What do you think?
Rate this book
The Woman In The Lake
‘I see it all again: the silver moon swimming beneath the water and the golden gown billowing out about her…’
1765: Lady Isabella Gerard asks her maid to take her new golden gown and destroy it. Its shimmering beauty has been tainted by the actions of her husband the night before.
Three months later: Lord Eustace Gerard stands beside the lake looking down at the woman in the golden gown. As the body slowly rolls over to reveal her face, it’s clear this is not his intended victim…
1996: Fenella Brightwell steals a stunning gown from a stately home. Twenty years later and reeling from the end of an abusive marriage, she wonders if it has cursed her all this time. Now she’s determined to discover the history behind the beautiful golden dress…
337 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 26, 2019
443 people are currently reading
7705 people want to read
About the author
Nicola Cornick
222 books1,167 followersInternational bestselling author Nicola Cornick writes dual-time historical mysteries that draw on her love for genealogy and local history. She studied History at London and Oxford and worked in academia for a number of years before becoming a full time author. Nicola acts as a guide and researcher at the stunning 17th century hunting lodge, Ashdown House and is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Friends of Lydiard Park in Swindon. She gives talks and tours on a variety of historical topics.
Nicola lives near Oxford and loves reading, writing, history, music, wildlife, travel and walking her dog. She also loves hearing from her readers and chatting to them. She can also be found on Facebook, Twitter @NicolaCornick and Instagram.
Nicola lives near Oxford and loves reading, writing, history, music, wildlife, travel and walking her dog. She also loves hearing from her readers and chatting to them. She can also be found on Facebook, Twitter @NicolaCornick and Instagram.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 306 reviews
December 22, 2018
4 stars to The Woman in the Lake! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
I read my first book by author, Nicola Cornick, The Phantom Tree, just a couple months ago. Thanks to my dear friend, Stephanie, for the recommendation for this author. After that breathtaking experience, I couldn’t wait to read The Woman in the Lake. It held up!
There are three narrators in The Woman in the Lake. Lady Isabella and her maid, Constance, both in the 1700s, and Fenella, in the present day.
Lady Isabella‘s husband is ruthless and abusive. Constance does her best to care for her, but there is only so much she can do. Fenella has a problem with taking what is not hers. There is a loose thread that spans from past to present that ties these women together, and how that joins them is part of mystery held within these pages.
The Woman in the Lake is rich with themes of jealousy and revenge in times of decadent living and the society life. The characters are complex and feel both natural and realistic. They also elicit strong feelings: I adored Lady Isabella and despised her evil husband. Affairs, plenty of darkness, and a fast-paced clip kept the story moving. There is also a supernatural element that is part of Cornick’s signature.
I found the story to be chilling and suspenseful, even more than I expected, and the historical backdrop of Georgian England was quite charming. Everyone has his or her flaws, and the characters were what really made this story, especially Lady Isabella and Fenella.
Thank you to the publisher for complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own.
My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
I read my first book by author, Nicola Cornick, The Phantom Tree, just a couple months ago. Thanks to my dear friend, Stephanie, for the recommendation for this author. After that breathtaking experience, I couldn’t wait to read The Woman in the Lake. It held up!
There are three narrators in The Woman in the Lake. Lady Isabella and her maid, Constance, both in the 1700s, and Fenella, in the present day.
Lady Isabella‘s husband is ruthless and abusive. Constance does her best to care for her, but there is only so much she can do. Fenella has a problem with taking what is not hers. There is a loose thread that spans from past to present that ties these women together, and how that joins them is part of mystery held within these pages.
The Woman in the Lake is rich with themes of jealousy and revenge in times of decadent living and the society life. The characters are complex and feel both natural and realistic. They also elicit strong feelings: I adored Lady Isabella and despised her evil husband. Affairs, plenty of darkness, and a fast-paced clip kept the story moving. There is also a supernatural element that is part of Cornick’s signature.
I found the story to be chilling and suspenseful, even more than I expected, and the historical backdrop of Georgian England was quite charming. Everyone has his or her flaws, and the characters were what really made this story, especially Lady Isabella and Fenella.
Thank you to the publisher for complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own.
My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
February 26, 2019
A spellbinding story pact with scandal suspense and the supernatural!
Beautifully told and breathtaking this story brings present and past together. A bewitched gown Whose evil powers have remain strong throughout the years. Nicola Cornick has spun a tale rich with mystery and magic!
This book was narrated by three separate characters, lady Isabella, her maid constants, and Fenella. The 1765 story was fraught with scandal and deceit. These characters were up to all kinds of no good, scheming, smuggling, and debauchery. Seriously these characters would have made for one tantalizing reality television show! Fenella’s present day story was a little tamer. Fenella has recently got out of a bad marriage, but she has now been reunited with the dreaded gown and all that it implies. We first encounter the gown in 1765 when lady Isabella’s abusive husband gifts her with it. Is it a gift or is it a death sentence? When Constance the maid figures out the true motivation behind the gown she ushers it off into hiding. But the gown’s powers are far reaching its capacity to sway compulsion is strong. Over 200 years later Fen happens across the gown at a historic home and cannot help but pinch it. What power does this gown have over whoever possesses it? And can it be stopped?
I loved how this story wove the historical, the contemporary, and the magical together. It really made for one charming tale with some pretty fascinating characters. Isabella, Constance, and Fenella we’re all very strong smart likable characters, each with their own quirks. The story had a wonderful flow to it and kept me entertained and engaged throughout. This was my first book by Nicola Cornick, but it will definitely not be my last. There was just something so mesmerizing and magical about her writing that really captivated the reader in me.
An exquisitely told tale about a bewitched gown seamlessly woven together with threads of the present and the past. Absolutely recommend!
🎧🎧🎧 The audio book was narrated by multiple narrators always enjoy this win the story is told from multiple different points of view. It really gives each character their own voice and eliminates any confusion as to who is narrating at what time. Also something that I thought was really wonderful about this book was the voices of Lady Isabella and Constance sounded much war historical while Fen’s voice sounded very today. I’m not sure if this even makes sense, but it really worked!
🎵🎵🎵 Song Running Through My Head
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=sZFQiy9...
*** huge thank you to Harlequin and Harper Audio for my copy of this book ***
Beautifully told and breathtaking this story brings present and past together. A bewitched gown Whose evil powers have remain strong throughout the years. Nicola Cornick has spun a tale rich with mystery and magic!
This book was narrated by three separate characters, lady Isabella, her maid constants, and Fenella. The 1765 story was fraught with scandal and deceit. These characters were up to all kinds of no good, scheming, smuggling, and debauchery. Seriously these characters would have made for one tantalizing reality television show! Fenella’s present day story was a little tamer. Fenella has recently got out of a bad marriage, but she has now been reunited with the dreaded gown and all that it implies. We first encounter the gown in 1765 when lady Isabella’s abusive husband gifts her with it. Is it a gift or is it a death sentence? When Constance the maid figures out the true motivation behind the gown she ushers it off into hiding. But the gown’s powers are far reaching its capacity to sway compulsion is strong. Over 200 years later Fen happens across the gown at a historic home and cannot help but pinch it. What power does this gown have over whoever possesses it? And can it be stopped?
I loved how this story wove the historical, the contemporary, and the magical together. It really made for one charming tale with some pretty fascinating characters. Isabella, Constance, and Fenella we’re all very strong smart likable characters, each with their own quirks. The story had a wonderful flow to it and kept me entertained and engaged throughout. This was my first book by Nicola Cornick, but it will definitely not be my last. There was just something so mesmerizing and magical about her writing that really captivated the reader in me.
An exquisitely told tale about a bewitched gown seamlessly woven together with threads of the present and the past. Absolutely recommend!
🎧🎧🎧 The audio book was narrated by multiple narrators always enjoy this win the story is told from multiple different points of view. It really gives each character their own voice and eliminates any confusion as to who is narrating at what time. Also something that I thought was really wonderful about this book was the voices of Lady Isabella and Constance sounded much war historical while Fen’s voice sounded very today. I’m not sure if this even makes sense, but it really worked!
🎵🎵🎵 Song Running Through My Head
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=sZFQiy9...
*** huge thank you to Harlequin and Harper Audio for my copy of this book ***
January 24, 2021
4 stars!
Mysterious. Chilling. Suspenseful. Atmospheric.
This novel presents a dual timeline gothic mystery surrounding a golden gown dating back to 1863. In Present Day, the golden gown is in the hands of an inexperienced antiques dealer, Fenella, who received it from her late grandmother. “Fen” feels a connection to the gown and begins her search for the details of the gowns past.
