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The Thin Place
“I devoured this novel in a single sitting. The Thin Place will stay with you long after you turn the final page.” –Clare Mackintosh, bestselling author of After the End
She has to know the truth about Overtoun Estate, but there is a reason it has stayed buried for so long.
When journalist Ava Brent decides to investigate the dark mystery of Overtoun Estate—a ‘thin place’, steeped in myth—she has no idea how dangerous this story will be for her.
Overtoun looms over the town, watching, the locals fearful of the strange building and the secrets it keeps. When Ava starts to ask questions, the warm welcome she first receives turns to a cold shoulder. And before she knows it, Ava is caught in the house’s grasp too.
After she discovers the history of a sick young girl who lived there, she starts to understand the sadness that shrouds it. But when she finds an ominous old message etched into a windowsill, she is forced to wonder—what horrors is the house protecting? And what will it cost her to find out?
With her own first child on the way, Ava knows she should stay away. But even as her life starts to unravel, and she receives chilling threats, the house and the bridge keep pulling her back…
She has to know the truth about Overtoun Estate, but there is a reason it has stayed buried for so long.
When journalist Ava Brent decides to investigate the dark mystery of Overtoun Estate—a ‘thin place’, steeped in myth—she has no idea how dangerous this story will be for her.
Overtoun looms over the town, watching, the locals fearful of the strange building and the secrets it keeps. When Ava starts to ask questions, the warm welcome she first receives turns to a cold shoulder. And before she knows it, Ava is caught in the house’s grasp too.
After she discovers the history of a sick young girl who lived there, she starts to understand the sadness that shrouds it. But when she finds an ominous old message etched into a windowsill, she is forced to wonder—what horrors is the house protecting? And what will it cost her to find out?
With her own first child on the way, Ava knows she should stay away. But even as her life starts to unravel, and she receives chilling threats, the house and the bridge keep pulling her back…
319 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 15, 2021
526 people are currently reading
4832 people want to read
About the author
C.D. Major
4 books192 followersWebsite: www.cescamajor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 264 reviews
February 23, 2021
Why is television reporter Ava Brent so drawn to Overtoun House and Bridge near Dumbarton, a few miles from Glasgow? How does Ava in the present day connect to Marion from 1929 and Constance in 1949? The story alternates between them in the well written,clever tale with strong Gothic overtones.
A thin place is a Celtic term for places where the gap or veil between Heaven and Earth is closer, Ava finds herself drawn to such a place and feels it’s magnetism. The atmosphere the author creates is excellent. There’s a real aura of mystery in this compelling and immersive page turner but it’s Overtoun House which pervades the storytelling the strongest. It’s like it’s horribly alive as it mesmerises Ava, it’s menacing and threatening which creates a spooky, supernatural sensation. The storyline especially that of Constance is positively chilling and makes your blood run cold and freezing your veins. There’s fear, madness and cruelty on an unimaginable scale with the plot taking on a dark black intensity. Ava becomes obsessed, she cannot let herself drop the investigation into the house despite the grim discoveries she makes, feels and senses. Her obsession has a negative impact on her personal life but she is unable to stop. The characterisation is good though they aren’t necessarily likeable by any means and Ava drives you mad with her continual digging up the past despite the adverse effects. Although you can predict some of the outcome as the clues are there, you do not see the ending coming and it’s very fitting.
Overall, this is a very compelling Gothic mystery that cleverly weaves fiction with the fact of Overtoun House and Bridge.
I really like the cover too!
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Amazon Publishing for the arc for an honest review.
A thin place is a Celtic term for places where the gap or veil between Heaven and Earth is closer, Ava finds herself drawn to such a place and feels it’s magnetism. The atmosphere the author creates is excellent. There’s a real aura of mystery in this compelling and immersive page turner but it’s Overtoun House which pervades the storytelling the strongest. It’s like it’s horribly alive as it mesmerises Ava, it’s menacing and threatening which creates a spooky, supernatural sensation. The storyline especially that of Constance is positively chilling and makes your blood run cold and freezing your veins. There’s fear, madness and cruelty on an unimaginable scale with the plot taking on a dark black intensity. Ava becomes obsessed, she cannot let herself drop the investigation into the house despite the grim discoveries she makes, feels and senses. Her obsession has a negative impact on her personal life but she is unable to stop. The characterisation is good though they aren’t necessarily likeable by any means and Ava drives you mad with her continual digging up the past despite the adverse effects. Although you can predict some of the outcome as the clues are there, you do not see the ending coming and it’s very fitting.
Overall, this is a very compelling Gothic mystery that cleverly weaves fiction with the fact of Overtoun House and Bridge.
I really like the cover too!
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Amazon Publishing for the arc for an honest review.
October 17, 2022
1-2 stars
First, Google “Overtoun Estate” and “Overtoun Bridge”. You will see the gorgeous real life Castle and bridge in Scotland, dating back to 1895 which is shrouded in myth and mystery.
Since the 1950’s over 500 dogs have leapt off of the bridge, said to be a “thin place” with most killed by the 50 ft drop onto the rocks below.
Is it the overpowering smell of Minks, that lure them? Or, the paranormal activity associated with the suicide of Lady West, now known as the “White Lady” who haunts the ravine at the “dog suicide” bridge?
“Heaven and Earth are only three feet apart, but in thin places, that distance is even shorter” Celtic Proverb
The book was on my radar since it was published in 2021, but I didn’t want to read about canine deaths, so initially I passed. But, I remained intrigued and since it is a real place and phenomenon, not just gratuitous animal death, I finally decided to brave it, as one of my “seasonal reads” this year.
Fortunately, Sabrina (Sabireads) was willing to take the plunge with me!
Unfortunately, a great premise does not make for a great book!
And, the author felt the need to ADD gratuitous animal harm and death to the fictional story, as if the 500 leaping dogs wasn’t enough!
The “manipulation” she wanted to show could have been done in so many other ways.
The story unfolds through three timelines, Ava (an unlikable pregnant reporter, who takes unnecessary risks) in the Present Day, Constance, from 1949 and Marion from 1929. It was pretty obvious to us how the women would be connected.
We also figured out the sub plot not mentioned in the synopsis early on.
Every time a dog was on this bridge, I had a feeling of dread.
I am told that the epilogue is also disturbing for animal lovers so I decided to skip these last couple of pages. I had endured more than my fill by this point.
I wasn’t sure, if I would rate this two stars or one, when I finished, but now that I have put my thoughts to paper, it’s clear, that the story is only one star worthy to me, and the only aspect of the story that I did appreciate was the fascinating history of the locale and it being used as the backdrop for this story-in other words-the fact, not the fiction.
Thank You, Sabrina for sticking it out with me! Be sure to read her amazing review for additional thoughts!
First, Google “Overtoun Estate” and “Overtoun Bridge”. You will see the gorgeous real life Castle and bridge in Scotland, dating back to 1895 which is shrouded in myth and mystery.
Since the 1950’s over 500 dogs have leapt off of the bridge, said to be a “thin place” with most killed by the 50 ft drop onto the rocks below.
Is it the overpowering smell of Minks, that lure them? Or, the paranormal activity associated with the suicide of Lady West, now known as the “White Lady” who haunts the ravine at the “dog suicide” bridge?
“Heaven and Earth are only three feet apart, but in thin places, that distance is even shorter” Celtic Proverb
The book was on my radar since it was published in 2021, but I didn’t want to read about canine deaths, so initially I passed. But, I remained intrigued and since it is a real place and phenomenon, not just gratuitous animal death, I finally decided to brave it, as one of my “seasonal reads” this year.
Fortunately, Sabrina (Sabireads) was willing to take the plunge with me!
Unfortunately, a great premise does not make for a great book!
And, the author felt the need to ADD gratuitous animal harm and death to the fictional story, as if the 500 leaping dogs wasn’t enough!
The “manipulation” she wanted to show could have been done in so many other ways.
The story unfolds through three timelines, Ava (an unlikable pregnant reporter, who takes unnecessary risks) in the Present Day, Constance, from 1949 and Marion from 1929. It was pretty obvious to us how the women would be connected.
We also figured out the sub plot not mentioned in the synopsis early on.
Every time a dog was on this bridge, I had a feeling of dread.
I am told that the epilogue is also disturbing for animal lovers so I decided to skip these last couple of pages. I had endured more than my fill by this point.
I wasn’t sure, if I would rate this two stars or one, when I finished, but now that I have put my thoughts to paper, it’s clear, that the story is only one star worthy to me, and the only aspect of the story that I did appreciate was the fascinating history of the locale and it being used as the backdrop for this story-in other words-the fact, not the fiction.
Thank You, Sabrina for sticking it out with me! Be sure to read her amazing review for additional thoughts!
January 27, 2021
What are Thin Places? Thin places are places of energy. A place where the veil between this world and the eternal world is thin. A thin place is where one can walk in two worlds – the worlds are fused together, knitted loosely where the differences can be discerned or tightly where the two worlds become one. (Definition provided by thinplacestour.com)
Ava Brent is a journalist that takes on the story of Overtoun House and bridge. A spot that locals refer to as a Thin Place. It is believed that in the 1950's upwards of 500 dogs have leaped to their deaths from the bridge. Not only that but dead bodies have been found around the estate with spent guns next to them. Does the bridge have some strange pull that brings both man and beast to their death?
That is what Ava wants to find out.
