Murder on Lake Garda by Tom Hindle.
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Murder on Lake Garda
Tom Hindle
Penguin Books
Review: Karen Watkins
In this novel, a luxurious wedding is set on a fictitious, secluded island against the backdrop of Lake Garda, Italy. The bride is glamorous influencer Eva Bianchi, the groom is wealthy businessman Laurence Heywood. Seems like the stuff of fairytales, but it is not so.
After arriving on the island, tensions simmer among the guests. The joyous occasion takes a dark turn as a bloodcurdling scream signals that someone has been murdered. With no way off the island and the police nowhere in sight, suspicion grows as secrets unravel.
This murder mystery story follows the two families. The novel uses a multiple-perspective narrative with a focus on Robyn, girlfriend to the groom's brother, Toby Heywood. Robyn is an outsider to the wealthy circle and receives an icy introduction. As a former journalist, she becomes an unexpected investigator, navigating the tangled relationships and hidden motives of those around her.
The story is gripping as Hindle builds suspense, layering red herrings and intrigue reminiscent of an Agatha Christie novel. The locked-room mystery idea is good but due to inconsistencies in the island's geography, it doesn’t work. Having joined my late mum on a bus trip tour of the area it’s awash with tourists so some must surely have heard the screams. Also, I found the characters difficult to connect with. Many are unlikeable, portrayed as caricatures of privilege and dysfunctional. Additionally, the style occasionally feels repetitive, with certain details overstated.
Overall, the story delivers an absorbing, fast-paced, entertaining read, best suited for those who enjoy classic whodunits with minimal gore. While it may not fully live up to the Christie comparisons, it’s ideal for a leisurely summer afternoon.
According to the cover, Hindle lives in Oxfordshire with his wife, a cat and two surprisingly cunning tortoises. He is also the author of A Fatal Crossing and The Murder Game - which were inspired by masters of the crime genre such as Christie and Anthony Horowitz.