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Penguin The Murder Game.
One house. Nine guests. Endless motives for murder...
Guests assemble at Hamlet Hall for a New Year's Eve party to remember.
They are to take part in a murder mystery game with a 1920s twist, and everyone has their own part to play.
But the evening has barely begun when one guest is found dead - killed by an injury to the head.
Someone is playing by their own rules.
And in a close-knit community, old rivalries run deep...
Guests assemble at Hamlet Hall for a New Year's Eve party to remember.
They are to take part in a murder mystery game with a 1920s twist, and everyone has their own part to play.
But the evening has barely begun when one guest is found dead - killed by an injury to the head.
Someone is playing by their own rules.
And in a close-knit community, old rivalries run deep...
384 pages, Paperback
First published February 2, 2023
428 people are currently reading
7073 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 935 reviews
August 13, 2023
3.5
Some wounds run too deep.
It is New Year’s Eve and there is a murder mystery party at a hotel. The fake victim is supposed to be hit on the head with a rock.
There are envelopes on the tables – one for each of the quests, informing them of their roles. Each guest plays a different character such as a maid, a solicitor, a doctor, a daughter, a wife, a murderer and a victim. There are clues, there are red herrings and there are the usual suspects and the ever present motives.
But it seems that someone wants to play a different game. There is going to be a real victim and a real murderer with a very real motive.
Welcome to a murder mystery party gone wrong!
This was a great whodunnit, with good twists and turns. The only drawback was the repetitive inner thoughts of the characters. The book could have been much shorter and in consequence more thrilling.
Some wounds run too deep.
It is New Year’s Eve and there is a murder mystery party at a hotel. The fake victim is supposed to be hit on the head with a rock.
There are envelopes on the tables – one for each of the quests, informing them of their roles. Each guest plays a different character such as a maid, a solicitor, a doctor, a daughter, a wife, a murderer and a victim. There are clues, there are red herrings and there are the usual suspects and the ever present motives.
But it seems that someone wants to play a different game. There is going to be a real victim and a real murderer with a very real motive.
Welcome to a murder mystery party gone wrong!
This was a great whodunnit, with good twists and turns. The only drawback was the repetitive inner thoughts of the characters. The book could have been much shorter and in consequence more thrilling.
October 5, 2022
I found this to be a little 'one dimensional' both in terms of the plot and characterization.
This was my first Tom Hindle novel and although billed as in the 'Golden Age' style, I found it to be a very disappointing imitation of this genre.
My hope is that Tom's novels will improve as he acquires greater experience and a more robust style of writing.
With thanks to Netgalley for an ARC in return for an honest review.
This was my first Tom Hindle novel and although billed as in the 'Golden Age' style, I found it to be a very disappointing imitation of this genre.
My hope is that Tom's novels will improve as he acquires greater experience and a more robust style of writing.
With thanks to Netgalley for an ARC in return for an honest review.
July 12, 2023
I got well over half way through this novel, would pick it up and promptly put it down. I found the writing poor, the plot slow and tiresome. The characters were flat. It is so rare that I do not finish a novel, but I just couldn't go on. So glad others have enjoyed this book but it was not for me. DNF
August 18, 2023
3.5 stars
Not quite 4 stars, but better than 3 stars... That's always a struggle. Goodreads, when are you giving us half stars? Okay. Well. This was definitely not as good as 'A Fatal Crossing' but still highly enjoyable. I guessed who the killer was pretty early on, though. Some of the hints were pretty obvious. But I really like Tom Hindle's writing style, so I will definitely be reading his next book!
Not quite 4 stars, but better than 3 stars... That's always a struggle. Goodreads, when are you giving us half stars? Okay. Well. This was definitely not as good as 'A Fatal Crossing' but still highly enjoyable. I guessed who the killer was pretty early on, though. Some of the hints were pretty obvious. But I really like Tom Hindle's writing style, so I will definitely be reading his next book!
