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MY REVIEW
Absolutely a freaky atmospheric read. My first Tudor book gripped me right from the first page. Sheer talent flowed down the pages as the author combined gothic horror with a murder mystery. This was UNPUTDOWNABLE
A kickass heroine, Vicar Jack and her daughter Flo were my main characters. JACK was forced to move to the creepiest place on earth, Chapel Croft, supposedly haunted too.
The history of the place had me shivering. 500 years ago 8 protestant martyrs, among which were 2 children were burned alive and 30 years ago, 2 teens disappeared from their homes.
Haunting descriptions, there was something so eerie about the place that a shiver ran down my spine when the Vicar and daughter started seeing the ghost of the burning girls. They seemed to be surrounded by evil and unspeakable silence.
The villagers too were quite weird, hiding their secrets behind civility, it took all of Jack’s determination to get to the bottom of the truth. Evil seeped through sometimes so subtly that it took me unawares. The death of the previous Vicar at the chapel added to the murky depths of this place.
The pages flew fast even when I spent every moment in the heart pounding terror of this place. Nightmares abounded for both Jack and me. I knew I shouldn’t started the book at midnight, but I was so tempted. I got the audiobook too, I just couldn’t resist the lure of listening to the story.
The past and present were interweaved finely with many characters and multiple POVs. The ending was electrifying, i couldn’t sleep post reading the book. Yet so worth reading at midnight.
What could I say more at the end of the review? One has got to read a Tudor book just to enjoy the brilliant style of writing.
MY RATING
BOOK LINKS
AMAZON USA: https://amzn.to/2KQyGpy
AMAZON UK: https://amzn.to/368W60J
BOOK BLURB
500 years ago: eight martyrs were burnt to death
30 years ago: two teenagers vanished without trace
Two months ago: the vicar committed suicide
Welcome to Chapel Croft.
For Rev Jack Brooks and teenage daughter Flo it’s supposed to be a fresh start. New job, new home. But, as Jack knows, the past isn’t easily forgotten.
And in a close-knit community where the residents seem as proud as they are haunted by Chapel Croft’s history, Jack must tread carefully. Ancient superstitions as well as a mistrust of outsiders will be hard to overcome.
Yet right away Jack has more frightening concerns.
Why is Flo plagued by visions of burning girls?
Who’s sending them sinister, threatening messages?
And why did no one mention that the last vicar killed himself?
Chapel Croft’s secrets lie deep and dark as the tomb. Jack wouldn’t touch them if not for Flo – anything to protect Flo.
But the past is catching up with Chapel Croft – and with Jack. For old ghosts with scores to settle will never rest .
BOOK DETAILS
Publication Date: January 2021
Many thanks to Gaby and Michael Joseph and Penguin UK Books for my spot on the Blog Tour.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher, and this is my journey down its pages, straight from the heart. STRICTLY HONEST and UNBIASED.
All my reviews can be found here.
21 Responses
Loved this book too! Terrific review, Shalini!
My NG request is still pending – this sounds divine and with your seal of approval – it is now a must-have!
I’ve seen this one around a lot. I’ve been meaning to get to it!
I hope you enjoy it too
Thank you so much ❤️
Have loved all her previous books and can’t wait to pick this one up!! Great review Shalini!!
I haven’t read the others. Which one should I pick up?
Definitely The Chalk Man!!
Start with the Chalk Man Shalini, the debut was a choking thriller🔥
I have been recommended that book. Hoping for a sale to buy it… 😂
I’ve read a couple of her other books and decided this one was the CEs turn. Predictably, I believe he also gave a 5 star rating–but you gotta say–her books are spellbinding. and unique.
Am yet to read a cj Tudor book.. 😌
I am sure you would love this when you get to it. I heard Chalk man is pretty good too
Yes.. want to read her books as soon as possible 😃
Okay then, I have to read this one. It will be my first one by the author too. Great review, Shalini.
I read others by her with another publisher. This was quite a fast read. Once the first few chapters are gone, it goes much faster
Gothic horror? Sold!! 😍 This one sounds really good!
This really was. I got the audio version too as I loved the sample so I read/heard the book.
Great review Shalini. I was declined for this one on NG, but I am still going to read or listen to it. Good to know that you enjoyed the audio version. it sounds so good.
I have to get to this, so much catching up to do 🙄. Great review 👌
Thank you so much. I am behind in my blog hops too. My time management needs to be better