I really enjoyed reading this one! I found the plot so intriguing and the way it all came together was so clever.
Keeping track of events and characters was a bit confusing at first but it does all soon make sense so if you find that, just keep going!
Adelais is such a likeable main character and her character development throughout the book was just incredible.

This was an interesting story. And I mean that in a good way. Unique characters, and unique story. I haven't read anything like this in quite a while. I would urge you to go into this blind as it's full of surprises and shocks. It's very sad and graphic in places but moving too. neatly ended but I didn't mind. I will write more of a review once I digest it all.

This is an excellent book. It is well written, the story is engaging, and the main character is likeable, albeit tempted to engage in fraudulent behaviour, which will change your view of her. But that makes for some interesting reading.

Without spoiling much of the plot: It's not so much about a house with nine locks, but about a young girl, Adelais, who rescues a young boy, Sebastian, and slowly but surely falls in love with him - and maybe the boy loves her too. Yes? One can only hope. They share a dream and though the odds are against them they make a promise to each other. Meanwhile, sinister grown-up things keep happening in the background. This changes as soon as the girl inherits a house with nine locks, grows up a little and is told by another girl to be realistic about her chances with Sebastian. That's when she gets more involved in the grown-up stuff, and even becomes the driving factor behind it. Her decisions are in some way relatable if highly illegal. And by the end of the book, our innocent girl isn't as innocent anymore. The ending is perhaps a bit too conveniently wrapped up.

I highly recommend this book to people who like well-paced stories that slowly pick up steam like an old-timey train.

Thanks for the advance copy!

Although different in tone and theme from Two Storm Wood, this is another accomplished historical novel from Philip Gray. This time we're in 1950s Belgium with a bright and intrepid 9-year-old girl, who is bemused to see the deterioration in the behaviour of her previously 'normal' parents. We follow this protagonist as she grows into a resourceful woman and gradually learns what the parents are up to. We also hear from two police detectives investigating a workplace death and a high-level fraud.
Ideal for fans of sweeping and literary stories.
With thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy in exchange for an independent review.
Upon publication, I will post this review on my blog.

With only a cat as a witness, the death of a man will take some investigating..

I loved this book the family of Adelais de Wolf is one that comes with it's issues.

This is a story told with some realism and I loved the writing style of this author. It is rich in descriptive and narrative and with some historical facts it was an enjoyable read.