This book was recommended to me by my girlfriend, and I am really glad I read it. The whole story takes place on Halloween, so I would recommend reading it around that time of year for the perfect atmosphere.

„Isolated on their private island in Cornwall, the Darker family have come together for the first time in over a decade. When the tide comes in, they’ll be cut off from the rest of the world for eight hours. When the tide goes back out, nothing will ever be the same again. Nothing – because one of the family is a killer. As the leaves of autumn fall, Daisy Darker arrives at her grandmother’s house for her eightieth birthday celebrations. Seaglass, the Darker’s ancestral home, is a crumbling Cornish house perched upon its own tiny private island. Every member of the family has their secrets. Nana, alone for so long. Daisy’s absent father, Frank. Her cold-hearted mother, Nancy. Her siblings, Rose and Lily, and her niece, Trixie, full of questions and without a father of her own. Daisy has never had an easy relationship with her family, but some secrets are much darker than others. This will be a gathering that some of them won’t remember.“

Blurb

The book is clearly inspired by Agatha Christie’s “And Then There Were None”. There are some sweet and clever nods to Christie’s classic, but also plenty of differences that make Alice Feeney’s story stand firmly on its own. It never feels like a copy, but rather like a respectful homage with its own dark heart and voice.

From the very beginning, I strongly rooted for Daisy. I felt very sad for her and for the way life and the people around her treated her. Her story is heartbreaking in many ways, and I often found myself angry at all the others who hurt her, dismissed her, or simply didn’t see her for who she was. Daisy, Nana, and Trixie are wonderfully written and lovable characters, the kind you genuinely care about. In contrast, Nancy, Lilly, Conor, and some of the others were characters I absolutely hated, which made the emotional impact of the story even stronger.

I really liked Alice Feeney’s writing style. It is direct and comfortable to read, but also lyrical and rich when it needs to be. She manages to balance tension and emotion beautifully. I enjoyed how the story unfolded, with its mix of mystery, family drama, and haunting atmosphere. Even though I had a hunch about the ending early on, it was more of a coincidence than real deduction, and it didn’t take away from the joy of reading at all.

One of the things I loved most was how the book kept me guessing. I constantly tried to figure out who did what and what hidden truths were buried in this family’s dark past. The setting, the sense of isolation, and the feeling that everyone is hiding something were all wonderfully done. 

The ending, in my opinion, was great. It was emotional and surprising at the same time. I found it a bit sad, but it fit the story perfectly. I don’t want to say more, because I truly believe this is a book best experienced without knowing too much beforehand.

All in all, it was an amazing and emotional read. It had everything I look for in a mystery: atmosphere, strong characters, family secrets, and a touch of melancholy. I can wholeheartedly recommend it, especially if you enjoyed “And Then There Were None” or if you like dark, character-driven stories that stay with you long after the last page.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️