3 stars
A dark, grim story set on death row in a maximum security prison.
Let me start by saying that I love the way this author writes. Her books are beautifully written and a joy to read. That being said, I just couldn’t get into this book. I wanted to so badly because I loved The Child Finder, but I kept putting this book down and didn’t want to pick it back up. I know that I am the odd man out and that most people loved the book, but it just wasn’t for me. Maybe it was just a bit too esoteric for me, who knows. Not all books are meant for all people.
The book centers on an old stone prison as seen through the eyes of a death row inmate. He clearly has mental health issues and views the world around him through a fantasy world of his own making. Several of the characters don’t have names, including the fallen priest and the Lady. The Lady is an investigator who searches for information in the background of death row inmates to try to save their lives. During most of the book the Lady is investigating the background of a killer named York. Information she uncovers hits close to home and uncovers secrets of her own.
If you like magical realism and darker fiction, you may enjoy this book.
Nerd Girl Loves Books 
July 22, 2019 at 2:19 am
How funny — I just got through reading it and I thought it was phenomenal — especially how she writes. I was so moved by how Arden gave her his book in the end with the word “love” and how sensitive he was. And the issues it raised about the death penalty. And I felt so close to the characters.
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July 22, 2019 at 6:33 am
I was surprised too because I loved her other book so much. It could be that I have so much going on now that I wasn’t in the right head space to give this book the time and attention it needs. I may go back and try again when I have more time and revise my opinions. Glad you enjoyed it!
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