What do you think?
Rate this book
The Key In The Lock
I still dream, every night, of Polneath on fire. Smoke unfurling out of an upper window and a hectic orange light cascading across the terrace.
By day, Ivy Boscawen mourns the loss of her son Tim in the Great War. But by night she mourns another boy - one whose death decades ago haunts her still.
For Ivy is sure that there is more to what happened all those years ago: the fire at the Great House, and the terrible events that came after. A truth she must uncover, if she is ever to be free.
Brimming with secrets, this lyrical haunting historical thriller is perfect for fans of Elizabeth Macneal, Sarah Waters and Diane Setterfield.
By day, Ivy Boscawen mourns the loss of her son Tim in the Great War. But by night she mourns another boy - one whose death decades ago haunts her still.
For Ivy is sure that there is more to what happened all those years ago: the fire at the Great House, and the terrible events that came after. A truth she must uncover, if she is ever to be free.
Brimming with secrets, this lyrical haunting historical thriller is perfect for fans of Elizabeth Macneal, Sarah Waters and Diane Setterfield.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published January 13, 2022
About the author
Beth Underdown
3 books234 followersBeth Underdown was born in Rochdale. Before becoming an author, she worked as a waitress, a cookbook editorial assistant and for an exam board. She began writing her first novel while studying Creative Writing at the University of Manchester, where she is now a lecturer. In her spare time, Beth enjoys hiking and cake; her comfort reads are Wolf Hall and the ghost stories of MR James. She can be found on Twitter and Instagram @bethunderdown - come and say hi!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 312 reviews
October 11, 2021
Having read Beth Underdown’s ‘The Witchfinders Sister’, I was excited to read her latest offering.
Cornwall 1918, and Ivy Boscawen is mourning the death of her son Tim, in the Great War. She’s also thinking about William, a boy who lost his life in a fire thirty years ago. Ivy has always felt guilt about his death, and believes she could have done more at the time to get justice for him, and it haunts her to this day, believing that the boy was murdered. She wonders if her son’s death is payment for her part in that tragic event. The events of the fire that day in 1888, are slowly revealed, and what we first thought to be the truth, isn’t necessarily so.
Told in dual timelines, we are introduced to a host of characters, from the master of the Great House, and his son and heir, to his servants, the local doctor and his daughter, all of whom appear to have plenty of secrets, as the characters slowly reveal their ability to deceive.
There was a haunting Gothic feel right the way through, in this great piece of historical fiction, together with well expressed emotional content for the two boys who had lost their lives. The grief was handled in a sensitive manner, and was very poignant to read. The author captures the many faces of a country community, from the rich and privileged to the servants below stairs. Very enjoyable!
*I was invited to read The Key in the Lock by the publisher, and have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
Cornwall 1918, and Ivy Boscawen is mourning the death of her son Tim, in the Great War. She’s also thinking about William, a boy who lost his life in a fire thirty years ago. Ivy has always felt guilt about his death, and believes she could have done more at the time to get justice for him, and it haunts her to this day, believing that the boy was murdered. She wonders if her son’s death is payment for her part in that tragic event. The events of the fire that day in 1888, are slowly revealed, and what we first thought to be the truth, isn’t necessarily so.
Told in dual timelines, we are introduced to a host of characters, from the master of the Great House, and his son and heir, to his servants, the local doctor and his daughter, all of whom appear to have plenty of secrets, as the characters slowly reveal their ability to deceive.
There was a haunting Gothic feel right the way through, in this great piece of historical fiction, together with well expressed emotional content for the two boys who had lost their lives. The grief was handled in a sensitive manner, and was very poignant to read. The author captures the many faces of a country community, from the rich and privileged to the servants below stairs. Very enjoyable!
*I was invited to read The Key in the Lock by the publisher, and have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
November 18, 2021
Beth Underdown writes an atmospheric, dark, gothic, slow burn of a historical psychological drama, set amidst the Cornish landscape, with echoes of Daphne Du Maurier's classic novel, Rebecca. It is is 1918 and mother Ivy Boscawen is drowning in grief with the death of her only son, Tim, in the Great War. This makes her wonder if she deserves this, if this is fate's way of balancing the scales, as the doors to the past open up. She reflects with a sense of guilt on another boy's death, long ago, the tragedy of young Walter Tremain who died in a fire, his death no accident, it was arson. In a story that goes back and forth in time, Ivy instinctively knows there was more to that tragedy, the repercussions of which have never left her, leaving her haunted, a woman with her own secrets, and there are hints that there is more to Tim's death too.
With a husband afflicted with serious health issues, Ivy feels the only way she will find peace and face the future is if she gets to the truth of what happened long ago when as Ivy Cardew, the daughter of a struggling doctor, she was helping him with nursing duties. This mystery of what happened at the country manor house of the Tremains is slowly revealed and the terrible repercussions that followed in the wake of the fire, including the inquest. The family that includes Edward Tremain, the heir to Polneath, the father of William, is a man Ivy fell in love with. In a narrative loaded with twists and turns aplenty, with its wide range of characters, little is as it appears, we learn that in this small community, everyone had secrets, both upstairs, with the Tremain family, and downstairs, with the servants.
This is a beautifully written novel with a great sense of location in Cornwall, with a sadness and heartbreak that lingers in the pages of the book. The characterisation is wonderful, the flawed Ivy who goes on to marry the coroner, making questionable decisions, in this story of love, loss, tragedy and family in this particular historical period. It is an emotionally gripping read, utterly engaging, with a strong streak of ambiguity, and with compelling characters, that I think will appeal to a variety of readers, including those who love their historical fiction. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
With a husband afflicted with serious health issues, Ivy feels the only way she will find peace and face the future is if she gets to the truth of what happened long ago when as Ivy Cardew, the daughter of a struggling doctor, she was helping him with nursing duties. This mystery of what happened at the country manor house of the Tremains is slowly revealed and the terrible repercussions that followed in the wake of the fire, including the inquest. The family that includes Edward Tremain, the heir to Polneath, the father of William, is a man Ivy fell in love with. In a narrative loaded with twists and turns aplenty, with its wide range of characters, little is as it appears, we learn that in this small community, everyone had secrets, both upstairs, with the Tremain family, and downstairs, with the servants.
This is a beautifully written novel with a great sense of location in Cornwall, with a sadness and heartbreak that lingers in the pages of the book. The characterisation is wonderful, the flawed Ivy who goes on to marry the coroner, making questionable decisions, in this story of love, loss, tragedy and family in this particular historical period. It is an emotionally gripping read, utterly engaging, with a strong streak of ambiguity, and with compelling characters, that I think will appeal to a variety of readers, including those who love their historical fiction. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
January 26, 2022
The Witchfinders Sister was an absolutely stunning dark and gothic read. So her new book is coming out!
So when the publisher asked if I’d like a copy sent to me in the mail, I did not hesitate for one second.
