Magpie Lane by Lucy Atkins is a psychological thriller set in contemporary Oxford, England. The story revolves around Dee, an experienced nanny who takes a job with Nick Law and his Danish wife Mariah to look after their traumatized daughter, Felicity. Felicity is selectively mute and socially withdrawn, haunted by her mother's suicide. As Dee delves deeper into the family dynamics, secrets begin to unravel, leading to a gripping mystery filled with gothic elements, historical intrigue, and complex character relationships. The narrative style, characterized by a mysterious narrator slowly revealing her past, keeps readers engaged till the surprising epilogue.

Characters:

The characters are intricate and flawed, showcasing a range of neurotic behavior, with significant development for characters like Dee and the impulsive dynamics in the Law family.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by clarity and suitability for the mysterious narrator, contributing to an engaging atmosphere throughout the narrative.

Plot/Storyline:

The story centers on the disappearance of a child and the family dynamics surrounding her, with historical elements woven into the mystery, although its conclusion is deemed unsatisfactory by some.

Setting:

The contemporary Oxford setting is integral to the atmosphere, enriched with historical details that enhance the story.

Pacing:

The pacing is generally fast and captivating, compelling readers to stay engaged, though some parts may feel slower towards the resolution.

Notes:

The book is set in the atmospheric city of Oxford, known for its historical significance.

The story revolves around a child named Felicity who has selective mutism and struggles with communication.

The narrative is delivered by Dee, the nanny, who is being interviewed by the police.

Dee has a mysterious past and becomes increasingly invested in Felicity's well-being.

Felicity's parents are depicted as neglectful, focusing more on their careers than their daughter.

There are elements of gothic themes, including a priest's hiding hole and the presence of ghosts.

Hardy Linklater, a house detective, is a standout character who connects with Felicity.

The relationship dynamics in the family are complex, with tension between Felicity and her stepmother, Mariah.

A key plot point involves Felicity's experiences with sleepwalking and seeing ghosts, which adds to the story's creepiness.

The book discusses issues of trauma and neglect faced by children in chaotic household environments.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Triggers may include themes of child neglect, mental illness, and suicide, which could be sensitive for some readers.

From The Publisher:

'An utter joy . . . wonderfully skilled' Sarah Perry

'Riveting, twisty, page-turning stuff' Guardian

'Beguiling, brilliantly creepy, and an utterly compelling read' Claire Fuller

When the eight-year-old daughter of an Oxford College Master vanishes in the middle of the night, police turn to the Scottish nanny, Dee, for answers.

As Dee looks back over her time in the Master's Lodging - an eerie and ancient house - a picture of a high achieving but dysfunctional family emerges: Nick, the fiercely intelligent and powerful father; his beautiful Danish wife Mariah, pregnant with their child; and the lost little girl, Felicity, almost mute, seeing ghosts, grieving her dead mother.

But is Dee telling the whole story? Is her growing friendship with the eccentric house historian, Linklater, any cause for concern? And most of all, why is Felicity silent?

Roaming Oxford's secret passages and hidden graveyards, Magpie Lane explores the true meaning of family - and what it is to be denied one.

A Book of the Year pick for BBC Radio 4 Open Book, the Guardian, the Telegraph and Good Housekeeping

'Tender, creepy and gripping' Sunday Times

'The page turner you've been looking for. Sly, witty and gripping . . . I devoured it' Naomi Alderman

'Spellbinding and spooky . . . a dazzling high wire act, superbly absorbing' Sunday Mirror

'Enthralling . . . creepy and compelling' The Times

'Deliciously dark' Alexandra Shulman

'A gorgeously satisfying triumph' Lucy Mangan

'A rare thing . . . simply stunning' Daily Express

'I was gripped . . . highly original' Alex Clark

'Creepy, suspenseful' Independent

'One of the most intriguing narrators since Notes on a Scandal' Sara Collins

'Grown-up and cleverly written . . . a dizzying sense of uncertainty' Literary Review

'Keeps you guessing . . . a real sense of menace' Good Housekeeping

'Wholly beguiling' Mick Herron

'Dazzlingly good' Diane Setterfield

'Beautiful writing' Polly Samson

'Clever, tense and twisty' Amanda Craig

'Highly intelligent' Sarah Vaughan

'Simply brilliant!' JP Delaney

'Darkly atmospheric' Jane Fallon

'Clever and creepy' Erin Kelly

'Highly recommended' Louise Candlish

Reader Stats (3):

Want To Read (3)

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Magpie Lane

Lucy Atkins