This is a well-crafted and atmospheric mystery novel. I was impressed with the plot and the characterisation. The setting is also very appealing. However, I found the book over-long (too much uninteresting dialogue). The author has a habit of tacking on extra bits to her sentences, which would have been more effective as smaller sentences. Mostly I enjoyed the novel but I wasn’t left with a wish to read more of her work.
The setting is an isolated part of Scotland over three time periods – Viking, Victorian and now. The majority of the story takes place in the present day, with the other times woven in. Libby Snow, an archaeologist, is visiting a possible burial mound on the Sturrock estate, in preparation for a dig later that year. She has a personal connection to the area, involving her grandmother and a lost artefact, although she’s not going to tell anyone yet. Various mysteries unfold, right until the end of the novel. I can’t really explain more without giving the plot away.
If you have an interest in archaeology and are a fan of slower-paced mystery stories which have a hint of romantic tension, this book is for you. I did get impatient with it sometimes. I didn’t like the main character, Libby. She was always wondering about the family set-up of the Sturrocks (the estate owners) and listening to their mundane conversation. Unfortunately, she was a dull protagonist.
First published in 2018.
Fab review!
Thank you :)♥
Hmmmmm doesn’t sound like a book for me. Love the cover though!! Great thoughtful review, NS!
I agree it’s a wonderful cover! Thanks Jee 🙂
If this wasn’t so slowly paced, it would be right up my alley. So thanks for the heads up about that.
This was a very helpful review.
Thank you Lydia, glad you found the review useful 🙂
A very thoughtful review. The themes seem interesting, but I’m not sure if this is my kind of book 🤔
Thank you! I did like the concept but I felt a bit let down overall.
Eeek! A full protagonist huh? Well, since I am drawn by this gorgeous cover and the fact that it’s set in three different timelines, I think I’ll give this one a go. And it seems like you enjoyed it a bit as well so that’s a plus! ❤️❤️🤩
I did like this book, I just didn’t find the main character engaging enough! I think some readers might really love the book 🙂
This sounds fascinating- I love archaeology and I like that it’s set in Scotland. It’s just a shame the protagonist was so dull and that it was so slow paced. Great review!
Thanks! 🙂
Maybe some readers can overlook the weaker points. I’m not into slow paced stories really but some people don’t mind them.