I've read two other books by Kate Morton: The Distant Hours and The Secret Keeper . Both books were poetically written, atmospheric, mysterious and tragic. And I was satisfied with both. Therefore, I did go into this book with expectations because I am familiar with her style, and my expectations were met in the first-half. This book started off in true Morton style, but the second half crashed and burned for me because it feels rushed and has holes in. Summary The Clockmaker's Daughter by Kate Morton is a mix of historical fiction and mystery. Readers are taken on a journey across time to put the pieces together about what happened at Birchwood Manor during the summer of 1862 where a robbery, a murder and a disappearance occurred. Members of the Magenta Brotherhood gathered for a summer at renowned painter Edward Radcliffe's home, Birchwood Manor. Edward, his sister, his favorite model and some friends worked on their artistic projects and enjoyed their time together
A Night In The Lonesome October by Roger Zelazny is a good enthralling read. It's a book that groups together Jack the Ripper, Dracula, Frankenstein and others into a ritual that dictates the opening and closing of a Hellish place. These characters each have a pet, find ingredients for their success in the ritual and are at odds with each other because each one is either a 'Closer' or 'Opener'. The book is narrated by Jack's pet, Snuff, who is not all that he seems either. Sherlock Holmes is ever present, though, his role is not clear until the end. I enjoyed the book especially because it gathers the famous myths and legends together in a different environment. It must be quite a challenge for the author to try to faithfully design the known characters to common knowledge. The plot is also a creative way to depict why Jack was on the killing spree; in this case, it was for the collecting of ingredients for the ritual. I recommend this book. Perfect for an October thriller!
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