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Echoes of the EtherStone
Someone is murdering people in Alpinside.
It began with young women, then couples and families, all from the Workers’ District. Dubbed the "Scrubbers' Stalker" by the press, the killer has created an environment of fear among the poor, and gossip among the wealthy.
When Ellana is attacked, her younger brother stabs the man in the back, allowing for their escape. While deciding on what to do next, they are confronted by the wealthy Lord Estamore and forced into his employ—though Ellana vows to find out why their father was killed.
Elizabetha, the daughter of Lord Estamore, is focused on her upcoming wedding and has little time for teaching Ellana the intricacies of being her new lady’s Companion—but when she learns of Ellana’s encounter with the Stalker, Elizabetha promises to use her time and resources to solve the mystery and unmask the killer once and for all, no matter the cost.
It began with young women, then couples and families, all from the Workers’ District. Dubbed the "Scrubbers' Stalker" by the press, the killer has created an environment of fear among the poor, and gossip among the wealthy.
When Ellana is attacked, her younger brother stabs the man in the back, allowing for their escape. While deciding on what to do next, they are confronted by the wealthy Lord Estamore and forced into his employ—though Ellana vows to find out why their father was killed.
Elizabetha, the daughter of Lord Estamore, is focused on her upcoming wedding and has little time for teaching Ellana the intricacies of being her new lady’s Companion—but when she learns of Ellana’s encounter with the Stalker, Elizabetha promises to use her time and resources to solve the mystery and unmask the killer once and for all, no matter the cost.
414 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 7, 2025
About the author
Lucy A. McLaren
5 books56 followersAs a writer, Lucy spends her time capturing on paper the imaginary kingdoms, far-off places and characters who live there (and their pets, of course) that her brain throws at her at completely random times of day.
She’s been a fan of fantasy stories since she was a child, but especially loves to explore her characters through the real-world lens of mental health— what have they been through, what are they feeling and why are they how they are? She uses a mix of counselling theory and D&D backstories when creating her characters. Add a pinch of magic, ruthless cults, authoritarian, patriarchal leaders or murderous lunatics, and perhaps a talking animal or two, and you’ll have an idea of what her stories involve.
Her favourite books and series include His Dark Materials, The Priory of the Orange Tree, Liveship Traders, and The Age of Madness. She’s an avid video game player and loves epic roleplaying games, including God of War, Horizon series, The Witcher 3, and Legend of Zelda series. She also enjoys smaller, character-focused games like Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture or What Remains of Edith Finch.
When not writing, you can find her spending time with her husband and young son, attempting to find time to watch the latest superhero or fantasy film or TV series, or taking way too many photos in her local parks and woods.
She’s been a fan of fantasy stories since she was a child, but especially loves to explore her characters through the real-world lens of mental health— what have they been through, what are they feeling and why are they how they are? She uses a mix of counselling theory and D&D backstories when creating her characters. Add a pinch of magic, ruthless cults, authoritarian, patriarchal leaders or murderous lunatics, and perhaps a talking animal or two, and you’ll have an idea of what her stories involve.
Her favourite books and series include His Dark Materials, The Priory of the Orange Tree, Liveship Traders, and The Age of Madness. She’s an avid video game player and loves epic roleplaying games, including God of War, Horizon series, The Witcher 3, and Legend of Zelda series. She also enjoys smaller, character-focused games like Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture or What Remains of Edith Finch.
When not writing, you can find her spending time with her husband and young son, attempting to find time to watch the latest superhero or fantasy film or TV series, or taking way too many photos in her local parks and woods.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 2, 2025
I have received an Advanced Reader Copy for free, but I will not let this sway my opinion.
Luckily, it doesn't have to. This is a great book, and I can only recommend it.
From the opening from the perspective of the murderer, it keeps the suspension and mystery in the Victorian England inspired world with low fantasy elements.
The characterization of the Jack the Ripper stand in is great, and after he finally is revealed, his previous actions feel so much more sinister. There are many small details, that one may disregard on reading it first, but which flesh out the inner monster a lot. The characterization of the main characters is great as well.
Of course there are parts that could be improved, (Closer descriptions of the world they're living in(e.g. to hammer in the difference between the poor and noble quarters) , keeping the tension for longer in some scenes, giving the Main characters' brothers a more central role.) but these do not impede the story too much.
The bittersweet ending is also quite unexpected and may be stuck in ones head for a long time.
Luckily, it doesn't have to. This is a great book, and I can only recommend it.
From the opening from the perspective of the murderer, it keeps the suspension and mystery in the Victorian England inspired world with low fantasy elements.
The characterization of the Jack the Ripper stand in is great, and after he finally is revealed, his previous actions feel so much more sinister. There are many small details, that one may disregard on reading it first, but which flesh out the inner monster a lot. The characterization of the main characters is great as well.
Of course there are parts that could be improved, (Closer descriptions of the world they're living in(e.g. to hammer in the difference between the poor and noble quarters) , keeping the tension for longer in some scenes, giving the Main characters' brothers a more central role.) but these do not impede the story too much.
The bittersweet ending is also quite unexpected and may be stuck in ones head for a long time.
August 5, 2025
A masterpiece.
Right from the start, you're pulled into the kingdom of Alpinside, and the people and their day to day struggles. Fast paced, exciting and gripping, the way that the mystery is woven into the story is not only well done, but also really makes you want to turn the page. Each character is so unique and memorable. I enjoyed the magic system too which I thought was also really well done as well. And the emotions of the characters are so raw, so real, just powerful.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Loved it!
Right from the start, you're pulled into the kingdom of Alpinside, and the people and their day to day struggles. Fast paced, exciting and gripping, the way that the mystery is woven into the story is not only well done, but also really makes you want to turn the page. Each character is so unique and memorable. I enjoyed the magic system too which I thought was also really well done as well. And the emotions of the characters are so raw, so real, just powerful.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Loved it!
October 14, 2025
Join El and Beth as they navigate the dangerous back streets of Alpinside in search of the notorious Scrubbers Stalker.
McLaren has once again created a well-crafted Victorian setting for her Jack the Ripper-inspired dark fantasy. The main characters feel real with their own flaws and strengths, and the plot is a page-turning mix of dark fantasy, thriller and crime.
The who-dunnit element kept me guessing all the way through, with enough hints for that "ah it was them, I knew it!" moment that a good mystery should have.
Definitely worth a read! Add it to your TBR pile.
McLaren has once again created a well-crafted Victorian setting for her Jack the Ripper-inspired dark fantasy. The main characters feel real with their own flaws and strengths, and the plot is a page-turning mix of dark fantasy, thriller and crime.
The who-dunnit element kept me guessing all the way through, with enough hints for that "ah it was them, I knew it!" moment that a good mystery should have.
Definitely worth a read! Add it to your TBR pile.
October 4, 2025
Many of us will admit to having a morbid curiosity around death and those that deliver it. There’s a reason why true crime TV and podcasts are so popular, why famous serial killers are so fascinating, and there are none more mysterious and fascinating than Jack the Ripper. Victorian London is the ultimate backdrop for the mysterious and macabre, and the inspiration behind Echoes of the EtherStone by Lucy A. McLaren, a gothic fantasy that delves into the mind of a killer.
The story begins one dark night as we follow our killer, ready to perform their first kill in the city of Alpinside. It’s a grisly scene that sets the tone for the book. Known as the Scrubber’s Stalker, this killer only targets the poorest within the Workers’ District, including eighteen-year-old Ellana and her family. Returning back from an errand with her younger brother, she encounters the stalker after murdering her father and barely gets away with her life. In a twist of fate, she’s dragged into employment with a noble family – the Estamores – which gives her an opportunity to discover the truth behind the killer.