August 7, 2023
Easy enjoyable reading but very predictable
January 18, 2023
I requested this ARC from NetGalley last year, it was what prompted me to read the author's debut, A Fatal Crossing, which I DNF'd two thirds in. I thought it only fair to give The Murder Game a fair shot, but as 20% in, have decided to also DNF.
I enjoyed what I read of this more than the A Fatal Crossing, because it felt more focused and more clearly plotted. However, there are a lot of characters and perspectives though, which I was struggling to keep on top of, but this may have improved had I continued to read.
My main reason for DNFing is because the premise is inaccurate, although my knowledge of this only comes from my career. Essentially, there's upset in a Devon village when the lighthouse is to be developed by a local developer who left for London as a teen and has returned; he is hugely unpopular because he 'stole' the planning permission for development from a popular local who also runs the tourist information. I'm a Town Planner and it's impossible to steal a planning permission, it belongs the building, not to a person. My other issue, that the local council is believed to have been bribed by the developer to give him the planning permission, comes across as lazy plotting that bashes 'corrupt' councils. Anyone can apply for planning permission, for any building, but only the person who owns it can implement that permission, if approved, and undertake the development.
I appreciate my standpoint won't be most readers, but I struggled with the key premise of the novel's plot being impossible. I understand it's fiction, but it has a contemporary setting that otherwise felt realistic. Perhaps this author just isn't for me!
I enjoyed what I read of this more than the A Fatal Crossing, because it felt more focused and more clearly plotted. However, there are a lot of characters and perspectives though, which I was struggling to keep on top of, but this may have improved had I continued to read.
My main reason for DNFing is because the premise is inaccurate, although my knowledge of this only comes from my career. Essentially, there's upset in a Devon village when the lighthouse is to be developed by a local developer who left for London as a teen and has returned; he is hugely unpopular because he 'stole' the planning permission for development from a popular local who also runs the tourist information. I'm a Town Planner and it's impossible to steal a planning permission, it belongs the building, not to a person. My other issue, that the local council is believed to have been bribed by the developer to give him the planning permission, comes across as lazy plotting that bashes 'corrupt' councils. Anyone can apply for planning permission, for any building, but only the person who owns it can implement that permission, if approved, and undertake the development.
I appreciate my standpoint won't be most readers, but I struggled with the key premise of the novel's plot being impossible. I understand it's fiction, but it has a contemporary setting that otherwise felt realistic. Perhaps this author just isn't for me!
December 23, 2022
I was looking forward to reading The Murder game after reading the authors first novel The fatal crossing and enjoyed it.
It’s New years eve and a murder mystery party is being held at Hamlet Hall hotel. A hotel that has seen better days. In a secluded area of North Devon and there is no phone signal. There are eight guests, all with secrets of their own. Which had something to do with a body that is found on a beach over twenty years ago.
So, when an uninspected guest Damian white arrives with his daughter in tow. Everyone is shocked to see him. Damian White is not a likable man. So, when the party starts, and everyone takes their positions in the game they find Damian has gone missing. When they do find him, he is dead with a blow to his head. Just like the body found on the beach twenty years. Is someone taking their revenge of what happened all of them years ago?
Thank you, Random House Cornerstone, for a copy of ‘The Murder Game’ I liked the premise of this ‘Agatha Christie’ locked room murder mystery set in a whole hotel with no phone signal, what’s not to love. But it found the characters not very likeable and although I found the story interesting it didn’t grip me like other stories do. 4 stars from me,
It’s New years eve and a murder mystery party is being held at Hamlet Hall hotel. A hotel that has seen better days. In a secluded area of North Devon and there is no phone signal. There are eight guests, all with secrets of their own. Which had something to do with a body that is found on a beach over twenty years ago.
So, when an uninspected guest Damian white arrives with his daughter in tow. Everyone is shocked to see him. Damian White is not a likable man. So, when the party starts, and everyone takes their positions in the game they find Damian has gone missing. When they do find him, he is dead with a blow to his head. Just like the body found on the beach twenty years. Is someone taking their revenge of what happened all of them years ago?
