Review-The Anatomy of Ghosts, by Andrew Taylor

THE ANATOMY OF GHOSTS
Andrew Taylor
Hyperion
January 2011,
$24.99, 432 pages
978-1401302870

Book Description from Publisher

“1786, Jerusalem College, Cambridge
The ghost of Sylvia Whichcote is rumored to be haunting Jerusalem ever since student Frank Oldershaw claimed to have seen the dead woman prowling the grounds and was locked up because of his violent reaction to these disturbed visions.
Desperate to salvage her son’s reputation, Lady Anne Oldershaw employs John Holdsworth, author of The Anatomy of Ghosts—a stinging account of why ghosts are mere delusion—to investigate. But his arrival in Cambridge disrupts an uneasy status quo as he glimpses a world of privilege and abuse, where the sinister Holy Ghost Club governs life at Jerusalem more effectively than the Master, Dr. Carbury, ever could. And when Holdsworth finds himself haunted—not only by the ghost of his dead wife, Maria, but also by Elinor, the very-much-alive Master’s wife—his fate is sealed. He must find Sylvia’s murderer, or else the hauntings will continue. And not one of this troubled group will leave the claustrophobic confines of Jerusalem unchanged.

- Hyperion Books

My Review

I don’t often read mysteries, although when I picked up The Anatomy of Ghosts, I was lured into this haunting tale that took place at Jerusalem College, a fictitious campus in 18th century England. I have included the publisher synopsis above and a trailer is available at the Hyperion site,so for the sake of brevity, I will forgo a plot review.

If you have not read anything written by Andrew Taylor, you will definitely want to pick up his newest book. A new author to me, I was charmed throughout. His writing is exciting, each page adds another layer of complexity that complicates and masks the ability to unravel all the ends. There are over twenty intriguing characters who provide a continuous barrage of activity. Each unique and essential, the cast creates a perfect counterpoint to this composition. His writing adds intense clarity with distinct attention to the nuances within each scene. Highly recommended.

Disclosure: This was an ARC sent as a gift from the publisher. My review is my honest unbiased opinion.



© [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner], [2008-2011].

Review-The Little Stranger, by Sarah Waters

The Little Stranger
Sarah Waters
Riverhead Books
2009
978-1-59448-880-1
463 pages






In the years after World War II, Dr. Faraday, a country physician is called to Hundreds Hall to treat a member of the Ayers family. His visit to the once grand Georgian estate in Warwickshire is not a first, as his mother served there as a maid when he was a small boy. He recalls, in loving detail, the beauty of the residence but when he arrives he is shocked to discover that it has fallen into dire decay. Mrs. Ayers, her daughter Caroline, the aging spinster and son Roderick, the manic manager come from high social prominence and former wealth but are now struggling to maintain the estate. Their assets have diminished and the house is causing a burden financially. As days go by, Dr. Faraday becomes more than their physician and his presence is routine and familiar as he insinuates himself into the family.

Something is obviously not quite right at Hundreds Hall. When the family dog attacks a young child who is visiting, a spine chilling story with methodically crafted events without explanation ensues. Is the family going mad, is their a “taint” in their lineage or is their a ghost that walks the pink and livered colored tile?

Through the voice of Dr. Faraday the story unfolds with precise descriptive imagery that has momentum from beginning to end. Your senses witness the cadence, the meter like a song so that the rhythm of Waters’ language flows to create a visual endless drama of excitement and pleasure. You will find yourself holding your breath until the finale.

Sarah Water’s historical fiction ghost story mystery is a creepy, nail biting masterpiece that makes you a restless reader. One of my top ten for 2009, The Little Stranger is an unsettling read to savor.

Disclosure: I purchased this book from Borders Bookstore.