2025 & 2026 Reading Challenge discussion

This month we will be reading The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton

This book was nominated by Steph for our monthly theme Fate.

Evelyn Hardcastle will be murdered at 11:00 p.m.

There are eight days, and eight witnesses for you to inhabit.

We will only let you escape once you tell us the name of the killer.

Understood? Then let's begin . . .

Evelyn Hardcastle will die. Every day until Aiden Bishop can identify her killer and break the cycle. But every time the day begins again, Aiden wakes up in the body of a different guest. And some of his hosts are more helpful than others . . .

The most inventive debut of the year twists together a mystery of such unexpected creativity it will leave listeners guessing until the very last second.

So can I still read my copy which has the following title - The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle? There is No 1/2

Robynne wrote: "So can I still read my copy which has the following title - The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle? There is No 1/2"
It was published with different titles in the UK and US. You have the UK one but it’s the same book.

Valerie wrote: "It was published with different titles in the UK and US. You have the UK one but it’s the same book."

Thanks Valerie

I love this book! It's not on my "plan" for 2024, but I may have to reread it again just because.

This has been on my TBR for a while, so I'll join the group read for sure!

What better way to start the year than with a mystery, and one that seems convoluted enough... I wouldn't miss it for anything.

Super excited about this book! It is my Christmas present.

Life has been so hectic, I totally forgot about this... I planned to read the book either way in 2024, but I'm excited to pick it up so soon!

I’ll read this as my first book of 2024 as it’s on my TBR list and I should have finished my current read, Demon Copperhead, by then x

Joining. Just got a copy from the library.

I’m in after I finish Yellowface. This book sounds intriguing and even more so that I was able to download it free as part of my Audible subscription LOL! Enjoy everyone!

Just ordered my copy this morning. I’m excited for a new read!

I normally participate in the January group read but in this case I read this one in January last year! As much as I adored the book and would love to read it again, I've just got too many other books to read haha! But I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did!!

I placed a copy on hold today and also found out my niece has a copy so I'm in!

I'm... maybe in? I have a copy, but already have 4 books scheduled for January. I will try to join!

I will join! I liked “the devil and the dark water” a lot ! 👍

I’d like to join as well please :) this will be my first group read, I’m excited!

I'd like to participate in this!

I’m in! Not what I would normally go for on my own but excited for something new. Can’t wait!

hmm... A mystery crime fantasy. Very interesting combination.

This was on my list from last year so good to have this encouragement!

I would like to participate! This has been on my TBR for a while 😊

I’m in as long as I can get my hands on a copy at the library. Can’t wait x

This book has been on my TBR for ages. I think it's a sign that I should pick it up now :).

I own this book, but hadn't put it on this year's TBR. That has been corrected now, and I'm in for reading it in January. :0)

Ok then. I’ve started. What a different book so far 🥸

I'm ready to start reading this next.

This is by far one of the best and most unique books I've ever read. It was a favorite of the year I read it in (either 2017 or 18) so I'm very tempted to re-read it.

The thing is, I can't decide whether it's still so fresh in my mind, that I'll remember the twists, and even whether or not that's a good / bad thing.

I have not read another book like this one. It is one of my favorites. I may have to see if the audio is available while I wait on my current holds.

I've read the entire thing 2 or 3 times, and some chapters many more times as the 1st time through I could not wrap my mind around what was going on and even the 2nd and 3rd times I would go back to make sure I remembered what had happened and when.

Hi, I have this book on audio. It is my first time reading it and was wondering, because of some of the comments, I’d be better served by reading this in book format. I’d like to hear some of your thoughts if you wouldn’t mind giving them. Thank you!

Melissa wrote: "Hi, I have this book on audio. It is my first time reading it and was wondering, because of some of the comments, I’d be better served by reading this in book format. I’d like to hear some of your ..."

Honestly, I don't think it's a good book to listen to. At least not as a first experience. Because the back-and-forth, ground-hog aspect, is so convoluted, I'd say it's less confusing to read it physically.

Going to start tomorrow. I love a good mystery, and as this has a twist of fantasy, it should be to my taste.

Lisa wrote: "Melissa wrote: "Hi, I have this book on audio. It is my first time reading it and was wondering, because of some of the comments, I’d be better served by reading this in book format. I’d like to he..."

Thanks Lisa! I think I’m going to see if my library has it. The comments are having me thinking along the same lines.

Melissa wrote: "Hi, I have this book on audio. It is my first time reading it and was wondering, because of some of the comments, I’d be better served by reading this in book format. I’d like to hear some of your ..."

I agree with Lisa that the print version is a better option when reading this for the first time. From what I remember, the audio is well done. However, I did restart it several times when something would happen and I couldn't get past my "Wait, what?" response. I ended up check out both the audio and print copies to make it easier to go back and refresh my memory and better understand what was going on.

Shelley wrote: "Melissa wrote: "Hi, I have this book on audio. It is my first time reading it and was wondering, because of some of the comments, I’d be better served by reading this in book format. I’d like to he..."

Thank you! I’m getting more and more intrigued by this book!

I struggled reading the physical book. I decided to borrow the audiobook instead because I love the idea of trying to solve a mystery with the help of a host!

This has been on my shelves for ages, it’ll be my next read.

I'm enjoying this story, but I will say that I had to make a list of all the characters with minor notes just to keep track of things. That isn't a bad thing- it's keeping me engaged with the novel.

I just got the ebook from my library and I'm ready to get started. I hope it is as interesting as it sounds.

I will be starting this one today on my lunch break. Reading through the Libby app from my library.