What do you think?
Rate this book
Sage Westfield #1
A Baby's Bones: A Sage Westfield Novel
"Finely observed beautifully written" Daily Mail on The Secrets of Life and Death
"It was a secret burial. Maybe even murder..."
Archaeologist Sage Westfield has been called in to excavate a sixteenth-century well, and expects to find little more than soil and the odd piece of pottery. But the disturbing discovery of the bones of a woman and newborn baby make it clear that she has stumbled onto an historical crime scene, one that is interwoven with an unsettling local legend of witchcraft and unrequited love. Yet there is more to the case than a four-hundred-year-old mystery. The owners of a nearby cottage are convinced that it is haunted, and the local vicar is being plagued with abusive phone calls. Then a tragic death makes it all too clear that a modern murderer is at work...
"It was a secret burial. Maybe even murder..."
Archaeologist Sage Westfield has been called in to excavate a sixteenth-century well, and expects to find little more than soil and the odd piece of pottery. But the disturbing discovery of the bones of a woman and newborn baby make it clear that she has stumbled onto an historical crime scene, one that is interwoven with an unsettling local legend of witchcraft and unrequited love. Yet there is more to the case than a four-hundred-year-old mystery. The owners of a nearby cottage are convinced that it is haunted, and the local vicar is being plagued with abusive phone calls. Then a tragic death makes it all too clear that a modern murderer is at work...
480 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2018
130 people are currently reading
592 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Alexander
40 books153 followersHaving had a career in psychology, Rebecca Alexander decided to take time out to raise and home educate six children - and home educate herself with an MA in Creative Writing. The Secrets of Life and Death (2013) was a runner up in the 2011 novel writing competition with Mslexia and an agent and book deal for three books ensued. The Secrets of Blood and Bone (2014) and The Secrets of Time and Fate (2016) were published by Del Rey UK. With a historical strand exploring 16th century sorcery and a contemporary story about revenants, the books enjoyed a fantasy readership.
Since then, A Baby's Bones will be published by Titan Books (May 1 2018) and is decidedly crime. A sequel comes out next April, and the books follow the work of an archaeologist trying to solve crimes in the past. And staying safe in the present, with the help of Felix Guichard from the Secrets series. Things are still going bump in the night.
Since then, A Baby's Bones will be published by Titan Books (May 1 2018) and is decidedly crime. A sequel comes out next April, and the books follow the work of an archaeologist trying to solve crimes in the past. And staying safe in the present, with the help of Felix Guichard from the Secrets series. Things are still going bump in the night.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
May 3, 2018
Entertaining mystery that has its echoes in the 1580s. Although I think this could have been at last 100 pages shorter, it was nevertheless compelling and I enjoyed its chill which contrasted well with the novel's comforting feel - pretty villages, vicars, old houses etc. 3.5 stars rounded up. Review to follow shortly on For Winter Nights.
May 8, 2018
I took a little bit of a risk with this novel because although it was advertised as a historical fiction and mystery all wrapped up in one, I didn't get super positive vibes from the book cover straightaway... but I'm pleasantly surprised! What is it they say about not judging a book by it's cover again?
I loved how this novel was told through dual perspectives, one from the past and one from the future. It was interesting to watch both stories play out separately, the mysteries unfolding as different stories, until they come together in a big crescendo at the end.
I thought the story for this one, and it's characters, were pretty unique! The story is based around a historic crime rather than a current one, so (for the most part) the characters are attempting to solve the mystery of abandoned bones from 500 years ago. Until a present murder happens, and they have two unsolved mysteries to deal with!
I can imagine writing a dual plot like this is pretty difficult, but I think Alexander did well to keep you interested in both time periods. I can't say I was itching to read either past or present more than the other. As for how the plots conjoin at the end, I'm half happy, and half skeptical. I feel like the link between the two time periods is pretty flaky, but at least they did actually join together.
I found a couple of the moments in the novel a little unbelievable, and sometimes the conversations felt very fictional, however, none of this really took away from my enjoyment. I just thought "pfft yeah, right" and moved on.
