Review by
Heather
A Splendid Read
First, a warning: don’t let the cover of this book fool you. This is in no way, shape, or form a book about vampires. No biting, no blood, no bursting into ashes. If that’s what you’re looking for, you probably don’t want this book. However, if you want a spooky, dark, supernatural mystery, read on.
From Rosemary Clement-Moore, The Splendor Falls is about Sylvie Davis, a 17-year-old international ballet superstar whose life revolves around dancing—that is, until The Accident. During a career-making performance, Sylvie tragically breaks her leg, never to dance again. In the depression that follows, her mother and stepfather decide to send bona-fide city girl Sylvie and her Chihuahua, Gigi, on a trip—to backwoods Alabama. She is sent to stay with her father’s cousin Paula at the Davis family home, Bluestone Manor. She has never met Paula, nor did she hear her father talk about Bluestone Manor before his death; in fact, Sylvie knows nothing about her heritage or father’s past, but everyone in Alabama (including the incredibly charming Shawn Maddox) seems to know everything about her upon her arrival.
Sylvie’s relaxing trip to the country is complicated by the presence of Rhys, a guarded Welshman with whom Sylvie instantly connects; the mystery of her father’s past connection to Bluestone Manor and his dedication to gardening; and, oh yeah, the ghostly figures that she starts to see around the house. Worried that she’s losing her mind, she investigates the history of the manor and ends up finding her roots and herself.
Snarky Sylvie makes for a brave and engaging heroine for whom you can’t stop rooting, even when she’s at her lowest. Her interactions with Paula are sometimes cringe-worthy, but are mostly just comical. Clement-Moore’s descriptions of the south are lush and dramatic, reminiscent of the noir beauty found in Mr. Rochester’s house in Jane Eyre. Eerie and sprawling, Sylvie’s nighttime wanderings around Bluestone Manor had the hair standing up on the backs of my arms to the point where I couldn’t sleep (although I have to warn you, I’m a total wuss when it comes to ghost stories).
Even though I haven’t described the half of what happens in this book, you have to trust me on this: it’s creepy, engaging, and you’ll want to find out what happens. Read this book if you like: ballet, superstition, rocks, mysteries, southern cooking, little dogs, cute boys with accents, or hating psychiatrists.
