Now this book was a little gem I found a few years ago on the clearance shelf at Half Price Books. Since then it has become my favorite book and I have re-read it many times. There are so many highlighted and underlined things in my copy and honestly, I find something new every time.
Here’s a description of the book:
“In her award-winning novel*, Natasha Mostert blends alchemy, the art of memory, high magic and murder to create a highly original psychological thriller. Gabriel Blackstone is a cool, hip, thoroughly twenty-first century Londoner with an unusual talent. A computer hacker by trade, he is also a remote viewer: able to ‘slam a ride’ through the minds of others. But he uses his gift only reluctantly – until he is asked to find a young man last seen months earlier at Monk House, in the company of two mysterious women. Gabriel becomes increasingly bewitched by the house, and by its owners, the beautiful Monk sisters. But even as he falls in love, he suspects that one of them is a killer. But which one? And what is the secret they are so determined to protect”
It sounds like a lot but it really isn’t. Once you read the book, everything falls into place. The writing is so beautiful that it’s almost like poetry at some points, and no matter how many times I’ve read it; I’m still fascinated.
While Gabriel is a complex and compelling character on his own. The Monk sisters are by far my favorite aspect of the book. Morrighan & Minnaloushe Monk are two beautiful, intelligent, and powerful women. Even though I already used the word ‘compelling’ but it’s truly the best way to describe the two of them. Minnaloushe is the softer one of the sisters and Morrighan is a powerhouse. Both compliment each other in different ways but at the same time, they couldn’t be any more different. I identify with aspects of the both of them. I think just about anyone could.
There is so much I wanna say, but this is a spoiler free review of the book. I fell in love with it and I am still in love with it. The twists keep you reeling and the secret the Monk sisters are trying to protect comes as a shocking surprise. Something completely surreal and ultimately beautiful; if not a little frightening.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone and everyone.
A. Rose
