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The Resurrectionists
Young Australian cellist Maisie Fielding is bored with her career and her overpowering, manipulative musical family. Faking a wrist injury, she takes time off to return to England, her mother's home country, to search for her own roots and to find out more about her grandmother, a ‘white witch’ who settled in a bleak village on the North Yorkshire coast. Maisie’s mother is set against her going, and refuses to tell her daughter anything about the woman, other than that - even dead - she is dangerous. On her arrival in Solgreve, she receives a hostile welcome from her new neighbours and begins to find clues to her grandmother’s mysterious death. Amongst the clutter in her grandmother’s house is a diary written by a young French woman who eloped with a penniless English poet and settled in the village. Through this diary, Maisie discovers the existence of an unnatural presence which still preys on the lives of the people of the village, past and present. This book will appeal to the huge Anne Rice a gothic, romantic horror story with a credible, strong and extremely likeable heroine at the heart of it, backed by atmospheric descriptions of Yorkshire and a convincing setting in the music world.
503 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
April 12, 2010
The first Kim Wilkins book I read. Loved it!
November 10, 2025
Mediocre Hangers-On Culling notes:
Read this about 20 years ago. It was ok, but that’s about it. Overly long; whiny MC; nothing remarkable in terms of Urban Fantasy. 🥱
Read this about 20 years ago. It was ok, but that’s about it. Overly long; whiny MC; nothing remarkable in terms of Urban Fantasy. 🥱
February 25, 2021
The Resurrectionists follows Australian cellist Maisie as she travels to Yorkshire to clear out her grandma’s cottage. She's shocked to discover the trappings of witchcraft in her isolated home, & receives an icy welcome from the inhabitants of Solgreve, the nearest village. What did the villagers hold against her Grandma, & why are they so intent to drive her out? Does it have anything to do with the ancient diary scraps that she’s been finding around the cottage?
Sadly, this ended up being a hate read for me. I was lured in with the promise of Gothic shenanigans in Yorkshire - an easy sell for me. It's one of the few parts of the UK that I’m familiar with, & Solgreve had all of the things that I love about the place - abandoned abbeys, ruins, isolated cottages, wild landscapes & sprawling graveyards. Combined with the folk-horrory premise - outsider trying to investigate the secret rituals of a rural community - I was sure I was in for a great read, but I was DISAPPOINTED.
Maisie was completely unlikeable. She’s an affluent brat trying to ‘find herself’ by leaving the country, who has tantrum after tantrum & systematically uses all of the other characters around her. As one of the other characters points out, it’s no wonder she doesn't have any friends. If she had any sort of development over the course of the novel, I might feel differently, but she just… doesn’t. The most redeeming part of the story was the ending - all I'll say is that Karma’s a b*tch, & magic ALWAYS has consequences.
My main problem with this book is more serious - the language used to refer to the Romani characters. If you are going to read it, be aware that it makes frequent use of slurs to refer to Sascha & Milla. These characters are completely fetishised & it's honestly inexcusable and difficult to read. It's lazy stereotyping, it's offensive, and I feel like it needs to be said.
Sadly, this ended up being a hate read for me. I was lured in with the promise of Gothic shenanigans in Yorkshire - an easy sell for me. It's one of the few parts of the UK that I’m familiar with, & Solgreve had all of the things that I love about the place - abandoned abbeys, ruins, isolated cottages, wild landscapes & sprawling graveyards. Combined with the folk-horrory premise - outsider trying to investigate the secret rituals of a rural community - I was sure I was in for a great read, but I was DISAPPOINTED.
Maisie was completely unlikeable. She’s an affluent brat trying to ‘find herself’ by leaving the country, who has tantrum after tantrum & systematically uses all of the other characters around her. As one of the other characters points out, it’s no wonder she doesn't have any friends. If she had any sort of development over the course of the novel, I might feel differently, but she just… doesn’t. The most redeeming part of the story was the ending - all I'll say is that Karma’s a b*tch, & magic ALWAYS has consequences.
My main problem with this book is more serious - the language used to refer to the Romani characters. If you are going to read it, be aware that it makes frequent use of slurs to refer to Sascha & Milla. These characters are completely fetishised & it's honestly inexcusable and difficult to read. It's lazy stereotyping, it's offensive, and I feel like it needs to be said.
March 26, 2014
To be honest, if it wasn't for me finding this book really cheap at a charity book fair, I would probably never have read it. But I'm really glad I did.
The book was easy to read (I'm tempted to say too easy to read) and there were no real faults. But the style wasn't particularly memorable. There were no lines that were a sheer joy to read for their poetry, beauty or insight.
The storyline wasn't particularly unique or creative either. Although I did like the way the romance story ran alongside the horror, even if at times it felt a bit Mills and Boon-ish.
What I did really like about this book was the depth of character. People were neither black nor white, but capable of both good and bad. And while I said it felt a bit Mills and Boon-ish, the romance element was far more realistic than a Mills and Boon. The prince in shining armour behaved just like a man.
And I found myself really caring what happened to Maisie. Even after the book finished, I found myself thinking about her - which isn't usual with books like this.
Overall, a light and enjoyable read. But if that's what you are looking for, then I would definitely recommend this book.
The book was easy to read (I'm tempted to say too easy to read) and there were no real faults. But the style wasn't particularly memorable. There were no lines that were a sheer joy to read for their poetry, beauty or insight.
The storyline wasn't particularly unique or creative either. Although I did like the way the romance story ran alongside the horror, even if at times it felt a bit Mills and Boon-ish.
What I did really like about this book was the depth of character. People were neither black nor white, but capable of both good and bad. And while I said it felt a bit Mills and Boon-ish, the romance element was far more realistic than a Mills and Boon. The prince in shining armour behaved just like a man.
And I found myself really caring what happened to Maisie. Even after the book finished, I found myself thinking about her - which isn't usual with books like this.
Overall, a light and enjoyable read. But if that's what you are looking for, then I would definitely recommend this book.
September 13, 2009
An awesomely discerning look in to the world of eternal life and glory, this story oozes black magic in all of it’s glory. A coming of age story about a 24 year old Australian musician who desperately seeks a different life and whilst seeking a different path comes across a world she never should have become a part of. Full of suspense, the supernatural and everything that is not normal this story is definitely a page turner. If you are in to the magic of fantasy with a little darkness added then this is the book for you. Easy to read and not too long, escape for an afternoon of fantasy and fallacy.
July 19, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. It was about an Australian girl with a seemingly perfect life, successful parents, a cute boyfriend, and job as a cellist. But she yearns for something more, and so for summer vacation she goes to England to learn more about her deceased grandmother. There was a slow build-up but a lot of good creepy and mysterious elements to the story. Drama was prominent as well, in England she reconnects with an old acquaintance and meets a "tall dark stranger". Almost the entire book was great, but it ended on a sad note, so that's why I gave it only 4 stars instead of 5.
April 19, 2018
Didn't know this writer, but as a first experience it was absolutely awesome.
There are many passages in the book where the tension and fear are palpable. Wilkins weaves the scenes in a masterful way.
It loses a bit of momentum towards the end, but it never falls below "excellent".
There are many passages in the book where the tension and fear are palpable. Wilkins weaves the scenes in a masterful way.
It loses a bit of momentum towards the end, but it never falls below "excellent".
May 24, 2015
Very good, but not as good as other Kim Wilkins books. If you're new to Kim's books, try The Grimore or The Infernal first.
April 4, 2021
Kim Wilkins is an Australian writer, but has researched thoroughly to set 'The Resurrectionists' in coastal England. Protagonist Maisie Fielding leaves her cello career in Australia to clear out her "white witch" grandmother's cottage. Maisie uncovers an ancient manuscript, and a secret which has haunted the town of Solgreve for centuries. Wilkins attended the University of Queensland, and is one of the most successful of the Semper (student paper) writers group.
September 11, 2024
This novel was too long. I have no problem with a long novel, but I like them to have a little more filling. Not that this is a vacuous novel, it's not, but not much happens in the first half, and the plot is more talked around than talked about!
The Resurrectionists didn't annoy me, and it kept me on the right side of boredom, but I felt this was a missed trick.
Would I recommend this novel? Sadly, no.
The Resurrectionists didn't annoy me, and it kept me on the right side of boredom, but I felt this was a missed trick.
Would I recommend this novel? Sadly, no.
July 25, 2020
What a great concept, thoroughly enjoyed this raid a little bit spooky, a little bit horrific with an unusual twist at the end.
It will just go to show you don’t disregard any relatives you don’t know about, you could be a very good reason. Our protagonist found that out with the flood crash and plenty of surprises. Some not so pleasant.
It will just go to show you don’t disregard any relatives you don’t know about, you could be a very good reason. Our protagonist found that out with the flood crash and plenty of surprises. Some not so pleasant.
December 18, 2021
Provisional 3.5 stars... I did enjoy it, it's just not quite 4 star material.
May 13, 2023
Was a 3 star right up until the unsatisfying ending. Thumbs down.
