Caroline H. reviewed on 3/6/2016 + 19 more book reviews

POSSIBLE SPOILERS. This book has so much going for it. The writing is lovely, with many a marvelous turn of phrase, or an observation that rings so true. The author paints a vivid picture of post war England/Scotland, including all the cracks and rot of a society in transition. The modern times already arriving and the mores and manners of the past are both a backdrop and an explanation for the mysteries. Her characters are complex. But with the first person viewpoint we don't see or hear more than Dandy does, and most of the little mysteries that appear are not addressed. As other reviewers have said, the middle lags in endless cycling through the facts-something that feels very true to how the mind works in these circumstances, but which makes for tediousness, which makes for less careful reading.

So although the diamonds are found, the dozen dangling ends only make one hope that the sequels have some answers. What is most frustrating is the last paragraph, "Finally the last piece fell into place." it begins. But does the author tell us what it is and what it means? No, she does not.

I am sure I missed a clue in the book somewhere, and that a careful reader would know what the big truth is. But I am not inclined to go back and read it through again to find the key. The personalities of almost everyone in the book rather put me off the first time through.

So here is my recommendation. Read the book for the clever language, and read it carefully. When you figure out the ending, drop me a line.

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