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Drowned Murmurs
Snappy version
Edwardian mother Catherine, guilty of child murder or not? 100 years later Michaela moves into the same house, events instigate a personal investigation to admonish the accusations.
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Michaela and Sam are renovating a Victorian house. Primrose Cottage has a tragic history which somehow influences Michaela's emotional stability. Local residents provoke a strong reaction from Michaela, their nasty accusations of abuse and child murders refer to Catherine who once lived in Michaela's new home. Unconvinced, effected by personal conflicts, Michaela sets out to investigate Catherine's family life, a mystery with angry undercurrents.
Edwardian mother Catherine, guilty of child murder or not? 100 years later Michaela moves into the same house, events instigate a personal investigation to admonish the accusations.
Short Delivery
Michaela and Sam are renovating a Victorian house. Primrose Cottage has a tragic history which somehow influences Michaela's emotional stability. Local residents provoke a strong reaction from Michaela, their nasty accusations of abuse and child murders refer to Catherine who once lived in Michaela's new home. Unconvinced, effected by personal conflicts, Michaela sets out to investigate Catherine's family life, a mystery with angry undercurrents.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 13, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 17, 2014
"Drowned Murmurs" by Honor Amelia Dawson is a fascinating mystery story about an old house in Cornwall. Our heroine Michaela inherits it from an uncle she never knew and decides to move into the house with her husband Sam.
Soon she experiences psychic or paranormal visions relating to some former occupants of the house. The local people she meets also warn her about the house but instead of fleeing, Michaela begins to investigate the history of the house.
A parallel story goes back to Catherine, one of Michaela's ancestors from the early 1900s with a particularly fascinating background and mystery to solve.
This is the third book by this author that I have read and it contains similar themes: it is a paranormal/ supernatural mystery, features strong female lead characters and an issue from the past that haunts the present. As with her previous books, Dawson has delivered a palatable and engaging story.
The book is well written, cleverly plotted and truly captivating. As fan of historical fiction I enjoyed the segments set in the 1900s especially. The characterisation and the portrayal of family relations are further particular strong points of this author.
Highly recommended.
Soon she experiences psychic or paranormal visions relating to some former occupants of the house. The local people she meets also warn her about the house but instead of fleeing, Michaela begins to investigate the history of the house.
A parallel story goes back to Catherine, one of Michaela's ancestors from the early 1900s with a particularly fascinating background and mystery to solve.
This is the third book by this author that I have read and it contains similar themes: it is a paranormal/ supernatural mystery, features strong female lead characters and an issue from the past that haunts the present. As with her previous books, Dawson has delivered a palatable and engaging story.
The book is well written, cleverly plotted and truly captivating. As fan of historical fiction I enjoyed the segments set in the 1900s especially. The characterisation and the portrayal of family relations are further particular strong points of this author.
Highly recommended.
September 23, 2014
Drowned Murmurs tells us about the eerie occurrences in the lives of two women 100 years apart: In present day, Michaela has just inherited Primrose Cottage from her Uncle Jim and along with boyfriend, Sam is renovating this much neglected property against the wishes of her mother, Judith and the written recommendation from her Uncle Jim. The cottage also comes with a history of rumours about a curse and myths about a ghostly Catherine.
Catherine Cooper lived in Primrose Cottage 100 years prior to Michaela. She moved in after marrying well-to-do Jack Cooper who was from a wealthy and prominent local family who owned the copper mines nearby. During the course of her arduous life with Jack, Catherine lost a number of children in infancy at the cottage. Local have always upheld that Catherine was to blame for the demise of her children. Michaela disagrees with this local folklore after she has a number of visions about Catherine and concludes that she has always been wrongly accused and held accountable for the deaths of her children when she was innocent and living with a volatile husband, Jack.
Michaela comes up against hurdle after hurdle trying to find out about Catherine's life, which seemed odd as the locals associated Primrose Cottage with Catherine and a curse but clammed up about it as soon as Michaela and Sam showed any interest. Michaela's mother, Judith has her own skeletons linked to the Cottage and is another opposing force to both Michaela's renovations and investigation into the life of Catherine. As the toll of the renovations, stress of her dilapidated living standard and the stress of arguing with her mother and neighbour affects Michaela she starts becoming more emotionally labile and relating to Catherine.
I found this book quite engaging to begin with as it was very reminiscent to reading a Susan Hill horror (Susan Hill is one of my favourite authors). I found the story about Catherine very gripping and felt that the parts dealing with her life were well written and kept a good pace, however I found reading about Michaela was not as interesting and this is where the book departs from my previous experience of reading Susan Hill, as she becomes more moody, morose and generally unlikeable for a protagonist. I felt we kept being told the same things about what she was thinking and feeling without much progression in the story. Also there were many typos that needed correcting and a good proofread and editing was much needed too. The book ends relatively well with all loose ends being tied up and explained, however, the story could have had a better impact if it was shorter and a little more to the point when telling us about Michaela.
There was real potential in this horror suspense novel to be a very effective read but some of that was lost through the lack of proof reading and editing that would be required to make this a great read.
Reviewed for Rosie's Book Review Team.
Catherine Cooper lived in Primrose Cottage 100 years prior to Michaela. She moved in after marrying well-to-do Jack Cooper who was from a wealthy and prominent local family who owned the copper mines nearby. During the course of her arduous life with Jack, Catherine lost a number of children in infancy at the cottage. Local have always upheld that Catherine was to blame for the demise of her children. Michaela disagrees with this local folklore after she has a number of visions about Catherine and concludes that she has always been wrongly accused and held accountable for the deaths of her children when she was innocent and living with a volatile husband, Jack.
Michaela comes up against hurdle after hurdle trying to find out about Catherine's life, which seemed odd as the locals associated Primrose Cottage with Catherine and a curse but clammed up about it as soon as Michaela and Sam showed any interest. Michaela's mother, Judith has her own skeletons linked to the Cottage and is another opposing force to both Michaela's renovations and investigation into the life of Catherine. As the toll of the renovations, stress of her dilapidated living standard and the stress of arguing with her mother and neighbour affects Michaela she starts becoming more emotionally labile and relating to Catherine.
I found this book quite engaging to begin with as it was very reminiscent to reading a Susan Hill horror (Susan Hill is one of my favourite authors). I found the story about Catherine very gripping and felt that the parts dealing with her life were well written and kept a good pace, however I found reading about Michaela was not as interesting and this is where the book departs from my previous experience of reading Susan Hill, as she becomes more moody, morose and generally unlikeable for a protagonist. I felt we kept being told the same things about what she was thinking and feeling without much progression in the story. Also there were many typos that needed correcting and a good proofread and editing was much needed too. The book ends relatively well with all loose ends being tied up and explained, however, the story could have had a better impact if it was shorter and a little more to the point when telling us about Michaela.
There was real potential in this horror suspense novel to be a very effective read but some of that was lost through the lack of proof reading and editing that would be required to make this a great read.
Reviewed for Rosie's Book Review Team.
October 26, 2014
Drowned Murmurs opens up with Michaela inheriting a house from her uncle and her mother warning her against moving into it. Michaela wants to renovate and move into this 100+ year old house and her husband Sam is supportive. The conflict and tension between Michaela and her mother is evident from the beginning.
Once they move in and start working on the house, Michaela realizes that the house will not be complete in the couple of weeks that she had hoped for. The house needs so much more work than she had anticipated.
They soon begin hearing all the rumors about Catherine haunting the place and how she had supposedly killed some of her children. Michaela believes that she has seen Catherine and that Catherine asked her for help to clear her name. Michaela is adamant that Catherine is innocent and is desperate to find information to prove it.
Michaela tries to make friends with her neighbor while she is out gardening, but that relationship is quickly soured. The more that Michaela tries to find out any information regarding the family history or the history of the house, she finds most in the community tight lipped. Even her own mother.
Throughout this ordeal, Michaela rides an emotional roller coaster and her behavior becomes erratic, irrational and downright scary at times. There were times I wondered how her husband could remain so calm and understanding, but he did. He was supportive and just the level head that Michaela needed.
Together, they found out many dark secrets into the past and into Michaela's family. The house was surrounded by so many tragic accidents and deaths, but these two are determined to turn that around.
I really loved the interjection of Catherine and some of her story into the book. I felt that it was a nice addition to let us see the type of person she was and the life that she led. It also showed some of the tragedy and accidents that she experienced.
The character development was well designed and showed the characters with their flaws which made them believable and easy to relate to. The descriptions were detailed and well delivered so that I could design a clear picture in my head.
