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The Emerald Comb
Some secrets are best left buried…
Researching her family tree had been little more than a hobby – until Katie stepped onto Kingsley House’s sprawling, ivy-strewn drive. The house may be crumbling today, but it was once the intimidatingly opulent residence of the St Clairs, Katie’s ancestors.
Arriving here two hundred years later, emotion stirs in Katie: a strange nostalgia for a place she’s never seen before… and when Kingsley House comes up for sale, Katie is determined that her family must buy it.
Surrounded by the mysteries of the past, Katie’s pastime becomes a darker obsession, as she searches through history to trace her heritage. But she soon discovers that these walls house terrible secrets. And when forgotten stories and hidden betrayals come to light, the past seems more alive than Katie could ever have imagined.
Researching her family tree had been little more than a hobby – until Katie stepped onto Kingsley House’s sprawling, ivy-strewn drive. The house may be crumbling today, but it was once the intimidatingly opulent residence of the St Clairs, Katie’s ancestors.
Arriving here two hundred years later, emotion stirs in Katie: a strange nostalgia for a place she’s never seen before… and when Kingsley House comes up for sale, Katie is determined that her family must buy it.
Surrounded by the mysteries of the past, Katie’s pastime becomes a darker obsession, as she searches through history to trace her heritage. But she soon discovers that these walls house terrible secrets. And when forgotten stories and hidden betrayals come to light, the past seems more alive than Katie could ever have imagined.
294 pages, Paperback
First published September 22, 2014
497 people are currently reading
731 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen McGurl
26 books482 followersKathleen McGurl lives in Bournemouth with her husband and cat. She has two grown-up sons who have now left home. She always wanted to write, and for many years was waiting until she had the time. Eventually she came to the bitter realisation that no one would pay her for a year off work to write a book, so she sat down and started to write one anyway. Since then she has sold dozens of short stories to women's magazines and written three books for writers. These days she is concentrating on longer fiction and has published several dual timeline novels with CarinaUK and HQ. She works full time in the IT industry and when she's not writing, she's often out running, slowly.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
April 3, 2023
This was a fun and intriguing book! Cleverly written because it's a story about Katie looking up her ancestors in England which suddenly and unexpectedly turns into a mystery with lots of secrets and deceit. Researching your family tree can lead you onto many unexpected avenues...if you're looking up your family history,you will want to read this book before you get to far!! Are you prepared for what you may find? 🤨
It's a duel timeline story alternating from the 1800's to 2012-2013. The past is really cool.. it's told in a letter written by Bartholomew St. Clair ( Katie's great great great ancestor) to his son Barty.. it's a confession of his sins. He wants his son to know the truth before he dies. Bartholomew begs for forgiveness,does he receive it?
Katie, her husband,Simon and their children Lewis, Lauren and Thomas move into the Kingsley House which was the residence of the St. Clair's. These walls hold many secrets! As they are unpacking their belongings, things from the past start to emerge. One stormy night a huge tree that was planted in 1841 gets uprooted and smashes into the kitchen! What a mess! More than that, there's something else pointing to the past! Katie says " There's always a danger with family research that you might unearth a skeleton 🦴 in your family's closet. But a real skeleton, buried in the garden of a house owned for the most part of it's history by your ancestors? I shuddered. Who was it, and how had he or she come to be buried there?" Thus ramps up the search into her past!! What else would be found? Are some secrets best left buried? Read this book and answer the question for yourselves. 😃
It's a wonderful, clean and fast paced story that keeps you turning the pages!! It's not gory or frightening! It's fun and has you searching,along with Katie for the answers she's looking for! Kathleen McGurl is fast becoming a favorite author of mine and hopefully yours! Her stories are unique! If you enjoy mysteries, this book is for you! I very highly recommend this amazing book!
It's a duel timeline story alternating from the 1800's to 2012-2013. The past is really cool.. it's told in a letter written by Bartholomew St. Clair ( Katie's great great great ancestor) to his son Barty.. it's a confession of his sins. He wants his son to know the truth before he dies. Bartholomew begs for forgiveness,does he receive it?
Katie, her husband,Simon and their children Lewis, Lauren and Thomas move into the Kingsley House which was the residence of the St. Clair's. These walls hold many secrets! As they are unpacking their belongings, things from the past start to emerge. One stormy night a huge tree that was planted in 1841 gets uprooted and smashes into the kitchen! What a mess! More than that, there's something else pointing to the past! Katie says " There's always a danger with family research that you might unearth a skeleton 🦴 in your family's closet. But a real skeleton, buried in the garden of a house owned for the most part of it's history by your ancestors? I shuddered. Who was it, and how had he or she come to be buried there?" Thus ramps up the search into her past!! What else would be found? Are some secrets best left buried? Read this book and answer the question for yourselves. 😃
It's a wonderful, clean and fast paced story that keeps you turning the pages!! It's not gory or frightening! It's fun and has you searching,along with Katie for the answers she's looking for! Kathleen McGurl is fast becoming a favorite author of mine and hopefully yours! Her stories are unique! If you enjoy mysteries, this book is for you! I very highly recommend this amazing book!
June 19, 2015
What a stunning read. Katie is interested in looking into her family tree although her husband doesn’t share her enthusiasm. She finds the house where her family lived and although she doesn’t tell her husband it’s history they do move in. She is very keen to trace her history.
The house is described beautifully- it’s in need of some tender loving care, but it really draws Katie
The book is set in modern time and in the 1840’s and the story moves seamlessly between the two. It hints of dark mysteries and you really want to find out what secrets are going to be uncovered. The characters are so well drawn that you really feel connected to them. Katie and Simon in modern times and Bartholomew and Georgia in the 1840’s.
I was sad to reach the end of the book- and will look out eagerly for more books by this author.
The house is described beautifully- it’s in need of some tender loving care, but it really draws Katie
The book is set in modern time and in the 1840’s and the story moves seamlessly between the two. It hints of dark mysteries and you really want to find out what secrets are going to be uncovered. The characters are so well drawn that you really feel connected to them. Katie and Simon in modern times and Bartholomew and Georgia in the 1840’s.
I was sad to reach the end of the book- and will look out eagerly for more books by this author.
September 25, 2014
Firstly, thank you to the lovely author Kathleen McGurl for getting in touch with me regarding her novel The Emerald Comb. I love to take chances on books, and I love it even more when those books turn out to be absolutely stunning, as The Emerald Comb turned out to be. There is nothing, nothing in this world, that makes me feel quite the same way that I do when singing an author's praises. So I'll begin...
I wasn't sure of what to expect from The Emerald Comb when Kathleen emailed me. Each time you accept a review request, it's either going to go one of two ways. You're either going to absolutely adore it, or you're not going to be a huge fan. It's a bit of a risk, but as a reviewer I believe it's only fair to take those chances, because who knows how hard you're going to fall in love with a story? After reading the blurb that Kath sent my way, and realising that she'd be taking me back in time, I knew that there was no way I could turn this one down. I am a major fan of historic/time-slip novels, but I rarely get chance to sit back and enjoy one. I readily agreed to read and review The Emerald Comb, and let me tell you something. Never, never, ever before have I been more glad that I took a chance on a book. And I mean NEVER.
