This meticulously researched and impeccably crafted novel never pours its credentials down a reader’s throat. Instead, it leads gently at the shoulders of the dual timeline main characters, eliciting a sharp indrawn breath at what at first seems a petty injustice. Yet such build in the narrative until the reader is unable to trust any of the subsidiaries, and quite understands why modern Cat wishes to change all the door locks. Emily, too, realises she is being manipulated by degrees, but at whose behest? Her disapproving mother-in-law, the good doctor, or her husband? As with any controlling relationship, more lies beneath the surface than is shown in the text. A cracking read.

Having loved The Visitor, Sara Sartagne's other novel in the Duality series, I had high expectations of The Fern Keepers and I'm glad to say I wasn't disappointed. It's a very absorbing read, beautifully and intelligently written. The writer creates two narratives - one contemporary, the other set in the Victorian era - which are linked by a house, or rather the fernery in its garden. It doesn't take long before you realise that the stories also cleverly echo each other in terms of their theme. I found myself rooting for both characters - contemporary Cat and Victorian Emily - and willing them to win their different battles, either against controlling individuals or controlling society. There's suspense, drama, historical colour and even romance. A great book to cuddle up with during the winter evenings, or in fact, at any time at all!