Member Reviews

Jenni Keer - At The Stroke Of Midnight.

I’m a big fan of Jenni Keer’s writing. Her books are always a little different to the norm and quite magical.

#AtTheStrokeOfMidniggt doesn’t disappoint. It’s like groundhog day for the 1920’s.

It’s 1923 and mild mannered Pearl finds herself trapped in a twenty four hour time loop.
Pearl is curious to see the wider world, but her father keeps her close. A mysterious invitation throws up all sorts of questions for Pearl.
When the gathering ends in disaster and the clock strikes midnight, Pearl finds herself thrown back in time.
Over and over again Pearl relives the day, until she can solve the mysteries held within it.

Jenni Keer has a fresh voice. Her writing is spellbinding and vivid.

#AtTheStrokeOfMidniggt is a captivating tale of intrigue and mystery. Full of twists, turns and some completely unexpected surprises.

This is a book you’ll read and never forget.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

With thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources, Netgalley and Boldwood Books for a digital arc of this title.

Was this review helpful?

The premise behind this book is absolutely brilliant and will be familiar to anyone who has seen the film Groundhog Day. Remember the one where Bill Murray gets stuck in a small town in Pennsylvania living the same day over and over again until he gets it right? Well, if you combine this film with an Agatha Christie novel, you’ll get the idea about how this novel works.

But that is far too simple a description of At The Stroke of Midnight because it has so many themes going on within it besides solving a mystery and getting out of a time loop. There is romance and family relationships and issues of class and female emancipation. I mean, the author has really gone to town with making this book say something interesting about lots of things and she does it with real panache.

Everything about this book is appealing. We have the country house setting, on a high cliff above the Dorset coast with a secluded beach, hidden cave, rooms stuffed with mysterious antiques and a village full of people gossiping about the house’s missing owners. The cast of characters are really interesting and well-drawn and have their own appeal, individually and as a group. The inappropriate wealthy bachelor, the arrogant but beautiful Frenchwoman, the cold, unemotional father, an Italian who speaks no English and two harried servants. Not to mention the unseen host and long-absent owners. This all works together in the best tradition of Golden Age country house murder mysteries, but with the added time loop twist.

The way the author explores the pitfalls and opportunities of the time loop is brilliant. What would you do if you were stuck living the same day over and over again. Would you be delighted or sad? Despair or make the most of all of the extra time you have available? Would you use the time to better yourself or behave badly, knowing there would be no consequences? The author does a wonderful job of exploring these options to maximum effect and in a way that make the improbable seem plausible, which is no mean feat. Handling magical realism takes skill, confidence and flair and Jenni clearly has all of these.

The thing I loved most about this book though was the ending. The way it ends is unexpected but perfect. It would have been easy to go a more obvious way, but she remains true to the characters and their journey right to the end and that is what really matters. I walked away for this book absolutely delighted with the whole reading experience and am now the proud owner of a paperback copy to add to my library because I don’t think it will be long before I want to return to this book. Jenni’s writing gets better and better and I love the turn it has taken with her last two books. I really hope she keeps it up because I am already looking forward to her next book.

Was this review helpful?

3.7 Stars
One Liner: Entertaining; drags a bit in the middle

1923
Pearl Glenham and her father are invited to a party in the Highcliffe House on the Dorset Coast. Though her father claims he doesn’t know any of the invitees and this is a business trip, Pearl knows it is not true.
As an introvert with an emotionless and strict father, Pearl finds solace in water. She escapes to the sky and nearby cove, feeling intimidated by everyone at the party. However, she accidentally handles a mysterious clock that somehow tinkers with time and leaves Pearl in a loop, forcing her to live the last few hours of her life again and again.
There’s something she needs to do to change the outcome and get on with her life. But what? Can Pearl figure it out?
The story comes in Pearl’s third-person POV (sometimes blurs the lines with third-person omnipresent).

