My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Last week I read my first T. Kingfisher book, A House With Good Bones, and liked it so much that I decided to get stuck into another one.
It's 1899 and when her father dies, Sonia Wilson is all alone in the world. After teaching for a while, she finally gets a job where she can use her illustration skills. The reclusive Dr. Halder hires her to illustrate his collection of insects, and she finds herself in North Carolina. But all isn't as it seems and the doctor has too many secrets...
This is another totally addictive story. I was hooked instantly. And the funny thing is that the storyline deals with insects again. Trust me to pick up her insect books first. 😅
Personally, I like a good slow burn story that fills the page with tension and enough weirdness to keep me interested. Which is exactly what Sonia's tale turns out to be.
Told in Sonia's POV, the story is about a single woman who finally gets a job that offers her the chance to showcase her expertise by providing bug illustrations for a grumpy entomologist's book. She works hard to impress the old bastard and is happy when he accepts the drawings. Even though he never compliments her and is definitely hiding something, she needs the job and pushes on.
Until her curiosity gets the better of her and Sonia starts trying to find answers to questions she shouldn't be asking. At least she's staying in a lovely room and can enjoy the woods. Plus she likes spending time with the married couple who take care of the manor.
I really liked Mrs. and Mr. Kent. Rose and Jackson are a nice and resourceful couple who genuinely care about each other, and are quick to accept others. I also think Ma Kersey is a great addition to the cast. Not to mention Saul.
Yeah, this is another intriguing and very squirmy story, but it's also excellent. Looks like this author has a knack for creating interesting and inquisitive female characters who keep me glued to the page. And she's good at introducing an intoxicating mystery that fills the narrative with an undercurrent of dread until all the threads come together.
Glad I've got more T. Kingfisher books on my Paperwhite!
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