Book review - Suspicion

Title: Suspicion
Author: Alexandra Monir
Genre: mystery/magical realism
Similar books: Impossible by Nancy Werlin
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Rating:

Not my favorite

Summary: Seven years ago, Imogen's parents died in a fire that destroyed the family manor. Ever since, she has been living in New York with her new guardians. When she is forced to return to England, Imogen learns that the Rockford estate holds many dark secrets, at least one of which will change her life.
My Opinion: I go back and forth with this book. On the one hand, it has pretty good atmosphere. The world of Rockford manor is nicely described, plenty of background description to help us visualize the setting. The characters are okay. Imogen and her friends have decent depth. Everyone else is sort of nebulous and changeable. A certain amount of uncertainty is necessary given the nature of the plot, but some of the lack of characterization goes too far. The plot is sort of messy, one moment tight and tense, the next loose and kind of sloppy. I thought the ending was a little haphazard and could have used a little more foreshadowing. Still, it's a pretty decent read especially if you like magic and English gentry.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley