Moonstone

I read an eARC of this book so thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley.

What a wonderfully entertaining take on a particular type of monster novel. An isolated gothic setting, a scandal, a family with secrets and a growing terror. All ingredients to make an excellent book!

Our main character is sent to live with her godmother in Yorkshire after a scandal. She is told her cousin is very ill and she must follow very restrictive rules so as not to make it worse. She can’t understand how the rules are linked to an illness. The more she learns and the more secretive her aunt is, the more suspicious she becomes and starts to expect something nefarious is happening.

The setting was perfect, the rural and isolated hunting lodge made for a believable location for the strange occurrences that take place. Our main character is not only isolated geographically but also socially while she waits for the scandal to abate.

Our main character is by no means perfect, her suspiciousness and self interest means she causes suffering for those around her. However her godmother’s refusal to explain what is happening only exacerbates the situation. We have two characters with who both believe what they’re are doing is right, but conflict in that belief which slowly compounds the danger they are all in.

An excellent take on this kind of horror trope, very enjoyable to read.