Koreto adeptly crafts a framework where two murders, 200 years apart, intertwine in an unbelievable synchronicity. As Wren presents the Turnbull family's tragic history to Nicky and his co-actors during the house tour, a death occurs, seemingly linked to the mansion's grim past. Wren's architectural prowess transforms into detective skills as she relates that past to the present crime, and when the murder count starts to increase, her sleuthing efforts become ever more urgent. In contrast, Nicky remains passive and seemingly indifferent, while his young girlfriend Saffron exudes a captivating blend of naïveté and curious obsession with the mansion’s history. Amidst these distinctive characters, seasoned actor Veronica is a peculiar personality, with beguiling charisma and questionable authenticity, adding further mystery to the scene of the crimes.
While the plot occasionally teeters on predictability, and the characters' nonchalance in the face of danger can be unsettling, Koreto maintains suspense by skillfully subverting readers' expectations and inducing doubt, luring fans into a playful whodunnit where each revelation tantalizingly hints at the complex web linking past and present. The narrative's ability to keep readers engrossed in the Turnbull murders, juxtaposed against the contemporary horrors, showcases Koreto's storytelling finesse and makes this thriller a definite page-turner.
Takeaway: A chilling whodunnit of centuries-old murder linked to a sudden series of deaths.
Comparable Titles: John A. Miller Jr.'s The Victorian Mansion Murders, Michelle Birkby's The House at Baker Street.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A