This lapses from 1888 and 1918 which spans a whooping number of years that accumulate a lot of dark secrets within family, relationships and is written in the style that I’ve come to love from Beth Underdown.
That’s two books from her I’ve enjoyed that’s given me tremors and thrills and regret that I’ve just turned the last page.
I also love this title it’s very apt.
Ivy Boscawen is grieving heavily for her son, she’s immersed within her emotions. He was killed in the war.
Then we go back to where this little boy died thirty years ago in a fire. She always had regrets that she could have done more to save him.
We all know how regrets can eat a person up.
But was the boy murdered?
She’s often thought so but no proof.
Now her son many years forward was killed in the war however, it’s not a straightforward telling of his death, her mind wanders to think if this is retribution for her lack of action or from someone’s blame.
It’s a deep story that you will feel what Ivy feels, you will hear her voice.
A very moving story.
So when the publisher asked if I’d like a copy sent to me in the mail, I did not hesitate for one second.
This lapses from 1888 and 1918 which spans a whooping number of years that accumulate a lot of dark secrets within family, relationships and is written in the style that I’ve come to love from Beth Underdown.
That’s two books from her I’ve enjoyed that’s given me tremors and thrills and regret that I’ve just turned the last page.
I also love this title it’s very apt.
Ivy Boscawen is grieving heavily for her son, she’s immersed within her emotions. He was killed in the war.
Then we go back to where this little boy died thirty years ago in a fire. She always had regrets that she could have done more to save him.
We all know how regrets can eat a person up.
But was the boy murdered?
She’s often thought so but no proof.
Now her son many years forward was killed in the war however, it’s not a straightforward telling of his death, her mind wanders to think if this is retribution for her lack of action or from someone’s blame.
It’s a deep story that you will feel what Ivy feels, you will hear her voice.
A very moving story.
January 18, 2023
Ivy dreams constantly of Polneath. She is haunted by it, by the loss in 1888 of seven year old William Tremain who dies in a fire at the Big House in mysterious circumstances. It’s now 1918 and Ivy mourns another loss, that of her beloved son Tim killed in the Great War in a manner that is perplexing. Ivy hauntingly narrates the story in dual timelines. Can she free herself of the shackles that bind her to the past and discover the truth of the events of 1888 that very much impacts those of the present day???
Well, there’s plenty of fire and brimstone in this enjoyable gothic tale which is especially resonant in the earlier timeline. Ivy, though not necessarily likeable or the most reliable of narrators, conveys how much the emotive events of 1888 have obsessed her and affected her life.
This is a very well written novel in a style in keeping with the times and gives excellent historical context, depicting the world of 1888 and the changing world of 1918/19. It is abundantly rich in atmosphere especially in Polneath, Cornwall, allowing you to picture the big house, the gun powder mills, the unlikeable character of Old Tremain and the enigma of Edward Tremain, his son and William’s father. Polneath lies at the heart of everything we learn about Ivy and the death of William. The 1888 storyline is spooky, chilling, secretive and deeply mysterious and links well to 1918 when characters are unmasked.
This is a slow burner historical thriller, a pace which suits the drama which embraces love, loss and the inevitable grief as well as duplicity. It is a compelling page turner and the mystery is engrossing. It does have Daphne du Maurier vibes, so should appeal to her many fans!
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Penguin General U.K. for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Well, there’s plenty of fire and brimstone in this enjoyable gothic tale which is especially resonant in the earlier timeline. Ivy, though not necessarily likeable or the most reliable of narrators, conveys how much the emotive events of 1888 have obsessed her and affected her life.
This is a very well written novel in a style in keeping with the times and gives excellent historical context, depicting the world of 1888 and the changing world of 1918/19. It is abundantly rich in atmosphere especially in Polneath, Cornwall, allowing you to picture the big house, the gun powder mills, the unlikeable character of Old Tremain and the enigma of Edward Tremain, his son and William’s father. Polneath lies at the heart of everything we learn about Ivy and the death of William. The 1888 storyline is spooky, chilling, secretive and deeply mysterious and links well to 1918 when characters are unmasked.
This is a slow burner historical thriller, a pace which suits the drama which embraces love, loss and the inevitable grief as well as duplicity. It is a compelling page turner and the mystery is engrossing. It does have Daphne du Maurier vibes, so should appeal to her many fans!
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Penguin General U.K. for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
March 12, 2022
A truly excellent read. Atmospheric, clever and powerful, looking at memory in a fantastic way. Just my kind of historical fiction.
January 23, 2022
Dark an atmospheric as it may be, I found it interesting but a little too slow for my taste. It was quite obvious from the beginning that all characters had something to hide and although Ivy very bravely set out to find the truth, she's hindered by her own experiences and expectations.
The story shows how women were both powerful and powerless at the same time, more than a hundred years ago, although I know that in some places this didn't change much.
I liked it that the story is told alternating between 1888 and 1918. It is beautifully written with touching stories about WWI, which show how much the world has changed between 1888 and 1918.
Thanks to Netgalley and Penguin for this review copy.
The story shows how women were both powerful and powerless at the same time, more than a hundred years ago, although I know that in some places this didn't change much.
I liked it that the story is told alternating between 1888 and 1918. It is beautifully written with touching stories about WWI, which show how much the world has changed between 1888 and 1918.
Thanks to Netgalley and Penguin for this review copy.
Read
November 22, 2021Set in two time periods: 1918 and 1888, Ivy mourns the death of her son Tim in the first world war - often feeling that he is hiding under her bed, and she also looks back to thirty years previously when another boy died and was found under a bed. This is mostly a historical mystery which kept me guessing but it also deals with grief in a way that really moved me. Intriguing, beguiling and surprising until the very end. Underdown's writing is evocative and brilliantly observed. Published by Viking on 27th Jan 2022.
October 23, 2022
4 lingering stars…
A secret coming back to haunt her. An estate in ruins, once the holder of secrets. A ghost at the edge of sight... It's time to uncover the sins of the past in The Key in the Lock.
Atmosphere: ★★★★★
Characters: ★★★★★
Plot/Pacing: ★★★
I am entering my Gothic Era and I am so here for it.
This novel was dripping in atmosphere, absolutely drowning in dramatic internal musings, and held a surprisingly dry and witty sense of character. You can ask for nothing less in an old-school gothic novel, honestly.
I still dream, every night, of Polneath on fire. Smoke unfurling out of an upper window and a hectic orange light cascading across the terrace.
Ivy Boscawen is writing down her thoughts. The year is 1918-19, and her candle is waning. The time has come to write down all that happened at Polneath all those years ago, and to write about what happened after.
In 1918, Ivy is a mother in mourning. Her son died in the Great War, and her husband's reaction led to more suffering close at home. Life in the Boscawen house is pared down to the essentials and cloaked in a shroud of sadness and secrets.
