It could have been better planned to incite a greater interest in the sequel. Lastly, the ending while a closure and a setup for the next book is weak. With so much happening, the frivolous tea sessions, and worries about a debut felt inconspicuous. Signa’s attempt at navigating society didn’t interest me in the least.

There are repetitive portions, and the story dragged in the middle. The pace of the story again could have been better maintained. I also felt that while this book is a YA fiction, it has several scenarios that are mature enough to be more suited to adult readers. How is it possible that one of the family vanishes one day and no one asks about it!Īlso the initial scene, which is spectacular by the way, is rendered completely unnecessary in the end which is just so sad. Then I also was astounded when none of the Hawthorne family members question the sudden disappearance of one of their own. But alas, not once does she show interest here and it is such a significant lapse in this story. All through the book I kept waiting for her to question and investigate the mysterious reason behind her mother’s murder. The first thing that struck me was the glaring loophole in the story where Signa doesn’t question why her mother was killed. And her aunt’s restless spirit still haunts the place trying to find the murderer.īut can Signa solve this mystery and save this family from the grave danger they are all in?Īnd also solve her confusing feelings for Death and the stable boy? Soon it becomes apparent that there is a determined murderer behind her aunt’s death and cousin’s illness. So when Signa decides to solve the mystery behind her cousin’s puzzling disease, her only help comes from a stable hand, and Death! Then her uncle is busy throwing away his business and only interested in throwing lavish parties while his son is worried about the family’s reputation. And now her cousin is also suffering from the same affliction. Her aunt died a painful and mysterious death. Her life changes when she is sent to live with the elusive Hawthornes.

Also unknown to anyone she is able to talk to and see Death who has been her fascinating and protective shadow never far from her side. Orphaned as a baby, Signa has been shuffled among different guardians each more interested in her wealth than in her welfare.

Belladonna by Adalyn Grace