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The Dark Rose

3.41 of 5 stars 3.41 · rating details · 570 ratings · 151 reviews

The brilliant new thriller from the author of the critically acclaimed debut, The Poison Tree.

Paul was led into a life of crime by his boyhood protector, a bully named Daniel; but one night, what started as a petty theft turned into a grisly murder. Now, at nineteen, Paul must bear witness against his friend to avoid prison. Louisa's own dark secrets led her to flee a de...more

Hardcover, 336 pages

Published February 2nd 2012 by Penguin Group USA, Inc (first published June 1st 2011)

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Oct 24, 2012 karen rated it 3 of 5 stars

this is a book about two damaged people finding comfort in each other, as their pasts crouch in the shadows and say "not so fast, guys..."

it is a breezy and tragic story that will creep up on you with its questions and solutions. its action bounces two characters back and forth in time: a teenager's dangerous obsession with her philandering rock star boyfriend in the late-eighties, and her life "now" as a thirty-nine-year-old, living an isolated life restoring historic gardens and giving in to e...more

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Jun 11, 2011 Blair rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-on-kindle, mystery-thriller-etc, past-and-present

I've got to stop reading so many books by authors I've already read. But when I saw this was being released, just a couple of months after I read The Poison Tree, I couldn't resist it. Erin Kelly's debut was a book with enormous promise which was almost ruined by the inclusion of some rather pedestrian thriller content, and I was curious to see which element of her writing this follow-up would build on - the talent evident in her brilliant evocation of late-90s nostalgia, or the more commercial...more I've got to stop reading so many books by authors I've already read. But when I saw this was being released, just a couple of months after I read The Poison Tree, I couldn't resist it. Erin Kelly's debut was a book with enormous promise which was almost ruined by the inclusion of some rather pedestrian thriller content, and I was curious to see which element of her writing this follow-up would build on - the talent evident in her brilliant evocation of late-90s nostalgia, or the more commercial thriller-for-chick-lit-readers aspect that seems to be so popular at the moment? Well, neither of them really, as it turns out... or maybe I mean both of them. This is completely recognisable as the work of the same author, don't get me wrong, and the format is similar, but the storyline is fresh, the characters original, and thankfully there aren't any pointless children in this one and it seems much less like a book written for the 'every mother's nightmare' demographic (for which I am truly grateful).

The Sick Rose has two main characters. 39-year-old Louisa is a botanical expert working on the restoration of the gardens of a crumbling country house. 19-year-old Paul is a petty criminal sentenced to community service at the site, the job literally a get-out-of-jail-free card in exchange for helping to put away his dangerous friend Daniel. Both protagonists, inevitably, are troubled, and they each get their own flashbacks: Louisa's take place twenty years before and describe her first serious relationship with wannabe rockstar Adam, whose death at 18 still haunts her; Paul's jump back seven years and cover the traumatic loss of his father and the start of his criminal career as Daniel's accomplice. As the story begins, a meeting between the protagonists triggers a violent reaction in Louisa, who thinks Paul is the spitting image of Adam.

The truth about the past is carefully unfolded, and as Louisa and Paul get to know one another and a tentative relationship develops between them, the flashbacks slowly reveal that Adam was in fact volatile and potentially unfaithful, and Daniel a possessive bully who conspired to make Paul's life hell for his own amusement. Paul is terrified that Daniel will catch up with him, while Louisa also seems to have something to hide and begins to imply that she was involved in Adam's death. Told in short, punchy chapters, the story zips along at a good pace. The writing isn't always what you'd call superb, and Kelly is often guilty of unnecessarily heavy description, but the plot is compelling and the switches between past and present do a great job of holding your interest. Sometimes there's a cliffhanger in one of the past sections and the following chapter returns to the present, leaving the reader desperate to find out what happened next. As you'd expect in a thriller like this, there are plenty of twists and turns, but I genuinely didn't see most of them coming. I don't want to spoil the ending for anyone thinking of reading the book, but it absolutely wasn't what I expected and the epilogue is perfect.

