The Unforgotten by Laura Powell: Review by Lindsay

Lindsay’s review

Mysterious, dark and haunting stars!

This story revolves around fifteen-year-old Betty Broadhurst. It is 1956 and she and her highly unstable mother manage Hotel Eden which is filled with reporters who have traveled to the small seaside Cornish town to investigate a recent string of murders. Most days Betty handles the hotel responsibilities to cover for her erratic and undependable mother, all the while coddling and excusing her mothers’ lack of responsibility. Betty’s love and adoration of her mother are palpable – her unrelenting forgiveness and care for her mother is heart-wrenching. John Gallagher is one of the reporters staying at the hotel. He takes an interest in young Betty as she is able to provide him insight into the locals. They develop a relationship that neither of them understands or can explain.

The characters are hauntingly real. The author, Laura Powell, does a fantastic job creating unforgettable and deeply affecting characters. I’m amazed that this is a debut novel – I was completely drawn into these characters lives.

This book was very different than what I had expected – it had a very chilling tone and was deeply disturbing at times. Regardless, I found myself glued to the pages especially in the second half, hanging on every word. The pace flowed perfectly, seamlessly shifting from each timeline, the pieces of the puzzle fitting together along the way leaving me in shock and surprise. The mystery was highly intriguing and solving it unfolded in a flawless manner.

A big thank you to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster Canada and Laura Powell for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!!

The Unforgotten is available now!

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