The Shadow Key: A Novel by Susan Stokes-Chapman
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Web ID: 19875909The Shadow Key
Warning – There are some spoilers below even though I tried to tone it down and not reveal too much. The beginning of this book reminds me so much of the start of Dracula, feels almost like a copy of it. Uncanny. So even though it was somewhat a rip off I thought that maybe this was going to be good. I liked it a lot at first but after some time it felt dragged out, boring, and I only wanted to finish it so I could get rid of the book. Too late to DNF, too much left but to no more than skim through the remaining chapters. The big reveals were unexpected but just so ho hum that I almost didn’t care. When Linette’s mother miraculously recovers from the madness / spells she was under for most of the book (after a discovery of what was wrong with her and the very beginning of a cure) and suddenly is articulate and can tell Linnett & Henry the truth of everything I had to laugh. Pretty much overnight she was able to reveal the mystery. If that isn’t bad enough, the rest of the book was ridiculous. Sorry I bought the darn thing.
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Engrossing Historical Mystery!
Thank you, Partner @bibliolifestyle @harperperennial for a review copy of The Shadow Key by Susan Stokes-Chapman. What types of books do you like to read in the fall? I love reading mysteries, thrillers, and anything with a Halloween vibe. The Shadow Key was a Gothic historical mystery and fit right in with what I want to be reading in the fall. In 18th century Wales, Dr. Henry Talbot took a job at the Plas Helyg estate after losing his prestigious job in London after a medical mishap. He discovers the lady of the estate has mental troubles and is mostly bedridden. Her daughter Linette is unconventional and likes to wear pants while working on the estate. As Henry and Linette grow closer, Henry starts to realize that something is very wrong at the estate. Will he figure out why and be able to help those at the estate? My thoughts on this novel: • The Shadow Key had a dark and foreboding feeling as soon as the book began, which gave me great fall vibes. • The people of Wales are distrustful of a newcomer from London even though he was sent to help. • Copper mining has taken over the land and is performed in unsafe conditions. I am always intrigued with books that include mining. • I loved the historical Gothic suspense and the atmosphere of the entire novel. It reminded me of Mary Stewart and Victoria Holt novels that I have enjoyed in the past. • Merlin the dog was a favorite of mine in the novel. He was a heroic dog and his story pulled at my heartstrings. • This novel does feature an insta love story line, which is not my favorite trope. It is a closed-door romance. • The historical mystery was enjoyable. There were some great plot twists at the end that surprised me. I read this book slowly, but surely until the end when I really wanted to figure out what had happened. • I don’t want to go into details on the plot, as it is fun to experience the plot twists without knowing what will happen. • I have not read Pandora by this author, but I want to after finishing this book. Overall, The Shadow Key is an engrossing historical mystery with great Gothic vibes and plot twists.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Deliciously dark and twisty
In 18th-century Wales, disgraced physician Henry finds himself in a remote village where superstition and mystery abound. He encounters Linette, a strong-willed woman who has long suspected something is amiss. As Henry investigates the death of his predecessor, he uncovers secrets that connect him to Linette and force them to confront the darkness that has plagued their lives. This gothic novel is deliciously dark and twisty. The story is rich and complex, the mystery unfolding gradually while the suspense remains high throughout. Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
goth
Henry, once a renowned physician and teacher, is unable to find work in London. In disgrace, he accepts a job in Wales as physician to miners and the family that owns the mine. When he gets there, he is looked at with dislike and in some cases, hatred. As he tries to find a way to provide care to the miners, the niece of the landowner attempts to help him. A bond forms between them but trust issues threaten that bond. Rowena, a pretty healer, is also getting close to Henry. Meanwhile sabotage, murder and HellFire Societies threaten all their lives. Full of suspense, set in the late eighteenth century, the book is suspenseful and atmospheric. Spooky! Gothic! Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Perennial for the complimentary digital ARC. This opinion is my own.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com