This mildly interesting little thriller attempts to go deeper than Ware’s previous novels, In a Dark, Dark Wood and The Woman in Cabin 10. There’s a whole family of characters to get to know and a deeply mysterious housekeeper who Knows More Than She’s Saying. There’s a multitude of mysteries to be solved, and the ins and outs of who’s who and their past relationships becomes quite bewildering at times. The main character also lacks any discernible personality, though that arguably works in her favour as she tries to claim an inheritance she’s convinced is not legitimately hers.
I do like the descriptions of the house and gardens gradually sagging into disprepair and ruin; it’s more difficult to feel for the characters. Competantly written but forgettable.