Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for gifting me a digital ARC of the new novel by Emily Critchley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!
It's 1938 and Gillian Larkin is sent away to school while her dad is an expat in Egypt with his new wife and son. She's used to being a loner but is befriended by her roommate, Violet Claybourne. Gilly is thrilled when Violet invites her to spend Christmas with her family at Thornleigh Hall. Gilly is dazzled by the family's wealth and glamour, and especially by Violet's older sisters. But when there is a terrible accident on the grounds, Gilly's loyalty and conscience are put to the test.
I was a big fan of the author's previous book, One Puzzling Afternoon, and was excited to read her latest. This book has such a gothic, dark feel, full of unlikeable characters that drip with privilege and secrets, and who will do anything to protect themselves. Told from Ginny's prospective, we feel her need to fit in at all costs and her resulting devastating decisions. I felt for Violet and her undoings (OCDd behaviors). It's a heartbreaking story, full of betrayal and gaslighting, but it will keep you turning the pages well into the night.
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