With her son now dead, Ivy can't help but think its her fault. There was another young boy, several years ago... And his fate was also tragic. She's seeing ghosts in her present, ghosts in her past.
What happened at Polneath all those years ago?
Told in split timelines, one in 1888-89 and one in 1918-19, we slowly uncover the truths behind what happened in the past and what's happening as a result in the present. Ivy's ready to reveal her secrets, and other players have their own secrets to share with us.
This novel was lush and wonderful. I don't have too much to say about the plot itself, besides the fact that I think readers should take note that while this novel does have a "mystery" to it, the real core is the characters and the stiff historic dramas. The whodunit is NOT the reason to stay—its the layers, the tension, and the atmosphere. Step into the halls of Polneath and see for yourself...
The perfect read for fans of Sarah Waters, and for anyone who enjoys a good ol' Gothic.
Blog | Instagram
A secret coming back to haunt her. An estate in ruins, once the holder of secrets. A ghost at the edge of sight... It's time to uncover the sins of the past in The Key in the Lock.
Atmosphere: ★★★★★
Characters: ★★★★★
Plot/Pacing: ★★★
I am entering my Gothic Era and I am so here for it.
This novel was dripping in atmosphere, absolutely drowning in dramatic internal musings, and held a surprisingly dry and witty sense of character. You can ask for nothing less in an old-school gothic novel, honestly.
I still dream, every night, of Polneath on fire. Smoke unfurling out of an upper window and a hectic orange light cascading across the terrace.
Ivy Boscawen is writing down her thoughts. The year is 1918-19, and her candle is waning. The time has come to write down all that happened at Polneath all those years ago, and to write about what happened after.
In 1918, Ivy is a mother in mourning. Her son died in the Great War, and her husband's reaction led to more suffering close at home. Life in the Boscawen house is pared down to the essentials and cloaked in a shroud of sadness and secrets.
With her son now dead, Ivy can't help but think its her fault. There was another young boy, several years ago... And his fate was also tragic. She's seeing ghosts in her present, ghosts in her past.
What happened at Polneath all those years ago?
Told in split timelines, one in 1888-89 and one in 1918-19, we slowly uncover the truths behind what happened in the past and what's happening as a result in the present. Ivy's ready to reveal her secrets, and other players have their own secrets to share with us.
This novel was lush and wonderful. I don't have too much to say about the plot itself, besides the fact that I think readers should take note that while this novel does have a "mystery" to it, the real core is the characters and the stiff historic dramas. The whodunit is NOT the reason to stay—its the layers, the tension, and the atmosphere. Step into the halls of Polneath and see for yourself...
The perfect read for fans of Sarah Waters, and for anyone who enjoys a good ol' Gothic.
Blog | Instagram
April 8, 2022
I'd been looking forward to this atmospheric, historical mystery for some time. I enjoy a slow burn, duel timelines, and secretive characters. Unfortunately, this one was a little too slow. The original crime becomes diluted, which is regrettable as the victim was the definition of innocence. What saved the book for me was the depth of characters and the author's ability to present a realistic and complex marriage.
April 14, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this Maurier-esque mystery with its gothic vibes, its large cast of characters and its sense of (both) times and place. I found it a compelling read while constantly anticipating the twists and turns in the story. Many thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book.
September 23, 2021
One of my favourite historical fiction books ever is The Witchfinders Sister, Beth Underdown’s STUNNING debut. When she announced on Twitter that proofs were being printed for her new novel, I was dizzy with excitement, I kid you not.
I’ve been lurking on Beths socials for a number of years, liking, commenting and generally making my presence known. So thank you Beth for putting up with my harping on about how keyed up I was (see what I did there 😉) to read your second novel, The Key in the Lock.
To my utter astonishment, (and maybe to shut me up!!) Beth kindly sent me a beautiful dedicated proof, so I instantly cast aside my TBR plan for the month, and dived straight in.
‘I still dream, every night, of Polneath on fire. Smoke unfurling out of an upper window and a hectic orange light cascading across the terrace’.
By day, Ivy Boscawen mourns the loss of her son Tim in the Great War. But by night she mourns another boy – one whose death decades ago haunts her still.
For Ivy is sure there is more to what happened all those years ago: the fire at the great house, and the terrible events that came after. A truth she must uncover, if she is ever to be free.
I’d imagine it’s very nerve-racking for authors when sending their second book out into the ‘bloggers wild’, as it were. Particularly when a debut has had such excellent reviews and feedback. A hard act to follow, perhaps? Take it from me Beth, you’ve nothing to be worried about, The Key in the Lock is brilliant.
What struck me the most about this story was how much effort had gone into the research. It is meticulously written down to the very last minute detail. So much thought is put into Beths novels, this is something I noticed when reading The Witchfinders Sister, this one has that very same precision.
From the creative descriptions to the most authentic characters, from the intricacies of plot detail, to the slow burning reveals, The Key in the Lock is top quality historical fiction.
I absolutely adored the secretive, atmospheric story-line. I often find if plots are gentle in motion, if the writing style isn’t quite ‘up to it’, I become a little bored when revelations take their time to unfold. But not here, I found it so immersive, the gothic feels, dark tension, cleverly haunting reveals, and characters so vivid in my mind, it made for some breathtaking reading.
I can count on one hand authors whose books are an auto-buy for me. Beth has been one of those authors since reading her debut in 2017. She sits comfortably alongside Sarah Waters where I don’t even have to read the synopsis, I already know I’m going to love it, it’s a given.
Thank you so much Beth for sending me a signed copy, it’s a treasure on my forever historical fiction shelf.
I’ve been lurking on Beths socials for a number of years, liking, commenting and generally making my presence known. So thank you Beth for putting up with my harping on about how keyed up I was (see what I did there 😉) to read your second novel, The Key in the Lock.
To my utter astonishment, (and maybe to shut me up!!) Beth kindly sent me a beautiful dedicated proof, so I instantly cast aside my TBR plan for the month, and dived straight in.
‘I still dream, every night, of Polneath on fire. Smoke unfurling out of an upper window and a hectic orange light cascading across the terrace’.
By day, Ivy Boscawen mourns the loss of her son Tim in the Great War. But by night she mourns another boy – one whose death decades ago haunts her still.
For Ivy is sure there is more to what happened all those years ago: the fire at the great house, and the terrible events that came after. A truth she must uncover, if she is ever to be free.
I’d imagine it’s very nerve-racking for authors when sending their second book out into the ‘bloggers wild’, as it were. Particularly when a debut has had such excellent reviews and feedback. A hard act to follow, perhaps? Take it from me Beth, you’ve nothing to be worried about, The Key in the Lock is brilliant.
What struck me the most about this story was how much effort had gone into the research. It is meticulously written down to the very last minute detail. So much thought is put into Beths novels, this is something I noticed when reading The Witchfinders Sister, this one has that very same precision.
