The Last Murder at the End of the World is a sort of locked room, time-is-running-out-to-save-the-world whodunnit. It's set against a post-apocalyptic world where a deadly fog has swept over the planet and killed mostly everyone, save the few villagers and scientists who have managed to survive on a tiny island. When one of the lead scientists is murdered in cold blood, it is up to Emory, a villager who has always been on the outs for asking too many questions, to solve it before the fog destroys everything and everyone she loves.

With the clock ticking, and only 92 hours to go, Emory must leave no stone unturned, whittling down the answer in a place where everyone is a suspect.

I liked that this had sensibilities of The Ferryman by Justin Cronin with its utopia/dystopia polarity and The Book Thief by Markus Zusak with its amoral and omniscient AI narrator. It gave the plot a cerebral sci-fi pulse that I thought was interesting. It enabled readers to look at what was happening to and with the characters from a more detached perspective. Emory was a good protagonist. Willful. Defiant. Constantly asking questions. Unabashed about her proclivity towards critical thinking. I liked being with her as she sorted through clues, motives, and false leads.

The story did stall at times, with the murder mystery portions dragging on in spots and with a bevy of characters who felt tangential to the plot at best, but all in all, this was complex and multilayered. I enjoyed the way it dangled questions of humanity and morality under my nose, especially since the answers were almost always ambiguous.

3.5 stars

Special thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for the ARC in exchange for my review!

Stuart Turton does it again! What a wonderful story teller. Turton never ceases to amaze me with his character & world building. I continuously look forward to everything he puts out.

In Stuart Turton's latest masterpiece, "The Last Murder at the End of the World," readers are plunged into a gripping whodunit set against the backdrop of a post-apocalyptic world. The story unfolds on an idyllic island, the last refuge in a world decimated by a deadly fog, where survival is contingent on solving a murder that could expose the inhabitants to the same deadly fate that befell the rest of the planet.

The island, sheltering 122 villagers and three scientists, seems like a peaceful haven, but the murder of one of the revered scientists sends shockwaves through the community. With a ticking clock of 92 hours, the islanders must unravel the mystery, as failure to do so will result in the encroaching fog swallowing everything in its path.

What sets Turton's narrative apart is the ingenious use of an amnesia plot device. The island's security system erases everyone's memory of the night of the murder, turning each inhabitant into a potential unwitting killer. The tension escalates as the protagonist, Emory, takes on the challenge of solving the murder with the fate of humanity hanging in the balance.

Turton's storytelling prowess shines through as he seamlessly blends elements of mystery, science fiction, and dystopian fiction. The island, described with vivid detail, becomes a character in itself—idyllic yet eerie against the backdrop of the fog-shrouded world outside.

The countdown of 92 hours adds urgency to the narrative, propelling readers through short, addictive chapters that unveil twists and turns. The characters are fully fleshed out, and Emory emerges as a tenacious and relatable heroine, driving the story forward with her quest for the truth.

Turton's ability to navigate the complexities of the plot and intertwine genres is commendable. "The Last Murder at the End of the World" is not just a murder mystery; it's a survival tale, a psychological thriller, and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

Overall, Stuart Turton's latest novel is a triumph of storytelling, combining intellectual stimulation with emotional engagement. For fans of innovative mysteries and science fiction, this book is a must-read, promising an enthralling journey that challenges the boundaries of conventional genres. Get ready for a wild ride that will keep you guessing until the very end.

Many thanks to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark for sharing this amazing book's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.

I had a hard time getting into this one in the beginning. Science fiction and dystopian is usually hit or miss for me as I don't always understand the complexities. While this one was not for me, I will still recommend it to those that really enjoy the genre.

While I enjoyed this book, it took so long to get into. If I didn’t receive an ARC, I probably would have not finished. I love the author’s two other novels, but this one did not draw me in nor did it keep my attention. I cannot give any specific reason why- the characters were fleshed out and multidimensional and the atmosphere was great; just like in his other novels. This one was just a miss for me.

Great book! Accidentally posted this earlier than I meant to I was thinking this was his second book--will have a full review on our website once the book is out!

Turton has devised an incredibly complicated and apocalyptic setting in which to set his mystery. The actual murder from the title doesn't occur until nearly halfway through the book. This is necessary to set up some kind of foundation for the reader as nothing quite makes sense. Set on an island surrounded by a toxic fog, a group of villagers attempt to preserve some semblance of civilization by learning as much as they can from the three "elders." These individuals are the original founders of the community who arrived as refugees, seeking a safe haven from the fog that consumed the earth. When one of the elders dies, Emory is tasked with solving the murder. The story is narratated by a character named Abi, a kind of AI powered being implanted into the all of the villagers.

As the book progresses, futuristic elements become more and more present requiring increased suspension of belief by the reader. There's a fairly big reveal about a third of the way through that completely changes the tonality of the story (spoilers: <spoiler>the villagers are all expensive robots purchased by billionaries to terraform the island while they sleep and await for a new liveable society </spoiler> and made me roll my eyes a bit. The investigative piece itself was overly complicated, and the cast of characters too big. "Last Murder" is just a bit too much of everything.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

I had a very difficult time getting into this one, but around the halfway point things changed and I slowly became interested. By the end, I was all in. There were some great twists and the entire plot had me scratching my head in confusion until it was all laid out for me. Stuart Turton is one smart storyteller.

Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for this digital arc in exchange for my honest review which is not affiliated with any brand.

Thanks to Sourcebooks and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Wow, wow, wow! This book was incredible. In a post apocalypse, which was caused by a deadly fog, a scientist has created a barrier keeping herself and her community safe. One day, the scientist is found dead and the barrier has been removed. In order for the barrier to be reinstated, one of the villagers has to solve the murder. There is limited time to solve it, because the fog is quickly approaching the island.

The villagers are all accompanied by Abi, who lives inside their head and helps them with work and making decisions. As a rule, the villagers don’t question things or wonder why they do the work that they do, and they are happy with their simple lives. Except for Emory, since she was assigned a family and first started her life at age 8 on the island, she has questioned everything. She is the villager trusted to solve the murder, along with her daughter and estranged father who doesn’t really trust her.

I was hooked from the very first chapter, and when I started reading, I couldn’t put this one down. I often found myself Kindle in hand and had fallen asleep trying to read just one more chapter!! A little sci-fi, a little dystopia, and whole lot of mystery! Definitely pick this one up!!

Stuart Turton is an incredibly talented writer and storyteller, who tells vastly different stories in each of the books of his that I have read! This one is a post-apocalyptic sci-fi story with a murder mystery twisted into it and it will keep you on the edge of your seat. Well it will after the first third or so of the book where he gets everything set up and that part was a bit confusing with the omnipotent narrator who pops in and out of the story, but once it starts to flow it really does! Lots of twists and turns about who the murderer is and what is their motivation. I believe there's a message hidden in all this about what exactly it means to be human and that is one I will be pondering for awhile. For me (and I know he hasn't done this before) this one screams for a prequel!

I have read all three of this author's novels, and found his writing to be smart and ingenious. This was a really clever murder mystery, and managed to combine two of my favorite genres- mysteries and dystopian.I enjoyed reading this book!

4.5! I really enjoyed everything about this book. The premise hooked me from the start. It's the end of the world and what's left of humanity can be found on an island. The island is surrounded by the fog that killed the rest of the world. The island is protected by the Elders. The people live a life of simplicity and service. Then one of the elders is brutally murdered and Emory, one of the island people, is tasked with finding out who killed the Elder. If she can't solve the murder in two days the whole island will be consumed by the fog. This is a fast paced, atmospheric, suspenseful mystery taking place in a fully realized post-apocalyptic dystopian society. Highly recommend it. Thank you #NetGalley for my ARC. #thelastmurderattheendoftheworld

There is a fog that has taken over the world. On a small island is a group of people protected from the fog. When a murder happens on this island, the deadly fog begins to move in towards the island, threatening to end the world in 48 hours. Emory, a woman who never felt that she fit in with the others takes on the task to solve the murder and push back the fog again. Will she solve the mystery in time?

This is the third book of Stuart Turton that I have read. While this was not my favorite story of his, I did enjoy it. The writing was good, if not a little slow. I appreciate that this mystery shared information to the reader as the investigation went on. I do wish that the story moved quicker and that we got to know the characters more. The story repeated itself a lot throughout the book. I would recommend this book to others.

Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for providing me with advance copy♥️

I recently read “The Last Murder at the End of the World” by Stuart Turton, and it left me speechless. I’m not typically a fan of sci-fi or dystopian novels, but this book captivated me from the first page. The writing was so vivid that I felt like I was part of the story.

What resonated with me the most was the characters’ resilience in the face of hopelessness. As someone who has struggled with anxiety, I found myself relating to the characters’ fears and doubts. Seeing them find strength in each other and keep moving forward was inspiring.

The mystery aspect was also expertly woven, with twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end. I loved how the author used the investigation to explore deeper themes of humanity, morality, and redemption.

While the book tackles heavy topics, it left me feeling hopeful and grateful for the little things in life. It reminded me that even in the darkest moments, there’s always a chance for connection, growth, and forgiveness.

Overall, I highly recommend “The Last Murder at the End of the World” to anyone looking for a gripping and thought-provoking read. Just be prepared to stay up late turning pages and reflect on the story long after you finish.

Started but could not get into. The concept is interesting but it was probably just not the right time to read for me.

I have loved every book this author writes. He installs a bit of magical realism in every single book and yet makes them so believable. His writing sucks you into the book and doesn't let you go. I have been listening to this book for a day and a half non-stop with only brakes for sleep. It is so fascinating to think of the world he has created and what a possible Utopia could be like after the collapse of civilization. His ideas and character development are excellent and the plot was so well done that it kept me guessing until the very end. Fabulous read and I definitely recommend it.

QUICK TAKE: If you like Turton books, you'll like THE LAST MURDER AT THE END OF THE WORLD. To give much more away would spoil the fun, but this is a wild ride and did not go where I was expecting.

This is a book that requires a little patience to get into, but once you are, it's hard to put down. Fans of science fiction and dystopian books will love this.

A fog has taken over the world and killed almost everyone, except a small island that was protected by scientists. Things are not all that they seem though and when a murder occurs, everything changes. Their memories have all been wiped, and the fog is closing in.

Can they solve the murder before it's too late? What else might they find out in the process?

A study of humanity that is full of twists and turns. I was trying to figure it out but it was planned out one step ahead at every turn. If you like puzzles, this is a fun one!!

Thanks to netgalley for an eARC to review..

I loved Stuart's previous work so was so excited to pick this up. I loved the premise upon first glance, and it did not disappoint. This feels really original and twisty and would recommend to anyone who is interested.

Thank you NetGalley for a free e-galley of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Stuart Turton's "The Last Murder at the End of the World" is an imaginative and thrilling ride, combining elements of mystery, science fiction, and a dystopian future in a masterful way. Following the success of "The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle" and "The Devil and the Dark Water," Turton once again showcases his talent for crafting intricate plots and engaging readers in a complex puzzle.

Set on an isolated island, the last known refuge in a world obliterated by a deadly fog, the story unfolds with the murder of one of the island's revered scientists. This event sets off a chain reaction, endangering the lives of all the inhabitants by threatening to expose them to the deadly fog. Turton brilliantly constructs a high-stakes scenario where solving the murder is not just about finding a killer, but about survival itself.

The element of the island's security system wiping everyone's memory of the night of the murder adds an intriguing twist to the traditional whodunit. This amnesia plot device elevates the tension and suspense, as each character could potentially be the murderer without their own knowledge. Turton's skill in handling this complexity is commendable, making the narrative not only compelling but also deeply immersive.

The setting of the island, with its idyllic yet eerie atmosphere, is vividly described, creating a stark contrast to the horror of the outside world engulfed by the fog. The characterization is strong, with each inhabitant of the island having distinct personalities and secrets, contributing to the rich tapestry of the story.

Turton's pacing is impeccable, maintaining a balance between developing the mystery and exploring the novel's sci-fi elements. The countdown of 92 hours adds urgency to the narrative, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The blending of genres works seamlessly, creating a unique reading experience that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally engaging.

"The Last Murder at the End of the World" is a testament to Turton's prowess as a storyteller. His ability to weave an intricate plot with a vivid setting and a compelling cast of characters makes this novel a standout in its genre. It is a must-read for fans of innovative mysteries and science fiction alike, promising a story that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.