes that add depth and diversity to the characters. Gael's version omits the comedic hijinks, and the seriousness of the situation makes for a page-turner.
What truly sets this novel apart is its tantalizing element of forewarning through a dark poem that foreshadows each impending death. The tension and anticipation build with each verse, keeping readers on the edge of their seats, unsure of who might be the next victim, all while knowing what is coming. It's a brilliantly crafted element that adds an extra layer of thrill to an already engaging plot.
Amidst the suspenseful atmosphere and the unnerving circumstances, a tender romance blooms between two of the characters, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness. It's a delightful subplot that adds a touch of humanity and emotion to the gripping mystery.
"Murder on Castaway Island" is a must-read for mystery enthusiasts seeking a captivating and diverse cast of characters, a web of intrigue, and a thrilling journey filled with unexpected revelations. Alicia Gael has crafted a tale that keeps readers guessing until the end—a true testament to her storytelling prowess.
February 7, 2024
Ten people are lured to an island for different purposes ... but what they find isn't what any of them expected.
Murder on Castaway Island is an ensemble cast, murder mystery that is reminiscent of Agatha Christie, Cluedo, and murder she wrote all put in a blender with a twist of sapphic and characters to both love and hate.
We get Point of Views from almost all the players and the mystery becomes more intense as alcohol is thrown back while accusations and threats go flying.
Took a little to sort out who was who but after the first two chapters they were all in place and I was invested in knowing what the hell was going on.
Brilliant debut read!
Murder on Castaway Island is an ensemble cast, murder mystery that is reminiscent of Agatha Christie, Cluedo, and murder she wrote all put in a blender with a twist of sapphic and characters to both love and hate.
We get Point of Views from almost all the players and the mystery becomes more intense as alcohol is thrown back while accusations and threats go flying.
Took a little to sort out who was who but after the first two chapters they were all in place and I was invested in knowing what the hell was going on.
Brilliant debut read!
January 16, 2024
Engaging, entertaining who done it. A quick easy read with many twists and turns that keeps you guessing till the end.
January 20, 2024
I really enjoyed this mystery. I was hooked from the first page. It kept me guessing throughout the book. It’s amazing that the author was able to navigate through so many individuals involved in the story. Can’t wait to read her next book.
December 31, 2023
i completely enjoyed this one! it had me questioning all my senses and what i believed to be true. sometimes the mystery aspect got a little confusing which is why i can't say i loved it with all my heart but regardless, i adored the characters and the plot and everything was wrapped up with a neat little bow.
December 26, 2023
A group of women are summoned to the island for various reasons, but it quickly becomes apparent things are not what they seem. Once they compare notes the various guests realize they've been decieved, then suddenly the first guest DIES.
Phyl and Virgie, the main characters, begin to try to figure out what's going on, yet also unsure if one of them might actually be the culprit.
The murder mystery is pretty solid, and it's overall a good adaption of Agatha Christie, more or less. There WAS one kill that I went 'okay, HOW could the killer know how to do that?' but I suppose they could have Googled it in advance.
Phyl and Virgie, the main characters, begin to try to figure out what's going on, yet also unsure if one of them might actually be the culprit.
The murder mystery is pretty solid, and it's overall a good adaption of Agatha Christie, more or less. There WAS one kill that I went 'okay, HOW could the killer know how to do that?' but I suppose they could have Googled it in advance.
December 28, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this murder mystery; it felt like a literary version of the game Clue. My guesses kept evolving, and I didn't figure out the actual killer until the end. The loss of some beloved characters was heartbreaking, but the ending was impeccably executed. The author skillfully tied up all the threads, providing the closure we craved. The pacing was exceptional, leaving no room to anticipate what would happen next. I'm certain I'll revisit this one.
December 26, 2023
On a cloudless summer day, ghostwriter Phyl Long and educator Virgie Campbell meet as they wait for a private boat to Castaway Island. The attraction between the two is immediate, as is the excitement of a relaxing weekend getting to know each other. But once they arrive on the island, Phyl and Virgie discover things aren’t what they should be.
There is an accusation and then a death. And another death, and then another…and another… As their fellow island occupants are murdered one by one, Phyl and Virgie realize their only hope of escaping is to work together to unmask the killer.
It was sometimes confusing with the many characters and who was who. But the story did tie up well with the explanations for what and why things occurred. However, the reasoning behind the killings is not unique in that a person decides to take justice into their own hands and plays judge, jury, and executioner in what they feel were injustices to them or their family.
Overall, Murder on Castaway Island by Alicia Gael is a good story with a good mystery. The author crafted interesting characters.