The term "time-slip" was a new one to me. I'd heard of historic, and I guess I thought that the two went together, that they were similar in some way. I mean, I suppose they are, in that you're taken back to a time before your own, but time-slip just sounds so much more interesting, doesn't it? And it is also the PERFECT description of Kathleen's smooth, fluid slips between the present and the past. "Slip" is exactly what Kath does, and it seems effortless. There's no muddling up of dates or people or time eras, the time-slipping is so sleekly achieved, it's incredible.
When The Emerald Comb begins, Kath introduces us to the lovely Katie, who is a sucker for digging up the past, creating family trees, and doing everything that she can to find out about her ancestors who once lived in Kingsley House. When her interest piques, Katie decides to go and take a look at the house itself. She takes a drive down to Kingsley house and is surprised when she meets the old couple who live there. Visiting Kingsley House does nothing except heighten Katie's interests in the old place even more, after all, the house is where members of her family from generations before her once lived. It's as if the ghosts of those people still linger in the rooms and whisper down the hallways.
I absolutely loved Kath's portrayal of Kingsley House. It was old, in need of some love and care, yet still held Katie captive with its hidden secrets and past, and it also held me captive too. As Kath built Kingsley House up in my mind, I, too, felt even more enthralled with it. There was definitely something hanging in the air within the house, something chilling yet intriguing. I could not wait for the secrets of the house to be revealed to me. I was just as excited as Katie was.
When Kingsley House comes up for sale, Katie is as quick as anything to get her family down there to have a good look around. Once they've visited, Katie and her family decide that it's the home for them, but she withholds the fact that it is linked to her ancestors. Once they are all moved into Kingsley House, tiny snippets of the past begin to reveal themselves, and Katie finds herself deeply involved in what happened in Kingsley House generations before, more involved, in fact, than Katie had ever thought possible.
I will mention here that Kath slips between the different time frames each time a new chapter begins. I confuse very easily when reading books like this, but Kath's technique was just so effortless and smooth, it was incredibly easy to pick right up from where I left off. With each change of chapter and era, Kath also changes the focal point of her characters. In the here and now, she focuses on Katie and her family in the modern day Kingsley House. Whereas when Kath takes us back in time, we're focusing on Bartholomew and Georgia. I think for me personally, I endlessly enjoyed the progression of Bartholomew and Georgia's story, and adored the old-style dialogue and how Georgia had her own house-maid etc. Flicking from that back to the modern day was a fantastic transition that I not once tired of.
Kath's characters were brilliantly developed. She didn't lack details with either couple, whether they were from the modern day or the past, and by the end of the book, I was absolutely besotted with the character's separate lives and where they would end up once Kath brought her book to an end. Every emotion and experience that the characters went through, I went through too. It was just superb, and I cannot stress enough how bloody effortless it all seemed, although I'm sure that's not the case on Kath's part. I could tell how much effort Kath had put into the writing of The Emerald Comb. I was incredibly enthusiastic about the entire story, and chattered non-stop to my other half, wondering what was going to happen next.
Throughout the entirety of Kath's writing, there was a sort of foreboding. A sense that something dark was slowly approaching the characters, and something terrible was going to happen. I was so eager to reach the part where things were going to take a turn for the worst, and I was not disappointed when that part came around. Kath's words were powerful and intense, and lacked neither punch nor effect. I must have gasped about trillion times, and couldn't believe what I was reading. Such a momentous event, and perfectly slipped in to a time that coincided with something else major happening in the present day to Katie and her family.
Kath didn't stop there with hooking me in. At the beginning of the story, Kath draws the reader in with a letter, from Bartholomew to his son, indicating that something terrible happened, right there in Kingsley house. Not only is the story told through the character's points of view, but Kath amazingly tells the story through the form of the letter, too. Every now and then, the letter is brought back to the attention of the reader, and you're reintroduced to the catastrophic secret that is hidden in the walls of Kingsley House. Honestly, Kath's skill never ceased to surprise and tease me.
In a nutshell, The Emerald Comb by Kathleen McGurl was incredible, and I am not using the term lightly. It absolutely blew my mind. Everything about this book is what I love about reading. The mystery, the romance, the drama. Definitely one of my favourite reads of 2014.
I wasn't sure of what to expect from The Emerald Comb when Kathleen emailed me. Each time you accept a review request, it's either going to go one of two ways. You're either going to absolutely adore it, or you're not going to be a huge fan. It's a bit of a risk, but as a reviewer I believe it's only fair to take those chances, because who knows how hard you're going to fall in love with a story? After reading the blurb that Kath sent my way, and realising that she'd be taking me back in time, I knew that there was no way I could turn this one down. I am a major fan of historic/time-slip novels, but I rarely get chance to sit back and enjoy one. I readily agreed to read and review The Emerald Comb, and let me tell you something. Never, never, ever before have I been more glad that I took a chance on a book. And I mean NEVER.
The term "time-slip" was a new one to me. I'd heard of historic, and I guess I thought that the two went together, that they were similar in some way. I mean, I suppose they are, in that you're taken back to a time before your own, but time-slip just sounds so much more interesting, doesn't it? And it is also the PERFECT description of Kathleen's smooth, fluid slips between the present and the past. "Slip" is exactly what Kath does, and it seems effortless. There's no muddling up of dates or people or time eras, the time-slipping is so sleekly achieved, it's incredible.
When The Emerald Comb begins, Kath introduces us to the lovely Katie, who is a sucker for digging up the past, creating family trees, and doing everything that she can to find out about her ancestors who once lived in Kingsley House. When her interest piques, Katie decides to go and take a look at the house itself. She takes a drive down to Kingsley house and is surprised when she meets the old couple who live there. Visiting Kingsley House does nothing except heighten Katie's interests in the old place even more, after all, the house is where members of her family from generations before her once lived. It's as if the ghosts of those people still linger in the rooms and whisper down the hallways.
I absolutely loved Kath's portrayal of Kingsley House. It was old, in need of some love and care, yet still held Katie captive with its hidden secrets and past, and it also held me captive too. As Kath built Kingsley House up in my mind, I, too, felt even more enthralled with it. There was definitely something hanging in the air within the house, something chilling yet intriguing. I could not wait for the secrets of the house to be revealed to me. I was just as excited as Katie was.
When Kingsley House comes up for sale, Katie is as quick as anything to get her family down there to have a good look around. Once they've visited, Katie and her family decide that it's the home for them, but she withholds the fact that it is linked to her ancestors. Once they are all moved into Kingsley House, tiny snippets of the past begin to reveal themselves, and Katie finds herself deeply involved in what happened in Kingsley House generations before, more involved, in fact, than Katie had ever thought possible.
