msvenner's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars? 4 stars? I’m not sure. I found the story long and a bit convoluted but I really liked the writing and character development. I may save the next one for the holidays.
perfectsham's review
1.0
I wanted to like this but it's complete rubbish. The main character who's apparently the central figure in a whole series of books, is utterly useless and does almost nothing to move the plot along. I honestly can't see the point of her. Also, it was very obviously written in the 90's and really hasn't aged well.
balthazarlawson's review against another edition
1.0
Rubbish. That's the best I can say about this book that would be better described as a collection of story lines for a day time soap opera.
Way, way too long. And goes no where for so long but comes to a sudden end.
Pass.
Way, way too long. And goes no where for so long but comes to a sudden end.
Pass.
starknits13's review against another edition
4.0
While this book was a slower-paced book, I really enjoyed the world-building and character development.
It really was a true mystery and in a small English town so super creepy b/c it could actually happen.
It really was a true mystery and in a small English town so super creepy b/c it could actually happen.
didactylos's review against another edition
4.0
Surprised at how much I enjoyed this, not what I'd have gone for initially - had assumed ti was another historical novel like the other one I read. Perhaps a little overpopulated with characters, but it all gets sorted in the end and pretty unpleasant stuff.
megan_prairierose's review against another edition
3.0
The writing style is quite hard to follow, I find that Midwinter in the Spirit is easier to read.
However, It reminds me of all those BBC Murder Mystery shows I used to watch, so stick with it and read the rest of the series!
However, It reminds me of all those BBC Murder Mystery shows I used to watch, so stick with it and read the rest of the series!
thelaurasaurus's review against another edition
2.0
I liked the English countryside setting, and it was interesting to read something set around the time when women were first being ordained as priests. However, the pacing felt weird - a lot of the book is spent with people telling other people to talk to someone else, and then nobody actually having those conversations. When we finally got there, the ending Desipte the low rating, I think I would like to read the next book at some point to see what happens next…
Reading challenge: I’ve sorted my Goodreads list by date added, and I’m going back to the start. I’ll be reading one book added in each year, starting in 2015, working forward, and then repeating until I get bored (which won’t be long). This is book 4 of the catchupathon, 2018.
Reason for putting off reading: I’m not sure how, but I thought this book was set in Brussels (where I used to live). It quickly became apparent after I’d bought it that it wasn’t, so I’ve essentially been sulking for four years. Also, it’s on my Kindle, and I have a strong preference for a physical book.
Spoiler
felt rushed and was also a very strange and confusing cliffhanger!Reading challenge: I’ve sorted my Goodreads list by date added, and I’m going back to the start. I’ll be reading one book added in each year, starting in 2015, working forward, and then repeating until I get bored (which won’t be long). This is book 4 of the catchupathon, 2018.
Reason for putting off reading: I’m not sure how, but I thought this book was set in Brussels (where I used to live). It quickly became apparent after I’d bought it that it wasn’t, so I’ve essentially been sulking for four years. Also, it’s on my Kindle, and I have a strong preference for a physical book.
andrew61's review against another edition
3.0
This was a new author for me although I have subsequently seen that one of the books has been adapted for ITV which I may explore. The book is part crime part supernatural thriller set in a apparently idyllic Herefordshire village with pretty church and blossoming apple orchard. merrily Watkins is the newly appointed vicar for the parish and she arrives with her teenage daughter, plenty of emotional baggage and resistance from some parishioners to a female vicar. We soon learn of potential ghostly presences in the vicarage and sinister historic events in the orchard as a local playwright seeks to perform a re-enactment of one of those events from the time of witch trials. The book had a lot of goose bump moments and the plot had me hooked. some characters were a little clichéd and at times felt a bit "Midsummer murder" ish however I enjoyed the read and liked many of the characters. However at over 600 pages long it perhaps could have lost some of the length without losing the tension. I will definitely try more.
auntblh's review against another edition
2.0
I haven't given up on this book just yet but I haven't connected with any of the characters. I might pick it up again. I was hoping for more out of it since it was recommended by Diana Gabaldon.
nipomuki's review
4.0
This was recommended to me by a good friend, and it is a perfect example why I hesitate to read mysteries: I finished it at four in the morning, and while reading the atmosphere of the book did influence my real life and my sleep. It is fascinating stuff, well written and with a satisfying conclusion. But do I want to feel those feelings? Back to romance and happiness for now.