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The Taxidermist's Daughter
The Taxidermist's Daughter: A Novel | Kate Mosse
A chilling and spooky Gothic historical thriller reminiscent of Rebecca and The Turn of the Screw, dripping with the dark twists and eerie surprises that are the hallmarks of Edgar Allan Poe, from the New York Times and internationally bestselling author of Citadel. In a remote village near the English coast, residents gather in a misty churchyard. More than a decade into the twentieth century, superstition still holds sway: It is St. Marks Eve, the night when the shimmering ghosts of those fated to die in the coming year are said to materialize and amble through the church doors. Alone in the crowd is Constantia Gifford, the taxidermists daughter. Twenty-two and unmarried, she lives with her father on the fringes of town, in a decaying mansion cluttered with the remains of his once world-famous museum of taxidermy. No one speaks of why the museum was shuttered or how the Giffords fell so low. Connie herself has no recollectiona childhood accident has erased all memory of her earlier days. Even those who might have answers remain silent. The locals shun Blackthorn House, and the strange spinster who practices her fathers macabre art. As the last peal of the midnight bell fades to silence, a woman is found deada stranger Connie noticed near the church. In the coming days, snippets of long lost memories will begin to tease through Connies mind, offering her glimpses of her vanished years. Who is the victim, and why has her death affected Connie so deeply? Why is she watched by a mysterious figure who has suddenly appeared on the marsh nearby? Is her father trying to protect her with his silenceor someone else? The answers are tied to a dark secret that lies at the heart of Blackthorn House, hidden among the bell jars of her fathers workshopa mystery that draws Connie closer to danger . . . closer to madness . . . closer to the startling truth.
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Coleen
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Pickpick

I liked this slow burn, Gothic novel. My biggest problem was keeping track of all the male characters, which was important in order to follow the plot. Might‘ve been easier in print, vs. audio.

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bpawson
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Pickpick

This is more like it! An obviously superior writer with good character depth and a gripping storyline, liking the intense final chapters in this book. Only one word of warning, concentrate on who's who at the start of the story, the male characters are easily muddled!

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Lel2403
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For any Kate Moses fans, 99p for Kindle at the moment

69 likes2 stack adds
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JillR
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Pickpick

I‘ve not read Kate Mosse before and enjoyed this gothic, historical story. Essentially a mysterious whodunnit this was atmospheric and creepy; also at times gruesome. Although I guessed what was going on quite early, oddly that didn‘t spoil it at all. A good story, well told. If I‘m going to read more Kate Mosse, what would you recommend?

TrishB Labyrinth, Sepulchre and then Citadel 👍🏻 great series. 6y
JillR Thanks @TrishB 👍 One of those authors I just never got to! 6y
TrishB I think she‘s great 😁 6y
56 likes3 comments
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annkuch13
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Pickpick

I really enjoyed this one! Very atmospheric and a great mystery. I loved the way it unfolded and I was able to peice things together along with the main character.

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annkuch13
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Finishing up this one while listening to the cicadas. Pretty much a perfect evening.

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JuliaReads
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Mehso-so

The beginning of this book was very slow for me. But after I forced myself to read more I was drawn in and couldn't put it down.

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JuliaReads
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Mehso-so

The beginning of this book was very slow for me. But after I forced myself to read more I was drawn in and couldn't put it down.

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JuliaReads
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Mehso-so

The beginning of this book was very slow for me. But after I forced myself to read more I was drawn in and couldn't put it down.

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Simona
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This is a surprise gift, book given to me by a friend from my 'real life', which is quite rare. Usually, they ask me which book I want, and I give them a list from which they can choose ... it's a nice to get an unexpected gift!
I got a book a few days ago, so it's still unread...

#fallintobooks #occupationintitle

julesG Looks interesting! Great gift! 7y
KarenUK I really enjoyed it... it's very gothic and atmospheric.... 7y
Simona @KarenUK I will save it for the Halloween 👻 7y
Simona @julesG Yes, it's. I was really surprised, almost shocked 😳 7y
79 likes1 stack add4 comments
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unreal
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'Memory is a shifting, dishonest and false friend in any case. We cherish what does us good and bury the rest. This is how we keep ourselves safe. How we make it possible to carry on in this decaying, corrupting world.'

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JuliaReads
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Can't wait to start this!

