The Birdcage Library: A spellbinding novel of hidden clues and dark obsession

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I thoroughly enjoyed this and could not put it down. Complex plot lines, a number of mysteries to solve with some unexpected plot twists thrown in what more could you want?

To the reader with a most inquisitive mind and a fearless disposition, you are invited to embark on a quest, a treasure hunt, if you will, down a path only a puzzler may dare tread, for the answers to such a perplexing and beguiling puzzle lie hidden within an old and long-forgotten book… Character voices were distinct, they were interesting. Emmy is likeable but flawed enough to never feel dull. Her intelligence shines through and her inquisitive and empathetic mind helps her to unravel what has been purposely designed as a complex mystery. To help with this, here is a selection of titles that have caught my eye in recent weeks that might be good to fill summer days – once we’ve negotiated the Oppenheimer v Barbie conundrum at the electric music hall, of course.Narrated by a Jewish merchant named Eli Ben Abram, Hunt’s tale is set in 1521 Mexica, vulnerable beneath an ominously smoking volcano as a pandemic rages and news comes of a fleet of ships heading their way led by Benmassoud, an Islamic military leader with a fearsome reputation.

I adored how rich and visceral the descriptions were and felt they definitely brought 19th C New York and 1930s Scotland to life. And was equally impressed by the depth and complexity Freya Berry manages to imbue her characters with. Even the more antagonistic characters, prone to bouts of cruelty and avarice were really well written (though not nearly as in-depth as Emily or Hester.) Authors, if you are a member of the Goodreads Author Program, you can edit information about your own books. Find out how in this guide. One wrong foot either way, however, with too much or too little revealed, too early or too late and the entire beguiling narrative, at least the envisaged one, falls into a messy pile of red herrings, slight-if-hands and enigmatic moments. A thoroughly entertaining read. I will definitely read Freya's first novel and any others she writes.Freya Berry always loved stories, but it took several years as a journalist to realise she loves the kind of truth that lies in fiction, not reality. (Or, to put it another way, making stuff up is more fun.) I read an eARC of this book so thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for allowing this. I did find the two alternating women’s stories quite similar & often got them confused & it is also a very long book but the premise of the clue finding adds extra interest to an already interesting story & I particularly enjoyed how all the stories were neatly tied up at the end. Great writing by Freya Berry. This is one of the best examples of dual time line I have read in a while. Both women were almost talking to each other across time. Emmy and Hester were very different yet I felt an akinship between them, the way Hester led Emmy via her diary to the hidden crannies of that castle. Ooh there’s those goosebumps again.