I’m delighted to be sharing my thoughts about The Sea House by Louise Douglas.
- Category : Crime & Mystery
- ASIN : B0CTJM9DB9
- Publisher : Boldwood Books (5 Nov. 2024)
- Language : English
- File size : 5580 KB
A mysterious bequest and the legacy of a tragic love – only one person can unravel the hidden secrets of the past before it’s too late…
When Elisabeth Quemener dies she leaves a small parcel with the instructions that it must only be opened by Astrid Oake. The trouble is, no one knows who Astrid Oake is…
Elisabeth’s family turn to Touissants detective agency for help but, when Mila Shepherd and Carter Jackson try to track Astrid down, their frustration soon mounts. Their only clue is a photo of two young women holding the hands of a tiny child. The women are smiling but Mila is haunted by the sadness in their eyes. Is this Astrid and Elisabeth and if so, who is the child? And why are there signs everywhere in Elisabeth’s home that the old woman was frightened despite her living a quiet life with no known enemies?
As Elisabeth and Astrid’s story slowly unfolds, Mila feels the walls of her home The Sea House closing in. And as the secrets finally begin to reveal themselves, she is ever more determined to carry out Elisabeth’s final wishes. Because what is inside that unprepossessing parcel might just save a life…
The Sea House Review
I really enjoyed The Lost Notebook and The Summer of Lies and didn’t think the stories could get any better … but oh my! The Sea House is the BEST yet. Maybe it’s because I’m so totally invested in the characters giving the story an added depth but maybe, it’s because of Mila’s investigations and her experiences solo cut to the bone. Or even a blend of them both 🙂
I just want to add here that you don’t need to have read the first two stories, each is a stand-alone. However, if you want to enrich your reading experience, definitely go back and read them if you can.
It was lovely to experience Morranez in a different season with different rituals and a slower pace of life. I thought it was the perfect offset to Mila’s experiences in the UK! Despite the isolation of Mila and Ani’s home in Morannez, the investigation leads Mila into a setting that’s not only isolated but full of darkness and depravity. The total opposite of Mila’s home which is often full of laughing teenagers and always love!
I said before that Mila was a fab role model for Ani and the questions that arise as Ani is growing into a young woman and Mila’s response prove that she is. Another event that comes to light causes a dilemma for Mila and Ceci too. I agreed 100% with Mila’s reasoning. And although Mila feels uncomfortable, she sees it through.
The intrigue of the case started for me in the prologue. Trying to find Astrid Oake leads Mila and Carter to dead ends but Mila doesn’t give up. There are scenes that made me feel very uncomfortable and tense. I thought Mila was crazy going solo knowing what we did about the excessive security. And how it made me feel, well, it made me afraid and scared, I needed a resolution as soon as possible! How it all weaves together is brilliantly creative.
We have some answers in this story BUT as before, it leads to more questions (I thought the same as Mila). I wanted more from the last scene. Louise Douglas, how could you leave the story in that situation? 🙂 Can’t wait to see what happens next.
Louise Douglas gets right inside the mind of her characters. Whether it’s abuse of power or the effects of experiencing that, each story’s injustice is dealt with sensitively and with reality. She writes about loss with feeling and depth.
The Sea House is an intriguing mystery that will have you experiencing all the emotions.
An easy 5 stars from me.
About the Author
Louise Douglas is the bestselling and brilliantly reviewed author and an RNA award winner. The Secrets Between Us was a Richard and Judy Book Club pick. She lives in the West Country.
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