20 Books For Christmas Book 10 Review – The Coffin Path

Title: The Coffin Path

Author: Katherine Clements

Genre: Historical Fiction/Horror

Goodreads Rating: 3.65

My Rating:

Source: Paperback

Synopsis:

The Coffin Path is an eerie and compelling seventeenth-century ghost story set on the dark wilds of the Yorkshire moors. For fans of Michelle Paver and Sarah Waters, this gothic tale will weave its way into your imagination and chill you to the bone.

Maybe you’ve heard tales about Scarcross Hall, the house on the old coffin path that winds from village to moor top. They say there’s something up here, something evil.

Mercy Booth isn’t afraid. The moors and Scarcross are her home and lifeblood. But, beneath her certainty, small things are beginning to trouble her. Three ancient coins missing from her father’s study, the shadowy figure out by the gatepost, an unshakeable sense that someone is watching.

When a stranger appears seeking work, Mercy reluctantly takes him in. As their stories entwine, this man will change everything. She just can’t see it yet.

My Review:

I originally chose this book because I love historical fiction. The cover alone gave me spooky vibes so what better time to read it than around Halloween!

From the start this book was giving off all kinds of spooky and creepy vibes, it was definitely an atmospheric read! I loved the description of Scarcross Hall and the surrounding areas, the authors attention to detail was second to none and she had obviously done her research.

Whilst this book was packed with atmosphere I did struggle with the first half. I know that there is an element of laying the ground work and getting to know the characters but I wanted it to get moving a bit quicker. This book was definitely saved with the action packed second half and I am glad that I persevered with it.

I loved Mercy as a main character. She was strong, stubborn, loyal and admirable. It was evidently clear how much she loved Scarcross and its land and how determined she was to see it thrive. She had a hard exterior that suited her well in a male dominated world but the softer moments really brought out her kinder side. Her care towards those nearest her, especially Sam, made her a remarkable character. I must admit that as the story went on my heart did break for her. For all she had given I felt she was treated so unfairly.

I also found it hard not to like Ellis. Yes he did have stalker vibes and something was definitely off with him from the start but I couldn’t help but feel sorry for him when the final revelations took place. I had not foreseen those outcomes and I was truly shocked when I read them. Whilst Ellis was in the wrong he too had been betrayed and unloved for so long, for him I felt it was more about identity than ownership. These two main characters were doomed from the start which is a shame but it definitely made for an exciting read!

This is my 10th book in my Christmas challenge which means I am half way! I’ve also ticked off another ARC for NetGalley November and my first read of Readathin! For the Readathin challenge I have also crossed off a few of the bingo prompts; Fave Genre, Read While Snuggled Up and TBR Repeater.

Happy reading folks!