I will mention here that Kath slips between the different time frames each time a new chapter begins. I confuse very easily when reading books like this, but Kath's technique was just so effortless and smooth, it was incredibly easy to pick right up from where I left off. With each change of chapter and era, Kath also changes the focal point of her characters. In the here and now, she focuses on Katie and her family in the modern day Kingsley House. Whereas when Kath takes us back in time, we're focusing on Bartholomew and Georgia. I think for me personally, I endlessly enjoyed the progression of Bartholomew and Georgia's story, and adored the old-style dialogue and how Georgia had her own house-maid etc. Flicking from that back to the modern day was a fantastic transition that I not once tired of.
Kath's characters were brilliantly developed. She didn't lack details with either couple, whether they were from the modern day or the past, and by the end of the book, I was absolutely besotted with the character's separate lives and where they would end up once Kath brought her book to an end. Every emotion and experience that the characters went through, I went through too. It was just superb, and I cannot stress enough how bloody effortless it all seemed, although I'm sure that's not the case on Kath's part. I could tell how much effort Kath had put into the writing of The Emerald Comb. I was incredibly enthusiastic about the entire story, and chattered non-stop to my other half, wondering what was going to happen next.
Throughout the entirety of Kath's writing, there was a sort of foreboding. A sense that something dark was slowly approaching the characters, and something terrible was going to happen. I was so eager to reach the part where things were going to take a turn for the worst, and I was not disappointed when that part came around. Kath's words were powerful and intense, and lacked neither punch nor effect. I must have gasped about trillion times, and couldn't believe what I was reading. Such a momentous event, and perfectly slipped in to a time that coincided with something else major happening in the present day to Katie and her family.
Kath didn't stop there with hooking me in. At the beginning of the story, Kath draws the reader in with a letter, from Bartholomew to his son, indicating that something terrible happened, right there in Kingsley house. Not only is the story told through the character's points of view, but Kath amazingly tells the story through the form of the letter, too. Every now and then, the letter is brought back to the attention of the reader, and you're reintroduced to the catastrophic secret that is hidden in the walls of Kingsley House. Honestly, Kath's skill never ceased to surprise and tease me.
In a nutshell, The Emerald Comb by Kathleen McGurl was incredible, and I am not using the term lightly. It absolutely blew my mind. Everything about this book is what I love about reading. The mystery, the romance, the drama. Definitely one of my favourite reads of 2014.
May 7, 2025
So bad. I don’t know why I carried on. The narrators were awful too. Badly put together and badly written. The idea was good. I did keep reading but going forward I need to not read novels about ‘secrets hidden for generations’ until someone finds something at a house. No more. No more.
October 17, 2014
This book ticks a lot of boxes for me. History, genealogy, and more than one mystery – what could possibly go wrong? The short answer, nothing.
The author had me from the book’s blurb. I have files of family records, certificates marking the births, marriages and deaths of relatives, so I knew I’d find the fictional digging of Katie entertaining – to say the least.
There are many clichés involved with family trees and it would have been easy for the author to have padded her plot with them all. But very cleverly she drew me along as a very interested bystander.
As a time-slip novel, the reader is taken back to the 19th century – learning the detail that Katie might discover in her research. But anyone who has undertaken tracing their tree knows how frustrating it is to see the facts, but not the flesh – much like Katie.
Towards the end of the book I so wanted Katie to know what I knew, but of course that can't necessarily happen. There will always be gaps in our research. But how wonderful it was to read of the St Clairs, Katie’s ancestors, putting all family history into perspective.
This is a clever novel. I found it gripping – the change of pace as I was torn from the 19th century and into the 21st and back again was infuriatingly well-written. I was new to the concept of a ‘time–slip’ novel and the key to its success was that all important pace.
Do you need to be interested in genealogy to enjoy the plot? No, that element is important, but if you're a fan of historical mysteries and want an intelligent and refreshingly different read, this fits the bill.
Just one more chapter... that’s what I kept saying to myself. But when I finished, I almost regretted not savouring it for longer!
The author had me from the book’s blurb. I have files of family records, certificates marking the births, marriages and deaths of relatives, so I knew I’d find the fictional digging of Katie entertaining – to say the least.
There are many clichés involved with family trees and it would have been easy for the author to have padded her plot with them all. But very cleverly she drew me along as a very interested bystander.
As a time-slip novel, the reader is taken back to the 19th century – learning the detail that Katie might discover in her research. But anyone who has undertaken tracing their tree knows how frustrating it is to see the facts, but not the flesh – much like Katie.
Towards the end of the book I so wanted Katie to know what I knew, but of course that can't necessarily happen. There will always be gaps in our research. But how wonderful it was to read of the St Clairs, Katie’s ancestors, putting all family history into perspective.
This is a clever novel. I found it gripping – the change of pace as I was torn from the 19th century and into the 21st and back again was infuriatingly well-written. I was new to the concept of a ‘time–slip’ novel and the key to its success was that all important pace.
Do you need to be interested in genealogy to enjoy the plot? No, that element is important, but if you're a fan of historical mysteries and want an intelligent and refreshingly different read, this fits the bill.
Just one more chapter... that’s what I kept saying to myself. But when I finished, I almost regretted not savouring it for longer!
May 15, 2020
This book ticked all the right boxes for me - genealogy, a little bit of mystery as well as history. It is a dual timeline book which I found very easy to follow and kept my full attention and interest from beginning to end. It is quite intriguing and a real page turner. Have never been disappointed in any of Kathleen McGurl books to date.
January 30, 2015
Two stories - one historical, one contemporary - linked by an emerald comb. Lots to enjoy about this novel. Keeps you interested from beginning to end.
September 24, 2014
I would like to thank author Kathleeen McGurl for sending me a link to the via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I would also like to thank Becca from Beccasbooooks for tweeting about this book and making me want to read it and also Leah from GirlsLoveToRead for passing on my email to Kath.
Oh where do I start, I love the cover it is gorgeous, I love the green dress although I personally would of liked to see the comb in the ladies hair....
We first meet Katie as she is going to see Kingsley House where her ancestors lived, she meets a lovely couple that are now living there, they also tell her they have plans to sell the house as it's getting too much for them. Katie comes away in love with the house but not thinking anything of the couple plans to sell up.
Weeks later Katie and Simon are talking about moving, they see the house for sale but Simons doesn't hold with the history stuff Katie does, does she tell him it's her ancestors house or keep it secret?
I loved how the story mixes with the past, the past being told in a series of letters from Bartholomew St Clair to his son Barty.
This is a wonderful mix between the 19th Century and 21 Century. I didn't understand why this was classed as a time slip novel, but really it's the best way to describe it. The chapters switched seemlessly between the centuries, leaving me desperately wanting to find out more.
I can't say I liked Bartholomew or Agnes as their actions had serious consequences which they eventually suffered for later in life. This also would come back to haunt Katie as well.
