Review: Charming and Creepy Gothic Tale
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 03 29, 2014
I don’t read historical fiction very often, but I’m so glad I read this one! The premise captured me from the first instant. Why on earth would someone want his head cut off? Little by little, the puzzle unravels, and it all starts to make sense.There were so many things I loved about this story. The main character is as sweet as she is brave. Even though she must defy the customs of the time and endanger herself, she's so ethical and loyal that she doesn't back down from her duty. All the characters are vibrant, quirky-but-realistic people who made me feel right at home. I could have read an entire novel featuring these characters and enjoyed every minute. The most delightful thing was the attention paid to the time period. All the details -- the dress, morals, and mode of speech -- were perfect. Even the settings were perfect, from drawing rooms, to servants’ quarters, to an eerie cemetery. This is a soft-toned horror story, shaded in velvety hues, like the sepia prints of the Victorian Gothic time period. Everything blends perfectly to create a wonderful reading experience. I can’t wait to read more by this author!