Once Ava arrives on site she gets a strange feeling. It's as if the house knows she is there and is demanding her to leave. Yet as strange as she felt while there she becomes obsessed and finds herself going back there time and time again. Even breaking into the home to curb her curiosity. Meanwhile, Ava has also discovers that she's pregnant and while she is delighted to be having Frasier's baby she can't seem to focus on her own health and their future together. Overtoun House is the only thing on her mind.
Then we flashback to Marion and Constance both of whom resided in Overtoun house.
Marion, 1929
A poor young woman that is swept off her feet by Hamish. They marry and he brings her back to his families estate. They try and try again for a baby but it isn't meant to be. Miscarriage after miscarriage have left Marion frail and Hamish resentful that she can't carry a baby.
Constance, 1949
A young girl that is locked away in a room at Overtoun House. Her mother tells her that she is very ill and should not be exposed to anyone. Loneliness is the only life she knows. All she has is the view of the bridge from her window and how excited she becomes to see anyone crossing over wishing she could run out there to laugh and play with them.
All three storylines will interconnect and I'll admit that I was surprised by one revelation though in hindsight I'm wondering how I missed the connection. It seems so obvious...now. A slow burn of a novel with rich atmosphere and an intriguing location that kept me turning the pages. The author ends the novel with an historical note and much to my surprise Overtoun House and bridge is, in fact, a real place steeped in mystery. I have much to Google. 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for providing me with a digital ARC.
Ava Brent is a journalist that takes on the story of Overtoun House and bridge. A spot that locals refer to as a Thin Place. It is believed that in the 1950's upwards of 500 dogs have leaped to their deaths from the bridge. Not only that but dead bodies have been found around the estate with spent guns next to them. Does the bridge have some strange pull that brings both man and beast to their death?
That is what Ava wants to find out.
Once Ava arrives on site she gets a strange feeling. It's as if the house knows she is there and is demanding her to leave. Yet as strange as she felt while there she becomes obsessed and finds herself going back there time and time again. Even breaking into the home to curb her curiosity. Meanwhile, Ava has also discovers that she's pregnant and while she is delighted to be having Frasier's baby she can't seem to focus on her own health and their future together. Overtoun House is the only thing on her mind.
Then we flashback to Marion and Constance both of whom resided in Overtoun house.
Marion, 1929
A poor young woman that is swept off her feet by Hamish. They marry and he brings her back to his families estate. They try and try again for a baby but it isn't meant to be. Miscarriage after miscarriage have left Marion frail and Hamish resentful that she can't carry a baby.
Constance, 1949
A young girl that is locked away in a room at Overtoun House. Her mother tells her that she is very ill and should not be exposed to anyone. Loneliness is the only life she knows. All she has is the view of the bridge from her window and how excited she becomes to see anyone crossing over wishing she could run out there to laugh and play with them.
All three storylines will interconnect and I'll admit that I was surprised by one revelation though in hindsight I'm wondering how I missed the connection. It seems so obvious...now. A slow burn of a novel with rich atmosphere and an intriguing location that kept me turning the pages. The author ends the novel with an historical note and much to my surprise Overtoun House and bridge is, in fact, a real place steeped in mystery. I have much to Google. 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for providing me with a digital ARC.
April 8, 2021
"Heaven and earth are only three feet apart, but in the thin places that distance is even shorter." - Celtic Proverb
Three females, one location shrouded in darkness, danger, gossip, and atmosphere.
Ava Bent is a journalist who is investigating the "dark" mystery of Overtoun Estate in the present day. Overtoun estate is a “thin space" steeped in myth. The bridge, Overtoun bridge, is also knowns at the dog suicide bridge. Sounds like the perfect place for the perfect story. But the townspeople are tight lipped, they are wary of the estate and its secrets. But that does not stop Ava, for some reason she feels drawn to Overtoun.
Constance is a young girl who lived at Overtoun Estate in 1949. Her whole life she is told that she is ill by her mother. She undergoes treatments and operations. Her mother keeps her away from others, having only her window to observe the outside world. She has a sad and lonely existence.
Marion moves into Overtoun estate with her new husband in 1929. She suffers many miscarriages and is not deaf to the whispers/gossip about how her husband spends his time when he is not with her. Her many miscarriages and sadness affect her health as husband spends less and less time at home.
During this book, the three storylines are told. Ava, Constance, and Marion have their own distinct voices and story to tell. Initially I was curious as to how and why the storylines are connected but as the plot unfolded, I figured out the connections. This did not affect my enjoyment of the book at all. The book is full of atmosphere and mystery. I especially enjoyed that the author used a real location and facts about the location (i.e., Overtoun estate and Overtoun bridge) as the location for her story. The author did a brilliant job at blending fact with fiction. Very well done!
I found this book to be enjoyable, but it lacked that extra something which would have garnered a higher rating from me. Do not get me wrong, I did enjoy this but perhaps would have enjoyed it more if there was more tension, dread and eeriness in the book. I wanted this to be creepier and more sinister. But the author does deliver a book seeped in drama, secrets, and mystery.
This book introduced me to C D Major and I do look forward to reading more of her books in the future.
Thank you to Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Three females, one location shrouded in darkness, danger, gossip, and atmosphere.
Ava Bent is a journalist who is investigating the "dark" mystery of Overtoun Estate in the present day. Overtoun estate is a “thin space" steeped in myth. The bridge, Overtoun bridge, is also knowns at the dog suicide bridge. Sounds like the perfect place for the perfect story. But the townspeople are tight lipped, they are wary of the estate and its secrets. But that does not stop Ava, for some reason she feels drawn to Overtoun.
Constance is a young girl who lived at Overtoun Estate in 1949. Her whole life she is told that she is ill by her mother. She undergoes treatments and operations. Her mother keeps her away from others, having only her window to observe the outside world. She has a sad and lonely existence.
Marion moves into Overtoun estate with her new husband in 1929. She suffers many miscarriages and is not deaf to the whispers/gossip about how her husband spends his time when he is not with her. Her many miscarriages and sadness affect her health as husband spends less and less time at home.
During this book, the three storylines are told. Ava, Constance, and Marion have their own distinct voices and story to tell. Initially I was curious as to how and why the storylines are connected but as the plot unfolded, I figured out the connections. This did not affect my enjoyment of the book at all. The book is full of atmosphere and mystery. I especially enjoyed that the author used a real location and facts about the location (i.e., Overtoun estate and Overtoun bridge) as the location for her story. The author did a brilliant job at blending fact with fiction. Very well done!
I found this book to be enjoyable, but it lacked that extra something which would have garnered a higher rating from me. Do not get me wrong, I did enjoy this but perhaps would have enjoyed it more if there was more tension, dread and eeriness in the book. I wanted this to be creepier and more sinister. But the author does deliver a book seeped in drama, secrets, and mystery.
This book introduced me to C D Major and I do look forward to reading more of her books in the future.
Thank you to Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
June 27, 2023
1.5 stars
A complete miss for me.
This was a backlist NetGalley title that I’m glad to cross off my list but in hindsight, it should have been a DNF. I was hoping for an intriguing, gothic mystery but this failed to deliver on any aspect of that.
There were three women narrating three timelines. From the start the perspective changes felt choppy and lacked flow. I didn’t like the main character from the present day and she set a negative tone for me throughout. I did find one of the past timelines intriguing and it was what kept me curious enough to continue reading. Unfortunately that piece of the novel wasn’t enough to make it enjoyable.
Before starting the book, I knew there would be difficulty with the death of dogs as part of the main storyline but there were unnecessary details included that made my stomach churn. I do not recommend this book to animal lovers (or anyone for that matter!) - it’s uncomfortable and upsetting on many levels.
Overall, this was not a winner for me and I cannot recommend it. Thank you to the publisher for my digital review copy!
A complete miss for me.
This was a backlist NetGalley title that I’m glad to cross off my list but in hindsight, it should have been a DNF. I was hoping for an intriguing, gothic mystery but this failed to deliver on any aspect of that.
There were three women narrating three timelines. From the start the perspective changes felt choppy and lacked flow. I didn’t like the main character from the present day and she set a negative tone for me throughout. I did find one of the past timelines intriguing and it was what kept me curious enough to continue reading. Unfortunately that piece of the novel wasn’t enough to make it enjoyable.
Before starting the book, I knew there would be difficulty with the death of dogs as part of the main storyline but there were unnecessary details included that made my stomach churn. I do not recommend this book to animal lovers (or anyone for that matter!) - it’s uncomfortable and upsetting on many levels.
Overall, this was not a winner for me and I cannot recommend it. Thank you to the publisher for my digital review copy!
April 19, 2021
I read this book in one sitting, and while almost every character irritated me to no end, it was still a creeptastic read based on a real place (which is always fascinating)!
Pregnant reporter Ava Brent stumbles across a local legend of dogs "jumping" off a bridge associated with a manor known as Overtoun House. Ava, who seems to have an obsessive personality, immediately becomes fascinated with this legend, and with the Overtoun House, as upon her first visit, she has a eerie feeling that she has a connection to the property. Even more interesting to Ava is that all of the locals refuse to talk about the house and the bridge, which makes Ava start digging into the house's history. She eventually learns of a sick girl who once lived there and begins to uncover the secrets hidden by the house. Even after she is threatened and thwarted at every turn, she is determined that nothing will stop her at finding out the truth.
