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The Bone Flower
On a November evening in Victorian London, the moneyed but listless Edward Monteith stokes the fire at his local gentlemen’s club, listening to stories of supernatural experiences and theories of life after death. His curiosity leads him to a séance, where he falls under the spell of a beautiful flower seller. But Victorian society does not look kindly on love between a gentleman of means and a Romani girl, and when he faces being cut off by his family, Edward makes a decision with horrifying consequences.
Two years later Edward is married and anticipating the birth of his first child, in a beautiful house lined with orange blossom trees. But the wrongs of the past are not so easily forgotten, and the boundary between the living and the dead begins to thin… A deliciously chilling Gothic novel, The Bone Flower is a deeply human story about guilt, betrayal and the cruelty of social expectations.
A dark, uncanny love story from the author of Polari prize-shortlisted Prodigal and The Children's Home, The Bone Flower will delight fans of Edward Carey and Essie Fox.
Two years later Edward is married and anticipating the birth of his first child, in a beautiful house lined with orange blossom trees. But the wrongs of the past are not so easily forgotten, and the boundary between the living and the dead begins to thin… A deliciously chilling Gothic novel, The Bone Flower is a deeply human story about guilt, betrayal and the cruelty of social expectations.
A dark, uncanny love story from the author of Polari prize-shortlisted Prodigal and The Children's Home, The Bone Flower will delight fans of Edward Carey and Essie Fox.
240 pages, Paperback
Published September 22, 2022
About the author
Charles Lambert
81 books203 followersCharles Lambert was born in the United Kingdom but has lived in Italy for most of his adult life. His most recent novel is Birthright, set in Rome in the 1980s and examining what happens when two young women discover that they are identical twins, separated at birth. In 2022, he published The Bone Flower, a Gothic love story with a sinister edge, set in Victorian London. His previous novel, Prodigal, shortlisted for the Polari Prize in 2019, was described by the Gay & Lesbian Review as "Powerful… an artful hybrid of parable (as the title signifies), a Freudian family romance, a Gothic tale, and a Künstlerroman in the tradition of James Joyce’s Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man.” For the Kirkus Review, The Children's Home, published in 2016, was 'a one-of-a-kind literary horror story', while Two Dark Tales, published in October 2017, continues to disturb. Earlier books include three novels, a collection of prize-winning short stories and a memoir, With a Zero at its Heart, selected by the Guardian as one of its top ten books from 2014.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
October 9, 2022
I was in the mood for a Victorian ghost story to welcome in October, and The Bone Flower provided. Lambert’s books always seem to be something entirely new, something different to the rest of his work; this has little in common with the others of his I’ve read (The Children’s Home and Two Dark Tales), except a certain macabre edge. It tells the story of naive Edward, a young man whose first relationship with a low-born flower seller turns out to haunt him in a rather literal sense. It’s gorgeously told: the historical detail is meticulous; the moments of horror contain just enough dread to make them truly chilling. A really pleasing uncanny tale of the gothic – even though the ending wasn’t entirely what I was hoping for.
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September 23, 2022
The Bone Flower is a delightfully atmospheric and spooky story written in a style that deftly conjures up the period in which it is set. Edward’s passionate love affair with flower girl Settie ends in tragedy when he makes a misguided and disastrous decision. It’s one which will haunt him, not only because of his feelings of guilt and regret, but in another more literal sense, particularly after his marriage to Marisol and the birth of his son, Tommaso.
There are scenes in the book that could have come straight out of an M. R. James ghost story, and I mean that as a compliment. We witness the sort of small occurrences that might be laughed off in daylight but take on a whole different perspective when they occur at night: the distant sound of a child crying, a locked and shuttered window that repeatedly blows open or ‘a sort of shuffling noise’ heard outside a bedroom door as if a creature were feeling its way towards it. (I’m not sure if this was deliberate on the part of the author but there are a couple of names in the book that crop up in M. R. James stories.) There were also definite shades of Edgar Allan Poe; I’m thinking of his story ‘Ligeia’. And since my John Buchan radar is always on full alert, the opening scenes in the gentleman’s club in which the members swap stories, especially Rickman’s tale of his strange experiences in Africa, made me think of Buchan’s book, The Runagates Club.
A skilfully crafted Gothic mystery, The Bone Flower‘s combination of uncanny events, ghostly goings-on and story of forbidden love make it the perfect reading companion for autumn evenings.
There are scenes in the book that could have come straight out of an M. R. James ghost story, and I mean that as a compliment. We witness the sort of small occurrences that might be laughed off in daylight but take on a whole different perspective when they occur at night: the distant sound of a child crying, a locked and shuttered window that repeatedly blows open or ‘a sort of shuffling noise’ heard outside a bedroom door as if a creature were feeling its way towards it. (I’m not sure if this was deliberate on the part of the author but there are a couple of names in the book that crop up in M. R. James stories.) There were also definite shades of Edgar Allan Poe; I’m thinking of his story ‘Ligeia’. And since my John Buchan radar is always on full alert, the opening scenes in the gentleman’s club in which the members swap stories, especially Rickman’s tale of his strange experiences in Africa, made me think of Buchan’s book, The Runagates Club.