Our main character Sage is a successful archaeologist! I've never come across an archaeologist in a novel before, and it's so rare to find a strong career led female character with no male superiors. (Sage does have important male colleagues, but none of them boss her around or think themselves better than her).
I loved Sage as a character. I thought she was a decent person, always responsible for her actions. Like with lots of main characters in these kinds of books, she does have some troubles, but all the way through she's actively trying to get past them, rather than wallow in self pity. I could definitely see myself reading another book with her in. As for secondary characters, I think they were all pretty well developed as people, and I enjoyed getting to know them.
I did have my suspicions about who our present day murderer was as there were only a couple of characters who weren't particularly focused on, whereas the rest were all too well known to the reader. So I did end up being right about our modern day killer, but that wasn't really an issue as I found I was more interested in why and how their motive connected to the bones down the well.
One thing to add, this is quite a romantic novel - not something I expected! If you know me and my choice in books, you know that romances icks me out and I always avoid it, so it came as a bit of a shock when it started in this dark thriller. Personally, I felt the romance was pretty cringey and a little cliche, but that could just be because I find lovey dovey things really... well, cringey and cliche!
Overall, I really enjoyed this novel. Even though it deals with some very dark themes and crimes, I kind of felt this was a bit of a cosy novel, and that seemed to be exactly what I needed in this reading slump!
Thank you to Titan Books for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I loved how this novel was told through dual perspectives, one from the past and one from the future. It was interesting to watch both stories play out separately, the mysteries unfolding as different stories, until they come together in a big crescendo at the end.
I thought the story for this one, and it's characters, were pretty unique! The story is based around a historic crime rather than a current one, so (for the most part) the characters are attempting to solve the mystery of abandoned bones from 500 years ago. Until a present murder happens, and they have two unsolved mysteries to deal with!
I can imagine writing a dual plot like this is pretty difficult, but I think Alexander did well to keep you interested in both time periods. I can't say I was itching to read either past or present more than the other. As for how the plots conjoin at the end, I'm half happy, and half skeptical. I feel like the link between the two time periods is pretty flaky, but at least they did actually join together.
I found a couple of the moments in the novel a little unbelievable, and sometimes the conversations felt very fictional, however, none of this really took away from my enjoyment. I just thought "pfft yeah, right" and moved on.
Our main character Sage is a successful archaeologist! I've never come across an archaeologist in a novel before, and it's so rare to find a strong career led female character with no male superiors. (Sage does have important male colleagues, but none of them boss her around or think themselves better than her).
I loved Sage as a character. I thought she was a decent person, always responsible for her actions. Like with lots of main characters in these kinds of books, she does have some troubles, but all the way through she's actively trying to get past them, rather than wallow in self pity. I could definitely see myself reading another book with her in. As for secondary characters, I think they were all pretty well developed as people, and I enjoyed getting to know them.
I did have my suspicions about who our present day murderer was as there were only a couple of characters who weren't particularly focused on, whereas the rest were all too well known to the reader. So I did end up being right about our modern day killer, but that wasn't really an issue as I found I was more interested in why and how their motive connected to the bones down the well.
One thing to add, this is quite a romantic novel - not something I expected! If you know me and my choice in books, you know that romances icks me out and I always avoid it, so it came as a bit of a shock when it started in this dark thriller. Personally, I felt the romance was pretty cringey and a little cliche, but that could just be because I find lovey dovey things really... well, cringey and cliche!
Overall, I really enjoyed this novel. Even though it deals with some very dark themes and crimes, I kind of felt this was a bit of a cosy novel, and that seemed to be exactly what I needed in this reading slump!
Thank you to Titan Books for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
June 2, 2021
My favourite combination, crime and archaeology! A new author for me and I'll definitely look for more books by her. Set on the Isle of Wight, Sage Westfield is excavating a Tudor well and finds the bones of a woman and baby hidden inside. The author has researched the Tudor part of the story thoroughly and the parallel modern story is also well written.
July 21, 2018
My what I expected, less actual archaeology and more dramatic tv soap opera . Uncomplicated plot with less uncomplicated ending ...not a twist on the story at all, a cheap attempt at it at the end , felt forced and manipulative. Maybe a beach read if that .
February 7, 2021
Sage Westfield is an archeologist on the Isle of Wight tasked with excavating a well near a cottage built in the 16th century. Expecting to find the usual pottery tidbits, Sage is shocked to dicover the partial remains of an adult, presumed to be a woman, and baby. As she and others further investigate the remains, the questions mount and questions from the past as well as the present grow more mysterious.
Written in similar fashion to the Ruth Galloway series, which I adore, there was more historical backdrop to A Baby's Bones. There was a dual timeline presented through ledgers and notes from the steward at the time. I found these passages to be very enlightening and often went off on my own tangents of research as new words, ideas and history was presented to me. Overall, I thoroughly enjoye the book and have downloaded the second in the series to read immediately.
Written in similar fashion to the Ruth Galloway series, which I adore, there was more historical backdrop to A Baby's Bones. There was a dual timeline presented through ledgers and notes from the steward at the time. I found these passages to be very enlightening and often went off on my own tangents of research as new words, ideas and history was presented to me. Overall, I thoroughly enjoye the book and have downloaded the second in the series to read immediately.
October 27, 2020
Found this book in the mystery section of the local library. It’s an interesting tale entailing a haunted house, witchcraft, Elizabethan history, alchemy, and murder. The main characters were very likable including archeologist Sage, doctoral student Elliott, and the local vicar Nick. The author alternates every other chapter between present day and the year 1580.
My temptation at first was to abandon the book, but as I read on, the threads of the story and characters began to come together and I became intrigued to see what would happen next.
My temptation at first was to abandon the book, but as I read on, the threads of the story and characters began to come together and I became intrigued to see what would happen next.
May 14, 2018
For my written review, please check out the link below:
Debra's Book Cafe
Debs :-)
Debra's Book Cafe
Debs :-)
April 30, 2018
Rebecca Alexander's A Baby's Bones is a well-paced, engrossing mystery with sympathetic characters and two timelines that really compliment each other. Lovers of archaeology and anthropology should enjoy this mystery that touches on witchcraft, alchemy, French embroiderers, and the usual lineup of unrequited love, jealousy, and a few other sins.
Archaeologist Sage Westfield is a strong, interesting main character who can't rest until she puts together as many pieces of this centuries-old puzzle as she can. I was thrilled to see that this is the first book in a new series because I wasn't ready to leave Sage and the other characters that Alexander has created. A Baby's Bones strongly reminded me of my favorite Wesley Peterson series by Kate Ellis, which also has two timelines and an archaeological context, although there's no strong police presence here.
If your preference is for strong mysteries, full-bodied characters, and a bit of history, I highly recommend Rebecca Alexander's first Sage Westfield mystery.
Archaeologist Sage Westfield is a strong, interesting main character who can't rest until she puts together as many pieces of this centuries-old puzzle as she can. I was thrilled to see that this is the first book in a new series because I wasn't ready to leave Sage and the other characters that Alexander has created. A Baby's Bones strongly reminded me of my favorite Wesley Peterson series by Kate Ellis, which also has two timelines and an archaeological context, although there's no strong police presence here.
If your preference is for strong mysteries, full-bodied characters, and a bit of history, I highly recommend Rebecca Alexander's first Sage Westfield mystery.
August 30, 2018
I half expected to read 20 pages and return this to the library. I didn't. I plowed though it, setting it aside about 20 pages from the end because I didn't want it to finish.
The text alternates between the present and the 16th century, with parallels becoming more and more apparent. The story line moves quickly but does not ride rough-shod over the reader's trust in it. There is one tiny, briefly mentioned, clue dropped in the first 50 or so pages. If you don't pick up on it (I'M NOT GOING TO TELL YOU), that's your problem. Both sets of texts are engaging.