I loved the author's note that revealed that the Overtoun House and bridge are real places and that the story of the jumping dogs is also real (and also sad, but I thought Major handled the subject well). This book is not for the faint of heart though, as there are dark topics such as child abuse and cruelty, and animal death; but that being said, it is not over-the-top. I also liked the way Major told the story from the viewpoint of three women, Marion, Constance, and Ava, who all have ties to Overtoun.
What I did not like though was Ava's character. I get the obsession, but she was too much. I just didn't enjoy her character and had a hard time empathizing with her, no matter how what happened to her. Thank goodness for Marion and Constance's stories though, because they made up for the irritation I felt with Ava's chapters.
Overall, though, it’s a page-turner that keeps you reading to the bitter end. It’s part gothic, part ghost story, part dark thriller. There were some clever red herrings, and twists and turns that Major subtly drops into the storyline that briefly made me question where things were going. In the end I was right with my thoughts, but getting there was a wild ride. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
Pregnant reporter Ava Brent stumbles across a local legend of dogs "jumping" off a bridge associated with a manor known as Overtoun House. Ava, who seems to have an obsessive personality, immediately becomes fascinated with this legend, and with the Overtoun House, as upon her first visit, she has a eerie feeling that she has a connection to the property. Even more interesting to Ava is that all of the locals refuse to talk about the house and the bridge, which makes Ava start digging into the house's history. She eventually learns of a sick girl who once lived there and begins to uncover the secrets hidden by the house. Even after she is threatened and thwarted at every turn, she is determined that nothing will stop her at finding out the truth.
I loved the author's note that revealed that the Overtoun House and bridge are real places and that the story of the jumping dogs is also real (and also sad, but I thought Major handled the subject well). This book is not for the faint of heart though, as there are dark topics such as child abuse and cruelty, and animal death; but that being said, it is not over-the-top. I also liked the way Major told the story from the viewpoint of three women, Marion, Constance, and Ava, who all have ties to Overtoun.
What I did not like though was Ava's character. I get the obsession, but she was too much. I just didn't enjoy her character and had a hard time empathizing with her, no matter how what happened to her. Thank goodness for Marion and Constance's stories though, because they made up for the irritation I felt with Ava's chapters.
Overall, though, it’s a page-turner that keeps you reading to the bitter end. It’s part gothic, part ghost story, part dark thriller. There were some clever red herrings, and twists and turns that Major subtly drops into the storyline that briefly made me question where things were going. In the end I was right with my thoughts, but getting there was a wild ride. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
April 15, 2021
Review published in: https://diagnosisbookaholic.blogspot....
I've never been much of a fan of gothic stories but the last few months I've read some really good ones and my opinion is starting to change. The thin place is a great example of a modern mystery with gothic vibes.
A thin place is the celtic term for places where the gap between heaven and earth is closer. Overtoun House and Bridge are supposed to be in one of these places. It is said that more than 500 dogs have leaped to their deaths from the bridge. After doing a story there, reporter Ava Brent feels weirdly drawn to the place and becomes pretty obsessed trying to find the truth behind the house's tragic past.
The story spans three different time frames, 1929, 1949 and the present, so there's three different POVs. Although it was not stated till the end it was not difficult to see how all the three lines would tie together, so I was not surprised by the twists.
My favorite timeline was Constance's. Although her voice sounded a little older than her years, her situation gave me chills and I'll remember that image of her looking from the window for a long time to come.
I found Ava pretty annoying and her sudden obsession with Overtoun, to the point of neglecting her own health and her family, was a bit hard to understand at first.
The atmosphere was fantastic. It was so eerie, and the menacing presence of the house was really well done. Every time Ava visited the house I got an unsettling feeling in my stomach.
I was surprised to find out on the author's note that Overtoun House and Bridge are real places, so once I finished it I immediately had to go and googled them.
Compelling gothic mystery that it's at the same time a story of mothers and daughters.
Thanks to CD Major, NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I've never been much of a fan of gothic stories but the last few months I've read some really good ones and my opinion is starting to change. The thin place is a great example of a modern mystery with gothic vibes.
A thin place is the celtic term for places where the gap between heaven and earth is closer. Overtoun House and Bridge are supposed to be in one of these places. It is said that more than 500 dogs have leaped to their deaths from the bridge. After doing a story there, reporter Ava Brent feels weirdly drawn to the place and becomes pretty obsessed trying to find the truth behind the house's tragic past.
The story spans three different time frames, 1929, 1949 and the present, so there's three different POVs. Although it was not stated till the end it was not difficult to see how all the three lines would tie together, so I was not surprised by the twists.
My favorite timeline was Constance's. Although her voice sounded a little older than her years, her situation gave me chills and I'll remember that image of her looking from the window for a long time to come.
I found Ava pretty annoying and her sudden obsession with Overtoun, to the point of neglecting her own health and her family, was a bit hard to understand at first.
The atmosphere was fantastic. It was so eerie, and the menacing presence of the house was really well done. Every time Ava visited the house I got an unsettling feeling in my stomach.
I was surprised to find out on the author's note that Overtoun House and Bridge are real places, so once I finished it I immediately had to go and googled them.
Compelling gothic mystery that it's at the same time a story of mothers and daughters.
Thanks to CD Major, NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 4, 2021
Rating: Good
Genre: Mystery Thriller
This is one of those mystery thrillers that follows three stories in different time frames. One which is in present and two of them in the past and as usual they all intertwined at the end to give the reader a clear picture. The present is about a reporter Ava who becomes obsessed with one of those thin places (A thin line where one can walk between two different worlds) The Overtoun House and the bridge on which many dogs have leaped to their death.
The two stories from the past take place in 1929 and 1949 and they follow the lives of Marion, a young woman who marries the rich Hamish but is unlucky with her pregnancies. And then a young girl called Constance who is very ill and her mother makes her live in isolation of the outer world.
Overall, this was an entertaining mystery thriller. A bit slow at times and sometimes predictable but still it was a fun read. The characters from the past stories were more interesting to me than the present one and my mind always prefers imagining the past especially when it comes to a spooky atmosphere. Keep in mind that the story has some supernatural elements so if you don’t like your mystery thrillers to have a touch of fantasy then this might not be for you. I’d say a good story for a debut novel.
Expected release date: April 15th, 2021
Many thanks to NetGalley for providing the ARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily after being sent the book.
Genre: Mystery Thriller
This is one of those mystery thrillers that follows three stories in different time frames. One which is in present and two of them in the past and as usual they all intertwined at the end to give the reader a clear picture. The present is about a reporter Ava who becomes obsessed with one of those thin places (A thin line where one can walk between two different worlds) The Overtoun House and the bridge on which many dogs have leaped to their death.
The two stories from the past take place in 1929 and 1949 and they follow the lives of Marion, a young woman who marries the rich Hamish but is unlucky with her pregnancies. And then a young girl called Constance who is very ill and her mother makes her live in isolation of the outer world.
Overall, this was an entertaining mystery thriller. A bit slow at times and sometimes predictable but still it was a fun read. The characters from the past stories were more interesting to me than the present one and my mind always prefers imagining the past especially when it comes to a spooky atmosphere. Keep in mind that the story has some supernatural elements so if you don’t like your mystery thrillers to have a touch of fantasy then this might not be for you. I’d say a good story for a debut novel.
Expected release date: April 15th, 2021
Many thanks to NetGalley for providing the ARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily after being sent the book.
April 14, 2021
The Thin Place is a psychological mystery by an author who is new to me. I downloaded it from NetGalley on a whim because I liked the cover, it was Read Now, and it had a bunch of high-star ratings. Unfortunately I’ve struggled to finish it, finding myself so easily distracted that I was browsing online every few pages, pushing on only because I felt I must review it, even setting it aside to read something else to try and increase my enthusiasm. I do however think it’s a case of “it’s not you it’s me” and I’m just bored with this genre.
This is the story of three lonely females. In the present, Ava is a TV reporter from Glasgow who is newly pregnant and struggling to connect with her mother, Frances. Following a story about a mysterious old house with a tragic reputation, she becomes unnaturally obsessed, returning over and over to Overtoun House, putting her job, her relationship and even her life at risk to learn its secrets. In 1929, young Londoner Marion is swept off her feet by handsome Scottish nobleman Hamish, but soon finds her new life isn’t the romantic fairytale she expected, and in 1949, six year old Constance, confined to her room by chronic ill-health, longs for a friend.
First the good - this was well written and if you like spooky gothic suspense with supernatural undertones and multi-POV storylines this could be just the book for you.
As for the negatives, I didn’t like Ava at all, she’s selfish, wilful, unreasonable and inconsiderate of everyone else’s feelings even those she claims to love. Marion and Constance do deserve sympathy, although I worked out what was going on far too early and was expecting a more significant twist. Their chapters are spoiled by first person present narration, and no six-year old speaks like Constance - her “voice” was in fact identical to Marion’s.
I recommend that anyone who loves dogs approach this with caution, especially the horrible and completely unnecessary epilogue. The afterword explains which parts of the story are based in reality.
I received a free ARC from NetGalley which allowed me to give an honest review. A Thin Place is published on 15th April.
This is the story of three lonely females. In the present, Ava is a TV reporter from Glasgow who is newly pregnant and struggling to connect with her mother, Frances. Following a story about a mysterious old house with a tragic reputation, she becomes unnaturally obsessed, returning over and over to Overtoun House, putting her job, her relationship and even her life at risk to learn its secrets. In 1929, young Londoner Marion is swept off her feet by handsome Scottish nobleman Hamish, but soon finds her new life isn’t the romantic fairytale she expected, and in 1949, six year old Constance, confined to her room by chronic ill-health, longs for a friend.