A skilfully crafted Gothic mystery, The Bone Flower‘s combination of uncanny events, ghostly goings-on and story of forbidden love make it the perfect reading companion for autumn evenings.
July 3, 2023
Love me a creepy ghost story. The séance in particular was chilling.
October 6, 2022
On the strength of The Children's Home I would say I am a Lambert fan, but this was much more ordinary, indeed something of a disappointment.
It takes the form of a gothic ghost story, and from the outset seems familiar, its atmposphere similar to The Children's Home, but the writing doesn't conjure up as much suspense.
Six gentlemen sit around a fire at their club in 1880s London, discussing, somewhat incredulously, supernatural occurrences. The follow on from this is that a few of them attend a séance, during which the medium predicts “danger” for Edward Monteith, the youngest of the group. Montieth becomes infatuated by a flower-seller and Romani he meets oustide the theatre, and a relationship ensues. Tragedy follows.
The second part of the book takes place two years later with Montieth now married to a Sicilian with a young son. His affair with the flower-seller is in the past it seems, but of course it isn't.
Though the plot may follow a well trodden path, the story is sound enough. The difficulty for me lay more in key characters without much depth to them, the several liberties taken as regards plausibility.
It takes the form of a gothic ghost story, and from the outset seems familiar, its atmposphere similar to The Children's Home, but the writing doesn't conjure up as much suspense.
Six gentlemen sit around a fire at their club in 1880s London, discussing, somewhat incredulously, supernatural occurrences. The follow on from this is that a few of them attend a séance, during which the medium predicts “danger” for Edward Monteith, the youngest of the group. Montieth becomes infatuated by a flower-seller and Romani he meets oustide the theatre, and a relationship ensues. Tragedy follows.
The second part of the book takes place two years later with Montieth now married to a Sicilian with a young son. His affair with the flower-seller is in the past it seems, but of course it isn't.
Though the plot may follow a well trodden path, the story is sound enough. The difficulty for me lay more in key characters without much depth to them, the several liberties taken as regards plausibility.
September 24, 2022
4.5 stars!
This is one of those books I probably never would’ve read if I wasn’t a book reviewer. So thank you to Gallic for sending this one my way!
Set in Victorian London, it tells the story of Edward, a man of means & stature who, after taking part in a seance, falls under the spell of Settie. However, Settie being a Romani girl, their pairing is not accepted in society & Edward faces being cut off by his family. He makes a decision he will live to regret.
Two years later, Edward is married & expecting the birth of his first child. But the wrongs of his past come back to haunt him.
The Bone Flower is a beautifully written book, with a supernatural tale of life after death. It’s creepiness (& a little gore in places!) is perfect for the darker nights now drawing in.
A highly recommended autumnal read!
This is one of those books I probably never would’ve read if I wasn’t a book reviewer. So thank you to Gallic for sending this one my way!
Set in Victorian London, it tells the story of Edward, a man of means & stature who, after taking part in a seance, falls under the spell of Settie. However, Settie being a Romani girl, their pairing is not accepted in society & Edward faces being cut off by his family. He makes a decision he will live to regret.
Two years later, Edward is married & expecting the birth of his first child. But the wrongs of his past come back to haunt him.
The Bone Flower is a beautifully written book, with a supernatural tale of life after death. It’s creepiness (& a little gore in places!) is perfect for the darker nights now drawing in.
A highly recommended autumnal read!
September 25, 2022
The bone flower by Charles Lambert
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It’s almost bewitching season and this was the perfect book to start autumn with!
The Bone Flower is a heartbreaking and mysterious Gothic horror and love story set in victorian london.
Its beautifully written and although starts slowly it does build and quickly becomes impossible to put down.
It was very atmospheric and I can picture it easily being transferred to a fantastic tv drama or film.
I haven’t read much in the way of gothic horror but this book was perfect to get my teeth into and I know can’t wait to add some more horror to my shelves.
The forbidden love , the dark foreboding betrayals, heartbreak and fear from within the pages made this a book that I would highly recommend.
Thank you to Gallic for sending me this arc in exchange for an honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It’s almost bewitching season and this was the perfect book to start autumn with!
The Bone Flower is a heartbreaking and mysterious Gothic horror and love story set in victorian london.
Its beautifully written and although starts slowly it does build and quickly becomes impossible to put down.
It was very atmospheric and I can picture it easily being transferred to a fantastic tv drama or film.
I haven’t read much in the way of gothic horror but this book was perfect to get my teeth into and I know can’t wait to add some more horror to my shelves.
The forbidden love , the dark foreboding betrayals, heartbreak and fear from within the pages made this a book that I would highly recommend.
Thank you to Gallic for sending me this arc in exchange for an honest review.
September 22, 2022
A breathtakingly haunting and creepy novel about our deepest desires and what happens when our past mistakes come back to haunt us. This is a modern novel that feels like it has been written by Wilkie Collins or a reissued classic, it has that same atmospheric ghastliness and suspense that many of the Victorian Gothid writers did so well. It also feels like I have or should have read before it feels familiar and yet also strangely unsettling. A wonderful book to read at any time but most especially in autumn and during the spooky season.
