The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell Book Review
The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell Book Review
The lowdown from Goodreads
Publication Date March 6, 2018
When Elsie married handsome young heir Rupert Bainbridge, she believed she was destined for a life of luxury. But with her husband dead just weeks after their marriage, her new servants resentful, and the local villagers actively hostile, Elsie has only her husband’s awkward cousin for company. Or so she thinks. Inside her new home lies a locked door, beyond which is a painted wooden figure–a silent companion–that bears a striking resemblance to Elsie herself. The residents of The Bridge are terrified of the figure, but Elsie tries to shrug this off as simple superstition–that is, until she notices the figure’s eyes following her.
A Victorian ghost story that evokes a most unsettling kind of fear, this is a tale that creeps its way through the consciousness in ways you least expect–much like the silent companions themselves.
The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell Book Review
In a locked room is a painted wooden figure that looks just like Elise…
Curl up with this haunting tale where things aren’t quite what they seem. Where a house and it’s locked away inhabitants are lying in wait to reappear and take over their new mistress.
Upon the sudden death of Elise’s husband, Rupert, she moves from London to her husbands old ancestral country estate, THE BRIDGE. Finding herself unexpectedly widowed and expecting a baby, she tries her best to acquaint herself with the staff and her new life in the crumbling estate. Elise soon discovers a locked Garrett that none has been able to breach for years… until now. Inside are strange wooden figures. One strikingly similar to Elise. What are these wooden companions and why are they locked away with a family journal? Elise is soon to find out.
THE VERDICT
This was such a unique ghost story. With perfectly creepy characters and eerie atmosphere, you’re swept away to the crumbling English estate where there are horrors at every turn. My only small issue with this book was the dialogue the characters would have in conversation; seemed a bit out of place for the time period the book is set in. However, for me, it truly didn’t detract from my overall feelings about this one… I still loved it! Definitely, recommend to anyone who loves a ghostly tale with an ending that will leave you cold ( in the best way! ) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Special thanks to Laura Purcell & Penguin Books for providing my copy in exchange for an honest & fair review.
Let’s connect with books! We have all of our reviews on Goodreads!
Read more of Kim’s reviews here!
Really Into This a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: LAURA PURCELL
Laura Purcell writes Gothic Victorian novels and biographical fiction about the Georgian Queens. She lives in Colchester with her husband and pet guinea pigs. Laura is represented by Juliet Mushens at Caskie Mushens Literary Agency.
Ghost story THE SILENT COMPANIONS was published in the UK by Bloomsbury Raven (US Penguin, March 2018) and will be followed by THE CORSET in autumn 2018.
QUEEN OF BEDLAM (2014) and MISTRESS OF THE COURT (2015) were published by Myrmidon and are available from all book retailers.