Some books grab you from the very first page and don’t let go until long after you’ve turned the last one. Kristen Perrin’s debut novel “How to Solve Your Own Murder” is exactly that kind of irresistible read—a clever, intricately-plotted mystery that will keep you guessing (and frantically turning pages) right up to its satisfying conclusion.
With its blend of cozy village atmosphere and dark family secrets, comparisons to Agatha Christie are inevitable. But Perrin brings her own fresh, modern sensibility to the classic English mystery formula. The result is a story that feels both comfortingly familiar and excitingly new.
A Fortune-Teller’s Prophecy Sets the Stage
The novel opens in 1965, when teenage Frances Adams visits a fortune-teller at a country fair with her two best friends. The fortune-teller’s chilling prediction—that Frances will one day be murdered—sets the stage for decades of paranoia and obsession.
Fast forward to the present day, where we meet Annie Adams, Frances’s great-niece. Annie has been summoned to her reclusive aunt’s sprawling country estate for a mysterious meeting. But by the time Annie arrives in the quaint village of Castle Knoll, Frances is already dead—murdered, just as she always feared she would be.
A Race Against Time to Solve Two Murders
What follows is a delightfully twisty tale, as Annie races to solve not one but two murders – her great-aunt’s recent killing, and the decades-old disappearance of Frances’s friend Emily Sparrow. The stakes are high: Frances’s will stipulates that whoever solves her murder will inherit her considerable fortune. If no one cracks the case within a week, the entire estate will be sold off to developers.
As Annie digs deeper into the village’s secrets and her own family history, she uncovers a tangled web of lies, betrayals, and long-buried truths. Everyone in Castle Knoll seems to have something to hide, from the charming local vicar to the gruff gardener to Annie’s own estranged mother.
A Cast of Colorful, Suspicious Characters
One of the great pleasures of this novel is its vividly drawn cast of characters. There’s Saxon Gravesdown, Frances’s enigmatic nephew who may know more than he’s letting on. Walter Gordon, the kindly family solicitor with ties to Frances’s past. The handsome but suspicious Detective Rowan Crane. And Rose Leroy, Frances’s lifelong best friend who seems strangely reluctant to help solve the case.
Perrin excels at creating memorably eccentric characters who feel like they could have stepped right out of an Agatha Christie novel. Yet she also imbues them with psychological depth and very human motivations. Even minor characters like the gossipy police receptionist or the flamboyant deli owner feel fully realized.
An Atmospheric English Village Setting
The village of Castle Knoll is practically a character in itself. Perrin brings the setting to life with evocative details, from the crumbling Norman castle ruins to the cozy local pub (aptly named The Dead Witch). There’s a palpable sense of history and long-buried secrets lurking just beneath the picturesque surface.
The sprawling Gravesdown Hall estate is equally atmospheric, with its maze of rooms and hidden passageways. I could practically smell the musty old books in Frances’s study and feel the chill emanating from the creepy boot room. It’s the perfect backdrop for a twisty murder mystery.
Clever Plot Twists Keep You Guessing
Just when you think you’ve figured out whodunit, Perrin throws another curveball that sends your theories spinning. Red herrings abound, and nearly every character seems suspicious at one point or another. I found myself constantly revising my list of suspects as new information came to light.
The parallel storylines – Annie’s present-day investigation and Frances’s diary entries from the 1960s – are deftly interwoven. Clues from the past shed light on current events in surprising ways. It all builds to a pulse-pounding climax that had me on the edge of my seat.
Themes of Fate, Family, and the Weight of the Past
Beyond the gripping mystery plot, “How to Solve Your Own Murder” explores deeper themes that give the story added resonance. There’s a thoughtful exploration of whether we can truly escape our fates, or if trying to outrun destiny only ends up leading us right to it.
The complex relationships between mothers and daughters are a central focus. Annie’s strained bond with her own mother gains new dimensions as she uncovers family secrets. There are poignant reflections on the weight of the past and how the choices we make in youth can reverberate through generations.
A Fresh, Modern Take on Classic Mystery Tropes
While the novel plays with familiar mystery tropes, Perrin puts her own clever spin on them. The fortune-teller’s prophecy adds an element of the supernatural without ever straying into outright fantasy. Annie is a thoroughly modern amateur sleuth, armed with Google and a smartphone (though of course the wi-fi at Gravesdown Hall is spotty at best).
There are sly nods to classic detective fiction throughout. I particularly enjoyed the scene where Annie and Detective Crane play a verbal chess match, each trying to outmaneuver the other. But Perrin never lets these meta moments overwhelm the core story.
Perrin’s Prose Sparkles with Wit
One of the great pleasures of this novel is Perrin’s prose, which sparkles with wit and personality. She has a gift for memorable turns of phrase – I found myself frequently pausing to savor particularly clever lines. Here’s Annie describing the creepy vibe of Gravesdown Hall:
“The whole estate feels menacing now. I decide that once this is all over, I’m going to have an exorcist come through and cleanse the place. Or maybe just knock it all down and start over. Build a nice sensible bungalow without any creepy nooks for murderers to hide in.”
The dialogue crackles with energy, especially the banter between Annie and Detective Crane. Their verbal sparring matches are a highlight.
A Promising Debut That Leaves You Wanting More
“How to Solve Your Own Murder” is Kristen Perrin’s debut novel, but you’d never know it from the assured plotting and polished prose. She demonstrates an impressive command of pacing, doling out clues and revelations at just the right moments to keep readers hooked.
My only real criticism is that I was left wanting more time with these characters when I reached the final page. Fortunately, this appears to be the first in a planned series. I’m already eagerly anticipating Annie Adams’ next adventure.
Who Will Enjoy This Book?
Fans of classic English village mysteries in the vein of Agatha Christie will find much to love here. The novel should also appeal to readers who enjoy more contemporary mystery authors like Anthony Horowitz or Richard Osman.
There are elements that reminded me of Diane Setterfield’s “The Thirteenth Tale” – the crumbling country estate, long-buried family secrets, parallel past/present narratives. Readers who enjoyed that novel will likely find “How to Solve Your Own Murder” right up their alley.
The book strikes a nice balance between cozy mystery charm and genuine psychological suspense. It’s the kind of story that will keep you up late reading “just one more chapter,” but won’t give you nightmares afterward.
Final Verdict: A Must-Read for Mystery Lovers
With its clever premise, vividly drawn characters, and twisty plot, “How to Solve Your Own Murder” is a stellar debut that marks Kristen Perrin as a mystery author to watch. It’s the perfect read for a cozy afternoon curled up with a cup of tea – just be prepared to ignore all your responsibilities until you’ve raced to the final page.
The novel deftly blends classic mystery elements with fresh, modern sensibilities. The result is a story that feels both comfortingly familiar and excitingly new. Perrin clearly has a deep love and understanding of the genre, but she’s not afraid to play with readers’ expectations in surprising ways.
I found myself completely absorbed in the world of Castle Knoll and its eccentric inhabitants. Annie makes for a likable, relatable protagonist – she’s clever and determined, but also realistically flawed. Her journey of self-discovery as she unravels family secrets adds emotional depth to the central mystery plot.
The pacing is spot-on, with reveals and twists perfectly timed to keep readers engaged. Just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, Perrin throws another curveball. I’m not ashamed to admit I audibly gasped at a couple of the bigger revelations.
If you’re looking for an engrossing, character-driven mystery to lose yourself in, look no further. “How to Solve Your Own Murder” is a confident debut that delivers everything you could want in a whodunit—and then some. I’m already counting down the days until the next book in the series. Highly recommended!