October 14, 2022
Actual rating ~ 4.5
Thank you to Isabelle Flynn and Gallic Books for sending me a copy of this book!
I have the habit of reading the synopsis of a book, putting it on my TBR and then completely forgetting what it’s about so this book took me by surprise; it was quite a dark read, perfect for this time of year.
I’ll say it straight away, I didn’t like Edward; I thought he was conceited and too easily influenced by society’s expectations to the detriment of his relationship with Settie, the flower seller. His ignorance of other peoples’ cultures and traditions frustrated me, and he readily blamed others for his situation such as when he suspected the nursemaid of being a bad influence on his child rather than taking the time to understand she was trying to help.
I loved the forbidden love in the first half of the book and then the suspense in the second half, wondering what was going to happen next and how it would all be resolved, and so I found myself a little disappointed with the end, it felt too nicely wrapped up, such a stark contrast to the dark themes running through the rest of the story.
Overall, for such a short book, it packs a punch!
Thank you to Isabelle Flynn and Gallic Books for sending me a copy of this book!
I have the habit of reading the synopsis of a book, putting it on my TBR and then completely forgetting what it’s about so this book took me by surprise; it was quite a dark read, perfect for this time of year.
I’ll say it straight away, I didn’t like Edward; I thought he was conceited and too easily influenced by society’s expectations to the detriment of his relationship with Settie, the flower seller. His ignorance of other peoples’ cultures and traditions frustrated me, and he readily blamed others for his situation such as when he suspected the nursemaid of being a bad influence on his child rather than taking the time to understand she was trying to help.
I loved the forbidden love in the first half of the book and then the suspense in the second half, wondering what was going to happen next and how it would all be resolved, and so I found myself a little disappointed with the end, it felt too nicely wrapped up, such a stark contrast to the dark themes running through the rest of the story.
Overall, for such a short book, it packs a punch!
December 1, 2022
When we meet Edward, he’s the youngest of a group of six men discussing reincarnation at a gentleman’s club in Victorian England.
He has no purpose in life, is in a void, and when he meets Settie, he’s ready for a change.
Trying to evade societies expectations by isolating themselves in Kent doesn’t work out for Settie and when they return to London, Edward makes a decision (based on the best intentions) and that decision then has consequences moving forward with his life.
I thought The Bone Flower was very atmospheric. Charles Lambert’s writing style lends a heaviness and pace that is very apt for a Gothic ghost story. Also, it has such a Saturnine feel of duty and responsibility.
I surprised myself by feeling empathy towards Edward! In listening to his associate Bell, and doing what he thought was right for everyone else, he excluded his own and Settie’s desires and needs. I was curious how his marriage with Marisol would play out.
I felt drawn into what was happening and there are scenes that gave me goosebumps and had me watching for anything out of place in my own life … yes, that’s how absorbed I was in the story! It seeped into my every day. The suggestion and the inferences are just as spine tingling as physical manifestations (Marisol’s finger!).
Having read the description of Marisol taking Edward through the catacombs in Palermo, I just had to take a look (online) myself. And OMG, macabre! It’s the addition of scenes like this that give added depth.
As an aside, I have direct ancestors buried in Abney Park Cemetery and this unexpectedly gave me a personal link.
Even though Settie’s and Marisol’s cultures are different, the crossover of their beliefs about the afterlife and death are similar. Marisol’s nurse and her spells and potions could easily have been Settie’s mum doing the same thing.
The Bone Flower is tastefully written. It’s the perfect read on these dark nights leading up to the solstice.
https://www.jerasjamboree.co.uk/revie...
He has no purpose in life, is in a void, and when he meets Settie, he’s ready for a change.
Trying to evade societies expectations by isolating themselves in Kent doesn’t work out for Settie and when they return to London, Edward makes a decision (based on the best intentions) and that decision then has consequences moving forward with his life.
I thought The Bone Flower was very atmospheric. Charles Lambert’s writing style lends a heaviness and pace that is very apt for a Gothic ghost story. Also, it has such a Saturnine feel of duty and responsibility.
I surprised myself by feeling empathy towards Edward! In listening to his associate Bell, and doing what he thought was right for everyone else, he excluded his own and Settie’s desires and needs. I was curious how his marriage with Marisol would play out.
I felt drawn into what was happening and there are scenes that gave me goosebumps and had me watching for anything out of place in my own life … yes, that’s how absorbed I was in the story! It seeped into my every day. The suggestion and the inferences are just as spine tingling as physical manifestations (Marisol’s finger!).
Having read the description of Marisol taking Edward through the catacombs in Palermo, I just had to take a look (online) myself. And OMG, macabre! It’s the addition of scenes like this that give added depth.
As an aside, I have direct ancestors buried in Abney Park Cemetery and this unexpectedly gave me a personal link.
Even though Settie’s and Marisol’s cultures are different, the crossover of their beliefs about the afterlife and death are similar. Marisol’s nurse and her spells and potions could easily have been Settie’s mum doing the same thing.
The Bone Flower is tastefully written. It’s the perfect read on these dark nights leading up to the solstice.
https://www.jerasjamboree.co.uk/revie...