April 14, 2024
One of many I can read again
August 8, 2024
Really good book, fabulous unpredictable twists. Great for mild horror fans.
October 23, 2024
DNF too sloooooooow
February 8, 2025
So freaking good.
June 5, 2025
Struggled with this at first. It is a decent tale but not enough to have me look for other kim willins titles
July 1, 2017
I chose this as my Halloween read, but I couldn’t wait that long and now here I am writing the review on Halloween instead. I was attracted to this book by having read a Kim Wilkins on Halloween 16 years ago and scaring myself senseless, as well as the setting on the North Yorkshire coast which I visit regularly and which can seem rather spooky and wild at times.
Maisie’s unsure about the life mapped out for her in Brisbane – boyfriend, orchestra, marriage – and when the opportunity to clear out her recently-deceased grandmother Sybill’s house on the Yorkshire coast presents itself, she jumps at the chance to get away and take some time to explore what she really wants out of life. The distinction between Brisbane and her new home in Yorkshire is underlined by the regular telephone conversations Maisie has with Adrian and Janet back at home and through the glimpses into their lives in the heat of summer, the contrast is starkly drawn.
Maisie has never met Sybill and is curious not only about how she died but the fractured relationship between her mother and grandmother. It also provides the perfect excuse for her not to face up to things in Brisbane such as whether to marry Adrian, her career in an orchestra and following the path her parents seem to have mapped out for her. Maisie’s mother Janet has vehemently tried to dissuade her from going to Yorkshire, but she is not deterred. On arriving in the eerie village of Solgreve she encounters strange happenings and is convinced something wicked this way comes. For a start, there is the advanced age of many of the residents, strange behaviour from them when they seem not to want her there, the closing of ranks, weird noises in Sybill’s cottage, unwelcome visitors in the back garden and, more convivially, a fanciable diversion in the shape of Sacha. Along with Sacha and an acquaintance from back home, Cathy, who is researching in York, Maisie pieces together what has happened to Sybill. She is assisted too by Georgette, who lived in Sybill’s cottage in the 1790s and left her journal hidden around the house. Georgette’s tale has parallels with Maisie and is full of so much tragedy you simply weep for her.
There are shocks galore, creepy moments, unbelieveably bizarre characters and a final denouement that is marvellously spine-chilling with a touch of hokum, as Maisie develops her own psychic ability and understands Sybill at last. One personally uncanny moment for me was on page 140, reading “Maisie and Cathy sat in a cramped corner of Cafe Concerto on High Petergate ..........” – I was using a bookmark from Cafe Concerto in York to mark my place!
I think the ending could be unsatisfying for many, but I feel it was deliberately vague. It seems the point of Sacha really was just a holiday romance; he was there for a season, a purpose. We don’t know what Maisie finally did with her life or what decisions she made, but we know through this wonderful gothic read that nothing is ever the same again. I loved it!
Maisie’s unsure about the life mapped out for her in Brisbane – boyfriend, orchestra, marriage – and when the opportunity to clear out her recently-deceased grandmother Sybill’s house on the Yorkshire coast presents itself, she jumps at the chance to get away and take some time to explore what she really wants out of life. The distinction between Brisbane and her new home in Yorkshire is underlined by the regular telephone conversations Maisie has with Adrian and Janet back at home and through the glimpses into their lives in the heat of summer, the contrast is starkly drawn.
Maisie has never met Sybill and is curious not only about how she died but the fractured relationship between her mother and grandmother. It also provides the perfect excuse for her not to face up to things in Brisbane such as whether to marry Adrian, her career in an orchestra and following the path her parents seem to have mapped out for her. Maisie’s mother Janet has vehemently tried to dissuade her from going to Yorkshire, but she is not deterred. On arriving in the eerie village of Solgreve she encounters strange happenings and is convinced something wicked this way comes. For a start, there is the advanced age of many of the residents, strange behaviour from them when they seem not to want her there, the closing of ranks, weird noises in Sybill’s cottage, unwelcome visitors in the back garden and, more convivially, a fanciable diversion in the shape of Sacha. Along with Sacha and an acquaintance from back home, Cathy, who is researching in York, Maisie pieces together what has happened to Sybill. She is assisted too by Georgette, who lived in Sybill’s cottage in the 1790s and left her journal hidden around the house. Georgette’s tale has parallels with Maisie and is full of so much tragedy you simply weep for her.