First the good - this was well written and if you like spooky gothic suspense with supernatural undertones and multi-POV storylines this could be just the book for you.
As for the negatives, I didn’t like Ava at all, she’s selfish, wilful, unreasonable and inconsiderate of everyone else’s feelings even those she claims to love. Marion and Constance do deserve sympathy, although I worked out what was going on far too early and was expecting a more significant twist. Their chapters are spoiled by first person present narration, and no six-year old speaks like Constance - her “voice” was in fact identical to Marion’s.
I recommend that anyone who loves dogs approach this with caution, especially the horrible and completely unnecessary epilogue. The afterword explains which parts of the story are based in reality.
I received a free ARC from NetGalley which allowed me to give an honest review. A Thin Place is published on 15th April.
February 22, 2021
I am a total sucker for spooky mysteries involving old haunted mansions, and C.D. Major’s latest book had an edge over all the others: hers was based on a real life location, and an unsolved mystery that has haunted a small Scottish town for decades. Set in Scotland, THE THIN PLACE features Overtoun House, a 19th century country house near the small village of Milton in Scotland. The house has gained notoriety through its attached bridge, a place where up to 600 dogs have jumped to their deaths over the last few decades, giving it its nickname of “the dog suicide bridge”. Add an alleged ghost to the mix and here you have the perfect setting for a compelling mystery with an eerie undertone and a hint of the supernatural.
According to Celtic legends, thin places are areas where the boundaries between the real world and the spirit world are “thin” and one can slip quite easily from one to another. In Major’s novel, journalist Ava Brent gets obsessed with the mystery of Overtoun House after a visit there for one of her news stories. But apart from Ava’s POV, Major also weaves two alternative timelines and voices into her story, creating a truly spine chilling background for current events. As the mystery unravels, Ava will discover her special connection to Overtoun House, which will put her in terrible danger...
I just loved the atmospheric setting in this story and of course had to look up hundreds of pictures of the place online, which immediately made me want to travel to Scotland! Major has captured the forbidding and yet somehow captivating aura of Overtoun House perfectly, and I could not have wished for a more perfect location for a spooky mystery. As Ava becomes more and more obsessed with the place, the boundaries between sanity and madness also blurred, and I was truly afraid for her safety.
As is often the case with multiple timelines, I initially struggled a bit to be equally invested in all three separate threads. Whilst I found Ava’s by far the most compelling, I was happy to see that all the threads tied together well in the end. Initially I really struggled with Constance’s voice as I am not fond of child narrators, especially if they sound much older than their years, but despite this I ended up enjoying the extra element of suspense and air of menace that Constance’s chapters added to the story.
THE THIN PLACE was a fast and compelling read for me, and even though I guessed some of the “twists” early on, as I was loathe to put the book down until I had all the answers. After reading up on the true events connected with Overtoun Bridge, I am still fascinated by its ongoing mystery and intrigue – what a fantastic setting for a book! I look forward to reading more from this new-to-me author.
3.5 stars
Thank you to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the free electronic copy of this novel and for giving me the opportunity to provide an honest review.
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According to Celtic legends, thin places are areas where the boundaries between the real world and the spirit world are “thin” and one can slip quite easily from one to another. In Major’s novel, journalist Ava Brent gets obsessed with the mystery of Overtoun House after a visit there for one of her news stories. But apart from Ava’s POV, Major also weaves two alternative timelines and voices into her story, creating a truly spine chilling background for current events. As the mystery unravels, Ava will discover her special connection to Overtoun House, which will put her in terrible danger...
I just loved the atmospheric setting in this story and of course had to look up hundreds of pictures of the place online, which immediately made me want to travel to Scotland! Major has captured the forbidding and yet somehow captivating aura of Overtoun House perfectly, and I could not have wished for a more perfect location for a spooky mystery. As Ava becomes more and more obsessed with the place, the boundaries between sanity and madness also blurred, and I was truly afraid for her safety.
As is often the case with multiple timelines, I initially struggled a bit to be equally invested in all three separate threads. Whilst I found Ava’s by far the most compelling, I was happy to see that all the threads tied together well in the end. Initially I really struggled with Constance’s voice as I am not fond of child narrators, especially if they sound much older than their years, but despite this I ended up enjoying the extra element of suspense and air of menace that Constance’s chapters added to the story.
THE THIN PLACE was a fast and compelling read for me, and even though I guessed some of the “twists” early on, as I was loathe to put the book down until I had all the answers. After reading up on the true events connected with Overtoun Bridge, I am still fascinated by its ongoing mystery and intrigue – what a fantastic setting for a book! I look forward to reading more from this new-to-me author.
3.5 stars
Thank you to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the free electronic copy of this novel and for giving me the opportunity to provide an honest review.
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May 11, 2021
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ -- Delightfully atmospheric and creepy!
PROS
-- Well written and very readable.
-- Well paced and kept me turning the pages.
-- Intriguing plot with good twists, turns, and red herrings.
-- Triple time lines meshed well.
-- Creepy, atmospheric setting that I loved.
-- Loved the supernatural elements.
-- Well developed cast of characters.
-- Satisfying (if maybe a tiny bit rushed) ending.
CONS
-- None, really. I enjoyed this one thoroughly!
*Arc Via NetGalley**
PROS
-- Well written and very readable.
-- Well paced and kept me turning the pages.
-- Intriguing plot with good twists, turns, and red herrings.
-- Triple time lines meshed well.
-- Creepy, atmospheric setting that I loved.
-- Loved the supernatural elements.
-- Well developed cast of characters.
-- Satisfying (if maybe a tiny bit rushed) ending.
CONS
-- None, really. I enjoyed this one thoroughly!
*Arc Via NetGalley**
October 11, 2021
This was my first book by Major, and it was definitely an intriguing read.
The dual timeline was interesting, and kept me engaged to see how the stories would eventually connect together.
I wouldn't categorise this novel as a thriller, more of a family drama.
It flowed pretty well, and I liked the characters, but I'm not sure I will go out of my way to read her works, unless the blurb reallly grabs me.
The dual timeline was interesting, and kept me engaged to see how the stories would eventually connect together.
I wouldn't categorise this novel as a thriller, more of a family drama.
It flowed pretty well, and I liked the characters, but I'm not sure I will go out of my way to read her works, unless the blurb reallly grabs me.
July 23, 2021
I was drawn to this book because I thought it was going to be a gothic thriller. A thin place seems to reference a spot where this world and the spirit world meet, right? Unfortunately, it was missing a lot of the atmospheric creepiness and sense of dread associated with the genre. The story moves very slowly, which prompted me to stop and re-start it several times before eventually finishing it. I listened to the audiobook, which is superbly narrated by just one person for all three distinct dialects and voices. I found myself really connecting with Marion and Constance’s chapters, but wanting to fast forward through Ava’s sections. This was problematic for me, as Ava is the main character. The other issue I had was that it seemed like the author was attempting to merge two topics together that didn’t seem to fit. The author’s note eventually confirmed my initial thoughts. The ending is predictable, but I did find it somewhat satisfying.
I really appreciated the author’s note at the end that explained the historical connection to Overtoun House. I was surprised to learn that this myth originated in a real place. Originally, I was prepared to give this book 2.5 stars, but bumped up my rating to 3 stars after hearing the history of the house and the research that went into writing this story.
3/5 stars
September 30, 2021
Ava Brent is a journalist in search of a new story when she decides to investigate a house called Overtoun Estate. The place is shrouded in mystery and the rumors about its past are very dark. The town residents seem to be terrified of the estate and are put off by Ava’s questions. As Ava learns more about Overtoun Estate, she feels mysteriously drawn to the place and its history. She has to learn more, but at what cost?
I enjoyed THE THIN PLACE, it was a very good mystery with some well placed drama mixed in. The story had just the right pacing and the creepy setting was perfectly described in detail by C.D. Major. I am a big fan of multiple story lines and this book has 3. Overall it was a fun, easy read that I can recommend!
Many thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I enjoyed THE THIN PLACE, it was a very good mystery with some well placed drama mixed in. The story had just the right pacing and the creepy setting was perfectly described in detail by C.D. Major. I am a big fan of multiple story lines and this book has 3. Overall it was a fun, easy read that I can recommend!
Many thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
March 21, 2021
Thank you NetGalley and Amazon Publishing for a copy of The thin Place by C. D Major. When I requested this, I thought this was going to a thriller but it’s actually more a mystery.
It is told in three points of view. The leading one is telling us about Ava Brent who is a reporter for the local newspaper when she become across a story about the Ovetoun estate in Glasgow where there is a bridge that dogs have leaped from to their deaths. She gets obsessed and wants to delve into further into the story to find out what happened to them. By doing this she is annihilating her friends and family and the father of her soon to be child.
We also discover the story of Marion who comes and lives on the estate by marrying Hamish in the 1940’s. But her marriage is different to what she thinks it will be and there is Constance a sickly child in the 1920’s. Her mother has locked her in a room away from other people her own age.
This is a chilling atmospheric mystery in three points of view, and I found that I enjoyed the story more of Constance then the actual leading one of Ava. I did not like her very much; she was annoying and for me felt that this book was a bit confusing. At first, I did not see the relevance on the three women’s stories until the very end of the book. Which then it only came clear and also by the acknowledgement by the author at the end.
