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While the premise sounded intriguing and the beginning was compelling- the middle and end were completely unsatisfactory, rushed and way too meandering.
For a debut novel (please correct me if I'm wrong!) this is an excellent read and I can't wait for more works by Rose Black to come out.
I found the story itself very gripping, an odd mixture of fear, futility and hope which was imbued in all of the characters.
The technique of Pepper's Ghost is something I'd heard about being used in Disney's Haunted Mansion ride so I was fascinated to read a story that was an exploration of the special effect and the Victorian desire for spiritualism that was prevalent in the 1800s. I feel that there could have been more supernatural elements added in especially around the Salt's Mother, and different locations as opposed to theatres, hotel rooms and the seaside.
The story does leave several unanswered mysteries and the ending felt a bit rushed in comparison to the rest of the story. It was a thoroughly enjoyable read though and recommend to anyone who loves gothic historical fiction.