I enjoyed this dual time line story, both stories set in a beautiful atmospheric castle with past mysteries to discover. One set in the present day, the other at the start of the Second World War and covering rationing, evacuation etc.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the advance review copy.

This book was full of intrigue and mystery, I loved it! A real page turner, full of secrets and lies, a fantastic read that I recommend to all.

Georgie Wakefield and her sister Pippa had a terrible childhood, brought up by a pair of controlling, manipulative adoptive parents. After years of therapy Georgie has learned to stop repeating her past and has married the kind and dependable Casper, but the memories of her childhood can spring on her unexpectedly.

When Casper's grandfather dies he leaves him Wakefield Castle, at first Georgie is horrified, the last thing she wants to do is leave their cosy flat in London to live in a big, drafty, castle. Then when investigating in the castle she comes across the family recipe book, some of the recipes dating back to Tudor times, as well as some more prosaic exercise books left by the five Wakefield children who lived in the castle during WW2.

In 1939 the five Wakefield children, eighteen year old Imogen, twins Miranda and Rosalind and the little boys Toby and Archie, have come to live with their grandfather and Great Aunt Constance after the tragedy which took their parents away. When war is declared the Natural History Museum sends one of its curators, Arthur Humphries, down to Wakefield Castle together with some precious fossils for safekeeping. Then, Aunt Constance takes on two little refugees from London, brothers Tom and Robbie Foster. With the castle full it feels a happier place.

As Georgie starts to explore the castle she feels there are mysteries to unravel. Why did Miranda and Rosalind write such creepy poetry? Who was the mysterious Etti Boule? Why is one of the towers surrounded by a fence?

I feel this was a novel trying to be too many things to too many people. Pippa's marriage difficulties, Georgie's hang-ups about her childhood, the contretemps with Casper's grandfather's wife, even Georgie's job as recipe creator for a famous TV chef were pulling the novel into women's fiction/romcom territory while the rest of the book was trying to create some gothic tension about a family trapped in the castle. And it was slooooow. I was 61% into the book and nothing of any note had happened.

Also, I still don't actually understand why that tower was fenced off and out of bounds.

I received an ARC from the publisher for an honest review.

A brilliantly written book and certainly a page turner would recommend this author.

I loved the parallel stories

Lulu Taylor's "The Forgotten Tower" is nothing short of a mesmerizing gothic novel, expertly crafted to perfection. It's a dual-time story that weaves together its parts in the most alluring manner, creating a narrative that leaves an indelible mark on its readers.

The novel effortlessly transports us between past and present, each timeline enhancing and complementing the other. This delicate interplay between eras adds depth and intrigue to the story, making it a truly immersive reading experience.

As a reader, I found myself captivated by the mysterious aura of the castle, the enigmatic characters, and the secrets that unfurl with each turn of the page. Taylor's storytelling prowess is on full display, drawing readers into a world where suspense and historical resonance coexist harmoniously.

"The Forgotten Tower" is a book that I loved wholeheartedly. It's a testament to Taylor's talent in the gothic genre and her ability to craft a narrative that not only engages but also enchants. Whether you're a fan of gothic fiction or simply looking for a captivating story, this novel is a must-read. It's a journey that will haunt your thoughts and leave you yearning for more.

A gentle read whilst at the same time cleverly knitting together parallel activities in two different timelines. As the story progresses, the parallels increasingly begin to come together. This could be an unsettling gothic tale, but realistic and many likeable characters bring the sorts of endings you find yourself wishing for them.

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. I have loved everything this author has written and this was no exception and probably one of the best. Great storyline and great characters . Would recommend.

Complex and complicated story,set in two timelines. The lives of both past and present characters were interesting with several twists.

The Forgotten Tower is a mesmerizing gothic novel, written to perfection by Lulu Taylor. This is a dual time story, with each of its parts completing the other in the most alluring manner. Loved it!