Review of The House of Light and Shadows by Lauren Westwood
Review of The House of Light and Shadows by Lauren Westwood
Release date: Feb. 18th, 2025
Publisher: Boldwood Books
REVIEW
The House of Light and Shadows by Lauren Westwood is a stunning historical paranormal mystery that has more flips, turns and twists than you can imagine! This clever author kept me guessing right up until the final chapters. The riveting journey left me breathless, anxious and pinned to the pages! I love stories where old houses are the prime characters with tales to tell of its past inhabitants. Yes, the old saying of ‘if these walls could speak’ suits The House of Light and Shadows extremely well. Rookswood House presents its mysterious past through a heartbroken ghost, various photos and other belongings left behind within its dilapidated frame.
Ultimately The House of Light and Shadows is about relationships—particularly between sisters who have a falling out: two from the past and two in the present. The parallels between these four women are quite uncanny with the current day characters learning from the past sisters—of how important it is to make amends while you can. Love, forgiveness and understanding are the required ingredients and this becomes obvious as the tangle of complex threads come together in this mesmerising tale. I felt the paranormal mystery elements to be quite original in many ways. There were times the events pulled me off centre and what happened was not what I expected. And there were lots of spooky occurrences that kept me on the edge of my seat! But as is often the case, with smoke and mirrors, light and shadows, things aren’t always as they appear. It was an unusual reading experience to say the least. But by the close of the story everything made sense. I loved the ending! It exudes incredible warmth and healing, once the supernatural and physical realm are back in balance.
I enjoyed both threads of the story: past resident sisters Adaline and Camile plus current day sisters Kate and Emma. Both elder sisters, Adaline and Kate, tell their stories. Each experience a falling out or separation from their younger sibling. The importance of re-establishing those past connections becomes the focal point. Romances are in the mix, too, but more as a smouldering backdrop than centerstage.
Kate has been estranged from her sister for many years. But when Emma has an accident, Kate is called to care for Emma’s teenage children, Max and Izzy. Emma’s husband is overseas and we slowly learn more about the reasons for his absence. Initially Kate is hesitant to take up the task, for obvious reasons, but the pull on her heart is stronger. She temporarily leaves her lawyer practice to dutifully care for her sister’s children. She has not seen them since they were small, so their re-acquaintance is a bit awkward. Rebellious Izzy is compared to a younger Kate while Max appears to have his father’s charm. Even worse is the fact Kate must visit her sister in hospital, face her emotions and overcome the hurdles of what tore them apart.
Adaline and Camile, also known as the Weird Sisters for their penchant for the sensational and the macabre, were very close in the past. But something happened that caused a tear in their sibling relationship. Camile disappears and Adaline never hears from her again. This breaks Adaline’s heart and she is never able to fine peace even after she passes. Much of her paranormal activity is related to this but when she connects with Kate, things begin to take shape.
Special effects photography is an important part of the story’s plot and it was the Weird Sisters’ specialty that draws us like a moth to their light. I found the research on ‘photoshopping’ techniques of the Victorians quite informative, since I personally have an interest in photography. The novel demonstrates the talent these two women and others had at the time and how difficult it was to recreate their exclusive works.
This is a very creative and unusual story. One I am sure I will never forget. I enjoyed The House of Light and Shadows, its leading and supporting characters and twisty plot! I look forward to reading more of this author’s romantic historical house mysteries—filled with thrills, chills and haunting atmosphere! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the ARC.
