Temple House is an elite Catholic boarding school run by nuns. Louisa and fellow pupil Victoria are drawn to their charismatic and handsome teacher, the bohemian Mr Lavelle. They form a bond which is an escape from the restraints of the strict regime of the school and are inseparable.
Twenty five years on a journalist with a childhood connection to Louisa decides to re-open the case that has haunted her. Louisa and Mr Lavelle disappeared and were never seen again. What happened to them?
This book immediately captivated me. The writing is dark and mysterious. It reminded me of ‘Picnic at Hanging Rock’ and has the same eerie, slightly aloof telling of secrets and unrequited love. Mr Lavelle is a favourite amongst all the school girls, including Victoria. Did he run off with Louisa or did something more sinister happen? And why did the school close down shortly after their disappearance?
This is a debut novel and a fine one. The writing is crisp, clean and leaves the reader wanting more. At the end of each chapter there is a telling sentence which keeps the pages turning as the chapters are told alternatively about Louisa and The Journalist. Former pupils, now adults, add more mystery to a story we know little about and everyone seems to want to keep the truth hidden.
I absolutely loved this book. Dark longings, desire and jealousy, it’s deeply atmospheric. ‘There are no heroes in this story’. Thoroughly recommended.
Twenty five years on a journalist with a childhood connection to Louisa decides to re-open the case that has haunted her. Louisa and Mr Lavelle disappeared and were never seen again. What happened to them?
This book immediately captivated me. The writing is dark and mysterious. It reminded me of ‘Picnic at Hanging Rock’ and has the same eerie, slightly aloof telling of secrets and unrequited love. Mr Lavelle is a favourite amongst all the school girls, including Victoria. Did he run off with Louisa or did something more sinister happen? And why did the school close down shortly after their disappearance?
This is a debut novel and a fine one. The writing is crisp, clean and leaves the reader wanting more. At the end of each chapter there is a telling sentence which keeps the pages turning as the chapters are told alternatively about Louisa and The Journalist. Former pupils, now adults, add more mystery to a story we know little about and everyone seems to want to keep the truth hidden.
I absolutely loved this book. Dark longings, desire and jealousy, it’s deeply atmospheric. ‘There are no heroes in this story’. Thoroughly recommended.