I love a dark historical read.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publishers for letting me read an advance copy of this book.

Clara and Olivia is set in the world of ballet in the 1930s. I know very little about ballet and I found that aspect interesting, particularly the less glamorous side where there’s pain, struggles and constant insecurity. The twins of the title are rivals in the ballet, each wanting something different. As a tale of obsession and sibling rivalry with an evil twin slant, this works well.

It’s fairly slow and the narrative viewpoint switches, but it’s an absorbing take with carefully drawn central characters who each have appeal in their own way. The writing is measured and draws the reader in to a very different fictional world. I assume as it’s based on Sadlers Wells, it’s also woven around a factual background. This is a great debut and I’d be keen to read more from this author.

My thanks to the publisher for a review copy via Netgalley.

A chilling, historical mystery. It really gripped me and I connected to Clara and Olivia. Huge thank you to the publisher for this ARC, in exchange for an honest review.