A review by lizz_reviewsbooks
Five Found Dead by Sulari Gentill

slow-paced

3.0

𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬 

Crime fiction writer Joe Penvale triumphed over the toughest challenge of his life. After completing a rigorous medical treatment, he and his twin sister, Meredith, are stepping aboard the magnificent Orient Express in Paris, eager for some well-deserved relaxation and renewal. Meredith also hopes that the literary spirits aboard the train will inspire Joe to tap into his creativity once more. To her delight, after an enjoyable first evening mingling with fellow passengers, Joe retrieves his laptop and begins a new writing project. It appears this journey is just what he needed. 

However, their adventure takes a dark turn the following morning when Joe and Meredith are stunned to discover that the cabin next door has turned into a crime scene, drenched in blood yet devoid of a body. They quickly find themselves entangled in a murder mystery reminiscent of Agatha Christie’s tales. With no assistance from the police and the victim still unaccounted for, they are invited to collaborate with a group of fellow travelers who have law enforcement experience to investigate the puzzling disappearance of the occupant of Cabin 16G. The situation escalates when the steward assigned to the crime scene is murdered, triggering a series of killings that leaves five dead and one still missing. 

𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 

Five Found Dead presents an intriguing, locked room mystery aboard the Orient Express. It had a vivid atmosphere and setting that were easy to visualize. However, I found the beginning somewhat sluggish, which made it a bit challenging to fully engage at first. I occasionally felt confused, particularly when trying to remember all the characters and their names—having a character list at the start would have been beneficial! Once the story gained momentum, it became much more engaging. Overall, it was a decent read. 

Thank you to @NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for allowing me to review this ARC.