Published By: HarperNorth
Pages: 384
Released On: 24/04/2025
Each time the globe turns, murder strikes…
1597, London. When Beatrice’s husband returns from exploring the New World, he comes home with unexpected company: a mysterious woman, and an enormous painted globe.
As Hugh refuses to explain who their female guest is, Beatrice’s foreboding grows. The unwieldy globe now strikes her as sinister – a reminder of the world of secrets pervading her household.
Then one night, the great, hulking globe begins to turn of its own accord. Terrifying new illustrations appear on its face – and when untimely deaths ensue, Beatrice is convinced that the drawings are connected.
Desperate to prove that she is not paranoid, Beatrice risks everything to uncover the truth. What sinister force is behind these killings? What really happened on Hugh’s excursion to the Americas? Who is the strange woman who won’t leave her house? And on this otherworldly map of murders, who will be painted as the final victim?
*****
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperNorth for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I have a copy of Naomi’s previous book, The Burnings, but have yet to read it so this was my first foray into her world. And what a world it is. Her ability to capture a historical period is some of the best I’ve read. From the sounds and smells to the food and clothing, it’s so vivid you can practically see yourself walking alongside them.
It is clearly a historical book, but there’s elements of thriller and mystery, it’s gothic, psychological, there’s an element of fantasy, the supernatural, of magic.
Great character creation, especially that of Beatrice, that of a mother, wife, friend, a woman of higher class, of someone who holds secrets, a woman who wants to lead her own household but has to acquiesce to her husband and the rules of the time. She develops so much throughout the book, and yet she is still recognisable by the end.
Historical books, whilst I very much enjoy them, are not always the quickest to read. I often find myself taking a few days to get through them, as naturally I often find them a bit drier than the fast-paced thrillers and whatnot. But I read this in less than a day it was so addictive.
Naomi has weaved such a clever tale, full of intrigue and suspense, never going over the top. She fills it with twists and turns and surprises that you just can’t see coming, and you’ll find yourself perched on the edge of your seat as if it were a fast-paced crime novel.
I won’t spoil it obviously, but let me tell you that I DID NOT see the ending coming. I wonder if I reread it, knowing what I know now, I’d be able to piece it together but I’m not sure I would. I think Naomi has worked it in so masterfully that it was the last thing I was expecting to happen.
This may only be Naomi’s second book – and my first of hers – but it’s clear why she’s such a beloved author, and I will definitely be bumping The Burnings up my tbr list. It’s clear that history is a passion of hers and she’s making the subject fun and exciting, enjoyable and addictive.
Books By Your Bedside 