October 8, 2022
The title of this novel first attracted me, and I wasn't disappointed. If you enjoy the well written and thoughtful literature of a wordsmith, you are going to be swept away into the world of gothic seances, ghosts, potions, and the living dead. But this is no in-your-face, distasteful horror story. Instead, it has all the grace of its era, the subtleties of denial and self doubt, so the reader isn't quite sure if any of it is really happening. I am reminded of Shirley Jackson's Haunting of hill House where things just aren't "right" but are they real or imagined? Is this simply the protagonist's own guilt and hysteria or are we dealing with some inexplicable events? Its horror was delivered in the most genteel, soothing manner. The reader might think she made it up herself, just sitting in the orangery. Don't miss this one~
October 2, 2022
Thank you to the publisher for a gifted copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. And I have to say, once again they provide amazing reads.
I love the cover of this and was intrigued by the synopsis. I wasn't really sure what to expect, but I'm so glad I gave it a chance. I really liked this. Spooky, eerie, atmospheric. There are moments of surprise and tension. And even though some of the characters make questionable decisions, I found myself really liking them and wanting a happy ending. The loyalty and friendship of George and Daniel to Edward. Marisol, the young and beautiful bride. A thoroughly good read and perfect for these chilly autumnal nights.
I love the cover of this and was intrigued by the synopsis. I wasn't really sure what to expect, but I'm so glad I gave it a chance. I really liked this. Spooky, eerie, atmospheric. There are moments of surprise and tension. And even though some of the characters make questionable decisions, I found myself really liking them and wanting a happy ending. The loyalty and friendship of George and Daniel to Edward. Marisol, the young and beautiful bride. A thoroughly good read and perfect for these chilly autumnal nights.
March 24, 2023
I really enjoyed this! Loved the very opening scene where a group of Victorian men sit in their club and discuss life after death. The Bone Flower is very atmospheric and dark. There are seances, superstitions and spirits. It's creepy, but it's also about love and, obviously, death so it's a bit heartbreaking too. The characters were vivid and interesting, and I was pretty pleased with the ending.
September 28, 2022
This is a book that is a really powerful Victorian gothic thriller written in the faster paced style of more contemporary times. It features a young man whose capacity to find love with a woman changes his life and shapes the lives of those around him. There are chilling descriptions of visions, realisations and events that may make this a book for daytime reading as they are so vivid and memorable. The characters described are well introduced and consistent, even if they are not at the forefront of the action for some time. The male characters are arguably better developed than the female, but the women are nonetheless strong presences in the novel and are probably more sophisticated elements in the story. It is a novel drawn in the shadows, on the edge of sight, in the background where more the frightening characters lurk, where nightmares and dreams abound. The clever element of bringing in characters from another culture gives the novel depth and the suggestion of what may be going on. Altogether this is a vividly written novel, and I was pleased to have the opportunity to read and review it.
The central character in the novel is Edward, a wealthy young man who is seeking a direction for his life as the novel begins. Despite his time at Cambridge he is not worldly wise, and he is first observed listening intently to the older men at his club telling of their travels. Impressed by the ideas of spiritualism, he agrees to attend a séance with some of the men. As he enters the venue he sees a young woman selling flowers, who strikes him as very memorable. Later she gives him flowers, and hints that she may agree to meet him. Everything about the girl is elusive and unusual, and while Edward is quickly obsessed with her and she seems to return his love, he realises that there is a problem in her background. While he is estranged from his father, he knows that he will not accept the girl as a daughter in law, despite the depth of the relationship. What happens next is tragic and full of horror that causes shock to both the character and the reader. The subsequent story causes the reader to reflect the borderline between life and death, what is seen and unseen, and the effects of betrayal. Most of the narrative relates to Edward’s progress and how he reacts to events, atmosphere and more, but the author gives excellent detail to the reactions of other characters and in at least one case, the loyalty of friendship.
This is a very effectively written novel that creates a real sense of other worldly and difficult to explain elements of the story in its descriptions of Edward’s experiences. It conveys the sights, sounds and even smells of everything from foul odours to orange blossom, just as the visions of the past reminds Edward of past actions. There are gentle hints of humour, especially in connection with the wonderful George, which offer some relief from the darkness of much else which is going on. This book conveys the power of personality in many ways, as well as the effects of mental strain on the characters. I found this a fascinating read, which I would definitely recommend as a ghost story with real impact in so many ways.
The central character in the novel is Edward, a wealthy young man who is seeking a direction for his life as the novel begins. Despite his time at Cambridge he is not worldly wise, and he is first observed listening intently to the older men at his club telling of their travels. Impressed by the ideas of spiritualism, he agrees to attend a séance with some of the men. As he enters the venue he sees a young woman selling flowers, who strikes him as very memorable. Later she gives him flowers, and hints that she may agree to meet him. Everything about the girl is elusive and unusual, and while Edward is quickly obsessed with her and she seems to return his love, he realises that there is a problem in her background. While he is estranged from his father, he knows that he will not accept the girl as a daughter in law, despite the depth of the relationship. What happens next is tragic and full of horror that causes shock to both the character and the reader. The subsequent story causes the reader to reflect the borderline between life and death, what is seen and unseen, and the effects of betrayal. Most of the narrative relates to Edward’s progress and how he reacts to events, atmosphere and more, but the author gives excellent detail to the reactions of other characters and in at least one case, the loyalty of friendship.
