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John Eyre: A Tale of Darkness and Shadow by Mimi Matthews

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Impressive Gothic novel combining aspects of Bram Stocker’s Dracula and Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre, with an arresting twist. Mimi Matthews has nailed it. 1843, John Eyre, a tutor has lost his job and his traditional belief in God, through the unchristian attitudes of the community he’s lived in. He takes up the role of tutor to a pair of boys, wards to the mysterious and alluring Mrs Rochester (when she finally arrives). Things just don’t feel right. The boys are unusual, they appear to be mute, some might even say haunted—in what ways remains to be seen. Strange happening surround Thornfield Hall near Millport, off from the Yorkshire Coast. Things definitely go bump in the night. Evil is abroad, although recognising that is muted. I was riveted, caught up the drama. There are signs of unrest on the way to the Hall. Too many coincidencal happenings not to be alarmed. John might not have been giving them much credence but I was!

It took me a while to understand what was going on. The various letters between two female friends were a puzzle, until I sorted the order out. All paving the way for what was to come!

Nicely crafted, Matthews has rendered a wonderful read! I particularly enjoyed her notes at the end talking about the novels on which she based this story. Fascinating!


A Victory Editing ARC via NetGalley 

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