I am very careful with the Gothic novels I am reading, but a novel published by Orenda Books rarely (actually never!) disappoints. The Murmurs, by Michael J. Malone, a multi-awarded author I am getting to know for the first time, has not only the hollow of out-of-this-world supernatural mystery, but also integrates less known fragments of Scottish history, which make it even more interesting for me.
The night before her first day at work at Heartfield House for the elderly, Anne Jackson had a terrifying premonition dream. Shortly after, one of the elderly patients dies. Strange visions mixing fragments of familiar reality with absurde apparitions - as it happens both in the case of nightmares and dreams - that may be in fact the manifestation of a family curse.
Premonitions are terrible poisonous gifts. You can predict something you cannot stop. It is a real Greek tragedy kind of emotional and existential entanglement threatening Anne and even if you don´t believe and supernatural the drama and emotional weight is real. Those tensions do make the story both emotional and unexpected.
The Murmurs do have a varried and diverse cast of characters, but personally I was even more fascinated by the historical - past-related events - inserted into the everyday life. The dual timeline offers a generous space for variety of events, both personal and at a larger society level and the ways in which Malone succeeded to balance all those details, while adding a very Gothic touch to the story was very unique and hardly allow me to focus on anything but the book.
The Murmurs is a beautiful thriller, a poetic Gothic novel with an important historical layer. Noteworthy to mention also the fine and elegant bookcover.
Rating: 5 stars
Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own
Thanks for the blog tour support x
ReplyDelete