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The Forgotten Tower
1939
When Arthur Pendleton arrives at Wakefield Castle with cases of precious fossils from the Natural History Museum, all he wants is to protect them from London bombs in peace and quiet. Soon, though, he is drawn to the family there: the deaf old colonel with his Fortnum’s catalogues, Great Aunt Constance and her delicate constitution, and the grandchildren – from the eldest, Imogen, to the youngest, Archie. But who is the beautiful woman he has seen weeping in the castle grounds? Is she real or a ghost?
With war declared, the family at Wakefield Castle prepare to make sacrifices and to open their doors to newcomers. But while the castle offers a refuge for many, including evacuees, it is also a place to hide many things: sorrow, secrets and even people . . .
As winter deepens, an unwelcome arrival begins to change everything, and suddenly danger is apparent within the castle walls itself.
The present
Georgie Wakefield never wanted to be a chatelaine, but the castle is her husband Casper’s legacy and he is determined to restore its fortunes. Hiding from her troubled past, Georgie sets about learning all she can about the family who lived there before her, including from an inherited recipe book with notes in many hands. Who was Etti Boule and why are the children who were there during the war determined to remember her? Can she be connected to the West Tower, with its legends of hauntings and a weeping woman?
The arrival of her sister, escaping from a violent marriage, awakens Georgie’s darkest fears. As the secrets of Wakefield begin to reveal themselves, she realizes that, in order to be free, she must confront what she most dreads . . .
When Arthur Pendleton arrives at Wakefield Castle with cases of precious fossils from the Natural History Museum, all he wants is to protect them from London bombs in peace and quiet. Soon, though, he is drawn to the family there: the deaf old colonel with his Fortnum’s catalogues, Great Aunt Constance and her delicate constitution, and the grandchildren – from the eldest, Imogen, to the youngest, Archie. But who is the beautiful woman he has seen weeping in the castle grounds? Is she real or a ghost?
With war declared, the family at Wakefield Castle prepare to make sacrifices and to open their doors to newcomers. But while the castle offers a refuge for many, including evacuees, it is also a place to hide many things: sorrow, secrets and even people . . .
As winter deepens, an unwelcome arrival begins to change everything, and suddenly danger is apparent within the castle walls itself.
The present
Georgie Wakefield never wanted to be a chatelaine, but the castle is her husband Casper’s legacy and he is determined to restore its fortunes. Hiding from her troubled past, Georgie sets about learning all she can about the family who lived there before her, including from an inherited recipe book with notes in many hands. Who was Etti Boule and why are the children who were there during the war determined to remember her? Can she be connected to the West Tower, with its legends of hauntings and a weeping woman?
The arrival of her sister, escaping from a violent marriage, awakens Georgie’s darkest fears. As the secrets of Wakefield begin to reveal themselves, she realizes that, in order to be free, she must confront what she most dreads . . .
457 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 23, 2023
41 people are currently reading
324 people want to read
About the author
Lulu Taylor
28 books205 followersLulu was brought up in the Oxfordshire countryside, attended a girls’ school and then went to Oxford University, where she read English Literature. After university, she worked in publishing for several years, before becoming a novelist.
Lulu says of her books: ‘I’ve always adored stories of the rich and reckless at play, everything from The Great Gatsby to the brilliant blockbuster novels of the 80s. It’s fantastic escapism, and I’ve always loved creating my own stories of adventure, romance and luxury. My heroines are often very privileged and blessed with great looks and good health – but that doesn’t mean their lives are simple – far from it. They go through plenty of drama and suffering before everything is finally resolved.
‘Sex, love, beauty and money have always entranced us, and one way or another are the basis for just about every story ever written. There’s plenty of all of that in my novels, along with high fashion, which I love. What’s more, writing about fashion means I can go virtual shopping, dressing my heroines in all the wonderful clothes I adore – the racks of Marchesa ball gowns, the shelves of Louboutins, mountains of Chanel bags and acres of Dior dresses... it’s lots of fun. The stories can also get quite racy at times. It’s all about entertaining and amusing the reader, and enjoying being inside my characters’ glamorous, rarefied existence. ‘I’m always thrilled when someone enjoys reading my book as much I enjoyed writing it.’
Lulu now lives in West Dorset near the Somerset border, with her husband and two children.
Lulu says of her books: ‘I’ve always adored stories of the rich and reckless at play, everything from The Great Gatsby to the brilliant blockbuster novels of the 80s. It’s fantastic escapism, and I’ve always loved creating my own stories of adventure, romance and luxury. My heroines are often very privileged and blessed with great looks and good health – but that doesn’t mean their lives are simple – far from it. They go through plenty of drama and suffering before everything is finally resolved.
‘Sex, love, beauty and money have always entranced us, and one way or another are the basis for just about every story ever written. There’s plenty of all of that in my novels, along with high fashion, which I love. What’s more, writing about fashion means I can go virtual shopping, dressing my heroines in all the wonderful clothes I adore – the racks of Marchesa ball gowns, the shelves of Louboutins, mountains of Chanel bags and acres of Dior dresses... it’s lots of fun. The stories can also get quite racy at times. It’s all about entertaining and amusing the reader, and enjoying being inside my characters’ glamorous, rarefied existence. ‘I’m always thrilled when someone enjoys reading my book as much I enjoyed writing it.’
