This Week in Books (10th May, 2023)

Hosted by Lipsy Lost and Found, my Wednesday post gives you a taste of what I’m reading this week. A similar meme is run by Taking on a World of Words. 

| LAST BOOK I FINISHED READING |

I have come to Fyneshade Hall to take up a position as governess. Many would find much to fear in its dark and crumbling corridors, its unseen master and silent servants. But not I. For they have far more to fear from me…

On the day of her grandmother’s funeral, Marta discovers that she is to be sent away from the only home she has ever known. Away from her aunt who despises her, and the man she has been forbidden to marry. She is to be governess at Fyneshade Hall, her charge the young daughter of the owner, Sir William Pritchard.

All is not well at Fyneshade. Sir William never stirs from his room, and his son and heir Vaughan Pritchard is forbidden to enter the house. Marta finds herself drawn to him, despite the warnings of the housekeeper, Mrs Petrie, that Vaughan is a danger to all around him. But Marta is no innocent to be preyed upon. Guided by the dark gift taught to her by her grandmother, she has made her own plans. It will take more than a family riven by murderous secrets to stop her…

[I was conflicted while reading, and even more conflicted while writing my review so basically I just ended up confused and with a headache. You’ll have to wait until Tuesday to find out more 😉.]

| THE BOOK I’M CURRENTLY READING |

Summer 1982. Deep in the Adirondack Mountains, over three hundred people live off-grid in a secret community. Atlas is a refuge for broken souls who long for a different life. Founded by the enigmatic Sol, the group now prepares for their final ceremony: the opening of the Golden Door. They believe they will cross to another world, to a new life where their past decisions never ended in tragedy.

James Morrow is a rookie New York City reporter intent on making his name with an exposé of the crazy cult in the woods. He secures an invitation to the camp on the condition he tell the world of its wonders, but James is a sceptic. He’s sure there must be more to the mysterious leader and his endgame than his followers have signed up for.

James soon finds there is a darker side to the cult beyond the prayers and yellow robes. A group of children are treated like gods, there are iron strips embedded in the earth, and nobody talks about what’s behind the gates of Sol’s private sanctuary. As James learns the stories of the members and how they came to be there, he begins to understand the desperate nature of their beliefs – a desperation he knows all too well.

As the final ceremony draws near, James must ask himself: what will it cost them to reach this other life? And is that a price he’s willing to pay?

[30% in and really enjoying this one so far. So many questions that need answers. I really look forward to watching it all unfold.]

| WHAT I’M (PROBABLY) READING NEXT |

Late one evening, as the final church bell rings out, the body of local psychic Sandra Deakin is found in the church’s graveyard with multiple stab wounds. The first on the scene, Detective Kim Stone tries to picture who would carry out such a violent attack. She’s sure of one thing: this murder was deeply personal.

The last people to see Sandra alive were a group of women who had a reading with her the night before she died. As Kim and her team pay them a visit, they soon learn that each of the women is lying about why they wanted Sandra’s help… and that one of them is connected to an unsolved murder.

Kim smashes open a case that has been closed for years, determined to chase down every lead and find justice for both victims. And as she delves into Sandra’s life, she learns that Sandra was banned from the church grounds… and had been receiving death threats.

[Always an exciting time knowing there’s a new Kim Stone waiting at the top of the TBR. Can’t wait to get stuck into this one!]

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How is your reading week shaping up? Do let me know in the comments. Happy reading! xx