From the creative descriptions to the most authentic characters, from the intricacies of plot detail, to the slow burning reveals, The Key in the Lock is top quality historical fiction.
I absolutely adored the secretive, atmospheric story-line. I often find if plots are gentle in motion, if the writing style isn’t quite ‘up to it’, I become a little bored when revelations take their time to unfold. But not here, I found it so immersive, the gothic feels, dark tension, cleverly haunting reveals, and characters so vivid in my mind, it made for some breathtaking reading.
I can count on one hand authors whose books are an auto-buy for me. Beth has been one of those authors since reading her debut in 2017. She sits comfortably alongside Sarah Waters where I don’t even have to read the synopsis, I already know I’m going to love it, it’s a given.
Thank you so much Beth for sending me a signed copy, it’s a treasure on my forever historical fiction shelf.
January 13, 2022
The Key in the Lock is Beth Underdown’s second novel. Her first, The Witchfinder’s Sister, was a fascinating historical novel set during the Manningtree witch trials of 1645; this new book sounded very different, but I still wanted to give it a try.
The novel opens in 1918, with Ivy Boscawen trying to come to terms with the death of her son, Tim, shot dead in the trenches of the Western Front. Ivy is desperate to know exactly what happened to Tim, but after speaking to some of his fellow soldiers what she discovers about her son’s death makes her feel even more distressed. Worse still, the loss of Tim triggers memories of another boy, William Tremain, who died thirty years earlier in a fire at the Great House in Polneath, Cornwall. Ivy, whose father was the Polneath doctor at the time, has been haunted by William’s tragic death ever since and has never been able to shake off her feelings of guilt about her actions in the aftermath of the fire.
With Ivy as the narrator, the novel moves back and forth in time between 1918 and 1888, gradually shedding light on the mysteries surrounding both deaths. Family secrets are uncovered, wills are read, inquests are held, clandestine meetings take place and identities are revealed – yet this is not really the exciting, suspenseful Gothic novel I had been hoping for. It moves along at a very slow pace and although I was enjoying it enough to want to read on to the end, I never felt fully engaged with either the plot or the characters.
There is an advantage to the slow pace, however, which is that it gives the reader a chance to try to solve some of the mysteries and guess some of the secrets before Ivy does. It’s a complex story, with lots of pieces that only begin to fall into place towards the end and there were points where I felt confused, particularly as the two timelines often seem to merge together. A chapter heading may indicate that we are in 1918, but after a few paragraphs Ivy starts to remember the events of 1888 again and it’s not always clear which period we are reading about. Also, the ‘key in the lock’ of the title turns out to be several keys to several locks in several doors and I struggled to keep track of the significance of them all.
I did like the atmosphere Beth Underdown creates and the attention to period detail; I never felt that the language or attitudes were too modern. She also writes very convincingly about Ivy’s grief for her lost son, her sense of guilt over what happened at the Great House, and the terrible misunderstandings and assumptions that have persisted for thirty years. It’s a very sad story, where lives are taken too early, acts of kindness go unappreciated until it’s almost too late and wicked deeds go unpunished for too long. An interesting read, but with a tighter focus I think it could have been a much better book.
The novel opens in 1918, with Ivy Boscawen trying to come to terms with the death of her son, Tim, shot dead in the trenches of the Western Front. Ivy is desperate to know exactly what happened to Tim, but after speaking to some of his fellow soldiers what she discovers about her son’s death makes her feel even more distressed. Worse still, the loss of Tim triggers memories of another boy, William Tremain, who died thirty years earlier in a fire at the Great House in Polneath, Cornwall. Ivy, whose father was the Polneath doctor at the time, has been haunted by William’s tragic death ever since and has never been able to shake off her feelings of guilt about her actions in the aftermath of the fire.
With Ivy as the narrator, the novel moves back and forth in time between 1918 and 1888, gradually shedding light on the mysteries surrounding both deaths. Family secrets are uncovered, wills are read, inquests are held, clandestine meetings take place and identities are revealed – yet this is not really the exciting, suspenseful Gothic novel I had been hoping for. It moves along at a very slow pace and although I was enjoying it enough to want to read on to the end, I never felt fully engaged with either the plot or the characters.
There is an advantage to the slow pace, however, which is that it gives the reader a chance to try to solve some of the mysteries and guess some of the secrets before Ivy does. It’s a complex story, with lots of pieces that only begin to fall into place towards the end and there were points where I felt confused, particularly as the two timelines often seem to merge together. A chapter heading may indicate that we are in 1918, but after a few paragraphs Ivy starts to remember the events of 1888 again and it’s not always clear which period we are reading about. Also, the ‘key in the lock’ of the title turns out to be several keys to several locks in several doors and I struggled to keep track of the significance of them all.
I did like the atmosphere Beth Underdown creates and the attention to period detail; I never felt that the language or attitudes were too modern. She also writes very convincingly about Ivy’s grief for her lost son, her sense of guilt over what happened at the Great House, and the terrible misunderstandings and assumptions that have persisted for thirty years. It’s a very sad story, where lives are taken too early, acts of kindness go unappreciated until it’s almost too late and wicked deeds go unpunished for too long. An interesting read, but with a tighter focus I think it could have been a much better book.
December 20, 2021
Visit the locations in the novel
What a gothically infused gem of a novel. A dark, mysterious manor house in Cornwall, some of the creepiest characters you will ever meet, and a distinct flavour of Du Maurier throughout. This is a novel where the tiniest of details means something very significant. Keys, shadows, noises next door….and a veil of truth and lies covering anything that might explain away the fog.
This is a slow burn of a novel, one where every page, chapter might reveal that little bit more. Like Ivy in the novel, you are desperate to discover the truth. Ooh creepy and so atmospheric. I sunk into this and felt immersed in the setting completely. An interesting visit to a Cornish manor house with inhabitants you would really not like to meet!
I am so pleased I did however. This is one heck of a web of deceit, lies and desire.
December 3, 2021
1918:
By day, Ivy Boscawen mourns the loss of her son Tim, a loving and kind young man who Ivy loved with all of her heart, before the Great War took him and left her in eternal grief and changed forever.
However, at night Ivy mourns another soul that was lost far before his time which sadly was still in the innocence of childhood yet this death was a decade ago but still feels as if it took place only yesterday as those memories of the fire, her father being sent to help someone who had the task of keeping her charge, the poor boy in questions well-being and a certain individual who is far from innocent, all start to play more and more on her thoughts when the death of the boy will not rest.
In the dead of night a fire sweeps through a Manor House claiming more than just timber and objects of every day life. No, this fire also claimed the boy that Ivy still cannot forget for something happened that fateful night which to this day still haunts her.
The truth must come to light if Ivy is to ever feel at peace again but as she delves into the recesses of her mind and forces herself to remember more about those events, maybe the truth will be too horrible to come to terms with when it becomes apparent that the key in the lock was placed there by the most unlikely person who Ivy placed so much trust in, but will she be able to finally unlock the burden of her past to be able to have a life again?
