A review by liseyp
The Shadow Key by Susan Stokes-Chapman

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Thank you to the author, publisher Harvill Secker, and online book club The Pigeonhole for the chance to read this. This is an honest and voluntary review. 

 

After losing his job as a surgeon in disgrace Henry Talbot accepts the position of family doctor at an estate in Wales. Refusing to believe local legends of ill luck and counter charms, Henry is intrigued at what he believes are more scientific reasons behind the death of his predecessor and the ramblings of the mentally ill lady of the estate. 

 

A compelling gothic mystery. 

 

 I liked both main characters. Henry Talbot avoids being either as stereotypical as the villagers assume he will be, while not being too virtuous either. Linette, as the daughter of the estate family left to basically raise herself is also a well-balanced character. 

 

Although the villains are occasionally almost cartoonishly evil in how unredeemable they are, the plotting is well-paced enough that this doesn’t distract from the story too much.