Hugely disappointed in this sale, wanted a sustainable gift for a friend who likes to reuse. This book was described as very good condition - not so, shabby, tear on cover and clearly well used. Didn’t feel appropriate to gift in such a sad state, looked to dispute with WOB about the condition but couldn’t find a way to do this. I did buy several books so can write this off as a freebie! however I do think WOB’s description was misleading on this occasion.

I first read this book when it was published in 2006 and have just re-read it and am studying it in depth as part of a creative writing course. It has all the crucial elements that appeal to me: engaging characters, interesting settings, different time periods and a mystery at the heart of the plot. As the blurb on the cover says, 'Start reading this on the bus and, I swear, you won’t only miss your stop, you might even lose the whole day." (Cosmopolitan). The book was made into a BBC television drama in 2014. The story switches back and forth between the early 20th century and the present, told through the device of a story related by a dying author to a young biographer. Vida Winter (a nom de plume), a prolific and highly successful, but reclusive, novelist with a mysterious past that she has never divulged to any journalist, invites Margaret Lea to her remote home on the Yorkshire moors. Ms. Winter wishes to finally reveal to a trusted source the truth of her background. The themes of twins, loss and withheld parental love as well as mental illness, dysfunctional families and the crumbling of the British country estates, run strongly through this tale of mystery and suspense which ends with a twist in the tail. Highly recommended reading!

This is a gripping and extremely interesting book, especially to book lovers like myself. The tale winds and twists back on itself and the ending is a complete surprise. I absolutely loved it and it is one I will re-read again many, many times. She is a brilliant author and in this she took her writing to a different level.

Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Just the right amount of twists & turns with an ending that was intriguing. Love a book with a beginning, a middle and an ending that doesnt leave me hanging but leaves me content. Cant do contemporary books!