4.5

Rosslie, Argyle, Scotland.

An auction selling paintings from Rosslie House is abruptly halted over the legitimacy of the sale, following the death of Sir Andrew Maxwell, with his heir apparent, Archie, having been missing for decades. Eva Bane, a journalist present at the ill-fated auction, starts to investigate and discovers there may be a connection to Newfoundland, where she grows up. The story is told in three timelines, by Archie in 1940, Eva in Newfoundland in 1966 and Eva in 1980.

This is another immersive page turner from the talented author, Sarah Maine. She is so adept at storytelling from different timelines that the narrative flows. She creates a rich atmosphere in both the Canadian setting and in Scotland, with some excellent descriptions so you can visualise the landscape and the scenes. The tone constantly changes and encompasses souls in pain, strain or unsettled too sharply sceptical and then despair and everything in between.

The characterisation is exemplary and most are easy to like. When we first meet Archie, he’s a tortured soul, but I love how he changes through the circumstances he finds himself in. Eva is terrific, for one so young she is intuitive and can think on her feet and both main characters face tough times.


The plot ebbs and flows going through periods of comparative calm followed by huge storms which often seem to come out of nowhere. It’s very moving in places and sad and much of this fits into the context of the times. There are many suspenseful moments and tense encounters. The storyline builds and there are some surprising revelations right to the end.

I thoroughly enjoy this beautifully written novel, it’s evocative and immersive reading and one I can recommend for all readers not just of historical fiction.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Hodder and Stoughton for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.