While Ellana AKA El represents the viewpoint of the poorest in Alpinside, the story is also told from the side of the nobility through Elizabetha AKA Beth’s eyes. Initially shown to be naïve and ignorant to the worker’s woes due to her privileged upbringing, Beth and El are thrust together and begin an unlikely partnership to investigate the continuing murders.
As you might expect from a world inspired by Victorian London, Alpinside isn’t kind to the poor, nor is it particularly kind to women. There are themes of patriarchal and religious oppression throughout, and in much of the story, Beth is bound to her family’s traditions as well as that of marriage, which only serve as distractions from her investigations. This is what makes her growing friendship with El such an important part of the story for both of their characters, as Beth opens herself up to the realities of the working class, and El also learns to trust in others. The author conveys these historical aspects in a realistic way, but there are also paranormal elements that evoke a sinister feeling and will keep you guessing and worrying as you turn the page.
As the dark secrets unravel and we grow closer to the killer’s identity, know that this is a story where sacrifices will need to be made!
While I enjoyed the thrilling mystery throughout, what I really enjoyed was seeing the various chapters through the killer’s mind, which only then made their actions at the end of the book all the more fascinating – we love a serial killer, after all. I would have liked to have learned more about the paranormal elements, as I don’t think we get the full story there, but I wasn’t expecting the ending, that’s for sure!
Final Words:
Echoes of the EtherStone is a thrilling gothic mystery where the power of friendship can overcome even the darkest of evils.
The story begins one dark night as we follow our killer, ready to perform their first kill in the city of Alpinside. It’s a grisly scene that sets the tone for the book. Known as the Scrubber’s Stalker, this killer only targets the poorest within the Workers’ District, including eighteen-year-old Ellana and her family. Returning back from an errand with her younger brother, she encounters the stalker after murdering her father and barely gets away with her life. In a twist of fate, she’s dragged into employment with a noble family – the Estamores – which gives her an opportunity to discover the truth behind the killer.
While Ellana AKA El represents the viewpoint of the poorest in Alpinside, the story is also told from the side of the nobility through Elizabetha AKA Beth’s eyes. Initially shown to be naïve and ignorant to the worker’s woes due to her privileged upbringing, Beth and El are thrust together and begin an unlikely partnership to investigate the continuing murders.
As you might expect from a world inspired by Victorian London, Alpinside isn’t kind to the poor, nor is it particularly kind to women. There are themes of patriarchal and religious oppression throughout, and in much of the story, Beth is bound to her family’s traditions as well as that of marriage, which only serve as distractions from her investigations. This is what makes her growing friendship with El such an important part of the story for both of their characters, as Beth opens herself up to the realities of the working class, and El also learns to trust in others. The author conveys these historical aspects in a realistic way, but there are also paranormal elements that evoke a sinister feeling and will keep you guessing and worrying as you turn the page.
As the dark secrets unravel and we grow closer to the killer’s identity, know that this is a story where sacrifices will need to be made!
While I enjoyed the thrilling mystery throughout, what I really enjoyed was seeing the various chapters through the killer’s mind, which only then made their actions at the end of the book all the more fascinating – we love a serial killer, after all. I would have liked to have learned more about the paranormal elements, as I don’t think we get the full story there, but I wasn’t expecting the ending, that’s for sure!
Final Words:
Echoes of the EtherStone is a thrilling gothic mystery where the power of friendship can overcome even the darkest of evils.
August 7, 2025
First of all, thank you to the author for letting me have an ARC copy! Coming 7th October! Just in time for spooky season and those incoming darker and chilly evenings!
I really enjoyed this! The first chapter was straight to the point of this grizzly situation, so you absolutely know what you're getting yourself in for. It's brutal (I admit, the first chapter is so vivid it stayed in my head a little while!), it's tense, and overall, it's quite a nail-biting / exciting mystery!
I particularly enjoyed the historical setting. I always love historical mysteries. The character development was good and although a fair sized book, I found myself reading large chunks. The chapters are fairly short and when you read one, you want to quickly get onto another. I liked the mix up of POVs and newspaper articles etc!
Anyway, for people who want to read a situation similar to that of Jack the Ripper and enjoy historical thrillers/mysteries!
I really enjoyed this! The first chapter was straight to the point of this grizzly situation, so you absolutely know what you're getting yourself in for. It's brutal (I admit, the first chapter is so vivid it stayed in my head a little while!), it's tense, and overall, it's quite a nail-biting / exciting mystery!
I particularly enjoyed the historical setting. I always love historical mysteries. The character development was good and although a fair sized book, I found myself reading large chunks. The chapters are fairly short and when you read one, you want to quickly get onto another. I liked the mix up of POVs and newspaper articles etc!
Anyway, for people who want to read a situation similar to that of Jack the Ripper and enjoy historical thrillers/mysteries!
July 24, 2025
My first ever ARC and it was fab! I loved the setting of this story - the Victorian feel of it was so good and I loved the fact it felt so gritty and dark just as it was back then but with even more sinister twists, mystery and an ominous red-crystal!. The characters were really good too and they grew in a such different but really important way throughout the story.
The themes of societal hierarchy and oppression through religion was really hard hitting too! I won’t say much more on that because I don’t want to give too much away! Just know that this book does not skim around the outside of these issues - it delves into them in a really deep and unique way! I also really enjoy books with more than one narrator and this one was done really well -two very different people fighting for one important cause but not without a lot of bumps along the way.
The themes of societal hierarchy and oppression through religion was really hard hitting too! I won’t say much more on that because I don’t want to give too much away! Just know that this book does not skim around the outside of these issues - it delves into them in a really deep and unique way! I also really enjoy books with more than one narrator and this one was done really well -two very different people fighting for one important cause but not without a lot of bumps along the way.
December 24, 2025
This book takes you to a victorian inspired setting. The inspiration of Jack the Ripper is brought to the page well, while being a new story with some fantasy elements. The social classes and the difference between the classes are brought to the page well. The mystery is well done and keeps you on your toes. The friendship between the character is a nice addition to the books and I enjoyed their friendship.
The accent of one of the main characters threw me, as a not native english speaker, out of the story at first, but I got used to it.
Having the chapters of the killer in first POV was well done and I enjoyed them. I loved the chapter titles.
I recived an ARC copy of the book by the author in exchange for a honest review.
The accent of one of the main characters threw me, as a not native english speaker, out of the story at first, but I got used to it.
Having the chapters of the killer in first POV was well done and I enjoyed them. I loved the chapter titles.
I recived an ARC copy of the book by the author in exchange for a honest review.
September 12, 2025
What a thrilling ride this book was, from its deliciously spooky and bloody start to the ending! The ending broke me. Why!!! 😭
While it had all the elements for a gothic fantasy horror read, there was so much more. I enjoyed Beth's character growth the most, and really loved the way she and El's friendship and trust formed with time.
If you want a well-written, fast paced gothic murder mystery with fantasy elements, Echoes of the Etherstone is perfect for you! This book looks like a set up for another one and I can't wait to find out what happens next!
While it had all the elements for a gothic fantasy horror read, there was so much more. I enjoyed Beth's character growth the most, and really loved the way she and El's friendship and trust formed with time.
If you want a well-written, fast paced gothic murder mystery with fantasy elements, Echoes of the Etherstone is perfect for you! This book looks like a set up for another one and I can't wait to find out what happens next!
December 23, 2025
What a fascinating and richly layered story! I enjoyed how the mystery unfolded, how things I thought were true and not true ended up being the opposite, and how the characters changed and evolved over the course of the story. Truly, a wonderful read from a wonderful author.
August 11, 2025
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC. My opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed this story. With echoes of Jack the Ripper - one of my former obsessions - and a Victorianesque setting, I enjoyed the addressing of class division and the way it showcased the injustices and ugliness of what is still today's society. I loved the bond between El and Beth and the way their completely unexpected liaison grew into a strong, firm friendship. I really loved the incursion of first person POV from the stalker and the newspaper clippings - reminiscent of King's Carrie - and the third person POV from both MCs. I did find that the worldbuilding was lacking in certain aspects but as I'm not sure if this is a standalone or part of a bigger series set in the same universe, i'm letting that slip. I would also have liked to see a deeper clarification of whether it was religious trauma, mental illness or the supernatural behind the events, and though I may think that anything connected to Etherstone might have been a metaphor for the excess medication and use of laudanum and other opiates back in Victorian times, it wasn't clear that the supernatural/paranormal wasn't a big part of the equation. I also felt the ending was a bit rushed and there were bits and pieces that fell a little too Deus Ex-Machina for me and a little too much like the author wanted very much to have that happened, though it felt forced - I mean Ellana, it felt a little off, what happened, and because of that, I was left far too unmoved by it. I also disliked the use of 'okay' but that's a personal peeve of mine, I detest the use of it in fantasy that is set in alternate worlds or historical settings.
All in all, though, I did find myself very immersed in the story which made for a really fast read, which i enjoyed.
I really enjoyed this story. With echoes of Jack the Ripper - one of my former obsessions - and a Victorianesque setting, I enjoyed the addressing of class division and the way it showcased the injustices and ugliness of what is still today's society. I loved the bond between El and Beth and the way their completely unexpected liaison grew into a strong, firm friendship. I really loved the incursion of first person POV from the stalker and the newspaper clippings - reminiscent of King's Carrie - and the third person POV from both MCs. I did find that the worldbuilding was lacking in certain aspects but as I'm not sure if this is a standalone or part of a bigger series set in the same universe, i'm letting that slip. I would also have liked to see a deeper clarification of whether it was religious trauma, mental illness or the supernatural behind the events, and though I may think that anything connected to Etherstone might have been a metaphor for the excess medication and use of laudanum and other opiates back in Victorian times, it wasn't clear that the supernatural/paranormal wasn't a big part of the equation. I also felt the ending was a bit rushed and there were bits and pieces that fell a little too Deus Ex-Machina for me and a little too much like the author wanted very much to have that happened, though it felt forced - I mean Ellana, it felt a little off, what happened, and because of that, I was left far too unmoved by it. I also disliked the use of 'okay' but that's a personal peeve of mine, I detest the use of it in fantasy that is set in alternate worlds or historical settings.
All in all, though, I did find myself very immersed in the story which made for a really fast read, which i enjoyed.
September 22, 2025
A murderer prowls the streets of Victorian London. They call him the Scrubber's Stalker. He lurks in the shadows, masked, merciless, and dangerous, taking the lives of those who have it the hardest. He targets women specifically, but why? Makes you think of someone, doesn't he? Well, Jack the Reaper may be the inspiration, but trust me, this story takes the tale to dangerously new levels, those filled with whispering voices, meddling gods, where darkness threatens to consume all.
The police, the men, and the high society don't care about Scrubbers' lives. But some do. Women not afraid to dig and search and uncover. Two women, a Scrubber and a lady of the highest station. An unlikely pair? Perhaps. Yet destiny has bound them together, and only together can they hope to end the reign of terror. The cost will be dear, but the truth demands it.
Two women against the most notorious killer. Two women giving a voice to the victims no one wants to hear. Two women daring to bring justice.
Lucy has woven a true masterpiece, a murder mystery steeped in the fogs of Victorian London. Dark. Dreary. Perilous. And yet also a tale of unlikely friendship, of love young and fragile, of betrayal, and of secrets that won't remain buried forever.
Thank you, Lucy, for sharing this story with us and having me as your ARC reader. You have my undying support.
