The Wicked Cometh: The addictive historical mystery

If I’m honest, I’m not a great reader of lesbian romantic fiction, but I did enjoy Fingersmith and sensing something similar, decided to give this a try. I’m really glad that I did.For a debut novelist, Ms Carlin has taken two significant risks. Firstly she has written a pastiche which can so easily (but not in this case) descend into parody. Secondly she has used the first person present tense which some people don’t seem to like but can work very effectively in the hands of an experienced novelist like Hilary Mantel or David Mitchell. In this novel, it works perfectly and the intimacy and immediacy which is created by writing in this style, draws the reader deep into the story.Ms. Carlin has clearly done an enormous amount of research into life in the early 19th century and her prose is full of the sights, sounds, smells and language of London which to my admittedly limited knowledge, make it very authentic and believable. She also knows how to tell a good story and this novel rattles along at a great pace and is often genuinely exciting.I have two minor caveats. Firstly, and perhaps surprisingly, I felt that the author’s prose got a little out of hand in describing the growing relationship between Rebekah and Hester. The trembling lips and quivering thighs (or was it vice versa ) seemed to me to border on gay Mills & Boon territory. Secondly, I’m still not really sure about the ending which for me felt a bit contrived.However, these are minor quibbles. This is a very fine first novel and I am very much looking forward to Ms Carlin’s follow-up.I am grateful to NetGalley, Hodder & Stroughton and Laura Carlin for an advance copy of this book in return for an honest review.

I rarely buy hardback books, usually happy to wait until the paperback comes out, but this book is so beautiful I had to have it. I was also desperate to read it, as I love a bit of dark Victorian mystery, and the lady-love was a wonderful bonus. That side of it was the only thing I didn't love, though. The characters were wonderful, the story was thrillingly dark (and at times quite graphic and harrowing...in a good way), but a single kiss seemed to take an entire chapter, and most of the sweet lovin' was a little over the top in its gushing romance cliches. Don't let that stop you reading this, however. For a first novel it's pretty damn good, and I would definitely read her second. The history is well researched, the writing is beautiful, and the ending had me on a roller coaster that gave me true and deep felt feels. I've seen this book compared to Sarah Waters, and I can see why, but that almost does Carlin a disservice because she deserves way more recognition for the elegance of her writing style, and she takes risks that give her book a deep, dark edge. At times it is dark, very dark, and there were points where I had to step away for a while, but I kept coming back, and now I am done I miss knowing the characters. Like that relationship you once had with a sexy rogue: you know it takes you to a dark place, but it's all in the thrill and the chase.

On the strength of the reviews that mentioned Sarah Waters I went ahead and downloaded this book. I think it is a mistake to try to sell it so because I'm not sure how much I might have warmed to this debut novel had I not had the vastly superior Waters in mind. It has nothing in common with the sublime Fingersmith other than the setting and the lesbianism. At best it reads like young adult, at worst: Waters fan fiction. I've given two stars due to sections in which destitution is convincingly portrayed, and for the diary sections of the enigmatic Rebekah.On the whole I found the plotting ridiculous - the investigation is marred by absolutely nothing as meetings with witnesses are lined up neatly; every one of which gives up their secrets without much pushing; illicit conversations are conveniently overheard and the last fortunate for the reader revelatory telling made me wince.Maybe it is a testament to the promise of the writer that I did not abandon it altogether. I genuinely wanted to know what happened to Rebekah: perhaps you will too.

I tend to be quite critical of historical hovels when the author is sloppy with the setting but had no cause here as she strongly evoked the period throughout. It was in tradition of the Penny Dreadful filled with suspenseful moments and plenty of twists. I found it hard to put down!

A warning to fellow sensitive readers: when they describe this novel as 'dark', believe them. There are some truly horrible bits that require a strong stomach. Still, this book kept me reading and was an interesting portrayal of the underside of London and its surrounds. The author doesn’t yet warrant the Sarah Waters comparison.

This is by far the best book and lesbian novel I have read in a long time!! Carlin builds the suspense and tension expertly with plots twists around every corner that keep you guessing. It's a dark and twisted refreshing lesbian novel that is hard to put down. A must read for any historical fiction lover.

From the start I couldn't book this book down it is a real page turner, twists and turns at every corner. Also sweet love story.

Loved this book although it took a while for it to get to the nitty gritty bits which I suppose I was looking forward to! I will definitely read subsequent novels by this author. I am probably in the minority here given I wasn’t keen on the ending, I like this to end more realistically / darkly!