This is my first book by this author and I found her writing to be beautiful and ever-so engrossing. I was invested in this English countryside mystery from start to finish. The pace and flow were perfect. Told through three narratives, I was equally connected to all, although the Present Day storyline ended too dramatic for my liking.
Audio review: 5+ stars! The narrators were PHENOMENAL! I loved the uniqueness they each brought to the story. The perfect choices for the telling of this marvellous tale!
Thank you to NetGalley for my review copy! Thank you to my lovely local library for the audio loan.
Mysterious. Chilling. Suspenseful. Atmospheric.
This novel presents a dual timeline gothic mystery surrounding a golden gown dating back to 1863. In Present Day, the golden gown is in the hands of an inexperienced antiques dealer, Fenella, who received it from her late grandmother. “Fen” feels a connection to the gown and begins her search for the details of the gowns past.
This is my first book by this author and I found her writing to be beautiful and ever-so engrossing. I was invested in this English countryside mystery from start to finish. The pace and flow were perfect. Told through three narratives, I was equally connected to all, although the Present Day storyline ended too dramatic for my liking.
Audio review: 5+ stars! The narrators were PHENOMENAL! I loved the uniqueness they each brought to the story. The perfect choices for the telling of this marvellous tale!
Thank you to NetGalley for my review copy! Thank you to my lovely local library for the audio loan.
June 17, 2019
This book was just OK for me... I liked the idea of a dress affecting two women over 250 years, but the execution of it all was a little lacking. I really enjoyed the "past" half of the book, but the present day story was a little too far-fetched. I either needed more about Fen's story and background, or it should have been a much smaller part in the book.
Still a good book, just go into it with medium expectations.
Still a good book, just go into it with medium expectations.
December 4, 2018
The Woman in the Lake is a dual timeline story, one branch set in 18th century England, the other in present day Great Britain. There's a touch of suspense and the supernatural, a tiny bit of romance (present day timeline only), and a whole lot of murderous intent. Sadly, neither plotline works--the characters in the 18th century one have a little personality, but that's only when compared to those in the present day one, who are so wooden you can practically hear them creaking as they move through their paces.
The 18th century plotline could have been fascinating, but it's as if each character was given one personality trait and by the time the two main narrators of that period start to become more than caricatures, the story is approximately 90% done. The present day plot seems to exist only to be a "modern" plot, perhaps because...well, I can't think of a reason, which shows how little it adds to The Woman in the Lake.
Eminently skippable.
The 18th century plotline could have been fascinating, but it's as if each character was given one personality trait and by the time the two main narrators of that period start to become more than caricatures, the story is approximately 90% done. The present day plot seems to exist only to be a "modern" plot, perhaps because...well, I can't think of a reason, which shows how little it adds to The Woman in the Lake.
Eminently skippable.
March 12, 2019
Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres, and if it involves a dual timeline story where fates of characters are connected by decisions and actions taken centuries apart, it makes for a recipe I absolutely adore. Mix in some fantasy and chances are I’d love it even more. Last year when I read The Phantom Tree by Nicola Cornick it easily became one of my favorites since in addition to gorgeous writing, it included everything I love in historical fiction. So, just imagine my excitement when I realized the author was releasing another novel! I couldn’t wait to get a copy, and almost did a happy dance when my ARC for The Woman in the Lake arrived in the mail.
Set in the dual timelines of present day Swindon and Georgian London, The Woman in the Lake is a story that revolves around three women and an evil gorgeous golden gown. Lady Isabella Gerard has a love-hate relationship with a stunning new gown, an unexpected gift by her unloving, abusive husband. She orders her maid Constance to take away the shimmering beauty until she asks for it again. Constance, who is also a spy for Lord Gerard, is torn between the two conflicting orders of destroying the gown, as per the master’s order or preserving it until further notice, as decreed by the mistress. What will she do? Who can she defy? And what’s so special about this gown other than its obvious beauty?
Fast forward two and a half centuries to present day. Teacher and part time antique seller, Fenella Brightwell has just about managed to settle into her new life after escaping and divorcing her manipulative abusive ex. One day she arrives home to a mysterious package, opening which reveals a gorgeous golden gown that Fenella recalls stealing as a child from a historic home on a school trip. With the gown now in her possession, Fen starts experiencing weird hallucinations and strange urges. Is the gown controlling her or is she just losing her mind? As she struggles to find sanity and tries to unearth the mystery surrounding the bizarre occurrences, Fen comes across Lady Isabella’s story and finds herself entangled in a convoluted puzzle that spans centuries.
The overall plot is well designed and mystery expertly woven around historical facts and events. Manipulations, deceit, revenge – there is plenty of psychological darkness involved, along with a slight gothic element which maintains a constant menacing undertone throughout the story. However, despite it all, I wasn’t as impressed as I wanted to be with The Woman in the Lake. Having read The Phantom Tree before, I knew the author was capable of weaving intricate, elaborate dual stories that just melded into each other. Sadly, that wasn’t the case with this one, the execution of the plot as well as the ending seemed pretty rushed. The pacing was slow, the characters felt flat and lacked complexity, and speaking of characters, I believe there were too many of them, which only made things more confusing rather than clear.
I really, really wanted to like this book, but it felt like everything was just haphazardly put together. So much was left unexplained – the time travel aspect – how did that really work? The gown – was it really evil? If yes, how did that happen, if no, why did it affect anyone who touched it? What fate befell Lord Gerard? For such an intriguing premise, a lot made very little sense. Also, that wisp of romance in the present day was barely convincing. And tell me, how did that certain someone find Fen towards the end (Don’t want to give spoilers, hence the vagueness). I am not saying this was a bad book, it just could have been so much better.
You’ll have to read it for yourself to know how it sits with you. I’d highly recommend the author’s last book The Phantom Tree, but about this one, I am not so sure. Of course, I’ll still be on the lookout for her next work, but am sorry that this one didn’t manage to impress me.
For more reviews visit my blog Booktimistic - Books, Outdoors & Optimism
** An ARC was provided by Harlequin Books and TLC Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.**
Set in the dual timelines of present day Swindon and Georgian London, The Woman in the Lake is a story that revolves around three women and an evil gorgeous golden gown. Lady Isabella Gerard has a love-hate relationship with a stunning new gown, an unexpected gift by her unloving, abusive husband. She orders her maid Constance to take away the shimmering beauty until she asks for it again. Constance, who is also a spy for Lord Gerard, is torn between the two conflicting orders of destroying the gown, as per the master’s order or preserving it until further notice, as decreed by the mistress. What will she do? Who can she defy? And what’s so special about this gown other than its obvious beauty?
Fast forward two and a half centuries to present day. Teacher and part time antique seller, Fenella Brightwell has just about managed to settle into her new life after escaping and divorcing her manipulative abusive ex. One day she arrives home to a mysterious package, opening which reveals a gorgeous golden gown that Fenella recalls stealing as a child from a historic home on a school trip. With the gown now in her possession, Fen starts experiencing weird hallucinations and strange urges. Is the gown controlling her or is she just losing her mind? As she struggles to find sanity and tries to unearth the mystery surrounding the bizarre occurrences, Fen comes across Lady Isabella’s story and finds herself entangled in a convoluted puzzle that spans centuries.
The overall plot is well designed and mystery expertly woven around historical facts and events. Manipulations, deceit, revenge – there is plenty of psychological darkness involved, along with a slight gothic element which maintains a constant menacing undertone throughout the story. However, despite it all, I wasn’t as impressed as I wanted to be with The Woman in the Lake. Having read The Phantom Tree before, I knew the author was capable of weaving intricate, elaborate dual stories that just melded into each other. Sadly, that wasn’t the case with this one, the execution of the plot as well as the ending seemed pretty rushed. The pacing was slow, the characters felt flat and lacked complexity, and speaking of characters, I believe there were too many of them, which only made things more confusing rather than clear.
I really, really wanted to like this book, but it felt like everything was just haphazardly put together. So much was left unexplained – the time travel aspect – how did that really work? The gown – was it really evil? If yes, how did that happen, if no, why did it affect anyone who touched it? What fate befell Lord Gerard? For such an intriguing premise, a lot made very little sense. Also, that wisp of romance in the present day was barely convincing. And tell me, how did that certain someone find Fen towards the end (Don’t want to give spoilers, hence the vagueness). I am not saying this was a bad book, it just could have been so much better.