Thinking now about particular moments in the book that stood out to me, one relatively minor incident, in which Paul accidentally catches Daniel playing out a fantasy of being able to read, looms large in my memory - so subtle and well-executed. This sort of completely believable and excruciatingly human detail is what makes me think Kelly has true literary talent. But then, some other parts are so heavy-handed - the fact that Louisa has the 'ritual' of wearing the old dress and heavy makeup to mourn Adam doesn't really make sense, and just seems like a way to make her eventual coupling with Paul seem more palatable; same thing with the excessive mentions of how young she looks for her age. The author is excellent at writing about teenagers while still retaining an adult tone, capturing that mixture of nostalgia, embarassment and sadness you feel when looking back on your youth (even if that 'youth' is only a few years past). But, as with The Poison Tree, her adult characters aren't as successful. Perhaps it's partly because her age is constantly played down, but Louisa doesn't read like a convincing 39-year-old woman, though the younger verson of the character is totally believable.

I really think Erin Kelly is an author with a lot of promise. This and The Poison Tree are unlikely to be hailed as literary masterpieces, but there's something about her writing that makes me think she may well go on to greater things. Time will tell whether I'm right about this. In the meantime, I'm pretty sure I'll be reading anything else she writes.(less)

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Apr 08, 2013 Emily rated it 2 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. This book had SUCH potential, and I found myself really getting into it, but unfortunately it just ended with me scratching my head and saying, "...Really?" I can't tell whether Erin Kelly just didn't know what she really had here or if she thought she could throw in one huge twist and that not following through with what should have been the rational choices was what...another twist? No, I don't buy it.

I actually got really excited for this story when we found out that Adam Glasslake (Alan Murr...more This book had SUCH potential, and I found myself really getting into it, but unfortunately it just ended with me scratching my head and saying, "...Really?" I can't tell whether Erin Kelly just didn't know what she really had here or if she thought she could throw in one huge twist and that not following through with what should have been the rational choices was what...another twist? No, I don't buy it.

I actually got really excited for this story when we found out that Adam Glasslake (Alan Murray) was still alive. Then I got even more excited when he went missing. I thought for sure that we were going to find out that he was Paul's father all along; Paul is mistaken for Adam on numerous occasions, and also renaming himself yet again seemed extremely plausible as he's already done it once before. GlassLAKE to SEAforth? Definitely would've been an acceptable pattern. The timeline might have needed some tweaking then (perhaps if he disappeared sooner rather than 5 years later) but it would have brought in a whole new layer of maturation for Adam's character. The drama that would ensue between Paul and Louisa would've been palpable not only because of her shagging her love's son from another woman but also because he would be carrying the extra baggage of being the sole witness to his gruesome (and this time true) death.

I don't believe in the fifteen year gap where Adam goes missing. He's not hiding from anyone other than his mother (and subsequently his childhood) at this point. He's obviously listed as a missing person under Alan, and we find out he's got a family now...and he's still called Alan. Did he change his last name too, and is that why techno-savvy Paul or Missing Persons couldn't just find him on Facebook or whatever? He didn't remember anything from his sixteenth birthday, so he obviously doesn't remember Louisa either. As he only remembers her name at the end when he reads her memorial, I guess we can assume that the band either didn't meat up with him after (not very plausible, if they knew his real name and read the newspaper) or they never told him about Louisa. So why hide, why run away? What's his motivation? Did he really have any?

As for the ending, well, I just felt like I was reading from a different writer's perspective of the characters at that point. Having them decide to murder a man who's threatening them (but felt that it was cool to just let them hang out for the weekend so Louisa could get her money in a few days, as if there's nothing wrong with that logic, even for a dumbass like him), and not really caring when Louisa's been a wreck for 20 years for believing she accidentally killed someone and Paul can't stand the sight of ANY blood...nope. Just nope. There's no plausibility in their simple resolve. They just didn't develop enough psychologically to overcome those issues. And I thought it was a little strange that Carl would've even allowed Hash to hang around long enough to feel like a committed member of their "family." Daniel kicked him to the curb after one night. I don't believe that Hash could do much on his own; he needs a leader. With no one to lead him in the type of thievery Daniel and Paul were in to, there would be no scraps to take to the yard, and then no sweatshirt to find, no receipt to find, and no connection to Carl. So...while I could see him being a dumbass and blowing up the caravan, I don't think he was developed enough for me to believe his involvement in the first place.