The pace of the story was just right to keep me interested in the storyline to find out what really happened with Catherine and her children. I was also curious to see how Michaela and Sam would end up due to Michaela's huge change in personality. Sam may be a good guy but I was thinking that he sure can't put up with that behavior and treatment forever.
Great book and definitely look forward to reading more from this author.
Once they move in and start working on the house, Michaela realizes that the house will not be complete in the couple of weeks that she had hoped for. The house needs so much more work than she had anticipated.
They soon begin hearing all the rumors about Catherine haunting the place and how she had supposedly killed some of her children. Michaela believes that she has seen Catherine and that Catherine asked her for help to clear her name. Michaela is adamant that Catherine is innocent and is desperate to find information to prove it.
Michaela tries to make friends with her neighbor while she is out gardening, but that relationship is quickly soured. The more that Michaela tries to find out any information regarding the family history or the history of the house, she finds most in the community tight lipped. Even her own mother.
Throughout this ordeal, Michaela rides an emotional roller coaster and her behavior becomes erratic, irrational and downright scary at times. There were times I wondered how her husband could remain so calm and understanding, but he did. He was supportive and just the level head that Michaela needed.
Together, they found out many dark secrets into the past and into Michaela's family. The house was surrounded by so many tragic accidents and deaths, but these two are determined to turn that around.
I really loved the interjection of Catherine and some of her story into the book. I felt that it was a nice addition to let us see the type of person she was and the life that she led. It also showed some of the tragedy and accidents that she experienced.
The character development was well designed and showed the characters with their flaws which made them believable and easy to relate to. The descriptions were detailed and well delivered so that I could design a clear picture in my head.
The pace of the story was just right to keep me interested in the storyline to find out what really happened with Catherine and her children. I was also curious to see how Michaela and Sam would end up due to Michaela's huge change in personality. Sam may be a good guy but I was thinking that he sure can't put up with that behavior and treatment forever.
Great book and definitely look forward to reading more from this author.
September 13, 2014
3.5 stars
Set in an old house in Cornwall the story parallels the lives of two women. Michaela in the present day and Catherine, who lived there in the early 1900s and is one of Michaela’s ancestors. Michaela has inherited the house from an uncle she never met. She and her husband, Sam, are renovating the property for themselves. The house has a less than favourable history and Michaela and Sam are warned against settling there.
After having several visions about Catherine and the distressing events in her life, Michaela confides in Sam and decides she wants to prove Catherine innocent of the accusations levelled against her. Michaela is convinced the rumours surrounding Catherine are unfounded.
Catherine’s story is very sad and I appreciate the difficulties she faced as a woman without rights of any sort in the days of terrible inequality. The cultural and environmental factors of the time were not focused on the welfare or support of women. I could feel Catherine’s frustration and feelings of injustice at her helplessness.
The premise of the story is interesting and makes you wonder if evil and tragedy can live on and affect future generations.
‘You think this is about Bloomer?’
Silence.
‘Are you completely stupid?’
He perched on the bed and reached out his hand. She knocked it away. ‘Just go, I want to be alone. And don’t bother me again.’
Sadly, I couldn’t empathize with Michaela. She comes across as very abrasive, especially to Sam, and, to be honest, I was quite surprised he took all that was dished out as meekly as he did. Although the possible cause is discovered and she is redeemed somewhat, as it’s written in the book ‘it explains but doesn’t excuse.’ For all that she wants to dig and find out the truth when Sam sees a suspicious photograph Michaela doesn’t want to take it further, saying it’s none of her business.
There are several missed edits which was quite off-putting and frustrating after a while.
Set in an old house in Cornwall the story parallels the lives of two women. Michaela in the present day and Catherine, who lived there in the early 1900s and is one of Michaela’s ancestors. Michaela has inherited the house from an uncle she never met. She and her husband, Sam, are renovating the property for themselves. The house has a less than favourable history and Michaela and Sam are warned against settling there.
After having several visions about Catherine and the distressing events in her life, Michaela confides in Sam and decides she wants to prove Catherine innocent of the accusations levelled against her. Michaela is convinced the rumours surrounding Catherine are unfounded.
Catherine’s story is very sad and I appreciate the difficulties she faced as a woman without rights of any sort in the days of terrible inequality. The cultural and environmental factors of the time were not focused on the welfare or support of women. I could feel Catherine’s frustration and feelings of injustice at her helplessness.
The premise of the story is interesting and makes you wonder if evil and tragedy can live on and affect future generations.
‘You think this is about Bloomer?’
Silence.
‘Are you completely stupid?’
He perched on the bed and reached out his hand. She knocked it away. ‘Just go, I want to be alone. And don’t bother me again.’
Sadly, I couldn’t empathize with Michaela. She comes across as very abrasive, especially to Sam, and, to be honest, I was quite surprised he took all that was dished out as meekly as he did. Although the possible cause is discovered and she is redeemed somewhat, as it’s written in the book ‘it explains but doesn’t excuse.’ For all that she wants to dig and find out the truth when Sam sees a suspicious photograph Michaela doesn’t want to take it further, saying it’s none of her business.
There are several missed edits which was quite off-putting and frustrating after a while.
September 20, 2014
Drowned Murmurs is based around a cottage in Cornwall that Michaela has inherited from an Uncle she knew nothing about. Ignoring her Mother's pleas to sell it and forget about it Michaela and her husband Sam decide they will move in and renovate.
There are sinister tales about the cottage which come from family, neighbours and village gossip and when Michaela starts having visions about a woman named Catherine she believes she is not only dreaming but re-living some of Catherine's experiences. No one has a good word to say about Catherine and her abilities to be good Mother, but Michaela feels empathy for her and wants to prove her innocence.
I really enjoyed the parts of the book that involved the visions of Catherine and her life there was a lot of emotion and historical detail which drew me in to her circumstances, the parts of the book which were set in Michaela's life were also full of much emotion, but so much of it was aggressive anger and coldness that I didn't connect with her as much as I should. She was surrounded by cold angry characters, her Mother and Grace fuelled her anger and I was desperate for some warmth and love so that I could like Michaela. There was a kitten for Michaela to show love to but it's part didn't work for me.
Michaela's determination to find out Catherine's story is rewarded by the end, sadly too late to save Catherine and her own belief that she caused the deaths of her children, a very sad and quite dark tale.
There are sinister tales about the cottage which come from family, neighbours and village gossip and when Michaela starts having visions about a woman named Catherine she believes she is not only dreaming but re-living some of Catherine's experiences. No one has a good word to say about Catherine and her abilities to be good Mother, but Michaela feels empathy for her and wants to prove her innocence.
I really enjoyed the parts of the book that involved the visions of Catherine and her life there was a lot of emotion and historical detail which drew me in to her circumstances, the parts of the book which were set in Michaela's life were also full of much emotion, but so much of it was aggressive anger and coldness that I didn't connect with her as much as I should. She was surrounded by cold angry characters, her Mother and Grace fuelled her anger and I was desperate for some warmth and love so that I could like Michaela. There was a kitten for Michaela to show love to but it's part didn't work for me.
Michaela's determination to find out Catherine's story is rewarded by the end, sadly too late to save Catherine and her own belief that she caused the deaths of her children, a very sad and quite dark tale.
September 29, 2013
I can say this ebook has been enjoyed by several members of my family including me. At first my wife considered it a womens story, but in conversation it proved to be more interesting.3 BIG guys have read it, stating it suits a much wider audience. In fact it would probably make a good t.v drama suitable for British tastes, I can not speak for other English speaking nations.
The story is well defined, not confusing, nevertheless it leads you in one direction then veers off quite quickly i.e the writer induces an easy but incorrect idea for the reader, but in her use of character interactions and their conclusions,the plot is able to persuade you into making the same mistake I did, as well 5 others from my close family. I am so glad no one spoiled it.
It is set somewhere in England but non specific, there are two time periods involved the present and the Edwardian era.There is an element of the paranormal which is weaved into the plot, blending nicely. The characters are primarily female, with 2 males "sidekicks". It certainly reads well, the English is straight forward and not over embellished, I am a speed reader it gave me no problems, so the grammar is suitable for everyone.
To be recommended
We have downloaded the Luke Adams detective series now.
The story is well defined, not confusing, nevertheless it leads you in one direction then veers off quite quickly i.e the writer induces an easy but incorrect idea for the reader, but in her use of character interactions and their conclusions,the plot is able to persuade you into making the same mistake I did, as well 5 others from my close family. I am so glad no one spoiled it.
It is set somewhere in England but non specific, there are two time periods involved the present and the Edwardian era.There is an element of the paranormal which is weaved into the plot, blending nicely. The characters are primarily female, with 2 males "sidekicks". It certainly reads well, the English is straight forward and not over embellished, I am a speed reader it gave me no problems, so the grammar is suitable for everyone.
