You Are Fatally Invited by Ande Pliego is a neat homage to the classic locked-room murder mystery with a twist. What starts as a slightly over-the-top, gothic setup, a secluded island, a mysterious host, and a gathering of thriller writers, quickly grows into a compelling and layered narrative as the characters’ voices shine through.
The premise of six bestselling authors navigating a deadly game orchestrated by the enigmatic J.R. Alastor is both meta and engaging, especially as their own thriller-writing instincts come into play in a life-or-death scenario.
Though the conclusion veers toward the predictable for seasoned mystery readers, Pliego keeps things interesting by delivering a few unexpected turns as the threads come together. The pacing is brisk, the stakes are high, and the interplay between the characters adds a dynamic energy that keeps you turning the pages.
For fans of Agatha Christie-style mysteries and contemporary thrillers, this is a solid and entertaining read. It’s not flawless, but the blend of gothic flair, creative twists, and self-aware storytelling makes it a fun escape for mystery enthusiasts.