Lulu now lives in West Dorset near the Somerset border, with her husband and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
September 22, 2023
Lulu Taylor's "The Forgotten Tower" is nothing short of a mesmerizing gothic novel, expertly crafted to perfection. It's a dual-time story that weaves together its parts in the most alluring manner, creating a narrative that leaves an indelible mark on its readers.
The novel effortlessly transports us between past and present, each timeline enhancing and complementing the other. This delicate interplay between eras adds depth and intrigue to the story, making it a truly immersive reading experience.
As a reader, I found myself captivated by the mysterious aura of the castle, the enigmatic characters, and the secrets that unfurl with each turn of the page. Taylor's storytelling prowess is on full display, drawing readers into a world where suspense and historical resonance coexist harmoniously.
"The Forgotten Tower" is a book that I loved wholeheartedly. It's a testament to Taylor's talent in the gothic genre and her ability to craft a narrative that not only engages but also enchants. Whether you're a fan of gothic fiction or simply looking for a captivating story, this novel is a must-read. It's a journey that will haunt your thoughts and leave you yearning for more.
The novel effortlessly transports us between past and present, each timeline enhancing and complementing the other. This delicate interplay between eras adds depth and intrigue to the story, making it a truly immersive reading experience.
As a reader, I found myself captivated by the mysterious aura of the castle, the enigmatic characters, and the secrets that unfurl with each turn of the page. Taylor's storytelling prowess is on full display, drawing readers into a world where suspense and historical resonance coexist harmoniously.
"The Forgotten Tower" is a book that I loved wholeheartedly. It's a testament to Taylor's talent in the gothic genre and her ability to craft a narrative that not only engages but also enchants. Whether you're a fan of gothic fiction or simply looking for a captivating story, this novel is a must-read. It's a journey that will haunt your thoughts and leave you yearning for more.
December 24, 2023
Not quite what I was hoping for from Lulu Taylor. This was slow and tedious and very confusing with lots of characters which I couldn't relate to. The dual time line was good but I found the characters shallow and not very likeable. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
November 18, 2023
I’ve read several of Lulu Taylor’s gothic mystery novels and always associate them with winter reading. As you can probably tell from the beautiful cover, much of this book takes place over a very cold and snowy winter which causes all kinds of difficulties for the characters.
One thing I always enjoy about Lulu Taylor’s novels is that they are set in both the past and the present. There is usually some large building connecting both timelines which is almost a character in itself and that’s certainly the case here with Wakefield Castle.
In the past, Wakefield Castle is home to twins Miranda and Rosalind and their siblings but also home to a mysterious guest who is living secretly in one of the towers. In the present, Georgie’s husband Caspar has inherited the castle from his great-uncle and they have moved in with a view to restoring it to its former grandeur.
I felt like the two stories really were quite separate in this book until quite near the end. Obviously the castle linked both timelines but other than that, it did feel like two quite different stories. I have to say that I did prefer the historical strand in this book more. There was more mystery and more danger associated with that part of the story. The old recipe book which Georgie discovers leads her to try to find out more about the castle’s past inhabitants and that’s when the story started to come together. There were some similar themes in both parts of the book such as emotionally abusive relationships and many of the characters showed great courage.
I listened to this as an audiobook and I thought that the narrators were excellent. The author herself voiced the present strand with Eleanor Jackson reading the historical part. The both evoked a sense of the era they were reading about.
Although it isn’t my favourite of Lulu Taylor’s novels, I would still recommend this as a great book to curl up with on a chilly afternoon or a dark evening. If you enjoy dual timeline novels with plenty of intrigue, secrets and danger, then this is a book for you.
One thing I always enjoy about Lulu Taylor’s novels is that they are set in both the past and the present. There is usually some large building connecting both timelines which is almost a character in itself and that’s certainly the case here with Wakefield Castle.
In the past, Wakefield Castle is home to twins Miranda and Rosalind and their siblings but also home to a mysterious guest who is living secretly in one of the towers. In the present, Georgie’s husband Caspar has inherited the castle from his great-uncle and they have moved in with a view to restoring it to its former grandeur.
I felt like the two stories really were quite separate in this book until quite near the end. Obviously the castle linked both timelines but other than that, it did feel like two quite different stories. I have to say that I did prefer the historical strand in this book more. There was more mystery and more danger associated with that part of the story. The old recipe book which Georgie discovers leads her to try to find out more about the castle’s past inhabitants and that’s when the story started to come together. There were some similar themes in both parts of the book such as emotionally abusive relationships and many of the characters showed great courage.
I listened to this as an audiobook and I thought that the narrators were excellent. The author herself voiced the present strand with Eleanor Jackson reading the historical part. The both evoked a sense of the era they were reading about.
Although it isn’t my favourite of Lulu Taylor’s novels, I would still recommend this as a great book to curl up with on a chilly afternoon or a dark evening. If you enjoy dual timeline novels with plenty of intrigue, secrets and danger, then this is a book for you.