I really felt sorry for Georgia as she was young and niave, she was let down by her uncle who just wanted her married and off his hands. Used by Bartholomew who only wanted her money and used by Agnes who wanted her husband, they were the ones who were meant to care about her but badly let her down.
I really like Katie, as like me she has a love for her ancestors and ancestry. She loved her family and tried to do the best by them, but she also wanted to find out her family history. Simon her husband couldn't understand this as he was adopted and never wanted to know further than his close family.
Simon however I found annoying and even though he was under strain, (his mums dementia and finding out that he had a 21 year old daughter) at times I really wanted to slap him.
The mysteries within the book held me captivated chapter after chapter, especially the 19th Century ones that were revealed in the 21st Century, it just goes to show how much do you really know about your ancestors apart from their names. What secrets they hide and keep?
There is so much more to this story but to say anymore would ruin it. An edge of your seat read, that is a page turner and griped me from page one.
I would also like to thank Becca from Beccasbooooks for tweeting about this book and making me want to read it and also Leah from GirlsLoveToRead for passing on my email to Kath.
Oh where do I start, I love the cover it is gorgeous, I love the green dress although I personally would of liked to see the comb in the ladies hair....
We first meet Katie as she is going to see Kingsley House where her ancestors lived, she meets a lovely couple that are now living there, they also tell her they have plans to sell the house as it's getting too much for them. Katie comes away in love with the house but not thinking anything of the couple plans to sell up.
Weeks later Katie and Simon are talking about moving, they see the house for sale but Simons doesn't hold with the history stuff Katie does, does she tell him it's her ancestors house or keep it secret?
I loved how the story mixes with the past, the past being told in a series of letters from Bartholomew St Clair to his son Barty.
This is a wonderful mix between the 19th Century and 21 Century. I didn't understand why this was classed as a time slip novel, but really it's the best way to describe it. The chapters switched seemlessly between the centuries, leaving me desperately wanting to find out more.
I can't say I liked Bartholomew or Agnes as their actions had serious consequences which they eventually suffered for later in life. This also would come back to haunt Katie as well.
I really felt sorry for Georgia as she was young and niave, she was let down by her uncle who just wanted her married and off his hands. Used by Bartholomew who only wanted her money and used by Agnes who wanted her husband, they were the ones who were meant to care about her but badly let her down.
I really like Katie, as like me she has a love for her ancestors and ancestry. She loved her family and tried to do the best by them, but she also wanted to find out her family history. Simon her husband couldn't understand this as he was adopted and never wanted to know further than his close family.
Simon however I found annoying and even though he was under strain, (his mums dementia and finding out that he had a 21 year old daughter) at times I really wanted to slap him.
The mysteries within the book held me captivated chapter after chapter, especially the 19th Century ones that were revealed in the 21st Century, it just goes to show how much do you really know about your ancestors apart from their names. What secrets they hide and keep?
There is so much more to this story but to say anymore would ruin it. An edge of your seat read, that is a page turner and griped me from page one.
September 25, 2014
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'The Emerald Comb' is two stories; one historical, the other contemporary, cleverly interwoven with conflict, mystery and passion. The action slips seamlessly from Bartholomew St Clair's 19th century confessions to the 21st century consequences experienced by Katie our heroine. It is an absorbing read.
Katie delves into her ancestry bitten by the contemporary obsession with genealogy. What she finds leads to a house move and more mystery than answers. A possible ghost and a macabre discovery in the garden of their newly moved into house force Katie to question the wisdom of delving into her past. She can't stop. Genealogy gives Katie an identity and focus, something she is in danger of losing amidst her demanding children and unhelpful husband. Seen only from Katie's point of view Simon often seems rather a difficult man to like, who treats her hobby with disdain.
The story highlights parallels between the past and Katie's present life. The secrets both historical and contemporary are resolved in a credible way. The ending is a great bit of dramatic irony. A little inconclusive from Katie's perspective but complete for the reader who knows what really happened. A classy, readable story.
I received a copy of this book from Carina UK via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Kathleen McGurl
September 23, 2014
The Emerald Comb is a story of betrayal, murder and the hidden mysteries of genealogy.
Katie, like many others since the internet has made it easier for laymen, is set on discovering more about her ancestors. Genealogy has led her right to the front door of where her own family mystery started many years ago. The type of mystery and crime that remains a secret, because nobody knows a crime has been committed at all.
The reader is introduced to Bartholomew St. Clair, his timid fiancée Georgia and the woman who has ignited his passion, the manipulative Agnes.
The threesome become involved in a fatal collision of emotions and deceit. At one point a decision is made, which will change the face of their family in the future
Simultaneously we see Katie's own family change. In a strange way there are similarities in the patchwork construction to the family in the past, although those in the present are completely unaware of them.
It might have been better to have Agnes tell her own part of the story, as opposed to Mr St. Clair speaking for all the characters. Giving each character their own chapters for instance.
What I really liked was the realistic ending. In real life there would be no way of finding out just who is or was under the tree. In genealogy one often comes up against brick walls and unanswered questions, due to the lack of data, pictures and general physical evidence. Not knowing is therefore the more realistic ending, which the author has opted for instead of the usual happy end. A much better way to end it I think.
I received a copy of this book courtesy of the author.
Katie, like many others since the internet has made it easier for laymen, is set on discovering more about her ancestors. Genealogy has led her right to the front door of where her own family mystery started many years ago. The type of mystery and crime that remains a secret, because nobody knows a crime has been committed at all.
The reader is introduced to Bartholomew St. Clair, his timid fiancée Georgia and the woman who has ignited his passion, the manipulative Agnes.
The threesome become involved in a fatal collision of emotions and deceit. At one point a decision is made, which will change the face of their family in the future
Simultaneously we see Katie's own family change. In a strange way there are similarities in the patchwork construction to the family in the past, although those in the present are completely unaware of them.
It might have been better to have Agnes tell her own part of the story, as opposed to Mr St. Clair speaking for all the characters. Giving each character their own chapters for instance.
What I really liked was the realistic ending. In real life there would be no way of finding out just who is or was under the tree. In genealogy one often comes up against brick walls and unanswered questions, due to the lack of data, pictures and general physical evidence. Not knowing is therefore the more realistic ending, which the author has opted for instead of the usual happy end. A much better way to end it I think.
I received a copy of this book courtesy of the author.
December 15, 2014
Kathleene McGyrl's The Emerald Comb is an interesting book.
At the beginning it reminded me a lot Barbara Erskine's House of Echoes - old inherited house, with it's mysterious history, ghosts that start to communicate with children. But the ghost isn't hostile, she just wants them to know her story.
Then at one point it was very much like Philippa Carr's The Witch from the Sea - maid servant is jealous of her mistress and takes steps that eliminate her obstacle on her way to the master of the house and becoming a mistress of the house herself. Only the servant isn't really diabolical to the core, she's just jealous and jealous woman do unpredictable things that they regret later and they do not enjoy their triumph for long.