My Thoughts:
This is my third book with the Groundhog Day trope. It doesn’t seem boring since the executions are different. Here, the setting is historical and has a mystery with a touch of romance.
Pearl’s introduction is well done. It establishes her character and takes things from there, allowing her to grow and change throughout the book.
The other characters are not necessarily developed, but some have surprises up their sleeves.
There’s a mystery within a mystery; solve one, and you can solve the other. I guessed the other one, which helped me figure out the bigger mystery.
The time loop starts before 20%, which is good and not good. Good, because you don’t have to wait long for it. Not so good because there’s over 80% of the book left. Moreover, the initial couple of loops pass quickly.
That’s where we get a nice development to make things interesting. It is necessary since Pearl being Pearl, needs an incentive to come out of her shell.
Humor and light-hearted scenes are scattered here and there to keep the mood light. However, mystery takes a back seat in the middle and slows down the pacing. Lucky that it doesn’t happen for long.
The mystery is decent. With so many secrets and no one willing to reveal them, it gets difficult for our amateur sleuth to connect the dots. The repetition dims the impact of the climax a bit. Of course, new information is revealed, so that makes up for it.
I like the concept behind the time loop in this one. It is an integral part of the plot and has an explanation. There should be some logic to it, after all!
There’s romance, too (clean), and it is believable. A sort of third-act breakup as well, though I guessed it would happen.
A few questions remain unanswered despite the epilogue of sorts. I’d have liked a little more detail and another proper epilogue for a more rounded ending.

To summarize, At the Stroke of Midnight is an enjoyable and light read despite the uneven pacing. The setting is beautiful and enhances the narrative.
Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

Was this review helpful?

A 1920s house party with a cast of random invitees who profess to not knowing each other or their absent host, an obedient daughter dutifully accompanying her austere father for his stay, a bizarre loop in time that compels her to repeatedly relive the day before they all die, and the threads of a mystery to be disentangled before the day once more resets itself – it’s a fascinating premise, the product of a quite extraordinary imagination, and a wholly compelling and well told story that held me in its thrall from the opening pages through to its unexpected and immensely satisfying end.

Pearl, the daughter – and our heroine – has something of an obsession with timepieces, collecting them (some might say stealing…) and setting them to the precise time of her mother’s death. Escaping the company of the other guests, she’s finds a forgotten watch in a bureau – but is seen placing it in her pocket by Ellery, one of the two members of staff engaged to look after them during their stay, who goes on to become an unexpected friend and ally. But she also has a passion for swimming, and is delighted to find that Highcliffe House has a private beach – exploring the rocks after seeing someone emerge from among them, she discovers a hidden cave full of artefacts, including an unusual mercury clock (a clepsydra) that she accidentally disturbs, spilling a few drops in the process. That night, everyone in the house is killed in a house fire – but Pearl wakes again, in the cave, lying under the table bearing the clock. When she finds herself repeatedly reliving the same day, she’s driven (with some help from Ellery) to try to establish the links between her fellow guests, the identity of whoever invited them, and hopefully to prevent their deaths.

The time loop scenario could – in less skilful hands – easily have become repetitive, and at first I was worried it just might. But the mystery becomes entirely absorbing, and the characterisation simply wonderful – as the same engagements play out again and again, Pearl herself becomes considerably braver and more self-assured, and as the guests’ true characters begin to emerge, she draws ever closer to uncovering the truth. Every individual is superbly drawn, each one of them with layers of secrets to be uncovered – but there’s also unexpected fun for Pearl along the way, with new experiences she can try without any fear of the consequences. The way she slowly blossoms is an absolute joy, as is her relationship with Ellery, drawn into the same loop – there’s a touch of unexpected romance too, that I found entirely believable and thoroughly lovely.

The mystery itself is impeccably plotted and incredibly clever – there are clues that combine to make you feel you might have got there before her, but so many red herrings and bits of misdirection that you’re more than likely to find yourself looking in entirely the wrong direction (I certainly was….). And there’s that ever present time constraint, knowing that everything will reset once more when everyone retires after dinner – until the night finally arrives when Pearl and Ellery finally hope to stage a Poirot-esque big reveal, when all the pieces have finally fallen into place, but only if they’ve successfully managed to escape from the loop in which they’re trapped and don’t find themselves back where they started.

I was completely in awe at the complexities of the story, the multiple twists and turns, and the firm grip the author had on its many threads – and while the suspension of disbelief at its basic premise just could have proved difficult, I never found myself questioning it for an instant. The author really has never written better, with endless imagination and originality, glorious storytelling, and the most wonderful character development – you get the feeling that she’s really enjoying playing with the reader, and it means you can’t fail but equally enjoy the whole experience. Whatever your preferred reading, this is a book I’d highly recommend you add to your reading list – I absolutely loved it.

Was this review helpful?

At the Stroke of Midnight is a cross between Groundhog Day and an Agatha Christie who-dun-it and I enjoyed it immensely.

