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.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.

The blurb claims this is a locked room mystery, but it really isn't. It is a mystery where one of a limited group of people must be the murderer, and they are stuck on an island populated by thousands of other people for a few hours until the ferry service resumes.

I thought the Icelandic setting was the strongest thing about this novel, which started strongly but then gradually petered out as months passed and momentum was lost. There are chapters from the perspective of various characters, but the principal viewpoint is that of Jane, the wife of the Canadian ambassador to Iceland. Jane is slightly dull and not particularly likeable. The characters, most of whom barely knew each other before the murder, were surprisingly keen to pitch in and try to either investigate themselves (Jane and Ben) or bare their souls and secrets to each other (especially Kristjan). There were a few twists and turns at the end, but I do prefer justice to be done myself.

the environment-setting was great and the characters (although less global then promised) were strong. definitely some weird conveniences and the ending was altogether a little bit predictable, but in general i really liked it. 3.5 stars, rounded up. tysm for the arc.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Death on the island is a 5 star read for this reviewer. When politicians and other important people gather , they begin dying one by one.

I was shocked to read that Death on the Island is Eliza Reid's first novel. I just finished it and I cannot wait to read more from this talented author.

This novel is full of intrigue, both domestic and mystery-related, with very clever twists and it made me very curious about visiting Iceland.

So many reviews and blurbs compare books or writers to the great mystery writers of our time, however when I read that this book is like an Icelandic Agatha Christie novel, I found I definitely agree; I LOVED this book!

Thank you, Eliza Reid, and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own and left voluntarily.

Death on the Island started out strong and fast paced and then unfortunately lost its momentum. I was hoping for more, but was just not drawn in. If you are into Agatha Christie like mysteries, this is the book for you. It was an ok read. I just prefer fast passed, psychological based books more. Happy reading!

If you enjoy mystery thrillers, this is another one. Set on an isolated small island off the coast of Iceland, and of course, with bad weather no one can get off the island. No one can come to help them when a woman is murdered in front of multiple witnesses.
This was a decent read. Nothing memorable, but it gave me a few hours of entertainment. It moved quickly and I wanted to keep turning pages.

When a group of high flyers gathers at an Icelandic coastal hamlet for discussions and negotiations, they have no idea that bad weather is not all they will have to contend with during their stay. Nor have they bargained with the kind of secrets that may lurk behind the facade of a tight-knit community.

All too soon, one of their number is found dead in an Agatha Christie-style mystery, and the wife of one of the dignitaries finds herself in the somewhat unexpected role of detective. Luckily, Jane is up to the task!

Atmospheric, gripping and very readable, this one is worth checking out for any thriller reader who is looking for a compelling story set in an exotic locale.

The description is much more exciting than the book itself.

I wanted so badly to love it, but found it dull and unlikeable, let alone lovable. And completely bogged down in politics, which did not grab my interest. The constantly-shifting character perspectives and confusing jumps backwards in the timeline of events added to my disinterest in anything more than a quick skim to finish it off.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Thank you to NetGalley, Eliza Dean and Poisones Pen Press for my free ebook in exchange for an honest review.

I wasn’t in the right mind frame for this one I think. It took a bit to get into the story and keep the stories straight. It had a good premise with decent twists. Just wrong book at the wrong time. I would still recommend.

Death on the Island by Eliza Reid is a compelling mystery that blends atmospheric tension with a gripping plot. The story follows a protagonist who is caught up in a murder investigation after a local is found dead under suspicious circumstances. Reid does an excellent job of creating a haunting, isolated setting that adds to the mystery’s intensity.

The characters are well-developed, and Reid’s writing keeps the reader engaged with clever twists and turns. The pacing is steady, with just the right amount of suspense to keep the tension high without feeling rushed. While the mystery itself is engaging, some readers might find the resolution slightly predictable, but it remains satisfying nonetheless.

Overall, Death on the Island is an intriguing, atmospheric thriller perfect for fans of cozy mysteries and suspenseful crime novels. Reid’s ability to build tension and create a memorable setting makes this a solid addition to the genre

A classic locked room scenario involving people trapped on a small Icelandic island by bad weather, this book is described as Agatha Christie meets Nordic Noir. When the lights go out at a restaurant gathering, a diplomat dies, ostensibly poisoned. There are so many people with secrets, and more than one person has a motive to murder. The pacing is slow, but the young policeman finally makes an arrest after a second death. But did he really catch the murderer? Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this advance review copy!

I'm such a sucker for a locked-room thriller set on a remote island! I loved the details, the atmosphere, and the characters. It was a LITTLE slow for my taste, but it's worth it.

I really enjoyed this book, loved the writing, the characters were compelling and I adored the setting. I couldn't put it down and I didn't want to, I can't wait to read more by the author