You’ll have to read it for yourself to know how it sits with you. I’d highly recommend the author’s last book The Phantom Tree, but about this one, I am not so sure. Of course, I’ll still be on the lookout for her next work, but am sorry that this one didn’t manage to impress me.
For more reviews visit my blog Booktimistic - Books, Outdoors & Optimism
** An ARC was provided by Harlequin Books and TLC Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.**
February 8, 2019
I read The Phantom Tree by Nicola Cornick a couple of months ago and just fell in love with Cornick's writing! I love how quickly she managed to transport me to a completely different place and time period with her lyrical writing, and she succeeded it again with her newest novel, The Woman in the Lake, only this time the setting is England in the present and a quite surprisingly decadent and sensual Georgian England in the past.
The novel is suspenseful right from the first page, which drew me in immediately! I couldn't stop turning the pages of the book as each of the three narrators, Lady Isabella and her lady's maid Constance in 1765 and Fenella in present-day, give their own harrowing and often times tormenting accounts of what transpires across the centuries.
It is a gorgeous golden gown that once belonged to Lady Isabella that mysteriously binds the three together in this story. The gown is a gift from Lady Isabella's cruelly abusive husband Lord Gerard, a gift Isabella defies him by not accepting and orders Constance to destroy. Yet, the gown seems to have dark, otherworldly powers that no thing should possess since somehow Fen ends up with the gown in the present day. It slowly begins to control her actions and mind until disaster threatens very near.
Cornick did an excellent job weaving the story back and forth from Georgian times to present day. I love how descriptive she is with her settings and characters and could at times imagine that I was there with Lady Isabella, a character who I truly loved! Although I loved Fen and Constance (who was quite the surprise at the end!), Isabella is a special, multifaceted, strong-willed woman that I ended up greatly admiring. I love exceptional characters and for me, Cornick's characters are exactly that because they are just so well characterized with their realism, complexity, flaws, and character growth!
If you haven't read Cornick's books, then you might not know that she adds a few supernatural elements into her narrative as a way to connect the past and present storylines together, and this book was no different! I always enjoy a story with a good supernatural element, and I think she does it well--it's not overdone but just right.
The Woman in the Lake is a story teeming with mystery, hatred, envy, revenge, suspense, and dark evil. Yet more than that, it's a story about three women who against the odds and against the darkness that threatens to defeat them must find strength, empowerment, and a way to prevail.
I know after loving the two books that I've read by Cornick that I plan to not only read her backlist and can't wait to read what she writes next! The Woman in the Lake publishes on February 26, 2019 and if you love historical fiction, then I highly recommend you pick up a copy!
**Thank you to Graydon House for an ARC copy to read and review in exchange for my fair and honest review.**
The novel is suspenseful right from the first page, which drew me in immediately! I couldn't stop turning the pages of the book as each of the three narrators, Lady Isabella and her lady's maid Constance in 1765 and Fenella in present-day, give their own harrowing and often times tormenting accounts of what transpires across the centuries.
It is a gorgeous golden gown that once belonged to Lady Isabella that mysteriously binds the three together in this story. The gown is a gift from Lady Isabella's cruelly abusive husband Lord Gerard, a gift Isabella defies him by not accepting and orders Constance to destroy. Yet, the gown seems to have dark, otherworldly powers that no thing should possess since somehow Fen ends up with the gown in the present day. It slowly begins to control her actions and mind until disaster threatens very near.
Cornick did an excellent job weaving the story back and forth from Georgian times to present day. I love how descriptive she is with her settings and characters and could at times imagine that I was there with Lady Isabella, a character who I truly loved! Although I loved Fen and Constance (who was quite the surprise at the end!), Isabella is a special, multifaceted, strong-willed woman that I ended up greatly admiring. I love exceptional characters and for me, Cornick's characters are exactly that because they are just so well characterized with their realism, complexity, flaws, and character growth!
If you haven't read Cornick's books, then you might not know that she adds a few supernatural elements into her narrative as a way to connect the past and present storylines together, and this book was no different! I always enjoy a story with a good supernatural element, and I think she does it well--it's not overdone but just right.
The Woman in the Lake is a story teeming with mystery, hatred, envy, revenge, suspense, and dark evil. Yet more than that, it's a story about three women who against the odds and against the darkness that threatens to defeat them must find strength, empowerment, and a way to prevail.
I know after loving the two books that I've read by Cornick that I plan to not only read her backlist and can't wait to read what she writes next! The Woman in the Lake publishes on February 26, 2019 and if you love historical fiction, then I highly recommend you pick up a copy!
**Thank you to Graydon House for an ARC copy to read and review in exchange for my fair and honest review.**
March 18, 2019
I enjoy dual timeline books very much. The past story is always the reason I pick them up. Unfortunately, here, it's the modern day story that gets more book time. While interesting, I would have preferred to know more about the past, especially Lady Isabella's story.
The story is well pulled together but the three leading characters are not very likable. I didn't really care about any of them, most especially Fen, from the modern part.
However, it did keep me reading as I was interested in the outcome.
The author has written better books than this.
The story is well pulled together but the three leading characters are not very likable. I didn't really care about any of them, most especially Fen, from the modern part.
However, it did keep me reading as I was interested in the outcome.
The author has written better books than this.
March 13, 2019
I have a confession, I’d never read anything of Nicola Cornick’s before picking up The Woman In The Lake. The ‘For fans of Kate Morton’ and blurb compelled me to read it. Now, having read the book, the irony of that statement is not lost on me *snorts*
If you’re anything like me, you won’t want to put this book down once you start. The lies we tell ourselves, eh? I kept saying, ‘I’ll just read one more chapter’ which turned into me not stopping till I had finished. Who needs sleep?! Not me - that’s for sure.
Can an item really bring you bad luck? This is just one of the mysteries which we unfold within the pages of this stunning story.
Two women from very different times connected by... well, that would be telling now wouldn’t it, lol.
Now, now! Don’t pull your angry face at me. You wouldn’t want me to give anything away, would you? *shakes head* Thank you - now, where was I?
Oh yes... Told via past and present, each chapter tantalises the senses leaving you with more questions than answers, and hints of truths to be revealed. Hence my not wanting to put the book down!
I love unexpected twists and this book certainly had those in spades. I knew going in of the historical mystery element, but the present day thriller aspect definitely threw me for a loop. *sings* Creepy!
Nicola Cornick was a new-to-me-2019-author who has cemented herself on my auto-buy list with her spellbinding storytelling. Do yourself a favour and bump this must-read book up your TBR pile!
If you’re anything like me, you won’t want to put this book down once you start. The lies we tell ourselves, eh? I kept saying, ‘I’ll just read one more chapter’ which turned into me not stopping till I had finished. Who needs sleep?! Not me - that’s for sure.
Can an item really bring you bad luck? This is just one of the mysteries which we unfold within the pages of this stunning story.
Two women from very different times connected by... well, that would be telling now wouldn’t it, lol.
Now, now! Don’t pull your angry face at me. You wouldn’t want me to give anything away, would you? *shakes head* Thank you - now, where was I?
Oh yes... Told via past and present, each chapter tantalises the senses leaving you with more questions than answers, and hints of truths to be revealed. Hence my not wanting to put the book down!
I love unexpected twists and this book certainly had those in spades. I knew going in of the historical mystery element, but the present day thriller aspect definitely threw me for a loop. *sings* Creepy!
Nicola Cornick was a new-to-me-2019-author who has cemented herself on my auto-buy list with her spellbinding storytelling. Do yourself a favour and bump this must-read book up your TBR pile!
July 8, 2021
Audiobook -
This was performed by three narrators. I’m unsure who narrated each character. One of them definitely did a much better job than the others as well as one made if difficult for me to listen to it at times as her voice was so flat and monotone that I struggled with the driving need to just stop the torture. Usually, I just switched over to music and later returned to it. It pretty much flipped between narrators/characters with every chapter which made it much easier.
I had high hopes for this book. Labeled as a psychological thriller, I’m not sure what I was expecting but this tended to have a bit of a paranormal aspect to it. Although, I was okay with that. It just never really lived up to what that promised as well as the thriller claim.
The most disappointing part of the story was that I didn’t like or care about a single character. Not even the one that was supposed to be the good guy in the end. I also expected to feel more of the mystery and mystique and was hoping for a surprising twist but unfortunately I didn’t get any of that either. I stuck with this one thinking it was going to eventually give me that adrenaline rush at the end but nope. I felt like this was a waste of time.
