Title: Maplecroft
Author: Cherie Priest
First published September 2, 2014
435 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780451466976 (ISBN10: 0451466977)
Rating: 3.58
Overview
In the quiet town of Fall River, Massachusetts, whispers of a gruesome murder still linger. Lizzie Borden was accused of taking an axe to her parents, but was acquitted of the crime.
Now, Lizzie and her sister Emma reside in Maplecroft, a grand mansion near the ocean. But even the sea cannot keep the malevolent entities at bay.
The affliction that took hold of Lizzie’s parents has spread, causing nightmares and madness throughout the town. With an unwavering determination, Lizzie will stop at nothing to rid Fall River of this evil, even if it means using an axe once again.
About the Author
Cherie Priest has written more than 24 books and novellas, with her most recent works being The Toll, The Family Plot, The Agony House, and Maplecroft – a Philip K. Dick Award nominee.
Her Clockwork Century series, which began with Boneshaker, is particularly well-known for its steampunk pulp adventures. Cherie’s writing has been recognized with nominations for both the Hugo and Nebula awards in science fiction, and she has won the Locus Award and other accolades.
Her books have been translated into nine languages and published in eleven countries. Cherie and her husband live in Seattle with their adorable pets, who are always ready for a photo op.
Editoral Review
Maplecroft by Cherie Priest is a novel that takes readers on a thrilling journey through the horrors of a seemingly idyllic American town. First published in 2014, the book explores the themes of love, obsession, and the supernatural, wrapped up in a gothic and historical fiction genre.
Priest, an award-winning author, explores the town of Fall River, Massachusetts as a place besieged with darkness and horrors that lurk beneath its seemingly serene facade. The novel’s opening sees the town haunted by a series of brutal murders, and a looming presence that takes the form of eerie, otherworldly creatures.
The town’s leading residents, Lizzie and Emma Borden, set out to uncover the root of this evil and plunge deeper into the town’s dark secrets. Priest’s language is rich and evocative, embarking readers on a perilous journey through the town’s mysteries.
She carefully balances horror with elements of romance, creating a story that is engaging and thrilling. She provides insight into the motivations of her characters, allowing readers to emotionally connect with them on a deeper level.
The novel’s pacing is also one of its strong points. Priest keeps readers on their toes, constantly upping the ante with each new discovery.
Her use of multiple narrators creates a more nuanced and multi-dimensional story. The varying perspectives give readers a chance to understand each character’s motivations and flaws, leading to an immersive and thrilling reading experience.
Priest also seamlessly blends elements of history and contemporary culture into her story. The novel explores the societal issues that existed in the late 1800s, such as the struggles of women and the disparities caused by social class.
Priest shows the ways in which these problems still exist in modern society, creating a connection between the novel’s time period and the present day. However, the novel falls short in its execution of some plot points.
While the book is jam-packed with many threads, some of them have underdeveloped endings, leaving readers wanting more. The novel’s ending also feels somewhat abrupt, not allowing readers to fully appreciate the story’s conclusion.
Regardless, Maplecroft is a gripping and exhilarating read, blending genres and themes to create a unique and rewarding reading experience. Readers who enjoy horror, historical fiction and romance will find a lot to enjoy in the book.
It’s a novel that is impossible to put down, with an intricate plot that is well crafted, and a cast of characters that is both intriguing and relatable. In conclusion, Maplecroft is an impressive work of dark fiction that stands out for its evocative storytelling, masterful character development, and intricate plot.
Despite its flaws, this novel is undoubtedly a compelling read that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. It’s a book that both entertains and provokes reflection on societal issues, making it a great addition to any reader’s bookshelf.
4/5 stars.
