'Pale As the Dead' by Fiona Mountain

Published by Orion.
18 July 2002.
ISBN: 978-0-75284-110-6 (HB)

Genealogist Natasha Blake is retained by Bethany Marshall to research her family history. Their initial meeting takes place in the Cotswolds where Bethany is on a photo shoot. Here Natasha meets Adam Mason, the photographer, who is creating a series of photographs for an exhibition in Oxford, in the style of the pre-Raphaelite paintings, and with whom Bethany is having a relationship. Natasha is struck by Bethany’s fragility and fascinated by the girl’s obvious obsession with Lizzie Sidal, the famous pre-Raphaelite model and artist, and wife of Date Gabriel Rossette.

When Adam asks Natasha if he can photograph her for his series she reluctantly agrees, but when they meet, Adam tells Natash that Bethany has disappeared, but left behind an old and valuable diary, in which Natasha’s address has been loosely pined, and Natasha feels compelled to find her.

Recovering from the break up of a recent relationship, Natasha is both fascinated by, and distrusting of Adam. Aware that he attracts and disturbs her, she is drawn to him, but suspicious.

As the story unfolds, Natasha’s need to delve into the past, is in part explained by the mystery of her own ancestry.

The setting and atmosphere of the book was haunting, as Natasha’s need to find Bethany takes on an urgency as she  learns more of the girl’s obsession with Lizzie Siddal, and Lizzie’s tragic death.

I loved this book; it draws the reader on giving promise that on the next page all will become clear, but the next page is as tantalising and as full of shadows as the one before.  A quirky mystery. Highly recommended.
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Reviewer: Lizzie Hayes

Fiona Mountain grew up in Yorkshire, then moved to London where she worked at the BBC for nine years as a press officer, primarily for Radio One. She now lives in the Oxfordshire countryside and runs a PR agency. She is married to composer Tim Mountain and a son, Daniel.