But at the end the secret that the tree and the house are hiding is revealed only to the readers and not to the main characters of the book. The readers probably guessed the truth already within couple of first chapters (as I did), so they just get the confirmation, but Kate and her family will go on believing their version of truth.
It was a good story, maybe too predictable but a good story, just the ending ... I did not like it, it felt like ... I do not know, unfinished, too "original", curt and empty.
At the beginning it reminded me a lot Barbara Erskine's House of Echoes - old inherited house, with it's mysterious history, ghosts that start to communicate with children. But the ghost isn't hostile, she just wants them to know her story.
Then at one point it was very much like Philippa Carr's The Witch from the Sea - maid servant is jealous of her mistress and takes steps that eliminate her obstacle on her way to the master of the house and becoming a mistress of the house herself. Only the servant isn't really diabolical to the core, she's just jealous and jealous woman do unpredictable things that they regret later and they do not enjoy their triumph for long.
But at the end the secret that the tree and the house are hiding is revealed only to the readers and not to the main characters of the book. The readers probably guessed the truth already within couple of first chapters (as I did), so they just get the confirmation, but Kate and her family will go on believing their version of truth.
It was a good story, maybe too predictable but a good story, just the ending ... I did not like it, it felt like ... I do not know, unfinished, too "original", curt and empty.
January 10, 2018
OK, this one was really hard to read for me. Not that it didn't flow nor that it did not grab my attention. I still had the draw to finish It and gobbled It up in three days. It was well written, but the story was heartbreaking and the ending unsatisfying. I wanted the "bad" people to get their up comings. They got what they wanted and their deception was not fully revealed even at the end. Ugg, I am so mad at this one. I have enjoyed McGurl's books so far, but this one . . . I am so frustrated.
October 3, 2014
THE EMERALD COMB BY KATHLEEN MCGURL
THE BLURB
Some secrets are best left buried...
Researching her family tree had been little more than a hobby – until Katie stepped onto Kingsley House’s sprawling, ivy-strewn drive. The house may be crumbling today, but it was once the intimidatingly opulent residence of the St Clairs, Katie’s ancestors. Arriving here two hundred years later, emotion stirs in Katie: a strange nostalgia for a place she’s never seen before... and when Kingsley House comes up for sale, Katie is determined that her family must buy it.
Surrounded by the mysteries of the past, Katie’s pastime becomes a darker obsession, as she searches through history to trace her heritage. But she soon discovers that these walls house terrible secrets. And when forgotten stories and hidden betrayals come to light, the past seems more alive than Katie could ever have imagined.
Moving between the 21st and 19th centuries, The Emerald Comb is a hauntingly evocative novel, perfect for fans of Kate Morton and Rachel Hore.
WHAT I SAY
I got to say i love this book it was my book of the week .
It full of mystery , drama,love, romance,family , murder and betrayal
The story is told as a mix of the past and present
The past is told by Bartholmew st clair in a letter he wrote to his son Barty
Each chapter set in past or present so it very easy to follow
It a real page turner you will love it
Katie wants to find out about her family her ancestors .She find her self at kingsley house soon they buy the house
Katie not told Simon about her family living there he would not have move as he hated Katie finding about her family .To Katie is a hobby she loves doing she so focus on looking in to her history .
Simon just does not get it he was a bit annoying at times .He all ways seems to be at work well was he ? He was a good husband to her but her seems to have a lot on his mind all the time he not very open about things
Then one day the past become the present and now he seems to want to know about the past he happy for her to look into it i want to tell you more but i want you all to read this fab book
Bartholomew was not a very nice man i did not like him (cause of what he was doing) but i did like how he told his story in the letter it must of be so hard to write you could feel his words you were there with him wanting him to write more down for you to hear about
Georgia i love her she was to young to marry i just wish she could see what was going on she was to naive she need to be a strong person she need to stand up for her self may be she could see or tell what was going on ?
May be she was happy ?
I not sure my heart when out to this young girl she was so alone
Agnes what can i say about her you will love or hate her i did both i want to shout at her so many times but in the end she got what she wanted i did enjoy her character at the start but then i found her very manipulative you could see what was going to happen
I would of like a bit from Agnes and Georgia side of the story may be them writing a bit in a letter i think they would of told you a very different point of view
The story was told we such passion
I wish the cover had the emerald comb on it but i loved the emerald dress as the comb play a part in the story it would of been nice to see on cover may on girl hair ?
The house has got so many secret the story tell you them all i was grip front the first page to to last page
The book just took you back in time it was told with such grace and passion a lovely story told with a lot of heart arch
I loved how the past and present mixed so well together the story was told in a clever way Not just looking for your family history on the net like we can do now days
I love history so that why i enjoy this book so much i can not recommend enough you all show read you will love the story
My gem book (6stars) and book of the week i like to thank net galley and carina for letting me read this fab book
THE BLURB
Some secrets are best left buried...
Researching her family tree had been little more than a hobby – until Katie stepped onto Kingsley House’s sprawling, ivy-strewn drive. The house may be crumbling today, but it was once the intimidatingly opulent residence of the St Clairs, Katie’s ancestors. Arriving here two hundred years later, emotion stirs in Katie: a strange nostalgia for a place she’s never seen before... and when Kingsley House comes up for sale, Katie is determined that her family must buy it.
Surrounded by the mysteries of the past, Katie’s pastime becomes a darker obsession, as she searches through history to trace her heritage. But she soon discovers that these walls house terrible secrets. And when forgotten stories and hidden betrayals come to light, the past seems more alive than Katie could ever have imagined.
Moving between the 21st and 19th centuries, The Emerald Comb is a hauntingly evocative novel, perfect for fans of Kate Morton and Rachel Hore.
WHAT I SAY
I got to say i love this book it was my book of the week .
It full of mystery , drama,love, romance,family , murder and betrayal
The story is told as a mix of the past and present
The past is told by Bartholmew st clair in a letter he wrote to his son Barty
Each chapter set in past or present so it very easy to follow
It a real page turner you will love it
Katie wants to find out about her family her ancestors .She find her self at kingsley house soon they buy the house
Katie not told Simon about her family living there he would not have move as he hated Katie finding about her family .To Katie is a hobby she loves doing she so focus on looking in to her history .
Simon just does not get it he was a bit annoying at times .He all ways seems to be at work well was he ? He was a good husband to her but her seems to have a lot on his mind all the time he not very open about things
Then one day the past become the present and now he seems to want to know about the past he happy for her to look into it i want to tell you more but i want you all to read this fab book
Bartholomew was not a very nice man i did not like him (cause of what he was doing) but i did like how he told his story in the letter it must of be so hard to write you could feel his words you were there with him wanting him to write more down for you to hear about
Georgia i love her she was to young to marry i just wish she could see what was going on she was to naive she need to be a strong person she need to stand up for her self may be she could see or tell what was going on ?
