Who Are The Hosts In 'The 7½ Deaths Of Evelyn Hardcastle'?

I recently finished 'The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle', and the concept of hosts is one of the most intriguing aspects of the book. The protagonist, Aiden Bishop, wakes up each day in the body of a different guest at Blackheath, the estate where Evelyn Hardcastle's murder takes place. These hosts are essentially vessels he inhabits to solve the mystery, each with their own personalities, strengths, and weaknesses. There's the cowardly butler Ravencourt, the athletic artist Derby, the cunning doctor Davies, and the reckless gambler Bell, among others. What makes this setup so fascinating is how Aiden's perspective shifts with each host—their physical limitations, emotional baggage, and even their social status affect how he navigates the investigation. The book brilliantly explores identity and agency through these hosts, making you question how much of our actions are shaped by who we are versus the bodies we inhabit.

The hosts aren't just tools for Aiden; they're fully realized characters with backstories that intertwine with the central mystery. For instance, Ravencourt's frailty forces Aiden to rely on wit rather than physicality, while Derby's athleticism allows for bold, reckless moves. The way Aiden's morality is tested through each host adds layers to the narrative—some hosts are morally gray, others outright villains, and Aiden must grapple with their past actions while using their bodies. The hosts also serve as a commentary on class and privilege within the isolated world of Blackheath. The aristocrats, servants, and outsiders among them create a microcosm of society, each host offering a unique lens into the events leading up to Evelyn's death. It's a masterful blend of mystery and psychological depth.

'The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle' plays with identity in such a cool way through its hosts. Aiden Bishop jumps between eight different people over the course of the story, each with their own quirks. There's the paranoid butler, the charming playboy, the bitter doctor—all guests at the same doomed party. The hosts aren't just blank slates; they come with their own memories and habits, which Aiden has to wrestle with while trying to solve the murder. My favorite was the artist host because his creativity gave Aiden unexpected ways to approach the mystery. The book makes you think about how much of our decisions are really ours when we're shaped by the bodies and lives we're thrown into. The hosts' flaws and talents become part of the puzzle, making the whole story feel like a game of chess where the pieces keep changing.