#KateMosse #currentlyreading #gothic

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laurieluna
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Pickpick

I read this book a while back and absolutely loved it. It's completely different to anything I had read before and I have to admit it was a cover buy but it was so engaging and had me guessing all the way through. I have now given it to my mum to read and I've inspired her with all the photos I've been taking! I made the bookmark for her, and the candle was a gift I sent her to cheer her up. Appreciate your mums 💛
#katemosse

BookishMarginalia Lovely bookmark! 8y
laurieluna @BookishMarginalia thanks! It was when I had the time to craft. Barely have time to read now with a 2 year old! X 8y
DeborahSmall I just love love love Kate Mosse💕 8y
laurieluna @DeborahSmall have to admit this is the only work of hers I have read! I have Winter Ghosts waiting to be read and I've been recommended her other works. Shall have to add them to my ever growing tbr! X 8y
DeborahSmall I haven't read this. I have the paperback but love this edition. Labyrinth is fantastic and Sepulchre 8y
17 likes5 comments
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psy_kaoru
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My bookish haul from Baguio. I got The Taxidermist's Daughter from Booksale SM Baguio and The Luplupa Villagers and the River Creatures was from Mt. Cloud Bookstore. #mtcloud #booksale #katemosse #gothic #folktale

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cplaczek
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Pickpick

The bell begins to toll and all eyes are fixed on the church. No one sees the gloved hands holding a garrote. As the last notes fade into the dark, a woman lies dead. I really enjoyed this book, I might have to read more from this author.

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Nebklvr
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Mehso-so

A gothic tale of revenge. Still trying to decide about this book... Some parts were standard fare but it did have a lot of atmosphere.

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Nebklvr
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Getting ready to start and what should I find....

hermyknee Ooo I picked up this book at an airport! I haven't read it yet (it was Christmas vacation and my sister-in-law gave me 3 books for the holiday, so it got pushed to the bottom!) Can't wait to hear what you think!! 8y
Nebklvr @hermyknee Sometimes predictable but very atmospheric. Somewhere between so-so and pick. 8y
hermyknee Thanks! 8y
30 likes3 comments
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JSW
Mehso-so

Meh. This story took FOREVER to get rolling. It's only on the strength of her previous novels that I gave this one a chance; otherwise I would have bailed. The story and plot were just ok, nothing special. Meh.

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JSW
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My stack of books for today. I'm ready for some hard work relaxing.

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Inas
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My first Gothic themed book , hoping for a wonderful journey

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WilliamMorrowBooks
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Pickpick

"A classic tale of marshland murder and madness..." -Daily Express (UK)

MrBook A "daughter" book, @BookBabe ?. 8y
BookBabe 😊👍🏻 8y
16 likes1 stack add2 comments
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Ms.Story
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Pickpick

Just the right amount of creepiness for me! Really enjoyed this one ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Bookzombie This sounds great. I added it to my TBR. 9y
LitHousewife I really enjoyed it, too. The setting was so good. 9y
38 likes12 stack adds2 comments
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Abohemian1
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Currently reading - about 1/2 way through and really enjoying it 🙂💀

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LitHousewife
Pickpick

Over the course of this crazy day, I finished this book. I enjoyed it despite it not being quite as Gothic as I'd hoped. While there is some taxidermy included, it wasn't overly graphic and not enough to turn readers off. I want to read more of Mosse's books.

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LitHousewife
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I'm not officially participating in the #readathon, but I'm going to read this morning in support of everyone who is. Here's where I'm picking up. I hope it's a great reading day for everyone. Go readers!

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LitHousewife
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I really would like to be reading right now because I'm enjoying this book. Unfortunately I've developed an infection from a root canal this week and I'm too exhausted to read. So I'm stuck in my recliner watching Lucy, which goes beyond my ability to suspend disbelief. Boo dental work!

Megabooks Boo!!! Feel better soon! 9y
LitHousewife @Ebooksandcooks Thank you. Tomorrow should be a better day. 9y
ramyasbookshelf Oh no! @LitHousewife ! Feel better soon! 9y
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the_need_to_read Feel better! 9y
Sue :( I hope you feel well soon. Being too sick to read is rotten. 9y
Dogearedcopy Ugh, on so many levels: That you have an infection; That the infection makes you feel to lousy to read; and that you're watching 'Lucy'! Hope you feel better soon! #hatefulhatrick 9y
LitHousewife @ramyasbookshelf @BooksForEmpathy @the~need~to~read @Sue Thank you so much. I'm feeling a little better after getting a lot of sleep last night. 9y
LitHousewife @Dogearedcopy Allison finally came home and rescued me from having to watch more. We watched The Amazing Race together before heading to bed. That was better. 9y
6 likes9 comments
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LitHousewife
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First spring read on my front porch. What a lovely day today was.

Meg11726 Love reading on the front porch! Here's to many more sunny reading days! 9y
16 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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LitHousewife
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While the kids are jumping at the trampoline park, I'm diving in to this book. Here's hoping it's as Gothic as the back cover promises.

Beckys_Books I saw this at the library yesterday but passed it by. Let us know what you think! 9y
LitHousewife @Beckys_Books I sure will! 9y
8 likes2 stack adds2 comments