A beautiful yet deviant story about the truth of a devastating and unexpected death being pulled from the depths of despair, family loss and one woman’s struggle to accept what really happened within those walls.
By day, Ivy Boscawen mourns the loss of her son Tim, a loving and kind young man who Ivy loved with all of her heart, before the Great War took him and left her in eternal grief and changed forever.
However, at night Ivy mourns another soul that was lost far before his time which sadly was still in the innocence of childhood yet this death was a decade ago but still feels as if it took place only yesterday as those memories of the fire, her father being sent to help someone who had the task of keeping her charge, the poor boy in questions well-being and a certain individual who is far from innocent, all start to play more and more on her thoughts when the death of the boy will not rest.
In the dead of night a fire sweeps through a Manor House claiming more than just timber and objects of every day life. No, this fire also claimed the boy that Ivy still cannot forget for something happened that fateful night which to this day still haunts her.
The truth must come to light if Ivy is to ever feel at peace again but as she delves into the recesses of her mind and forces herself to remember more about those events, maybe the truth will be too horrible to come to terms with when it becomes apparent that the key in the lock was placed there by the most unlikely person who Ivy placed so much trust in, but will she be able to finally unlock the burden of her past to be able to have a life again?
A beautiful yet deviant story about the truth of a devastating and unexpected death being pulled from the depths of despair, family loss and one woman’s struggle to accept what really happened within those walls.
February 24, 2022
Been waiting for Beth Underdown's second book after the intense Witchfinder's Sister and this was an equally engrossing read.
Ivy Boscawen is grief stricken when news is delivered that her son Tim has been killed in the Great War under questionable circumstances. Haunted by her son's death, she is also haunted by the death of young William Tremain and the unanswered questions surrounding his death many years ago at the Great House Polneath. Quietly sinister and mysterious the storyline going between 1888 and 1918 gives the narrative of what happened to William and eventually leads Ivy to discover the truth about Tim's death.
Ivy Boscawen is grief stricken when news is delivered that her son Tim has been killed in the Great War under questionable circumstances. Haunted by her son's death, she is also haunted by the death of young William Tremain and the unanswered questions surrounding his death many years ago at the Great House Polneath. Quietly sinister and mysterious the storyline going between 1888 and 1918 gives the narrative of what happened to William and eventually leads Ivy to discover the truth about Tim's death.
March 7, 2022
Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.
1/5.
The Key in The Lock follows the main character Ivy in 1888 and 1918, uncovering the mysteries behind a child’s death and Ivy’s son’s death in present.
So, let’s talk about why i hated this book so much.
This book took me two months to read despite my excitement after reading the blurb. The writing felt very lazy and inconsistent, even though it is just one character. Another issue with he writing is the exact way chapters set in 1888 and the ones set thirty years later sound. Do people think in the exact same words at 20 and at 50? I don’t think so.
Ivy is so uninteresting. She’s like a cardboard cutout that adds no value to the novel. At times her entire personality seemed to revolve around Edward, whom I also hate.
The only character I did not hate was Richard. I merely felt bad for him. He deserved much better.
Half of the mysteries were not engaging. The only thing that caught me by surprise was whose *the* child turns out to be. But it lasted one second and then I only thought, okay, I guess?
The conflicts were just not it. The entire time i was rolling my eyes at how whiny everyone was with everything. Like chill, y’all. It’s not even that bad.
I need to admit that there were some amazing quotes on consent & women’s struggles in the time. Very much appreciated.
1/5.
The Key in The Lock follows the main character Ivy in 1888 and 1918, uncovering the mysteries behind a child’s death and Ivy’s son’s death in present.
So, let’s talk about why i hated this book so much.
This book took me two months to read despite my excitement after reading the blurb. The writing felt very lazy and inconsistent, even though it is just one character. Another issue with he writing is the exact way chapters set in 1888 and the ones set thirty years later sound. Do people think in the exact same words at 20 and at 50? I don’t think so.
Ivy is so uninteresting. She’s like a cardboard cutout that adds no value to the novel. At times her entire personality seemed to revolve around Edward, whom I also hate.
The only character I did not hate was Richard. I merely felt bad for him. He deserved much better.
Half of the mysteries were not engaging. The only thing that caught me by surprise was whose *the* child turns out to be. But it lasted one second and then I only thought, okay, I guess?
The conflicts were just not it. The entire time i was rolling my eyes at how whiny everyone was with everything. Like chill, y’all. It’s not even that bad.
I need to admit that there were some amazing quotes on consent & women’s struggles in the time. Very much appreciated.
April 11, 2022
*Thank you to Penguin Viking for sending a copy of this book my way!*
From the very first pages of this novel, I knew I was going to be enthralled by it. With its whimsical, lyrical prose and multidimensional characters plagued by devastation, this is a story that will sneak up underneath your rib cage and poke at your heart. It was beautiful.
This reminded me of Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier, but in it’s own wonderful way. Like plot wise, it’s in a different world completely, but based on vibes and aesthetic and the emotion and power of the storytelling, I think they’re quite similar books in that way. If you like one, I can almost guarantee you’ll enjoy the other. They both have an underlying sadness to them, amongst a pretty complicated romance storyline. Intertwined with that is a great mystery, and winding path to the truth of what actually happened to the characters, how great atrocities came to fruition.
It was quite slow in pacing, but that allowed for a lot of time to be spent really building u and atmosphere and taking the time with the storytelling. The mystery I found was very engaging, and it keeps you guessing right until the truth is revealed. The only negative I had with this book is that a lot of the character names were getting confused in my head and I did muddle who did what a couple of times.
From the very first pages of this novel, I knew I was going to be enthralled by it. With its whimsical, lyrical prose and multidimensional characters plagued by devastation, this is a story that will sneak up underneath your rib cage and poke at your heart. It was beautiful.
This reminded me of Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier, but in it’s own wonderful way. Like plot wise, it’s in a different world completely, but based on vibes and aesthetic and the emotion and power of the storytelling, I think they’re quite similar books in that way. If you like one, I can almost guarantee you’ll enjoy the other. They both have an underlying sadness to them, amongst a pretty complicated romance storyline. Intertwined with that is a great mystery, and winding path to the truth of what actually happened to the characters, how great atrocities came to fruition.
It was quite slow in pacing, but that allowed for a lot of time to be spent really building u and atmosphere and taking the time with the storytelling. The mystery I found was very engaging, and it keeps you guessing right until the truth is revealed. The only negative I had with this book is that a lot of the character names were getting confused in my head and I did muddle who did what a couple of times.
January 18, 2022
Having loved the author's debut novel, The Witchfinder’s Sister. I've been eagerly awaiting the next book. The Key in the Lock is now here and I wasn't disappointed.