Thank you, Random House Cornerstone, for a copy of ‘The Murder Game’ I liked the premise of this ‘Agatha Christie’ locked room murder mystery set in a whole hotel with no phone signal, what’s not to love. But it found the characters not very likeable and although I found the story interesting it didn’t grip me like other stories do. 4 stars from me,
August 4, 2023
3.5
Good, but too many people, gets confusing.
Good, but too many people, gets confusing.
February 3, 2023
I loved everything about this. The setting, the history and the characters - the perfect mix. The way the history of the area and the characters blended with the evening was cleverly done - little snippets of conversation adding to the mystery but never revealing too much.
I was gripped from the very beginning and willingly turned each page to see what would be uncovered next. I must admit I had an inkling about what had happened but wasn’t prepared for the overall reveal. Taking inspiration from all the previous clever locked room mysteries, The Murder Game is fast paced and thrilling and definitely a 5 star from me. I need to move A Fatal Crossing up the pile now.
I was gripped from the very beginning and willingly turned each page to see what would be uncovered next. I must admit I had an inkling about what had happened but wasn’t prepared for the overall reveal. Taking inspiration from all the previous clever locked room mysteries, The Murder Game is fast paced and thrilling and definitely a 5 star from me. I need to move A Fatal Crossing up the pile now.
January 19, 2023
Hmmm, I’m afraid that this faux Golden Age mystery didn’t really work for me at all.
The plot centres around a murder mystery night at an isolated hotel and the premise itself is promising. A number of different characters are introduced, each with their own inter-connecting backstories and then a murder takes place.
My chief problem with the book is that it’s all so entirely predictable. There were lots of strangely abrupt endings to chapters that made me think “eh?” before realising that this was meant to be ‘a revelation’ der-der-derrrr! There just were no surprises, the whole plot and all of the ‘twists’ were signposted so early on that there was no reason to keep reading.
The final scene was a tiny bit unexpected but mainly because it went on so long.
Sorry, a miss from me 👎🏻.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Random House UK, Cornerstone for an arc of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
The plot centres around a murder mystery night at an isolated hotel and the premise itself is promising. A number of different characters are introduced, each with their own inter-connecting backstories and then a murder takes place.
My chief problem with the book is that it’s all so entirely predictable. There were lots of strangely abrupt endings to chapters that made me think “eh?” before realising that this was meant to be ‘a revelation’ der-der-derrrr! There just were no surprises, the whole plot and all of the ‘twists’ were signposted so early on that there was no reason to keep reading.
The final scene was a tiny bit unexpected but mainly because it went on so long.
Sorry, a miss from me 👎🏻.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Random House UK, Cornerstone for an arc of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
May 8, 2025
Letto svogliatamente costringendomi a finirlo e saltando le pagine finali . Per un giallo la banalità è un peccato mortale.
June 13, 2024
In the style of Agatha Christie, this locked door mystery is very slow to develop and quite predictable. I had a pretty good idea of the murderer quite early on. But I'm sure this author will get better as he gets more experience, his style will improve.
January 21, 2024
The novel was well written and tied up nicely at the end. It’s a bit of a shame how heavy handed the clues were, but it was still entertaining to see how each twist was revealed.
February 5, 2024
I honestly think people should stop brandishing the title of 'Agatha Christie's successor' over every single mystery novel even attempting a Poirot-like story!
All it does is raise expectations and then lead to severe disappointment! No one has met that bar yet. It makes a lacklustre novel look even worse bcoz of the raised expectations so why?! Why do that!?
It is bad for the reader and the writer both!
Nobody walks away unscathed! For the love of God, just stop invoking her name!
I had soooooo many issues with this book. First of all, the characters are so comical! Caricature was the word which kept resounding every time any of them opened their mouths!
So we have grumpy old men all around, a cantankerous shrew, a slimy greasy journalist hoping to score 'the story', a palpitating broken run-down husk of a man who did NOT stop having a nervous breakdown and anxiety attacks from the get-go, a shrewd scheming unethical dick of a businessman, a loser drunkard...just random stereotypes scattered liberally. Oh, and just as an aside, I *loved* how it was the women who were eager to socialise and attend a party while the manly men preferred isolation and had to be reluctantly dragged to the event.
