In Michael Llewellyn's The Fanlight, Madeleine St. Jacques, beloved heroine from his time-travel trilogy, returns to New Orleans, though not through a time portal this time. Instead, she aids her friend Gemma, whose quiet life is shattered by a cryptic phone call revealing a long-lost family connection to a derelict antebellum house. Within its decaying walls, Gemma unearths a hidden trash pit brimming with artifacts, each hinting at a scandalous past linked to Storyville, the city's infamous red-light district. As Gemma delves deeper, a web of lies, obsession, and murder unfolds, its threads interwoven with real historical figures from New Orleans' vibrant—and often dark—history. The key to solving the city's oldest mystery lies in a shattered stained-glass fanlight, promising a revelation that will change both Gemma and New Orleans forever.
Review The Fanlight
Oh my goodness, I absolutely devoured The Fanlight! It’s one of those books that completely sucked me in and refused to let go. I found myself making excuses to stay up late, whispering "just one more chapter" to myself long after my bedtime, completely captivated by the story. Michael Llewellyn has a real knack for creating those irresistible narratives that transport you to another world, and The Fanlight is no exception.
The blend of present-day intrigue and historical mystery is masterfully done. Gemma’s discovery of that abandoned antebellum house, brimming with secrets and unsettling artifacts, immediately hooked me. The way the past seeped into the present, revealing itself piece by piece through those intriguing finds – the porcelain doll’s head, the rouge pots, the bones – was utterly chilling and fascinating all at once. It built a palpable sense of suspense that kept me guessing until the very end.
And the setting! Llewellyn’s vivid descriptions of New Orleans, especially the infamous Storyville, painted such a rich and atmospheric picture. I’ve never been to New Orleans, but after reading The Fanlight, I felt like I had walked its streets, breathed its air, and felt the weight of its history pressing down. The author clearly has a deep love and understanding of the city, and that shines through on every page. The historical detail wasn’t overwhelming; it was seamlessly woven into the narrative, adding depth and authenticity without slowing down the pace.
The characters were equally captivating. Gemma, with her grounded nature, is a fantastic protagonist, navigating a world of shocking revelations with a blend of courage and vulnerability. The supporting cast, from the colorful denizens of Storyville to the more contemporary figures, felt real and complex, each with their own secrets and motivations. They weren't just cardboard cutouts; they were people I cared about, whose fates I invested in. The relationships between the characters were also compelling, adding layers of emotion and intrigue to the plot. I particularly appreciated the way Llewellyn brought the historical figures of Storyville to life – they weren't just names in a history book, but fully-fledged characters in this gripping story.
The mystery itself is cleverly constructed, with twists and turns that kept me guessing right until the final reveal. The pacing is excellent; the narrative moves along at a brisk pace, balancing moments of quiet reflection with heart-stopping suspense. And the ending? Perfect. It felt satisfying and complete, tying all the loose ends together while still leaving a lingering sense of wonder and maybe even a touch of sadness that the journey was over.
Truly, The Fanlight is more than just a historical mystery; it's an immersive experience. It’s a story that will stay with me long after I’ve finished reading it, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a well-written, captivating novel with a rich historical backdrop and a truly unforgettable atmosphere. I'm already eagerly anticipating Llewellyn's next book!
Information
- Dimensions: 6 x 0.76 x 9 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 336
- Publication date: 2024
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