English teacher Claire Cassidy has been researching the life and works of R.M. Holland, the reclusive Victorian writer, and teaches at the school located on Holland's estate. When her friend and colleague Ella is murdered, a note with a line from Holland's most well-known work is discovered at the scene.
If this were not disturbing enough, the notes that begin to appear in Claire's diary are in the same handwriting.
From the beginning, this eerie novel with Gothic overtones and allusions creates a feeling of unease and uncertainty.
Without revealing anything, I will note that there was one situation that I found bothered me, but aside from that, the novel kept me glued to the pages, doubting one character after another, and it was not until the author wanted the reader to figure things out that the villain of the piece was clear.
The Stranger Diaries was surprising in several ways, and I loved the Gothic ambiance, the three narrative voices, the connection to the fictional R.M. Holland, and the fact that I didn't solve the puzzle until Griffith's was ready.
The sinister and spooky ambiance was both unsettling and fun--in keeping with a modern Gothic.
The book is a stand-alone, but I'd like to see Elly Griffiths continue this Gothic mystery style or at least give DS Harbinder Kaur another case.
Read in November; blog review scheduled for Feb. 18, 2019
Read in November; blog review scheduled for Feb. 18, 2019
NetGalley/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Mystery/Gothic. March 5, 2018. Print length: 416 pages.
Spooky and fun; that sounds like my kind of books. And all the better it reads as a stand-alone. :)
ReplyDeleteI liked it! Enough Gothic influence in a modern setting and the inability to decide on the malefactor kept me engaged. :p
DeleteI'm moving this one higher up on my To Read list! Everything about it appeals to me. :)
ReplyDeleteI think you might like it, Lark!
DeleteI'm looking forward to reading this one. Elly Griffiths is, of course, a favorite author of mine and yours is not the only positive review I've read of this new standalone. Glad to hear that it's Gothic and suspenseful and, and, and...LOL!
ReplyDeleteI do hope Griffiths will consider making this a series. I liked DS Kaur and I loved the Gothic feeling of the eeriness of the plot!
DeleteHaving notes appear in my notebook that aren't mine would freak me out -- but I don't know about the gothic undertones. Still much to think about from your review!
ReplyDeleteThere is definitely a spooky vibe that accompanies the mystery. :)
DeleteI found your description of this Gothic novel intriguing. Soon I may have time to read and write again.
ReplyDeleteThe ominous diary entries, the atmospheric setting, the red herrings, and the connection to Holland, the Victorian author of a classic ghost story "The Stranger," and the literary allusions all kept me involved.
Delete:) Yes, you have been unbelievably busy for the last few months! You and Ricky will have time to relax before long. Too much fun can be exhausting!
That would really freak me out! This sounds so good! This one may be a good book to start with of her books, being that it is a stand alone.
ReplyDeleteThe writing in your private diary would make you wonder what the heck was happening, wouldn't it?
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