When Cecily Mordaunt the matriarch of the family died, each of her close relatives are expecting to inherit the centuries old mansion in Norfolk countryside. Roxborough Hall is a local symbol in itself and for the future owner a substantial status upgrade.
However, Cecily had other plans and beyond death she took control over the will. The winner will be awarded through a riddle-like type of selection, whose unexpected final decision is surprising, to say the least.
In The Will, Reid selected a relatively familiar topic in a everyday life environment - I mean the family interactions, as not every day someone can inherit a huge mansion - in order to explore natural feelings and human temptations. It is human to be greedy as it is human too to want a better life and a wealthier life, lacking any financial worries.
The plot is very skillfully built, with attention to human details and black humour that may comfort the reader when there is too much tension in the story. I also enjoyed how each character was given an unique story, intertwinning with the historical environment of the estate. Although there are so many lights and shadows in each character, but this is how humans are in general, anyway, no matter their social status. This personal element creates a high realm of expectation for the reader and half through the book I couldn´t wait for the new revelations to be shared.
The Will reminded me in many respects from a respectable classical mystery, and although it is not written ´crime´ all over, it has twists and some elements of shock, which only make the reading more addictive. Once started, I couldn´t leave it down and it was worth the time and the energy spent in exploring the story and the characters.
Rating: 4 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
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure!
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