In 1971, the Sanders family suffer a loss so great that they abandon their Gothic mansion house forever.
Twenty-four years later, Lily Sanders reluctantly returns to her hometown for the reading of a mysterious will. Lily must face the secrets that lie within the crumbling estate in the wilds of Cornwall… and uncover the mystery hidden within.
My Review
Another great holiday read, and it’s set in Cornwall where we used to holiday when I was a child. We also took our children there when they were young. Luckily our visits were a lot less dramatic – no attempted murders, tragic memories or haunted houses.
Lily left Lostmor with her mother 24 years ago to live in Bristol, following a tragic event at their family home, Penryth. The house and estate have a Gothic feel (my favourite genre), especially as it has remained empty since they left. But when her mother dies, Lily goes to Lostmor for the reading of the will. She is stunned when she discovers that she has inherited the old house and estate as she believed it to have been sold when they moved.
The house is in a state of disrepair having been empty for so long, but going inside brings back memories of that terrible, stormy night when she was nine and her sister Alice was six. And bit by bit, the events of that night reveal themselves. For Lily the outcome could be devastating, but it’s not all she discovers in the process.
Meanwhile, Marcus, the landlord of the local pub, has his own agenda. Two years ago, his daughter Rose was killed in a motorcycle accident. She was riding pillion and the motorcyclist rode off leaving her dead in the road. Marcus blames himself for spending all his time away from home with the forces, hardly ever spending time with his family. The rider was never found, but Marcus is determined to find out who it was.
I really enjoyed this book. It’s a great story with lots of intertwining threads and fascinating characters. And there’s a Jack Russell called Flynn – of course there is – and a Labrador called Horace. What more could I ask.
Many thanks to www.cranthorpemillner.com for an ARC.
About the Author
Ann Smythe is a Bristolian who, in her younger years, worked a variety of jobs, including a stint as a ‘runner’ delivering medical files to hospital wards, a trainee nurse, and a plug-and-lamp switchboard operator for a famous hotel chain. While working at the hotel, she discovered a revolving book rack in the lobby kiosk, leading to a fascination with dark, suspenseful thrillers and a lifelong interest in Stephen King’s work.
Finally honing her skills as a copy editor, she began her journey as a writer in 2020, and Secrets of Lostmor is her debut novel. Now living in North Somerset, she spends her days writing, drinking tea, and pandering to her elderly Jack Russell’s eccentric needs!
Social media
Facebook Page: @AnnSmythe
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