Discussion:
When this title was published in 1993, Carolyn Hart received an Agatha Award. The members agreed that Hart was an "Agatha Christie wannabe." The twist at the ending and the artificial, landscaped nature of the island setting contributed to the success of the book. Other opinions were mixed. Some found the writing bland and didn't like (or "couldn't get a handle on") Henrie O., the lead character. Though most of the characters in the book were more like caricatures, some were likable. Some characters, like Betty, were not used effectively. Many factors, including the non-panicky reactions of the characters when stranded on the island, helicopters operating in a hurricane, and Henrie O's neglect in leaving the biographical folders of the guests insecure in her room, were not realistic. The writing style was often bland, and sometimes cinematic in the hurricane scenes. Some found the book "too pulled together" or contrived to enjoy. Others found it "straightforward" and a nice contrast to the other books read this year.