When Stina and Jack move to an old rural cottage, they’re hoping for a fresh start. Their new home is run-down compared to their neighbour’s, but generous Mrs Barley quickly becomes a friend.
Until Stina sees a mysterious figure in the widow’s garden, and her happy new life begins to unravel. And when she hears strange noises in the night, she is forced to question if Mrs Barley is what she seems.
Why do the other villagers whisper about her? Why is she so eager to help the couple? And what is she hiding in her picture-perfect home?
Newly married, pregnant, and slightly neurotic, Stina moves into a rural cottage with her husband, where they plan to raise their child. In case you are confused that this cottage shares a wall and an attic with their elderly neighbor it's what would be a duplex in America, but a semi detached cottage in England. Stina is home alone most of the time while her husband is working as a veterinarian. She strikes up a friendship with her neighbor Mrs. Barley, an elderly widow who seems to be disliked by most of the other people in town. At first Jack and Stina can't believe anyone could be hateful towards such a sweet old lady, but after hearing some rumors that she might be a witch and seeing how quickly her moods can change Stina starts to wonder if perhaps people have good reason to avoid her. That along with some strange night time noises and a visitor only Stina seems to see, put her on edge and make her question whether this is a safe place to bring up a new baby.
I was expecting a psychological thriller but this reads more like a slow paced mystery. I had a hard time relating to any of the characters. The villagers were quite fond of gossip, and Stina seemed too easily swayed by it. Some people may be shocked at the possibility that a person could be a witch, but in this day and age when religious persecution is supposed to be long past I don't think most people would begrudge someone their beliefs or practices.
Jack and Stina have their own secrets which are very slow to be revealed. The end was surprising but I think this book could have been shortened by about 60 pages. It did mostly hold my interest but I did not need or care for the flashbacks to how Stina met her only friend, or how she fell in love with Jack.
3 out of 5 stars
I received an advance copy for review.
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