November 23, 2023
Georgie Wakefield and her sister Pippa had a terrible childhood, brought up by a pair of controlling, manipulative adoptive parents. After years of therapy Georgie has learned to stop repeating her past and has married the kind and dependable Casper, but the memories of her childhood can spring on her unexpectedly.
When Casper's grandfather dies he leaves him Wakefield Castle, at first Georgie is horrified, the last thing she wants to do is leave their cosy flat in London to live in a big, drafty, castle. Then when investigating in the castle she comes across the family recipe book, some of the recipes dating back to Tudor times, as well as some more prosaic exercise books left by the five Wakefield children who lived in the castle during WW2.
In 1939 the five Wakefield children, eighteen year old Imogen, twins Miranda and Rosalind, and the little boys Toby and Archie, have come to live with their grandfather and Great Aunt Constance after the tragedy which took their parents away. When war is declared the Natural History Museum sends one of its curators, Arthur Humphries, down to Wakefield Castle together with some precious fossils for safekeeping. Then, Aunt Constance takes on two little refugees from London, brothers Tom and Robbie Foster. With the castle full it feels a happier place.
As Georgie starts to explore the castle she feels there are mysteries to unravel. Why did Miranda and Rosalind write such creepy poetry? Who was the mysterious Etti Boule? Why is one of the towers surrounded by a fence?
I feel this was a novel trying to be too many things to too many people. Pippa's marriage difficulties, Georgie's hang-ups about her childhood, the contretemps with Casper's grandfather's wife, even Georgie's job as recipe creator for a famous TV chef were pulling the novel into women's fiction/romcom territory while the rest of the book was trying to create some gothic tension about a family trapped in the castle. And it was slooooow. I was 61% into the book and nothing of any note had happened.
Also, I still don't actually understand why that tower was fenced off and out of bounds.
I received an ARC from the publisher for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
When Casper's grandfather dies he leaves him Wakefield Castle, at first Georgie is horrified, the last thing she wants to do is leave their cosy flat in London to live in a big, drafty, castle. Then when investigating in the castle she comes across the family recipe book, some of the recipes dating back to Tudor times, as well as some more prosaic exercise books left by the five Wakefield children who lived in the castle during WW2.
In 1939 the five Wakefield children, eighteen year old Imogen, twins Miranda and Rosalind, and the little boys Toby and Archie, have come to live with their grandfather and Great Aunt Constance after the tragedy which took their parents away. When war is declared the Natural History Museum sends one of its curators, Arthur Humphries, down to Wakefield Castle together with some precious fossils for safekeeping. Then, Aunt Constance takes on two little refugees from London, brothers Tom and Robbie Foster. With the castle full it feels a happier place.
As Georgie starts to explore the castle she feels there are mysteries to unravel. Why did Miranda and Rosalind write such creepy poetry? Who was the mysterious Etti Boule? Why is one of the towers surrounded by a fence?
I feel this was a novel trying to be too many things to too many people. Pippa's marriage difficulties, Georgie's hang-ups about her childhood, the contretemps with Casper's grandfather's wife, even Georgie's job as recipe creator for a famous TV chef were pulling the novel into women's fiction/romcom territory while the rest of the book was trying to create some gothic tension about a family trapped in the castle. And it was slooooow. I was 61% into the book and nothing of any note had happened.
Also, I still don't actually understand why that tower was fenced off and out of bounds.
I received an ARC from the publisher for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
October 8, 2024
There's a lot I liked about this. Who doesn't love a castle that's run-down and in need of TLC, with lots of history seeping and oozing out of its walls? Who doesn't love a back story with some mystery, locked rooms to explore, and the possibility of a ghost? Tick, tick, tick. I really enjoyed this part of the book, and I wish it had taken more centre stage.
My issue was with the front story. There was something of du Maurier's Rebecca in this for me, with Georgie, the wife in the present-day story, thrown into being the chatelaine of a castle and a life she never wanted. She's insecure, she has her own troubled past, she doubts she'll ever fit into the role expected of her, and with all that, she gets quite a lot wrong. I must admit, I have always found the second Mrs de Winter really annoying, and I'm afraid I didn't warn to Georgie in this book either - I just wanted to shake her. Yes, she has a really tragic back-story and when it's revealed you get a lot of why she behaves the way she did, but as I was reading - well, as I said, I wanted to shake her.
That said, I loved the fact that Georgie was the main woman behind a very successful and diva-esque tv cook that had to be modelled on Nigella Lawson, and I really enjoyed it when she finally came into her own. The resolution of the back story, I felt could have been given more room, but that's because I wanted to be more lost in the past and the castle.
My issue was with the front story. There was something of du Maurier's Rebecca in this for me, with Georgie, the wife in the present-day story, thrown into being the chatelaine of a castle and a life she never wanted. She's insecure, she has her own troubled past, she doubts she'll ever fit into the role expected of her, and with all that, she gets quite a lot wrong. I must admit, I have always found the second Mrs de Winter really annoying, and I'm afraid I didn't warn to Georgie in this book either - I just wanted to shake her. Yes, she has a really tragic back-story and when it's revealed you get a lot of why she behaves the way she did, but as I was reading - well, as I said, I wanted to shake her.
