The Last Murder at the End of the World| Book Review
- dessimalakov
- 7 minutes ago
- 3 min read
A Gripping, Genre-Bending Dystopian Mystery
Author: Stuart Turton
Pub. Date: March, 28th 2024
Genre: Mystery, Dystopia
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Official Description:
THE COUNTDOWN HAS BEGUN
Abi keeps them safe.
One hundred and twenty-two islanders and their three beloved scientists live in harmony, kept safe from a poisonous security barrier with the help of Abi's instructions.
Niema keeps the islanders occupied.
Niema is one of the scientists who remembers what life was like before the fog. She ensures that all of the islanders have a job to do, and everyone loves her. Almost everyone.
Emory can't stop asking questions.
But then one of the scientists is found dead, and their murder triggers the dropping of the security barrier. The only way to reinstate it is to find the killer. But can Emory ask the right questions?
They have 107 hours to solve the murder before the fog sweeps in. Can they stop the end of their world?
the last murder at the end of the world book review
“Purpose must be given, or it will be endlessly sought.”
I highlighted this line, not yet knowing how much it would resonate by the end. That’s the kind of book The Last Murder at the End of the World is layered, thoughtful, and quietly devastating in its implications.
I finished the book at 3am because I simply had to know. And not just whodunnit, but what exactly was going on in this strange, fog-encircled island where a murder threatens to unravel the last threads of humanity. From the very first page, the narrative pulled me in—partly because I had so many questions. Who is narrating this? Why do they seem to be everywhere at once? Why does this world feel so artificial, yet so emotionally charged?
As I kept reading, my theories kept evolving: simulation, AI experiment, cloning, utopian design gone terribly wrong… and the book invites exactly that. It makes you feel like a participant in the mystery, not just of the murder, but of the world itself. Every answer you get raises ten new questions. And I loved that. It’s rare that a book keeps my brain thatengaged while also keeping my heart in it.
Turton has crafted something that’s so much more than a classic whodunnit. It’s a sci-fi dystopia. It’s a sociological experiment. It’s a philosophical question about what makes us human and whether peace can ever be engineered. All of these elements are seamlessly woven together without ever feeling overstuffed or confusing. And while the structure and plot are complex, the writing never loses you—it guides you, step by step, deeper into the world.
What impressed me most was how naturally the genres blended. Sometimes dystopian or speculative fiction can feel cold or overly technical, but here there’s a constant emotional thread—loss, hope, betrayal, love—that makes everything feel human, even when some of the characters technically… aren’t. And then there’s Abi, the narrator—an AI with no will of its own, or so it claims. But can anything that closely observes humanity not be changed by it?
It’s also the kind of book where the more you think about it, the more you notice—the philosophical layers, the irony in certain choices, the repeated cycle of good intentions turning dark. Without spoiling anything, there’s a character whose entire plan hinges on believing that humans can’t change—but even that belief is shaped by their own humanity.
This was my first Stuart Turton book, and I was pleasantly surprised to read his note at the end, where he thanks readers for following him across genres. That little paragraph made me feel seen, because yes—it was a bit disorienting at first, not knowing where to “place” this book. But that’s exactly what makes it brilliant.
If you’re in the mood for a gripping mystery with a side of existential dread and just the right amount of heart, this one’s for you. It’s smart, immersive, and—most of all—it trusts you as a reader. I’ll definitely be picking up more of Turton’s work soon.
the last murder at the end of the world book review
Disclaimer: I have added affiliate links for your convenience so you can directly purchase the book if you are intrigued. This also means that I will receive small commission. This does not affect inclusion in my reviews or the overall rating of the book.
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