Multi POV
Not a romance although there is a bit of one between two of the characters and it was safe
Triggers
This was performed by three narrators. I’m unsure who narrated each character. One of them definitely did a much better job than the others as well as one made if difficult for me to listen to it at times as her voice was so flat and monotone that I struggled with the driving need to just stop the torture. Usually, I just switched over to music and later returned to it. It pretty much flipped between narrators/characters with every chapter which made it much easier.
I had high hopes for this book. Labeled as a psychological thriller, I’m not sure what I was expecting but this tended to have a bit of a paranormal aspect to it. Although, I was okay with that. It just never really lived up to what that promised as well as the thriller claim.
The most disappointing part of the story was that I didn’t like or care about a single character. Not even the one that was supposed to be the good guy in the end. I also expected to feel more of the mystery and mystique and was hoping for a surprising twist but unfortunately I didn’t get any of that either. I stuck with this one thinking it was going to eventually give me that adrenaline rush at the end but nope. I felt like this was a waste of time.
Multi POV
Not a romance although there is a bit of one between two of the characters and it was safe
Triggers
February 24, 2019
The Woman in the Lake by Nicola Cornick is a historical fiction novel that spans the time of both past and present. The Woman in the Lake jumps back and forth between the perspectives of Fenella in present time, and Isabella and Constance in the past.
In the past, Isabella is a talented woman who wants to live her own life, free from an abusive husband. Constance is her lady's maid. When a yellow dress is gifted to Isabella, her life begins to change.
When Fenella receives a dress in the mail from her deceased grandmother, a dress she stole from a museum as a child, she isn't expecting her world to turn upside down. But it does. Fen's kleptomania tendencies reappear with a possessed aggressiveness that Fen begins to question. Why is Fen's losing control? Does it have to do with the dress? Fen starts to question her reality as more odd things around her begin to happen.
Along the way, Fen meets Hamish. There's more to Hamish than meets the eye, and Fen finds herself drawn to him.
I enjoyed reading The Woman in the Lake. Nicola Cornick is a master at weaving incredibly intricate tales. Really, what dragged down my opinion of this book was the pacing. It was slow.Very, very slow. And since there were very few big action events, it was a slog to get through at times.
The story itself is fascinating. I liked getting to know Fen, Isabella, and Constance as the story jumped back and forth between their perspectives. All three women were well-written and unique. My favorite character was Isabella. She comes off as a spoiled, pampered woman, but behind the scenes, her life isn't enviable. Isabella is wildly talented. With a conniving mind, she helps shape her future by manipulating the people and situations around her.
I enjoyed the ending, especially the chapters featuring Jake, Fen's deceased ex. The ending was both dramatic and interesting.
If you enjoy historical fiction or are already a fan of Nicola Cornick, check out The Woman in the Lake!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing the Kindle version of this book in exchange for an honest review.
In the past, Isabella is a talented woman who wants to live her own life, free from an abusive husband. Constance is her lady's maid. When a yellow dress is gifted to Isabella, her life begins to change.
When Fenella receives a dress in the mail from her deceased grandmother, a dress she stole from a museum as a child, she isn't expecting her world to turn upside down. But it does. Fen's kleptomania tendencies reappear with a possessed aggressiveness that Fen begins to question. Why is Fen's losing control? Does it have to do with the dress? Fen starts to question her reality as more odd things around her begin to happen.
Along the way, Fen meets Hamish. There's more to Hamish than meets the eye, and Fen finds herself drawn to him.
I enjoyed reading The Woman in the Lake. Nicola Cornick is a master at weaving incredibly intricate tales. Really, what dragged down my opinion of this book was the pacing. It was slow.Very, very slow. And since there were very few big action events, it was a slog to get through at times.
The story itself is fascinating. I liked getting to know Fen, Isabella, and Constance as the story jumped back and forth between their perspectives. All three women were well-written and unique. My favorite character was Isabella. She comes off as a spoiled, pampered woman, but behind the scenes, her life isn't enviable. Isabella is wildly talented. With a conniving mind, she helps shape her future by manipulating the people and situations around her.
I enjoyed the ending, especially the chapters featuring Jake, Fen's deceased ex. The ending was both dramatic and interesting.
If you enjoy historical fiction or are already a fan of Nicola Cornick, check out The Woman in the Lake!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing the Kindle version of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 26, 2019
This was my favorite kind of audiobook, where a variety of narrators perform, almost like a play. The very posh British accents added greatly to my enjoyment.
Three different women tell their stories, and unlike many of these back and forth narratives, I was equally interested in both the past and the present. In 1763, Lady Isabella and her maid, Constance, suffer at the hands of Lord Gerrard, a physically and mentally abusive brute. In the present Fennela Brightwell has recently escaped the clutches of her psycho ex-husband, who is said to have died in a train crash shortly after their divorce. But Fennela is positive he is very much alive and stalking her.
The link between the two stories is a beautiful golden gown (which come to think of it, "The Golden Gown" would have been a better title). Supposedly haunted and malevolent, the gown causes people to act on their worst impulses. Conceived as an object of destruction, the gown paradoxically proves to be the means of deliverance for all three women.
This was far fetched and a bit over-long, but entertaining. It held my interest and had secrets to reveal right up until the very end.
Three different women tell their stories, and unlike many of these back and forth narratives, I was equally interested in both the past and the present. In 1763, Lady Isabella and her maid, Constance, suffer at the hands of Lord Gerrard, a physically and mentally abusive brute. In the present Fennela Brightwell has recently escaped the clutches of her psycho ex-husband, who is said to have died in a train crash shortly after their divorce. But Fennela is positive he is very much alive and stalking her.
The link between the two stories is a beautiful golden gown (which come to think of it, "The Golden Gown" would have been a better title). Supposedly haunted and malevolent, the gown causes people to act on their worst impulses. Conceived as an object of destruction, the gown paradoxically proves to be the means of deliverance for all three women.
This was far fetched and a bit over-long, but entertaining. It held my interest and had secrets to reveal right up until the very end.
February 24, 2019
Originally published at Reading Reality
After reading The Phantom Tree last year, I was expecting The Woman in the Lake to be yet another marvelous piece of timeslip fiction by this author. I loved The Phantom Tree and was looking forward to more.
That’s not quite what I got.
The Woman in the Lake is what I call horror-adjacent. It’s really creepy with a constant air of menacing danger. Although it does “slip time” between the 18th century and the 21st, those slips just add to the air of Gothic horror.
You’ve heard about “Say Yes to the Dress”? This is a story where all of the people touched by it should have not merely said “No” to the dress, but really should have screamed “Hell NO” and run far and fast.
The dress is pure evil. Also laced with arsenic. And yes, you really can kill someone that way. The Borgias did, after all.
How the dress came to both embody and emanate so much evil is something that we only find out part of. We do learn how it was made – we just don’t ever find out how it got to be so powerfully malevolent in its own right.
What we see in this story about all the lives that revolve around and are ruined by this one beautiful, deadly, golden dress is that in the way that time slips and history almost repeats – there is a path to freedom.
But the only way to reach it is through fear, and pain. And even more fear.
Escape Rating B: This story was well and truly creepy. A bit creepier than I generally like to go. It did make the cross country plane trip go very fast – but I’m really glad I read it with ALL the lights on – and with plenty of company.
It’s not really about the dress. Well, it is, but it isn’t. The dress can’t make anyone do anything they weren’t already inclined towards, but it does seem to remove the inhibitions of conscience. We all have nasty thoughts from time to time, but conscience, or fear of consequences, prevent most of us from acting on the worst of those thoughts.
The story begins, and circles back around to, a group of men who did not have to let their consciences be their guides. In fact, the opposite. The Moonrakers of Swindon were smugglers. Smuggling wasn’t romantic, it was organized crime. Led by a group of men who would do anything to protect their illicit trade – including murder. In other words, these were men who terrorized an entire region and explicitly told their consciences to STFU.
The plan was for the gang leader to aid and abet a local lord with the murder of his wife, only for the plot to go horribly awry. And for the dress that was intended to do the deed to go skipping through history, leaving death and destruction in its wake.
Until it fetches up in the 21st century, in the hands of a woman who has no clue that she’s part of its long lost history, and a man who intends to reenact that long ago attempted murder.
One of the things that I loved about this book was the way that the story and the history came full circle in the end – and in a surprising way. Not just that history almost but not quite repeated, although it nearly does, but that everything that went around really did come around by the end.
One of the things that drove me a bit batty was the air of creeping menace that hangs over the entire story. It sucked me in. I kept looking for an exit, much as the heroine keeps looking for a way to escape her own past. As was certainly true for the heroine, the only way was through.
