The setting of this book takes place in Vermont. It is a struggle to find unique recipes of books with settings in the United States. All states have a unique flare to everyday “eats,” but many times, I find it difficult to try and cook something “unique” that isn’t really “unique” (not to mention something that the family would eat). Saying that, I was going to cook pancakes for my youngest when I decided to google Vermont pancake recipes. Needless to say, majority of the recipes either included buttermilk (which I did not have and I had no white distilled vinegar to make my own buttermilk) or maple syrup – the REAL deal maple syrup. I did, however, come across a fascinating article about pancakes and politics. I clicked on the article and read about one of my favorite Founding Fathers, Dr. Benjamin Rush, and his push to increase maple sugar production to lessen the need for sugar cane which was produced from slave labor. I decided to read a few more articles. So…instead of a recipe, enjoy reading this interesting tidbit of history on Thomas Jefferson, his friend Dr. Benjamin Rush, and the push for maple sugar production (and yes, there is a little economics in this article as well 😏). This article is from Monticello’s website but there are many others online you can read.
To the book… (click here for Amazon synopsis)
As I mentioned in my previous blog post, I believe Riley Sager may be one of my new favorite authors. The two I have read so far are so interesting that you cannot put them down. I absolutely LOVED this book. I know many of you may read “shocks of real horror” on the cover and think you can’t read it; however, it is not “demonic” horror which you may have an issue with. It is “doable” horror (if that even makes sense). I love horror movies but this book isn’t Friday 13th or Nightmare on Elm Street-type horror. And although some people say it is like the Amityville story, it still isn’t the “demonic”-type horror that bothers people. It is just a good ghost story/murder mystery type book. I read one review where a lady said it scared her a lot. It didn’t scare me at all. It did have some “creepiness,” but nothing that would keep me up at night.
The house is also the centerpiece of this book like Lock Every Door. Sager does a great job of describing the architectural details of the house that you literally feel like you are there, replaying all aspects of the story in your head.
The mystery aspect of the book is very well done. The first page entraps you. And his writing style – going back and forth from past (another book) to present – yes!!!! I literally could not figure this mystery out. And…it literally wasn’t until the very last pages of the book that the entire story came together.
Although this book may not be considered “gothic fiction,” I am categorizing it as gothic fiction – a house, a ghost story, and a mystery (why wouldn’t it be gothic?). If you are wanting a great book to read that is definitely a page turner, then get this book. You will not be sorry. Happy Reading!
