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!
Love Michelle Griep! I missed this book but definitely want to read it 😁
ReplyDeleteteamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com
It's not to be missed, Trixi! Hope you get to read it soon. Good luck!
DeleteI loved this book! I'm so happy to hear that the audio is a winner, as well. I read it over a year ago, but I remember how intense so much of it felt.
ReplyDeleteIntense and atmospheric and completely riveting. Glad to hear you loved it too.
DeleteI loved this book so it’s time for our book twin dance 💃. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteShall we make it a waltz? Shall I lead or would you rather? And one and two and three...twirl.
DeleteThis was a great book! Lots of unexpected twists and turns!
ReplyDeleteeclitton at gmail dot com
Yes!!! So unexpected. Are you in the draw, Elizabeth? If so, good luck!
DeleteI've only read two or three of Michelle's books, but enjoyed each one!
ReplyDeletepattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com
She's a master wordsmith. Good luck, Patty!
DeleteNot only does this book sound amazing, but that cover is astounding!😱😍
ReplyDeleteIsn't it though? Absolutely draws the eye -- I'd pick it out of bookstore display wall in a heartbeat. Good luck, Elly!
DeleteThis sounds amazing!!!
ReplyDeletepocoauthorATgmailDOTcom
It totally is! Good luck, Nicole!
DeleteI love the aspect of surprises at every turn and a hard to figure out plot!
ReplyDeletepbclark@netins.net
You'll love this book then. Good luck, rubynreba!
DeleteLove - Love - LOVE this author's books! Fabulous cover and a story I'm dying to dig into. Most definitely on my TBR list.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the wonderful opportunity to win a copy!
2clowns at arkansas dot net
She's fabulous! Good luck, Kay!
DeleteThe first line of the publisher's summary really piques the interest and imagination. Enjoyed your very positive review! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, CC. Good luck!
DeleteI would love to read this book, please enter me, thanks! lclee59(at)centurylink(dot)net
ReplyDeleteYou're in, Connie. Good luck!
DeleteI've read some of this authors books and would love to read this one too. rrwalter34ATGMAILDOTcom
ReplyDeleteGood luck, Becky!
DeleteLove her stories. cheetahthecat1986ATgmailDOTcom
ReplyDeleteSo do I! Good luck, Kim!
DeleteI believe I’ve read all of Michelle Griep’s books except for this one. Love her books and this one is a must read! Thanks for the review and the chance, Kav.
ReplyDeletepwestfall7 at hotmail dot com
You have to complete your reading streak! Good luck, Pam!
DeleteThis is a fantastic book! I've become a big Michelle Griep fan.
ReplyDeletepmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com
I am a fan too! Good luck, Pam!
DeleteThis was on my want to read list! Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
ReplyDeletekathleen[dot]e[dot]belongia[at]gmail[dot]com
Mine too and I was holding out for the audible edition. Sure glad I did. Good luck, Kathleen!
DeleteI love Michelle Griep stories!!
ReplyDeletedmandres5 at Gmail dot com
She is fantastic! Good luck, Melissa!
DeleteOh my, I love her books!!’
ReplyDeletekarenskrayons(at)gmail(dot)com
Good luck, Karen!
DeleteWanted to read something by her. teshawATsbcglobalDOTnet
ReplyDeleteHere's your chance. Good luck, Tammie!
DeleteThis one has been on my list for a while. Glad to hear that it is as good as I think/thought it would be! cilydav at hotmail dot com
ReplyDeleteIt's outstanding! Good luck, Cindy!
DeleteMichelle Griep is an amazing author. I've loved all her books. Thanks for an opportunity to but my name in the hat for this one. Grin!
ReplyDeletenorafindinghope at yahoo
Definitely a must-read author. Good luck, Nora!
DeleteThanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteladysnowangelphotos(at)gmail(dot)com
Good luck, LSA!
Delete