Pearl Glenham is a lonely, timid young woman who lives with her distant and unloving father. Pearl has few joys in her life, but one is her love of water. Her father comes home one day and says they have been invited to a house party in Dorset. He says it is for business but his explanation feels off to Pearl. They travel to Highcliffe House where they meet the house boy Ellery and cook Mrs. Dawson, both hired for the weekend and the other guests, Harlow Standfield and Celine and Aldo Ravello. They have all been invited by the mysterious Mr. Badgerwood. Pearl’s father says that he does not know the other guests, but the way that they interact make Pearl suspicious that he is lying and that they actually do know one another. Pearl goes swimming in the sea and stumbles across a cave with a mysterious clock in it. That night after everyone goes to bed, Pearl wakes up to the house on fire, unable to get out, she dies.. and then she wakes up the next day in the cave, her personal groundhog day has started. Pearl decides to solve the mystery of who is trying to murder her and the other guests. Every day she investigates, with the assistance of Ellery, and starts to realize that the mystery goes back over 20 years to the disappearance of the owners of Highcliffe House. While solving the mystery Pearl discovers she has way more strength and moxey that she thought, Can she solve the mystery and figure out who the murderer is and stop time from repeating?

This was a twisty and clever plot with shades of Agatha Christie right down to the revelation of all in the drawing room.

Thanks to Netgalley, Boldwood books and the author for the chance to read and review this book

Was this review helpful?

It’s 1923 and Pearl Glenham and her father are invited to a mysterious country house party by a complete stranger.
Pearl later discovers her father was blackmailed into attending
Intimidated by everyone at the party, Pearl escapes to a nearby cave and stumbles upon a mysterious mercury clock.
The strange encounter sets in motion a series of events that will culminate in a terrible house fire, claiming all the guests, including Pearl.
But then Pearl wakes up back in the cave seemingly destined never to live past midnight.
Repeating the day again and again but can she change the outcome.
A 1920s cosy crime caper with a Groundhog Day twist
It’s a quirky, intriguing tale - spellbinding and enchanting.
Pearl is such an amazing character - you’re rooting for her to break the time loop cycle.
Also loved trying to identify the mysterious host all the way through the novel.
Thanks @jennikeer @boldwoodbooks and @netgalley for the perfect time slip novel.

Was this review helpful?

In At The Stroke Of Midnight by Jenni Keer it’s 1923 and we meet Pearl and her father Ruben they live a life where every day is like the day before or at least pearl thought so. When her dad arrives home early and tells her they’re going to Dorset for the weekend pearl is astounded. He says he’s never been but she knows he is hiding something from her. When they arrive and Dorset they meet the other guest Mr. Stanfield Mr. Aldo Selena and her Italian husband. There’s also the nice cook miss Dawson and the footman Ellery. Because swimming is Pearl‘s favorite thing to do the first chance she gets she goes down to the Inlet for a swim when she finds a cave she goes to explore and is astounded at what she finds when she hits her head it begins the strangest day of her life and the life that is about to completely change. This is like a historical fiction groundhog‘s day but unlike in the movie where he tries to kill his self in at the stroke of midnight someone is trying to kill pearl and the rest of the guest but why? No matter how pearl tries to change their fate it seems the culprit is on to her and divertes course in another direction but soon her and the only other person who doesn’t re-live the day the footman Ellery since there’s to be no consequences they start doing outrageous things like attending a summer ball in their stolen clothes driving Mr. Stanfield‘s motor vehicle all around Dorset it seems stranger things get the more pearl is changing but is it for the better? Eventually they will get tired of this as well and Ellery will go off on his own leaving pearl to solve the mystery of their missing host the artifacts in the cave who’s trying to kill them and so so much more. Let me just say I really thought I was going to love this book it has everything that makes for a great read a good mystery time distortion and a little dash of romance with lots of secrets but it seems The author had no grasp on early 20th century opinions or the zeitgeist of that era the character spoke as if they were 21st-century people and that is something that totally ruins my enjoyment of a book because how can you place yourself in that time in place when everyone is worried about sitting in the sun too long being disrespectful to their parents and on and on it seems she had a slight grasp of how people thought in the day but really didn’t do her due diligence to make the book feel authentic and real. I am still giving it three stars because the story and mystery were good including the time displacement but as I said the characters spoke like modern-day characters with the exception of a few things but still worth reading if that’s not something that bothers you. I must say I do wish historical accuracy didn’t bother me because it really ruins a lot of great books it’s something I just cannot get over because once you know something you know it. I want to thank Boldwood Books and Net Galley for my free arc copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

Was this review helpful?

Not being a big fan of historical fiction books, I began reading this with mixed feelings. Almost half way through and I was unable to put it down.

Was this review helpful?

Unusual story with Groundhog day vibes. Another fabulous story with great characters that gets you thinking. I loved it!

Was this review helpful?

Note: I’m not into fantasy or books with magical realism. In Keer’s previous novel, she used the very unique storytelling mechanic of (what some would call) “Sliding Doors,” where the same characters go through different scenarios of the same timeline. This is much like the book “Which Way?” by Theodora Benson. Now, there’s nothing really magical in that, since it simply imagines how things would have turned out differently, if one factor had been changed at the beginning of the story. I truly enjoyed Keer’s book (as I did the Benson), especially her spritely writing style. So, when I heard she was coming out with another mystery novel, I knew I wanted to read it. Plus, she didn’t put me off by saying it was a type of “Groundhog Day” story, where magically, the same day is relived until the mystery is solved. So, you can see that there can be some exceptions to my rule, and this is one!

Obviously, knowing that I already loved Keer’s writing style played a major part in my wanting to read this book. As I said, she has such spritely prose, and she also builds characters that are really fun to read about. I also noticed that in both this and her previous novel, Keer does like to develop these characters in such a way that we see them become slightly different, practically better versions of themselves, as the stories progress. That coming-of-age element is something that any good character study really needs. As a lover of character-driven novels, I can truly appreciate. In this book this truly comes to the fore since as the days repeat, Pearl really does develop and change. Plus, her relationship with both her father and the young man Ellery (who also gets trapped in the loop), grow, and improve with each resetting of the day. This was just fascinating to observe.

In fact, I think this was one of the cleverest ways I’ve ever seen that shows how all the clues to a mystery are slowly, but surely revealed. With each start-over, the ability to gather more information, go down rabbit holes, as well as get tripped up by red herrings, renews itself. Furthermore, the end of each day seems to change slightly with each passing cycle, so that the (attempted) mass murder seems to get carried out just a bit differently, especially when they try to thwart the ending. I cannot imagine just how Keer was able to think up all these different scenarios, and you have to admire her ability to think out each and every angle, and then switch things around just a bit to see how things would turn out the next time. Hey… I just thought of something. This slightly reminds me of those R.L. Stine “Choose Your Own Adventure" books that were very popular several years ago. You know, you’re told part of the story and then asked to decide which way you want to continue. When you pick one way, you’re taken to one next step, but if you decide to go the other way the next time, you’re taken to a different next step!

Furthermore, as we scroll through each repetition, and learn more information, the pace of this book steps up, so that by the time you get to the answer, you’re totally involved, and have forgotten the magical way that so much of the evidence was revealed. Now, it would be silly to say that there’s a twist ending here, because any good mystery has to have one. That this one caught me (almost) totally by surprise is main reason why I forgave Keer for using a supernatural mechanic to get me there. For all this I can very heartily recommend this book, and because it made me laugh and was so charmingly written, and with such a perfect ending, I’ll give it a full five out of five stars!

Was this review helpful?

“At the Stroke of Midnight” is a superb historical, time twist novel. I chose not to read the blurb other than seeing it described as a “Groundhog Day” situation. Knowing how absorbing, atmospheric and well written Jenni Keer’s other novels have been, I knew I would be in for a treat and was not disappointed.

Pearl is a meek and mild young girl who keeps house for her father always doing his bidding. Her only two vices, that she hides from him, are her regular swimming trips and a fascination with time. I was immediately drawn to her unusual character, one who steals timepieces and stops them at the exact time of her birth.

The mystery begins immediately as you wonder how and why she would do this. Not long after meeting Pearl her father tells her to pack for a long journey as they have been invited to a house party. On a sneaky look at the letter, Pearl notes that it seems to be more of a demand than a polite invite.

Other than Pearl, the cast of characters all remain mysterious with little know about them. Even her father isn’t who she thought he was. Pearl is confused that no one knows why they are at the house and that the guests are unknown to each other. The first day looms large ahead but after spending a day exploring and having a good meal Pearl seems in good spirits as she goes to bed but finds the day abruptly ending just before midnight and repeating itself, endlessly resetting at a point in the morning just after her glorious swim in the sea.

We see the experience slowly changing her, as first she relives each day, then decides to live life to the full and most enticing of all eventually becoming a detective. The key to her past and future are there to be found in the secrets that all the house guests hold and Pearl becomes determined to solve all the mysteries. It is not just time that encourages her character to mature and develop, there is the welcome addition of a friend, one who believes her when she explains her situation.

The book successfully straddles several genres historical, mystery, romance and cosy crime. It swept me up into a time warp and I found it hard to put down, as I also searched for answers to all the mysteries inside.

Was this review helpful?

4.5*

I absolutely loved Jenni Keer’s previous book, No 23 Burlington Square. At The Stroke of Midnight is another historical fiction story. Set in 1923. 19 year old Pearl Glenham lives in Suffolk with her rather strict widowed father Raymond and doesn’t have much of a life – she is basically at his beck and call and is treated more like a servant than a daughter. When an invite from a mysterious Mr Badgerwood (which is really more of a summons than a friendly invitation) arrives for Raymond to attend Highcliffe House her father is insistent they must travel. Pearl however has misgivings about the whole weekend – and she is quite right to.

If the previous book had a ‘Sliding Doors’ feel then this one has ‘Groundhog Day’ vibes. There is clearly a mystery and much secrecy surrounding Highcliffe House and its previous inhabitants and unusual events around a mercury clock (a clepsydra) lead Pearl to living the same day, every day. With characters that are not all as they seem and who mostly seem to be hiding something, Pearl must turn investigator to find out how to stop this never ending spiral that she finds herself caught in.

There are not many likeable characters here which range from the lecherous to the arrogant, the exception being Pearl and Ellery (her Highcliffe accomplice – there was great chemistry between these two) but Pearl shows an unexpected maturity in her quest to solve a long standing mystery and also attempts to break free from the restricted life she has with her father showing a playful side that is ready for new adventures. She is rather obsessed with clocks and timepieces, each one being set to 4 minutes past 10 – the reason why will become clear in the story. Her lack of a social life makes her awkward with company however her love of swimming and the freedom it gives her is like a balm for her soul. I loved the vivid descriptions of the Dorset coast setting with the forbidding Highcliffe House being a character in its own right.

At the Stroke of Midnight has elements of murder and mystery with a touch of magical realism. Pearl was undoubtedly the star of the story and her transition from a socially awkward young girl was marvellous to see. I enjoyed this book very much, I did initially wonder if the repetition would bother me but this was managed so well and I was totally invested in the story throughout. Jenni Keer is a superb writer and I have no hesitation in recommending this one.

Was this review helpful?

This was a brilliant read. It was immersive, intriguing and an example of fantastic storytelling.

This is a “Groundhog Day” type of story. Except in this case, Pearl is re-living the same afternoon up until midnight, when she resets again and again. Perishing in a fire each night, Pearl sets out to try and prevent this demise. However, her meek nature combined with the overbearing company at Highcliffe House means that she barely makes any progress. Enter Ellery.

When he starts experiencing this reset time and time again, his approach is the antithesis to Pearl: it’s time to take advantage of the opportunities presented that have no consequences in a world that starts over. This phase sees Pearl embrace a hedonistic lifestyle and I marvelled how she starts to transform over the novel: from shy and retiring to confident and self-assured. It was entertaining to see the risks that the pair were willing to take when they knew no one would have any memory of it afterwards.

Yet, the mystery still needs to be solved and Keer takes readers on this journey as Pearl and Ellery start to investigate potential theories about the true reasons these apparent strangers have been summoned to Dorset, and why someone wants to murder them all in their beds. I enjoyed this locked-room mystery to the story and could not decide on the perpetrator nor their motives. Keer keeps readers guessing right until the very end and I found it entertaining how frustrated Pearl becomes when she has to keep explaining herself to others because they have only lived it for the first time.

There were so many elements about this story that I enjoyed. From the living the same day over and over again, to the murder mystery and Pearl’s evolution, I loved every aspect of it. Keer has created a brilliant story that is both beautiful and dangerous. The description of the secret cave by the shore is the start of this puzzling narrative and I felt in awe of the luxury that Highcliffe House presents. However, it is more like a honeytrap that does not want its guests to leave.

With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

This was a delightful quirky and interesting read!
I do enjoy a time slip story and this brilliant book delivered a fascinating mystery story that was fast paced and intriguing.
Pearl was a fantastic character, we are introduced to her in a novel way, seeing the hidden side of her nature, obtaining a timepiece to give herself a thrill and add to her unique collections of timepieces.
We see her quiet nature when her father informs her of their upcoming trip to Dorset, this changes radically when she encounters a magical item that allows her to relive an afternoon/evening over and over again.
When she falls into the time loop we see her changing In character, she becomes brave and outspoken, knowing the slate will be cleaned once more before midnight strikes….
So many twists and surprises, it was a thrilling experience trying to work out what was going on and who was responsible for the murders.
Definitely a little Agatha Christie like, with a sprinkling of Rebecca for good measure, which made this historical mystery really entertaining and fun to read.

Was this review helpful?

Such an original read, I haven’t read anything this fun in a long time. I liked the Groundhog Day/time loop the main character, Pearl, found herself in. There is a mystery at the heart of the story and Pearl also has to deal with her rather controlling father. I thought the possible answers to the mystery was an ingenious touch and I loved how these unfolded. Great descriptions and engaging characters and writing.

Was this review helpful?

This is a story full of adventure and intrigue and I really enjoyed the story and the concept. Pearl's life is not what I would call exciting with a father I would call awful. Is it time for Pearl to step up and take her life into her own hands?

But then there are strange happenings at a party and so the adventure begins. This is a story that is fantastical and keeps you guessing and makes you want to keep turning the pages so you can work out where it will lead you. There is mystery, the imagination of the author is wonderful and the story flows well. Great characters and not at all predictable, this is a book that starts a bit slow but builds to an exciting read all round.

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

Was this review helpful?

I've followed this author since she shifted from being pure romance to now, a very successful time-slip (I think) author. This novel though has been, imho, her best yet. I was enthralled by the concept and the skilful way the author carried off what's essentially a murder-mystery. Dp yourself a favour and settle down with a good drink and snacks, and savour this story, I did!

Was this review helpful?

A chilling thriller a weekend away a group of guests who will relive the same day over and over again..Haunting unique a true page turner.#netgalley #boldwoodbooks.

Was this review helpful?

Pearl has a very dull life. She lives with her father, a cold, unfeeling man who has her running around after him day and night. Her friend Harriet, a lively character, tries to get her to stand up for herself but she doesn't find it easy to go against her father.
When they are invited to a weekend house party that she, Pearl, doesn't want to attend, she finds things are very strange and so begins her adventure. The other people at the party are all acting oddly. They are supposed to be strangers to each other but there's an atmosphere and Pearl realises all is not as it seems. Mrs Dawson and Ellery are the only two staff in the house.
This is a fantastic read! I wasn't sure about the groundhog day thing but it was handled brilliantly. At first Pearl, being the only one affected, wonders how to go about breaking the loop but on hearing more and more about the mystery of the previous owners she uses the time to try and get to the bottom of what happened to them. Then Ellery gets dragged into the loop and it's the two of them trying to work out what happened while having a good time along the way.
Pearl grows and blossoms in this time with the help of Ellery and also realises she's stronger than she thinks.
I was guessing all the way through about one thing and another and was delighted when I guessed one thing correctly, even though I'd changed my mind again previously, It was that kind of book!
The puzzle, once solved, is staggering. The denouement, which is carried out in the dinning room, reminded me of Poiret when he's imparting his knowledge of the crime. Even then there is more to come.
The ending was very satisfying, not being the usual outcome you'd expect.
I loved this author's last book and this one certainly matches up. I'll be most definitely looking out for her future works.
I'd recommend this to anyone who loves historical fiction with a mystery and a dash of the unexplainable thrown in. Brilliant imagination!!!

Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for an early copy of this novel.

Was this review helpful?

The book is mysterious and imaginative. The characters have a mysterious demeanour while Pearl is curious and oblivion to a lot of things. Her father is harbouring a secret. The mystery slowly unveils and the story is infused with love, mystery , death, & secret of the Highcliffe House. The story is slow build as there are many things in the story. The pace is medium. It took a while for me to get into the story and connect with the characters.

Set in 1923, Pearl and her father were invited to a country house party. But after meeting the guests, Pearl becomes suspicious that her father is hiding something. She escape to the cove and gets trapped in time and finds herself living the same day. While unthinkable happens in the house and strange occurrences grips the guests. The ending was unpredictable.

Many Thanks to the Author, Publisher & Netgalley

Was this review helpful?