The good thing about trying to read different genres is that it widens my preference, which means there are more books to like and read.
This book works well as a standalone; it’s a complete story and doesn’t rely on the predecessor. Readers are soon immersed in the settings and backgrounds, where we read the story from three different points of view. It’s a curious mixture between first person and third person, but it works for the content and experience as we follow one main character more than the rest.
From the patient progression of the plot, we see the character interacting and changing. I appreciate the patient story-telling, especially when it is captivating, like this book. However, it is concluded in the ending that I personally feel is too rushed. It’s contradictory that we learn about almost everything in detail at the beginning, middle, and near the end, but there are many things left unanswered at the very end. It tries hard to protect and detour readers from the actual killer, but it ends up unexplained.
Continue to spoiler review
What did Rachel and Cecil do, and why did they follow the last victim?
Why Bradstone affects Rachel that much if she is not his ‘vessel’?
So Cecil’s only motives are money and lust?
If everyone is affected that Bradstone brings up the worst in them, it’s unclear, even though it was discussed briefly. It’s also curious that some seem unaffected, and some are affected very badly. Gabriel remains logical and heroic, while Cecil is the reincarnation of evil. The level differs between the women, servants, and guests too. That could be intentional, but it would be great if the conclusion were more evident.
The book is beautifully written, especially on the art of painting. It brings me back to the rich era, and I secretly wish there were illustrations that accompany the book.
4 out of 5 stars