The dialogue too was just off but what else to expect.
The pacing was just all over the place. The 'punch' was missing, the snappy tension, the sense of mystery - not very well conveyed.
The plot was soooooo transparent. Like literally in the first few hundred words of the book, you get a character going all - oh, I would love to kill that man. (Note: a short while later, we learn that this is a man who hates confrontation and would rather let everything slide. Go figure). And this is followed by every single person to voice out their immense hatred for the said man.
I mean, could you BE anymore transparent?
There was a lot of this handholding going on in the novel, like the writer didn't trust the audience to connect the dots. AT ALL!
Oh look, the window of this room is open. Hmmm why would it be open on a cold day? Oh look, a vase is shattered here... Hmmm, an open window and a shattered vase, what could all of this POSSIBLY mean!?! Tell us, Mr. Remarkably Brainy Agatha Christie's heir?? Bcoz we are clueless numbwits who could never figure it out!
Anyone with half a braincell could guess who the murderer was, so it's not even like this novel gave us a good ending.
Everything was just stupid and dumb and repetitive. There was all this buildup about something which had happened in the past, and even that was done so terribly. People hoarding secrets for the sake of being secretive.
And there was sooooo much repetitive use of certain turns of phrases. Everyone would stomp out of the room 'without a word'. The nervous dude kept 'jumping out of his chair' when there was even a whisper in his vicinity. That kind of thing.
This was a really terrible novel. I don't know why people praise such books. Do they even read it before their endorsement?
I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. Just terrible.
I'm hoping the writer improves, but I'm not too optimistic.
All it does is raise expectations and then lead to severe disappointment! No one has met that bar yet. It makes a lacklustre novel look even worse bcoz of the raised expectations so why?! Why do that!?
It is bad for the reader and the writer both!
Nobody walks away unscathed! For the love of God, just stop invoking her name!
I had soooooo many issues with this book. First of all, the characters are so comical! Caricature was the word which kept resounding every time any of them opened their mouths!
So we have grumpy old men all around, a cantankerous shrew, a slimy greasy journalist hoping to score 'the story', a palpitating broken run-down husk of a man who did NOT stop having a nervous breakdown and anxiety attacks from the get-go, a shrewd scheming unethical dick of a businessman, a loser drunkard...just random stereotypes scattered liberally. Oh, and just as an aside, I *loved* how it was the women who were eager to socialise and attend a party while the manly men preferred isolation and had to be reluctantly dragged to the event.
The dialogue too was just off but what else to expect.
The pacing was just all over the place. The 'punch' was missing, the snappy tension, the sense of mystery - not very well conveyed.
The plot was soooooo transparent. Like literally in the first few hundred words of the book, you get a character going all - oh, I would love to kill that man. (Note: a short while later, we learn that this is a man who hates confrontation and would rather let everything slide. Go figure). And this is followed by every single person to voice out their immense hatred for the said man.
I mean, could you BE anymore transparent?
There was a lot of this handholding going on in the novel, like the writer didn't trust the audience to connect the dots. AT ALL!
Oh look, the window of this room is open. Hmmm why would it be open on a cold day? Oh look, a vase is shattered here... Hmmm, an open window and a shattered vase, what could all of this POSSIBLY mean!?! Tell us, Mr. Remarkably Brainy Agatha Christie's heir?? Bcoz we are clueless numbwits who could never figure it out!
Anyone with half a braincell could guess who the murderer was, so it's not even like this novel gave us a good ending.
Everything was just stupid and dumb and repetitive. There was all this buildup about something which had happened in the past, and even that was done so terribly. People hoarding secrets for the sake of being secretive.
And there was sooooo much repetitive use of certain turns of phrases. Everyone would stomp out of the room 'without a word'. The nervous dude kept 'jumping out of his chair' when there was even a whisper in his vicinity. That kind of thing.
This was a really terrible novel. I don't know why people praise such books. Do they even read it before their endorsement?
