Well. That was certainly a different take on my favorite “serendipitous inheritance” theme!
As you’ve learned from previous posts, I have a soft spot for books in which the main character (usually a woman whose life has become up-ended) either buys a house in some random place in an attempt to build a new life (à la Under the Tuscan Sun or Tumbledown Manor), or happily inherits a charming fixer-upper from some unknown relative just as her life falls spectacularly apart. Throw in a little suspense, either supernatural (any book by Wendy Webb) or the result of a deranged human being, and I would consider that book the best of all possible worlds. In a Cottage in a Wood seemed like it would deliver on all my key points, so I opened this one up and settled in for what would hopefully be a cozy but creepy read.
Um, this cottage is SO not one I would want to inherit. I think this has to be the only time that I’ve read a story with this plotline and didn’t start immediately Googling real estate in the countryside. The cottage that the main character, Neve, inherits – in the strangest way possible, mind you – is so creepy and unappealing. Neve also does not fit the typical mold of the charming but slightly lost woman who usually inherits such things, so I guess the unexpected character goes along with the unexpected house.
Neve’s one of those women who, in her thirties, still can’t get her shit together. This type of person, when encountered in real life, annoys the crap outta me – the one who, as an adult, can’t hold down a job, can’t say no to “just one more drink,” can’t keep from sleeping with people she shouldn’t, can’t seem to know when NOT to spend money she shouldn’t, etc… She actually reminded me a lot of Maggie from the beginning part of In Her Shoes. However…despite Neve exhibiting all these less than charming characteristics, I never seemed to hate her. The author does a really good job of making you like someone that could easily grate on your last nerve. Well done, Cass Green.
I immediately fell into this book and couldn’t wait to read more, which I admit was a bit of a relief considering how I had to persuade myself to return to my previous read, so I polished it off in only a few days. I’ve been reading more and more thrillers lately, and as a result I’ve become a bit better at figuring out “whodunit.” For some reason, inability to guess the culprit early on makes me feel inadequate as a thinking human being, and for years made me stay away from suspense novels. So, I was feeling quite pleased with myself when I figured out who must be harassing Neve early on in the book. However, looking back, I think the author (cleverly) made this tidbit intentionally obvious to distract the reader from the real twist near the very end—it’s a good one!
If you’re looking for a fast-paced, page-turning thriller without too much intensity — or a story that won’t make you dream of walking away from the life you’ve built to buy a crumbling manor home in the isolated countryside — I recommend this book. The writing is deceptively simple, making it quick to get through, but carefully nuanced to help reveal key details later on in the story.
What are some of your favorite thrillers?
And, stay tuned for the recipe I’ve paired with this book — Chocolate Espresso Mousse!
I LOVE thrillers and mysteries! They’re my favorite type of book. I just finished The Last Mrs. Parrish and The Death of Mrs. Westaway.
I only recently started reading thrillers, but I am really into them now! THE DEATH OF MRS WESTAWAY just came in from the library, so I’m excited to start that one soon! What did you think of it??
THE LAST MRS PARRISH looks really good! Adding it to my TBR list. 😀 Thanks!
Hi friend! Love the blog! I also loved this book. And The Last Mrs. Parrish is unputdownable! xx
Thanks, Em!! And now I’m extra excited about The Last Mrs Parrish! I know we have similar taste in books. 😁