It is told in three points of view. The leading one is telling us about Ava Brent who is a reporter for the local newspaper when she become across a story about the Ovetoun estate in Glasgow where there is a bridge that dogs have leaped from to their deaths. She gets obsessed and wants to delve into further into the story to find out what happened to them. By doing this she is annihilating her friends and family and the father of her soon to be child.
We also discover the story of Marion who comes and lives on the estate by marrying Hamish in the 1940’s. But her marriage is different to what she thinks it will be and there is Constance a sickly child in the 1920’s. Her mother has locked her in a room away from other people her own age.
This is a chilling atmospheric mystery in three points of view, and I found that I enjoyed the story more of Constance then the actual leading one of Ava. I did not like her very much; she was annoying and for me felt that this book was a bit confusing. At first, I did not see the relevance on the three women’s stories until the very end of the book. Which then it only came clear and also by the acknowledgement by the author at the end.
April 16, 2021
3.75/5 stars
Friendly reminder that the book is finally out!!
First of all: Thank you Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Second of all TW: suicide, child abuse, miscarriage, animal abuse and death.
Overtoun Bridge: Set in Dumbarton, Scotland. This bridge is also known as the "dog suicide bridge". Dog suicides have happened since the 1950´s. It is not yet exactly known why this happens but there is a wide array of theories surrounding it.
Thin places: Places where the corporeal world and the eternal world´s veils are thin.
These two themes are well talked throughout the whole book (as well as others!) and this in turn, made me want to read it. I had read somewhere about Overtoun Bridge but never actually delved deeper. I had never though, read or heard about "thin places" but alas, knowing me? You know I would be fascinated by that. This book managed to get my attention in the best way possible, it was also my first e-ARC and I´m definitely not disappointed (finally a good start to the month!)
-----------------------------------------------
Now: Ava is a journalist and a mom to be. However, she develops a concern because of her ongoing pregnancy and a lack of medical history since her mother is adopted and refuses to speak about it. Consequently, Ava tries to dig into it, leading her to Overtoun. She develops an unhealthy obsession for the place and starts in turn, to receive threats in order for her to leave the place the hell alone.
But, did she listen? Nuh-huh. She finds ways to make it her job: she tries to cover it for the news, she goes there as a tourist, she creates a bond with the current owner of the house. And well, she definitely doesn´t expect what she finds...
-----------------------------------------------
This is a thriller of sorts, but as I found myself reading it I would definitely say this has also tiny bits of supernatural/terror thrown here and there (and i´m living for it!).
This book started off a bit slow but wow. Wow, wow. I´m dumbfounded really. I can´t even put my ideas into proper words. This book is absorbing, interesting, and a bit gruesome. (if you do plan to read this check the trigger warnings at the start of my review)
However!: The protagonists read off almost the same (I think that is the main reason it didn´t go up to 4.5/5 stars like I envisioned it at first). I had to constantly check who was narrating. As a funny note: I found the form of narrative interesting and curious. We have 2 first person narrations and a third person narration. It´s... a compelling decision to say the least. I liked it. Props to that.
The ending? Well shit. It´s one of the best ending lines I´ve ever read. I´m not kidding. I wish I was but I screamed and then I stared... with my mouth open... I´m astounded.
The pace? I have a few complains here and there but honestly, now that I think about it... nothing to serious. I stopped my chores of the day to finish this. Seriously. I couldn´t put it down, that´s why I have no complaints on that department. *chimes*
-----------------------------------------------
In conclusion what I liked: supernatural themes and historical themes surrounding the book, the pace was *almost*perfect, it started off strong, the ending (not getting tired of saying that), the setting, the plot.
What I didn´t like: Protagonists reading off almost the same (up to almost the ending), the multiple people getting pregnant at the same time (sorry not a fan of it) and would say that´s about it. (because its a thriller and I can´t say much without spoiling)
SO!, Do I recommend it? Yes, yes I do. Thanks for turning in in my half-coherent review. Is all.
Friendly reminder that the book is finally out!!
First of all: Thank you Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Second of all TW: suicide, child abuse, miscarriage, animal abuse and death.
Overtoun Bridge: Set in Dumbarton, Scotland. This bridge is also known as the "dog suicide bridge". Dog suicides have happened since the 1950´s. It is not yet exactly known why this happens but there is a wide array of theories surrounding it.
Thin places: Places where the corporeal world and the eternal world´s veils are thin.
These two themes are well talked throughout the whole book (as well as others!) and this in turn, made me want to read it. I had read somewhere about Overtoun Bridge but never actually delved deeper. I had never though, read or heard about "thin places" but alas, knowing me? You know I would be fascinated by that. This book managed to get my attention in the best way possible, it was also my first e-ARC and I´m definitely not disappointed (finally a good start to the month!)
-----------------------------------------------
Now: Ava is a journalist and a mom to be. However, she develops a concern because of her ongoing pregnancy and a lack of medical history since her mother is adopted and refuses to speak about it. Consequently, Ava tries to dig into it, leading her to Overtoun. She develops an unhealthy obsession for the place and starts in turn, to receive threats in order for her to leave the place the hell alone.
But, did she listen? Nuh-huh. She finds ways to make it her job: she tries to cover it for the news, she goes there as a tourist, she creates a bond with the current owner of the house. And well, she definitely doesn´t expect what she finds...
-----------------------------------------------
This is a thriller of sorts, but as I found myself reading it I would definitely say this has also tiny bits of supernatural/terror thrown here and there (and i´m living for it!).
This book started off a bit slow but wow. Wow, wow. I´m dumbfounded really. I can´t even put my ideas into proper words. This book is absorbing, interesting, and a bit gruesome. (if you do plan to read this check the trigger warnings at the start of my review)
However!: The protagonists read off almost the same (I think that is the main reason it didn´t go up to 4.5/5 stars like I envisioned it at first). I had to constantly check who was narrating. As a funny note: I found the form of narrative interesting and curious. We have 2 first person narrations and a third person narration. It´s... a compelling decision to say the least. I liked it. Props to that.
The ending? Well shit. It´s one of the best ending lines I´ve ever read. I´m not kidding. I wish I was but I screamed and then I stared... with my mouth open... I´m astounded.
The pace? I have a few complains here and there but honestly, now that I think about it... nothing to serious. I stopped my chores of the day to finish this. Seriously. I couldn´t put it down, that´s why I have no complaints on that department. *chimes*
-----------------------------------------------
In conclusion what I liked: supernatural themes and historical themes surrounding the book, the pace was *almost*perfect, it started off strong, the ending (not getting tired of saying that), the setting, the plot.
What I didn´t like: Protagonists reading off almost the same (up to almost the ending), the multiple people getting pregnant at the same time (sorry not a fan of it) and would say that´s about it. (because its a thriller and I can´t say much without spoiling)
SO!, Do I recommend it? Yes, yes I do. Thanks for turning in in my half-coherent review. Is all.
February 1, 2021
Ava Brent, a small time news reporter, a woman in a loving relationship, with a nice if somewhat mysterious on her mother’s side family, has finally all she has so desperately wanted to be…pregnant. Now her life can be complete…yet a case gets in a way. Something that should have been a peculiar but trivial story about a strange suicide inducing landmark turns out to have a strange and irresistible attraction for Ava. The creepy Overtoun Estate standing all but forgotten in the shadows and gloom calls to Ava, promises to whisper its secrets to the right ears, seemingly desperate to have its story told… Or maybe Ava’s projecting, powered on by her obsessive personality. Either way, she can’t let go of the story, to the great detriment of her professional and personal life. And so the novel mainly follows Ava on her quest for the truth.
And meanwhile, you get two other storylines, set in different times.
One of a sheltered young woman who gets wooed, married and whisked away to a remote hostile manor by her superficially dashing groom, Crimson Peak style minus the incest. Whereupon her isolation and loneliness and inability to have a baby turn her mind to a darker place. The other of a young girl, systemically and horribly mistreated by her mother.
Of course, all the stories are connected and it’s up to Ava to jostle her growing belly around trying to figure out the connection.
The overall success of Thin Place depends on how you read it. If you approach it as a character driven drama with Gothic undertones…it’s pretty good. If you read it as a thriller with light supernatural ghostly echoes…it’ll leave something to be desired. Which is to say I figured out every single plot turn and twist way, way too early on. Every single freaking one of them. There might have been surprises for Ava, but there were none for this reader. And that’s in a genre that (pun intended) lives and dies by its twists. I mean, granted I’m a person of an above average intelligence, with an analytical mind adapted for deduction, who reads tons of thrillers, so my brain is somewhat primed to solve these things, but still…this has been the most predictable of adventures. Which is somewhat disappointing, because otherwise the book read pretty well. It managed to sustain a nice atmosphere throughout, Overtoun Estate rendered appropriately creepy (it’s the eponymous thin place where the boundaries between the words are…well, thin), and the characters were well developed and had that careening trajectory that made their stories as compelling as train wrecks…you know where it’s going but you can’t look away.
The pacing was good, the novel read very quickly. And it was inspired by real life events, locations and cases. The latter, specifically, the case of Dee Dee Blanchard and her daughter, which, having never jumped on the true crime train that is such a modern obsession) I’ve never heard of until now and having looked it up since I’m stunned any jury would convict the daughter. I mean, if there was ever a mother you can justify killing…oh justice, how strangely your wheels turn. Anyway…
So yeah, a darkly entertaining and fairly compelling, but tragically predictable thriller or a darkly entertaining character driven generational dramatic tragedy. Choose your own adventure. The author’s debut looks interesting too, especially the NZ asylum thing, maybe one day. Thanks Netgalley.
