The Lodger

Product Information

An intriguing mystery layered with deeper themes of loss and regeneration after the Great War. London in 1919 is richly atmospheric, and Grace Armstrong is a sympathetic and spirited protagonist * V. B. Grey, author of SISTERHOOD * Elizabeth was much more than a lodger, she had become a dear friend to Grace, and these memories spur Grace on to uncover the true circumstances as to what led her friend to meet such a tragic fate.

The Lodger - Helen Scarlett - Google Books The Lodger - Helen Scarlett - Google Books

Soon Grace finds herself under threat, and the only person prepared to listen is the brooding Tom Monaghan.

Overall, The Lodger is an excellent read for fans of historical fiction with its captivating plot and realistic portrayal of post-war London. So, despite my mild disappointment at the late introduction of over-used themes, overall I loved this one. A strong mystery contained within an authentic in-depth look at a specific and significant period in time, and peopled by characters I grew to like and care about. I will certainly be reading more from this talented author, and recommend this one highly. What I really liked is the description of post war London, even if it reminded me very much of Downton Abbey. The characters could just have been taken from this grand house to the slightly more family home of Ryedale Villa. And the pacing and escapism reminded me of "All creatures, great and small". However, midway through I found the pacing to become very slow and more and more emphasis was put on romance which is just something I don't like in mysteries. Grace seems to accept the discoveries about Elizabeth's death and life like completing a puzzle. Elizabeth's story is full of secrets and taboos. But the information Grace gathers during the months following Elizabeth's death have no consequence. The final scenario would be exactly the same if the crime of the central plot was any other; and, what should have been the main story of the novel, becomes a secondary plot. Grace is appalled when a body, dragged from the Thames, is identified as Catherine Smith, who has lodged with Grace and her family for the last eight years before suddenly disappearing.

The Lodger by Lucy Paterson - Incredible books from Quercus Books The Lodger by Lucy Paterson - Incredible books from Quercus Books

Unfortunately near the end two of the compulsory themes of the decade are dragged in – homophobia and sexual abuse. I assume authors can’t get publishing contracts without them, a bit like the new Oscar rules. At least racism was omitted for once. It’s not that I object to any of these themes – I’d just like them not to be quite so ubiquitous. I love chocolate fudge cake, but I don’t want it with every meal. Believe it or not, there are other aspects of the human condition worth exploring. And in this case, I felt the subjects of loss and renewal were more than sufficient, especially since she dealt with them so well. Elizabeth story really did break my heart 🥲 and was so close to what's happening in the real world that I wouldn't be surprised if it was based on true story 💔 The Lodger is an interesting position. The action takes place in London in 1919, and the city seems to be mourning the sons and husbands lost in the war. Grace’s fiancé was one of the soldiers declared missing after the Battle of Somme, and she cannot accept this loss. Grace is convinced that he is alive and sees him on the street of London. This overwhelming grief gives the novel a melancholic atmosphere, contrasted by the scenes where Grace visits relatively modern clubs with her friends. The story’s central theme is the investigation of Catherine’s life and death. It turns out that she had many secrets and a turbulent past. Soon, Grace’s actions are noticed by those interested in keeping the truth hidden… I found the story to be an enjoyable easy read, albeit set in ghostly and grim conditions. It thoughtfully handled the depiction of grief and the ghosts of the past, using it unravel our characters as they confront their shared histories and pain. Grace is a compelling main character and I very much enjoyed following her as she begins piecing together the clues as to what happened to Elizabeth. It worked well against the story threads related to her own family using it to highlight the impact of social change following the war I really enjoyed this historical novel set in 1919 London. A mystery is set up from the prologue when the body of a woman in a blue coat is found near London bridge. Grace Armstrong is a young woman who lost both her brother and fiancé in the war. She lives with her father at the family home Ryedale Villa, her mother is in a hospital with depression after the death of her son. After seeing the report in the newspaper about the body, it’s feared that it may be their former lodger, Elizabeth Smith who had moved out only two weeks before after living there for eight years. Grace starts looking into Elizabeth’s life (she can’t believe it was suicide) and there’s much more than she expected.

Thank you to Quercus and Netgalley for the eARC of The Lodger by Helen Scarlett in exchange for an honest review! All opinions Expressed are my own.

The Lodger by Helen Scarlett | Incredible books from Quercus

Please note: I have read the ARC copy. However, all the opinions and views are my own as any other review I make. The Lodger by Helen Scarlett is a detective taking place in the aftermath of WWI in London. It's full of brooding and grief but also new beginnings and stories of healing. It is a story of a young woman Grace who lost her brother and fiancé. Recently her friend had disappeared and then was found dead. Grace couldn't believe in her friend's suicide and started an investigation.I was loving the mystery at first but that sadly didn’t last long. Nothing really wrong with the writing, I could read it okay and it held my attention, but I just didn’t love it either. Does more telling than showing when presenting clues/new info, which is a reading pet peeve of mine. I think if it had been dual POV and we could discover the secrets from Elizabeth’s perspective rather than being told everything secondhand it could’ve been more intriguing/mysterious. To make matters worse, a body, dragged from the Thames, is identified as Elizabeth Smith, who lodged with Grace and her family for the last eight years before suddenly disappearing.