The 7/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle

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Ok first, I need to say that this isn't the type of book that I normally read. Second, it has gotten a lot of hype since it was published so that is another reason for me not to have read it.

I like mysteries. A little suspense makes for a good story in my opinion. But time travel,"quantum leap" style body snatching, murder and an unexplained setting? Hmmmm, this has all the makings of something that I would not llike to read.

And yet. 
Here's the description: 
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"Evelyn Hardcastle will be murdered at 11:00 pm. 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."

See what I mean?

This title kept coming up in book discussions so I added it to my TBR list. Then, October came around and well, what better month to read a murder mystery sci-fi suspense novel? Thanks to my local library I was able to get this book and read it without spending any money. However, if I had the chance to actually buy this book I probably would. It was that good.

This was the most creative storyline I have come across in a long time. It was wonderfully original even though the author's inspiration,  tv show Quantum Leap, is evident. I was drawn in from the very first chapter and kept on the edge of my seat until the very last.

To reiterate, Aiden Bishop must identify Evelyn Hardcastle's killer. Each day each wakes up in a different suspects body. He only has eight "leaps" into different people to solve the murder or the cycle starts again. He won't be free of the cycle until he solves the murder. But, there is more going on in this story than it seams. Aiden is not alone in his quest. None of the suspects, witness, or victims for that matter, can be trusted. There are enemies trying to stop him from completing the task. The time period is not completely clear. You don't know why any of this is happening or if it is even real. This is quite simply murder mystery on steroids. There were so many twists and turns throughout the story you never knew what new information was going to be presented at any given time. Just when you think you know what is happening, you find out there is still more.

Now, in my opinion I have yet to read an absolutely perfect book. So I will give just a few negatives to balance my thoughts. However, none of these points are negative enough to change my opinion overall. First, there are many many characters and because of the time travel element, their storylines overlap. This made it hard to follow at times. Second, while the ending was satisfying for my taste, I was left with a few questions. Yet I know that if I'm still thinking about a book after I finish it, that is the mark of a good story. I cannot mention my questions specifically here without spoiling the ending so I won't. But if anyone reads this and wants to discuss it feel free to reach out through my Facebook page. Finally, I felt like the reason behind what was happening was very interesting but it wasn't explored quite enough. I feel like the author could have taken us into that aspect a little bit in the form of a prologue or epilogue. Also, one bit of warning, Evelyn Hardcastle isn't the only one to be killed in this story. Some of the other murders might be unsettling for anyone who doesn't like that kind of detail. I wouldn't say it falls into the horror genre at all, but just a bit of warning if you aren't into murder. 

Overall, I will say I completely enjoyed this book! I was fascinated by the concept. At times I was mind boggled at what it must have taken for the author to write something like this. As I said earlier it is the most creative story I've read in a long time. This is the kind of book that not only lives up to the hype, but actually deserves it.

If you like mysteries, suspense, surprise endings, time travel, and murder than this book is right up your alley. 

Even if you don't like all of those things on the list, I would still recommend it. 

I repeat, it was that good. 

If you do read it, I'd like to chat about it with you!

Happy Reading!


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