And meanwhile, you get two other storylines, set in different times.
One of a sheltered young woman who gets wooed, married and whisked away to a remote hostile manor by her superficially dashing groom, Crimson Peak style minus the incest. Whereupon her isolation and loneliness and inability to have a baby turn her mind to a darker place. The other of a young girl, systemically and horribly mistreated by her mother.
Of course, all the stories are connected and it’s up to Ava to jostle her growing belly around trying to figure out the connection.
The overall success of Thin Place depends on how you read it. If you approach it as a character driven drama with Gothic undertones…it’s pretty good. If you read it as a thriller with light supernatural ghostly echoes…it’ll leave something to be desired. Which is to say I figured out every single plot turn and twist way, way too early on. Every single freaking one of them. There might have been surprises for Ava, but there were none for this reader. And that’s in a genre that (pun intended) lives and dies by its twists. I mean, granted I’m a person of an above average intelligence, with an analytical mind adapted for deduction, who reads tons of thrillers, so my brain is somewhat primed to solve these things, but still…this has been the most predictable of adventures. Which is somewhat disappointing, because otherwise the book read pretty well. It managed to sustain a nice atmosphere throughout, Overtoun Estate rendered appropriately creepy (it’s the eponymous thin place where the boundaries between the words are…well, thin), and the characters were well developed and had that careening trajectory that made their stories as compelling as train wrecks…you know where it’s going but you can’t look away.
The pacing was good, the novel read very quickly. And it was inspired by real life events, locations and cases. The latter, specifically, the case of Dee Dee Blanchard and her daughter, which, having never jumped on the true crime train that is such a modern obsession) I’ve never heard of until now and having looked it up since I’m stunned any jury would convict the daughter. I mean, if there was ever a mother you can justify killing…oh justice, how strangely your wheels turn. Anyway…
So yeah, a darkly entertaining and fairly compelling, but tragically predictable thriller or a darkly entertaining character driven generational dramatic tragedy. Choose your own adventure. The author’s debut looks interesting too, especially the NZ asylum thing, maybe one day. Thanks Netgalley.
October 17, 2021
I couldn't have picked a more perfect October read. Filled to the brim with atmosphere and gothic overtones, this novel was creepy without being unbelievable.
Though it is a novel, filled with fictitious people, it is set in a very real setting. Overtoun House and bridge near Dumbarton, Scotland. A place that genuinely has a macabre reputation and spooky history - albeit a different one from what this book has to offer.
The character of Constance was pitiable. You feel so sorry for her loneliness and ill health. Marion's character was also one to feel sorry for. Her situation was utterly wretched. Ava's present day character was a character that I had mixed feelings about. I wanted to yell at her to stop ignoring Fraser and leave the past - and Overtoun House - alone. But silly me, she couldn't do that as then there would be no story.
In addition to the unsettling location, this novel spoke to the complicated nature of family, and the only too real condition of Munchausen by proxy.
As Overtoun gradually revealed its secrets to Ava, the story came together in a way that made sense.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and recommend it highly to those who enjoy an atmospheric story jam-packed with family secrets.
Though it is a novel, filled with fictitious people, it is set in a very real setting. Overtoun House and bridge near Dumbarton, Scotland. A place that genuinely has a macabre reputation and spooky history - albeit a different one from what this book has to offer.
The character of Constance was pitiable. You feel so sorry for her loneliness and ill health. Marion's character was also one to feel sorry for. Her situation was utterly wretched. Ava's present day character was a character that I had mixed feelings about. I wanted to yell at her to stop ignoring Fraser and leave the past - and Overtoun House - alone. But silly me, she couldn't do that as then there would be no story.
In addition to the unsettling location, this novel spoke to the complicated nature of family, and the only too real condition of Munchausen by proxy.
As Overtoun gradually revealed its secrets to Ava, the story came together in a way that made sense.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and recommend it highly to those who enjoy an atmospheric story jam-packed with family secrets.
August 7, 2021
The thin place follows the stories of three women Constance, Ava and Marion. Although on the surface these three women have absolutely nothing in common what they do have in common is Overton House. Ava finds herself on a story about dogs leaping to their deaths on a bridge next to the house. Was there on the story she finds herself drawn to the house and doesn’t know why. We also get to follow Marion a young lady from London who finds herself married to a wealthy man an moves to Scotland her main goal is to try and become pregnant and finally there’s l Constance who is a very sickly child, confined to her room in the house. The question is how are all these stories related? is it just the house or do you all these women have more in common.
I really enjoyed this book I find myself drawn to it from the first page. The way the author has written this story is done so well we go from different decades with the three main characters of this story out of all three I must say I really enjoyed Constance story the most. From the start I found myself really drawn to the character maybe because she is younger it was really intriguing to her how her illness was affecting her life.
What the author does so cleverly is throughout the book what the connexions could be which makes it even more fun to read because you're just trying to get to the end of the book to get the answers but know that you have to stick with the story to find the answers.
Ava is a lead protagonist and she is pregnant with her first child. Ava is also a journalist and this is how she becomes intertwined in the story. For some reason the pull that she feels towards this house is unbearable and she can’t help but keep going back even at the cost of her personal relationships.
Marion is a very sheltered woman from London at 24 when she finds herself a husband he promises her the world and she takes him on his word moving to Scotland and that house Her story is based in the early 1930sa different era and different standards.her struggles with pregnancies are not for the light hearted but this is the central the focus of her story. When I first started reading her chapters I felt they sounded like diary entries and I really enjoy diary entry style prose. Marion story is a tragic tale that so many women at the time would have been accustomed to. Find a husband, have a baby and run a household. Her story is one that so many people well find sympathetic and I was no different.
As I stated previously Constance story is align to illnesses. However it does appear that there is more to her sickness than meets the eye. It was just a beautiful part of the story and again it highlights and illustrates other mental health medical conditions that maybe aren’t talked about so much. I think as well really brings all three of these characters together is the expectations are set on them by others and how they view their selves in the wider world.
The prose is written fantastic from start to finish I just wanted to know more. I am a sucker for multiple narrators. The author managed to msg it clear and obvious differences their dialogue tone and storytelling. I find it very easy to tell which chapter belong to which narrator, I often find in books where we have a different ages that the author manages to know one age correctly on ignore the other however this was not the case in the thin place we could clearly towel that Constance was a child from reading her chapters but without dumbing down the dialogue to an extent where it felt patronising. This is a really difficult thing I have noticed whilst reading other books which jumped from a young person to an older person or from a generation to a different generation therefore the offer should be applauded for this.
When I got to the end of the bird I was absolutely amazed to find out that this story of the dogs jumping is actually based on a historical facts regarding this bridge that apparently to this day still stresses that dog owners should keep their dogs on the lead, that doesn’t seem to be an explanation or rather a clear explanation for why this is the case. the author also pause on other true which for now I won’t say because it shall spoil the book. But when she get to reading it you will understand where the influences come from and the author then clearly states this at the end of the book. What talent it is to be able to pull on very true historical events and make a amazing fictional mystery.
I would totally recommend this book to absolutely anyone who enjoys a good mystery or thriller. Although I did manage to connect all the dots quite early on in the birth and come up with A twist I still absolutely enjoyed reading this story. I loved the use of three different women, who want just a little bit dinner front but completely and that in itself is an absolute talent. What I will say is if you are like me and you pretty much think that you’ve got it right you probably have but I must say it’s still worth reading even once you have stuff out the mystery and I am so happy that I did. There were a few moments where to be honest with you I had no idea what was going on but I just rolled with it. Therefore rate this book full stars.
Thank you to netgalley, the author, and the publishers for this free digital advance review copy of the thin plafe in exchange for my fair and honest opinions.
I really enjoyed this book I find myself drawn to it from the first page. The way the author has written this story is done so well we go from different decades with the three main characters of this story out of all three I must say I really enjoyed Constance story the most. From the start I found myself really drawn to the character maybe because she is younger it was really intriguing to her how her illness was affecting her life.
What the author does so cleverly is throughout the book what the connexions could be which makes it even more fun to read because you're just trying to get to the end of the book to get the answers but know that you have to stick with the story to find the answers.
Ava is a lead protagonist and she is pregnant with her first child. Ava is also a journalist and this is how she becomes intertwined in the story. For some reason the pull that she feels towards this house is unbearable and she can’t help but keep going back even at the cost of her personal relationships.
Marion is a very sheltered woman from London at 24 when she finds herself a husband he promises her the world and she takes him on his word moving to Scotland and that house Her story is based in the early 1930sa different era and different standards.her struggles with pregnancies are not for the light hearted but this is the central the focus of her story. When I first started reading her chapters I felt they sounded like diary entries and I really enjoy diary entry style prose. Marion story is a tragic tale that so many women at the time would have been accustomed to. Find a husband, have a baby and run a household. Her story is one that so many people well find sympathetic and I was no different.
As I stated previously Constance story is align to illnesses. However it does appear that there is more to her sickness than meets the eye. It was just a beautiful part of the story and again it highlights and illustrates other mental health medical conditions that maybe aren’t talked about so much. I think as well really brings all three of these characters together is the expectations are set on them by others and how they view their selves in the wider world.
