I've previously raced through Kate Morton's earlier novels, The House At Riverton and The Forgotten Garden, so was pleased when the beautiful hardback edition of new book The Distant Hours arrived in my stocking this Christmas, as requested.
All three books follow a similar pattern - a puzzling mystery with its roots in a glamorous bygone era is gradually uncovered decades later by a character with links to the original protagonists. The story switches between both timelines as clues are gradually uncovered and a revelation with a twist results. All three books are shot through with a tense, gothic style that pays homage to 19th century classics such as Wilkie Collins' The Woman in White, and there is always a 'Big House' at the centre of the story.
I'm certainly not complaining about the repetition of this style as the msytery in each case is a damn good one, and there is always some aspect of the revelatory ending that leaves me thinking 'I never guessed that!'
In The Distant Hours, the historical setting is primarily World War Two (with some flashbacks to earlier times) which makes for lots of interesting background details, particulary about domestic life during war time - really puts our 'austerity' age in the shade!
I must admit my own domestic life was somewhat put on hold as I sped through this book - highly recommended.
Also, the hardback version comes with one of those ribbon bookmarks attached - always a good sign in my opinion!
Readers may also enjoy: The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins, The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield, Rebecca by Daphne DuMaurier.
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