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3.73 AVERAGE
3.73 AVERAGE
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Better than I thought it would be. Most of my predictions were correct but the road to get there was interesting
A little slow and dry at times, but overall well done. TBH, my rating increased when I saw it was based on a true story.
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
THE UNSEEING by Anna Mazzola
A fascinating historical true crime mystery based on the Edgeware Road murder (and dismemberment!) of Hannah Brown in 1837 London England.
It’s been a while since a book has so easily transported into its setting. The author’s vividly detailed descriptions of unpleasant conditions in the Newgate prison and the sights, sounds and smells of London had me cringing and wrinkling my nose as I read.
This story captured my true crime heart from the start. Sarah Gale, is a compelling character. I often went back and forth between rooting for her and second guessing her. The author also brilliantly highlights the societal and political disadvantages of women at the time.
Overall an excellent, well researched, plot and character driven story. I was hooked and turning the pages well past midnight. Highly recommend!
Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️
A fascinating historical true crime mystery based on the Edgeware Road murder (and dismemberment!) of Hannah Brown in 1837 London England.
It’s been a while since a book has so easily transported into its setting. The author’s vividly detailed descriptions of unpleasant conditions in the Newgate prison and the sights, sounds and smells of London had me cringing and wrinkling my nose as I read.
This story captured my true crime heart from the start. Sarah Gale, is a compelling character. I often went back and forth between rooting for her and second guessing her. The author also brilliantly highlights the societal and political disadvantages of women at the time.
Overall an excellent, well researched, plot and character driven story. I was hooked and turning the pages well past midnight. Highly recommend!
Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Misogyny, Violence, Blood
I enjoyed this book but it promised more than it delivered.
The story is a fictional account of matters arising after a true Victorian crime, the grisly Edgware Road murder. The plot concerns the questionable conviction of Sarah Gale, as an accomplice to murder and the subsequent appeal into her conviction, by Edmund Fleetwood. The blurb promises twists and turns and family secrets, which all sound jolly promising.
In reality, this is a well-written, atmospheric book, but for me, it lacked real tension. That Sarah appears to be withholding the truth (not a plot spoiler, this is the assumption from the start) begins to wear thin after a while and I began to lose sympathy because of her stubbornness. To be prepared to hang to protect the secret, must make it a pretty spectacular one...and when the revelation comes, for me it falls flat on its face. Yes, the arguments are sound as to why Sarah would keep quiet, but the author had failed to make me care about the relevant parties and so it was a bit of a 'blah' moment.
I have been spoiled recently by some awesome reads written with poetic prose. Whilst well-written, this book lacked enchanting language, so much so that I don't think I hightlighted a single sentence. Don't get me wrong, a worthwhile read (3.5 stars) but it doesnt rip up any bridges and I was glad to finish it.
The story is a fictional account of matters arising after a true Victorian crime, the grisly Edgware Road murder. The plot concerns the questionable conviction of Sarah Gale, as an accomplice to murder and the subsequent appeal into her conviction, by Edmund Fleetwood. The blurb promises twists and turns and family secrets, which all sound jolly promising.
In reality, this is a well-written, atmospheric book, but for me, it lacked real tension. That Sarah appears to be withholding the truth (not a plot spoiler, this is the assumption from the start) begins to wear thin after a while and I began to lose sympathy because of her stubbornness. To be prepared to hang to protect the secret, must make it a pretty spectacular one...and when the revelation comes, for me it falls flat on its face. Yes, the arguments are sound as to why Sarah would keep quiet, but the author had failed to make me care about the relevant parties and so it was a bit of a 'blah' moment.
I have been spoiled recently by some awesome reads written with poetic prose. Whilst well-written, this book lacked enchanting language, so much so that I don't think I hightlighted a single sentence. Don't get me wrong, a worthwhile read (3.5 stars) but it doesnt rip up any bridges and I was glad to finish it.
This read like a blurry tracing of a Sarah Waters novel, with build-a-book characters slotted into what could have been a very strong reimagination of a true crime.
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Didn't quite live up to its promise for me. There were constant hints of the supernatural throughout, but it ended up being a retelling of an historical murder case which wasn't quite what I was expecting.