There are shocks galore, creepy moments, unbelieveably bizarre characters and a final denouement that is marvellously spine-chilling with a touch of hokum, as Maisie develops her own psychic ability and understands Sybill at last. One personally uncanny moment for me was on page 140, reading “Maisie and Cathy sat in a cramped corner of Cafe Concerto on High Petergate ..........” – I was using a bookmark from Cafe Concerto in York to mark my place!
I think the ending could be unsatisfying for many, but I feel it was deliberately vague. It seems the point of Sacha really was just a holiday romance; he was there for a season, a purpose. We don’t know what Maisie finally did with her life or what decisions she made, but we know through this wonderful gothic read that nothing is ever the same again. I loved it!
January 18, 2021
I would not have read this were I not in desperate need of something to entertain me while I struggled to sleep with a painful sunburn on my bad, but I sure am glad I found this. It was fun and has immortality things (which I love), plus although I’m really not a fan of romance or historical fiction I loved both the romance with Virgil and the diary entries. Plus the present day with Maisie was good, too. It was perhaps too easy to read, but more enjoyable than others I’ve read. I normally don’t like fantasy which is set in an otherwise normal world, but it fulfilled my fantasy of being an Aussie girl moving to a small village in England, and I kind of enjoyed the realistic relationships, which is really tough for me to say, as a staunch avoider of said relationships. I did think the whole rich family member plot and controlling boyfriend back home were a bit meh but I can deal with it. I think I preferred the historical timeline over the modern day one, simply because I had less objections to the plot and characters.
September 17, 2014
I read this cuz I kinda like The Autumn Castle even though it had so, so many flaws.
This book had less flaws, but... god what an awful protagonist. In fact, all of the characters are either miserably detestable or so two dimensional there is no chance to develop an opinion. and, speaking of the importance of character development (as discussed in her last blog post).. yeah, um, did you, like, forget?
I think Kim Wilkins might be better suited to young adult fiction. I just feel way too intelligent reading any of her stuff. Soz.
This book had less flaws, but... god what an awful protagonist. In fact, all of the characters are either miserably detestable or so two dimensional there is no chance to develop an opinion. and, speaking of the importance of character development (as discussed in her last blog post).. yeah, um, did you, like, forget?
I think Kim Wilkins might be better suited to young adult fiction. I just feel way too intelligent reading any of her stuff. Soz.
October 30, 2012
[3 and 1/2 stars]
A quick, enjoyable read in time for Hallowe'en. I wasn't ever particularly scared, mind you, but nevertheless I was caught up in the narrative, and it ticked all the usual spooky boxes in a competent, workmanlike manner. (I do feel a little dissatisfied, however, because it wasn't anywhere near as good as her 'The Autumn Castle', and I must have been expecting something at that level.)
A quick, enjoyable read in time for Hallowe'en. I wasn't ever particularly scared, mind you, but nevertheless I was caught up in the narrative, and it ticked all the usual spooky boxes in a competent, workmanlike manner. (I do feel a little dissatisfied, however, because it wasn't anywhere near as good as her 'The Autumn Castle', and I must have been expecting something at that level.)
March 17, 2016
I have a total soft spot for this book. Very atmospheric writing, I have really enjoyed all of Kim Wilkins more supernaturally bent books and wish she'd write more in this vein. This book actually inspired me to visit Whitby in Yorkshire, a likely inspiration for Solgreve, the setting of this novel. Windswept, stormy and memorable, I'd love to rent out Maisie's cottage and never leave! All in all a suspenseful and engaging read, read it and enjoy.
August 7, 2011
This was an enjoyable holiday read, although I found the lead character Maisie annoying sometimes in her indecisiveness. Sometimes the "horror" element, or predictability was a bit annoying too. But on the whole, I liked it although the indecisive ending did make me throw the book at the wall!
July 4, 2017
Parts of the story wore a bit thin & my interest waned at times, but overall a quite likeable story.
There was one chapter filled with such gut wrenching suspense that I enjoyed it in particular, but I'll keep all spoilers to myself.
There was one chapter filled with such gut wrenching suspense that I enjoyed it in particular, but I'll keep all spoilers to myself.
October 24, 2013
What a joy to read - particularly if you like quaking in your boots with terror! So exciting to find such a well written, exciting book you just can't put down. Although I might avoid caramel bunnies in future!
July 29, 2011
I received this book as a gift from an Australian cousin. I recall of having read it twice 10 years ago. It made me do some internet search on Yorkshire-England.
July 29, 2011
The first book that I read of hers, was brill
October 6, 2011
3.5 stars. Review to follow.
September 11, 2012
Nice work Kim. I really enjoyed it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews