This is a stunning book! A crime writers’ retreat featuring macabre games within an estate on a remote island leads to an outstandingly clever thriller which is just breathtakingly brilliant.
You Are Fatally Invited by Ande Pliego is quite simply the best mystery thriller I’ve read in 2024 by a country mile! The plot revolves around an esteemed crime author, who chooses to remain anonymous but writes under the pseudonym of J.R. Alastor, inviting six well known writers of crime to participate in a murder/mystery writers’ retreat at Wolf Harbor Estate, located on Wolf Harbor Island - both of which are owned by J.R. Alastor. As the invitees travel to the island there is a shared sense of excitement stemming from the combination of being “chosen” and wondering how the week ahead will evolve. However, shortly after arriving on the island, and participating in the first mystery game, one of the writers is found dead, presumed murdered, and the excitement is rapidly replaced by disbelief, followed by fear. Who is responsible? Who can be trusted? Can the character cards be matched to the sin cards and the occupation cards? As more mystery games unfold the suspense electrifies and it becomes evident that in order to survive the rules of the games have to be followed implicitly.
Undoubtedly, those who enjoy a classic “whodunnit” will devour this masterful debut crime thriller from Pliego. Featuring an abundance of clues, twists aplenty and secret passages galore this is a scintillating read! Hopefully there will be many more crime novels from this brilliant author.
A beautifully twisty locked room murder mystery in which six thriller writers find themselves entangled in a deadly game of intrigue and deception. You Are Fatally Invited will keep you guessing until the very end.
A bespoke murder mystery retreat for six thriller writers. The host, a renowned, reclusive author; the venue, his isolated island retreat. An event coordinator with a grudge and oh yes, a murder.
Each guest has received an invitation from a mysterious host, promising them an unforgettable weekend however the allure quickly turns sinister when one of them is found murdered. Trapped by a storm the tension mounts and it soon becomes clear that the perpetrator must be one of the authors however each of them has their own secrets and motives, making it a challenge to discern who the real killer is.
This creepy, gnarly locked room thriller had so many twists and turns it was impossible to pin it down. Just when I thought my deductions were right everything was turned upside down and I had to start from scratch. The isolated island setting adds to the claustrophobic atmosphere, enhancing the sense of urgency and danger. Seeing the events unfold from multiple points of view added to the mystery and the whole Cluedo-esque aspect, complete with a map of secret tunnels and staircases was delicious. You are Fatally Invited is everything I wanted it to be and more. If you are a lover of murder mysteries and locked room thrillers you need to get your hands on this ASAP. Who did it? You’ll have to read to find out. But one thing is certain You Are Fatally Invited will keep you guessing until the very end.
A thrilling, modern twist on classic murder mysteries, You Are Fatally Invited delivers dark secrets, clever puzzles, and deadly games.
Wow what a read. You Are Fatally Invited feels like a nostalgic nod to every murder mystery fan who’s ever binge-read Agatha Christie, heart racing with anticipation. Imagine this: six thriller writers are whisked away to a private island retreat, hosted by the elusive author J.R. Alastor. Creepy fog, an old mansion, and the looming threat of isolation. Classic setup. But here’s the twist—this isn’t just a retreat. It’s a deadly game. And when authors start dropping one by one, the remaining guests must use all their plotting skills to survive.
The story jumps between multiple points of view, giving you a front-row seat to the chaos brewing in everyone’s mind. Pliego paints this foggy, sinister island so vividly, I felt like I was right there, clutching my teacup and side-eyeing everyone. And the meta-humour—writers writing about murder while literally living it—adds a fun, self-aware twist.
If you’re here for clever puzzles, dark secrets, and enough twists to make your head spin, you’ll eat this up.
Perfect for a cosy weekend read, You Are Fatally Invited serves up murder mystery with a fresh, modern flair. Pour yourself a glass of wine, turn off your phone, and get ready to second-guess everyone.
This book draws you further in with every chapter, keeps you guessing until the very end. A book you don’t want to put down and very cleverly written.
When I first started this book, for maybe a couple of chapters, I wasn’t drawn in. I thought there were too many characters to keep track off. However I persevered and am I so glad that I did!! I was totally drawn in, I was at the writers retreat with them! Usually just before the end of I book I can figure out how it is going to end and who the baddie is etc but this book kept me guessing until the end. The chapters are small which makes remembering who each character is and where they are up to in the plot manageable and exciting to get to the next chapter which also makes it hard to put down! Highly recommend this book.