The Walled Garden

by Robin Farrar Maass

American grad student Lucy Silver arrives in England hoping to solve a longstanding literary mystery, write her dissertation, and finish her graduate studies in a blaze of academic glory. But as Lucy starts to piece together the correspondence between her late grandmother and Elizabeth Blackspear, the famous poet and garden writer who’s the subject of Lucy’s dissertation, she discovers puzzling coded references in the letters—and when an elderly English aristocrat with a secret connection to Elizabeth offers Lucy access to a neglected walled garden on his estate, the mystery deepens.

As spring turns to summer in Bolton Lacey, Lucy finds herself fighting the Blackspear Gardens’ director’s attempt to deny her access to vital documents in the archives . . . and trying not to fall in love with an attractive Scottish contractor.

In the midst of this turmoil, she stumbles upon an illicit plot to turn the historic gardens into a theme park, and becomes determined to stop it. As she races against time to save the gardens, Lucy’s search for the truth about Elizabeth’s life leads her to a French convent where she uncovers explosive evidence that will change her life and the lives of everyone around her, ultimately revealing a home—and an inheritance—more incredible than anything she could ever have imagined.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Mystery, Gardening, Thriller, British Literature, Adult

331 pages, Paperback

Published May 17, 2022

Reviews

[Guylou (Two Dogs and a Book) · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚 Hello Book Friends! I am so happy to be part of the BookSparks #SpringPopUp for THE WALLED GARDEN by Robin Farrar Maass. This book is coming to your favourite bookstore today. I enjoyed this lovely story about secrets, gardens, and mystery. The characters are well developed, and the story is full of surprises. This is a great mix of historical and modern fiction. I truly enjoyed this historical mystery with a touch of a love story.

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[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very beautiful read drenched in Flowers and Poetry and lost loves. Since i am a bit of a flower gardener i could follow the descriptions well and appreciate what goes into creating and making a garden. very painterly and a lovely read.

[Cindy(groundedinreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stanford University graduate student, Lucy Silver, is finishing her dissertation on writer & poet, Elizabeth Blackspear. Her studies have brought her to England to learn more about Elizabeth’s life but her research soon turns into an investigation when she uncovers a familiar connection. Oh how I loved this book! It’s contemporary yet filled with historical fiction & mystery! This book is so beautifully written and easy to binge! I even learned a couple of gardening tricks. Thank you @booksparks for my gifted copy in exchange for me honest review

[ClairevoyantBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful read this was!
Part historical fiction, and part mystery, this story is a romantic nature lovers dream. There’s so much vivid imagery of the gardens in this that I could practically smell the flowers.
I found Lucy and the cast of characters to be so lovable. I did figure out the mystery pretty early in the novel, but still enjoyed seeing how they unraveled it all and felt that this ended perfectly.

[Susan Diamond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading tThe Walled Garden, by Robin Farrar Maass. This is the engaging and compelling story of a woman, Lucy, who is working to solve not just the mystery of the famed poet and garden writer Elizabeth Blackspear, but also the mystery of herself. Anyone who loves England, gardens or a great love story coupled with a mystery will love this book.

[Tracie · Rating 4 out of 5]

American Lucy Silver has arrived in England at Bolten Abbey, to work on her dissertation about poet and gardener Elizabeth Blackspear. Her deceased grandmother, Amanda, who raised her was a good friend to Elizabeth even though she worked at the Huntington Gardens in California and Elizabeth was in England. Lucy faces hostility from the man in charge Henry Anstey-Carruthers but becomes friends with three others: Rajiv, Kat, and Sam. She is invited to stay at nearby Priory House by owner Sir Edmund de Lisle who knew both Amanda and Elizabeth. Lucy digs up secrets and the gardening lore is interesting. There are a few too many coincidences in the story, but an engaging read.

[Dana K · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Walled Garden lovingly tells us the beautiful story of English gardener and poetess Elizabeth Blackspear. This woman is the subject of modern day Lucy’s dissertation. Lucy is intrigued by her for several reasons. Her grandmother was a friend of Elizabeth and they wrote letters back and forth using the language of flowers as a way to communicate secret messages. Lucy arrives in England to pour over the archives of Elizabeth’s life and analyze her famous walled garden to help bring meaning to her poetry and understand her life. In the meantime, she finds a little meaning in her own life.

I love historical fiction that explores a finite, unique piece of history. I’m a bit of a poetry novice but I love the idea of the symbology of flowers for various emotions. Elizabeth is such a complex character who pours out her thoughts and feelings on the world through her floral choices. There is much to uncover in her writing and her untimely death. I enjoyed her story much more than Lucy’s. I wasn’t enamored with Lucy’s love story but I get how it was necessary to bring the story to a proper close.

Thanks to Booksparks for this gifted copy. All opinions above are my own.

[Susan Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a delight,
Robin Farrar Maass's debut novel draws us into a life- changing journey for Lucy, a young literary scholar, whose romance for all things British leads her to a circle of intriguing characters with secrets of their own. The world Maass crafts is illuminated by a deep innocence and warmth, infusing her characters with substance and engaging charm. Enjoy this tale, as it wends through a labyrinth of mysterious possibilities. And such a delectation for gardeners who like to savor a literary respite in the language of flowers.

[Bonita Risley · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn't finish this terrible book. The story seemed interesting but the narrator was awful - very shrill American who tried too hard to enunciate every word. As if that wasn't bad enough, the author pulled out every cliche & American pre-conception of the English character (!) that he/she could - grow up & get real! But the last straw for me was the mention of hummingbirds on wisteria in Oxford!! Do your research Robin Farrar Maass - there has never been a hummingbird in Europe. I was glad to delete this audiobook.

[Jami M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

A gentle, sweet, slightly twee story, that is comforting and satisfying to read. The author writes beautifully about nature and this makes the otherwise familiar plot interesting. A cozy village novel with colorful local characters and an American grad student causing trouble.

[Nancy Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming and appealing on so many levels. I truly enjoyed this book - from the beautiful feeling of being in enchanted garden settings, with the elements of love story(ies) and angst and even the language of flowers. It also evoked the feelings I've always had associated with childhood favorite, The Secret Garden. Just loved it. What a wonderful debut book from the author. I wonder what she has in store for future books. I read it in one day - I couldn't put it down.

[Heather Walter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would give this 10 stars. It was the right book at the right time. Lovely English countryside settings are especially delightful as I am avoiding the heat outside in Texas. There were no huge shocks in the story, but it was a delightful read, regardless. It took me a while to get started, but I couldn't put it down by the time I was halfway through.

[The Page Ladies Book Club · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Walled Garden was a compelling and entertaining story about Lucy trying to solve the mystery of her grandmother and Elizabeth but also for her to learn about herself. The story alternates between the past giving the reader a complete picture as the story comes together. The descriptions of the garden were fadinating and absolutely amazing! It was easy to transport myself there and smell the flowers! I really enjoyed the characters! They really kept me turning the pages. I was able to figure out the mystery but I still enjoyed following along as everything came together!

Thank you Book Sparks and Robin Farrar Maass for sharing this lovely story with me!

[Samantha McAfee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would give this TEN stars if I could. Absolutely beautiful little book.

[ShanKL · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucy Silver’s research for her dissertation lands her halfway across the world. Armed with correspondence from her grandma to a famed poet, she sets out to uncover what happened one fateful year to cause the poet to walk away from her thriving career.

Between her research and sleuthing, she finally begins to piece together the secrets and lies that have remained hidden in the world famous gardens. Plus she finds that the curator of the facility is misleading its staff and investors so he can sell it off to a development company, destroying its grounds. Lives are forever changed once truths are shared.

This is an engaging and compelling story that alternates from the past and present, concluding in a flurry of revelations. Anyone who enjoys stories set in England, lushish gardens with exotic flowers, romance and mystery will appreciate The Walled Garden.

[Lovely Loveday]

The Walled Garden by Robin Farrar Maass is an engaging and compelling story perfect for readers who love English gardens and a great love story.

[Tina Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Last summer I discovered how much I love plants and how much I enjoy growing things. Gardening has become a huge passion of mine in the last year and I'm pretty much always down to talk about plants.

So to say this book is right up my alley is a vast understatement. The garden descriptions in this book are absolutely SPECTACULAR and made me want to go out and play in the dirt. So for the garden bits alone, this book should get a million stars.

The actual story itself is also quite fascinating. While I did guess the mystery quite early on, it was still a really interesting journey and I absolutely loved learning more about Elizabeth. She was absolutely fascinating and I dearly loved learning more about her language of the flowers.

The only thing I didn’t really love about this was the romance. It came off a bit weird and was a little too insta-love for my taste. While I do get its place in the story, I just feel it could’ve been ~handled a bit differently. Insta-love is really not my preference so this had me seriously rolling my eyes in a few spots.

But other than that, this was a quick, engaging read that I really enjoyed! I’m so glad to have read it and now I definitely feel the need to go stroll through some gardens!!

Thanks to Book Sparks for sending this my way in exchange for an honest review!

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story centers around Elizabeth Blackspear, a poet who created a garden with a message in the language of flowers.

Lucy, a grad student goes to England to write her dissertation on the coded messages, believing that Elizabeth had a secret. Although the secret is given away to the reader in chapter one, it took Lucy quite some time to figure it out.

There’s a lot of repetition of poems. I like poetry but I don’t know any poems by heart. I do know the names of some poets.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75
This is a lot like The Language of Flowers. There is a predictable love story, the plot a little silly, but I learned a lot about flowers, trees, and gardens. There is a mystery to solve and worth it because it’s free on Hoopla.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the Walled Garden because of my newfound Bookclub. It's a novel that's centered around a mystery that the main character wants to solve which has put her on a quest as a graduate student of Stanford University of Poetry. Being raised by her grandmother who was friends with a poet/gardener of England who has a cryptic message in her poetry and her famous gardens that the main character wants to find/ feels compelled by her Grandmother making it her last wish before she died that her granddaughter solve it! It's a romantic read. It's also a little too over the top with victorian and hormonal drama. But a fun read with a lot of flowers, plants, trees, etc. There are some fun characters that populate the story and the puzzle that is solved somewhat in the end brings to mind some fun mental image pictures. It's an amusement ride that I'm glad I went on.

[Jessica Kimbel · Rating 4 out of 5]

American graduate student, Lucy is in Oxford to finish her thesis project. Her grandmother, Amanda had visited, met and fell into a long friendship with Elizabeth Blackspear, famous poet and gardener. Lucy has the letters Elizabeth wrote to Grammie, and she refers to a secret. Her grandmother’s dying wish was for Lucy to discover the secret.

The Walled Garden is listed under the category historical fiction, but instead of alternating between two time periods, most of story is set in current period with short flashbacks told through letters. I enjoyed reading this story, with all the drama, mystery and suspense. When Lucy meets Sam, it incorporates a bit of romance as well. It delves deep into the meaning or language of flowers, which was a tad dry and slow for me and is the reason I can’t give it five stars. Overall, it’s a very well rounded, complete tale.

[Caroline Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely story! I couldn't put it down. If you love gardens, flowers, England, and strong vibrant characters telling a powerful story from the heart, you will love this book. Years ago I lived in Oxford, England, and it was so wonderful to read about and remember some of the places that I knew and loved. Robin Maass is a master story teller. Her writing is full and rich with beautiful images that instantly transport you to the magic garden which will hold you in its spell. Five stars....I wish I could give it more. Perfect in every way.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I found it very interesting and I enjoyed it a lot. The language of flowers was intriguing and gave the storyline a double meaning. I had heard of this before but never in such detail and uses. Lots of twists and turns; with different characters having different agendas going on and I just love it when the nasty people are foiled in their endeavors.

I recommend this book to any one with an interest in gardens.

[Gail DiVico · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Kept me wanting to read more! If you like mysteries, English gardens, and lots of twist and turns, this one is for you! The story centers around Lucy, a post graduate student working on her dissertation that involves a walled up garden in England. When she arrives there, she is confronted with mystery after mystery concerning a woman who lived there and a friendship she had with Lucy's grandmother. Highly recommend this one. It won't disappoint.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tad too long but the story was great. I love stories that unfold a clue at a time with each one adding a bit more to solving the puzzle. And this story sure revealed some hidden secrets that are very surprising to everyone and shocking to some. I love flowers and felt like I could almost see the garden as it was unearthed from its overgrown and weed filled state, and I could almost smell the scents.
I would like to have known how her dissertation turned out.

[Karen Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book: the first half was very slow and tedious at times all the author set up the storyline. The second half I really really liked so patience might be required. The author also does not tie up all the storylines with explanations, and Endings. But I would recommend this book if you are patient, like involved stories, gardens and flowers and beautiful trees. I would especially love to visit this place and see the walled garden.

[Krista · Rating 5 out of 5]

When starting this book I’d hoped to be transported to the English countryside, and I was. I walked under the honeysuckle arbors with Lucy, through the cloisters, felt my hands in the soil, completely immersed. I’ve always been a passionate vegetable gardeners, but The Walled Garden gave me a deeper appreciation for flower gardens. Lucy was a spunky character, easy to cheer for. A sweet, heartfelt read in a magnificent setting.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent and gripping story that mixes a bit of mystery, gardens, romance and makes them work.
I loved the characters and the story that kept me reading.
The descriptions of the gardens are fascinating and I hope to read another book by this author soon.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Tbaldwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

it was an interesting summer read, especially for anyone who loves flowers and gardening.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written, interesting story, with a few twists that were unexpected. I will reread this in the future.