Last thing - title should've been kept as "The Sick Rose." Makes FAR more sense given the context in which it was used in the story. "The Dark Rose" just feels generic and emo.

I obviously have more questions than answers at the end of this book, and not in a good way. I'm dissatisfied with how the characters at the end of the book do not match up with who they were in the beginning, and it's not a matter of them developing naturally. It just doesn't make sense. It felt as if Erin Kelly had a great beginning concept, but then at the very end either just didn't care or was rushed to finish the story. (less)

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May 18, 2012 Claire rated it 3 of 5 stars

Firstly, I don't understand why this book seems to be called The Dark Rose in some places and The Sick Rose in others, when it's the same book? Maybe it's an American/English thing but I still don't understand the need to change the title. Anyway, the one I read was called The Sick Rose.

I didn't get into this book very quickly to be honest. I'm sick to death of fractured narrative books, and this one didn't make it easy to follow. I couldn't engage with Louisa's character at all, I found her to...more

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Apr 17, 2012 Martha Bryce rated it 5 of 5 stars

Erin Kelly is not a one hit wonder! Her brilliant debut with The Poison Tree is eclipsed by The Dark Rose. A deftly constructed, psychological thriller, the story is set against the background of the recreation of a Tudor Garden at Kelstice Lodge. Middle aged Louisa Trevelyan harbors a deep secret that eats at her heart and from which she has been unable to recover.All of the passion inside of Louisa is channeled into her position as the very gifted master gardener at Kelstice. As with all non p...more

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Feb 26, 2012 Amy Lignor rated it 5 of 5 stars

Reminiscent of the beautifully written suspense novels by Daphne du Maurier, Erin Kelly has delivered a stunning look at human desperation, loyalty, and absolute terror. Like Daphne, she has found a way to wrap a chilling tale inside a tranquil setting.

In this story, an Elizabethan garden is being replanted by a group of horticulture and botany volunteers in the English countryside. Louisa Trevelyan—a main character who you will fall in love with quickly—loves her work, as she discovers ‘aged’ i...more Reminiscent of the beautifully written suspense novels by Daphne du Maurier, Erin Kelly has delivered a stunning look at human desperation, loyalty, and absolute terror. Like Daphne, she has found a way to wrap a chilling tale inside a tranquil setting.

In this story, an Elizabethan garden is being replanted by a group of horticulture and botany volunteers in the English countryside. Louisa Trevelyan—a main character who you will fall in love with quickly—loves her work, as she discovers ‘aged’ items that were part of the original garden.

Paul Seaforth is a man fighting with the concepts of loyalty when he is sent to Kelstice Lodge to volunteer in the garden until his friend’s murder trial begins, and he must take the stand as the “star witness.”

Paul reminds Louisa of a man she knew long ago. Although they are twenty years apart in age, each recognizes that they’ve lived very similar lives. Both are solitary individuals, each losing a parent and becoming dependent on other people to make their lives happier. Paul’s friend Daniel protected him from bullies when they were younger, and when Paul discovers a weakness in his friend, he feels the need to protect him in return. Louisa was obsessed with a man she simply can’t get out of her mind, and when this incredible author blends these two storylines together, the reader can not only see the fireworks, but can feel them, as well.

The climax of a book always tells the real tale of how good the writing is, and the fast-pace certainly takes the reader on a monumental ride. But what stands out, and lingers on in the memory after the final page is read, are always the characters. Ms. Kelly knows her “creations,” proving with every paragraph the depth of feeling they have that has led both of them to walk down a path of utter destruction. First-class writing that is absolutely captivating! This is one that should be nominated for awards!

