The Distant Hours, a gothic novel by British author Kate Morton, kept me spellbound while it alternated between characters, locations and time periods.
In 1992 Edie Burchill, a young British journalist is intrigued by her mother’s past, a past never discussed. While having Sunday dinner with her parents, Edie’s mother receives a long-lost, misdirected letter originally written in 1941. Edie’s journalistic interest is piqued, but learning nothing from her closed-mouth mother, Edie delves into those frightening war years to discover her mother’s secret past.
The aging Blythe sisters, twins Saffy and Percy, and their younger sister, Juniper, live in Milderhurst Castle, a several-hour drive from London. The castle, which had been in the family for generations, was once beautiful and cared for by forty-plus servants. But Milderhurst is now moldy and crumbling as the sisters manage it by themselves. During World War II, many British citizens living in outlying areas took in children living in London to keep them safe from the constant bombing. Edie learns that her mother was an evacuee and lived in Milderhurst Castle during that period. But why has this been kept a secret all these years?
As the story unravels, the mystery becomes even more intriguing with new aspects being uncovered at every turn. The Distant Hours is a gothic novel in the most classic and traditional sense. Kate Morton has the ability to weave complex characters and time periods into intriguing plots, leaving the reader attempting to second guess the outcome. The author smoothly alternates the time periods between 1939-1941 and 1992, engaging the reader into the mind-set of time and place.
For an absorbing, suspenseful read, I highly recommend The Distant Hours.
Love Kate Morton!
This was my first with Kate Morton, but I, too, love her writing.
This sounds like a good read, Mary. Your review had me add “The Distant Hours” to my TBR list.
I think you’ll enjoy this novel, Alice.
Thank you for reminding me of Kate Morton! I read The Lake House and will surely follow up with this one.
She was new to me, Judith. I really enjoyed this novel.