Rating: Very Good
Source: Publisher
Description: Seraphine Mayes and her twin brother Danny were born in the middle of summer at their family’s estate on the Norfolk coast. Within hours of their birth, their mother threw herself from the cliffs, the au pair fled, and the village thrilled with whispers of dark cloaks, changelings, and the aloof couple who drew a young nanny into their inner circle.
Now an adult, Seraphine mourns the recent death of her father. While going through his belongings, she uncovers a family photograph that raises dangerous questions. It was taken on the day the twins were born, and in the photo, their mother, surrounded by her husband and her young son, is beautifully dressed, smiling serenely, and holding just one baby.
Who is the child and what really happened that day?
One person knows the truth, if only Seraphine can find her.
Genre: Mystery
Why I Picked This Book: This sounds creepy and I've heard comparisons between this book and Kate Morton's books so there was no way I could resist!
My Impression: "Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive". My grandmother is big on quotes and this Sir Walter Scott quote is one of her favorites. It came to mind quite a bit as I read this book. What a tangled web this book is! Seraphine is haunted by the day of her birth - a day she couldn't possibly remember but still has shaped her life from the very beginning. Everyone has refused to answer any questions - something becomes an issue when Seraphine discovers the picture and the force of the unknown lands fully on her.
This story ran to the convoluted but in the most fascinating of ways. The story unraveled slowly with lots of tension and heaps of creepy atmosphere. Just what did happen on the cliff so long ago and what was the Au Pair's part in it all? This was one of those books that I looked down and was shocked to discover I'd read 100 pages as I was so pulled into the world on the pages. I can definitely see the Kate Morton comparisons. The twisted world laden with secrets is reminiscent of Morton's books but is still wholly unique. This was an interesting page turning read that pulled me in from the start.
Would I Read More of this Series/Author? I would. I'm curious to see just what Emma Rous comes up with next.
Would I Recommend this Book? If you enjoy psychological characters with twisty plots than I think you'd enjoy this.
* I received this book in exchange for an honest review. As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *
I have been on the fence whether to but this or not but I think I have to now. It sounds like something I would love. Great review!
ReplyDeleteSounds soooo good...I love twisty-turning novels and adore Kate Morton's work so I think this would definitely be a winner for me. Thanks for the great review--another book to add to my (ever lengthening) TBR list! :)
ReplyDeleteI liked this book quite a bit and I hope she writes more novels. I'd get the next one in a heart beat. Interesting turn of events at the end.
ReplyDeleteYes, I've been considering whether to read this one. Think yours is first review I've read. And Kate Morton - that probably seals the deal. Ha!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad this was good, I was hoping it would be!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed it too! Looking forward to her next book. ♥
ReplyDeleteI've requested this book from Netgalley but doubt I will get it as the archive date has passed! It sounds really good. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you think the Kate Morton comparison is apt. I wasn't sure about comparing the two since they're alike, but different. At any rate, I really liked this book and I'm glad you did, too!
ReplyDeleteI'd say from what you said that this is a winner and so worth your reading it.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this one too.
ReplyDeleteI have been tempted by this book but it sounds like I just need to go ahead and add it to my tbr list. Glad you enjoyed it!
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