I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.

I'm giving this four stars, even though it was a bit too gothic for my tastes, because I think it would be worth that to the right reader. I found the three main characters, the adopted siblings Alan, Roger, and Caroline, difficult to warm to and oddly characterized, but as it became clear how damaging their upbringing had been that was perhaps intentional. I worked out what was going on just before the author revealed it, so that was well-plotted.

There were secret passages galore and plot twists and turns which were at the same time bit cerebral and also too melodramatic for me. Still, after a very slow beginning, it held my interest throughout.

Gloriously Crafted….
Found dead in his study, battered to death with a mediaeval mace, Sir Lawrence Linwood's death is somewhat of a mystery. The rather dysfunctional Linwood clan have been beckoned from far and wide to attend his funeral, blissfully unaware that a murder has taken place until their arrival and that their task will be to find his killer. With a perfect setting and a gloriously crafted cast of characters, way more than a nod to classic Golden Age crime fiction and a solid locked room mystery at its’ heart, this is an intriguing, immersive and delightful read from start to finish. Aficionados of a vintage mystery will be in their element.