Opening sentence: “Love is fragile, my mother once said.” Since I discovered Laura Purcell’s books earlier this year, I have become quite the fan. She has her signature tone and style locked down and if you too adore Gothic novels that are written in an engaging, clever, sophisticated way, then you’d better pick up a […]
Read More
Opening sentence: “‘If you’ll permit me’, said the Stranger, ‘I’d like to tell you a story.’” The Stranger Diaries is brilliant for this reason: it has all the atmosphere and chills of a Gothic novel BUT it’s in a modern day setting AND there’s a good-old detective on the trail of a killer theme mixed […]
Read More
Opening sentence: “The new doctor took her by surprise.” When a book comes with a quote on the cover from the legendary Susan Hill (‘Terrific. The perfect setting, great build-up, chilling. What more could you want?’), you know you’re in for a great read. The Silent Companions was Laura Purcell’s debut novel and is a […]
Read More
Opening sentence: “My sainted mother taught me the seven acts of corporeal mercy: to feed the hungry; refresh the thirsty; clothe the naked; shelter the traveller; comfort the sick; visit those imprisoned; and bury the dead.” I am not being hyperbolic when I say that I adored every single page of this book. The Corset […]
Read More