Hannah Morgan-Lewis

I loved this historical gothic mystery set in Wales. I found the mystery a complete page-turner with all sorts of classic gothic elements included. The characters were well-observed, particularly Henry, the doctor who stumbles into the mystery, and Linette, the daughter of the house where he goes to work. I also really appreciated how the author writes so lovingly about Wales; its landscape, people, language and folklore. I will definitely be looking up her other work.

Mostly when I read books I have some sort of idea where the author is going and what point they are trying to make, but not with this book. It just seems to meander on and on. I felt I had to finish it but was left with a disapointing sense of ‘Is this really it?' I don't have a problem with depressing books or emotionally scarred protagonists but I didn't really find this book had much of an emotional resonance, perhaps because I found the narrator quite annoying, particularly with the ham-fisted philosophy. Theo didn't develop as a character, he just seemed to stay 13 in my head, probably because of all the drug taking. It ended up feeling a bit like reading a rather pretentious YA novel with added drug addiction.

Compared to The Ghost Hunters I found this one a bit muddled at times. Credit to the author for a fresh perspective on the mystery, and for the use of Welsh locations and history, but maybe a clearer plot with less of a sense of throwing every type of supernatural experience into the mix.

I didn't enjoy this and I'm not sure what actually happened in this book. Too much dialogue. Perhaps it was my state of mind reading it, but I don't think I'll try and go back. I'm just glad to have finished it.

I love this book so much I want to study it and re-read it to pick up on all the nuances I've missed. One of those great books that is both literary and readable. It has great descriptions of the jungle, a good plot with the element of the unexpected and well-written characters who develop throughout the story.