A review by rgoth
The Secret Life and Curious Death of Miss Jean Milne by Andrew Nicoll

adventurous challenging dark reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5


I found it quite challenging to get into this book initially. The beginning seemed a bit sluggish, and it was hard to fully engage with the story.

However, as the plot progressed, it grew increasingly captivating, especially with the introduction of Mrs Milne is a truly intriguing character. I appreciate that the narrative is based on the real-life demise of a person, drawing from historical records. It effectively dispels the notion that individuals from the past were dull and uninteresting, particularly the women. It vividly portrays them as complex and compelling individuals, much like people are today.

The conclusion took me by surprise - none of the suspects I had considered matched the actual outcome. The author's skillful storytelling eventually drew me in, despite the slower-paced sections. Overall, I found the book to be an enjoyable read once I pushed past the sluggish start.