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A review by laurenjodi
Gather the Bones by Alison Stuart
3.0
Gather the Bones
3 Stars
After losing her husband in the Great War, Helen Morrow visits his family estate in the UK and becomes embroiled in a centuries-old mystery. Haunted by the ghosts of the past, Helen and her late husband's cousin, Paul, must work together to uncover the clues or they will find neither peace nor happiness.
Unfortunately, the slow pacing and poor execution undermine an otherwise excellent premise.
The dual mysteries with their shared wartime theme, the Napoleanic Wars and the Great War, are compelling. However, the inclusion of paranormal elements is unnecessary and actually detracts from the storyline as the characters are preoccupied with the ghosts rather than the investigation. Moreover, the ultimate explanations for both mysteries are rather lackluster. The culprit in the 19th-century case is obvious from the start and the revelations concerning Charlie's death are not nearly as dramatic as expected.
The romance between Helen and Paul also has potential; however, Paul's vacillations and Helen's willingness to put a damper on their relationship.
All in all, an OK read but not one of the best in the genre.
3 Stars
After losing her husband in the Great War, Helen Morrow visits his family estate in the UK and becomes embroiled in a centuries-old mystery. Haunted by the ghosts of the past, Helen and her late husband's cousin, Paul, must work together to uncover the clues or they will find neither peace nor happiness.
Unfortunately, the slow pacing and poor execution undermine an otherwise excellent premise.
The dual mysteries with their shared wartime theme, the Napoleanic Wars and the Great War, are compelling. However, the inclusion of paranormal elements is unnecessary and actually detracts from the storyline as the characters are preoccupied with the ghosts rather than the investigation. Moreover, the ultimate explanations for both mysteries are rather lackluster. The culprit in the 19th-century case is obvious from the start and the revelations concerning Charlie's death are not nearly as dramatic as expected.
The romance between Helen and Paul also has potential; however, Paul's vacillations and Helen's willingness to
Spoiler
marry another manAll in all, an OK read but not one of the best in the genre.