Each character arrives on the island harboring dark secrets, past misdeeds that continue to haunt their present. As the murders progress, their guilt and fear intensify, revealing the enduring power of the past to shape the present. The novel explores the idea that we cannot outrun our actions and that even seemingly insignificant choices can have devastating consequences.

Initially, the characters find a perverse sense of justice in the murders, believing that each victim deserved their fate. However, as the killings continue, the lines between justice and revenge blur, forcing them to confront the flawed nature of human judgment. The novel questions the idea of righteous retribution and suggests that true justice is often elusive.

The island's isolation, both physical and psychological, amplifies the characters' fears and suspicions. Trapped together, they turn on each other, their trust eroded by fear and uncertainty. This sense of paranoia, fueled by the unknown killer's motives and methods, creates a palpable atmosphere of tension and suspense throughout the novel.