Really enjoyed this title! An unusual mix of crime and fantasy which I thought was well balanced so it could satisfy requirements from both the genres. There was a decent amount of world-building before any detecting though so I think it's probably more suitable for fantasy readers than crime. This is a world where power resides in stones and it can be accessed through scientific methods - something which is celebrated in comparison to the feared magic that witches have access to. A group of siblings have to uncover the secrets of their fellow travelers on the train even as they keep secrets from each other...

Looking forward to seeing what Emily Paxman writes next!

Really enjoyed this one, I loved the blend of fantasy and Agatha Christie-esque mystery! I'm greatly looking forward to the author's future books.

The cover blurb states that Death on the Caldera is Murder on the Orient Express with witches and the comparison is definitely warranted.

The story begins with the three Linde siblings boarding the luxurious Express train that is to cross the continent and take them to their home. En route we learn more about some of the other passengers before an explosion derails the train. Then comes the first murder!

Mixed in with this Christie-esque mystery is a rich and layered story of witches, alchemy and conquest that turns it into a very different kind of story. One that I thoroughly enjoyed immersing myself in.

The story is quite dark and although there a brief moments of humour the don’t really alleviate the tension threaded through the story. Emily Paxman doesn’t shy away from killing characters that you come to care for and this certainly adds to the tension.

All in all I enjoyed this story and hope to read more by Paxman in the future.

*** Minor Spoiler Ahead***

The story doesn’t end on a cliffhanger, however most of the plot points remain unresolved and characters are far from safe. To that end I hope there with be a sequel(s) to resolve things or I’ll be very disappointed!

*** Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher ***

THE fantasy-mystery I've been looking for, classic murder mystery vibes that isn't afraid to complicate its fantasy, or to let those elements complicate each other. The central characters are also standouts for me, both likeable and human, with Davina and her alter ego witch as the queens. Loved it.

Death on the Caldera by Emily Paxman is such a good book. The story is so good I couldn't put it down for a second. I rated it 5 stars because I really loved this story.

Death on the Caldera by Emily Paxman is a spellbinding blend of fantasy and Golden Age crime, offering readers a thrilling mix of magic, mystery, and family drama. Described as 'Murder on the Orient Express with witches', this novel is perfect for fans of V.E. Schwab, Leigh Bardugo, and Agatha Christie. With its richly atmospheric setting, complex characters, and twisty plot, Death on the Caldera is a standout debut that will keep readers guessing until the very end.

The story follows the Linde siblings—Kellen, Davina, and Morel—as they race to return to the kingdom of Halgyr before their father’s death leaves Kellen to assume the throne. Their journey takes a disastrous turn when the luxury express train they’re on explodes, stranding them atop a volcanic caldera bubbling with dangerous magic. The crash awakens Davina’s latent witch powers, but her newfound abilities come with a cost: her memory of the explosion is fragmented, making her a prime suspect in the sabotage.

As if that weren’t enough, the surviving passengers and crew begin to die one by one, and the siblings must navigate a web of secrets, lies, and shifting alliances to uncover the truth. With powerful men turning up dead and the saboteur still at large, the Linde siblings find themselves in a deadly game of cat and mouse, where trust is scarce and danger lurks around every corner.

One of the standout features of Death on the Caldera is its richly atmospheric setting. Paxman’s descriptions of the volcanic caldera—steaming with sulphur, bubbling with lava, and fraught with magical energy—create a sense of claustrophobic tension that permeates the entire story. The train itself, a luxury express turned death trap, serves as a perfect backdrop for the unfolding mystery, adding to the novel’s Golden Age crime vibe.

The characters are equally compelling, with the Linde siblings standing out as complex and multifaceted protagonists. Kellen, the heir to the throne, is burdened by responsibility and the weight of his family’s expectations. Davina, newly awakened to her witch powers, struggles with her fractured memory and the suspicion it casts on her. Morel, the youngest sibling, is clever and resourceful but harbours secrets of his own. The dynamics between the siblings are fraught with tension, love, and betrayal, making their relationships one of the most compelling aspects of the story.

The plot is fast-paced and full of twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. The mystery is expertly crafted, with plenty of red herrings and unexpected revelations that will keep readers guessing until the very end. The blend of fantasy and crime elements is seamless, creating a story that is as much about the magic and the world as it is about solving the mystery.

Thematically, Death on the Caldera explores issues of family, loyalty, and the lengths to which people will go to protect their secrets. The novel also delves into the consequences of power and the burden of responsibility, particularly for those in positions of leadership. These themes are woven seamlessly into the narrative, adding depth and resonance to the story.

If there is a minor critique, it is that some readers may find the large cast of characters and their shifting alliances a bit challenging to keep track of. However, this is a small quibble in an otherwise masterfully crafted novel.

Death on the Caldera is a must-read for fans of fantasy and mystery alike. Emily Paxman has created a story that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining, offering readers a chance to lose themselves in a world of magic, intrigue, and suspense.

A thrilling and atmospheric blend of fantasy and crime, Death on the Caldera is a standout debut that will keep readers hooked from the first page to the last. A great book to launch discussions on creative retellings and how to adapt old stories into something new and unique!

My book is so beautiful. It is the greatest book to ever book. Wow! Such book!

Setting the silliness aside, there is nothing quite like seeing your book go out into the world for the first time. I hope you all love reading it as much as I loved writing it.