This is a very effectively written novel that creates a real sense of other worldly and difficult to explain elements of the story in its descriptions of Edward’s experiences. It conveys the sights, sounds and even smells of everything from foul odours to orange blossom, just as the visions of the past reminds Edward of past actions. There are gentle hints of humour, especially in connection with the wonderful George, which offer some relief from the darkness of much else which is going on. This book conveys the power of personality in many ways, as well as the effects of mental strain on the characters. I found this a fascinating read, which I would definitely recommend as a ghost story with real impact in so many ways.
September 4, 2022
“THE BONE FLOWER” is the most satisfying Gothic ghost story I’ve read recently…..I simply adored it from start to finish and I genuinely didn’t want it to end. The author Charles Lambert has returned with this masterpiece, perfect for the onset of Autumn and for fans of Susan Hill and Andrew Michael Hurley.
It’s November in Victorian London. Edward Monteith is sitting around the fire with his friends at a gentleman’s club, listening to far flung tales and legends of the supernatural. Upon leaving, he sees a young flower seller and instantly senses a mutual attraction. As his curiosity about the possibility of an afterlife has been piqued, he’s offered to attend a supposed seance where he meets the flower seller girl again. However, society of the time does not look kindly on a relationship between a gentleman and a Romani girl and after the threat of being cut off by his family, he makes a decision with horrifying consequences. Two years later, Edward has made a new life for himself but is his past about to resurface in a most frightening and supernatural nature?
I absolutely adored this Gothic ghost story. I felt like I was immersed in a black and white Gainsborough film of the 1940’s with the likes of James Mason and Lauren Bacall…..(since I’m a certain age to appreciate those movies) - which enabled me to visualise each scene vividly in my mind. The characters were so well developed and I thought Edward’s friend Giles was superb but really there wasn’t one character I didn’t like or endear to. Evocative and atmospheric, Charles’ descriptive storytelling meant I could almost smell the sweetest of flowers and the orange blossom trees.
What stood out for me the most was how social expectations was so cruel and even true love couldn’t break that barrier down. The two social divides never mixed and it was interesting how the Romany travellers protected their own at all costs. The focus of grief, guilt, betrayal and superstition was transformed into a fabulous readable novel that was addictive and engrossing.
Charles Lambert is a truly exceptional author who captures exactly what he has in his mind for a story and conveys this to his readers perfectly. Born in England, he has lived in central Italy since 1980 and his novel ‘Prodigal’ was shortlisted for the Polar Prize for LGBTQ writing in 2019.
#TheBoneFlower - 5 stars and more!
My thanks to Isabelle Flynn and Gallic Books for my copy of the book in return for an honest review.
It’s November in Victorian London. Edward Monteith is sitting around the fire with his friends at a gentleman’s club, listening to far flung tales and legends of the supernatural. Upon leaving, he sees a young flower seller and instantly senses a mutual attraction. As his curiosity about the possibility of an afterlife has been piqued, he’s offered to attend a supposed seance where he meets the flower seller girl again. However, society of the time does not look kindly on a relationship between a gentleman and a Romani girl and after the threat of being cut off by his family, he makes a decision with horrifying consequences. Two years later, Edward has made a new life for himself but is his past about to resurface in a most frightening and supernatural nature?
I absolutely adored this Gothic ghost story. I felt like I was immersed in a black and white Gainsborough film of the 1940’s with the likes of James Mason and Lauren Bacall…..(since I’m a certain age to appreciate those movies) - which enabled me to visualise each scene vividly in my mind. The characters were so well developed and I thought Edward’s friend Giles was superb but really there wasn’t one character I didn’t like or endear to. Evocative and atmospheric, Charles’ descriptive storytelling meant I could almost smell the sweetest of flowers and the orange blossom trees.
What stood out for me the most was how social expectations was so cruel and even true love couldn’t break that barrier down. The two social divides never mixed and it was interesting how the Romany travellers protected their own at all costs. The focus of grief, guilt, betrayal and superstition was transformed into a fabulous readable novel that was addictive and engrossing.
Charles Lambert is a truly exceptional author who captures exactly what he has in his mind for a story and conveys this to his readers perfectly. Born in England, he has lived in central Italy since 1980 and his novel ‘Prodigal’ was shortlisted for the Polar Prize for LGBTQ writing in 2019.
#TheBoneFlower - 5 stars and more!
My thanks to Isabelle Flynn and Gallic Books for my copy of the book in return for an honest review.
October 10, 2022
A new book by Charles Lambert is always worth a look. This one is a Victorian ghost story, with an eerie atmosphere similar to his earlier novel The Children’s Home.
In 1880s London, Edward Montieth is a young gentleman who goes along to a séance with a group of acquaintances from his club. He becomes captivated with Settie, a flower-seller he sees outside the theatre, and they embark on a relationship. But society would frown on their love, because Settie is Romani. When she falls pregnant, Edward feels forced to take drastic measures – and tragedy follows…
Two years later, Edward has turned away from his old life and now lives outside of the city with his Sicilian wife Marisol and their son Tommaso. However, although Edward may wish to leave the past behind, the past isn’t finished with him. Lambert builds up an unsettling feeling through ordinary sights and sounds, like a child’s cry, that seem oddly out of place. The strangeness grows, in a tale that pits rationality against the supernatural as much as social structures clash with the freedom to go one’s own way. The Bone Flower is engrossing stuff, especially as the autumn nights draw in.