May be she was happy ?
I not sure my heart when out to this young girl she was so alone
Agnes what can i say about her you will love or hate her i did both i want to shout at her so many times but in the end she got what she wanted i did enjoy her character at the start but then i found her very manipulative you could see what was going to happen
I would of like a bit from Agnes and Georgia side of the story may be them writing a bit in a letter i think they would of told you a very different point of view
The story was told we such passion
I wish the cover had the emerald comb on it but i loved the emerald dress as the comb play a part in the story it would of been nice to see on cover may on girl hair ?
The house has got so many secret the story tell you them all i was grip front the first page to to last page
The book just took you back in time it was told with such grace and passion a lovely story told with a lot of heart arch
I loved how the past and present mixed so well together the story was told in a clever way Not just looking for your family history on the net like we can do now days
I love history so that why i enjoy this book so much i can not recommend enough you all show read you will love the story
My gem book (6stars) and book of the week i like to thank net galley and carina for letting me read this fab book
October 31, 2014
Thank you to Girls Love To Read for asking me to take part in the blog tour for this book. I didn't really know too much about it before I started reading it but I had seen some of the hype around it so I was very much looking forward to reading it.
This is a time slip novel, which is not something I have read much of before, but I loved it! The way we get to see two stories both from completely different time's but overlapping was brilliant. This book was essentially two different books, a historical fiction and a contemporary novel, it was great to be able to see these two genres mixed as we don't often see this, it is good to compare the characters and their lives then and now and see how differently they lived. I loved that we got to read two different stories, about two different families (although technically the same family), both with their secrets.
I thought at first that switching between different characters and time zones might confuse or complicate the book for the reader, however, this is not the case at all. Kathleen tells us which time zone we are in at the beginning of the chapter and stays in that time until the next, this makes it so easy to read and the novel just flows.
The parts that were written in the past I think I enjoyed more than the present and I found myself intrigued as to what was going to happen. What I loved about this is that we learn about everything through letters that are being written from Bartholomew St Clair to his son Barty, this is a much more personal way of telling us his story and we feel so much more connected to it as we become Barty reading his father's letters. When Katie Smith (formerly St Clair), a descendant of Barty's brother, buys their house the past becomes the present and Katie ends up caught in the middle of a murder mystery case that is over 100 years old.
I don't want to say too much more about this book because I went into it pretty blind and I am so glad I did because not knowing what to expect made it so much better. Plus there are so many stories going on within this book I couldn't possibly tell you them all, some of them you don't expect which is so exciting!
Kathleen has written a brilliant novel, the research she has put into it to allow us to feel as though we are back in the early 1900's is amazing, I could picture everything in front of me as if I was actually there. It is one of those books that you get hooked on straight away and just can't put down. I would recommend this book to anybody as I don't think there will be many people that won't enjoy it. If you want a book that is exciting, fast-paced and impossible to put down, with plenty of twists and turns, then you need to buy this book! I can't wait to read more of Kathleen's novels.
This is a time slip novel, which is not something I have read much of before, but I loved it! The way we get to see two stories both from completely different time's but overlapping was brilliant. This book was essentially two different books, a historical fiction and a contemporary novel, it was great to be able to see these two genres mixed as we don't often see this, it is good to compare the characters and their lives then and now and see how differently they lived. I loved that we got to read two different stories, about two different families (although technically the same family), both with their secrets.
I thought at first that switching between different characters and time zones might confuse or complicate the book for the reader, however, this is not the case at all. Kathleen tells us which time zone we are in at the beginning of the chapter and stays in that time until the next, this makes it so easy to read and the novel just flows.
The parts that were written in the past I think I enjoyed more than the present and I found myself intrigued as to what was going to happen. What I loved about this is that we learn about everything through letters that are being written from Bartholomew St Clair to his son Barty, this is a much more personal way of telling us his story and we feel so much more connected to it as we become Barty reading his father's letters. When Katie Smith (formerly St Clair), a descendant of Barty's brother, buys their house the past becomes the present and Katie ends up caught in the middle of a murder mystery case that is over 100 years old.
I don't want to say too much more about this book because I went into it pretty blind and I am so glad I did because not knowing what to expect made it so much better. Plus there are so many stories going on within this book I couldn't possibly tell you them all, some of them you don't expect which is so exciting!
Kathleen has written a brilliant novel, the research she has put into it to allow us to feel as though we are back in the early 1900's is amazing, I could picture everything in front of me as if I was actually there. It is one of those books that you get hooked on straight away and just can't put down. I would recommend this book to anybody as I don't think there will be many people that won't enjoy it. If you want a book that is exciting, fast-paced and impossible to put down, with plenty of twists and turns, then you need to buy this book! I can't wait to read more of Kathleen's novels.
May 1, 2016
Whilst researching her family history, Katie Smith falls in love with Kingsley House, the crumbling former home of her ancestors, the St Clairs. To her surprise, when the house appears on the market, her husband is very keen to purchase it. As he doesn’t share her love of genealogy, Katie decides to keep her connection to the building secret. This subterfuge ends, however, when a terrible discovery is made and Katie must come to terms with the fact that her family is harbouring a dark secret.
The story is told from the perspectives of two people – Katie in the twenty-first century, and Bartholomew St. Clair in the nineteenth century. Despite being almost 200 years apart, the two stories collide as we discover the truth about Bartholomew, his young wife Georgia Holland and her trusted lady’s maid, Agnes Cutter. Without giving too much away, it is quite apparent early on in the book that Agnes is going to play a larger role than that of just a servant but the extreme measures she takes to secure her needs were a bit of a surprise!
Like Kathleen McGurl’s latest book, The Daughters of Red Hill Hall, there are similarities in the stories that are being told in the past and the present, namely that of disfunctional families and the secrecy surrounding them. It is interesting to see, however, how society has changed in that time and how an indiscretion that happened in the past would be dealt with differently nowadays.
Although the ending does not give complete closure to the story, it is real-life as it is acknowledged that not every genealogical mystery can have a complete conclusion. Enough clues are given, however, to infer that Katie has her own suspicions and I would like to think that she carried on to discover what really happened.
After receiving an advance copy of The Daughters of Red Hill Hall from Net Galley, I was keen to read other books by Kathleen McGurl and I am pleased to say that this one lived up to my expectations. Superbly written with great characterisation, I am looking forward to reading The Pearl Locket next!
The story is told from the perspectives of two people – Katie in the twenty-first century, and Bartholomew St. Clair in the nineteenth century. Despite being almost 200 years apart, the two stories collide as we discover the truth about Bartholomew, his young wife Georgia Holland and her trusted lady’s maid, Agnes Cutter. Without giving too much away, it is quite apparent early on in the book that Agnes is going to play a larger role than that of just a servant but the extreme measures she takes to secure her needs were a bit of a surprise!