I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. Just terrible.
I'm hoping the writer improves, but I'm not too optimistic.
March 30, 2023
To my knowledge I've never read a good old fashioned murder mystery like this before and now I'm craving more. I've heard that it's very Agatha Christie and while I've never read her work I have seen the adaptations and I agree. It was pure mystery, no bullshit, played out in real time with perfect pacing. What's more is that it is actually two murders for the price of one and I had a great time reading this one, it was exciting going along, gasping at the revelations and clues and trying to guess whodunnit (I didn't). I definitely need more of this in my life
July 25, 2024
3.5 stars | A very enjoyable whodunnit which was a real page turner. The depth of the book however lacked a little. Regardless, a fun read.
February 17, 2023
So disappointed.
I read A Fatal Crossing and felt it was okay - the writing was a little immature, Hindle had a habit of over-stressing points way too many times etc - but it had an amazing twist at the end making it all worth it. Because of that, I decided to read his second book, The Murder Game.
At first, I thought his writing style had improved. The premise was amazing - it had all of the makings of an ode to Agatha Christie, and I was much more invested in the plot than with A Fatal Crossing. I was so hopeful for this book - I loved the story and the characters and I was so, so excited for that amazing twist Hindle's first book had promised. However, I guessed the entire plotline about 1/3 of the way in due to, ONCE AGAIN, Hindle's little habit of over-stressing points. The final clue, that big twist - you could see it a mile off because he wouldn't stop dropping hints left right and centre. The end was, as a result, completely lack lustre and a waste of time. Made more disappointing by the great built up and fantastic setting. The constant comparison by publishers and reviewers of these books to the works of Agatha Christie is, in my opinion, offensive. Also, misleading - but a great way to dupe fans of hers into picking up these books - worked on me!
I read A Fatal Crossing and felt it was okay - the writing was a little immature, Hindle had a habit of over-stressing points way too many times etc - but it had an amazing twist at the end making it all worth it. Because of that, I decided to read his second book, The Murder Game.
At first, I thought his writing style had improved. The premise was amazing - it had all of the makings of an ode to Agatha Christie, and I was much more invested in the plot than with A Fatal Crossing. I was so hopeful for this book - I loved the story and the characters and I was so, so excited for that amazing twist Hindle's first book had promised. However, I guessed the entire plotline about 1/3 of the way in due to, ONCE AGAIN, Hindle's little habit of over-stressing points. The final clue, that big twist - you could see it a mile off because he wouldn't stop dropping hints left right and centre. The end was, as a result, completely lack lustre and a waste of time. Made more disappointing by the great built up and fantastic setting. The constant comparison by publishers and reviewers of these books to the works of Agatha Christie is, in my opinion, offensive. Also, misleading - but a great way to dupe fans of hers into picking up these books - worked on me!
January 12, 2024
For me a book can be judged by how much I look forward to picking it up. This whodunnit just didn’t leave me wanting more at any point, a group of unlikables gather together for a New Year’s Eve murder mystery party. The murder game becomes real and accusations begin. There are some twists and turns but nothing too groundbreaking. The whole story, for me, lacked the depth that a good murder mystery requires.
However, the book is well written and I did want to push to the end for the final reveal. Hence the three stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
However, the book is well written and I did want to push to the end for the final reveal. Hence the three stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 3, 2024
Reads like a classic whodunnit reminiscent of Agatha Christie, and for me there is no higher praise, because I love the genre. The premise is not exactly revolutionary - a cast of characters with shared history and plenty of grudges to go around find themselves in a remote hotel by the beach, and wouldn't you guess - the murderer is one of them. For me though, there is comfort in this familiar set up, and it's still exciting to see everything unravel bit by bit, until you are left with the satisfaction of finally seeing the big picture. Overall, a very enjoyable read.