Reviewed by Amy Lignor, author of “Tallent & Lowery - 13” for Suspense Magazine
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Feb 06, 2012 Gloria Feit rated it 4 of 5 stars

Louisa Trevelyan is working as a garden designer re-creating a historically accurate Tudor garden in Warwickshire, at the fictional Kelstice Lodge. After working for years recreating gardens that had fallen into neglect on private estates, this community program has really given her a chance to indulge her creative passion for garden design. It is there that she meets Paul Seaforth, 19 years old, who bears “an uncanny likeness” to her lover of years ago, Adam Glasslake. Though that relationship...more

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Jan 04, 2012 Jaclyn rated it 4 of 5 stars

The Dark Rose is about two characters, Paul and Louisa working on the restoration of an Elizabethan garden in the English countryside. Through the course of flashbacks on the part of both characters you gradually learn about each character and what has led each of them to this garden project. Paul has come to the garden because it provides a safe haven while he is awaiting a court day where he will be a witness against his closest friend from childhood, Daniel. Louisa is part of the garden proje...more The Dark Rose is about two characters, Paul and Louisa working on the restoration of an Elizabethan garden in the English countryside. Through the course of flashbacks on the part of both characters you gradually learn about each character and what has led each of them to this garden project. Paul has come to the garden because it provides a safe haven while he is awaiting a court day where he will be a witness against his closest friend from childhood, Daniel. Louisa is part of the garden project because it is her career; however, through the course of her flashbacks you realize that she has been greatly influenced by a traumatic event from her teen years which led her to heritage gardening in the first place. What draws Louisa and Paul together initially is Paul's resemblance to Louisa's boyfriend from her youth, Adam. Eventually, Louisa and Paul begin an affair and confess their complicated past to one another that seems to bring some solace to both of them; however, complications arise when Daniel's father finds and confronts Paul about his testifying at Daniel's trial.

I enjoyed reading The Dark Rose, it was very different from what I generally read. The story was compelling and realistic, and the way that Kelly releases parts of each character's stories keeps the interest in finding out exactly what happened in each of their pasts that lead them to their current positions. Kelly provides these selections of the past through flashbacks that continue through the entire novel; therefore, the chronology of the book is not static and continually changes at significant places in the "present day" plot.

The tone of the novel was somewhat bleak and melancholic, and its not a book that I would recommend to those that like a happy ending. I would recommend this book to fans of mysteries because I found that the main drive of the novel was in finding out the central mysteries of the characters, namely what Daniel had done to cause Paul to have to testify, and why exactly Louisa is afraid of being spotted in certain areas of London. This book would also be good for those that like a character-driven plot rather than a lot of atmospheric description.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and I will certainly be looking for Kelly's first book, The Poison Tree. (less)

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Feb 04, 2013 Sarah Beth rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: firstreadsgiveaways

This is a GoodReads First Reads Giveaways review.
Louisa Trevelyan is working as a garden designer re-creating a historically accurate Tudor garden in Warwickshire, at the fictional Kelstice Lodge. After working for years recreating gardens that had fallen into neglect on private estates, this community program has really given her a chance to indulge her creative passion for garden design. It is there that she meets Paul Seaforth, 19 years old, who bears "an uncanny likeness" to her lover of yea...more

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May 10, 2012 Naomi rated it 2 of 5 stars

I was so excited to see this new release from Erin Kelly. Her first book, The Poisoned Tree, was SO twisted that it was a "knock your socks off" type of read! One that left me even saying "WTH??" In my humble opinion this one fell flat to me though.

I felt her characters fell flat, which seemed to be a strength for this author, and I didn't connect with them. I thought, for the book being a psychological thriller, they main characters were kind of "meh"

Also, I didn't feel that the was a "psycho...more

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Dec 22, 2011 Dawn Ang rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads, contemporary-fiction, romance, reviewed, books-i-own, fiction, mystery

A novel that takes the romantic notion of "falling madly in love" and sets it in the reality of practical society with jaw-dropping twists and all the passion that such a romance evokes.

