Reader's Corner

One of my absolute favourite authors of historical fiction is Kate Mosse.   Before Winter Ghosts, she had published 2 bestselling novels, Labyrinth and Sepulchre which I really enjoyed.  So naturally I put her most recent novel on my wishlist.

What I really love about Mosse’s style of writing is her ability to traverse hundreds of years within the story, connecting characters struggling to solve a secret in the present and those living and creating it in the past.  Her previous novels involved the concept of reincarnation – those persons from the past reborn in some capacity to carry on in the present day. It’s an idea that appeals to me – to be able to finish what you’ve started despite death and the inevitable progress of time. 

One definite consistency between Winter Ghosts and the others is the physical setting.  Mosse has clearly done a lot of research into the French Pyrenees – she paints a very detailed, moving picture of the Languedoc region that has made France my next stop if I ever get back to Europe. 

So far as the tale goes, Freddie Watson has arrived back in France after 5 years.  He carries a piece of history and is looking for answers, which has brought him to an antiques specialist.  Then things smoothly transition back in time and he begins to recount his story. I don’t want to give away too much more so I’ll stop there for now but I’ll keep you posted!

UPDATE
I'm done!  I really don't want to spoil the story for anyone so I'll just stick to a few observations.  First, there was a definite connection with the past, but instead of using her usual method, Mosse focused on simple time travel.  It was well done and I really enjoyed it and would read it again.