In 1880s London, Edward Montieth is a young gentleman who goes along to a séance with a group of acquaintances from his club. He becomes captivated with Settie, a flower-seller he sees outside the theatre, and they embark on a relationship. But society would frown on their love, because Settie is Romani. When she falls pregnant, Edward feels forced to take drastic measures – and tragedy follows…
Two years later, Edward has turned away from his old life and now lives outside of the city with his Sicilian wife Marisol and their son Tommaso. However, although Edward may wish to leave the past behind, the past isn’t finished with him. Lambert builds up an unsettling feeling through ordinary sights and sounds, like a child’s cry, that seem oddly out of place. The strangeness grows, in a tale that pits rationality against the supernatural as much as social structures clash with the freedom to go one’s own way. The Bone Flower is engrossing stuff, especially as the autumn nights draw in.
October 11, 2022
It's the season to read a spooky story, and this has it in spades!! I loved being chilled by this gothic story of darkness, love and ghostly goings on!
Edward is going nowhere in life, or love, but a chance meeting with a flower seller sets him on a path of discovery and obsession with the mysterious Settie, but fears that their difference in class will keep them apart, where it's his actions ultimately that ends their dalliance in tragic circumstances.
He goes off travelling and brings home a new young bride, and this is where the darkness begins as he hears things and strange happenings occur. I loved how the character of Edward was portrayed and the impact of his actions never let him settle. This book was highly atmostpheric, and really gives you the chills!! Highly recommended!!
Edward is going nowhere in life, or love, but a chance meeting with a flower seller sets him on a path of discovery and obsession with the mysterious Settie, but fears that their difference in class will keep them apart, where it's his actions ultimately that ends their dalliance in tragic circumstances.
He goes off travelling and brings home a new young bride, and this is where the darkness begins as he hears things and strange happenings occur. I loved how the character of Edward was portrayed and the impact of his actions never let him settle. This book was highly atmostpheric, and really gives you the chills!! Highly recommended!!
September 20, 2022
When I started reading The Bone Flower, I thought it was going to be a simple Gothic love story but…Wow! It was so much more than that! It had mystery, a spooky atmosphere, forbidden love, betrayal…All of that and set in Victorian London. This book ticked all the boxes and is honestly a perfect read for this upcoming spooky season!
The book follows young gentleman Edward Monteith who is still a bachelor and without a passion in life, although from a wealthy(ish) family. He joins a gentlemen’s club where explorers, scientists and other wealthy men discuss the meaning of life and death, including supernatural, spirits and life after death. After one of the evenings in the club, Edward is invited to a séance to experience the supernatural with his own eyes. Reluctantly but with an open mind, he agrees to this adventure. In the séance, he meets a beautiful young lady Settie and falls head over heels for her. They begin their secret romance, but since she is a Gypsy Traveller and he is from a reputable family and Edward is afraid that his father will take away all of his money if Edward introduces Settie to his family. However, Settie feels that Edward is ashamed of her and gives him an ultimatum, either she leaves him or he marries her. With one horrible decision, Edward’s life is turned upside down…
I loved how much was explored in this book and how much detail was put into this story, even though the book itself is not that long. Lambert uses such beautiful language and scene setting that I felt I was transported into Victorian London. Although the book started quite slowly, from the very beginning it just grips the reader with the mystery and atmosphere. I really didn’t want it to end and wished it was longer.
I also adored how Lambert explored the topics of societal expectations and class differences of that time and adds them to the story in such a subtle manner. The forbidden love story and then the betrayal just added to that even more, making The Bone Flower such a powerful read.
Overall: Loved this book so much! The setting, the plot and the writing are all fantastic. I loved how topics of love and betrayal, as well as, societal classes were explored together with the supernatural, curses, traditions and ghosts. This book is a must-read during the upcoming spooky season as its atmosphere makes this book a perfect read for long autumn nights. It was my first book by Lambert but it definitely won’t be the last I read of his.
The book follows young gentleman Edward Monteith who is still a bachelor and without a passion in life, although from a wealthy(ish) family. He joins a gentlemen’s club where explorers, scientists and other wealthy men discuss the meaning of life and death, including supernatural, spirits and life after death. After one of the evenings in the club, Edward is invited to a séance to experience the supernatural with his own eyes. Reluctantly but with an open mind, he agrees to this adventure. In the séance, he meets a beautiful young lady Settie and falls head over heels for her. They begin their secret romance, but since she is a Gypsy Traveller and he is from a reputable family and Edward is afraid that his father will take away all of his money if Edward introduces Settie to his family. However, Settie feels that Edward is ashamed of her and gives him an ultimatum, either she leaves him or he marries her. With one horrible decision, Edward’s life is turned upside down…
I loved how much was explored in this book and how much detail was put into this story, even though the book itself is not that long. Lambert uses such beautiful language and scene setting that I felt I was transported into Victorian London. Although the book started quite slowly, from the very beginning it just grips the reader with the mystery and atmosphere. I really didn’t want it to end and wished it was longer.
