By Lucy Foley
This is a murder mystery/thriller that is definitely a slow burn. It’s more murder mystery until the end when the twists start coming fast, but warning – it takes a bit to get into.
Seven friends have made a tradition of spending New Year’s Eve together (rather lavishly) since their time at Oxford. Since Oxford, two partners have been added, and this year, the first baby among them also joins to make it ten. They meet at a remote retreat in Scotland complete with loch and stag hunt, though they really hunt females due to the time of year and to protect the herd.
Relations among the friends seem to become more strained each year, and it seems that most of them only have their past in common any more. As they navigate the tenuous situation, the party is rounded out by the game keeper, house manager, and a random Icelandic couple that show up. With a well-timed snow storm settling in to block them off from all civilization, and the topic of the Highland Ripper (yes, named as a Scottish version of Saucy Jack) striking in the area, the stage is set for murder.
Adding to the suspense of the reader is not knowing who the victim truly is until about three quarters of the way through the book, let alone the killer. I will say I did not see the killer coming (neither did the victim – haha), and I thought it was all wrapped up nicely.
It just took quite. a. while. to get there. So yes, I definitely recommend it, but it’s going to be a time investment.
Pros & Cons & Potential Spoilers
Pros
- Some great characters that you love to hate
- Plenty of suspects who could fit the crime
- Makes me think of mysteries a la Agatha Christie
Cons
- There is suuuucccchhhhhh a buildup – it’s hard to know what is relevant and what isn’t
- There is some violence and bullying “among” friends that borders on the unbelievable
- Of course the two “neutral” parties (staff that works there) have troubled pasts that also make them suspicious – a bit tropey