Fine, but not not dazzling

Didn't really grip me. The story was ok but not that interesting, didn't keep you wanting more - the ending could be predicted a mile off. The characters were a bit flat. It was never clear or believable why any of the characters actually liked or connected with each other - nothing attractive or interesting in any of them. You couldn't get invested in any of them. Narration was generally ok, except for the fact that no one had bothered to make sure the narrator could pronounce numerous words or names, e.g. Émile Zola, chaise lounge... I lost count of the many examples. It was jarring.

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Superb story telling!

I loved this story so much that at the end I restarted it and listened right through again. She’s so good at describing her inner process, but also the fascinating environment of the Cloisters and the characters populating it. And the twists and turns are so well plotted! I didn’t see the reveal coming until it arrived. Highly recommended! And well read, which matters a lot to me.

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Disappointing

A great idea, poorly executed. Frothy & light throughout where it could have been really deliciously dark & intriguing. Unfortunately I think that this was exacerbated by the narrator. Her intonation is flat and on a monotone with the occasional exception in weirdly unexpected places. Her pronunciation is terrible, particularly on key words such as Renaissance and Medieval. There’s simply no life or emotion in her reading.

It could have been so, so good but just missed the mark.

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A book that could have been better

I was excited about the tarot card theme of this book and the plot building up, but it fizzled out before gaining momentum.

Stupendously mediocre

Most mediocre book packaged up nicely. Wants to be The Secret History so badly. Read Donna Tartt instead or M.L. Rio.

Not the best

I thought I would give this a go but wasn’t impressed with the story or the characters. No depth to it . Not very good descriptions for the characters or places.

Where’s the punchline?

The vocal is not quite right, it might be because the authoress is older than her characters, it shows. It could have been balanced my a more youthful voice. I don’t think I’ll finish this, or I’ll rewrite it in the loo.

Lead in by mystery’s and tarot

Pretentious / too wordy for the sake of it. More story and characters required but good for back drop and scene setting. Felt like the author was showing off art history knowledge rather than getting to the story. Pleased with ending. Picked up lace last 5 chapters which i enjoyed. Despite having take an art history!

Mawkish, sloppy, romantic drivel

Pitched as a gothic mystery, you’ll be sorely disappointed if you’re expecting anything literary or interesting. This is Mills & Boon territory. Poorly drawn characters, a lazy plot and some seriously bad dialogue. It all felt so schmaltzy. Ugh.

Interesting descriptive read

I really like the descriptive way this story has been written. Even although I found it quite predictable I enjoyed the story. X