‘The Fortunes of Olivia Richmond’ by Louise Davidson

Published by Moonflower,
17 August 2024.
ISBN: 978-1-91667803-3 (PBO

After being rejected by her brother, Julia Pearlie desperately needs a new position as a governess. She finds one at remote Misticote House, but before she’s even arrived there, locals are warning her against her strange, sinister charge, Olivia Richmond.

The novel’s first pages feature a design of card backs, and the opening chapter, Death, recounts a murder and inquest – as we gradually learn, at Julia’s previous position. Each chapter is headed with the name and illustration of a Tarot card, and there’s a list of card meanings at the end of the book, though many, like The Emperor, for the chapter where Julia meets her autocratic new employer, are self-explanatory. Julia soon discovers that Olivia’s bad reputation in the village is in part because she tells fortunes using the Tarot cards – with uncanny insight, including into Julia’s own thoughts. Then there’s the housekeeper, Mrs Hayes, her influence over Olivia, and her knowledge of Julia’s past. Added to this are Olivia’s mad grandfather and a strange character called the Shambler, who haunts the area. The characters are interesting, well-drawn and not as obviously ‘types’ as it may seem; the atmosphere of suspicion and danger is skilfully built up, and the reader’s drawn to sympathise with Julia and Olivia. The final twist is truly shocking.

A vividly imagined and inventive Gothic novel with interesting characters and genuine supernatural events adding to the creepy atmosphere.
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Reviewer: Marsali Taylor

Louise Davidson was born in Belfast and has always worked in the creative arts in some capacity - from assistant to theatre directors to teaching scriptwriting classes in prisons to teaching English and drama to A-Level students. Growing up in Northern Ireland backgrounded by the Troubles led to a fascination with history, and this combined with her love of all things gothic inspired her to write her first book, a dark Victorian thriller set in a neglected and isolated mansion. Louise lives in London with her husband and step-son, and in her spare time is working on fulfilling her ambition to visit every museum in the city. The Fortunes of Olivia Richmond is her debut novel.  

Marsali Taylor grew up near Edinburgh and came to Shetland as a newly qualified teacher. Marsali is a qualified STGA tourist-guide who is fascinated by history, and has published plays in Shetland's distinctive dialect, as well as a history of women's suffrage in Shetland. She's also a keen sailor who enjoys exploring in her own 8m yacht, and an active member of her local drama group.  She lives with her husband and two Shetland ponies.

Click on the title to read a review of her recent book
  Death at a Shetland Festival  

www.marsalitaylor.co.uk