The only criticism I have is of the physical appearance of the faux-16th century script: in the paperback edition, it it too small to be fun to work at Important though.
The characters, even the least of them, are tidily drawn, believable, with enough color that they are easily imagined., You even learn some political and social history. The discussion of alchemy, magic, and religion are interesting.
I hope not to wait too long for the movie of this book. I'm serious.
The text alternates between the present and the 16th century, with parallels becoming more and more apparent. The story line moves quickly but does not ride rough-shod over the reader's trust in it. There is one tiny, briefly mentioned, clue dropped in the first 50 or so pages. If you don't pick up on it (I'M NOT GOING TO TELL YOU), that's your problem. Both sets of texts are engaging.
The only criticism I have is of the physical appearance of the faux-16th century script: in the paperback edition, it it too small to be fun to work at Important though.
The characters, even the least of them, are tidily drawn, believable, with enough color that they are easily imagined., You even learn some political and social history. The discussion of alchemy, magic, and religion are interesting.
I hope not to wait too long for the movie of this book. I'm serious.
June 26, 2018
I enjoyed the mystery and the sense of the past and present being intertwined.... but.... thats as far as I can go to praising this novel... the parts that are set in late Tudor England are really good, though occasionally it falters, but its let down by the fact its too short to feel any connection to the characters and the present characters feel to fluffed up and overly dramatic I feel irritated with sage (awful name btw) and with her odd relationship to not just her affair/ex Marcus but her love intrigue/Hero Nick the clergyman as well as at some point an expert in symbology Professor Guichard, I mean this woman is either exceptionally horny during her pregnancy or sometimes I feel the Author forgets that her character is pregnant. The ending was a bit like watching Eastenders way too overdramatic and just so unbelievable that I nearly laughed. Having said all that it is readable.
August 2, 2018
I picked this up on a whim. Wasn't sure if I would like it or not. It is well written and the story line flows well. The jump from 16th century to 21st century is smooth and concise. This is a stand alone book. However she does have a series based on alchemy and magic.
May 5, 2018
A BABY'S BONES by Rebecca Alexander is a riveting read that brings past and present alive in a twisted story of obsession, witchcraft, and relationships.
Sage Westfield has a lot going on in her life with her work as an archaeologist taking up much of her time and impending motherhood on the horizon. It doesn't help that she has split up with the father and her current work project unearths much more than shards of pottery when human bones are found in the well. But the more Sage discovers about the history of the area the more she wants to know, and uncovering what happened to the woman and child that was dumped in the well becomes a top priority. And as Sage develops new friendships and relationships in the area, it becomes a living and breathing historical project to reveal the truth. But strange things are happening to those living in the cottage and when a fresh body is discovered it becomes clear that it isn't just the demons from the past that are seeking revenge ...
Compelling, engaging, and completely fresh, A BABY'S BONES by Rebecca Alexander is a book that you plan to read for an hour and soon find yourself completely hooked on. The characters are sharp and intelligent, and I love that the narrative moves from past to present so that the archaeological dig becomes even more alive and substantial. There is love, friendship, haunting obsessions, and new life mixed throughout with history and the modern world and it all adds together perfectly to create a richly detailed narrative that will hypnotise you from start to finish.
A BABY'S BONES by Rebecca Alexander is perfect for historical and crime fiction fans alike and I cannot wait to read more from this talented author.
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the Publisher
Sage Westfield has a lot going on in her life with her work as an archaeologist taking up much of her time and impending motherhood on the horizon. It doesn't help that she has split up with the father and her current work project unearths much more than shards of pottery when human bones are found in the well. But the more Sage discovers about the history of the area the more she wants to know, and uncovering what happened to the woman and child that was dumped in the well becomes a top priority. And as Sage develops new friendships and relationships in the area, it becomes a living and breathing historical project to reveal the truth. But strange things are happening to those living in the cottage and when a fresh body is discovered it becomes clear that it isn't just the demons from the past that are seeking revenge ...
Compelling, engaging, and completely fresh, A BABY'S BONES by Rebecca Alexander is a book that you plan to read for an hour and soon find yourself completely hooked on. The characters are sharp and intelligent, and I love that the narrative moves from past to present so that the archaeological dig becomes even more alive and substantial. There is love, friendship, haunting obsessions, and new life mixed throughout with history and the modern world and it all adds together perfectly to create a richly detailed narrative that will hypnotise you from start to finish.
A BABY'S BONES by Rebecca Alexander is perfect for historical and crime fiction fans alike and I cannot wait to read more from this talented author.
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the Publisher
June 4, 2018
First, let me note that I received an advanced reading copy of this book. Second, let me state that all opinions herein are mine, and are not influenced by the previous statement.
A Baby's Bones is not a book to read lightly; it requires concentration, patience, and attention to detail. It is the first book in a new series by Rebecca Alexander, featuring Sage Westfield, a female archæologist.
I felt the book started slowly and, at first, I didn't much like any of the characters except Sage's mother. Still, as I read, it grew more interesting, especially the historical mystery within the contemporary one. The ending was pretty satisfying, although I had figured out the historical mystery. However, the modern-day mystery had a somewhat different solution than the clues led me to believe, so that was cool.
My other nit to pick is that I would love to see a series with a female protagonist where she doesn't meet a romantic partner in the first book. It would be wonderful to have a female detective/cop/etc., who doesn't need a man (or woman) in the background. However, that is a personal preference, and should not keep anyone from reading this book and, indeed, this series.
A Baby's Bones is not a book to read lightly; it requires concentration, patience, and attention to detail. It is the first book in a new series by Rebecca Alexander, featuring Sage Westfield, a female archæologist.
I felt the book started slowly and, at first, I didn't much like any of the characters except Sage's mother. Still, as I read, it grew more interesting, especially the historical mystery within the contemporary one. The ending was pretty satisfying, although I had figured out the historical mystery. However, the modern-day mystery had a somewhat different solution than the clues led me to believe, so that was cool.
My other nit to pick is that I would love to see a series with a female protagonist where she doesn't meet a romantic partner in the first book. It would be wonderful to have a female detective/cop/etc., who doesn't need a man (or woman) in the background. However, that is a personal preference, and should not keep anyone from reading this book and, indeed, this series.
February 1, 2021
This writer's work has been compared to that of Elly Griffiths and her acclaimed Ruth Galloway series, but I beg to differ. For one thing this series is deadly serious while Griffiths' books are always leavened by humour and dry wit. For another this new series is a lot more graphic in its focus on and description of violent and abhorrent acts. I found this book to be a better offering than the second in the series and interesting enough but was disappointed it went on and on.. I think it could have been shortened a bit without losing its impact. The idea of weaving two separate stories and crime scenes separated by centuries works better in this debut novel than in the second book by Alexander. I just didn't find the series to be all that interesting even though I love history and a good mystery story. I'm not sure why I was bored either..maybe it was just the slow pace of events here or the repulsive crimes committed At any rate, the book was good enough but not particularly interesting.
January 24, 2025
I so wanted to love this book. And if the author had just stuck with the mystery it would have worked. But for some reason Archaeologist Sage Westfield, who is 7 months pregnant and JUST broke up with the father of the baby, ends up in a romance with another character. I could not get past this ridiculous subplot which added nothing to the story. And the story was too long, should have cut 50 to 75 pages. I ended up skipping over pages to get to the end. So disappointing.
October 10, 2018
A book with a difference. Sage is an archaeologist and sets off to discover the mystery of a woman and baby's bones found in an old well. These bones date back to Tudor times and the story s set over 2 timelines telling the story of the bones and Sage's investigations. The book is interwoven with tales of witchcraft and sorcery and also another murder. A really interesting and enjoyable read.
May 17, 2018
It was OK - but I wish it had gone a little deeper. Decent enough surface story.
August 7, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! A quick read. Some archeology, history, witchcraft. I'm going to see what else this author has written. I like her style.
April 7, 2020
A fascinating read, I agree with the reviewer Maureen Jennings - 'compelling'. Lots to ponder and research a little more, I had read another book featuring John Dee who was an alchemist and sorcerer to Elizabeth First. Tudor history is steeped in fear of witchcraft and religious conflict. The modern day parrellel running story is equally enthralling, some similarities to Anya Seton's 'Green Darkness'. Another good choice for me from the Willoughby Book Club. Looking forward to the arrival of my next one hopefully in a few weeks.
July 27, 2023
There was a bit of a slow start - a lot of characters thrown at you at once, but I ended up really enjoying this.
The story goes back and forth - we are in the 1600's learning about the lives of the people and meeting the characters that will be involved in a murder. And then we shift to present day to be with the archaeologist's team who is trying to solve the murder as well.
I really enjoyed Sage, the archaeologist and her flawed story. I loved the dig site and the evolution of the story.
I got a little bogged down with the story in the 1600's - that was where I felt they introduced so many characters all at once and it took me a while to figure everything out. But eventually I got into the groove of that story as well.
I will definitely be checking out another book by her.
The story goes back and forth - we are in the 1600's learning about the lives of the people and meeting the characters that will be involved in a murder. And then we shift to present day to be with the archaeologist's team who is trying to solve the murder as well.
I really enjoyed Sage, the archaeologist and her flawed story. I loved the dig site and the evolution of the story.
I got a little bogged down with the story in the 1600's - that was where I felt they introduced so many characters all at once and it took me a while to figure everything out. But eventually I got into the groove of that story as well.
I will definitely be checking out another book by her.
October 6, 2021
Two murders, four centuries apart. I was fully immersed in the story telling. The past and present were woven nicely together and I enjoyed and gasped at the psychotic and jealousy induced murder.
I am not usually a fan of dual storyline but this worked for me. The characters are flawed and humane, the atmosphere is chilling and suspenseful. It linked both psychic and scientific deductions but we never know if it’s the former or latter.
I am not usually a fan of dual storyline but this worked for me. The characters are flawed and humane, the atmosphere is chilling and suspenseful. It linked both psychic and scientific deductions but we never know if it’s the former or latter.
May 25, 2023
A good, solid first book. She caught the creepy factor of the cottage and the mood of the dig. You might catch the moment early on when the current day killer reveals themself, but no matter if you don't. The historical mystery that is being uncovered tells a lot about that time period in a way that is approachable.
February 18, 2022
I found this book via Rainienutreads on Instagram and have been wanting to read it since! But I held back for a long time because for some reason, this library book doesn’t synch with my kobo! But eventually, the curiosity was too much and I ended up reading the whole thing on my phone even though I normally try to avoid doing that.
A Baby’s Bones consists of two stories woven together. In the present, archaeologist Sage is excavating a well when she finds two bodies – that of a woman and a baby. In the past, the steward Vincent Garland tells the story about Viola, the daughter of Lord Banstock, her fiancé Seaborne, and the rumours of witchcraft.
Given that we know a baby and a woman dies in the past, the historical narrative was a bit more predictable (but no less enjoyable). I managed to figure out the ending was before the big reveal, but it was inevitable because of all the clues we had. Still, I really enjoyed that storyline!
And happily, the present-day narrative was great well! Sometimes, books with a dual narrative structure has one story become the support for the other, but in this case, both storylines were very well-fleshed out. Sage and the local vicar, Nick, are beset with a series of threatening calls that quickly escalate. At the same time, Sage is pregnant with a married man’s child and is trying to finally break up with him. And I have to say that the reveal to this mystery (the one about the threats) is one that I didn’t see coming but which made perfect sense.
Sage was a great main character – she’s aware of her flaws but tenacious in the pursuit of the truth. I also liked the supporting cast of characters, most notably Nick, the local vicar, and Professor Felix, who helps decipher the mysterious occult symbols that she finds in the well.
Overall, this was a very exciting book! The combination of magic and science, and the dual mysteries, were very well-balanced and I basically tore through the book. I’d definitely recommend this to fans of mysteries.