Big thank you to the publisher for providing me with a reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
Big thank you to the publisher for providing me with a reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 9, 2024
I like how Tom Hindle writes , he has unusual perspectives that he brings to the story. I did however guess who the killer was about half way through as he was unable to disguise in his writing a pointer which I picked up on straight away and u was surprised that it was mentioned again … a very good climactic ending and round up
October 21, 2023
Wauw. Just wauw. Even though I'd already guessed who did it halfway through, I never saw the plottwist coming. Very well-written and an enjoyable read.
April 22, 2024
2.5⭐️ Niet helemaal mijn ding, veel verschillende pov’s en erg langdradig geschreven
February 26, 2023
I’d like to thank Laura O’Donnell from Century Books for sending me a proof of this one.
🏡Set inside an old mansion, this is a locked room mystery to sink your teeth into! I loved the seaside setting and old mansion of Hamlet Hall, I could easily picture the dinner party and all its surroundings!
👀With the guests not able to leave we quickly see the pressure get to them and secrets soon start spilling, some of which I had not seen coming. Concealment and denial run thick with these characters, I loved seeing their lives being picked apart whilst trying to figure out who the murderer was.
🕵Most of the characters are unlikable but that did not spoil the story at all if anything it only added more suspects to my list. From the despised to the pitied they are not only well-developed but realistic.
🔎Finally, we are left with a satisfying ending, all loose ends are tied up neatly. Whilst I had figured out who the murderer was it did not take away the enjoyment of seeing this Cluedo story play out.
A fun and creative read that enables us all to play armchair detective!
🏡Set inside an old mansion, this is a locked room mystery to sink your teeth into! I loved the seaside setting and old mansion of Hamlet Hall, I could easily picture the dinner party and all its surroundings!
👀With the guests not able to leave we quickly see the pressure get to them and secrets soon start spilling, some of which I had not seen coming. Concealment and denial run thick with these characters, I loved seeing their lives being picked apart whilst trying to figure out who the murderer was.
🕵Most of the characters are unlikable but that did not spoil the story at all if anything it only added more suspects to my list. From the despised to the pitied they are not only well-developed but realistic.
🔎Finally, we are left with a satisfying ending, all loose ends are tied up neatly. Whilst I had figured out who the murderer was it did not take away the enjoyment of seeing this Cluedo story play out.
A fun and creative read that enables us all to play armchair detective!
January 21, 2025
Entertaining. Cheesy. Predictable.
January 21, 2025
Gripping at the end but a slow start and some silly attempts at misdirection and narrative building.
This was a 3.5 but I was feeling mean so rounded down not up 🤣
Enjoyable though 👌
This was a 3.5 but I was feeling mean so rounded down not up 🤣
Enjoyable though 👌
November 9, 2025
This book kept me interested throughout. I figured it was probably Lilys mother who for the gun as she had a key. I didn’t expect it to be Claire. I just thought she’d be hiding in the house somewhere.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2025
”Piss of Justin” lol
February 11, 2023
The story:
The small harbour of Hamlet Wick is divided over plans to develop the local lighthouse. But when some of the residents gather at a murder mystery party on New Year’s Eve, no one expects there to be a real crime committed…
My thoughts:
Having enjoyed last year’s “A Fatal Crossing” by Tom Hindle, I was keen to read his latest murder mystery. This time the story is set in the present day, and the book begins by introducing us to the inhabitants of the small Devonshire town of Hamlet and neighbouring Hamlet Wick, in which the residents are at odds over the development of the local lighthouse into a luxury home. So-called “local boy turned London property magnate” Damien White has obtained planning permission, but local opinion agrees that the this should have gone to local tourist board head Gwen Holloway, and her proposal to develop the lighthouse into a memorial to a tragic past event in the village.
So the scene is set for a pretty awkward evening, when on New Year’s Eve various local residents attend a murder mystery party at hotel Hamlet Hall, organised by a Will Hooper, a young man with a troubled past who has his own reasons for wanting the night to be a success. Gwen, along with local shopkeeper and leader of a campaign to save the lighthouse, Edward Finn, represent the village point of view. On the other side, Nigel Cobb, local contractor currently employed by White on the renovations on the lighthouse. And for good measure, Justin Fletcher, journalist on the local paper the Hamlet Herold, is in attendance and determined to get a good story that might be his ticket to a better job.
After the introduction to the main players in the story, the book proceeds in hourly increments, starting at seven o’clock and the beginning of the murder mystery party. There things take a turn for the even more awkward when the hated Damien White himself turns up with his daughter, as the final guests for the party.
Of course, the inevitable happens, and one of the guests ends up dead, and it seems impossible for anyone to have left the hotel. So the murderer is among them, and it’s left to the guests, along with local PC Natalie Fay, to get to the bottom of the group’s hidden secrets and possible motives, and uncover the killer.
This is a classic murder mystery, with an isolated location and a killer amongst the guests. I thoroughly enjoyed the clever plot, and the way the book was structured in hourly blocks as the night progresses kept things moving at a good pace. Many of the guests have plausible motives for the killing, and Hindle keeps us guessing before the dramatic reveal at the end of the story. Highly recommended to fans of Anthony Horowitz, Richard Osman and Agatha Christie!
The small harbour of Hamlet Wick is divided over plans to develop the local lighthouse. But when some of the residents gather at a murder mystery party on New Year’s Eve, no one expects there to be a real crime committed…
My thoughts:
Having enjoyed last year’s “A Fatal Crossing” by Tom Hindle, I was keen to read his latest murder mystery. This time the story is set in the present day, and the book begins by introducing us to the inhabitants of the small Devonshire town of Hamlet and neighbouring Hamlet Wick, in which the residents are at odds over the development of the local lighthouse into a luxury home. So-called “local boy turned London property magnate” Damien White has obtained planning permission, but local opinion agrees that the this should have gone to local tourist board head Gwen Holloway, and her proposal to develop the lighthouse into a memorial to a tragic past event in the village.
So the scene is set for a pretty awkward evening, when on New Year’s Eve various local residents attend a murder mystery party at hotel Hamlet Hall, organised by a Will Hooper, a young man with a troubled past who has his own reasons for wanting the night to be a success. Gwen, along with local shopkeeper and leader of a campaign to save the lighthouse, Edward Finn, represent the village point of view. On the other side, Nigel Cobb, local contractor currently employed by White on the renovations on the lighthouse. And for good measure, Justin Fletcher, journalist on the local paper the Hamlet Herold, is in attendance and determined to get a good story that might be his ticket to a better job.
After the introduction to the main players in the story, the book proceeds in hourly increments, starting at seven o’clock and the beginning of the murder mystery party. There things take a turn for the even more awkward when the hated Damien White himself turns up with his daughter, as the final guests for the party.
Of course, the inevitable happens, and one of the guests ends up dead, and it seems impossible for anyone to have left the hotel. So the murderer is among them, and it’s left to the guests, along with local PC Natalie Fay, to get to the bottom of the group’s hidden secrets and possible motives, and uncover the killer.
This is a classic murder mystery, with an isolated location and a killer amongst the guests. I thoroughly enjoyed the clever plot, and the way the book was structured in hourly blocks as the night progresses kept things moving at a good pace. Many of the guests have plausible motives for the killing, and Hindle keeps us guessing before the dramatic reveal at the end of the story. Highly recommended to fans of Anthony Horowitz, Richard Osman and Agatha Christie!
January 15, 2023
I love a good closed circle murder mystery so this was right up my street and so well done. There's a small(ish) cast of not especially likeable characters, some secrets from the past, a few grudges and a lot of twists and turns.
For some unknown reason (most likely my inability to read a synopsis properly) I thought this was going to be a historical who dunnit in the style of Agatha Christies And Then There Were None but while there are some similarities it's a little bit different. For one thing it's set in the present day with a group of residents from a small village, and a few unexpected guests, attending a murder mystery party on New Year's Eve at the local hotel.
While it seems like it should be a fun night out not everyone's motives are what they seem. There's the troubled joint owner of the hotel who has devised a mystery game that has links to events from the past, a couple who have been protesting the redevelopment of the local lighthouse, the builder and his wife looking to improve their social standing and a journalist looking for a big story to get him out of town. Add to this a small cast of actors and a few unexpected attendees and it's a recipe for an interesting and murderous evening.
