Title: The Missing Years
Author: Lexie Elliott
Series: Stand Alone
Genre: Mystery
Published By: Berkley (April 23, 2019)
Source: ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Book Description:
An eerie, old Scottish manor in the middle of nowhere that’s now hers.
Ailsa Calder has inherited half of a house. The other half belongs to a man who disappeared without a trace twenty-seven years ago—her father.
Leaving London behind to settle the inheritance from her mother’s estate, Ailsa returns to her childhood home, nestled amongst the craggy peaks of the Scottish Highlands, joined by the half-sister who’s almost a stranger to her.
Ailsa can’t escape the claustrophobic feeling that the house itself is watching her—as if her past hungers to consume her. She also can’t ignore how the neighbourhood animals refuse to set one foot within the gates of the garden.
When the first nighttime intruder shows up, Ailsa fears that the manor’s careless rugged beauty could cost her everything.
About the Author:
Lexie Elliott has been writing for as long as she can remember, but she began to focus on it more seriously after she lost her banking job in 2009 due to the Global Financial Crisis. After some success in short story competitions, she began planning a novel. With two kids and a (new) job, it took some time for that novel to move from her head to the page, but the result was "The French Girl", which will be published by Berkley in February 2018 - available to pre-order now!
When she's not writing, Lexie can be found running, swimming or cycling whilst thinking about writing. In 2007 she swam the English Channel solo. She won't be doing that again. In 2015 she ran 100km, raising money for Alzheimer Scotland. She won't be doing that again either. But the odd triathlon or marathon isn't out of the question.
The Missing Years is an atmospheric read from the very first almost tense chapter. With the manse, the very house, taking on a personality of its own.
It is no secret that this genre is one of my favorites and even though I knew the genre I was getting into when I started this story, I was expecting all the other stuff I would be getting as well.
This story was...a bit creepy in a really good way. The house its self really does take on a personality all its own and I really enjoyed being drawn into the story and the very heart of the mystery. Add in a touch of Scottish lore and setting and you really do have a fun read that kept me guessing, turning the pages and completely entertained the whole way through.
Oh, this does sound good. Great review.
ReplyDeleteMelanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart
I love it when the setting seems like a character itself. It sounds like it was a fun read.
ReplyDeleteI do too it really does add to the story, especially with ones like this one.
DeleteThis is exactly the type of story I crave. Great review and thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by!
DeleteGreat review thanks for sharing Kindlemom this is something I could sink my teeth into.
ReplyDeleteThanks Debbie!
DeleteEvery time I come here, I end up getting another book on my TBR lol! xD
ReplyDeleteLOL so sorry... sort of! :P *sorrynotsorry*
DeleteYou had me at eerie, old Scottish manor and atmospheric. I had to make a detour to Amazon and snag a copy of this one! Great review!
ReplyDeleteSimply Angela
Yay! And thank you!
DeleteYou had me when you said the eerie, old Scottish manor had a personality all to itself.
ReplyDeleteI know! When I read the synopsis I was really hoping it would be that way and it was so bonus!
DeleteI like a bit of creepy! I"m curious!
ReplyDeleteI rally do too, not all the time but once in awhile for sure.
DeleteI love stories where houses seem to come alive. Sounds interesting.
ReplyDeleteMe too or the woods, something like that. Something that adds that creep factor that you don't get without it.
DeleteI love atmospheric and creepy! Have to check this one out for sure.
ReplyDelete*highfivesyou*
DeleteThis story does sound atmospheric with the Scottish setting, and the house taking on a personality of its own. It does sound like an interesting, nail-biting mystery! Great Review!
ReplyDeleteLindy@ A Bookish Escape
Thank you!
DeleteOooh, this sounds exactly like my kind of read! Gosh, I'd love to inherit an old Scottish manor, without the evilness, though. Lol. :)
ReplyDeleteWouldn't that be nice?! ;)
DeleteWe just got this on audio! I can't wait to read it!
ReplyDeleteAsh @ JennRenee Read
I hope you enjoy it!
Deleteeveryone keeps saying this is atmospheric and I now really want it.
ReplyDeleteIt really is and I hope you can find a copy!
DeleteOoh this house sounds creepy for sure! I do love a good mystery.
ReplyDelete-Lauren
www.shootingstarsmag.net
It was!
DeleteThe plot sounds interesting~ thanks for share your review with us
ReplyDeletexx
This sounds like a good premise... a house that seems to come alive is super creepy. Great review!
ReplyDeleteAgreed!
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