The Death of Jane Lawrence
Practical, unassuming Jane Shoringfield has done the calculations, and decided that the most secure path forward is this: a husband, in a marriage of convenience, who will allow her to remain independent and occupied with meaningful work. Her first choice, the dashing but reclusive doctor Augustine Lawrence, agrees to her proposal with only one condition: that she must never visit Lindridge Hall, his crumbling family manor outside of town. Yet on their wedding night, an accident strands her at his door in a pitch-black rainstorm, and she finds him changed. Gone is the bold, courageous surgeon, and in his place is a terrified, paranoid man—one who cannot tell reality from nightmare, and fears Jane is an apparition, come to haunt him. By morning, Augustine is himself again, but Jane knows something is deeply wrong at Lindridge Hall, and with the man she has so hastily bound her safety to.
This year, I wanted to read more books in different genres, and the one genre I seem to pick up the most is horror. I was delighted when I stumbled upon Caitlin Starling’s latest book. It’s the perfect Crimson Peak-esque horror/thriller for autumn!
Jane and Augustine’s partnership started as a business arrangement, but it quickly delved into a passionate romance, at least on Jane’s side. It was clear Augustine did care for Jane, yet he did use her feelings to manipulate her in certain situations, which made me question just how much he loved her, if at all. After finding out what Jane did through magic to resurrect/create a new Augustine, it was evident that although the married couple loved each other, it was Jane who was now manipulating/hiding things in the relationship. Part of me hopes Starling writes a companion for The Death of Jane Lawrence so readers can see how their marriage develops.
I loved how Starling made Lindridge Hall, Augustine’s ancestorial home, its own character. I love when authors do that! The secret cavern underneath the hall, the mysterious library, Augustine’s study – it all made for the perfect setting for a horrifying tale like Starling’s.
It was interesting how Starling wove magic and logic in her story. Jane was such a firm believer in logic and reason, especially with her love of mathematics, that it was surprising when she turned to magic to save Augustine for the apparitions haunting him at Lindridge Hall. Readers saw her use logic to piece together the spell needed to save her husband, and herself.
The Death of Jane Lawrence is terrifying tale that will leave readers on the edge of their seats.
The Death of Jane Lawrence Rating: ★★★★
This year, I wanted to read more books in different genres, and the one genre I seem to pick up the most is horror. I was delighted when I stumbled upon Caitlin Starling’s latest book. It’s the perfect Crimson Peak-esque horror/thriller for autumn!
Jane and Augustine’s partnership started as a business arrangement, but it quickly delved into a passionate romance, at least on Jane’s side. It was clear Augustine did care for Jane, yet he did use her feelings to manipulate her in certain situations, which made me question just how much he loved her, if at all. After finding out what Jane did through magic to resurrect/create a new Augustine, it was evident that although the married couple loved each other, it was Jane who was now manipulating/hiding things in the relationship. Part of me hopes Starling writes a companion for The Death of Jane Lawrence so readers can see how their marriage develops.
I loved how Starling made Lindridge Hall, Augustine’s ancestorial home, its own character. I love when authors do that! The secret cavern underneath the hall, the mysterious library, Augustine’s study – it all made for the perfect setting for a horrifying tale like Starling’s.
It was interesting how Starling wove magic and logic in her story. Jane was such a firm believer in logic and reason, especially with her love of mathematics, that it was surprising when she turned to magic to save Augustine for the apparitions haunting him at Lindridge Hall. Readers saw her use logic to piece together the spell needed to save her husband, and herself.
The Death of Jane Lawrence is terrifying tale that will leave readers on the edge of their seats.
The Death of Jane Lawrence Rating: ★★★★