In the end, I’m left with mixed feelings. This is not the kind of book that I usually enjoy, but I was enthralled and couldn’t put it down until the end. And I’m still creeped out by the whole thing.
One final note, the ending of the blurb feels very wrong. The revelation at the end does not threaten the heroine’s sanity. Quite the opposite. Instead, the revelation at the end proves that she has been sane all along. It may also kill her.
I’ll be over here in the corner. Still shuddering…
After reading The Phantom Tree last year, I was expecting The Woman in the Lake to be yet another marvelous piece of timeslip fiction by this author. I loved The Phantom Tree and was looking forward to more.
That’s not quite what I got.
The Woman in the Lake is what I call horror-adjacent. It’s really creepy with a constant air of menacing danger. Although it does “slip time” between the 18th century and the 21st, those slips just add to the air of Gothic horror.
You’ve heard about “Say Yes to the Dress”? This is a story where all of the people touched by it should have not merely said “No” to the dress, but really should have screamed “Hell NO” and run far and fast.
The dress is pure evil. Also laced with arsenic. And yes, you really can kill someone that way. The Borgias did, after all.
How the dress came to both embody and emanate so much evil is something that we only find out part of. We do learn how it was made – we just don’t ever find out how it got to be so powerfully malevolent in its own right.
What we see in this story about all the lives that revolve around and are ruined by this one beautiful, deadly, golden dress is that in the way that time slips and history almost repeats – there is a path to freedom.
But the only way to reach it is through fear, and pain. And even more fear.
Escape Rating B: This story was well and truly creepy. A bit creepier than I generally like to go. It did make the cross country plane trip go very fast – but I’m really glad I read it with ALL the lights on – and with plenty of company.
It’s not really about the dress. Well, it is, but it isn’t. The dress can’t make anyone do anything they weren’t already inclined towards, but it does seem to remove the inhibitions of conscience. We all have nasty thoughts from time to time, but conscience, or fear of consequences, prevent most of us from acting on the worst of those thoughts.
The story begins, and circles back around to, a group of men who did not have to let their consciences be their guides. In fact, the opposite. The Moonrakers of Swindon were smugglers. Smuggling wasn’t romantic, it was organized crime. Led by a group of men who would do anything to protect their illicit trade – including murder. In other words, these were men who terrorized an entire region and explicitly told their consciences to STFU.
The plan was for the gang leader to aid and abet a local lord with the murder of his wife, only for the plot to go horribly awry. And for the dress that was intended to do the deed to go skipping through history, leaving death and destruction in its wake.
Until it fetches up in the 21st century, in the hands of a woman who has no clue that she’s part of its long lost history, and a man who intends to reenact that long ago attempted murder.
One of the things that I loved about this book was the way that the story and the history came full circle in the end – and in a surprising way. Not just that history almost but not quite repeated, although it nearly does, but that everything that went around really did come around by the end.
One of the things that drove me a bit batty was the air of creeping menace that hangs over the entire story. It sucked me in. I kept looking for an exit, much as the heroine keeps looking for a way to escape her own past. As was certainly true for the heroine, the only way was through.
In the end, I’m left with mixed feelings. This is not the kind of book that I usually enjoy, but I was enthralled and couldn’t put it down until the end. And I’m still creeped out by the whole thing.
One final note, the ending of the blurb feels very wrong. The revelation at the end does not threaten the heroine’s sanity. Quite the opposite. Instead, the revelation at the end proves that she has been sane all along. It may also kill her.
I’ll be over here in the corner. Still shuddering…
December 16, 2018
I love Nicola Cornick's books. They never disappoint.
From the bestselling author of House of Shadows and The Phantom Tree comes a spellbinding tale of jealousy, greed, plotting and revenge—part history, part mystery—for fans of Kate Morton, Susanna Kearsley and Barbara Erskine.
This one definitely will keep you turning page after page and on the edge of your seat. A very good historical mystery. 5 stars all the way for it.
From the bestselling author of House of Shadows and The Phantom Tree comes a spellbinding tale of jealousy, greed, plotting and revenge—part history, part mystery—for fans of Kate Morton, Susanna Kearsley and Barbara Erskine.
This one definitely will keep you turning page after page and on the edge of your seat. A very good historical mystery. 5 stars all the way for it.
April 28, 2019
Visit the locations in The Woman in the Lake
Where I chat with the author on location
The Woman in the Lake has all the ingredients I love in a novel. A mystery set across two different times, with a real old house at the core. An object which affects people across the years, a time travel aspect and a story of how the past and present can intertwine in the most unexpected of ways.
I always seem to prefer the story set in the past and I admit that was the case here. Lady Isabella and her maid Constance were instantly recognisable. Her husband is a bad one and he is abusive and evil in many ways.
The dress, which is to be the focus of the novel is at first worn by Lady Isabella. The historical backdrop of Georgian England is evoked in style. I was there in that hall with Lady Isabella but had I been in the novel, I would have probably been more with Constance to be honest. I liked both and was glad to be in the kitchen when the husband was so awful. The scene setting and the sense of foreboding was exciting. And that’s without mentioning the scandals!
Cut to the present day and I immediately didn’t like Fen. Fancy stealing a dress from a manor house!? I realise this was the story but I didn’t care for her from this point on. I did find the story and supernatural element of the dress intriguing. Far fetched? Well yes, but then so is time travel, supernatural tales at the best of times. And I do believe objects from the past do hold traces of that past on them – like faded fingerprints or something. Constance was on it! As I said, I would have been with her and did what she told me especially regarding that dress.
Nicola’s love and fascination for history shines through – you can tell she’s been to this house and studied its moods. There were shivers down the back of my neck as I read. This mix of historical fact and fiction is a fascinating mix for me and Nicola a go- to author for delving into the history of old buildings and the objects within.
Off to Lydiard Hall I go!
March 24, 2019
I know the woo-woo factor can’t always be explained, but exactly why were Jessie and Fen chosen to visit the 18th century Lydiard home is just a little detail that bothers me now that I’ve finished this book. Without those two events, Fen would never have found the poison dress and Jessie would not have been given that memento mori hangmen tiepin thingie from Eustace. The dress is definitely the jumping off place for Fen’s part of this story so why was she allowed to see Isabella’s dressing room and bedroom and the gown. Is this a part of the gown’s enchantment? To call to those it can wield its power over without regard to time constraints? Maybe that’s why, but this is sheer speculation on my part.
I was a little pissed that Fen’s mother suffered no repercussions whatsoever for her part in Fen’s betrayal and almost murder. She did her part and then exited stage right never to be heard from again? Just a disappearing act? That’s it? Oh and her excuse for conspiring with the evil ex? “We are so worried about you.” Yeah, so you go in league with Fen’s murderously abusive ex-husband because you care about your daughter’s emotional/mental health so much? Really? If I were Fen I would have divorced my mom at the same time I divorced that bastard of an ex. Sheesh! Family in fiction sucks most of the time.
I was a little pissed that Fen’s mother suffered no repercussions whatsoever for her part in Fen’s betrayal and almost murder. She did her part and then exited stage right never to be heard from again? Just a disappearing act? That’s it? Oh and her excuse for conspiring with the evil ex? “We are so worried about you.” Yeah, so you go in league with Fen’s murderously abusive ex-husband because you care about your daughter’s emotional/mental health so much? Really? If I were Fen I would have divorced my mom at the same time I divorced that bastard of an ex. Sheesh! Family in fiction sucks most of the time.
April 14, 2019
A couple of centuries ago, Lady Isabella is in an abusive marriage where divorce is not the answer and her maid is spying on her. In the present Fenella has escaped domestic abuse but not the kleptomania that caused her to steal Lady Isabella's gown from a museum. The narrative followed the two timelines showing similarities between the women born centuries apart. This was a decent enough novel but didn't really grab me.
April 14, 2019
Another fantastic time slip story from Nicola Cornick – loved it! Atmospheric and filled with tension and danger, the narrative flows seamlessly between the three main characters. Some truly evil villains, lots of twists and turns and a satisfying ending – brilliant!
March 12, 2019
his is the first Nicola Cornick book I have read in ages, why I don’t know as she is a wonderful author, an author who grabs your attention right from the first page. I can only put it down to way too many books on my over flowing TBR pile, but I will definitely be squeezing in more Nicola Cornick books in the future.
This is a dark, mysterious, gorgeous, edge-of-your-seat story that will grab you the moment you open the first page. With the exciting, supernatural undercurrent and a great twisty tale The Woman In The Lake is a fantastic read that you will devour in one.
