Review of Fair Play by Louise Hegarty

Imagine organising a murder mystery to celebrate your brother’s birthday, only for him to turn up dead GASP This is what happens to Abigail, after months of planning the celebration, sending out the invitations and renting a gorgeous old house for the event, things are turned upside down when Benjamin, her brother (and birthday guest of honour) is found dead, but there’s something about the events that doesn’t feel quite right, especially to the detective on the scene...

We are first introduced to Favre, who sacrificed her wings for the love of a vampire Goddess, Thana, but this love story isn’t expected to be easy, because Favre very quickly discovers that everything has it’s price...

With a cast of characters including a butler, gardener and a housekeeper, suspicion begins to glow and the claustrophobic atmosphere begins to take it’s toll in this taut locked-room mystery which gave ALL the Cluedo vibes that we love in this type of read. Louise Hegarty has very evidently planned her debut to the very finest detail. I enjoyed my time at Yew Tree House, although I’m not sure if I would have been so happy if I was one of the guests...

If you’re looking for a modernised murder-mystery which incorporates all the feels of classic locked-room mysteries, then this book is absolutely one for you to add to your TBR!

Reviewed by Danielle

Published on 03/04/25 by Picador

.

.

.