This was definitely a page turner for me and that doesn't happen all that often.

Having read this during October, in the midst of my annual Halloween Horror Movie Marathon, it took me longer to finish than it otherwise would have. There are twists and secrets abounding and with the close of each chapter, more questions need answers and always Miss Winter insists that we wait for the whole story to be told. But once it gets going (around when Vida and Margaret meet), it roars ahead full at speed. There was nothing off-putting about the beginning but I was 20% in before I felt it pick up. I honestly can't share much more about the plot without spoilers and I wouldn't want to.Īdmittedly it gets off to a bit of a slow start. The novel spans years and generations and uncovers dark secrets. While Miss Winter tells her story, Miss Lea also ventures out to verify the facts as best she can. The story switches between Miss Lea's story (in the present) and the recounting of Miss Winter's story (in the past). Now elderly and ailing she is ready to draw the curtains back and tell the truth to Miss Lea. Miss Winter, a famous and reclusive author, has created intricate stories about herself for years, never telling the truth of her past.

In her spare time she writes biographies which is how she comes to the attention of Vida Winter. Margaret Lea is the child of a rare books seller and his wife. Think Wuthering Heights, Rebecca, and Jane Eyre (which even plays a cameo). A gothic novel in the classic tradition done right.

The 13th tale book