Review of Hattie Vavaseur

[Smrithi Arun]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Hattie Vavaseur" by M. Rebecca Wildsmith.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Hattie Vavaseur by M. Rebecca Wildsmith is a fantasy-thriller novel with a hint of romance set in the 1920s. After attending a bizarre funeral, Ms. Vavaseur is stunned to see herself being escorted to a strange, unknown manor in Cornwall, England, and fears her memory is failing her. Things only get stranger when she not only finds herself aging backward surrounded by unfamiliar people but also in the crux of a serial murder mystery!

Hattie Vavaseur is an edge-of-the-seat thriller since the very first page. Wildsmith has done a great job of keeping the readers hooked by throwing in unexpected twists and turns at pristine moments in the plot. The language is exceptional, and so is the writing. Just when the reader would entertain the thought that the story was getting slightly monotonous, an unpredictable revelation would unfurl right around the corner. Wildsmith has also put some emphasis on the power of love. It is heartwarming to see Ms. Vavaseur reunite with her long-lost lover in the most unexpected way amidst all the chaos.

When I read the first few chapters, my first thought was how similar the story was to a web series called “Upload.” As I moved on to further chapters, the story took a diversion, and it became clear to me that the book has a personality of its own.

Murder mysteries are a common theme for the C/T/M/H genre. However, this book is not one to follow the same path as the others. Hattie Vavaseur’s unique proposition is its narrative style; the people to solve the case are in the same plane of existence as the victim. Their perspective of the world is from the other side of the glass. It perfectly plays out like a movie in front of the reader's eyes.

Hattie Vavaseur will keep the reader guessing until the very last chapter of the book. I mean it when I say it because there are points where the reader might feel like it’s the end, but wait for it! As mentioned earlier, the story did take a sabbatical from the “thrill” element here and there, but it was certainly well compensated.

Overall, I rate the book 4 out of 4 stars for the exceptional use of language, narrative style, and successful maintenance of thrill. It is suitable for anyone above the age of 10. I believe that this is one of those books that could be introduced to young readers and welcome them to the fascinating world of mystery thrillers.

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Hattie Vavaseur
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[Hazel Mae Bagarinao]

Your review is just amazing, Smrithi! I enjoyed the overview; however, I rarely pick up this genre, so I think this book is not for me. I'll let Hattie Vavaseur enjoy it for its intended audience.

[Umesh Bhatt]

Seems to be a very interesting story and review has brought the thrill element of the book very nicely. Thanks.

[Robert Andrew]

The incorporation of the power of love in the story, with Ms. Vavaseur reuniting with her long-lost lover in the midst of chaos, adds a heartwarming aspect to the narrative.

[Elina Tshabalala]

I cannot imagine how scared Ms. Vavaseur was when she realized she was losing her memory and was in an unfamiliar place.

[Smrithi Arun]

Your review is just amazing, Smrithi! I enjoyed the overview; however, I rarely pick up this genre, so I think this book is not for me. I'll let Hattie Vavaseur enjoy it for its intended audience.

Your continual support means a lot to me, Hazel, even if the book may not interest you! Thank you so much for your uplifting comment!

[Smrithi Arun]

Seems to be a very interesting story and review has brought the thrill element of the book very nicely. Thanks.

Thank you for commenting, Umesh!

[Smrithi Arun]

The incorporation of the power of love in the story, with Ms. Vavaseur reuniting with her long-lost lover in the midst of chaos, adds a heartwarming aspect to the narrative.

It was totally unexpected and truly heartwarming! Thank you for the comment!

[Smrithi Arun]

I cannot imagine how scared Ms. Vavaseur was when she realized she was losing her memory and was in an unfamiliar place.

I know! It was very well-written, as her fear and curiosity transfer to the reader very easily. Thank you for commenting, Elina!