That said, I loved the fact that Georgie was the main woman behind a very successful and diva-esque tv cook that had to be modelled on Nigella Lawson, and I really enjoyed it when she finally came into her own. The resolution of the back story, I felt could have been given more room, but that's because I wanted to be more lost in the past and the castle.
November 24, 2023
The Forgotten Tower by Lulu Taylor
Georgie is reluctant to move when her husband inherits Wakefield Castle, but he is determined to restore its fortunes. When exploring her new home she finds an old handwritten recipe book which leads her to suspect that the castle hides secrets as troubling as her own . . .
In 1939, as war is declared, the Wakefield family open the castle to shelter unusual guests. As the Wakefield children learn to cope with the loss of their missing parents and the presence of newcomers, the castle becomes a refuge and a keeper of secrets.
The author has a certain way of writing such great stories , and this one is no different. Great characters , wonderful , almost ethereal settings and a plot you just want to fully immerse yourself in.
Perfect for this time of year to curl up with.
Georgie is reluctant to move when her husband inherits Wakefield Castle, but he is determined to restore its fortunes. When exploring her new home she finds an old handwritten recipe book which leads her to suspect that the castle hides secrets as troubling as her own . . .
In 1939, as war is declared, the Wakefield family open the castle to shelter unusual guests. As the Wakefield children learn to cope with the loss of their missing parents and the presence of newcomers, the castle becomes a refuge and a keeper of secrets.
The author has a certain way of writing such great stories , and this one is no different. Great characters , wonderful , almost ethereal settings and a plot you just want to fully immerse yourself in.
Perfect for this time of year to curl up with.
December 30, 2023
Georgie's husband inherits a castle when his great uncle dies. It's a challenge for her as she likes her own home comforts and struggles with change. Meanwhile, in 1939, the Wakefield family who live in the castle are preparing for war. A dual timeline novel with mysteries to be solved in the past and presently. Sometimes the plot didn't seem to move very far but I found the writing lovely anyway.
October 24, 2025
This is the first book written by Lulu Taylor that I have read. I was gripped from the beginning and did not want it to end. I will definitely read more of her work.
November 17, 2023
A well written and riveting novel with gothic elements. Entertaining and well written. I thoroughly enjoyed it
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
October 29, 2025
An interesting audiobook very English set in 2 eras current and World War II and a little pre-World War II stories interestingly connected through domestic violence and history and sense of place in a castle. It kept me interested. It was a good audiobook. Character development was good, a nice tidy ending.
February 26, 2025
Another good one from Lulu Taylor - she knows how to keep the reader’s attention and write a good story.
November 24, 2023
There's no denying, Lulu Taylor writes beautifully and evokes a sense of time and place that not many other authors I have read do.
The Forgotten Tower uses dual timelines - going back and forth from wartime to present day and follows a family that live in Wakefield Castle. Dual timelines are a favourite of mine as they help to examine different generations of a family and what drives them.
Unfortunately this novel didn't capture my attention properly as nothing really happened, no revelations, just a slow unfolding story of the generations. The narrators did a fantastic job, however.
The Forgotten Tower uses dual timelines - going back and forth from wartime to present day and follows a family that live in Wakefield Castle. Dual timelines are a favourite of mine as they help to examine different generations of a family and what drives them.
Unfortunately this novel didn't capture my attention properly as nothing really happened, no revelations, just a slow unfolding story of the generations. The narrators did a fantastic job, however.
January 14, 2024
This was just ok. I was looking forward to reading a gothic novel but this was a bit predictable and for me I got a bit bored.. I kind of guessed the end the body in the well and all that and the poison jam. I didn't expect that the mother was in one of the towers all along because somehow I thought she died in the plane crash. There was no real depth to the characters either .....
October 15, 2023
I would like to thank the publisher Pan Macmillan for gifting me the arc epub version of this book.
This is my first read from Lulu Taylor. I have seen her books around and was always curious about them because of the very cozy and lovely wintry covers
I thought the 'The Forgotten Tower' was a family saga with a mystery or murder in the story but later I realized that it isn't any of those, not quite. It is just a slow-burned historical fiction mixed with present-day that reads like a family drama between two timelines. It is about family ties, the Second World War from afar, the war efforts arising out of the war, and adolescent trauma and abuse. The story reads like a charm and there is never really a dull moment even though the book is rather thick. While I was reading it on my Kindle it just felt that it took forever to finish.
The chapters are very long but thankfully it doesn't just stick to one scene; there are always things happening at every turn so there was never really a dull moment until about 50 percent of the book where it stalled a little but picked up again from 70 percent onwards and that was where the story turned more interesting. On the whole, I find the pacing and slow-burn plot development rather gripping and I really enjoy the story. The scenes were brought to life vividly and I found myself transported into another era reading how the family drama was being played out. The characters were well fleshed out and they were generally all very likable. Though I love a fast-paced read, for historical fiction books, being a bit slow burn just adds to the mood and flavor of the genre, and the author did a good job in portraying the characters and scenes very well.
The story is told in two timelines alternating between the modern day and during the Second World War period and both of them are narrated through the eyes of two female protagonists - Georgia and Miranda. I find the Second World War period timeline more engaging but I like both timelines, nevertheless.
