The Setting: Idlewild Hall, an isolated boarding school in Vermont for girls that no one else wants. (It also happens to be haunted.)
The main character/narrator: Fiona Sherida, a freelance writer whose sister was murdered 20 years ago. She's stubborn and fiercely independent and determined to uncover the secrets of Idlewild Hall.
The ghost: the mysterious Mary Hand, who roams the grounds of Idlewild, bringing people's worst nightmares to life. But who was she in real life?
If you couldn't tell, I liked this one a lot! It's fast-faced, deftly written and practically impossible to put down once you start. The boarding school girls and Fiona are all great characters....I was quickly drawn into their stories, and found myself liking each and every one. And the ghost? She's great, too. I just wish she'd had more of a presence. This book felt more weighted on the mystery side of things than the supernatural this time around. But it's still a great read, with a satisfying ending. So...
Happy Reading!
Other St. James titles I've read and reviewed:
:) I really liked this one! I'm always drawn to ghosts and the supernatural, but most books fail to make me believe. The Broken Girls, with its contemporary mystery and its supernatural element was such a great combination!
ReplyDeleteIt really was, wasn't it? St. James is such a good author. :)
DeleteThis is my favourite Simone book so far. I'm glad you loved it, too. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's a great read! My only regret was in finishing it so fast. :)
DeleteI agree -- I was surprised to find that this was more of a mystery than a horror/ghost novel. I didn't mind, though. It had the creepy atmosphere and the "What is real?" vibe and you're right, it was IMPOSSIBLE to put down. Glad you enjoyed it as well :)
ReplyDeleteIt does have a very creepy atmosphere throughout. :)
DeleteI haven’t read this one yet so you’re not the only one. I have it on hold on overdrive. Hopefully it gets in soon.
ReplyDeleteOh, good. I'm glad I'm not the last. ;D
DeleteI have this one on my TBR list. Ever since I read Lois Duncan's "Down a Dark Hall" years ago, I have loved the concept of haunted boarding school, haha. Looks like this one will be a fun read.
ReplyDeleteDown A Dark Hall is a classic! I should reread that this summer. :)
DeleteA ghost/mystery story set in a girls boarding school for misfits sounds great! My library has it too!
ReplyDeleteOh, yay! I hope you enjoy it. Have you ever read this author before?
DeleteNope! This book would be my first title from her. :D
DeleteIf you like this one, then be sure to try Inquiry Into Love and Death; it's my favorite. :)
DeleteThanks for this review, Lark. I want to read more in the suspense genre and am curious about novels that feature ghosts as characters and this novel sounds really good so I will put it on my list
ReplyDeleteShe's a good author. I've enjoyed all the books I've read by her. :)
DeleteI've never read St. James! I feel like I'm missing out.
ReplyDeleteYou should give one of her books a try. They're suspenseful, and some of her ghosts are pretty creepy and scary. :)
DeleteI've read so many great reviews of this one and I do have it but just haven't gotten to it. Sounds like such a great read!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read this one!
ReplyDeleteSt. James has written another good one! :)
Deletethis looks so good. I have my eye on it for a while. I have never read this author before and very curious about this one. I am glad to see you loved it. I think I will love the setting as well.
ReplyDeleteI love this author! I would recommend any one of her books, especially if you like ghosts and a touch of the supernatural in your mysteries. :)
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