I also adored how Lambert explored the topics of societal expectations and class differences of that time and adds them to the story in such a subtle manner. The forbidden love story and then the betrayal just added to that even more, making The Bone Flower such a powerful read.
Overall: Loved this book so much! The setting, the plot and the writing are all fantastic. I loved how topics of love and betrayal, as well as, societal classes were explored together with the supernatural, curses, traditions and ghosts. This book is a must-read during the upcoming spooky season as its atmosphere makes this book a perfect read for long autumn nights. It was my first book by Lambert but it definitely won’t be the last I read of his.
November 22, 2022
As someone who is A. a wuss and B. Not a huge fan of spook, I was a bit nervous going into this book. However I needn't have been, atmospheric from the off, Lambert's beautiful writing sucks you in, and keeps you suitably intrigued to try and brush over the shivers because you have to know what happens next.
There were some gruesome parts, some really scary (nothing creepier than a weird child) - but throughout your grounded through Edward and the cast of characters. This is a truly masterful read, but if you're a wuss like me maybe read it in daylight hours.
There were some gruesome parts, some really scary (nothing creepier than a weird child) - but throughout your grounded through Edward and the cast of characters. This is a truly masterful read, but if you're a wuss like me maybe read it in daylight hours.
November 2, 2022
Thank you to Gallic Books for a review copy of this beautiful book 😍
Set in victorian England The Bone Flower tells the story of Edward, a naive wealthy young man who falls for a Romani flower seller, a relationship which is frowned upon by society. Little does Edward know this first love will haunt him in more ways than one. This atmospheric, gothic ghost story is the perfect read for the dark evenings of October.....
Lambert set the mood of the story straight away with talk of séances, spirits and ghosts between Edward and his associates at the local gentlemen's club. I adored the writing style so much, the way we as the reader are never really sure if these strange and eerie things are actually happening or if Edward is simply imagining it all from the weight of his guilt.....
Not just a typical ghost story there is also a story of love, loss and testing the bonds of friendship. We get to witness the characters struggle with accepting the beliefs and traditions of cultures different from their own.
It's horror yet written gently and tenderly. It draws you in, it keeps you up at night turning the pages and it leaves you wondering how thin the veil really is between the world of the living and the dead.....
If you enjoyed The Spirit Engineer you will definitely enjoy The Bone Flower too 👻😍
Set in victorian England The Bone Flower tells the story of Edward, a naive wealthy young man who falls for a Romani flower seller, a relationship which is frowned upon by society. Little does Edward know this first love will haunt him in more ways than one. This atmospheric, gothic ghost story is the perfect read for the dark evenings of October.....
Lambert set the mood of the story straight away with talk of séances, spirits and ghosts between Edward and his associates at the local gentlemen's club. I adored the writing style so much, the way we as the reader are never really sure if these strange and eerie things are actually happening or if Edward is simply imagining it all from the weight of his guilt.....
Not just a typical ghost story there is also a story of love, loss and testing the bonds of friendship. We get to witness the characters struggle with accepting the beliefs and traditions of cultures different from their own.
It's horror yet written gently and tenderly. It draws you in, it keeps you up at night turning the pages and it leaves you wondering how thin the veil really is between the world of the living and the dead.....
If you enjoyed The Spirit Engineer you will definitely enjoy The Bone Flower too 👻😍
September 19, 2022
Hi, this is a beautifully written and perfectly constructed horror. After inveigling you into a well-mannered victorian enclave, you become exposed to darker sides of a hidden depravity which creeps upon you remorselessly. Your expectations are then elegantly contradicted by a deadly female principle, which nicely moves the story on to its very satisfying conclusion. This is a well measured and finely crafted read, moving on at a lively pace, all the parts of the narrative fitting neatly together into a satisfying whole. Thoroughly recommended....
September 22, 2022
A perfectly spooky and spellbinding read for this time of year. Gave me chills and was an absolute page turner.
Cleverly crafted characters and a surprising dark undercurrent that ripples throughout.
Crafty storytelling.
Cleverly crafted characters and a surprising dark undercurrent that ripples throughout.
Crafty storytelling.
October 14, 2022
Kept me wanting to read on. Perfect Victorian ghost story loved it 😍
July 19, 2022
The Bone Flower is a sad, yet mysterious Gothic love story set in 1800's England. Edward Monteith is a young man who has money, but not much else. While spending time at his local gentleman's club, he is surrounded by men who are scientists, explorers, and he listens as they recount the stories of their adventures and their forays in to the supernatural. One of them suggests that he attend a seance with them and when he does, he is enthralled with one of the young women there, Settie, a woman he has also seen selling flowers on the street.
Edward and Settie begin a whirlwind romance. Spending weeks together in a little cottage by the sea. But Settie feels hidden away and tells Edward to make her his wife and be out in the open or she will leave forever. They are very much in love but also worlds apart. She from a Gypsy family and he afraid his father would never accept her.
This book is part ghost story and part Gothic mystery. Its beautifully written, touching on topics that were taboo for the time and I can tell the time period was well researched. It's a slow and steady read but I would also say a page turner because I could not stop reading it. I received this book free from the publisher for an honest review.
Edward and Settie begin a whirlwind romance. Spending weeks together in a little cottage by the sea. But Settie feels hidden away and tells Edward to make her his wife and be out in the open or she will leave forever. They are very much in love but also worlds apart. She from a Gypsy family and he afraid his father would never accept her.
This book is part ghost story and part Gothic mystery. Its beautifully written, touching on topics that were taboo for the time and I can tell the time period was well researched. It's a slow and steady read but I would also say a page turner because I could not stop reading it. I received this book free from the publisher for an honest review.
July 3, 2022
Dark and mysterious, my main criticism of this book is its length - I wanted more!
The Bone Flower is a gothic love story that has elements of Frankenstein in its nature. There is also an undertone of cultural traditions, mystery and intrigue.
Well-written and visual, the prose is slow but steady and strikes the right balance for a story of this genre and setting. It’s less creepy than I expected and although there is a lot of anticipation, it isn’t gruesome or scary.
In fact, it’s a delicate balance between true love and betrayal, looking again at the differences between a rich gentleman and a poor woman.
At times shocking, the historical elements are well-researched and touches on a lot of important issues - like abortion, homosexuality and class - that are no less relevant today.
An excellent novella that really makes you think.
The Bone Flower is a gothic love story that has elements of Frankenstein in its nature. There is also an undertone of cultural traditions, mystery and intrigue.
Well-written and visual, the prose is slow but steady and strikes the right balance for a story of this genre and setting. It’s less creepy than I expected and although there is a lot of anticipation, it isn’t gruesome or scary.
In fact, it’s a delicate balance between true love and betrayal, looking again at the differences between a rich gentleman and a poor woman.
At times shocking, the historical elements are well-researched and touches on a lot of important issues - like abortion, homosexuality and class - that are no less relevant today.
An excellent novella that really makes you think.
June 9, 2022
This delightfully chilling book really draws you in. It's incredibly atmospheric and is set in Victorian London where Edward is regaled with stories of supernatural events.
It explores themes such as forbidden love as Edward falls for a beautiful flower seller. He is soon forced to make a devastating choice that could potentially have terrifying and unknown consequences.
2 years later, a married Edward starts to experience the full consequences of his decisions when some disturbing events unfold and his past truly comes back to haunt him.
The level of detail in this book was fabulous and I loved the parallels between Edward's earlier life and events towards the end of the book.
Definitely a page turner and hauntingly beautiful!
It explores themes such as forbidden love as Edward falls for a beautiful flower seller. He is soon forced to make a devastating choice that could potentially have terrifying and unknown consequences.
2 years later, a married Edward starts to experience the full consequences of his decisions when some disturbing events unfold and his past truly comes back to haunt him.
The level of detail in this book was fabulous and I loved the parallels between Edward's earlier life and events towards the end of the book.
Definitely a page turner and hauntingly beautiful!
January 21, 2024
I changed my rating from four to five stars on my second read. Wonderful gothic horror, ghosts, curses, the works.
March 19, 2023
I am generally not a fan of the supernatural, maybe Edgar Allen Poe excepted. But I am a Charles Lambert fan so when Charles gave a presentation of what some would refer to as a ghost story at the Almost Corner Book store in Rome, I picked up a copy and took it home with me. That was in the fall and I was in the middle of several other books so I put it on a shelf facing my bed with its intriguing cover gazing out at me and waited.
Sometime in February I started reading and found myself back in Victorian England, where a group of gentlemen gathered at one of those clubs women were never admitted to discussing various and sundry, including alleged supernatural happenings in Africa and elsewhere. Edward, the protagonist, finds himself strongly attracted to a beautiful flower seller who turns out to be a gypsy, a Romani, whose people may have some sort of magical powers, and ends up marrying her despite the disapproval of his father and most of his friends.
Tragedy follows, and the climate is one of guilt and fear. But it's in the second half of the book, the part that has Edward falling in love again, this time with a Sicilian beauty he brings back with him to England, and where his son is born where Lambert's literary skills really shine. Skeptic or not, I was left shivering and uncertain about the unknown.
Sometime in February I started reading and found myself back in Victorian England, where a group of gentlemen gathered at one of those clubs women were never admitted to discussing various and sundry, including alleged supernatural happenings in Africa and elsewhere. Edward, the protagonist, finds himself strongly attracted to a beautiful flower seller who turns out to be a gypsy, a Romani, whose people may have some sort of magical powers, and ends up marrying her despite the disapproval of his father and most of his friends.
Tragedy follows, and the climate is one of guilt and fear. But it's in the second half of the book, the part that has Edward falling in love again, this time with a Sicilian beauty he brings back with him to England, and where his son is born where Lambert's literary skills really shine. Skeptic or not, I was left shivering and uncertain about the unknown.
January 6, 2023
A good ghost story, I wasnt as scared as I'd like but admittedly I'm pretty hard to scare.
Well written, an easy read, loved the historical details, definitely had me turning the pages. I
Well written, an easy read, loved the historical details, definitely had me turning the pages. I
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