The story is told from multiple povs, each with a very different and distinctive voice. I will admit that I struggled a little at the start to get the cast of characters straight and remember the relationships between them but I think that's mostly a me issue. I have a terrible memory for names and generally prefer a book to only have one or two povs. Once I got into the story I had absolutely no problems and found myself enjoying the different perspectives.
The characters are not especially likeable and I'm not sure there's a single one you can trust but they're all very well crafted. I could picture each and every one.
The mystery itself is an intriguing one. It is possibly not the most original but sometimes it's great to just relax and enjoy a story that has a traditional feel to it. It's like settling down to watch a classic murder mystery on a Sunday evening. There are a few twists and turns, the odd red herring and a few reveals around events that happened in the past. I did see some of the reveals coming but there were a few surprises in there too.
I would maybe have liked a little more of certain characters and there were a couple of things that didn't quite seem credible but I did find myself drawn into the story.
Overall I really enjoyed it and will be looking out for the author's next book.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy. This has in no way influenced my review.
For some unknown reason (most likely my inability to read a synopsis properly) I thought this was going to be a historical who dunnit in the style of Agatha Christies And Then There Were None but while there are some similarities it's a little bit different. For one thing it's set in the present day with a group of residents from a small village, and a few unexpected guests, attending a murder mystery party on New Year's Eve at the local hotel.
While it seems like it should be a fun night out not everyone's motives are what they seem. There's the troubled joint owner of the hotel who has devised a mystery game that has links to events from the past, a couple who have been protesting the redevelopment of the local lighthouse, the builder and his wife looking to improve their social standing and a journalist looking for a big story to get him out of town. Add to this a small cast of actors and a few unexpected attendees and it's a recipe for an interesting and murderous evening.
The story is told from multiple povs, each with a very different and distinctive voice. I will admit that I struggled a little at the start to get the cast of characters straight and remember the relationships between them but I think that's mostly a me issue. I have a terrible memory for names and generally prefer a book to only have one or two povs. Once I got into the story I had absolutely no problems and found myself enjoying the different perspectives.
The characters are not especially likeable and I'm not sure there's a single one you can trust but they're all very well crafted. I could picture each and every one.
The mystery itself is an intriguing one. It is possibly not the most original but sometimes it's great to just relax and enjoy a story that has a traditional feel to it. It's like settling down to watch a classic murder mystery on a Sunday evening. There are a few twists and turns, the odd red herring and a few reveals around events that happened in the past. I did see some of the reveals coming but there were a few surprises in there too.
I would maybe have liked a little more of certain characters and there were a couple of things that didn't quite seem credible but I did find myself drawn into the story.
Overall I really enjoyed it and will be looking out for the author's next book.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy. This has in no way influenced my review.
December 24, 2022
4.5 stars
An Agatha Christie worthy whodunnit for the Midsomer Murders generation (me then!). Murders and hatred abound but there’s an overall cosy, Sunday night feel. This isn’t about hardened psychopaths, it’s all very middle class.
I worked out the main murderer and motive within the first half of the book; it seemed quite obvious and perhaps could have been hidden for a little longer. That’s my only gripe though; this was a really enjoyable read. The characters, each with their backstories and motives, were well drawn out and the story flowed well.
I look forward to reading more by Tom Hindle. Thank you to @netgalley and @centurybooksuk for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
An Agatha Christie worthy whodunnit for the Midsomer Murders generation (me then!). Murders and hatred abound but there’s an overall cosy, Sunday night feel. This isn’t about hardened psychopaths, it’s all very middle class.
I worked out the main murderer and motive within the first half of the book; it seemed quite obvious and perhaps could have been hidden for a little longer. That’s my only gripe though; this was a really enjoyable read. The characters, each with their backstories and motives, were well drawn out and the story flowed well.
I look forward to reading more by Tom Hindle. Thank you to @netgalley and @centurybooksuk for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
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