The mysteries in the book weren't very intriguing. I guess I was expecting it to be a Kate Morton kind of book but sadly it wasn't. It is just family drama on the whole. And that is the reason why I could not give it a 5-star rating. I wish there was more mystery and skeletons in the closet being thrown in as the trope of the story is about a castle that stayed in the family for generations. Such a trope plot would have been the best opportunity to throw in more mystery and intriguing stuff but I guess Lulu Taylor wasn't really aiming for that in the story and a murder mystery wasn't her focus. Also, I don't feel that the two timelines are woven intricately together though they are a bit interconnected. I felt that the author was telling two separate stories using two balls of yarn instead of one to weave this story together. Don't get me wrong here. There are some interconnection but I wish that it could be more instead of just switching back and forth between the two timelines.
The ending was happy and satisfying. And there was a reveal in the epilogue which I felt added a nice touch to the conclusion.
On the whole, I did enjoy reading this book and will give it a 4 star. I think I might pick up another Lulu Taylor's book in the near future.
This is my first read from Lulu Taylor. I have seen her books around and was always curious about them because of the very cozy and lovely wintry covers
I thought the 'The Forgotten Tower' was a family saga with a mystery or murder in the story but later I realized that it isn't any of those, not quite. It is just a slow-burned historical fiction mixed with present-day that reads like a family drama between two timelines. It is about family ties, the Second World War from afar, the war efforts arising out of the war, and adolescent trauma and abuse. The story reads like a charm and there is never really a dull moment even though the book is rather thick. While I was reading it on my Kindle it just felt that it took forever to finish.
The chapters are very long but thankfully it doesn't just stick to one scene; there are always things happening at every turn so there was never really a dull moment until about 50 percent of the book where it stalled a little but picked up again from 70 percent onwards and that was where the story turned more interesting. On the whole, I find the pacing and slow-burn plot development rather gripping and I really enjoy the story. The scenes were brought to life vividly and I found myself transported into another era reading how the family drama was being played out. The characters were well fleshed out and they were generally all very likable. Though I love a fast-paced read, for historical fiction books, being a bit slow burn just adds to the mood and flavor of the genre, and the author did a good job in portraying the characters and scenes very well.
The story is told in two timelines alternating between the modern day and during the Second World War period and both of them are narrated through the eyes of two female protagonists - Georgia and Miranda. I find the Second World War period timeline more engaging but I like both timelines, nevertheless.
The mysteries in the book weren't very intriguing. I guess I was expecting it to be a Kate Morton kind of book but sadly it wasn't. It is just family drama on the whole. And that is the reason why I could not give it a 5-star rating. I wish there was more mystery and skeletons in the closet being thrown in as the trope of the story is about a castle that stayed in the family for generations. Such a trope plot would have been the best opportunity to throw in more mystery and intriguing stuff but I guess Lulu Taylor wasn't really aiming for that in the story and a murder mystery wasn't her focus. Also, I don't feel that the two timelines are woven intricately together though they are a bit interconnected. I felt that the author was telling two separate stories using two balls of yarn instead of one to weave this story together. Don't get me wrong here. There are some interconnection but I wish that it could be more instead of just switching back and forth between the two timelines.
The ending was happy and satisfying. And there was a reveal in the epilogue which I felt added a nice touch to the conclusion.
On the whole, I did enjoy reading this book and will give it a 4 star. I think I might pick up another Lulu Taylor's book in the near future.
December 10, 2023
Behind closed doors...secrets unfold...
This is my second novel by Lulu Taylor and I thoroughly enjoy her style. A contemporary dual timeline story weaving together the past and the present to create a mesmerising gothic tale that is compelling and enthralling.
Georgie Wakefield's husband Caspar has just inherited his great uncle's crumbling estate Wakefield Castle and while it is her worst nightmare to move into the decrepit ruins, the will stated great uncle Archie's wishes in that they restore it to its former glory. Georgie has spent her life living behind the scenes and is more than happy to do so, so instilled in Wakefield Castle she finds a rhythm there and is pleasantly surprised that she actually enjoys it. In the attics, she comes across an ancient recipe book which she must decipher and adapt to modern cuisine and with it comes a mystery that she finds herself embroiled in.
It's 1939 and the country is on the brink of war. For those living at Wakefield Castle must find a new normal. Five siblings 18 year old Imogen, 16 year old twins Miranda and Rosalind along with their younger brothers Toby and Archie live in the castle with their grandfather and his sister great aunt Constance after the tragedy which claimed their parents'. When war is declared, the natural history museum sends one of its curators, Mr Arthur Humphries, to Wakefield together with some precious artefacts and fossils for safekeeping for the duration of the war. And then aunt Constance takes in a couple of evacuees from London, brothers Tom and Robbie Foster. The castle begins to come alive again with the laughter of children. But danger lies ahead as well as a secret being kept from them in the West Tower.
There was so much going on in this book I feel there might have been just a little too much. Georgie's childhood trauma, Pippa's marriage difficulties, Lady Viktoria, the famous TV chef Georgie creates recipes for along with the past timeline of a gothic mystery and a family trapped in the castle during the war. I enjoyed it, but I think there was just a little too much being crammed in. Having said that, the pace was rather slow around the middle, but it picked up again and was finished off nicely with a satisfactory epilogue. BUT...my biggest gripe is I still don't understand why the tower was fenced off and out of bounds for eighty years. And why it was left the way it was. That was never explained. And what happened to the poisoned jam? Even though it was given away, nothing happened.
Despite this, it is still a compelling read that really pulls you back in time. If you love dual timelines, then you will love this book. There is plenty of intrigue and secrets to keep you engaged.
I would like to thank #LuluTaylor, #Netgalley and #PanMacmillan for an ARC of #TheForgottenTower in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
This is my second novel by Lulu Taylor and I thoroughly enjoy her style. A contemporary dual timeline story weaving together the past and the present to create a mesmerising gothic tale that is compelling and enthralling.
Georgie Wakefield's husband Caspar has just inherited his great uncle's crumbling estate Wakefield Castle and while it is her worst nightmare to move into the decrepit ruins, the will stated great uncle Archie's wishes in that they restore it to its former glory. Georgie has spent her life living behind the scenes and is more than happy to do so, so instilled in Wakefield Castle she finds a rhythm there and is pleasantly surprised that she actually enjoys it. In the attics, she comes across an ancient recipe book which she must decipher and adapt to modern cuisine and with it comes a mystery that she finds herself embroiled in.
It's 1939 and the country is on the brink of war. For those living at Wakefield Castle must find a new normal. Five siblings 18 year old Imogen, 16 year old twins Miranda and Rosalind along with their younger brothers Toby and Archie live in the castle with their grandfather and his sister great aunt Constance after the tragedy which claimed their parents'. When war is declared, the natural history museum sends one of its curators, Mr Arthur Humphries, to Wakefield together with some precious artefacts and fossils for safekeeping for the duration of the war. And then aunt Constance takes in a couple of evacuees from London, brothers Tom and Robbie Foster. The castle begins to come alive again with the laughter of children. But danger lies ahead as well as a secret being kept from them in the West Tower.
There was so much going on in this book I feel there might have been just a little too much. Georgie's childhood trauma, Pippa's marriage difficulties, Lady Viktoria, the famous TV chef Georgie creates recipes for along with the past timeline of a gothic mystery and a family trapped in the castle during the war. I enjoyed it, but I think there was just a little too much being crammed in. Having said that, the pace was rather slow around the middle, but it picked up again and was finished off nicely with a satisfactory epilogue. BUT...my biggest gripe is I still don't understand why the tower was fenced off and out of bounds for eighty years. And why it was left the way it was. That was never explained. And what happened to the poisoned jam? Even though it was given away, nothing happened.
Despite this, it is still a compelling read that really pulls you back in time. If you love dual timelines, then you will love this book. There is plenty of intrigue and secrets to keep you engaged.
I would like to thank #LuluTaylor, #Netgalley and #PanMacmillan for an ARC of #TheForgottenTower in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
February 12, 2024
There was much that I liked about this book - typical of the dual time line/historical fiction genre. It's story telling was effective and the characters believable. I wanted to find out how the past and present linked together. There were elements which did raise slight issues for me, however, including in relation to the trifle and the logistics of when the unpleasant father ate this (impossible to say more without spoilers) - just some ends weren't quite as neatly tied there as I thought they could have been. It also felt like the author was trying too hard to bring in issues of domestic abuse, child abuse and coercive and controlling behaviour into this book - and it didn't work so well for me with it being repeatedly raised in numerous families as it perhaps might have done if it had been a little more subtle.
There was much that I liked about this book - typical of the dual time line/historical fiction genre. It's story telling was effective and the characters believable. I wanted to find out how the past and present linked together. There were elements which did raise slight issues for me, however, including in relation to the trifle and the logistics of when the unpleasant father ate this (impossible to say more without spoilers) - just some ends weren't quite as neatly tied there as I thought they could have been. It also felt like the author was trying too hard to bring in issues of domestic abuse, child abuse and coercive and controlling behaviour into this book - and it didn't work so well for me with it being repeatedly raised in numerous families as it perhaps might have done if it had been a little more subtle.
I thoroughly appreciated the opportunity to read this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
There was much that I liked about this book - typical of the dual time line/historical fiction genre. It's story telling was effective and the characters believable. I wanted to find out how the past and present linked together. There were elements which did raise slight issues for me, however, including in relation to the trifle and the logistics of when the unpleasant father ate this (impossible to say more without spoilers) - just some ends weren't quite as neatly tied there as I thought they could have been. It also felt like the author was trying too hard to bring in issues of domestic abuse, child abuse and coercive and controlling behaviour into this book - and it didn't work so well for me with it being repeatedly raised in numerous families as it perhaps might have done if it had been a little more subtle.
I thoroughly appreciated the opportunity to read this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 20, 2023
3.5 * for me
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC copy of this title. I listen to the audiobook of this title.
A well written Gothic tale, with dual timelines linked by Wakefield Castle.
I did enjoy this title, the story was really interesting and i enjoyed the switching between the past and the present day. The reason I have only given it 3.5 stars is that it wasn’t enough of a mystery for me, there were no twists or anything unexpected. There was nothing I disliked but I also didn’t love it. However the story was really well written, I thought all of the characters developed nicely and it was a nice easy listen. It had me interested and looking up some facts about WW2.
The narrators did a fabulous job and really added to the book and I would definitely listen to another audiobook read by either of them
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC copy of this title. I listen to the audiobook of this title.
A well written Gothic tale, with dual timelines linked by Wakefield Castle.
I did enjoy this title, the story was really interesting and i enjoyed the switching between the past and the present day. The reason I have only given it 3.5 stars is that it wasn’t enough of a mystery for me, there were no twists or anything unexpected. There was nothing I disliked but I also didn’t love it. However the story was really well written, I thought all of the characters developed nicely and it was a nice easy listen. It had me interested and looking up some facts about WW2.
The narrators did a fabulous job and really added to the book and I would definitely listen to another audiobook read by either of them
December 8, 2023
I haven't read or listened to any of Lulu Taylor's books before but something about the cover, the title and then the synopsis drew me in and I wasn't disappointed.
This is a story that, whilst it didn't have a lot of 'action', kept me engaged and keen to learn more about the various characters in the story. It's told from 2 timelines, 1939 and the present day, and uncovers the secrets and mysteries of both households from both periods.
The characters were well developed and interesting; the mysteries and family dynamics and how the two timelines came together was what kept me engaged. I also found the narrators excellent and really drew me in which made this an enjoyable listen.
Many thanks to MacMillan UK Audio and NetGalley for enabling me to listen to and share my thoughts of The Forgotten Tower and for introducing me yet another author to look out for.
This is a story that, whilst it didn't have a lot of 'action', kept me engaged and keen to learn more about the various characters in the story. It's told from 2 timelines, 1939 and the present day, and uncovers the secrets and mysteries of both households from both periods.
The characters were well developed and interesting; the mysteries and family dynamics and how the two timelines came together was what kept me engaged. I also found the narrators excellent and really drew me in which made this an enjoyable listen.
Many thanks to MacMillan UK Audio and NetGalley for enabling me to listen to and share my thoughts of The Forgotten Tower and for introducing me yet another author to look out for.
December 22, 2025
The Forgotten Tower by Lulu Taylor is one of a specific type of book I've read a lot in recent years - split timeline, charting a family history in the past with events that have some kind of impact on a young woman's personal development in the present. Taylor does have a sometimes overly unpleasant focus on domestic violence and abuse of women, which did feature here, but didn't tip over the line into detracting from the story for me this time.
I wasn't overly keen on some of Georgie's attitudes and responses to situations early on, but her growth over the course of the book was satisfying, and I appreciated the way her background informed her actions and was eventually overcome.
Some aspects of the historical narrative were a bit over-the-top, and the ultimate explanation of some things seemed a bit tacked on at the end. But overall, it was a well-structured and absorbing read.
I wasn't overly keen on some of Georgie's attitudes and responses to situations early on, but her growth over the course of the book was satisfying, and I appreciated the way her background informed her actions and was eventually overcome.
Some aspects of the historical narrative were a bit over-the-top, and the ultimate explanation of some things seemed a bit tacked on at the end. But overall, it was a well-structured and absorbing read.
November 27, 2023
Lulu Taylor is great at blending the past and present into a slowly unraveling story based around a large house, or in this case a castle.
The present day finds us with a young couple who have just inherited a castle, the wife, Georgie struggling with the thought of moving from London to a rural castle.
The past takes us back to the castle during the war, with the story primarily based around teenage twin girls. Their father has died, their mother is so tramatised she doesn't know who she is, and there's an unwelcome visitor making himself at home.
I enjoyed listing to the story (I listened to the audiobook), it kept me enthralled trying to figure out how it would all come together. Another great book from Lulu Taylor.
The present day finds us with a young couple who have just inherited a castle, the wife, Georgie struggling with the thought of moving from London to a rural castle.
The past takes us back to the castle during the war, with the story primarily based around teenage twin girls. Their father has died, their mother is so tramatised she doesn't know who she is, and there's an unwelcome visitor making himself at home.
I enjoyed listing to the story (I listened to the audiobook), it kept me enthralled trying to figure out how it would all come together. Another great book from Lulu Taylor.
January 21, 2024
I normally love reading Lulu Taylor’s dual timeline, wintery novels. I found it was difficult to get into, long drawn out, reasonably predictable and very dark in parts, which meant it wasn’t to my taste. There are lots of themes explored and touched on in the book : Inheritance, Bereavement, Mental Health, Trauma, War, Evacuation, Fossils, Film making, Writing, Cookery, Adoption, Abuse but I think there were possibly too many themes to give me the drive to keep reading. I was determined to read the whole book but at no point was I so keen to read that I escaped reality and fully absorbed myself. Unfortunately it was a book I could put down. There is a mystery to be solved which helped bring the two stories together but I think it was too dark for my taste.
April 3, 2024
The Forgotten Tower is a dual time tale of past and present by Lulu Taylor.
In short, it’s a mystery about a castle full of dark secrets.
I’ve read and enjoyed many of Lulu Taylor’s books so was looking forward to reading this latest novel…unfortunately though I didn’t enjoy it as much as her previous works. It’s a compelling story focusing on family, loyalty and dilemmas…with a past secret which is slowly revealed. It’s a great start but it slowed down quite considerably which I did struggle with at times, however, happily the story regained it’s pace towards the end.
Big thanks to Lulu Taylor, Pan Macmillan and NetGalley for this eARC which I chose to read in return for my honest review.
In short, it’s a mystery about a castle full of dark secrets.
I’ve read and enjoyed many of Lulu Taylor’s books so was looking forward to reading this latest novel…unfortunately though I didn’t enjoy it as much as her previous works. It’s a compelling story focusing on family, loyalty and dilemmas…with a past secret which is slowly revealed. It’s a great start but it slowed down quite considerably which I did struggle with at times, however, happily the story regained it’s pace towards the end.
Big thanks to Lulu Taylor, Pan Macmillan and NetGalley for this eARC which I chose to read in return for my honest review.
November 13, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed this one. Rather slow paced but enjoyable. 3.5 stars as there were parts that I didn’t love.
I will say that there were moments that Georgie annoyed me a lot, I didn’t love her as a character but did enjoy her character development. Some of the characters (mainly Foster) felt like a caricature rather than a well rounded actual character.
The historical timeline was brilliant, the more interesting of the two. I also loved the castle setting, I can see why it is described as gothic at times.
I listened to this as an audiobook (mostly) and really enjoyed the narration, would recommend if you enjoy dual timeline family sagas. I will be reading more by this author as it definitely scratched an itch.
I will say that there were moments that Georgie annoyed me a lot, I didn’t love her as a character but did enjoy her character development. Some of the characters (mainly Foster) felt like a caricature rather than a well rounded actual character.
The historical timeline was brilliant, the more interesting of the two. I also loved the castle setting, I can see why it is described as gothic at times.
I listened to this as an audiobook (mostly) and really enjoyed the narration, would recommend if you enjoy dual timeline family sagas. I will be reading more by this author as it definitely scratched an itch.
January 25, 2024
Lulu Taylor books are always something that you can't put down, and this was no exception. Set in dual timelines 1939 at the start of WW2 and the life's of the Wakefield family, as they are left bereft after a family tradegy and their lives in Wakefield Castle, their secrets and how they put the bad things behind them. The evacuees who stayed there and their families too. Jumping to the present day and Georgie and her husband Casper have inherited the castle, but very soon, they realise that they have inherited secrets too.
It is a very enjoyable and engrossing story that is just right for reading in the cold winter months.
It is a very enjoyable and engrossing story that is just right for reading in the cold winter months.
February 1, 2024
The book has alternating chapters both in 1939 when the castle was used for storing fossils from the natural history museum during the war and today when the building must start to earn it's keep. All the stories are interesting, but many of the characters become annoying with their entitled lives and jolly hockysticks way of speaking. Casper is so perfect that he is sickening and unrealistic and the nasty man in the earlier part of the book is a Caricature at the other end of the scale. Both just too over the top. There are things to like about this book, but just as many to get on the nerves.
December 28, 2023
Easy to read and well constructed story of two different generations living at Wakefield Castle. One generation has to cope with war, a wife beater and a mother who is not exactly mad but in a fugue state. The more recent generation focuses on two sisters. Georgie and Pippa have had a childhood of mental cruelty and physical starvation. Georgie struggles with becoming the chateleine of the castle while Pippa has to escape a psychopathic husband. And two focal points of the story are rat poisoned blackberry jam and a giant moa's egg.
September 14, 2024
You know the old saying "Never judge a book by its cover", we'll I'm happy to say that I did exactly that! The stunning artwork on the cover is what drew me to the book in the first place. This is the first book I've read by Lulu Taylor and I couldn't put it down, it's so intriguing and imaginative, especially with the dual timelines and how they weave together perfectly. I love the style and pace of the writing, how it isn't rushed to try and fit everything in and how it ties up all of the loose ends in the mystery. I highly recommend this book, I give it 10 out of 10.
December 13, 2023
The forgotten tower was a nice read
I've read most of Lula Taylor's books and have really enjoyed them. This book I felt was a bit flat, not saying I didn't like it I didn't love it. Two stories one set in the present and one set at the start of WW2 it's an easy read and flows well between the two timelines. I liked the main characters, I just felt it didn't pack a big punch and in my opinion the secret wasn't anything really. Overall it's a nice story and well written.
I've read most of Lula Taylor's books and have really enjoyed them. This book I felt was a bit flat, not saying I didn't like it I didn't love it. Two stories one set in the present and one set at the start of WW2 it's an easy read and flows well between the two timelines. I liked the main characters, I just felt it didn't pack a big punch and in my opinion the secret wasn't anything really. Overall it's a nice story and well written.
December 28, 2023
I really enjoy a Lulu Taylor novel and curl up to read over Christmas. This story drew me in, with the 2 separate timelines connected by Wakefield Castle and the Wakefield family. Lulu tackles both domestic and child abuse in the interweaving storylines, but not overly graphically. As is usual, I preferred the historical aspect but still absorbed myself in the story - another great Christmas read!
October 14, 2023
I enjoyed this dual time line story, both stories set in a beautiful atmospheric castle with past mysteries to discover. One set in the present day, the other at the start of the Second World War and covering rationing, evacuation etc.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the advance review copy.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the advance review copy.
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