To be recommended
We have downloaded the Luke Adams detective series now.
June 30, 2014
A determined woman with a spooky problem
I got this novel last year and read it within two days at Christmas 2013. Among the novels I have completed in the past year it is one of the few I have enjoyed immensely. The story is tight, consistent and absorbing with the main female character being firm but sensitive. The setting is rural Cornwall, Megan and Sam have moved into an old house you can guess a few things( it's inevitable) However the story does broaden out convincingly, showing how people attitudes make family situations complicated. Megan reacts quite strongly to her mother interference, the accusations fly. You then start shift into a higher gear. Megan wants desperately to defend a long dead relative Catherine the cause and effect maintains your interest making for an enjoyable read The conclusion is not what I expected which makes the whole novel plausible and enjoyable. I have read so many books this was a pleasure. At present I have not befriended members of goodreads if anyone reads this review take note
I got this novel last year and read it within two days at Christmas 2013. Among the novels I have completed in the past year it is one of the few I have enjoyed immensely. The story is tight, consistent and absorbing with the main female character being firm but sensitive. The setting is rural Cornwall, Megan and Sam have moved into an old house you can guess a few things( it's inevitable) However the story does broaden out convincingly, showing how people attitudes make family situations complicated. Megan reacts quite strongly to her mother interference, the accusations fly. You then start shift into a higher gear. Megan wants desperately to defend a long dead relative Catherine the cause and effect maintains your interest making for an enjoyable read The conclusion is not what I expected which makes the whole novel plausible and enjoyable. I have read so many books this was a pleasure. At present I have not befriended members of goodreads if anyone reads this review take note
September 11, 2013
I found this on the Amazon Kindle list quite accidentally and had never heard of the author who has 2 other kindle books out.
It is an interesting mix of modern and old,parallel lives. Main characters Catherine and Michaela live 100 years apart. In the present day Michaela has several clairvoyant experiences when she moves into an old house (that is what I think they are, maybe it is the wrong term.) But nevertheless the story explores the emotions and feelings of a mother to be, combined with an obsession to right some wrongs from the past. All in all I was absorbed in the story (more than 300 pages) which has a few surprises to keep you reading.
I am no spoiler so my reviews will remain short
I don't know which genre people would place it in possibly womens fiction with paranormal. I definitely recommend it,and have already to several people including some men!
I am getting the other 2 this week.
It is an interesting mix of modern and old,parallel lives. Main characters Catherine and Michaela live 100 years apart. In the present day Michaela has several clairvoyant experiences when she moves into an old house (that is what I think they are, maybe it is the wrong term.) But nevertheless the story explores the emotions and feelings of a mother to be, combined with an obsession to right some wrongs from the past. All in all I was absorbed in the story (more than 300 pages) which has a few surprises to keep you reading.
I am no spoiler so my reviews will remain short
I don't know which genre people would place it in possibly womens fiction with paranormal. I definitely recommend it,and have already to several people including some men!
I am getting the other 2 this week.
September 17, 2013
I could bore people to tears by reviewing every book I've read,I am of Norse extraction and have far more time reading than I watch TV. I encountered this Ebook several weeks ago on Amazon UK when I was on my work travels. It is from a British author with a very pleasant and intricate way of writing, Honors book SHACKLED contains a blend of characters wrapped in a twisty plot but poignantly indicates womens roles in the past century. It is a full length novel,I read the whole story in a few nights. I enjoyed it enough to be encouraged to download another of her ebooks "Shift of Influence" which is again consistent with her writing method.
So I recommend the author and her books as they hold you to their themes.
Very good wanted some more.
So I recommend the author and her books as they hold you to their themes.
Very good wanted some more.
July 31, 2014
A mystery within a mystery, encompassing mother-daughter conflict, psychic connections strong females. It connects well, as long as you keep reading!The story is primarily in the present though linked by two time frames. If you have ever renovated a house older than 150 years, then you'll understand and appreciate the stress the situation introduces. Relations have foundered on less, Sam and Michaela are in at the deep end Michaela knows what she wants and is determined to sink her teeth in and not let go! She does not trust anyone and her behaviour is edging close to insanity.
Amazon Link http://bit.ly/1f7RSaS
Amazon Link http://bit.ly/1f7RSaS
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews