Judy Collins's Reviews > The Stolen Book of Evelyn Aubrey

Serena Burcick's dazzling multigenerational tale is full of mystery, suspense, and intrigue.

THE STOLEN BOOK of Evelyn Aubrey is deft, lyrical, and supremely satisfying— a bittersweet tale of loss, destiny, and the strings of deep love that bind us together across the years.

Multi-layered, alternating with dual timelines and POV, each equally as compelling. I loved every minute of this book!

England, 1898. Evelyn marries the famous novelist William Aubrey. However, he has writer's block, and Evelyn was a writer. He steals her work and claims it as his own. This man is a monster. She is devastated and somewhat trapped being a woman in this era, but she has a revenge plan!

Would William rather be remembered as a murderer than be exposed as a fraudulent writer?

California, 2006. Abigail (Abby), lives in her grandparent's guesthouse, wandering through life to find her place. Her great-great-grandmother was the author Evelyn Aubrey. She never knew her father, and her mom never told her. Years after her mother's death, she finds a photo and a message.

She is tenacious and decides to take off for England to seek answers to the past.

She shows up at Abbington Hall and meets the caretakers, Sally, and brother Thomas. They are not blood relatives of the Aubreys but are related by marriage. They invite her in, and Abby stays with them for an extended period while researching her past. I loved the three of them together! I also loved Lesley's character and his relationship with Evelyn.

Did William murder Evelyn? Were the house and the women cursed? Many of the women died. Abby had been conjuring ghosts her whole life, so maybe here inside these ancient whispering walls, they would finally tell her something.

Serena Burdick's twisty plot will keep you guessing even as her characters steal your heart.

I loved Evelyn! I usually like the past timelines better which here there was so much intrigue. Still, I also found the present timeline with Abby fascinating as she searched desperately for her heritage and past.

The two timelines and tales intertwine beautifully and come together seamlessly.

Powerful and spellbinding, in this gorgeous ode to books, storytellers, and literary secrets, we see the power of women through generations who must take charge of their lives and future.

With well-developed characters, Burdick is a born storyteller, keeping the reader on the edge as she expertly unveils the truths and lies driving this gripping, lyrical, and captivating tale!

You may be reminded of the movie/book The Wife by Meg Wolitzer, an author whose husband steals her work. Get this one on your list. Whether you enjoy historical, literary, or women's fiction, thrillers, suspense, mysteries, or family dramas, THE STOLEN BOOK of Evelyn Aubrey has it all!

Thank you to #ParkRow and #NetGalley for an eARC to read, review, and enjoy. #CoverCrush

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Pub Date: Nov 1, 2022
My Rating 5 🌟 STARS
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