Daisy Darker by Alice Feeney (Macmillan)

Alice Feeney has quickly become one of my favorite authors. Her ability to understand the human mind is truly remarkable. It's easy to relate to at least one character from her books.

This particular novel is no exception. It's a captivating read that combines the suspense of Agatha Christie's "And Then There Were None" with the enchantment of Halloween and the dark evenings of autumn. The characters in the story are intriguing, with some being quite mysterious and others being more self-absorbed.

The story revolves around the Darker family, who come together after years of avoiding each other, to celebrate the 80th birthday of children's author Beatrice Darker. The family reunion takes place on the isolated Cornish island called Seaglass, where Nana's old coastal cottage is situated. The narrative is told through the eyes of Daisy Darker, the main character and narrator, who was born with a heart condition and was given a limited life expectancy. Despite being fourteen years past her supposed expiration date, she's determined to attend her Nana's birthday celebration. Daisy still dresses like a child and feels that Nana is the only one who truly loves her. Nana even wrote a book about Daisy, which ended up becoming incredibly successful. But as the family gathers on the island, a series of mysterious deaths occur, leaving them trapped and desperate for answers. Throughout the ordeal, Daisy reflects on her past and the hidden secrets of her family, all while trying to survive the present mystery.

Although most of Daisy's relatives tend to ignore her existence, she always cherishes the moments spent with Nana and her cousin Trixie, who is Lily's daughter and another outcast in the family. Both Nana and Trixie are warm and compassionate, traits that are evident in their choice of clothing.

The atmosphere itself, with the deteriorating Seaglass house set amidst the sea and a stormy night, perfectly mirrors the crumbling relationships within the family. It adds an extra layer of depth to the overall reading experience. 

Despite the terrible events that unfold throughout the evening, this story is ultimately about love, connection, and the repercussions that befall those who have morally wronged their own kin.

The ending is a complete surprise, and I can't recommend this book highly enough. It's truly excellent!

5/5