"The Dark Rose" by Erin Kelly is a page-turner of a wild ride. Told through two different perspectives and varying timelines, it is crafted with obvious care leaving just enough to keep your eyes glued to the page while giving plenty for you to lose yourself in the story. This novel definitely lives up to its pro...more A novel that takes the romantic notion of "falling madly in love" and sets it in the reality of practical society with jaw-dropping twists and all the passion that such a romance evokes.

"The Dark Rose" by Erin Kelly is a page-turner of a wild ride. Told through two different perspectives and varying timelines, it is crafted with obvious care leaving just enough to keep your eyes glued to the page while giving plenty for you to lose yourself in the story. This novel definitely lives up to its promise of being a "brilliant new thriller". Not only are the events in "The Dark Rose" shrouded with palpable atmospheric mystery but within this fog are situated compelling characters from whom the readers will not be able to separate themselves. Try as you might, you can't help but to relate to Paul and Louisa as they submit to passionate, wild abandon in search for the kind of love that can be found only within the surreality of an Elizabethan garden.

The significance of the restoration of this garden in their story is so subtle yet roots it in a history of young lovers driven to insane acts in the throes of their desires. This is a novel about the feeling of invincibility that consumes us in our youths and the distortion it creates as it is projected onto the idea of romantic love as that which can conquer all. No deed is too despicable when one does it out of love--or, at least, that is what one can be led to believe.

This novel is a perfect thriller with all loose ends tied together in a satisfying conclusion. More than that, however, this novel is a shining example of wonderful storytelling with no detail insignificant and every sentence carrying the weight of purpose. I cannot praise it enough for that.

I will absolutely recommend this novel to anyone! Erin Kelly received critical acclaim with her first novel "The Poison Tree" and it is evident that she deserves it. I have not yet read her debut novel but after reading "The Dark Rose" I will certainly be adding it to my to-read list. (less)

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Dec 09, 2012 Katie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Another riveting psychological thriller from the author of "The Poison Tree." This one I didn't think was quite as good, but it was still a gripping read. The author still has the same talent of leaving you with a cliffhanger at the end of every chapter, thirsty for more.

This book is the story of two somewhat disturbed and emotionally shaky people. You sympathize with them somewhat, but not enough to agree with a lot of their actions and decisions. Both were victims of verbal abuse and emotional...more

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Nov 13, 2012 Bill Breckenridge rated it 4 of 5 stars

The version I read was titled 'The Sick Rose' like others I'm not sure why the change but no doubt there will be some kind of explanation.

Leaving that aside, I did enjoy the book but it took me some time to warm to the style and the characters, particularly, Louise. I remember reading a comment way back regarding the Beatle's 'Hey Jude' as a 4 minute introduction with a 3 minute end. The story had that feel about it, as each part was slowly, and it did feel slow in parts, played out and characte...more

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Jan 08, 2013 Nicole rated it 5 of 5 stars

In Erin Kelly’s The Dark Rose, Louisa Trevelyan is living a smaller life than the one she had as a rebellious but privileged teen growing up on the outskirts of London. Then she was prone dramatics, random dabbling in esoteric sciences and brief love affairs, but twenty years later she is still hiding out from the aftermath of an affair with a passionate young musician, and a secret so dangerous that she spends her life channeling her energy and talents into garden and estate restoration. Workin...more

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Mar 11, 2012 Judy marked it as to-read

Recommended to Judy by: Philadelphia Inquirer review 5/11/12

From reading the review in the Phila. Inquirer (http://www.philly.com/philly/entertai... ), this sounds like a well plotted, interestingly structured, psychologically adept mystery.

I have a bone to pick with the reviewer, who says,

"Kelly's language, for the most part wry and snappy, occasionally dips into the parlance of an overwrought romance. . . Still, the book's strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, if, indeed, readers of psychological thrillers consider a little heated-up language a seri...more

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Sep 25, 2012 Tarin Towers rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, sfpl, suspense, england, 1980s-historical, star-crossed-lovers

I finished this book while I was at the Laundromat, and as I read the last chapter, I snorted. I think I said, "Oh, come on!" out loud. THEN, I read the Epilogue, and I *know* I said out loud, "That's the stupidest thing I've ever read!"

