the setup…
In 2015, true crime writer Iris DeLaney was staying at a castle/hotel in Vienna, Austria with a tragic history. She’s there to write about the murder that happened there years ago, bringing along her son Tristan and 12-year old orphaned niece Amelia. But Tristan is later murdered and Amelia was the lone witness. Flash forward to present day and a true crime podcaster with a wide audience is re-examining the case now that the man convicted of the murder is appealing and professing his innocence. Amelia is now “Mia” and is incensed that her memory is being questioned. She returns to Vienna after secretly securing a job as the nanny for the child of the new owner of the hotel, being readied for reopening. Mia wants to clear her aunt’s name and assert herself but finds troubling information that makes her question everything…and everyone.
the heart of the story…
This story takes it time in world building and character development, slowing the pace somewhat but that effort eventually delivered a great payoff as I couldn’t stop listening. The castle/hotel is spooky and highly atmospheric with some paranormal elements (maybe?). I was all over the place with suppositions and finally focused on just keeping up and letting the story lead me.
the narration…
Carlotta Brentan was the voice of Mia and the narrator of the story with Imogen Church providing the voice of Iris and the flashbacks. They were perfectly paired and wonderful storytellers. I highly enjoyed their performance.
the bottom line…
There were so many compelling elements here…unreliable narrators, true crime podcast episodes, dual timeline flashbacks, an Austrian castle, a precocious six-year old and a gothic feel. It’s another remarkable debut novel that kept me guessing and off balance to the very end. Count me in for Goedjen’s next book.
Book Info
- Release Date: October 13, 2026
- Narrators: Carlotta Brentan & Imogen Church
- Audio Length: 11 hours, 9 minutes
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
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