The Woman In The Lake is a time slip story, set in both the Georgian era and in the present. It tells the stories of three women, Isabella, Constance and Fenella all mysteriously linked together across the centuries via a beautiful golden dress that appears to have other-worldly powers. The dress was given to Lady Isabella by her malicious and abusive husband, really he is a nasty piece of work. Constance is Lady Isabella’s maid, who tries her best to look after Isabella and protect her as best she can and finally we have Fenella (Fen) who once in the possession of the dress she finds that the dress has dark powers which seem to control her very actions and makes her do things she wouldn’t normally.
I can’t really go into too much detail with this review as I wouldn’t wish to give too much away about the plot, I am not one to give spoilers. But I will say that this is brilliant and the real pull for me was the character’s which are wonderfully complex and at times flawed individuals, who you will become fully absorbed into each of their stories.
I was fascinated by this the moment I saw it, and I knew that I had to read it. I am so glad that I got the chance as it is a real edge of your seat, breath-taking book which not only takes you on a thrilling foray into the past but also keeps you guessing with the mystery. I loved how the story was told through the eyes of three women; Lady Isabella, Constance in the past and Fenella in the present, the way the story jumps from one era to the next with the past and present so intricately entwined is expertly written, not once was I confused as to who was who and which era I was reading. There is a real skill in time slip stories and Ms Cornick has got the gift of writing them with confidence and surety.
Over all an engaging, compelling, atmospheric and at times chilling story that you won’t be able to put down.
This is a dark, mysterious, gorgeous, edge-of-your-seat story that will grab you the moment you open the first page. With the exciting, supernatural undercurrent and a great twisty tale The Woman In The Lake is a fantastic read that you will devour in one.
The Woman In The Lake is a time slip story, set in both the Georgian era and in the present. It tells the stories of three women, Isabella, Constance and Fenella all mysteriously linked together across the centuries via a beautiful golden dress that appears to have other-worldly powers. The dress was given to Lady Isabella by her malicious and abusive husband, really he is a nasty piece of work. Constance is Lady Isabella’s maid, who tries her best to look after Isabella and protect her as best she can and finally we have Fenella (Fen) who once in the possession of the dress she finds that the dress has dark powers which seem to control her very actions and makes her do things she wouldn’t normally.
I can’t really go into too much detail with this review as I wouldn’t wish to give too much away about the plot, I am not one to give spoilers. But I will say that this is brilliant and the real pull for me was the character’s which are wonderfully complex and at times flawed individuals, who you will become fully absorbed into each of their stories.
I was fascinated by this the moment I saw it, and I knew that I had to read it. I am so glad that I got the chance as it is a real edge of your seat, breath-taking book which not only takes you on a thrilling foray into the past but also keeps you guessing with the mystery. I loved how the story was told through the eyes of three women; Lady Isabella, Constance in the past and Fenella in the present, the way the story jumps from one era to the next with the past and present so intricately entwined is expertly written, not once was I confused as to who was who and which era I was reading. There is a real skill in time slip stories and Ms Cornick has got the gift of writing them with confidence and surety.
Over all an engaging, compelling, atmospheric and at times chilling story that you won’t be able to put down.
July 17, 2022
Got this book from a giveaway- it held my interest- but thought parts were odd. Mediocre book- not my favorite.
March 24, 2019
Review coming soon.
Read
March 1, 2019DNF. Sadly. It's too simplistically written to hold my attention. It's a library borrow so I'm not too worried about not feeling the love for this one.
January 6, 2019
I received an ARC of this book.
I was pretty excited to read this book, having really enjoyed the author’s previous work. Threads of suspense, danger, romance, and the supernatural were woven together through a mysterious yet breathtakingly beautiful golden dress. The dress led to lies, violence, jealousy, and murder when it was created in 18th century England, and it seems to be causing the same kind of problems in the present day. The dress was given to a noblewoman by her abusive husband, and manages to make its way to the present day, where it exerts a dark influence on Fen, who stole the dress while on a field trip when she was young.
The story is told from two main time periods, and from the point of view of three characters—the noblewoman and her maid in the 1760s, and Fenulla in the present day. The dress that the story is based around apparently can cause time travel, because Fenulla takes it from 1763 to her own time. As the book goes on we learn more about each of the three main characters and the events leading to a murder described in the prologue of the book. The sense of mystery, forbidding, and danger intensifies as the reader moves through the story.
While I thought that The Phantom Tree was a very intriguing book, this one just fell flat for me. The characters felt one-dimensional and their motivations didn’t make sense or feel organic. Their backstories were not well-explained and so I did not understand why they were making certain decisions or behaving in certain ways. The story also felt disjointed. The reader already knew what the 1760s timeline was heading to, so there really wasn’t much of a mystery there, also the author did do a good job of evoking an oppressive sense of doom. In the present-day storyline, it felt like the author couldn’t decide if she should focus on problems created by Fenulla’s kleptomaniac tendencies, the seemingly supernatural dress, or a mentally-abusive former husband. While I didn’t want to put the book down because I really wanted to know what would happen next, when I read the last line I just found myself saying, “Oh. Well...okay.”
I needed to know more about the dress. Because it was such an integral part of the story, more details on its creation would have really added to the story. Could it “really” exert influence over its owners? And not to give anything away, but since the dress seemed almost sentient, it certainly picked a strange end for itself.
Also, especially in the present-day, the characters accepted various supernatural events much easier than I would have. “When I was younger we entered a time-warp and I stole a dress, but it has had no real affect on me and I left it at my grandma’s house, but now that she is dead I have it back & it is apparently evil.” “Oh. Ok! Makes sense!” I think most people would have a harder time believing all that.
And the time-travel aspect was not really explained well, or even necessary. The dress was essentially only in the possession of two different people. If it had come down through the years causing its subsequent owners to commit various nefarious and evil deeds that would have added a much-needed depth. But the time-traveling just really served no purpose.
I would call this a quick, light read, but definitely not one of the author’s best. I will read books by this author again, but I’m not sure that I would recommend this one.
I was pretty excited to read this book, having really enjoyed the author’s previous work. Threads of suspense, danger, romance, and the supernatural were woven together through a mysterious yet breathtakingly beautiful golden dress. The dress led to lies, violence, jealousy, and murder when it was created in 18th century England, and it seems to be causing the same kind of problems in the present day. The dress was given to a noblewoman by her abusive husband, and manages to make its way to the present day, where it exerts a dark influence on Fen, who stole the dress while on a field trip when she was young.
The story is told from two main time periods, and from the point of view of three characters—the noblewoman and her maid in the 1760s, and Fenulla in the present day. The dress that the story is based around apparently can cause time travel, because Fenulla takes it from 1763 to her own time. As the book goes on we learn more about each of the three main characters and the events leading to a murder described in the prologue of the book. The sense of mystery, forbidding, and danger intensifies as the reader moves through the story.
While I thought that The Phantom Tree was a very intriguing book, this one just fell flat for me. The characters felt one-dimensional and their motivations didn’t make sense or feel organic. Their backstories were not well-explained and so I did not understand why they were making certain decisions or behaving in certain ways. The story also felt disjointed. The reader already knew what the 1760s timeline was heading to, so there really wasn’t much of a mystery there, also the author did do a good job of evoking an oppressive sense of doom. In the present-day storyline, it felt like the author couldn’t decide if she should focus on problems created by Fenulla’s kleptomaniac tendencies, the seemingly supernatural dress, or a mentally-abusive former husband. While I didn’t want to put the book down because I really wanted to know what would happen next, when I read the last line I just found myself saying, “Oh. Well...okay.”
I needed to know more about the dress. Because it was such an integral part of the story, more details on its creation would have really added to the story. Could it “really” exert influence over its owners? And not to give anything away, but since the dress seemed almost sentient, it certainly picked a strange end for itself.
Also, especially in the present-day, the characters accepted various supernatural events much easier than I would have. “When I was younger we entered a time-warp and I stole a dress, but it has had no real affect on me and I left it at my grandma’s house, but now that she is dead I have it back & it is apparently evil.” “Oh. Ok! Makes sense!” I think most people would have a harder time believing all that.
And the time-travel aspect was not really explained well, or even necessary. The dress was essentially only in the possession of two different people. If it had come down through the years causing its subsequent owners to commit various nefarious and evil deeds that would have added a much-needed depth. But the time-traveling just really served no purpose.
I would call this a quick, light read, but definitely not one of the author’s best. I will read books by this author again, but I’m not sure that I would recommend this one.