The police, the men, and the high society don't care about Scrubbers' lives. But some do. Women not afraid to dig and search and uncover. Two women, a Scrubber and a lady of the highest station. An unlikely pair? Perhaps. Yet destiny has bound them together, and only together can they hope to end the reign of terror. The cost will be dear, but the truth demands it.
Two women against the most notorious killer. Two women giving a voice to the victims no one wants to hear. Two women daring to bring justice.
Lucy has woven a true masterpiece, a murder mystery steeped in the fogs of Victorian London. Dark. Dreary. Perilous. And yet also a tale of unlikely friendship, of love young and fragile, of betrayal, and of secrets that won't remain buried forever.
Thank you, Lucy, for sharing this story with us and having me as your ARC reader. You have my undying support.
August 22, 2025
DNF at: Page 100
What Drew Me In
The premise/concept really intrigued me because it's pitched as a gothic fantasy and I love that subgenre!
I was excited for the historical mystery and a Jack the Ripper style story. I was really craving a gothic story and the premise of this book seemed perfect.
Why It Didn’t Work for Me
Unfortunately, the execution didn’t match the premise for me.
I struggled with characterization and the motivation of the characters in the story. I also struggled with the world building. I needed more description of places, people, what they are doing and why they are doing it.
The naivete of one of the main characters was difficult for me to read. Her character is a sheltered daughter of a nobleman and the portrayal is correct but again, the execution was weak. We don't see why she decides to do what she decides to do. It just comes out of nowhere. Which makes her character come off as illogical.
Who Might Enjoy It
Readers who enjoy simpler prose and stories with more focus on the vibe. The creepy atmospheric writing was really good and the Victorian world was accurately depicted.
Final Note
Thank you to the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Even though this one wasn’t for me, I appreciate the chance to read it.
What Drew Me In
The premise/concept really intrigued me because it's pitched as a gothic fantasy and I love that subgenre!
I was excited for the historical mystery and a Jack the Ripper style story. I was really craving a gothic story and the premise of this book seemed perfect.
Why It Didn’t Work for Me
Unfortunately, the execution didn’t match the premise for me.
I struggled with characterization and the motivation of the characters in the story. I also struggled with the world building. I needed more description of places, people, what they are doing and why they are doing it.
The naivete of one of the main characters was difficult for me to read. Her character is a sheltered daughter of a nobleman and the portrayal is correct but again, the execution was weak. We don't see why she decides to do what she decides to do. It just comes out of nowhere. Which makes her character come off as illogical.
Who Might Enjoy It
Readers who enjoy simpler prose and stories with more focus on the vibe. The creepy atmospheric writing was really good and the Victorian world was accurately depicted.
Final Note
Thank you to the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Even though this one wasn’t for me, I appreciate the chance to read it.
August 2, 2025
Wonderfully gothic!
The vibes are pristine, the worldbuilding outstanding, the mystery had me guessing and second guessing myself at every turn.
Honestly, every time I thought I had the answer, McLaren came with a new twist. I kept going from one suspect to another, and it was sooo satisfying to get to the end.
The worldbuilding was another aspect I loved. It's a standalone, and yet, the world felt huge. From steam carriages, to unique customs, and a whole new religion, Echoes of the EtherStone is a universe in itself.
The characters are vivid and I love them all. Hate some, but love them for their complexity.
Also, I adored the snippets of epistolary narrative, with the Stalker's journal and paper reports.
A stunning spin on the ripper's story! Highly recommend it!
The vibes are pristine, the worldbuilding outstanding, the mystery had me guessing and second guessing myself at every turn.
Honestly, every time I thought I had the answer, McLaren came with a new twist. I kept going from one suspect to another, and it was sooo satisfying to get to the end.
The worldbuilding was another aspect I loved. It's a standalone, and yet, the world felt huge. From steam carriages, to unique customs, and a whole new religion, Echoes of the EtherStone is a universe in itself.