Set over two timelines of 1888 and 1918, The Key in the Lock is a story of grief, deceit and secrets. Beginning in 1918 following the death of Ivy Boscawen’s son Tim in the trenches, the story goes back and forth to when nineteen year old Ivy Cardew was assisting her father, a doctor struggling with his own health when they were called to a burning Polneath House – a fire which resulted in the death of a young boy.
Thirty years may have passed but Ivy’s grief for Tim is mixed up with memories and dreams of young William Tremain, the boy who died. Actions were taken which had tragic repercussions and Ivy feels that she has to discover the truth to find some peace of mind.
Superbly researched and with great attention to detail, the story is so atmospheric and descriptive. It’s very much a slow release story, with complex and in some cases, violent family relationships. There are some characters that are not particularly likeable at all. In fact I wasn’t always too fond of Ivy if I’m honest. I thought her at times selfish, hankering for a life that she felt was denied her, rather than accepting the life she had. Not everyone is as they seem, more than one character has secrets of their own and there were times when I was just one step ahead of Ivy as she reconnected with the past. As the story moves forward, I understood the relevance of the book’s title and became engrossed in Ivy’s quest for the truth about the death of her son and her wish to fully understand the events of that night at Polneath and to finally be able to put those ghosts to rest.
A haunting story of loss, tragedy and betrayal, I loved the intrigue running through both timelines. Definitely one to be recommended for historical fiction fans.
Set over two timelines of 1888 and 1918, The Key in the Lock is a story of grief, deceit and secrets. Beginning in 1918 following the death of Ivy Boscawen’s son Tim in the trenches, the story goes back and forth to when nineteen year old Ivy Cardew was assisting her father, a doctor struggling with his own health when they were called to a burning Polneath House – a fire which resulted in the death of a young boy.
Thirty years may have passed but Ivy’s grief for Tim is mixed up with memories and dreams of young William Tremain, the boy who died. Actions were taken which had tragic repercussions and Ivy feels that she has to discover the truth to find some peace of mind.
Superbly researched and with great attention to detail, the story is so atmospheric and descriptive. It’s very much a slow release story, with complex and in some cases, violent family relationships. There are some characters that are not particularly likeable at all. In fact I wasn’t always too fond of Ivy if I’m honest. I thought her at times selfish, hankering for a life that she felt was denied her, rather than accepting the life she had. Not everyone is as they seem, more than one character has secrets of their own and there were times when I was just one step ahead of Ivy as she reconnected with the past. As the story moves forward, I understood the relevance of the book’s title and became engrossed in Ivy’s quest for the truth about the death of her son and her wish to fully understand the events of that night at Polneath and to finally be able to put those ghosts to rest.
A haunting story of loss, tragedy and betrayal, I loved the intrigue running through both timelines. Definitely one to be recommended for historical fiction fans.
January 22, 2022
An exquisite tale of love and loss. Ivy Boscawen is mourning the death of her beloved son Tim, a casualty of the Great War. She also remembers another boy, a small child who died decades earlier under strange and tragic circumstances. As Ivy attempts to discover exactly what happened to her son, memories and events from the past resurface and secrets that have lain dormant for many, many years start to resurface…
What a beautiful and haunting tale this is. Set over two timelines, 1888 and 1918, this book is rich in detail of an era where the division of rich and poor is shockingly unfair and where life sits very closely to death and can be snatched away in the blink of an eye. Ivy is a young girl in 1888, hoping for marriage but uncertain of where she will find it and as the story continues it becomes clear that her decisions and the paths she chose were not necessarily the right ones.
I found this book to be both beautiful and bleak, heartbreaking and hopeful. I loved the prose and the style of the book and the plot was immersive and intriguing. (I got a real shock by the end, I didn’t predict the way the story would turn at all). It took me a little while to really get absorbed - but once I did, I couldn’t put this book down.
Seeped in historical imagery, mystery and secrets, this is a book whose pages you really will get lost in. Magnificent.
What a beautiful and haunting tale this is. Set over two timelines, 1888 and 1918, this book is rich in detail of an era where the division of rich and poor is shockingly unfair and where life sits very closely to death and can be snatched away in the blink of an eye. Ivy is a young girl in 1888, hoping for marriage but uncertain of where she will find it and as the story continues it becomes clear that her decisions and the paths she chose were not necessarily the right ones.
I found this book to be both beautiful and bleak, heartbreaking and hopeful. I loved the prose and the style of the book and the plot was immersive and intriguing. (I got a real shock by the end, I didn’t predict the way the story would turn at all). It took me a little while to really get absorbed - but once I did, I couldn’t put this book down.
Seeped in historical imagery, mystery and secrets, this is a book whose pages you really will get lost in. Magnificent.
February 20, 2022
I have to be blunt here: highly recommend if you're into pining for your teenage crush for 30 years, couples not communicating with each other, random trips to the other side of the country without telling anyone, more pining, mysterious deaths that are not so mysterious if you think about it, some more pining.
I really wanted to love this book, as the blurb sounded like something right up my alley, but unfortunately I did not.
The protagonist was an insufferable teenager and she grew up to an insufferable adult which really didn't help that boom at all. The plotline, even though it sounds great, wasn't written particularly clever and the final twist was very obvious.
I received this book from the publisher in an exchange for an honest review
I really wanted to love this book, as the blurb sounded like something right up my alley, but unfortunately I did not.
The protagonist was an insufferable teenager and she grew up to an insufferable adult which really didn't help that boom at all. The plotline, even though it sounds great, wasn't written particularly clever and the final twist was very obvious.
I received this book from the publisher in an exchange for an honest review
January 27, 2022
The Key In The Lock is a powerful and haunting tale of loss, heartbreak and betrayal. With its rich and decadent atmosphere, this charming novel has an elegant gothic feel to it. Much like the traditional gothic novels that this book mirrors, the plot is very slow moving. This is a story where the reader must be prepared to sit back, and allow the mystery to unravel before them.
The entire novel really delivers a fantastic sense of location. Not only is Cornwall stunning captured on the page, but so is the imposing house of Polneath, which holds an immense amount of power over the grief stricken Ivy. This grandiose location plays a vital role in the storytelling here, and quickly becomes a character of its own.
This crushingly beautiful story is chilling, captivating, and soul shattering. It's everything that I look for in a gothic mystery.
The entire novel really delivers a fantastic sense of location. Not only is Cornwall stunning captured on the page, but so is the imposing house of Polneath, which holds an immense amount of power over the grief stricken Ivy. This grandiose location plays a vital role in the storytelling here, and quickly becomes a character of its own.
This crushingly beautiful story is chilling, captivating, and soul shattering. It's everything that I look for in a gothic mystery.
January 13, 2022
Blog tour - review will be up on the 25th Jan
April 10, 2022
This story takes place on two-time lines, 1888 and 1918. Ivy Boscawen’s only son died in the Great War, but she needs to know how and why. Her husband is a sickly man, unable to seek the truth himself, but nothing will stop Ivy. She had experienced tragedy before, with the death of a child in a fire. The truth had not come out then either, and it had always haunted her. She felt like she was been punished for not doing more than she had for the little boy.
It is quite a deep and dark read. It is intense yet a slow burn at the same time. The story is set not that long ago when women had few rights at work and at home. They were expected to do anything without questioning it or objecting because they could be easily replaced. But, at the same time, women were thought of as fragile and unable to cope with life’s tragedies. Ivy was determined to seek the truth out in the past and present, but could she bear the truth?
The story captures both periods perfectly. Although the outcome of both stories is heartbreaking. You know who dies but will people from the past and present be strong enough for the truth? This is the author’s second novel, and it will rip you open. What a talent this lady is. Highly recommended.
I wish to thank Net Galley and the publisher for an e-copy of this book that I have reviewed honestly.
It is quite a deep and dark read. It is intense yet a slow burn at the same time. The story is set not that long ago when women had few rights at work and at home. They were expected to do anything without questioning it or objecting because they could be easily replaced. But, at the same time, women were thought of as fragile and unable to cope with life’s tragedies. Ivy was determined to seek the truth out in the past and present, but could she bear the truth?
The story captures both periods perfectly. Although the outcome of both stories is heartbreaking. You know who dies but will people from the past and present be strong enough for the truth? This is the author’s second novel, and it will rip you open. What a talent this lady is. Highly recommended.
I wish to thank Net Galley and the publisher for an e-copy of this book that I have reviewed honestly.
December 5, 2021
There are two time lines in this story and two boys deaths, one a mystery. Ivy is the mother of one of the boys and the main character in the book. The story is told through her.
This was a slow burner, too slow for me. Even though we are told what timeline we are reading, I still found it confusing at times. Ivy didn't appeal to me at all. She's the local doctor's daughter and thinks quite a lot of herself. Edward is the son of the big house and Ivy is secretly in love with him. He's a weak person and I didn't like him either.
The mystery was very drawn out and took place over the two timelines. There is certainly a twist there and I didn't see it coming. In fact there are quite a few twists and turns.
This of course is my own opinion. I can see from other reviews it is popular. If we all liked the same books it would make book club discussions very boring.
It's just not for me.
This was a slow burner, too slow for me. Even though we are told what timeline we are reading, I still found it confusing at times. Ivy didn't appeal to me at all. She's the local doctor's daughter and thinks quite a lot of herself. Edward is the son of the big house and Ivy is secretly in love with him. He's a weak person and I didn't like him either.
The mystery was very drawn out and took place over the two timelines. There is certainly a twist there and I didn't see it coming. In fact there are quite a few twists and turns.
This of course is my own opinion. I can see from other reviews it is popular. If we all liked the same books it would make book club discussions very boring.
It's just not for me.
October 8, 2021
Thank you Net Galley for an advance copy of this book. I previously enjoyed the writer's debut novel "The Witchfinder's Sister" and this most recent offering did not disappoint. This novel was set in Cornwall in two distinct years, 1918 and 1888. This book has gothic elements with a distinct "Rebecca" feel to it. The writer is a natural storyteller and developed the characters well, so overall a captivating read. A good old fashioned style mystery, that kept me turning the pages and and I looked forward to opening this each evening. So, if you like to be lured in by abandoned manor homes with secrets and mysteries then this could work for you. Already looking forward to her next offering.
January 10, 2022
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Penguin UK for approving me for an ARC of this book.
I buddy read this with one of my book club friends. As historical fiction lovers we were both excited to read this one. From the synopsis I had expected something quite dark and gothic. I wasn’t disappointed.
The story flicks between two time periods, 1888 and 1918. In the earlier time Ivy and her father (a doctor) are summoned to a house fire at Polneath house where young William, aged seven, has sadly died in the fire. From there Ivy attends the house to look after Agnes, the housemaid, who has been accused of starting the fire and therefore murdering William. From the start it is clear that not all is as it seems. Old Tremain is a cantankerous grump who is hell bent on revenge for his grandson where as his son Edward is distraught at the death of William. Ivy makes it her mission to discover what happened as she does not believe that Agnes is guilty.
In 1918 we once again meet Ivy who is now dealing with her own grief, after her son Tim was killed in action. Her desperation to know how her son was killed leads her to look up her first love, Edward Tremain. As they start to correspond via letters it is clear that they have unfinished business and a lot of regret.
As a reader I desperately wanted to know what happened the night of the fire. I too did not believe Agnes had started it and had my suspicions. From very early on it was clear that everyone, including Ivy, had something to hide. I wasn’t entirely sure who to trust and a lot of my first impressions of the characters changed by then end. The story slowly built in tension and drama, finally revealing the true events of the night of the fire and I for one was pleased with the outcome. This is the perfect read for any historical fiction fan, it’s dark, twisty and full or surprises!
I buddy read this with one of my book club friends. As historical fiction lovers we were both excited to read this one. From the synopsis I had expected something quite dark and gothic. I wasn’t disappointed.
The story flicks between two time periods, 1888 and 1918. In the earlier time Ivy and her father (a doctor) are summoned to a house fire at Polneath house where young William, aged seven, has sadly died in the fire. From there Ivy attends the house to look after Agnes, the housemaid, who has been accused of starting the fire and therefore murdering William. From the start it is clear that not all is as it seems. Old Tremain is a cantankerous grump who is hell bent on revenge for his grandson where as his son Edward is distraught at the death of William. Ivy makes it her mission to discover what happened as she does not believe that Agnes is guilty.
In 1918 we once again meet Ivy who is now dealing with her own grief, after her son Tim was killed in action. Her desperation to know how her son was killed leads her to look up her first love, Edward Tremain. As they start to correspond via letters it is clear that they have unfinished business and a lot of regret.
As a reader I desperately wanted to know what happened the night of the fire. I too did not believe Agnes had started it and had my suspicions. From very early on it was clear that everyone, including Ivy, had something to hide. I wasn’t entirely sure who to trust and a lot of my first impressions of the characters changed by then end. The story slowly built in tension and drama, finally revealing the true events of the night of the fire and I for one was pleased with the outcome. This is the perfect read for any historical fiction fan, it’s dark, twisty and full or surprises!
January 8, 2022
An atmospheric, gothic read set around Cornwall over a dual timeline 1888 and 1918.
The story is told from the point of view of Ivy Cardew who in 1888 is the daughter of the local doctor. He is struggling with his own health but carries on looking after his patients. We are introduced to many interesting characters including the family living in Polneath House and their few servants.
Ivy and her father are summoned one night when a fire breaks out in the house and 7 year old William, the son of Edward Tremain, dies after he has been locked in a bedroom. There is an inquest and Ivy is determined to get to the bottom of what happened. Old Mr Tremain seems to have an obsession with locking doors and keeping the keys to himself. Could he have locked the door? Why was he hiding in Anges, the maid’s room and why wasn’t she in her room? Why were her bags packed ready to leave?
