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3.85 AVERAGE
3.85 AVERAGE
This novel has Brontë vibes because of the setting and the content - mysterious family in a remote Yorkshire setting - but with simpler language and a more concise storyline.
Definitely has hooks to keep the reader intrigued, and it would be a good holiday read.
Definitely has hooks to keep the reader intrigued, and it would be a good holiday read.
A good story; nothing really spectacular, but the writing and prose kept me interested and invested in the characters. Plus, I learned some interesting things about nannies in England at the turn of the century.
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Overall I really enjoyed this book. I take a star off because the ending felt super weird and out of place. And by that I mean the literal last paragraph. I feel like it was an attempt at an “OR IS IT???” kind of ending, which is my least favorite thing that’s popular in this genre.
This is a lovely little book, a perfect summer read. There were a few loose ends that were never tied up which confused me a little. But the writing is beautiful and it's a great little story. Truly enjoyable read.
Audiobook- Meh, I don’t know. Maybe a bit slow paced for me and nothing really happens most of the time. I think I’ll land on “underwhelming” unfortunately…
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I liked the book, but the plot moves along very slowly and it didn't get tense or creepy until halfway through the book. The last 50 pages or so were very rushed, with a lot of new information being presented and not really dealt with again. However, I kinda saw parts of the big reveal coming. I wasn't a huge fan of the romance that was sprinkled in, especially when May suddenly has a crush on Mr England, which came out of nowhere and is strange considering that she also has a crush on Mr. Booth. It felt quite pointless.
I expected more mystery, but the book took a different turn. I'd say it's more of a psychological drama rather than a (gothic) thriller.
In the end, the strange pacing and the fact that this was a different genre than expected made me rate it 3.25 out of 5, instead of going for a higher rating.
I expected more mystery, but the book took a different turn. I'd say it's more of a psychological drama rather than a (gothic) thriller.
In the end, the strange pacing and the fact that this was a different genre than expected made me rate it 3.25 out of 5, instead of going for a higher rating.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse
Moderate: Murder
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I was very pleased to be approved for this ARC on NetGalley as I loved The Foundling by Stacey Halls. I thought this book was even better and it is now one of my favourite books of 2021. I found the story completely compelling from the first few pages!
The story starts when Ruby has to find new employment as a nurse and finds herself moving suddenly to Hardcastle house in an isolated part of Yorkshire caring for 4 young children. There is a sense of foreboding right from the start when Mr England, the master of the house tells Ruby to direct any queries to him about the children instead of to the mistress, Mrs England. Slowly the tension builds as you are left to wonder why Mrs England hardly ever leaves her room or shows any interest in her children. At the same time I wondered what had happened in Ruby's past and why she wouldn't read any of the letters from her father.
Ruby slowly begins to uncover the secrets within the house and very gradually you also learn snippets about her previous life with her own family.
I found it very hard to predict what was going to happen in this story and I was desperate to find out why the main characters were acting so strangely and what was going on! I loved the mysterious nature of the book and the slow reveal. It all came together so brilliantly at the end. Stacey Halls creates such great characters that you feel you have met them and the brilliantly atmospheric, slightly eerie setting in the Yorkshire moors was fantastically created!
Definitely a 5 star read for me and one I will be recommending to anyone who loves a compelling mystery set in the past.
Thank you to NetGalley and Manilla Press for this ARC.
The story starts when Ruby has to find new employment as a nurse and finds herself moving suddenly to Hardcastle house in an isolated part of Yorkshire caring for 4 young children. There is a sense of foreboding right from the start when Mr England, the master of the house tells Ruby to direct any queries to him about the children instead of to the mistress, Mrs England. Slowly the tension builds as you are left to wonder why Mrs England hardly ever leaves her room or shows any interest in her children. At the same time I wondered what had happened in Ruby's past and why she wouldn't read any of the letters from her father.
Ruby slowly begins to uncover the secrets within the house and very gradually you also learn snippets about her previous life with her own family.
I found it very hard to predict what was going to happen in this story and I was desperate to find out why the main characters were acting so strangely and what was going on! I loved the mysterious nature of the book and the slow reveal. It all came together so brilliantly at the end. Stacey Halls creates such great characters that you feel you have met them and the brilliantly atmospheric, slightly eerie setting in the Yorkshire moors was fantastically created!
Definitely a 5 star read for me and one I will be recommending to anyone who loves a compelling mystery set in the past.
Thank you to NetGalley and Manilla Press for this ARC.