This review was first posted at Eustea Reads
A Baby’s Bones consists of two stories woven together. In the present, archaeologist Sage is excavating a well when she finds two bodies – that of a woman and a baby. In the past, the steward Vincent Garland tells the story about Viola, the daughter of Lord Banstock, her fiancé Seaborne, and the rumours of witchcraft.
Given that we know a baby and a woman dies in the past, the historical narrative was a bit more predictable (but no less enjoyable). I managed to figure out the ending was before the big reveal, but it was inevitable because of all the clues we had. Still, I really enjoyed that storyline!
And happily, the present-day narrative was great well! Sometimes, books with a dual narrative structure has one story become the support for the other, but in this case, both storylines were very well-fleshed out. Sage and the local vicar, Nick, are beset with a series of threatening calls that quickly escalate. At the same time, Sage is pregnant with a married man’s child and is trying to finally break up with him. And I have to say that the reveal to this mystery (the one about the threats) is one that I didn’t see coming but which made perfect sense.
Sage was a great main character – she’s aware of her flaws but tenacious in the pursuit of the truth. I also liked the supporting cast of characters, most notably Nick, the local vicar, and Professor Felix, who helps decipher the mysterious occult symbols that she finds in the well.
Overall, this was a very exciting book! The combination of magic and science, and the dual mysteries, were very well-balanced and I basically tore through the book. I’d definitely recommend this to fans of mysteries.
This review was first posted at Eustea Reads
September 15, 2018
GREAT book from beginning to end. It has ; archeology, 100 yr old murder mystery, witchery, haunted houses and some romance. Strong characters, finely written and will have you guessing till the end. I'm a new fan of Rebecca Alexander.
LOVED IT!
LOVED IT!
August 19, 2018
A decent book about a murder from the 1500 being discovered in present day. The story goes back and forth between the two time periods unravelling the mystery on each end chapter by chapter. Then history starts to repeat itself with a current day murder in the same location. I felt like the book couldn’t make up it’s mind on if it was a ghost story or science but perhaps that was because of the beliefs from the 1500s to present day. Anyway, it was close to 3 stars but the romance involving the main characters Sage and Nick is what knocked it down to 2. Sage is very pregnant and has just ended her relationship with the father, a married man. Nick is a recently widowed vicar. The two are instantly attracted to each other. I am sorry but a small village, no mater the day and age, would not find this acceptable. And who’s attracted to a pregnant woman expecting another man’s child? Plus, I can’t even imagine having time for a new baby and a new romance. I’ve never understood books that throw in a romance when it’s not necessary; the story alone about the archeological find was good enough.
January 16, 2020
I read this because it was compared to the brilliant Ruth Galloway series by Elly Griffiths. There are clear parallels; female archaeologist, involved with murder, complicated love life, slightly unusual part of the country. Ms Alexander has a long way to go before being able to match Ms Griffiths. While it was an interesting story spanning several centuries it never felt truly accurate to me. The language used for the 1500s simply wasn’t believable for starters. The murderer in the 21st century was screamingly obvious from the start and there was little by the way of tension.
I have the second book in the series to read, but I’m not yet invested in any of the characters, so unless the story really picks up I doubt I’ll read more. However, this one was just good enough to make me reach over for it.
I have the second book in the series to read, but I’m not yet invested in any of the characters, so unless the story really picks up I doubt I’ll read more. However, this one was just good enough to make me reach over for it.
June 4, 2018
This one started well, but the characters were flat and not all that believable; ironically, the segments set in 1580 felt more realistic and engaging than the modern-day ones. And the plot quickly became melodramatic in the extreme; the murderer was straight out of a low-budget horror film, with as much motive for his/her actions. But I did finish it.
May 7, 2018
The modern mystery had too many obvious clues, but the 400 year old mystery was intriguing. All in all, an enjoyable read.
July 1, 2021
An amazing read and very well written. Definitely one of my favourite reads of 2019! Highly recommended
Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews