Crucifix Lane

by Kate Mosse

Briefly unconscious after a fall in London's Crucifix Lane, Annie finds herself propelled 11 years into the future and caught up with a group of people, led by the charismatic Kellen, who are helping the disadvantaged. On returning to 1997, Annie knows that London's future is in her hands.

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Fantasy

309 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Kate Mosse is an international bestselling author with sales of more than five million copies in 42 languages. Her fiction includes the novels Labyrinth (2005), Sepulchre (2007), The Winter Ghosts (2009), and Citadel (2012), as well as an acclaimed collection of short stories, The Mistletoe Bride & Other Haunting Tales (2013). Kate’s new novel, The Taxidermist’s Daughter is out now.
Kate is the Co-Founder and Chair of the Board of the Baileys Women’s Prize for Fiction (previously the Orange Prize) and in June 2013, was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for services to literature. She lives in Sussex.

Reviews

[Pam Hutley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an early book by Kate Mosse- predating her epic historical works - and it is a stunner . In the science fiction/ fantasy genre - telling of a time travelling incident to 11 years in the future- ( 2008!) and thematically covering biopiracy - the development and destruction of London , of sibling rivalry, love and deceit. It is fascinating and a little scary. Tense and fast page turning it has you gripped and as the pressure increases so does the volume you read in one sitting - culminating in a have to finish the last 100 pages in one go. Our sympathy with the characters fluctuates as we consider their ignorance, their guile, their treachery…. And at the end we know those who return to 1997 are in the perfect position to affect and change the future so that it doesn’t all happen in reality! I loved it!

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kate Mosse is best known for her epic historical novels; Labyrinth and Sepulchre - both of which I loved so I was intrigued to discover that she had written a science-fiction novel set in the future. This was written back in the early nineties and the 'future' that the story is set in is 2008.

This is not just science-fiction, but a thriller and something of a love story too. The story centres around Annie - a girl from the 90s who is catapulted into the near future. Set in a London that Annie hardly recognises, that is on the verge of apocalyse, where nature is being abused and ordinary people live in swamps alongside the Thames.

The story is quite suspenseful, the characters are well written, although not terribly likeable and some of scientific facts are a little hard to follow.

All in all, I found this a good read. I enjoy Mosse's historical novels more, but this is a good crack at science-fiction with a definate female perspective.

[Hayley · Rating 3 out of 5]

After being blown away by Labyrinth and Sepulchre I desperately wanted to read Crucifix Lane. After months of searching I recently tracked it down. This was such a disappointment. It lacks a certain something.

You assume it to be about bio-technology, bio-piracy, time travel, Celtic mysticism, ecoscience ... yes these are all mentioned, but this novel is much more concerned with relationships.

If you are a Kate Mosse fan then yes, give it a go. Just don't expect that unputdownable factor you got with Labyrinth.

[Rosebud · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointing. Not the usual Kate Mosse I love.

[Maryann Reid]

Another book I haven't managed to get yet! But it's a book on my list to read.

[Steve Clark]

Edition: New edition