A review by smalltownbookmom
Ashton Hall by Lauren Belfer

4.0

I love a good dual timeline historical mystery! This book gave me tons of Possession vibes with a great investigation into a dead Elizabethan woman's past life in an English manor house, Ashton Hall. Staying at Ashton Hall for the summer, American mother Hannah Larson and her son Nicky get wrapped up in the history of the house when Nicky discovers a dead body hidden in the walls. I loved how Hannah and Nicky both get drawn into figuring out what the dead woman's life was like and the focus on what mothering a child with special needs is like through Hannah's eyes. Her son has an undiagnosed condition (somewhere along the lines of ADHD or Autism, with a unique violent tendency). Great on audio and perfect for fans of Kate Morton or AS Byatt, I got sucked into this story right from the start and didn't want it to end. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!