Full Review and Rating of Five Found Dead by Sulari Gentill

Five Found Dead

By Sulari Gentill

Copyright @2025

299 Pages

Well, I’m just going to say it boldly: I liked this book. The characters delivered exactly the kind of entertainment I want when I curl up with a mystery — lively, quirky, and just unhinged enough to keep me turning pages.

It’s a quick read, the perfect companion for a rainy weekend when you want murder-y vibes, intrigue, and zero commitment to anything resembling productivity. The plot moves along at a brisk pace — no dawdling, no wandering off into the literary woods to contemplate life. Bless the author for that.

As for the culprit(s?)… they weren’t my first guess, and honestly, they’re my favorite flavor of criminal: the kind that makes you go “Ohhh, of course it was you,” while also feeling slightly delighted by their audacity. That’s all the spoiler you’re getting out of me. My lips are sealed tighter than a detective’s case file.

Now, my least favorite part? The Covid detour. In my humble, cozy‑mystery‑loving opinion, the story didn’t need that particular wrinkle. We could’ve found a dozen more murder‑y, train‑stranding ways to keep everyone aboard long enough to rack up a body count. But alas, I am not the author — just a reader with opinions and a keyboard.

The solving of the five murders starts off a bit chaotic, in a “Survivor: Train Edition” kind of way. A bunch of strangers trapped together, all insisting they’re trustworthy while simultaneously eyeing each other like they’re deciding who to vote off at the first tribal council. If Jeff Probst had walked in with a torch, I wouldn’t have blinked.

But overall? The story is fun, clever, and ties itself together quite nicely by the end. I’d happily recommend it to anyone who loves a good old‑fashioned mystery with modern flair.

Four twinkling stars from me.

And if this one hit the spot, go pick up How to Kill a Guy in Ten Dates by Shailee Thompson — it’s got that same mischievous sparkle.

Share your thoughts and recommendations - have you read either of these titles?!