The House at the End of the Moor

GIVEAWAY
RANDOM RETRO READ

GRIEP, MICHELLE

THE HOUSE AT THE END OF THE MOOR

What can a London opera star and an escaped Dartmoor prisoner have in common?

Opera star Maggie Lee escapes her opulent lifestyle when threatened by a powerful politician who aims to ruin her life. She runs off to the wilds of the moors to live in anonymity. All that changes the day she discovers a half-dead man near her house.

Escaped convict Oliver Ward is on the run to prove his innocence, until he gets hurt and is taken in by Maggie. He discovers some jewels in her possession -- the very same jewels that got him convicted. Together they hatch a plan to return the jewels, clearing Oliver's name and hopefully maintaining Maggie's anonymity.

My Review:

Woohoo -- I waited forever (impatiently and maybe a little bit crankily) for this book to release in audible format. And it finally has!!! Narrated by Pearl Hewitt no less. I love the way she performs a story. She captures the characters' personalities and brings the setting alive. Absolutely a joy to listen to. 

And this story!!!! I'm all fuzzymuddled and  twitterpated, still basking in that elusive bibliophile afterglow that lingers after an exceptionally good read. I'm not sure quite how to describe it since there are so many particular points I'd like to discuss but then this review would morph into a book report and we can't have that! Though, there's enough meat and potatoes content and swoonalicious moments to make The House at the End of the Moor an excellent Book Club selection...just sayin'. 

So...everything I expected this read to be delivered in an unexpected way. Isn't that clear as mud? I'll try to explain.

There's a bit of a Les Mis vibe going on with the over-zealous pursuit by a fanatical constable. Shudder. Brutally villainous and doggedly determined to clap chains on Oliver and lead him back to prison. 

Then there's Maggie's mysterious past that is slowly revealed in painstakingly measured snippets. I was about jumping out of my skin before all was finally revealed! The whole story is infused with the kind of Gothic chill that's guaranteed to induce spine tingles. 

Griep surprises at every turn. Just when I thought I had the plot figured out...I didn't. My guest-imates for next scenes were way off course! I love that she kept so many classical mystery elements while keeping them fresh.

And the way the relationship developed between Maggie and Oliver! Be. Still. My. Heart. Both shrouded in secrets, sometimes working at cross purposes as they remain wary and cautious. Rich layers in both their character arcs astounded me. Once again the author metes out reveals with excruciatingly exquisite pacing. And the way she shows aspects of their characters...I was...and still am...entranced. In fact, I dreamed about Oliver and Maggie last night and its been a few days and a couple of books since I finished their story but these characters are still taking up space in my mind! That's the mark of a master writer.

And if all that isn't enough the inspirational thread woven throughout is so moving and pertinent and redemptive. As essential to the story as the romance and the suspense.

Well worth the wait for the audible edtion. I'll definitely listen to this one again...and again...and again!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback or ebook copy -- winner's choice 

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The House at the End of the Moor, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add your email to a comment, remember to use AT AND DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday August 14 2021. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!