Influencer Invitation Unveiled

Seventeen-year-old true crime vlogger Paisley is ecstatic when she's invited to an exclusive weekend on Jagged Island, a remote amusement park owned by billionaire Malcolm Wyatt. Only six young influencers are chosen, each with a massive online following. Despite her parents' concerns, Paisley is determined to go, seeing it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for content and connections. The invitation is mysterious, the island's gothic theme perfectly matching her brand. As she prepares, Paisley's excitement is tinged with unease—her followers joke about murder on a private island, and her own fascination with crime makes her wonder what secrets might lurk behind the invitation's gold-etched gargoyles. The stage is set for a weekend that promises both luxury and danger, and Paisley is ready to chase the story, no matter the risks.

Arrival on Jagged Island

The group—Paisley, Harper, Ava, Will, Liam, and James—arrive by boat, greeted by the imposing, gothic-styled amusement park and hotel. Each influencer brings a distinct personality: Ava is a beauty vlogger with attitude, Will her rival, Harper a book blogger, Liam a gamer, and James a film critic. The island's staff is minimal, with only a few employees present: Reeve (maintenance), Gibson (boat driver), Kenna (chef), and Camilla (Malcolm's assistant). Malcolm himself is eccentric and aloof, obsessed with gothic architecture and authenticity. The influencers are awed by the luxury but unsettled by the island's isolation and the owner's oddities. Early alliances and rivalries form, and the group's social dynamics are as unpredictable as the island's weather. The sense of being watched, both by followers and something more sinister, begins to take hold.

Gothic Resort, Sinister Vibes

Malcolm leads a tour of the hotel, boasting about its grandeur and unique features—medieval weapons, secretive staff areas, and a wellness center. The influencers settle into lavish suites, but the atmosphere is heavy with unease. Paisley and Harper bond over their mutual love of crime stories, while others remain guarded. The group explores the amusement park, marveling at the rides and gothic details, but the emptiness and isolation are palpable. Malcolm's rules are strict: no one is to enter the park or jetty alone at night. The influencers joke about the island being haunted, but beneath the banter, real fear simmers. The first night, a sense of foreboding grows as the influencers realize how truly cut off they are from the outside world.

Six Strangers, Hidden Motives

As the group spends time together, cracks appear in their facades. Ava's entitlement grates on others, Will's charm masks insecurity, and Liam's intensity hints at a troubled past. Harper and Paisley grow closer, sharing personal stories and suspicions about the island's true purpose. Malcolm and Camilla's relationship is odd—she's anxious, he's controlling. Reeve and Gibson seem trustworthy, but their backgrounds are murky. The influencers' online personas begin to clash with reality, and alliances shift as they navigate both the park's attractions and each other's egos. The sense that someone is hiding something grows, and the influencers start to question why they were really brought to Jagged Island.

Nighttime Dares and Disappearances

After a day of rides and content creation, Will dares Paisley to sneak into the park at night. She agrees, but Will never shows. Alone, Paisley explores the darkened park, unnerved by strange noises and the feeling of being watched. She returns to the hotel shaken, convinced someone—or something—was out there with her. The next morning, Will is missing. His bed is made, his phone left behind, and no one has seen him since the previous night. The group's unease turns to fear as they realize Will didn't just sleep in—he's vanished without a trace. The island's isolation suddenly feels suffocating, and the influencers' bravado begins to crumble.

Will Goes Missing

The group and staff search for Will, but he's nowhere to be found. The boat that brought them is missing, and the security footage has been erased. Cell service and Wi-Fi are down, and the backup systems have been sabotaged. The influencers are trapped, unable to call for help or leave the island. Tensions flare as suspicions mount—did Will run away, or is something more sinister at play? Malcolm tries to maintain control, but his authority is undermined by the growing chaos. The influencers realize they are not just guests—they are prisoners, and someone is orchestrating their isolation.

The Boat Vanishes

With the boat missing and no way to communicate with the mainland, the group's fear intensifies. Theories abound: did Will steal the boat, or was it taken to prevent their escape? Reeve and Paisley discover the internet cables have been cut, confirming deliberate sabotage. The influencers begin to turn on each other, old rivalries and new suspicions boiling over. Malcolm's assurances ring hollow, and Camilla's anxiety deepens. The group splits up to search for clues, but the sense of safety is gone. The island's gothic beauty now feels like a trap, and the influencers realize that survival—not content—is their new priority.

Isolation and Sabotage

As the storm hits, the group hunkers down in the hotel, but the sense of security is shattered. Kenna, the chef, goes missing. The group debates whether to search for her or stay together, but fear of the unknown paralyzes them. Reeve and Paisley uncover evidence of a cell jammer, confirming that someone is actively preventing their rescue. The influencers' alliances shift as trust erodes—anyone could be the saboteur. The storm outside mirrors the turmoil within, and the group's unity begins to unravel. The realization that one of them—or one of the staff—could be behind the sabotage sets everyone on edge.

First Blood: Will's Fate

The search for Will ends in horror when his body is discovered stuffed in an ice cream cart, stabbed to death. The group is traumatized, and the reality of their situation becomes undeniable: there is a killer among them. Panic spreads as they realize the murderer is still on the island, and anyone could be next. Malcolm tries to take charge, but his leadership is questioned. The influencers barricade themselves in the hotel, but paranoia runs rampant. The island's isolation, once a novelty, is now a nightmare. The influencers must decide whether to trust each other or go it alone.

Panic, Paranoia, and Alliances

With Will dead and Kenna still missing, the group fractures further. The storm rages, and the power goes out, plunging the hotel into darkness. In the chaos, James is murdered, stabbed in the chest. Ava is traumatized, and the group's numbers dwindle. Camilla and Malcolm disappear, and the remaining influencers—Paisley, Harper, Gibson, Reeve, and Liam—struggle to stay alive. The realization that the killer is among them leads to accusations and betrayals. Old alliances dissolve, and new ones form out of necessity. The influencers are forced to confront their own secrets and fears as they fight to survive.

Storms and Second Deaths

As the storm subsides, the group attempts to regroup and search for the missing. Camilla is found murdered, and Kenna's body is discovered in the haunted house. The group is now certain that the killer is one of them—or someone hiding in plain sight. The influencers attempt to signal for help by setting fire to the check-in booths, but the resulting explosion scatters them. Ava is killed in the chaos, and Harper and Paisley barely escape. The group's numbers are decimated, and the survivors are pushed to their limits. The island, once a playground, is now a graveyard.

The Truth in the Shadows

Paisley and Harper piece together the clues, realizing that Liam is actually Robert, Camilla's son and Malcolm's nephew. His motive is revenge for his mother's mistreatment and the family's betrayal. Harper, revealed as Robert's accomplice and lover, turns on Paisley, but Paisley manages to wound her. Robert's plan was to ruin Malcolm and make the island infamous through murder. The final confrontation takes place as the rescue boat approaches. Reeve, wounded but alive, helps Paisley fight back. The truth is laid bare: the murders were orchestrated by those closest to the group, hiding in plain sight.

The Final Confrontation

As the rescue boat arrives, Robert attacks Paisley, dragging her underwater in a last-ditch effort to kill her. Reeve intervenes, and together they fight for survival. Harper, mortally wounded, confesses her role. The authorities arrive, and the nightmare ends with Paisley and Reeve as the only survivors. The island is left scarred, its promise of luxury and exclusivity forever tainted by bloodshed. The influencers' online personas are shattered, replaced by the raw reality of trauma and survival. The story ends with Paisley reflecting on the cost of fame, trust, and the darkness that can hide behind even the brightest screens.

Rescue and Reckoning

Paisley and Reeve are rescued, their ordeal finally over. The authorities piece together the events, and the world learns the truth about Jagged Island. The survivors are forever changed, haunted by the memories of what happened. The island's legacy is one of horror, not luxury, and the influencers' brush with death becomes a cautionary tale. Paisley, once obsessed with true crime, now understands the real cost of violence and betrayal. The story closes with a sense of hard-won resilience, as Paisley and Reeve look toward an uncertain future, bonded by trauma and the will to survive.

Characters

Paisley

Paisley is the protagonist, a seventeen-year-old influencer whose fascination with crime and murder is both her brand and her coping mechanism. Intelligent, observant, and driven, she is both an outsider and a leader among the group. Her relationships are marked by skepticism and empathy—she bonds with Harper, is wary of Ava, and is drawn to both Reeve and Liam. Paisley's psychological arc is one of transformation: from thrill-seeker to survivor, from observer to participant. Her trauma is rooted in a childhood neighbor's murder, fueling her obsession with understanding evil. As the murders unfold, Paisley's analytical mind and emotional resilience become the group's best hope. She is forced to confront her own limits, the dangers of curiosity, and the cost of trust.

Harper

Harper presents as a friendly, bookish influencer, quickly bonding with Paisley over shared interests. She is intelligent, resourceful, and seemingly trustworthy, but beneath her calm exterior lies a capacity for deception and violence. Harper's relationship with Robert (Liam) is both romantic and conspiratorial—they are partners in murder, united by resentment and a desire for notoriety. Psychologically, Harper is driven by a need for control and recognition, rebelling against her strict upbringing. Her betrayal is devastating to Paisley, who saw her as a friend. Harper's arc is one of duplicity, her true nature revealed only in the final confrontation.

Liam / Robert

Liam, introduced as a charming, athletic gamer, is later revealed to be Robert Jenkins—Camilla's son and Malcolm's nephew. His outward confidence masks deep-seated anger and a sense of injustice over his family's betrayal. Robert is intelligent, manipulative, and capable of extreme violence. His relationship with Harper is both passionate and toxic, fueled by shared grievances. Psychologically, Robert is a classic avenger, seeking to destroy those he blames for his and his mother's suffering. His arc is one of escalation, moving from sabotage to murder, culminating in a final, desperate bid for infamy.

Ava

Ava is a high-profile beauty influencer, self-absorbed and abrasive. Her rivalry with Will and disdain for the others make her an outsider within the group. Ava's psychological defenses crumble as the murders begin—her bravado replaced by terror and helplessness. She is ultimately a tragic figure, unable to adapt or survive in the face of real danger. Ava's death is brutal, underscoring the randomness and cruelty of the killers' plan. Her arc is one of exposure: the gap between online persona and real vulnerability.

Will

Will is Ava's rival, witty and talented, but also insecure. He is the first to disappear and the first confirmed murder victim, his death setting the tone for the rest of the story. Will's absence destabilizes the group, and his murder is a catalyst for paranoia and fear. Psychologically, Will represents the fragility of the influencer lifestyle—fame offers no protection against real-world violence. His arc is brief but impactful, his fate a warning to the others.

James

James is a film buff, analytical and somewhat aloof. He forms a superficial alliance with Ava, but his critical nature makes him unpopular. James's murder in the darkened hotel is shocking, escalating the group's fear and suspicion. Psychologically, James is a symbol of the group's inability to work together—his death is both a loss and a turning point. His arc is one of isolation, his intellect no match for the killers' brutality.

Malcolm Wyatt

Malcolm is the enigmatic owner of Jagged Island, obsessed with gothic aesthetics and exclusivity. He is both host and jailer, his rules and secrecy fueling the group's paranoia. Malcolm's relationship with Camilla is fraught—he is her brother, but their family history is one of betrayal and resentment. Psychologically, Malcolm is a study in denial and hubris—he believes money and control can solve any problem, but is ultimately powerless against the chaos unleashed on his island. His arc is one of downfall, his legacy forever tainted by blood.

Camilla Jenkins

Camilla is Malcolm's assistant and Robert's mother, caught between loyalty and guilt. She is anxious, overworked, and ultimately complicit in the island's sabotage, though not in the murders. Camilla's relationship with Robert is complex—she is both enabler and victim, her desire to help her son leading to her own death. Psychologically, Camilla is driven by regret and a longing for justice, but her actions have unintended consequences. Her arc is one of tragedy, her death a turning point in the killers' plan.

Reeve

Reeve is the island's head of maintenance, competent and protective. He forms a bond with Paisley, becoming her ally and eventual love interest. Reeve's past includes a stint in juvenile detention for defending a friend, making him both suspect and sympathetic. Psychologically, Reeve is driven by loyalty and a desire for redemption. His friendship with Gibson is deep, and his grief over Gibson's death is profound. Reeve's arc is one of survival and growth, emerging as a true partner to Paisley in the final confrontation.

Gibson

Gibson is Reeve's best friend and the island's boat driver. He is practical, good-natured, and resourceful. Gibson's loyalty to Reeve is unwavering, and he is instrumental in the group's attempts to escape. His death at Harper's hands is a devastating blow, both to Reeve and the group's morale. Psychologically, Gibson represents the cost of trust—his openness makes him vulnerable. His arc is one of sacrifice, his loss fueling Reeve's determination to survive.

Plot Devices

Locked-Room Mystery on an Island

The story employs the classic "locked-room" or "closed circle" mystery, with the island's isolation serving as both setting and plot engine. The influencers are cut off from the outside world by deliberate sabotage—no boat, no cell service, no Wi-Fi. This device heightens tension, forcing the characters to confront both external threats and internal suspicions. The island's gothic architecture and stormy weather amplify the sense of claustrophobia and dread. The narrative structure alternates between group scenes and individual perspectives, using shifting alliances and unreliable narrators to keep the reader guessing. Foreshadowing is woven throughout—Paisley's crime obsession, the followers' jokes about murder, and the staff's odd behavior all hint at the coming violence. The story's pacing accelerates as the body count rises, culminating in a final confrontation that reveals the killers' true motives and identities.

Analysis

Natasha Preston's The Island is a modern, meta take on the classic whodunit, filtered through the lens of influencer culture and the dangers of curated online personas. The novel interrogates the gap between appearance and reality—how the desire for fame, validation, and control can mask deep-seated trauma and resentment. The locked-island setting is both literal and symbolic: the characters are trapped not just by geography, but by their own secrets, rivalries, and the performative nature of their relationships. The story critiques the commodification of fear and violence—Paisley's true crime brand becomes a survival tool, but also a source of guilt and self-doubt. The killers' motives are rooted in family betrayal and the corrosive effects of exclusion and envy, suggesting that the real danger lies not in the supernatural, but in the human capacity for cruelty and revenge. Ultimately, The Island is a cautionary tale about trust, the cost of ambition, and the thin line between observer and participant in the age of social media. The lesson is clear: in a world obsessed with spectacle, the truth is often the first casualty—and survival depends on seeing past the mask.

Last updated: November 11, 2025