With an intriguing premise and disturbing setting, Magpie Lane promises the type of tension reminiscent of Daphne Du Maurier’s, Rebecca. The story revolves around the disappearance of the Oxford College Master’s eight-year-old selectively mute daughter, Felicity, who goes missing from her home in the residence.

I enjoyed the way the plot is revealed, recounted as police interview the nanny, Dee, three days after the incident. Written in first person narrative, it is an effective tool that brings you into the heart of Dee’s unique personality and gently reveals her backstory. I have to admit that I never really warmed to Dee, and as for Felicity’s parents – father, Nick and stepmother, Mariah, both were beautifully dislikeable (or horrid, if that’s a clearer description). However, as a psychological thriller/mystery this cast of dysfunctional and insular characters are well crafted and completely believable. While the story is dark and creepy, on another level, the sensitivity and awkwardness of the characters’ relationships keep it from becoming intensely morbid or unbelievable, and provide the air of anticipation.

At times, I had to re-read sections due to the editing; I found the lack of inverted commas and dialogue cues a little off putting. The background to the incident and the events leading up to it dragged on a little long and I found the first half slow. But the pace picked up with the introduction of eccentric house detective, Linklater, who delivered the much-awaited gothic touch. There were times when his storytelling of Oxford’s interesting past was extraneous. But overall it is his character that adds another layer to the plot and brings the mystery to a head.

The tension did escalate, but I found the denouement disappointing. I haven’t read Lucy Atkins’ work before and though the conclusion wasn’t the surprise I expected, it wouldn’t stop me from reading another. A little more detail concerning the house’s haunted history, with focus on the ghosts and past residents, might ramp up tension and enhance the dark mood and tone of the story.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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