April 9, 2019
This was a novel of many twists and turns, and that was fun! NONE of these characters are particularly likable, though, I have to say. This is a dual-timeline story, running between the present day (main character: Fenella) and the mid-to-late 1700s (main characters: Lady Isabella Gerard and Constance)... None of these women are very sympathetic characters for most of the story, though I think we're supposed to genuinely like Fenella. Overall, I couldn't really get on board with any of them.
However, the historical storyline was fascinating enough. Lady Isabella is in an unhappy/abusive marriage with Lord Gerard, and she plans to murder him. Little does she know that he also plans to murder her, and that her maid, Constance, is secretly his spy. Cue many twists and turns, as Isabella plots her husband's demise, and Constance gets inextricably wrapped up in the drama and danger. Insert more ruthless and horrible characters, our to kill and profit for themselves -- truly, almost no one in this story is "good"!
Meanwhile, Fenella (in present day) has a bad habit of stealing things. She doesn't know why, and doesn't enjoy doing it, but she does it anyway. As a child, while visiting a stately home in Swindon, she'd stolen a golden gown from what she assumed was an exhibit (or even a movie set). There were costumed people there, after all -- but little did she know that she'd actually stumbled through time to the 1760s! (BTW, this plot really went nowhere. The time-travel element could have been SO much better in this book. As it was, it felt random and misplaced, and no character actually benefitted from it). Anyway, now as an adult, Fenella finds the dress has landed back in her lap, and it's increasing her tendency to steal. Why does the dress have so much power over her? Why has her grandmother warned her of its "dangerous" properties? Why does the stately home in Swindon have no recollection of ever having the dress in its possession? These questions force Fenella into a search for the dress's origins, and it's rightful owner, Isabella Gerard.
In conclusion, a decent book. Some elements could have been done much better, in my opinion. And the characters could have been made to be just a tad more likable. But I was intrigued through to the end, and that's all I can ask for.
However, the historical storyline was fascinating enough. Lady Isabella is in an unhappy/abusive marriage with Lord Gerard, and she plans to murder him. Little does she know that he also plans to murder her, and that her maid, Constance, is secretly his spy. Cue many twists and turns, as Isabella plots her husband's demise, and Constance gets inextricably wrapped up in the drama and danger. Insert more ruthless and horrible characters, our to kill and profit for themselves -- truly, almost no one in this story is "good"!
Meanwhile, Fenella (in present day) has a bad habit of stealing things. She doesn't know why, and doesn't enjoy doing it, but she does it anyway. As a child, while visiting a stately home in Swindon, she'd stolen a golden gown from what she assumed was an exhibit (or even a movie set). There were costumed people there, after all -- but little did she know that she'd actually stumbled through time to the 1760s! (BTW, this plot really went nowhere. The time-travel element could have been SO much better in this book. As it was, it felt random and misplaced, and no character actually benefitted from it). Anyway, now as an adult, Fenella finds the dress has landed back in her lap, and it's increasing her tendency to steal. Why does the dress have so much power over her? Why has her grandmother warned her of its "dangerous" properties? Why does the stately home in Swindon have no recollection of ever having the dress in its possession? These questions force Fenella into a search for the dress's origins, and it's rightful owner, Isabella Gerard.
In conclusion, a decent book. Some elements could have been done much better, in my opinion. And the characters could have been made to be just a tad more likable. But I was intrigued through to the end, and that's all I can ask for.
December 11, 2018
I was invested in this book right out of the gate. It was so interesting and the back and forth between past and present was really cool and intriguing.
I loved the mystery that was threaded throughout the story. The bizarre nature of the gown and what it might be capable of was such a subtle threat and the suspense that was paired with it really moved the story along.
I thought the characterization was really strong in the three main women. There was good depth built for each and they each have their own personal quirks that differentiate them from each other. I think what I like most is that each woman is strong in their own way and they are each the hero of their own story.
Overall it's a really nicely structured mystery historical fiction and I highly recommend it.
I loved the mystery that was threaded throughout the story. The bizarre nature of the gown and what it might be capable of was such a subtle threat and the suspense that was paired with it really moved the story along.
I thought the characterization was really strong in the three main women. There was good depth built for each and they each have their own personal quirks that differentiate them from each other. I think what I like most is that each woman is strong in their own way and they are each the hero of their own story.
Overall it's a really nicely structured mystery historical fiction and I highly recommend it.
April 27, 2024
The historical portions of this book really held my interest. Loved the characters, love the setting, loved the twists and turns. The ending felt a bit rushed, but overall, if I were basing my rating on this part alone, I would give it four stars. Unfortunately the present day part of the book did not hold me. The characters didn't resonate and I found it difficult to connect with them. It seemed to lack the energy of the historical portion. That part of the story was more in the two star range. Overall, if you like books that flip back and forth between time periods (which I do), I would recommend this. The backdrop of the story was definitely interesting and worth the read.
June 4, 2021
In 1765, Lady Isabella Gerard receives the gift of an exquisite golden gown from her abusive husband, Eustace. It is an unusual gift, inappropriate for the time of year and unable to change Lady Gerard's distrust of her husband's sudden burst of generosity and affection. When she refuses to wear the gown, his response sets in motion events that will resonate through the centuries.
In present-day Swindon, Fenella Brightwell returns to her childhood roots after a disastrous marriage and confronts an act of teenage theft. As a student at a local private school she visited Lydiard Park, an estate that once belonged to Lord Eustace Gerard. When she opened a door and stepped into the past, she steals a beautiful golden gown which she takes home and promptly hides. After her grandmother passes away, she finds herself once more in possession of the gown and begins to believe the gown has supernatural power.
The story of the golden gown, in both the past and the present day, is told from the points of view of the three main female characters. Lady Isobella Gerard, who is a victim of her husband's brutal treatment and constant infidelity; her maid, Constance Lawrence, whose family is wrapped up in a dangerous smuggling ring known as the Moonrakers; and Fenella, who tries to unravel the mystery of the golden gown and why it has such an unusual effect on anyone who possesses it.
At times, this book stretches the boundaries of what is believable, even in a work of time slip historical fiction. The gown survives intact, even retains its beauty, although it has travelled through centuries and been stuffed away in a drawer in the home of a hoarder for decades. It also seems to have the ability to exaggerate the very worst traits of each person who encouters it. This is never really explained, except for Fenella's supposition that somehow it is inhabited by Lord Gerard's anger and hatred for Lady Isobella. Personally, I found the idea that a person's feelings can have a residual effect on an inanimate object that lasts for centuries a bit much.
Also, I found it difficult to like any of the characters. I found their level of dishonesty troubling. Lady Gerard, while not responsible for her husband's abhorrent violence and repellant character, did nothing to endear herself with her casual affairs and conviction that the only solution to her disastrous marriage was murder. Constance came across as narcissistic and prickly, one of those people who knows she is smart and chafes at having to do things they think they are too good for. I understand the author wanted to demonstrate the limited choices women had in the past, and how this may have affected them, but these women did not elicit much sympathy or admiration. As for Fenella, she had some redeeming qualities but I couldn't quite get past the fact that she was a thief who abandoned the woman who raised her.
The book did have some high points. While it moved slowly at some parts, the plot did drawn the reader in and kept me engaged in the mystery of the gown and the fate of those connected to it. The Moonrakers were especially interesting, and I really enjoyed Constance outwitting Mr. Binks. Having Constance as the smart, savvy heroine made me cheer a little inside. I also liked that the answer to male abuse both in past and present was something other than murder. There's too much repaying evil with evil in books with strong female characters. It's as if women who write about women think the only just way to deal with bad men is for women to be equally bad. Its much more enjoyable, and fitting, that women be smarter and more savvy, instead of just brutal and violent.
This is a page-turner, and enjoyable enough to keep readers engaged and interested to warrant a five star rating. There are also no errors in formatting or typography to detract from the story. If you enjoy time slip novels with unusual elements, you will enjoy this novel as well.
In present-day Swindon, Fenella Brightwell returns to her childhood roots after a disastrous marriage and confronts an act of teenage theft. As a student at a local private school she visited Lydiard Park, an estate that once belonged to Lord Eustace Gerard. When she opened a door and stepped into the past, she steals a beautiful golden gown which she takes home and promptly hides. After her grandmother passes away, she finds herself once more in possession of the gown and begins to believe the gown has supernatural power.
The story of the golden gown, in both the past and the present day, is told from the points of view of the three main female characters. Lady Isobella Gerard, who is a victim of her husband's brutal treatment and constant infidelity; her maid, Constance Lawrence, whose family is wrapped up in a dangerous smuggling ring known as the Moonrakers; and Fenella, who tries to unravel the mystery of the golden gown and why it has such an unusual effect on anyone who possesses it.
