If you’re up for a futuristic murder mystery, check out Stuart Turton’s new novel, “The Last Murder at the End of the World.” I don’t usually read stories set post-apocalypse, but this one was interesting. To set up the plot . . . there was a deadly fog that overtook the world, killing everything it touched. The Blackheath research company was headquartered on an island and the scientists there were able to invent a shield that protected that small area. In the novel, it is now 3 generations later . . .
122 villagers and 3 scientists/elders live on the peaceful island refuge, protected from the deadly fog. There are rules to follow, but everyone lives happily and peacefully – until one reaches the age of 60 when they pass away in the night. Emory is the only villager that seems to ask questions and is unable to accept this world and its rules. She is estranged from the other villagers because of her questioning nature. Emory is also estranged from her daughter, Clara, because Clara apprentices with the scientists. The island order is upended one morning when Niema, an elder, is found murdered, along with 7 villagers. Emory is given the job of finding the killer . . . but she has to hurry, because Niema’s death has triggered the fog-shield to dissolve, leaving everyone in danger. Making the story even more intriguing – there is an ‘A-I’ named Abi who communicates with everyone telepathically, influencing and guiding their actions. Who killed Niema? Will the fog shield be restored in time? Who exactly are the elders and are they really helping the villagers? What does Abi know that we don’t know???
“The Last Murder at the End of the World” was really well written and kept my interest. It is a little complicated, and sometimes I had to reread a paragraph, but I loved the plot! The characters are well-developed and the setting of the island is really well-described. There are twists and turns, and not everyone is what they seem . . . If you enjoy plots with a futuristic setting, you might like this novel! (For those of you that use audiobooks, readers don’t seem to like the narration for this novel . . . maybe one that is better read from the page.)
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