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A review by torih_reads
How to Seal Your Own Fate by Kristen Perrin
adventurous
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I loved returning to Castle Knoll to solve another murder mystery! Both Annie and Frances are such intriguing characters - it was easy to dive back into their worlds to see what their futures (and fates) beheld.
Most of this novel centers around the events that killed three members of the Gravesdown family, with Frances investigating in 1967 and Annie investigating in the Present Day. There’s so many ramifications from that one event that continue to influence the actions of many of the characters, past and present. I really enjoyed Frances’s continued presence in the novel through her diaries and files, getting to know more about her and Archie’s history, and how Frances came to marry Ford Gravesdown.
The families and characters of Castle Knoll are so intertwined it’s both interesting and hard to keep track of how they all intersect. I do wish there was some sort of family tree, or a recap of the first book’s events at the beginning as they were key to understanding the sequel. The dynamic between Annie and Detective Crane continues to be a highlight, but I hope their relationship takes more of a front seat in future installments, as it ran very hot and cold in this sequel.
Overall, I was engaged throughout the novel with all the twists, turns, and little revelations. I’m excited to see what’s next in store with Annie, as she continues to settle into her role as the heiress of Gravesdown Estate, and how fate and fortunes continue to impact the residents of Castle Knoll. There’s so many more secrets to explore!
Thank you to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Dutton for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Most of this novel centers around the events that killed three members of the Gravesdown family, with Frances investigating in 1967 and Annie investigating in the Present Day. There’s so many ramifications from that one event that continue to influence the actions of many of the characters, past and present. I really enjoyed Frances’s continued presence in the novel through her diaries and files, getting to know more about her and Archie’s history, and how Frances came to marry Ford Gravesdown.
The families and characters of Castle Knoll are so intertwined it’s both interesting and hard to keep track of how they all intersect. I do wish there was some sort of family tree, or a recap of the first book’s events at the beginning as they were key to understanding the sequel. The dynamic between Annie and Detective Crane continues to be a highlight, but I hope their relationship takes more of a front seat in future installments, as it ran very hot and cold in this sequel.
Overall, I was engaged throughout the novel with all the twists, turns, and little revelations. I’m excited to see what’s next in store with Annie, as she continues to settle into her role as the heiress of Gravesdown Estate, and how fate and fortunes continue to impact the residents of Castle Knoll. There’s so many more secrets to explore!
Thank you to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Dutton for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.