The Corset was one of the most anticipated releases last year after I finished The Silent Companions, which I absolutely loved. If you wanted to be nosy then review can be found here. I was originally waiting for The Corset to come out in paperback, but just couldn’t wait.
The Corset – Laura Purcell
4 out of 5
Published in 2018 by Raven Books
You can order a copy from Amazon, Waterstones
Blurb: Dorothea and Ruth.
Prison visitor and prisoner.
Powerful and powerless.
Dorothea Truelove is young, wealthy and beautiful. Ruth Butterham is young, poor and awaiting trial for murder.
When Dorothea’s charitable work leads her to Oakgate Prison, she is delighted do have the chance to explore her fascination with phrenology and test her hypothesis that the shape of a person’s skull can cast a light on their darkest crimes. But when she meets teenage seamstress Ruth, she is faced with another theory: that it is possible to kill with a needle and thread. For Ruth attributes her crimes to a supernatural power inherent in her stitches.
The story Ruth has to tell of her deadly creations – of bitterness and betrayal, of death and dresses – will shake Dorothea’s belief in rationality, and the power of redemption.
Can Ruth be trusted?
Is she mad, or a murderer?
My thoughts: I was pleasantly surprised that this one was completely different to Purcell’s first novel. As you know, I rarely really pay attention to the blurb in fear of spoilers and to be completely honest I wanted to read The Corset because I loved it’s predecessor.
Dorothea and Ruth took charge in alternate chapters; almost written as a report to explain the events that took place. I found myself trying to figure out where the story goes and if Ruth truly had magical powers.
The atmosphere was dark, gloomy and mysterious. I was not expecting a plot twist, but there were a few – and , hey, I LOVE A PLOT TWIST! Especially one that sneaks up on you from behind and whacks you on your head without warning.
Ever so slightly less overwhelming than The Silent Companions, but great book nevertheless!
I’m so glad I read it and didn’t wait any longer 🙂
