8.5/10, I really loved it. The post-war village setting stood out, with that subtle sense of how much life has changed adding depth to the story. The clues are really well done too. It feels like a very re-readable book where you’d keep catching things you missed the first time.
I did guess the culprit around 10 chapters in, which took a little away from the experience. If I hadn’t, this would easily be a 9/10 for me.
Also, is it just me or does this feel very similar to >!Peril at End House!<>!? In both, the person who seems to be the target or stages danger around themselves is actually the murderer, and the “accidental” victim was the intended one all along. That parallel made parts of it a bit predictable for me. I think that’s probably why I was able to guess the culprit. I had read!< >!Peril at End House!< >!just a couple of weeks before starting!< >!A Murder is Announced!<>!.!<
Still, really enjoyable overall and very cleverly put together.
Let me know if you agree or disagree in the comments!