Today on WinterHaven Books I am participating in the blog tour for Suspicion by Alexandra Monir.
Suspicion by Alexandra Monir
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Release Date: Dec 9, 2014
Purchase: Amazon
My Thoughts:A modern-day twist on the classic thriller, Rebecca, with a dash of the supernatural, a powerful romance, and a deadly family mystery.
“There’s something hidden in the maze.”
Seventeen-year-old Imogen Rockford has never forgotten the last words her father said to her, before the blazing fire that consumed him, her mother, and the gardens of her family’s English country manor.
For seven years, images of her parents’ death have haunted Imogen’s dreams. In an effort to escape the past, she leaves Rockford Manor and moves to New York City with her new guardians. But some attachments prove impossible to shake—including her love for her handsome neighbor Sebastian Stanhope.
Then a life-altering letter arrives that forces Imogen to return to the manor in England, where she quickly learns that dark secrets lurk behind Rockford’s aristocratic exterior. At their center is Imogen herself—and Sebastian, the boy she never stopped loving.
Combining spine-tingling mystery, romance, and unforgettable characters, Suspicion is an action-packed thrill ride.
I really enjoyed this book. It was very interesting and I found myself getting lost in the Wickersham estate with every description that I read. Think Princess Diaries meets Rebecca.
The thing I loved the most about Suspicion is the creepiness that surrounded the storyline. I love creepy and it seemed that every chapter had a sort of ghost feel to it. In the beginning I thought this was going to be more about Imogens abilities, but really this book was about old family drama and I loved that. I don't think the added paranormalish plotline was needed at all. This story could have easily stood on its own without it. While reading I really fell into the family history and I thought the author did a fantastic job at guiding the reader through a new caste system and really pulling you in to her world. I kinda wish the author would have scrapped the added storyline and just made this about family ghosts and Imogen's new role as the Duchess. I think it would have been a stronger story that way.
There were certain things that I felt could have been better like the pacing but, for the most part I really enjoyed this one. I loved the world that Imogen moved into. It was beautiful and somewhere I would have loved to visit. I felt like Imogen did a pretty good job trying to fit into her new role. It was an easy one, but she did her best.
The romance was okay not great but okay. I would have liked a bigger presence in the beginning and even though I know why it wasn't there in the beginning I think the story needed it. Imogen goes so many years dreaming about Sebastian and when she finally gets to see him again it is very anti climatic. I didn't need to hear time and time again that while she loved him she knew he would never love her back for various reasons. It just got to be too much and then when certain things were revealed I just didn't buy it. I think the author could have left the romance out. I am really starting to believe that not every story needs a romance GASP! I know this should feel wrong saying, but that's how I feel.
If the romance and paranormal stuff had been left out the author could have focused on the creepy and this story would have been a huge 5 from me. Well all those things are in it so I am going with a 3. I felt the writing was really great and I really enjoyed the mystery murder plotline that was weaved into this story. That part kept me glued and will make me pick up the next book by this author.
3 snowflakes
Even though Suspicion was only given a 3, I'm still willing to read it. You seemed to make it sound like it had more pro's than con's and I'll accept that. I also can't resist that beautiful cover and can only hope the sequel has an equally gorgeous cover :) Thanks for sharing your thoughts Crystal.
ReplyDeleteI just reviewed this today, as well. It was just ok for me. The idea of the story is really great. I didn't find out until after I read it that it's actually a retelling. I never read the original story, though. I found a few things in the story not believable. And I didn't understand the need for the maze. It didn't lend anything to the story. It could have been fine without the maze. Oh and the whole Elemental thing, how did that help her solve the mystery?
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