The prose is written fantastic from start to finish I just wanted to know more. I am a sucker for multiple narrators. The author managed to msg it clear and obvious differences their dialogue tone and storytelling. I find it very easy to tell which chapter belong to which narrator, I often find in books where we have a different ages that the author manages to know one age correctly on ignore the other however this was not the case in the thin place we could clearly towel that Constance was a child from reading her chapters but without dumbing down the dialogue to an extent where it felt patronising. This is a really difficult thing I have noticed whilst reading other books which jumped from a young person to an older person or from a generation to a different generation therefore the offer should be applauded for this.
When I got to the end of the bird I was absolutely amazed to find out that this story of the dogs jumping is actually based on a historical facts regarding this bridge that apparently to this day still stresses that dog owners should keep their dogs on the lead, that doesn’t seem to be an explanation or rather a clear explanation for why this is the case. the author also pause on other true which for now I won’t say because it shall spoil the book. But when she get to reading it you will understand where the influences come from and the author then clearly states this at the end of the book. What talent it is to be able to pull on very true historical events and make a amazing fictional mystery.
I would totally recommend this book to absolutely anyone who enjoys a good mystery or thriller. Although I did manage to connect all the dots quite early on in the birth and come up with A twist I still absolutely enjoyed reading this story. I loved the use of three different women, who want just a little bit dinner front but completely and that in itself is an absolute talent. What I will say is if you are like me and you pretty much think that you’ve got it right you probably have but I must say it’s still worth reading even once you have stuff out the mystery and I am so happy that I did. There were a few moments where to be honest with you I had no idea what was going on but I just rolled with it. Therefore rate this book full stars.
Thank you to netgalley, the author, and the publishers for this free digital advance review copy of the thin plafe in exchange for my fair and honest opinions.
May 25, 2023
Historical thriller. A haunted bridge. A haunted house. Haunted people by their circumstances.
Yes, there are stories about dogs jumping off the bridge - fact or fiction?
I understand some folks who have concern about “animal abuse” but by whom? The ghosts? What is enticing the dogs to jump? There is one flaw where our main character, Ava, takes her mothers beloved dog to that same bridge (the thin place) and he almost gets away from her to jump off. Bad, bad decision on her end. I’m an animal lover but I was not offended other than the main characters poor decision to take the dog on the bridge. There is a natural or supernatural effect that causes the dogs to jump.
Ava is mesmerized deeply by this story of the house, the bridge and later the former and current inhabitants of this home. She is totally obsessed. She is pregnant and is so distracted by all this other stuff which is part of her job as a journalist, that she ignores her husband, does not have that great of a relationship with her sister or their mother. She blows off commitments, forgets about things in her daily life - she is literally and totally consumed by all this.
Mom is holding a lot of secrets about her past. Before it is revealed we can tell it’s most painful for her to talk about and not something she wants to ever revisit and I think, would like to take it to her deathbed. However, incidents occur, circumstances arise and in a gripping, twisty chain of events that keeps escalating, layers are pulled back and there are horrors to be revealed. That poor little girl that lived in the house…her mother truly was mentally ill.
I couldn’t put this book down - it was quite good!
Yes, there are stories about dogs jumping off the bridge - fact or fiction?
I understand some folks who have concern about “animal abuse” but by whom? The ghosts? What is enticing the dogs to jump? There is one flaw where our main character, Ava, takes her mothers beloved dog to that same bridge (the thin place) and he almost gets away from her to jump off. Bad, bad decision on her end. I’m an animal lover but I was not offended other than the main characters poor decision to take the dog on the bridge. There is a natural or supernatural effect that causes the dogs to jump.
Ava is mesmerized deeply by this story of the house, the bridge and later the former and current inhabitants of this home. She is totally obsessed. She is pregnant and is so distracted by all this other stuff which is part of her job as a journalist, that she ignores her husband, does not have that great of a relationship with her sister or their mother. She blows off commitments, forgets about things in her daily life - she is literally and totally consumed by all this.
Mom is holding a lot of secrets about her past. Before it is revealed we can tell it’s most painful for her to talk about and not something she wants to ever revisit and I think, would like to take it to her deathbed. However, incidents occur, circumstances arise and in a gripping, twisty chain of events that keeps escalating, layers are pulled back and there are horrors to be revealed. That poor little girl that lived in the house…her mother truly was mentally ill.
I couldn’t put this book down - it was quite good!
January 31, 2021
Note to self: avoid books by this author, they're not for me.
I found this in the Read Now section of Netgalley. I liked the sound of it, so I decided to check it out. I hadn't realized that I'd read something by this author before, and I didn't like it. The ending actually made me angry. But I figured, each work should be judged on its own merits, right? So here goes. The story is told in three parts with three different narrators. We know that Ava is here in the present, but the position of the other two narrators in the timeline is unclear. This is obviously on purpose, though, as knowing would spoil one of the big reveals. I like the multiple timeline format, and feel like it worked well, here, although I did find myself more interested in the two "past" plots than the present one.
Ava, the protagonist, is not a particularly likable character, but then, neither is anyone else in her life. The lack of communication between her and her family members, as well as her partner, is pretty extreme. Everyone comes off as weirdly selfish and sulky and persecuted, and I found it difficult to care about any of them.
Ava's story was her solving the mystery of the other two people's stories. She's an investigative reporter, but she does very little actual investigating. Answers just sort of fall into her lap, first stumbling upon a giant clue that literally explains half of the mystery, and then two conversations clear up the rest.
Ok, then, so maybe this is meant to be less of a mystery and more of a character study? Maybe, but as I said, the cast of the present part of the story weren't particularly interesting, well-developed or likable. The two characters in the other parts of the story fare better, but they are also very one-note. The ending, or, at least the pre-ending/big reveal came as no surprise- from the introduction, it was clear that Marion was going to end up being [can't spoil it!]. What did surprise me a bit, though it shouldn't have, was the mean-spirited little twist at the end, which mirrored the ending of that other book I'd read by the author.
Clearly I am not the right reader for CD Major. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me!
Also, yeah, it's minks. I looked up the bridge. It's a combination of bad design and small prey animals living beneath the bridge that allow/tempt dogs to jump from it. Which isn't even far-fetched. I've had two hounds, and you better believe they'd jump if they scented or spotted a squirrel or a mink. And they were both very gentle, well-behaved dogs. It's the prey drive 🤷♀️
I found this in the Read Now section of Netgalley. I liked the sound of it, so I decided to check it out. I hadn't realized that I'd read something by this author before, and I didn't like it. The ending actually made me angry. But I figured, each work should be judged on its own merits, right? So here goes. The story is told in three parts with three different narrators. We know that Ava is here in the present, but the position of the other two narrators in the timeline is unclear. This is obviously on purpose, though, as knowing would spoil one of the big reveals. I like the multiple timeline format, and feel like it worked well, here, although I did find myself more interested in the two "past" plots than the present one.
Ava, the protagonist, is not a particularly likable character, but then, neither is anyone else in her life. The lack of communication between her and her family members, as well as her partner, is pretty extreme. Everyone comes off as weirdly selfish and sulky and persecuted, and I found it difficult to care about any of them.
Ava's story was her solving the mystery of the other two people's stories. She's an investigative reporter, but she does very little actual investigating. Answers just sort of fall into her lap, first stumbling upon a giant clue that literally explains half of the mystery, and then two conversations clear up the rest.
Ok, then, so maybe this is meant to be less of a mystery and more of a character study? Maybe, but as I said, the cast of the present part of the story weren't particularly interesting, well-developed or likable. The two characters in the other parts of the story fare better, but they are also very one-note. The ending, or, at least the pre-ending/big reveal came as no surprise- from the introduction, it was clear that Marion was going to end up being [can't spoil it!]. What did surprise me a bit, though it shouldn't have, was the mean-spirited little twist at the end, which mirrored the ending of that other book I'd read by the author.
Clearly I am not the right reader for CD Major. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me!
Also, yeah, it's minks. I looked up the bridge. It's a combination of bad design and small prey animals living beneath the bridge that allow/tempt dogs to jump from it. Which isn't even far-fetched. I've had two hounds, and you better believe they'd jump if they scented or spotted a squirrel or a mink. And they were both very gentle, well-behaved dogs. It's the prey drive 🤷♀️
April 2, 2021
I have mixed feeling about this book. I usually like psychological thrillers, but I wasn't really keen on the supernatural kind of vibe that this book emanates.
The story is narrated from 3 different points of view, two of which in the past and one in the present. I loved Marion and Costance's stories, I couldn't get enough of them. On the other hand I couldn't warm up to Ava's character (why can't she speak throughout the book? she barely mumbles, a lot of "I..", "Mum...", "Hmmm", "Mum... I... The baby.." aaaargh, very annoying!!), nor to her chapters which I skim-read to get to the other's characters ones, which were very captivating instead.
One thing about Munchausen by proxy: even before reading the historical note at the end of the book I was reading Costance's lines in my mind with Gipsy Rose Blanchard's little voice.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The story is narrated from 3 different points of view, two of which in the past and one in the present. I loved Marion and Costance's stories, I couldn't get enough of them. On the other hand I couldn't warm up to Ava's character (why can't she speak throughout the book? she barely mumbles, a lot of "I..", "Mum...", "Hmmm", "Mum... I... The baby.." aaaargh, very annoying!!), nor to her chapters which I skim-read to get to the other's characters ones, which were very captivating instead.
One thing about Munchausen by proxy: even before reading the historical note at the end of the book I was reading Costance's lines in my mind with Gipsy Rose Blanchard's little voice.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 7, 2021
I reviewed this book for Historical Novels Review, the magazine of the Historical Novel Society. Per their policy, I cannot post the review until after it is published on their website in May 2021. After that, I will update the review.
February 6, 2021
This book began promisingly but ended with me wanting more. Major does a great job creating the tense, foreboding atmosphere that underlies a majority of this novel, but lacks in creating a fully-fledged three-dimensional character in Ava. I loved traveling through this story through multiple POVs, and I was very interested in each character. Although I could guess the "plot twists" very early on, I was still interested in how exactly the whole plot would play out. The "creepy" scenes were a bit over-the-top, and i found myself cringing more at the character's exaggerated reactions to these scenes instead. I feel like one of the struggles in the creation of this book was finding a good reason why Ava was so drawn this house in the first place. In the end it didn't seem believable and was a bit of a reach, but I kind of let it go because I found the whole plot in its entirety to be interesting. A lot of see-sawing between stars because of all these pros and cons, but in the end it's a solid 3 stars for me.
January 27, 2024
‘Heaven and earth are only three feet apart, but in thin places that distance is even shorter.’ Celtic proverb
I’ve never heard of thin places and was intrigued by the thought. I gave this 4⭐️.
This horror thriller was just that. A horrifying bridge with a creepy manor looking over it and which is where most of the story takes place. It’s really hard to scare me but this one came close a few times. It’s well written all though disturbing and unsettling at times. And I enjoyed the twist at the end.
Thanks Thomas & Mercer via NetGalley.
I’ve never heard of thin places and was intrigued by the thought. I gave this 4⭐️.
This horror thriller was just that. A horrifying bridge with a creepy manor looking over it and which is where most of the story takes place. It’s really hard to scare me but this one came close a few times. It’s well written all though disturbing and unsettling at times. And I enjoyed the twist at the end.
Thanks Thomas & Mercer via NetGalley.
March 9, 2021
Thank you to the publisher and author for providing me with a digital ARC of this title via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
I was not familiar with this title nor this author before coming across it on netgalley. I decided to take a chance on something different and appreciated the opportunity to read it. However, this one was a bit of a disappointment to me. I found it to be tiresome and frustrating to read. The book seemed to drag on and the farther in, the less I cared about the story or the characters. I got so frustrated with Ava and her obsession of this bridge. I get that she felt something unusual there that piqued her interest, but I don't get how she could completely blow off her husband, her marriage, and their growing baby to pursue a feeling. I can see this book appealing to other readers, it just didn't speak to me.
I was not familiar with this title nor this author before coming across it on netgalley. I decided to take a chance on something different and appreciated the opportunity to read it. However, this one was a bit of a disappointment to me. I found it to be tiresome and frustrating to read. The book seemed to drag on and the farther in, the less I cared about the story or the characters. I got so frustrated with Ava and her obsession of this bridge. I get that she felt something unusual there that piqued her interest, but I don't get how she could completely blow off her husband, her marriage, and their growing baby to pursue a feeling. I can see this book appealing to other readers, it just didn't speak to me.
August 9, 2022
I’d like to thank NetGalley for approving me for an ARC of this book. I found the audio version on Scribd so opted for a listen this time.
This was the first book by C.D. Major that I have read but it certainly won’t be my last. Told from three POV and a dual timeline story there was plenty of mystery and intrigue from the start. I also loved the authors notes at the end where she explains this is based on real stories.
I didn’t care much for Ava, her obsession with the thin place and complete lack for her own wellbeing irritated me at times. I could understand why her family were so frustrated with her. I was also frustrated with her mother too as if she’d been honest with Ava then maybe she wouldn’t of felt the need to go investigating herself.
Marion and Constance’s stories were dark and deeply disturbing. I had figured out what was happening quite early on and as the story proved my predictions right I couldn’t help but feel for both the characters. Some might find it easier to side with Constance and yes what she went through was horrendous but I could also understand what bought Marion to that point.
This was a dark and twisted tale that I absorbed in one day. It was an easy story to follow and great to listen to. Would definitely recommend to fellow mystery lovers who like a bit of history thrown in.
This was the first book by C.D. Major that I have read but it certainly won’t be my last. Told from three POV and a dual timeline story there was plenty of mystery and intrigue from the start. I also loved the authors notes at the end where she explains this is based on real stories.
I didn’t care much for Ava, her obsession with the thin place and complete lack for her own wellbeing irritated me at times. I could understand why her family were so frustrated with her. I was also frustrated with her mother too as if she’d been honest with Ava then maybe she wouldn’t of felt the need to go investigating herself.
Marion and Constance’s stories were dark and deeply disturbing. I had figured out what was happening quite early on and as the story proved my predictions right I couldn’t help but feel for both the characters. Some might find it easier to side with Constance and yes what she went through was horrendous but I could also understand what bought Marion to that point.
This was a dark and twisted tale that I absorbed in one day. It was an easy story to follow and great to listen to. Would definitely recommend to fellow mystery lovers who like a bit of history thrown in.
April 4, 2021
Many thanks to Net Galley and Amazon Publishing/Thomas & Mercer for gifting me a digital copy of this gothic mystery by CD Major - 4 stars for a chilling mystery.
The thin place is a Celtic expression for places where the gap between heaven and earth is closer. In the present day, journalist Ava is investigating a rumored thin place - an old castle with a nearby bridge where dogs apparently leap to their deaths for no reason. Ava soon becomes obsessed with the story and the house. In alternating chapters, we hear from Marian in 1929 and Constance in 1949, who both lived in the house. There are plenty of twists and turns to see how all three timelines are related.
This is a fast-paced read and each story line is chilling in its own way, but especially Constance's. I enjoyed the creepy, gothic feel of this story. Be sure to read the author's note because the house and bridge are real places!
The thin place is a Celtic expression for places where the gap between heaven and earth is closer. In the present day, journalist Ava is investigating a rumored thin place - an old castle with a nearby bridge where dogs apparently leap to their deaths for no reason. Ava soon becomes obsessed with the story and the house. In alternating chapters, we hear from Marian in 1929 and Constance in 1949, who both lived in the house. There are plenty of twists and turns to see how all three timelines are related.
This is a fast-paced read and each story line is chilling in its own way, but especially Constance's. I enjoyed the creepy, gothic feel of this story. Be sure to read the author's note because the house and bridge are real places!
May 2, 2021
"One of the thin places, she thought as she left the town, passing beneath the shadow of the house."
This was an interesting story. I liked Ava's storyline - newly pregnant reporter, she is drawn to this bridge Overtoun, where hundreds of dogs have thrown themselves off of it and no one knows why. But there are two other storylines and I didn't enjoy them as much. I felt like it took forever to really find the purpose to these other POV. I liked juggling Ava's family and life drama as she struggled to really balance her work life and her new and upcoming family life. I liked the twists but would have loved this had it only been a POV or 2.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
This was an interesting story. I liked Ava's storyline - newly pregnant reporter, she is drawn to this bridge Overtoun, where hundreds of dogs have thrown themselves off of it and no one knows why. But there are two other storylines and I didn't enjoy them as much. I felt like it took forever to really find the purpose to these other POV. I liked juggling Ava's family and life drama as she struggled to really balance her work life and her new and upcoming family life. I liked the twists but would have loved this had it only been a POV or 2.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
October 13, 2022
I’m being really harsh here giving this three stars, it doesn’t deserve three but I don’t think it’s worth four either.
This was an intriguing book, a kind of historical mystery/ghost story. The book is told from the perspective of three females, all linked to a large manor house in Scotland over different time periods:
Ava, a young woman in the present day
Constance, a sickly young child in 1949
Marian, a newly wed in 1929
I liked this idea, it worked well enabling the story to unfold gradually in each time frame as inevitably it all comes together at the end. The problem is that Ava who is the central character is awful, she’s reckless and selfish and just not particularly nice.
What kept me reading was the mystery element, it was a dark and moody tale and pretty well written.
I did manage to piece together the mystery myself but it was still quite nicely done, more of a slow dawning than a massive shock.
The end seemed a bit dragged out though. Once the main element of the mystery was solved it was a very slow revelation to get it all out in the open despite the fact that I’m sure many of us now knew where this was heading.
A good story with some good ideas and solid writing, I liked it but it was hard to get excited about.
This was an intriguing book, a kind of historical mystery/ghost story. The book is told from the perspective of three females, all linked to a large manor house in Scotland over different time periods:
Ava, a young woman in the present day
Constance, a sickly young child in 1949
Marian, a newly wed in 1929
I liked this idea, it worked well enabling the story to unfold gradually in each time frame as inevitably it all comes together at the end. The problem is that Ava who is the central character is awful, she’s reckless and selfish and just not particularly nice.
What kept me reading was the mystery element, it was a dark and moody tale and pretty well written.
I did manage to piece together the mystery myself but it was still quite nicely done, more of a slow dawning than a massive shock.
The end seemed a bit dragged out though. Once the main element of the mystery was solved it was a very slow revelation to get it all out in the open despite the fact that I’m sure many of us now knew where this was heading.
A good story with some good ideas and solid writing, I liked it but it was hard to get excited about.
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