How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Kristen Perrin's "How to Solve Your Own Murder" is an absolute triumph in the realm of mystery and psychological thrillers. This novel has catapulted itself to the top of my must-read list for the year, and I can confidently declare it the best book I've had the pleasure of delving into in 2023.

The story unfolds in 1965 when teenage Frances Adams receives a chilling fortune at an English country fair: she will be murdered. From that moment on, Frances dedicates her life to preventing a crime that hasn't happened yet, amassing secrets on everyone she encounters. Fast forward nearly sixty years, and Frances is found dead in her sprawling country estate, exactly as she had foretold. Now, it's up to her great-niece, Annie Adams, to unravel the mystery and catch the killer.

Perrin's narrative is a time-traveling journey that seamlessly transitions between the 1960s and the present day. The author expertly weaves a tale of a woman's lifelong quest to avert her own demise and her great-niece's determination to solve the puzzle left in Frances's wake. The blend of past and present adds layers to the mystery, keeping readers captivated as they navigate the secrets of Castle Knoll.

The characters in "How to Solve Your Own Murder" are as enchanting as they are enigmatic. Annie Adams, determined to catch her great-aunt's killer, discovers a village filled with eccentric and endearing personalities, each harboring secrets that could be motives for murder. The author skillfully integrates these characters into the narrative, creating a rich tapestry of personalities that heightens the suspense.

Perrin's writing is not only eloquent but also accessible, making this complex plot an engaging read. The storyline is filled with twists and turns, mirroring the labyrinthine paths of a classic whodunit. As Annie inches closer to the truth, the dark mystery at the heart of Castle Knoll becomes more intricate, and the danger escalates.

"What to Solve Your Own Murder" is not just a mystery; it's a tale of inheritance, both of fortune and fate. As Annie races against time to uncover the truth, she grapples with the fear that she might share her great-aunt's destiny rather than her wealth.

In conclusion, Kristen Perrin's novel deserves every bit of its five-star rating. It's a genre-bending delight that seamlessly blends the intrigue of foretold murders, decades-spanning secrets, and the charming chaos of an English village. If you crave a mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end and leaves you questioning the boundaries of time and fate, this is the book for you. "How to Solve Your Own Murder" is a literary gem that will linger in your thoughts long after the final page.