I would read more by this author. I felt the characters were developed well; the story was intriguing and held my interest.
#MurderonCastawayIsland #NetGalley @bellabooks
There is an accusation and then a death. And another death, and then another…and another… As their fellow island occupants are murdered one by one, Phyl and Virgie realize their only hope of escaping is to work together to unmask the killer.
It was sometimes confusing with the many characters and who was who. But the story did tie up well with the explanations for what and why things occurred. However, the reasoning behind the killings is not unique in that a person decides to take justice into their own hands and plays judge, jury, and executioner in what they feel were injustices to them or their family.
Overall, Murder on Castaway Island by Alicia Gael is a good story with a good mystery. The author crafted interesting characters.
I would read more by this author. I felt the characters were developed well; the story was intriguing and held my interest.
#MurderonCastawayIsland #NetGalley @bellabooks
January 27, 2024
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
Phyl and Virgie meets as they wait to board a private boat that will take them Castaway Island. As they get there they realize right along with eight other women that they were lure there on purpose. As everyone tries to makes sense of this things start happening and each one is getting killed when everyone learn the reason they are there they team up to find out who the killer is even though everyone suspect each other. I enjoy this read I like how the author set up the mystery and how everyone was connected to the killer. I like that the saying “six degrees of separation” is really can be true you never know how connected you are with everyone you meet that you made an impression wether it’s good or bad if that makes sense. Look forward to reading from this author hopefully does more mysteries
Phyl and Virgie meets as they wait to board a private boat that will take them Castaway Island. As they get there they realize right along with eight other women that they were lure there on purpose. As everyone tries to makes sense of this things start happening and each one is getting killed when everyone learn the reason they are there they team up to find out who the killer is even though everyone suspect each other. I enjoy this read I like how the author set up the mystery and how everyone was connected to the killer. I like that the saying “six degrees of separation” is really can be true you never know how connected you are with everyone you meet that you made an impression wether it’s good or bad if that makes sense. Look forward to reading from this author hopefully does more mysteries
March 2, 2024
This is a queer take on an Agatha Christie trope of a group of people on an island who start to die one by one. There is a requirement for "suspension of disbelief" as there is with much fiction because the point here is to enjoy the narrative and try to work out the killer. I changed my mind several times through the reading and was happy with how the plot unfolded.
Ten people are lured to a remote island with various hoax letters. They all have secrets or something in their past. The island is remote - no WiFi or phone signal - and the rain is lashing down for most of the time. There are clever little devices and ideas to keep the story moving and the burgeoning relationship between Phyl and Virgie is one of them - because even one of them might be the killer.
This is an enjoyable, well written mystery and Ms Gael handles the pacing and release of information very well.
I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley.
Ten people are lured to a remote island with various hoax letters. They all have secrets or something in their past. The island is remote - no WiFi or phone signal - and the rain is lashing down for most of the time. There are clever little devices and ideas to keep the story moving and the burgeoning relationship between Phyl and Virgie is one of them - because even one of them might be the killer.
This is an enjoyable, well written mystery and Ms Gael handles the pacing and release of information very well.
I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley.
January 26, 2024
Reviewed in the United States on January 25, 2024
I know I am dating myself here, but I haven't read a lesbian mystery since the Stoner McTavish series. This kept me just as entertained as those stories did. This is a bit different in that the women who are being systematically hunted are the ones trying to figure out who the killer is.
I loved the details in the story that clued the women into the fact that the killer was among them, and though I tried, I could not figure out who she was! There are a few places where you get a peek into the killers POV throughout the story. I wish the author had used those opportunities to shed light on the beef the killer had with some of the women she invited to the island.
This was absolutely one of those books where I kept telling myself "I'll put this down after I finish the next page."
I know I am dating myself here, but I haven't read a lesbian mystery since the Stoner McTavish series. This kept me just as entertained as those stories did. This is a bit different in that the women who are being systematically hunted are the ones trying to figure out who the killer is.
I loved the details in the story that clued the women into the fact that the killer was among them, and though I tried, I could not figure out who she was! There are a few places where you get a peek into the killers POV throughout the story. I wish the author had used those opportunities to shed light on the beef the killer had with some of the women she invited to the island.
This was absolutely one of those books where I kept telling myself "I'll put this down after I finish the next page."
February 26, 2024
When eight seemingly unconnected strangers are summoned to a secluded island, each has a unique reason for coming. Little do they know that the real reason is murder.
Murder on Castaway Island is a clever and suspenseful reimagining of an Agatha Christie classic set in contemporary times and with Sapphic characters. The mystery sparkles in this setting thanks to compelling characters and heart-pounding suspense.
Whether or not you’re a Christie fan, this exciting whodunnit will keep you turning the pages long into the night then force you to sleep with a light on when you finally get to sleep!
Murder on Castaway Island is a clever and suspenseful reimagining of an Agatha Christie classic set in contemporary times and with Sapphic characters. The mystery sparkles in this setting thanks to compelling characters and heart-pounding suspense.
Whether or not you’re a Christie fan, this exciting whodunnit will keep you turning the pages long into the night then force you to sleep with a light on when you finally get to sleep!
March 14, 2024
This was a kind of modern sapphic retelling of Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None. I have always been interested to see how a story like that could work in a modern setting. I often connect with historical mysteries more than those set in the present day, and as a big Agatha Christie fan, I find adaptations of her work to be quite hit and miss.
I liked this though. The characters were interesting, the suspense was definitely there, and the author stayed true to the Christiesque style. I don't think it will be everyone's cup of tea, but I quite liked it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
I liked this though. The characters were interesting, the suspense was definitely there, and the author stayed true to the Christiesque style. I don't think it will be everyone's cup of tea, but I quite liked it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
January 24, 2024
Wow, I loved this book. I couldn't put it down. An amazing debut for Alicia Gael.
Murder on Castaway Island is a retelling of Agatha Christie's “And Then There Were None” but with a completely sapphic take. Even though I have read the book and watched every movie based on the book I was still completely engrossed in this one. Ten people are brought to an island each for different reasons. It becomes clear quickly that not everything is as it seems and that their lives are in danger.
This is a fast-paced mystery. That is very much worth the read.
I received an arc through Netgallery
Murder on Castaway Island is a retelling of Agatha Christie's “And Then There Were None” but with a completely sapphic take. Even though I have read the book and watched every movie based on the book I was still completely engrossed in this one. Ten people are brought to an island each for different reasons. It becomes clear quickly that not everything is as it seems and that their lives are in danger.
This is a fast-paced mystery. That is very much worth the read.
I received an arc through Netgallery
May 16, 2024
I’m not at home in the murder mystery genre but this whodunit novel kept me guessing. And in a good way. It made me want to get out a white board to record details and draw connecting lines.
Ten strangers are lured to Castaway Island under false pretense, just to realize something sinister is going on and there’s no way to leave the island.
I enjoyed the writing style and the story. A great debut novel that gave me some Agatha Christi vibes.
Ten strangers are lured to Castaway Island under false pretense, just to realize something sinister is going on and there’s no way to leave the island.
I enjoyed the writing style and the story. A great debut novel that gave me some Agatha Christi vibes.
May 29, 2024
The author pulls you into the story quickly. A page turner to be sure. The action keeps you guessing. Who? A modern-day rendition of Agatha Christie's novel. Fans will enjoy this book. The author did a fantastic job of setting up the plot and developing characters in whom you get invested. The details bring the plot to its conclusion with satisfying results. I highly recommend this novel and will be looking for more from this author.
June 10, 2024
A sapphic version of an Agatha Christie classic, what's not to love? Characters to agree with, to hate and to applaud their handling of bigotry. A group of ten women are lured to an island where one by one they are murdered. The ending is also a little Agatha Christie like too, as the tennis connection between all the women and the murderer if revealed. Entertaining light read. Devoured in an afternoon.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 6, 2024
3 stars. Wasn’t the most interesting read. It took way too long for the story to get going. The first 35% or so was set up and character introductions which left me bored. It did pick up after that but it still ended up not being all that memorable and was just a quick thriller. I wasn’t connected to any of the characters but the ending was pretty good and I liked the writing.
November 7, 2024
Very interesting mystery.
Very good murder mystery. Invited to deserted Island for jobs or fun by a unknown person. Getting stranded with no way to call for help . while guest are being murdered one by one. Not knowing who you can trust. All the right ingredients for a good mystery. I will be waiting for this authors future books. Thanks
Very good murder mystery. Invited to deserted Island for jobs or fun by a unknown person. Getting stranded with no way to call for help . while guest are being murdered one by one. Not knowing who you can trust. All the right ingredients for a good mystery. I will be waiting for this authors future books. Thanks
January 21, 2024
This book was a page-turner! I loved the character building from the get-go, and of course the premise is suspensefully delicious. I read it cover to cover in just one day, and that is not often the case for me. I can't wait for Alicia Gael's next book...
January 29, 2024
I know the author, and I’m not sure if or how that played into how I felt about the book but it was a very quick and enjoyable read. Who doesn’t love a good mystery especially with shades of Agatha Christie.
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