The characters are vivid and I love them all. Hate some, but love them for their complexity.
Also, I adored the snippets of epistolary narrative, with the Stalker's journal and paper reports.
A stunning spin on the ripper's story! Highly recommend it!
December 29, 2025
Lucy is an indie fantasy author who weaves in real issues that we face day to day in her stories making them feel personal and relatable.
Echoes of the EtherStone is a gaslamp fantasy/gothic horror with a touch of romance inspired by the Jack the Ripper murders. Don’t let this fool you into thinking it’s a simple retelling with a slight fantasy twist - there’s subjugation, religious zealots, and multifaceted women breaking free of mysogyny and class boundaries.
If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to read more Indie authors then Lucy is a great place to start!
Echoes of the EtherStone is a gaslamp fantasy/gothic horror with a touch of romance inspired by the Jack the Ripper murders. Don’t let this fool you into thinking it’s a simple retelling with a slight fantasy twist - there’s subjugation, religious zealots, and multifaceted women breaking free of mysogyny and class boundaries.
If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to read more Indie authors then Lucy is a great place to start!
August 8, 2025
Echoes of the Etherstone is a richly layered mystery set in a Victorian-inspired world with just the right touch of the arcane. The story follows Ellana, a tough and resourceful heroine, and Beth, a sharp-witted noblewoman, as they are drawn into a chilling murder investigation after Ellana's close encounter with the city’s feared killer, the "Scrubbers’ Stalker."
The blend of dark fantasy, class tension, and mystery kept me turning the pages.
The blend of dark fantasy, class tension, and mystery kept me turning the pages.
December 12, 2025
I genuinely really enjoyed this book! It pretty much had everything I was looking for in a cosy killer autumn read for me. The characters are really well developed and there are just enough of them without being crowded to allow for real development. There is a lot of mystery and tension and intrigue but one of my favorite aspects was the friendship between the main female characters.
A thoroughly enjoyable read!
A thoroughly enjoyable read!
October 18, 2025
Echoes of the Etherstone by Lucy A Mclaren
This is my second book by this author, and what a great read.
Set in a victorian-esque era, it's a mystery with echoes of Jack the Ripper.
I loved the contrast between the two main characters, with their backgrounds being so different. Their friendship is one of the sweetest things, and it's makes for a heartwarming part of the story. I also like that El's accent was able to come across really well and helped to add to the contrast between the two characters' backgrounds.
The mystery did leave you to keep guessing. There were a couple of red herrings, but the 'whodunnit' made sense, and it fit into the story without being convoluted - as some mysteries can be.
There was a dual point of view storytelling with chapters being told from both El and Beth's sides. There are also a few chapters that are told from the killers POV which give nothing away but add to the mystery really well.
This book was really easy to read. It kept me interested throughout. A couple of chapters felt a little long - though that's my own personal preference and takes nothing away from the story.
This is a perfect autumn read, and you very much need to add it to your TBR if you love mysteries and found families.
×× I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review ××
This is my second book by this author, and what a great read.
Set in a victorian-esque era, it's a mystery with echoes of Jack the Ripper.
I loved the contrast between the two main characters, with their backgrounds being so different. Their friendship is one of the sweetest things, and it's makes for a heartwarming part of the story. I also like that El's accent was able to come across really well and helped to add to the contrast between the two characters' backgrounds.
The mystery did leave you to keep guessing. There were a couple of red herrings, but the 'whodunnit' made sense, and it fit into the story without being convoluted - as some mysteries can be.
There was a dual point of view storytelling with chapters being told from both El and Beth's sides. There are also a few chapters that are told from the killers POV which give nothing away but add to the mystery really well.
This book was really easy to read. It kept me interested throughout. A couple of chapters felt a little long - though that's my own personal preference and takes nothing away from the story.
This is a perfect autumn read, and you very much need to add it to your TBR if you love mysteries and found families.
×× I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review ××
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews