I did really enjoy this book, i would give it a 3.5⭐️ but it may bump up to a 4 in time as I process🫶🏻

Generally likeable characters. Plot was interesting and kept me guessing as to who done it. And the ending turned out to be not quite tied up but still satisfying. 3.5 stars.

You know what, I'm kind of impressed.
By reading the synopsis this book seemed to me just like many other thrillers set on islands where people are picked off by one by one. It's a trope I still enjoy, so I keep reading these books. LOL
Anyway, I went into this book expecting to have some fun even if the plot and clichés were the same old thing. I was actually surprised a little. There are some surprising elements here and how the author delivers a good plot with good characters' development and a few not-so predictable twists.
I'd highly recommend it to any readers who enjoy the tropes and anyone who is especially starting to read thrillers.
Thank you, NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press, for providing me with a free eARC of this novel.

Death On The Island by Eliza Reed, When the book starts it’s mainly getting to know the guest at the dinner party. First off the party is going to be at a local restaurant, Skell and the chef is named Piotr, and he is hosting the mayor of the island and some Canadians including the ice Atlantic ambassador his wife Jane an artist named Hannah Jane’s good friend the author Ben the deputy ambassador Kevita her husband Raul in local wealthy businessman Thor and his wife Lisa. The story is told for many POV’s and the chapters have titles like 24 hours before the murder or two hours before the murder and in my opinion that only heighten the tension the book created. OK the ambassador is trying to get Thor and Lisa to relocate their company in Canada and they’re also there to see Hannah‘s art exhibit at the local folklore museum. The Prime Minister and Jane live in Iceland but they’re visiting the island just for this occasion. Hannah used to be a scientist but is now an artist and she has a secret with the ambassador but she is also having an affair with Ben and has already had one with “Piotr. it also seems every time we see Kavita she is causing issues and it’s quite abrupt with everyone but outright argues with the ambassador. so when the chef is serving his Flaming Vikings during the demonstration they turned the lights out while he lights them on fire and when the lights come back on and everyone takes a sip Kavita quickly succumb to something in hers and dies. Raul is blaming the ambassador but if things were that simple this wouldn’t be a five star read and it definitely is. She isn’t even the only one to die. I truly got Agatha Christie vibes from reading this book and trust me when I say there’s so much more going on and OMG how much did I love Jane… So freaking much! I also at first thought Hannah was a dirty skank but by the end I kind of liked her as well. anyone who loves well crafted mysteries with a gotcha ending will definitely enjoy this book I absolutely did a totally five star read! also this is my favorite type of ending cause even when you think the culprit has been caught keep reading because there is another twist coming up. #NetGalley,#PoisonThinPress, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #ElizaReid, #DeathOnTheIsland,m

There is truly nothing better than picking up a debut novel as there are zero expectations or preconceived notions going in -- you get to start reading blindly. Overall, I enjoyed Death on the Island. The murder mystery on a secluded island plot was well-executed, and the setting itself stole the show. This was truly the definition of an atmospheric novel. Very much looking forward to seeing what Eliza Read writes next!

Death on the Island by Eliza Reid is a thrilling blend of Agatha Christie-style intrigue and chilling Nordic noir, set against the stark, haunting beauty of a remote Icelandic island. I absolutely loved the setting—the isolation, the storm, and the tightly knit village all added to the suspense and atmosphere. The island mystery theme is also exciting, with secrets unraveling as the characters are trapped together, each one a potential suspect. Jane, the ambassador's wife turned reluctant sleuth, is a sharp and compelling lead as she pieces together the truth behind the dinner-turned-disaster. It’s a smart, tense, and twist-filled read that kept me guessing right up until the end.

The Iceland island setting is what first grabbed my attention and kept me riveted throughout. Iceland is a truly beautiful country and the descriptions immediately whisked me back there. I am always drawn to islands in real life and in fiction so was hopeful this would be a standout to me. And it was.

Diplomats, political intrigue, pretentious events and Canadian links added to the delicious atmosphere, along with a quirky chef who created drinks and dishes to die for. Trapped on an island with murder and variety of suspicious characters? Yes, please. The countdowns to death contributed to the tension and suspense. At first, it took me a bit to arrange the multiple characters in my mind but before long, I was addicted to the whole package. Something about the quirkiness and slower pace put a contended smile on my face as I settled in to enjoy the twists. A few characters are likeable, others not, but I did enjoy Jane who peeled back the layers of the past and present. The conclusion was satisfactory, too.

Do read the author's inspiration and fascinating personal connection to Iceland and diplomatic relations. I love it when an author has plenty of firsthand knowledge of the setting and social mores...it really adds a realistic punch! Thankfully, she hints at a follow-up novel to this one.

4.5 Stars. Atmospheric, deftly crafted, literate mystery novel. Locked room style mystery with some marvelous twists, one of which I definitely did not see coming.

The lack of character depth or that indefinable something that brings sparkle to a book, kept this from being a 5 star book for me, but it came pretty close.

Thank you Poisoned Pen Press for the opportunity to read/review this ARC.
#NetGalley
#deathontheIsland

This is a locked-room mystery for those of you who love Agatha Christie or Sherlock Holmes’, Arthur Conan Doyle.

The fun of these types of novels is that everyone and everything is suspicious—you literally suspect everyone until the author binds it all up with a beautiful bow.

I was entertained and engaged, despite the fact that this is not a genre in which I have any interest. As a side note, it’s very difficult to keep track of who the characters are and how they relate to each other. I did, however, love the setting (Iceland), as I had never known of the Westman Islands. A solid 3 stars for me. It wasn’t that it was good or bad; just very average. It is due to be published on May 13th, 2025.

Thank you author, Eliza Reid; publisher, Poisoned Pen Press; and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of the ARC in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are wholly my own.

[arc review]
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Death on the Island releases May 13, 2025

2.5

In this Nordic noir debut, a unique group of individuals come together on an Icelandic island to celebrate the opening of an art exhibition, but before the night is over, one of them dies.
Comprised mostly of diplomatic figures, it sparks a question as to if this was an accident, or if it was somehow connected to the death of the Mayor’s husband just eight weeks prior.

The setting was great but the perpetrator was predictable early on, making the build up to the reveal seem lackluster.
Reid’s author’s note suggests that this is the first of companion novels or series, though given Jane and Graeme’s ongoing martial problems, I’m unsure whether their characters are strong enough for a continuation.

I feel like I hit the jackpot with this story: it was a locked room mystery with Agatha Christie twists and turns, and still managed to be it's own story.

This story is told from differing perspectives, but never feels confusing. There are a lot of characters introduced initially, but then those are our main players. This story is also unique because it frames the timeline as the time after the crime and the time until the next one. But you don't know who could be victim or what might be happening to them.

The twists and turns in this story were great. I had a small part of it figured out, but then there was another, even bigger twist that I didn't even think about. I liked this because 1) I appreciate when an author can trick me, and 2) the twists made sense when you thought back on it. You could really start to see where the red herrings had been, but they were very subtle.

If you love twists and turns, and want a locked-room mystery, this one is for you. And while this is set in Iceland, I wouldn't categorize it as Nordic Noir since it doesn't get quite as dark as those. So this would be a great book if you'd love a story set in that region but don't necessarily want to have the darkness along with it. I am really excited to read more from this author because I enjoyed this book so much.

Read the ARC on Netgalley. Thanks Netgalley and Poisoned press for the ARC.

This book is about lies, secrets and a murder on an Icelandic island. The book is a bit slow at the start, with too many characters. But later on it picks up the pace. And it is legitimately good.

Death on the Island by Eliza Reid is a compelling, murder mystery that blends suspense with intricate character development. Set against the stunning backdrop of an isolated Icelandic island, Reid captures your attention quickly when a death at a dinner party brings suspicion and question to the attendees.

The pacing of the novel is excellent, with each chapter revealing new clues while maintaining an air of suspense. However, the story isn’t just about the crime, it’s about the ripple effects of tragedy within a community, the way people cope with loss, and the secrets they keep from each other. Reid delves into themes of guilt, trust, and the tension between personal desires and social responsibilities.

While the resolution of the mystery is satisfying, Reid leaves readers with a lingering sense of unease, questioning how well we really know those around us. Death on the Island is a beautifully written, tension filled mystery that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

3.5 stars

There was a lot in this that actually had my brain churning with the whodunnit of it all, and I really enjoyed that aspect. The characters were so varied, and despite there being a heavy political topic aspect (which isn't really my jam, tbh) I found that I was intrigued by even the characters I found dislikable.

I loved the setting being Iceland, and I just had a gut feeling that because the author is Canadian-born that we'd get a little mention of Gimli, MB since there's a huge Icelandic presence there. I always like seeing snippets of my home province pop in books, so that was fun.

If you want a murder mystery story that gives you the same feelings you get from reading an Agatha Christie novel while playing a round of Clue, I'd definitely give this a go!

Thank you goes to NetGalley and the publisher, Poisoned Pen Press for a copy of this book to read and review.

Eliza Reid’s Death on the Island is a captivating debut mystery novel set against the stunning backdrop of Iceland. Known for her work as a bestselling nonfiction author and advocate for gender equality, Reid ventures into fiction with this atmospheric whodunit that combines intricate plotting with rich cultural details. The novel, originally titled Death of a Diplomat in international editions, introduces readers to a gripping murder investigation that unfolds in one of the world’s most unique landscapes.

The story centers on a diplomat found dead under mysterious circumstances during a high-profile event in Iceland. As investigators delve into the case, they uncover layers of political intrigue, personal betrayals, and cultural tensions that make the murder far more complex than it initially appears. Reid skillfully incorporates elements of Icelandic culture and history into the narrative, immersing readers in the setting while building suspense.

One of the novel’s strengths is its attention to character development. The protagonist—a determined investigator—is both relatable and compelling, navigating professional challenges while grappling with personal demons. Reid’s ability to create multidimensional characters adds depth to the story, making it more than just a procedural mystery.

Critics have praised Death on the Island for its vivid descriptions and thoughtful exploration of themes such as power dynamics and societal expectations. However, some readers may find the pacing slower in certain sections due to Reid’s detailed world-building. Despite this, the twists and revelations keep the plot engaging, culminating in a satisfying conclusion.

Overall, Death on the Island is an impressive first novel that showcases Eliza Reid’s storytelling prowess and deep connection to Icelandic culture. Fans of atmospheric mysteries will appreciate its unique setting and intricate plot. This book marks an exciting start to what promises to be a compelling series from Reid, who is already at work on its sequel.

A death on a remote Icelandic island brings question and suspicion upon those at a dinner party.

I really liked the setup of this one! We got the (first) death and then it traced back the lead-up to and the following days after. We then get another teaser in part 2 of another death, but this time we don't know who it is! Just "he." It really helped create some good suspense. The ultimate whodunit was not that surprising to me. I wish there had been more of a big twist or something to match the overall suspense and intrigue of the rest of the book. But besides that, a really enjoyable mystery!

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

It was a good book just toward the middle got a little slow for me. I love the description of the setting and it does give off a totally Christie vibe. It was a good debut but a little a slow.

WOW. This book was such a different read for me. In a good way. It's dark, twisty and suspenseful. Eliza blew me away with her writing. Great read for sure.

“Death on the Island” is a mystery/thriller by Eliza Reid set on a deserted island in Iceland. While I enjoyed the atmospheric setting, I felt like the characters were dull and it ended up being a bit derivative.

This Agatha Christie-style mystery definitely kept me guessing, but it wasn't so great at keeping me interested. I found myself not being drawn to any of the characters, perhaps because for so long they are all murder suspects. The writing felt a bit clunky, but the setting was illustrated well.