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The publisher described I Killed the King as Knives Out meets One of Us Is Lying, and I agree that this is apt for about the first half or even more of the story. But if you expect, as I did, just a murder mystery set in a fantasy kingdom where magic is in play, you’ll be either disappointed or pleasantly surprised to see how it veers away from that to leave behind “murder mystery” entirely.
Two kingdoms have been at war for 10 years, and now they are coming together to sign a peace accord. A princess from Istellia has come to the castle at Avendell to represent her country, as well as plenty of nobles and other dignitaries. The king of Avendell, King Costis, summons five people to his private rooms before midnight: his son, the crown prince; the Istellian princess; his trusted personal guard; a young woman who tames wild beasts; and a young healer who may or may not have the expected skills.
It’s an unlikely group, and they’re all wondering why they are gathered, but before they can find out, the lights go out, and when they come back on, King Costis is lying dead on the floor, stabbed.
Each of them could easily be a suspect, for various reasons. But they decide not to tell anyone what’s happened until the peace treaty can be signed. Their plan goes awry, however, when an unusual winter storm snows them in (even though it’s spring) and other guests start being killed. They have to work together to find out who the killer is before all that matters to them is ruined.
As I said, the first half or more of I Killed the King is a murder mystery, but then it veers more into fantasy territory. And then, as I realized after getting well into the story, it’s the first in a duology, so the book really ends on a series of cliffhangers. It was a bit disappointing considering what I was expecting: a locked-room mystery with a twist, one book, one and done. I think if I had been more expecting the turn it took, I would have enjoyed it more. So go into that knowing it’s more than it’s billed, a bit like two separate stories.
I Killed the King is an interesting and unusual book, though, when it comes down to it. Not quite four stars, but I recommend it if you like mystery and fantasy.
Rated: High. Profanity includes 10 uses of strong language, a few instances of moderate profanity, and about 10 uses of mild language. Sexual content includes references to kissing/making out happening/having happened. Violence includes several deaths by various means, attacks and injuries, and a number of mentions of blood.
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*I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
