Andrea Ward

I have heard so much about Freida McFadden and was a bit skeptical when I started this book. It has an isolated house in a blizzard, which I love. The couple was suspicious and I didn't really like them, but I never felt like I was supposed to like them. So McFadden did a great job characterizing them. I was doubted myself if they were as bad as my first impression said and that is what a good thriller should do, make me doubt my reading. Dr. Hale is also very suspicious. I suspected part of the ending, but there were parts that I was surprised about as well. That was a good mix of surprise outcomes and expected outcomes. This was a fabulous book to start with for Freida McFadden. I look forward to reading more of her work.

I started this a while back and put it down because it wasn't the right time, but I could t stop thinking about it. So I picked it up again. I liked that the horror was related to an obsession with beauty, bodies, and organic ingredients. The body horror and capitalism to an extreme were really well done. Some of the sexual stuff was weird and didn't add anything to the story to me. The ending visuals of the narrator will stay with me. I'm glad I came back to this one.

The setting is England in the 1860s through the 1890s in a lonely manor house. That alone will get me interested. Throw in some Spiritualists and some skeptics and it is sounding pretty good.
But the thing that really set this book apart are the characters. The story is told from 3 perspectives, Constance, John, and Eleanor. That structure helps us get to know each of them, so when the Wraxford Mystery happens, we are left wanting it all to work out for them. Constance's investigation is complicated and really well done. There are several layers to get through and then she has to prove it all. That also makes for a nerve wracking solution. We are often wondering if there are spirits at work or humans at work.
The author also does a very good job of portraying these women as capable and worthy of trust. He contrasts Eleanor and Constance with several other characters and the latter are found wanting.
Very well written creepy read.

A lovely and satisfying wrap up to the series and a connection to the Parasol Protectorate. At some point it seemed a little crazy that she was that successful against that many adults and there were a few other points that stretched my belief. It just brought me out of the world of the book. Not so much that I would rate it down, but it wasn't perfect. But maybe perfection is a lot to ask for. Overall, good ending to a great series by a fabulous author!