In the format of an Agatha Christie this is a slightly old fashioned mystery thriller. Set in the peaceful Sussex countryside we know that appearances are deceptive and the Hollow House a very nicely turned out manor is no different. Bought by the affable Mr. Honeyacre for his bride he has refurbished and repaired it to the utmost comfort with staff to match. There is however one catch. Mina Scarletti is invited to suss it out and find out why supernatural occurrences are hindering the happiness and future of the owners.
There are a number of interesting characters. Mina herself a victim of scoliosis, a disease not understood in England of the 1860s, there is Nellie formerly of the stage, Mrs. Honeyacre herself formerly of the stage and then we have lovers and spies for ex husbands, an occultist and a photographer plus the usual staff of a countryside manor.
Unraveling slowly but surely the story is rather complicated but it devolves and the ultimate revelation is timely.
Very nicely told in an older fashioned tradition of Miss Marple, Hercule Poirot and their ilk.
Sent to me by Netgalley for an unbiased review, courtesy of Sapere Books (a new publisher for me).
I've enjoyed this series. Mina is an intriguing character and the belief in the supernatural and the ability to communicate with the dead that was so popular at the time fascinates me. I loved that description of Kitty and her "remarkably supple spine."
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