I rooted for these exasperating, drama queen characters through thick and thin, only to have them end up in such a bucket of hogwash? Shame on thee, Erin Kelly. Thine ending beist neither Shakespearean nor Hollywoodian, only boneheaded.

It's a shame. She has eye...more

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Mar 21, 2012 Paul Pessolano rated it 3 of 5 stars

“The Dark Rose” by Erin Kelly, published by Pamela Dorman Books.

Category – Fiction/Literature

This book could conceivably be an updated version of “Romeo and Juliet”, even if our lovers are Louisa Trevelyan and Paul Seaforth.

Louisa is going through a Goth period in her life, becomes separated from her parents, and falls in love with a rock star. Her life is pretty much on a roller coaster in the relationship when it comes to an abrupt ending with his death. Louisa experiencing some guilt seeks so...more

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Jun 24, 2012 Mykayla Woodworth rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: my-bookcase-of-wonders

Louisa Trevelyan is working as a garden designer re-creating a historically accurate Tudor garden in Warwickshire, at the fictional Kelstice Lodge. After working for years recreating gardens that had fallen into neglect on private estates, this community program has really given her a chance to indulge her creative passion for garden design. It is there that she meets Paul Seaforth, 19 years old, who bears "an uncanny likeness" to her lover of years ago, Adam Glasslake. Though that relationship...more

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Aug 21, 2012 Beadyjan rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

It took me a while to get into this story as I found it hard to engage with any of the characters and at first the narrative seems rather stilted, however when I eventually got into the swing of it (having put it aside, read another book then come back to this one) I did enjoy it, the story was refreshingly different and although I second guessed a few of the mysteries, there were sufficient twists and turns to keep me entertained.

It tells the stories of Louisa now 38 and Paul who's still a teen...more

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Jan 25, 2012 Kristin (MyBookishWays Reviews) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: mystery-crime

You may also read my review here: http://www.mybookishways.com/2012/01/...

A garden is being brought back to its Elizabethan splendor by a group of horticulturists, botanists and volunteers in the English countryside, and Louisa Trevelyan loves her days coaxing new growth out of the ground and unearthing old delights from the original garden, but is still haunted by a devastating event nearly 20 years ago. Paul Seaforth is sent to Kelstice Lodge to volunteer in the garden until the murder trial o...more You may also read my review here: http://www.mybookishways.com/2012/01/...

A garden is being brought back to its Elizabethan splendor by a group of horticulturists, botanists and volunteers in the English countryside, and Louisa Trevelyan loves her days coaxing new growth out of the ground and unearthing old delights from the original garden, but is still haunted by a devastating event nearly 20 years ago. Paul Seaforth is sent to Kelstice Lodge to volunteer in the garden until the murder trial of his childhood friend, where he will serve as the star witness. Louisa is shocked when she sees Paul for the first time, since he is the doppelganger of the man she was obsessed with 20 years ago. Their lives will entwine in ways they never could have imagined, and each of their secrets will lead to shocking revelations.

I advise you to seek out a quiet and comfortable space when you start The Dark Rose, because you won’t be getting up for a while. The novel follows three separate timelines; the present, Louisa’s story, which begins 20 years ago (in 1989), and Paul’s story, which begins when he’s a young boy and comes full circle in present day. In spite of their 20 year age difference, Paul and Louisa are both victims of co-dependent relationships, although for very different reasons. Paul’s childhood friend, Daniel, was his protector against other boys who would have otherwise bullied him relentlessly. Bookish and shy, when Paul discovers Daniel’s weakness, he’s determined to protect him in his own way. Both have lost parents (Daniel’s mother and Paul’s father), and they naturally fall into a friendship. Things begin to escalate, however, when Daniel and his father begin to involve Paul in increasingly criminal activity, which culminates in the murder that Paul witnesses. Louisa’s obsession with rock singer Adam Glasslake is explored to heartbreaking effect. If you’ve ever loved someone just a little more than they love you, you’ll feel Louisa’s pain, even as you cringe at some of the lengths she goes to in order to keep a hold (however tenuous) on the handsome, brooding Adam. The author seamlessly weaves both stories together and I found myself glued to the pages, wanting to know what happened next. The atmospheric writing, taut characterizations, flawless pacing, and an unlikely, yet sweet, romance, will have you riveted, and there are some jaw droppers that I honestly didn’t see coming. Paul and Julia’s pasts, and futures, will come together in a shocking climax that will leave you breathless. Fans of flawless psychological suspense won’t want to pass this one up, and it will also appeal to fans of Tana French. The Dark Rose is absolutely not to be missed!(less)

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Jul 30, 2012 AmyFlo rated it 1 of 5 stars

What a let down. Well, I wasn't really impressed with the book at all. Neither main character was interesting. Paul wasn't too bad, but I didn't take to Louisa. And I'm glad I didn't count how many similes the author resorted to; I would have lost count by the end of the first chapter. You know, sometimes seat belts just hang like seat belts, and not whatever wordy-for-the-sake-of-being-wordy simile.

After all that gratuitous violence that Paul goes through, and then Louisa, the author choosing t...more

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Nov 12, 2012 Gayle rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance

The Dark Rose by Erin Kelly

A suspenseful writing of a British woman's life. This book stays with you for a long, long time. In this book, Erin Kelly lets the brooding atmosphere of Rebecca come through. It completely convinces you of tangled family desires.

Kelly just doesn't skip a beat. A wonderful, awesome, psychologistic thriller.

Paul went into a life of crime with his protector, Daniel, who was a bully. What started as a petty theft crime became a terrible murder.

At only 19, Paul must be a w...more

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Dec 24, 2012 Lora rated it 3 of 5 stars

Louisa, nearing forty, works in Warwickshire, restoring the gardens of Kelstice Lodge. She's still haunted, however, by an event twenty years ago involving her then-boyfriend, Adam. When Paul, not yet 20, comes to work at Kelstice Lodge, Louisa is stunned by his resemblance to Adam. Paul, it turns out, is hiding from his own past. Paul has given evidence against his best friend, Daniel, implicating him in a murder. He worries what would happen if Daniel or Daniel's father, Carl, find out where h...more

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Jan 07, 2012 Craig rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-read, crime-mystery

A teenager and an older woman fall in love. They meet in a program giving second chances, (mostly to criminals) through the restoration of a historical garden. There are a lot of themes addressed in this book such as, the darker or more desperate side that love can take you, living with regret, trying to erase the mistakes of the past, and how small or easy decisions can completely dictate the rest of your life. In most author's hands this book would have been tedious but Kelly is a remarkable w...more

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Jan 14, 2012 Sue rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: mystery, romance

I won "The Dark Rose" by Erin Kelly through the Goodreads Giveaway.

The Dark Rose evolves around two characters, Paul and Louisa working on the restoration of an Elizabethan garden in the English countryside. Through both characters and flashbacks you gradually learn about each character and what has led each of them to this garden project. Paul has come to the garden because it provides a safe haven while he is awaiting a court day where he will be a witness against his closest friend from child...more

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Feb 21, 2012 Becky rated it 5 of 5 stars

Paul and Louisa know more than most about mistakes and second changes. Louisa fell hard for Adam Glasslake and her life was forever changed. Twenty years later, she's begun again but holds a dark secret from all those years ago.

Paul and his best friend became involved in some shady deals that eventually led to tragedy. Now, in order to avoid a jail sentence, Paul must testify against his friend in court. In the meantime, he's sent to a historic garden restoration project that offers positions t...more

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Apr 25, 2012 Cerealflakes rated it 3 of 5 stars

This was a good, quick read, and would be a good book for a long airplane ride. It was a decent story that kept you wondering what was going to happen and how the author was going to tie everything together. I gave it three stars because of the author's use of incredible coincidences to get all the plot lines together by the end. There was was one particular part where I was wondering when Scooby Doo was going to make an appearance. Still, I think the use of coincidences can be a common downfall...more

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Feb 17, 2013 Lisa rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2013