At times, this book stretches the boundaries of what is believable, even in a work of time slip historical fiction. The gown survives intact, even retains its beauty, although it has travelled through centuries and been stuffed away in a drawer in the home of a hoarder for decades. It also seems to have the ability to exaggerate the very worst traits of each person who encouters it. This is never really explained, except for Fenella's supposition that somehow it is inhabited by Lord Gerard's anger and hatred for Lady Isobella. Personally, I found the idea that a person's feelings can have a residual effect on an inanimate object that lasts for centuries a bit much.
Also, I found it difficult to like any of the characters. I found their level of dishonesty troubling. Lady Gerard, while not responsible for her husband's abhorrent violence and repellant character, did nothing to endear herself with her casual affairs and conviction that the only solution to her disastrous marriage was murder. Constance came across as narcissistic and prickly, one of those people who knows she is smart and chafes at having to do things they think they are too good for. I understand the author wanted to demonstrate the limited choices women had in the past, and how this may have affected them, but these women did not elicit much sympathy or admiration. As for Fenella, she had some redeeming qualities but I couldn't quite get past the fact that she was a thief who abandoned the woman who raised her.
The book did have some high points. While it moved slowly at some parts, the plot did drawn the reader in and kept me engaged in the mystery of the gown and the fate of those connected to it. The Moonrakers were especially interesting, and I really enjoyed Constance outwitting Mr. Binks. Having Constance as the smart, savvy heroine made me cheer a little inside. I also liked that the answer to male abuse both in past and present was something other than murder. There's too much repaying evil with evil in books with strong female characters. It's as if women who write about women think the only just way to deal with bad men is for women to be equally bad. Its much more enjoyable, and fitting, that women be smarter and more savvy, instead of just brutal and violent.
This is a page-turner, and enjoyable enough to keep readers engaged and interested to warrant a five star rating. There are also no errors in formatting or typography to detract from the story. If you enjoy time slip novels with unusual elements, you will enjoy this novel as well.
March 9, 2019
I received a complimentary ARC copy of The Woman in the Lake by Nicola Cornick from NetGalley and Graydon House Books (U.S. & Canada) in order to read and give an honest review.
“Murder, mayhem and mysticism all crafted into a spellbinding tale…. “
I have become a huge fan of Nicola Cornick‘s work in recent months. I love her style! She has an incredible ability to immerse the reader into whatever historical period she is writing about. Cornick intricately weaves details within her stories so seamlessly that the reader is automatically transported without forcing the reader to endure the dreaded “info dump”. The Woman in the Lake is no different.
Set in present-day Swindon the reader travels back and forth from 1765. The story is told from three viewpoints. In 1765 we hear from Lady Isabella Gerard and her personal maid Constance. Both women are very different from the other women of their time. Lady Isabella is stuck in an abusive marriage to a corrupt businessman and smuggler. Always living in extreme danger from her husband she finds solace in another man‘s arms. Her husband gives her a gift of a beautiful but deadly silk golden gown, a gown which leaves devastation in its wake. Constance learns the secret behind the gown and wants to expose it but what will it cost her?
We also meet college design teacher, vintage item dealer and reformed kleptomaniac, Fenella Brightwell.
On a school trip as a teenager, Fenella steals the golden gown from a small historical museum. Once in her possession, Fenella‘s life spirals out of control. Present day Fenella now an adult is struggling to start a new life after escaping from an abusive marriage, bad divorce and the death of her grandmother. Her sister sorting through their Grandmother’s home discovers the gown with cryptic handwritten notes from their grandmother with the word danger written on them. The gown then mysteriously finds its way back to Fenella. Once the gown is returned back to Fenella, her life begins to spiral out of control again and her past comes back to haunt her.
Murder, mayhem and mysticism all crafted into a spellbinding tale sure to keep you engaged into the wee hours of the morning. I would highly recommend The Woman in the Lake.
“Murder, mayhem and mysticism all crafted into a spellbinding tale…. “
I have become a huge fan of Nicola Cornick‘s work in recent months. I love her style! She has an incredible ability to immerse the reader into whatever historical period she is writing about. Cornick intricately weaves details within her stories so seamlessly that the reader is automatically transported without forcing the reader to endure the dreaded “info dump”. The Woman in the Lake is no different.
Set in present-day Swindon the reader travels back and forth from 1765. The story is told from three viewpoints. In 1765 we hear from Lady Isabella Gerard and her personal maid Constance. Both women are very different from the other women of their time. Lady Isabella is stuck in an abusive marriage to a corrupt businessman and smuggler. Always living in extreme danger from her husband she finds solace in another man‘s arms. Her husband gives her a gift of a beautiful but deadly silk golden gown, a gown which leaves devastation in its wake. Constance learns the secret behind the gown and wants to expose it but what will it cost her?
We also meet college design teacher, vintage item dealer and reformed kleptomaniac, Fenella Brightwell.
On a school trip as a teenager, Fenella steals the golden gown from a small historical museum. Once in her possession, Fenella‘s life spirals out of control. Present day Fenella now an adult is struggling to start a new life after escaping from an abusive marriage, bad divorce and the death of her grandmother. Her sister sorting through their Grandmother’s home discovers the gown with cryptic handwritten notes from their grandmother with the word danger written on them. The gown then mysteriously finds its way back to Fenella. Once the gown is returned back to Fenella, her life begins to spiral out of control again and her past comes back to haunt her.
Murder, mayhem and mysticism all crafted into a spellbinding tale sure to keep you engaged into the wee hours of the morning. I would highly recommend The Woman in the Lake.
March 7, 2019
The Woman In The Lake by Nicola Cornick is a fascinating dual timeline novel that had me gripped from the start.
The action alternates between 1763 and present day. The storylines mirror each other. There are cruel men who abuse their wives but underestimate the inner strength that the women possess.
Greed, power and obsession dominate with the desire for more. A strange power travels across the centuries as characters grapple with a fixation on certain objects that seem to wield other worldly powers.
The main females are a blend of strength and weakness. “It didn’t matter how much people told her that it had not been her fault… the guilt and the shame were difficult emotions to shift.” Abuse is never the victim’s fault, although we are very good at blaming ourselves. Anyone who is abused must get out and seek help.
There is the theme of trust tied into the abuse theme. Mistrust is a natural defence mechanism but not everyone we meet is out to harm us.
I thought The Woman In The Lake was a fabulous read. I was completely enthralled and guessing throughout. Things were not always as they seemed. I found the story very reminiscent of the movie The Others with Nicole Kidman.
A brilliant read.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
The action alternates between 1763 and present day. The storylines mirror each other. There are cruel men who abuse their wives but underestimate the inner strength that the women possess.
Greed, power and obsession dominate with the desire for more. A strange power travels across the centuries as characters grapple with a fixation on certain objects that seem to wield other worldly powers.
The main females are a blend of strength and weakness. “It didn’t matter how much people told her that it had not been her fault… the guilt and the shame were difficult emotions to shift.” Abuse is never the victim’s fault, although we are very good at blaming ourselves. Anyone who is abused must get out and seek help.
There is the theme of trust tied into the abuse theme. Mistrust is a natural defence mechanism but not everyone we meet is out to harm us.
I thought The Woman In The Lake was a fabulous read. I was completely enthralled and guessing throughout. Things were not always as they seemed. I found the story very reminiscent of the movie The Others with Nicole Kidman.
A brilliant read.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
June 5, 2019
I pretty much figured I'd fall in love with this book on page one. I loved the cover and the book description was of the kind of story (involving a glorious golden gown) that always attracts my attention. Sounds promising, right?! Alas, it was not to be. I detested the current day protagonist, Fenella, almost from introduction. I couldn't seem to cut her a break despite her revelations about how verbally, emotionally, etc., abused she was by her ex-husband, she just came across as plain selfish and irresponsible. Plus a kleptomaniac to boot, a disorder (??) I don't understand nor was there an explanation given or theorized about why Fen developed it. Happily, half way thru the book, I got more engaged and ended up decently liking the story. I would attribute that mostly to the past timeline characters of Isabella and Constance, who were much more interesting women.
Unfortunately for fans of time slip novels, it's my opinion (whatever that's worth) that there are other books in this genre more worthy of your time. There are also other works by this author that I liked better.
Unfortunately for fans of time slip novels, it's my opinion (whatever that's worth) that there are other books in this genre more worthy of your time. There are also other works by this author that I liked better.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 306 reviews