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threegoodrats's review against another edition
4.0
All I want to read right now are historical mysteries, and while this isn't a genre mystery there is definitely a mystery in this story. It took me a surprisingly long time to read, but it was worth it. When the secret is finally revealed, it's more horrifying than I expected. I think of Kate Morton as fairly cozy, but I've only read one other of her books. This book was unexpected in some ways, but satisfying.
toobusy's review against another edition
2.0
I found I wasn’t reading much this past year and I think it was this book. It didn’t draw me in and didn’t make me excited to read. I hung on hoping for an interesting conclusion and I was sorely disappointed! This book limped to a conclusion that I didn’t feel wrapped everything up well. I should have just DNF’d this.
illinibaby's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
rhonda66's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Told from different viewpoints, and over an expanse of years, this intriguing story is pulled together into a most enjoyable read.
eli_cart's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
taylor394's review against another edition
3.0
I love Morton with all my heart, so it saddens me to say I didn’t love her latest novel. It didn’t seem as well pieced together as her novels usually do. The characters were to distant, their stories joined by a place rather than a common thread. I felt like I was reading three separate books. I particularly loved one story line and was disappointed when it ended and I had to return to the others. I think there was just too many ideas joined together in this one, and it would have benefited from some simplicity or consolidation of ideas. Her understanding of history is as brilliant as always, as well as atmosphere, and character creation. If you love Morton, read it. If you’ve never read Morton, I’d recommend selecting a different one of her works for your first read.
shubbard116's review against another edition
3.0
I really enjoy Kate Morton, but this book was not my favorite. I still like her writing style and I thought the book had a unique plot and ending, I just think the book could have been a lot shorter. There were so many characters to keep up with that I found myself flipping backwards to remind myself who people were. I thought the book was for sure almost over at one point and then realized I was only about 60% done. Again, liked the concept and how the story wrapped up, I just think there could have been less story lines and less filler in order to keep me more engaged.
bookswithlydscl's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
Didn't enjoy this one nearly as much as others from Kate Morton.
Overall, despite the gorgeous writing as always, it just didn't click for me - too many characters, the historical fiction elements weren't as compelling as normal, and the ending felt anticlimactic. I even felt bored during the middle sections, which felt like they dragged. Will still continue working through her back catalogue as not every book will be a winner.
Overall, despite the gorgeous writing as always, it just didn't click for me - too many characters, the historical fiction elements weren't as compelling as normal, and the ending felt anticlimactic. I even felt bored during the middle sections, which felt like they dragged. Will still continue working through her back catalogue as not every book will be a winner.