Like Kathleen McGurl’s latest book, The Daughters of Red Hill Hall, there are similarities in the stories that are being told in the past and the present, namely that of disfunctional families and the secrecy surrounding them. It is interesting to see, however, how society has changed in that time and how an indiscretion that happened in the past would be dealt with differently nowadays.
Although the ending does not give complete closure to the story, it is real-life as it is acknowledged that not every genealogical mystery can have a complete conclusion. Enough clues are given, however, to infer that Katie has her own suspicions and I would like to think that she carried on to discover what really happened.
After receiving an advance copy of The Daughters of Red Hill Hall from Net Galley, I was keen to read other books by Kathleen McGurl and I am pleased to say that this one lived up to my expectations. Superbly written with great characterisation, I am looking forward to reading The Pearl Locket next!
October 28, 2014
This book was so good! I loved how there were so many different components in it; mystery, history, and time. I loved how we had two different eras to be in, and I really enjoyed reading through each one. The characters were well written and developed and each one made a connection with you.
Katie wants to know more about her families past, but husband Simon doesn’t really care for it. He has a secret one that he wants to keep hidden, but when they buy a house that Katie loves, will his secrets be found?
We also get to see Bartholomew and his fiancé, Georgia. But there is someone else in the picture a woman that drives Bartholomew made with passion, Anges. This part of the story has the betrayal that will later change Katie’s family forever.
I LOVED THIS STORY. It was beautifully written and left you wanting more. More of everything. I loved how well written it is and the way everything flows together. Some authors can’t change back and forth from one character to the next, But Mrs. McGurl did more than that. She changed from not only 1 character to the next but also from 1 time era to another. Wonderful read. I can’t say that enough!
GO BUY THIS ONE! You won’t be disappointed!
Katie wants to know more about her families past, but husband Simon doesn’t really care for it. He has a secret one that he wants to keep hidden, but when they buy a house that Katie loves, will his secrets be found?
We also get to see Bartholomew and his fiancé, Georgia. But there is someone else in the picture a woman that drives Bartholomew made with passion, Anges. This part of the story has the betrayal that will later change Katie’s family forever.
I LOVED THIS STORY. It was beautifully written and left you wanting more. More of everything. I loved how well written it is and the way everything flows together. Some authors can’t change back and forth from one character to the next, But Mrs. McGurl did more than that. She changed from not only 1 character to the next but also from 1 time era to another. Wonderful read. I can’t say that enough!
GO BUY THIS ONE! You won’t be disappointed!
January 22, 2015
A lovely book that I really enjoyed. It's a duel timeline book, and unlike some other books that I've read on this theme I liked both timelines equally.
It was an interesting story with twists in it that I didn't see coming, and I was proved to be wrong on more than one occasion when I thought I had guessed what was happening!
This is the first book by this author that I have read, and I will definitely look for more because she writes in a style that I find a pleasure to read.
It was an interesting story with twists in it that I didn't see coming, and I was proved to be wrong on more than one occasion when I thought I had guessed what was happening!
This is the first book by this author that I have read, and I will definitely look for more because she writes in a style that I find a pleasure to read.
June 23, 2016
I just finished this book in 2days. This has to be one of my all time best book. I was not expecting the ending and I can't get it out of my mind. If you love mysteries and genealogy you will love this book.
I just found this author last week and have read three of her books. She is such an excellent story teller and author. Please Ms. MCGURL keep the books coming. Highly suggested read. Would make great book club discussion.
I just found this author last week and have read three of her books. She is such an excellent story teller and author. Please Ms. MCGURL keep the books coming. Highly suggested read. Would make great book club discussion.
March 29, 2016
Great afternoon novel
I enjoyed it and found it hard to put down. I would have rated it higher but it had some parts of the story that were left hanging. It's like a lot of effort went into setting up the story, then suddenly it's like the author tired of it and wrapped it up. If that makes sense.
I enjoyed it and found it hard to put down. I would have rated it higher but it had some parts of the story that were left hanging. It's like a lot of effort went into setting up the story, then suddenly it's like the author tired of it and wrapped it up. If that makes sense.
April 2, 2016
A very enjoyable book although I was slightly disappointed that the main character in the modern era did not manage to solve the mystery of the skeleton in her backyard, although she thought that she had.
The writing was very good, with the historical portion being in the form of a letter (that Kate does not have access too, it is being read by her ancestor after the death of his father).
The writing was very good, with the historical portion being in the form of a letter (that Kate does not have access too, it is being read by her ancestor after the death of his father).
October 16, 2016
Genealogy
Katie and Simon buy the house of Katie's ancestors, the St Clairs. Set in the future and the past we are introduced to Katie's ancestors. Dastardly deeds in the past suddenly become discovered in the future
Truly enthralling story that I didn't want to end. Highly recommend.
Katie and Simon buy the house of Katie's ancestors, the St Clairs. Set in the future and the past we are introduced to Katie's ancestors. Dastardly deeds in the past suddenly become discovered in the future
Truly enthralling story that I didn't want to end. Highly recommend.
September 22, 2014
I liked how Kathleen used 2 stories of different eras, 1840ish and Contemporary, that were connected. She did a great job of creating her people. They really tug at your heart. Katie and Simon have 3 children. She is into genealogy and he has no use for it. She finds a house she loves so they buy it. Simon is acting peculiarly strange. The second story is from 1840. Bartholomew marries a young girl for her money. There is a great big spoiler here. Read the book. Will Katie find Simon's secret? Read the book. If I say more it will spoil the book for you. This is what I call a teeter totter book. You have to read it then you have to put it away only to have to read some more. Please give this book a chance. You will not be sorry. I have this book for an honest review for NetGalley.
December 24, 2018
This was a good mystery story, I enjoyed it. The description of the story is on the front of the book, I could not describe it better. It was an excellent novel and I enjoyed it, I love old home places and their secrets. This really had some sad secrets.
May 28, 2016
Loved the storylines especially the historical one. Fabulous book.
February 2, 2024
Synopsis:
Some secrets are best left buried...
Researching her family tree had been little more than a hobby – until Katie stepped onto Kingsley House’s sprawling, ivy-strewn drive. The house may be crumbling today, but it was once the intimidatingly opulent residence of the St Clairs, Katie’s ancestors. Arriving here two hundred years later, emotion stirs in Katie: a strange nostalgia for a place she’s never seen before... and when Kingsley House comes up for sale, Katie is determined that her family must buy it.
Surrounded by the mysteries of the past, Katie’s pastime becomes a darker obsession, as she searches through history to trace her heritage. But she soon discovers that these walls house terrible secrets. And when forgotten stories and hidden betrayals come to light, the past seems more alive than Katie could ever have imagined.
I liked the idea of the story, but I don't think the entire storyline was well thought out. The historical part of the book went well until halfway through the book, that plotline suddenly rushed to an end. The present day of the story I didn't like; superficial characters and events. The ghost sounds were not well explained, a surprise daughter out of the blue who was accepted immediately into the family, Katie, interested in genealogy, who doesn't even think of having a dna test done on the bones found in their garden, even though she lives in her ancestral home? The most annoying part was the, again, rushed end of the story with a wrong conclusion, whom the bones belonged to. All in all, a nice idea, but not well executed in my opinion.
Some secrets are best left buried...
Researching her family tree had been little more than a hobby – until Katie stepped onto Kingsley House’s sprawling, ivy-strewn drive. The house may be crumbling today, but it was once the intimidatingly opulent residence of the St Clairs, Katie’s ancestors. Arriving here two hundred years later, emotion stirs in Katie: a strange nostalgia for a place she’s never seen before... and when Kingsley House comes up for sale, Katie is determined that her family must buy it.
Surrounded by the mysteries of the past, Katie’s pastime becomes a darker obsession, as she searches through history to trace her heritage. But she soon discovers that these walls house terrible secrets. And when forgotten stories and hidden betrayals come to light, the past seems more alive than Katie could ever have imagined.
I liked the idea of the story, but I don't think the entire storyline was well thought out. The historical part of the book went well until halfway through the book, that plotline suddenly rushed to an end. The present day of the story I didn't like; superficial characters and events. The ghost sounds were not well explained, a surprise daughter out of the blue who was accepted immediately into the family, Katie, interested in genealogy, who doesn't even think of having a dna test done on the bones found in their garden, even though she lives in her ancestral home? The most annoying part was the, again, rushed end of the story with a wrong conclusion, whom the bones belonged to. All in all, a nice idea, but not well executed in my opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2025
This is the first book by Kathleen McGurl that I have read, and I have to say I am very impressed. The weaving of two tales over two timelines is seamless and easy to follow. I liked the true-to-life ending.
October 26, 2016
Having been drawn into the genealogy craze eight years ago, I discovered this book on Twitter while looking for books with a story connected to family history. I was not disappointed. I loved it! I knew as soon as I saw the drawing of the St. Clair family tree placed before the prologue that this book was right up my alley.
The story begins in the 19th century, with the confession by a man-Bartholomew St. Clair-who owns the home eventually purchased by his 3 times great granddaughter, Kate St. Clair Smith. Kate has a passion for genealogy research, which is what lead her to the purchase of the home know as Kingsley House and eventually helped unearth clues to the mystery buried at that house.
I identified with Kate, whose husband just did not "get" her obsession with learning about her past. Unless or until you enter the world of genealogy research, it is a difficult hobby for many to understand.
As Kate went through the process of trying to solve the mystery using census records, newspaper articles, and birth/death records, I saw myself in her. I cheered her on each step of the way and admired her tenacity and understood her need to hide her actions from her husband, knowing he would probably dismiss her.
This is a great book for fans of mystery novels but particularly for those who understand that "Past is Prologue." I look forward to reading more of Ms. McGurl's books.
The story begins in the 19th century, with the confession by a man-Bartholomew St. Clair-who owns the home eventually purchased by his 3 times great granddaughter, Kate St. Clair Smith. Kate has a passion for genealogy research, which is what lead her to the purchase of the home know as Kingsley House and eventually helped unearth clues to the mystery buried at that house.
I identified with Kate, whose husband just did not "get" her obsession with learning about her past. Unless or until you enter the world of genealogy research, it is a difficult hobby for many to understand.
As Kate went through the process of trying to solve the mystery using census records, newspaper articles, and birth/death records, I saw myself in her. I cheered her on each step of the way and admired her tenacity and understood her need to hide her actions from her husband, knowing he would probably dismiss her.
This is a great book for fans of mystery novels but particularly for those who understand that "Past is Prologue." I look forward to reading more of Ms. McGurl's books.
November 13, 2018
Kathleen McGurl’s novel, The Emerald Comb is an entertaining read with enough mystery to keep the pages turning.
Dually set in modern England and down the heroine’s family tree two hundred years, Katie learns more about her ancestors than she bargained for. As an amateur genealogist, I related to Katie’s search into her past and frustration when her husband didn’t share her zeal.
I found the conversations and interactions in the present sections to be stilted and some of the characters awkward. Conversely, the sections in the past read without a hitch. It was the story of Katie’s ancestors that kept me reading.
The Emerald Comb was a quick read, which means I was invested enough to want to return to the book. Since finishing, I have thought back to the story several times. Both signs of an enjoyable reading experience.
I recommend The Emerald Comb by Kathleen McGurl for a good weekend read.
Originally reviewed at anintrovertslife.blog
Dually set in modern England and down the heroine’s family tree two hundred years, Katie learns more about her ancestors than she bargained for. As an amateur genealogist, I related to Katie’s search into her past and frustration when her husband didn’t share her zeal.
I found the conversations and interactions in the present sections to be stilted and some of the characters awkward. Conversely, the sections in the past read without a hitch. It was the story of Katie’s ancestors that kept me reading.
The Emerald Comb was a quick read, which means I was invested enough to want to return to the book. Since finishing, I have thought back to the story several times. Both signs of an enjoyable reading experience.
I recommend The Emerald Comb by Kathleen McGurl for a good weekend read.
Originally reviewed at anintrovertslife.blog
September 22, 2014
I've read McGurl's work before, and have to say this book didn't disappoint, with the same vivid characterisation and fast-pace. The chapters alternating between present day and the 19th century had me constantly turning the pages to press ahead, from cliff-hanger to cliff-hanger. Will Katie discover all of her family's secrets, lost in the past at Kingsley House? There is adultery, murder, jealousy - all great ingredients for a brilliant tale. My only disappointment was that a certain aspect of the story wasn't tied up completely at the end, but other readers will probably feel differently, and despite this, the ending was still satisfying and quite poignant. I grew to like Georgia but never sympathised with disloyal lady's maid, Agnes. The book contains an array of weak and strong, of appealing and unlikeable characters. Lose yourself in this highly recommended read!
July 15, 2019
Delightful read from start to finish
I love a good time-slip and The Emerald Comb did not disappoint. For me, it had all the right ingredients for a deliciously intriguing and enjoyable story: present day mystery, historic mystery and an old creaking house in the country. We follow the historic tale as set out by Bartholomew St Clair, who writes to his son from his death bed. It is all about heritage and this is the theme to the present day mystery too. It ties up neatly. The author is well researched on her past and great at bringing this to life in the novel. I looked forward to picking this story back up every evening before bed. It is my first book by Kathleen McGurl and most definitely, not my last.
I love a good time-slip and The Emerald Comb did not disappoint. For me, it had all the right ingredients for a deliciously intriguing and enjoyable story: present day mystery, historic mystery and an old creaking house in the country. We follow the historic tale as set out by Bartholomew St Clair, who writes to his son from his death bed. It is all about heritage and this is the theme to the present day mystery too. It ties up neatly. The author is well researched on her past and great at bringing this to life in the novel. I looked forward to picking this story back up every evening before bed. It is my first book by Kathleen McGurl and most definitely, not my last.
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