Admittedly, I had very high expectations for this novel and typically when that happens, I am grandly disappointed. The hype, the pomp and circumstance and, yes, the chocolates, teas and packaging all had me swooning. Thankfully, though this review is completely unbiased and not based on anything more than the story itself – the hype is well deserved.
The plot, the twists, the surprising shifts in just about every aspect of this hunt for treasure in Nova Scotia wrapped me in mystery, addictive intrigue and a desire to join a Treasure Hunter’s Club. As delightful as it was to open my package, it was more delightful to unpack the mystery of Cass the washed-up writer, Dandy, the odd teen who had a great relationship with her Grandy, and Peter, the estranged grandson of the woman in the mansion. The mansion, Bellwoods, a character in itself, was a prominent presence I felt I was wandering through.
My first book of Ryan’s, I had no idea what to expect other than a story about a treasure but the treasure itself was the well-paced, well crafted, brilliant twists and painful turns. With plenty of characters to keep straight, Ryan made it easy for his readers to connect, relate, and root for while also being multi-faceted, mixed with evil and a touch of greed.
I did connect with Cass the most, as an author looking for her next big story and rooting for her along the way. When she’s down and out, retreating to her parent’s place, a strange phone call comes in that invites her to Maple Bay and a cast of characters that are inspiring, old and a touch insane. A small community of generational residents now welcoming a mixed group of strangers, the whole area is at risk of being discovered, revealed and their own treasures and dark pasts brought to light.
A brilliant novel that ensured I would read anything Tom Ryan decides to write.
Thanks for reading,
Sarah Butland