In the 1918 section, Ivy has married Richard Boscawen who is the coroner. She has always regretted not marrying the love of her life, Edward Tremain. She has recently found out her son has been killed in the war, and is determined to find out exactly how he died. When she reads in the deaths section of the newspaper that Edward’s son had died in the war she begins writing to Edward in the hopes of rekindling their friendship and perhaps take it further, now that her husband does not have long to live.
I was engrossed in this chilling story of loss, mystery, and the search for answers, which is so vividly written. It seems no-one in this story is as they appear. There are many secrets and lies to uncover. It is quite a slow burn with revelations happening along the way which eventually reveal the truth of the events on that fateful night in 1888.
A fabulous historical fiction mystery. I look forward to reading more from this author.
The story is told from the point of view of Ivy Cardew who in 1888 is the daughter of the local doctor. He is struggling with his own health but carries on looking after his patients. We are introduced to many interesting characters including the family living in Polneath House and their few servants.
Ivy and her father are summoned one night when a fire breaks out in the house and 7 year old William, the son of Edward Tremain, dies after he has been locked in a bedroom. There is an inquest and Ivy is determined to get to the bottom of what happened. Old Mr Tremain seems to have an obsession with locking doors and keeping the keys to himself. Could he have locked the door? Why was he hiding in Anges, the maid’s room and why wasn’t she in her room? Why were her bags packed ready to leave?
In the 1918 section, Ivy has married Richard Boscawen who is the coroner. She has always regretted not marrying the love of her life, Edward Tremain. She has recently found out her son has been killed in the war, and is determined to find out exactly how he died. When she reads in the deaths section of the newspaper that Edward’s son had died in the war she begins writing to Edward in the hopes of rekindling their friendship and perhaps take it further, now that her husband does not have long to live.
I was engrossed in this chilling story of loss, mystery, and the search for answers, which is so vividly written. It seems no-one in this story is as they appear. There are many secrets and lies to uncover. It is quite a slow burn with revelations happening along the way which eventually reveal the truth of the events on that fateful night in 1888.
A fabulous historical fiction mystery. I look forward to reading more from this author.
November 29, 2021
If you are looking for an atmospheric gothic mystery, then look no further! I found this to be one of those stories that keeps you guessing, and gets you emotionally involved with the characters as secrets begin to reveal a shocking past!
Told over 2 time periods - 1918 and 1888 - we are following the story of Ivy who is struggling to come to terms with the loss of her son Tim 10 months earlier. She's going through the motions and trying to make sense of it all and hearing stories back from the war makes her want to know more of what exactly led to his death.
But it also triggers memories of 30 years ago when another boy died in traumatic circumstances, and she's been left haunted by his death ever since. The story flits between the 2 timelines seamlessly and both are full of mystery, deception and tragedy.
As both storylines play out, the mysteries hanging over the deaths start to reveal themselves and I loved the way it's all revealed and the emotions of the main characters are explored. There's mysteries for Ivy to uncover, all while trying to balance her emotions and find comfort or distraction in her quest to uncover the truth. A really absorbing story.
Told over 2 time periods - 1918 and 1888 - we are following the story of Ivy who is struggling to come to terms with the loss of her son Tim 10 months earlier. She's going through the motions and trying to make sense of it all and hearing stories back from the war makes her want to know more of what exactly led to his death.
But it also triggers memories of 30 years ago when another boy died in traumatic circumstances, and she's been left haunted by his death ever since. The story flits between the 2 timelines seamlessly and both are full of mystery, deception and tragedy.
As both storylines play out, the mysteries hanging over the deaths start to reveal themselves and I loved the way it's all revealed and the emotions of the main characters are explored. There's mysteries for Ivy to uncover, all while trying to balance her emotions and find comfort or distraction in her quest to uncover the truth. A really absorbing story.
January 31, 2022
The Key In The Lock, Beth Underdown
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: General Fiction, Historical Fiction
That summary has echoes of Rebecca, but its a very different story. Its sad. Full of twists and turns and at the end all I could think of what what a lots of lives destroyed one way or another. Partly through wicked people. Partly through trying to get past the strictures of the time on women, and those without long pockets.
I loved The Witch-finders Sister, but this one didn't have that magic for me. Its very well written, I think maybe its the characters I just didn't connect with in the same way. For me I need to like – or at last feel something – for the main characters and here somehow I just couldn't feel empathy, sympathy, and kind of deep emotion for them. They acted in ways I found hard to accept even as I understood why. And of course there's that time period, it is hard now to understand just how much more flawed the law was then, how women and the poor could lose everything through actions they had little control over. Maybe I'm being a bit too harsh on some of them.
The story is full of tragedy, a mystery of a child's death, the sadness of young lives lost during the great War. Ivy is grieving and it brings back memories she'd pushed aside, and makes her determined to find the truth. Will the truth set her mind at rest as she thinks, or will it bring forth more sadness?
Stars: Three, its a beautifully written story but for me the characters made it difficult to enjoy.
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: General Fiction, Historical Fiction
That summary has echoes of Rebecca, but its a very different story. Its sad. Full of twists and turns and at the end all I could think of what what a lots of lives destroyed one way or another. Partly through wicked people. Partly through trying to get past the strictures of the time on women, and those without long pockets.
I loved The Witch-finders Sister, but this one didn't have that magic for me. Its very well written, I think maybe its the characters I just didn't connect with in the same way. For me I need to like – or at last feel something – for the main characters and here somehow I just couldn't feel empathy, sympathy, and kind of deep emotion for them. They acted in ways I found hard to accept even as I understood why. And of course there's that time period, it is hard now to understand just how much more flawed the law was then, how women and the poor could lose everything through actions they had little control over. Maybe I'm being a bit too harsh on some of them.
The story is full of tragedy, a mystery of a child's death, the sadness of young lives lost during the great War. Ivy is grieving and it brings back memories she'd pushed aside, and makes her determined to find the truth. Will the truth set her mind at rest as she thinks, or will it bring forth more sadness?
Stars: Three, its a beautifully written story but for me the characters made it difficult to enjoy.
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers
September 29, 2021
4+ stars
There's something a bit special about this book I just can't put my finger on.
I can definitely agree on the Dumarier vibes.
It tells a story,and it tells it well.
A release of information at just the right pace,and little twists that took me by surprise .
I bought the witchfinders sister for a few people,I'll be buying this for a few more.
There's something a bit special about this book I just can't put my finger on.
I can definitely agree on the Dumarier vibes.
It tells a story,and it tells it well.
A release of information at just the right pace,and little twists that took me by surprise .
I bought the witchfinders sister for a few people,I'll be buying this for a few more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 312 reviews