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utahmomreads 's review for:
The Animals at Lockwood Manor
by Jane Healey
I received an ARC of THE ANIMALS AT LOCKWOOD MANOR by Jane Healey from the publisher.
THE ANIMALS AT LOCKWOOD MANOR is Jane Healey’s debut novel and is atmospheric and unnerving. Hetty Cartwright is sent to Lockwood Manor in 1939 to oversee the natural history museum collection. Fearing for its safety in the coming war, it is moved from London to the country manor. Instead of bombs, Hetty must protect the collection from a myriad of other dangers at that possibly haunted estate.
No one is more haunted than Lucy Lockwood who has spent her life suffering from bad nerves. Lonely, she is thrilled to have the museum and Hetty. But old memories resurface, bringing nightmares. Animals from the exhibit go missing and appear to move on their own and soon both women will question their sanity.
The novel begins with the typical atmospheric style of a Kate Morton book. Right away, there’s an element of danger and mystery introduced—the house may be haunted. Almost immediately Hetty sees and hears things and is on guard. But then it slows down and becomes a bit repetitive. The book settles into a stilted pace as it focuses on the developing relationship between Hetty and Lucy. The characterization of the women is deep and each brings their own past trauma and experiences as they react differently. They are both so broken and yet so brave.
As I neared the end without getting any answers, I couldn’t figure out how everything could possibly be wrapped up in the few remaining pages. But suddenly the pace burst into a gallop and so much was finally happening and answers to questions were spilled with a gusto and then it was over. And I was left breathless and wondering just what had happened and going back over all the pages before seeing how the truth fit and filling in the gaps. And wondering. To be honest, I love an ending that leaves be slightly confused and unsure. By the end I was sold.