What can I say about Erin Kelly apart from, wow, what an amazing author!
The Poison Tree was excellent and ended up at an ITV drama. I would love to see The Sick Rose on our screens!
The story is about two main characters, Paul and Louisa.
Paul is led into crime by Daniel, a boy who helped him get the bullies off of his back at school. This has led them to being inseparable! One evening a job that they are doing goes wrong and Paul ends up finding himself as the key witness against Daniel! His d...more

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Nov 29, 2012 Marie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

There are some books you read because they are classics, there are some books you read because you love the author's previous novels, there are some books you read based on the recommendation of a trusted friend. But The Sick Rose (or The Dark Rose depending where in the world you are) is a first for me, as I have to admit that I bought it after someone from Hollyoaks mentioned it on Twitter. I already have a copy of Erin Kelly's first novel, The Poison Tree, on my TBR. I can't remember what exa...more There are some books you read because they are classics, there are some books you read because you love the author's previous novels, there are some books you read based on the recommendation of a trusted friend. But The Sick Rose (or The Dark Rose depending where in the world you are) is a first for me, as I have to admit that I bought it after someone from Hollyoaks mentioned it on Twitter. I already have a copy of Erin Kelly's first novel, The Poison Tree, on my TBR. I can't remember what exactly the tweet in question said but it must have been a pretty tempting 140 characters to make me pick this one up first.

Paul is 19, and should be looking forward to an exciting and happy few years at university. Instead, he faces a long winter of manual work and community service in the gardens of Kelstice House after getting mixed up in a terrible crime back at home. Louisa is the skilled botanist leading the project - from a wealthy background and approaching middle age, to the outside world she appears to be happy and settled in her chosen role. But underneath her cool exterior she is an emotional wreck, haunted by events in her past. The two of them form a bond, each recognising the other as a kindred spirit with something to hide. The shadow of the past lingers over their relationship and there is a constant fear that the skeletons in their respective closets will catch up with them.

The derelict Kelstice House with its overgrown gardens provides a really atmospheric and moody setting. Although I am not a fan of this phrase I can safely describe this novel as 'a page-turner'. It kept me up late and I read it in big chunks. The narrative effortlessly flits back and forward between the past and the present day and between the two characters' lives, never feeling stilted or confusing. There are plenty of twists to keep the reader guessing and I didn't see a single one of them coming - not least the ending, which holds surprises until the very last line, and provides a very satisfying conclusion.

I really enjoyed reading Paul's story; it was so sad to see how such an intelligent and conscientious young man could have his life turned upside down through making a few wrong decisions. His impressive and unrelenting loyalty to his childhood friend turns out to be a double-edged sword that gets him in more trouble than he can imagine. I really felt for him and hoped that everything would turn out for the best in his life.

On the other hand, I felt that something was slightly amiss with Louisa's character. Her teenage years are very realistic and Kelly paints a truly convincing picture of a confident and sexually adventurous young woman. However, for me, the adult Louisa lacks warmth. At first I could accept that this reflects the overwhelming and all-encompassing nature of her feelings for her ex-lover Adam, and that her obsession with this failed romance leaves no room for anything else in her life. However, even after she tentatively begins her relationship with Paul we see little change in her personality. I did not like her and found it difficult to understand the attraction she held for Paul.

I enjoyed seeing the mysteries of the plot unravel. Unfortunately I was less interested in the protagonists' relationship and struggled to believe in them as a couple. This was where the novel fell a little flat for me. However my opinions may all be inconsequential; having just publicly identified myself as a Hollyoaks fan, is anybody going to be able to take any of my reviews seriously ever again?! (less)

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Aug 30, 2012 Bibi Rose rated it 3 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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About Erin Kelly

Erin Kelly was born in London in 1976 and grew up in Essex. She read English at Warwick University and has been working as a journalist since 1998.

She has written for newspapers including the The Sunday Times, The Sunday Telegraph, the Daily Mail and the Express and magazines including Red, Psychologies, Marie Claire, Elle and Cosmopolitan.

The Poison Tree is her first novel. She lives in London wi...more

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