What do you think?
The Rose Trail
Is it chance that brings Fay and Persephone together?Or is it the restless and malevolent spirit who stalks them both?Once rivals, they must now unite if they are to survive the mysterious trail of roses they are forced to follow into a dangerous, war torn past.The Rose Trail is a timeslip novel set in both the present day and during the English Civil War. The complex story weaves through both eras with a supernatural thread.
348 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2016
About the author
Alex Martin
11 books136 followersI came late to writing. No, that's wrong. I came late to publishing my writing. And what a thrilling ride it's proving to be.
I'm never happier than when bashing both brain and keyboard in my Plotting Shed wherever that may be! On gloriously creative days, I can look up and find hours have passed. I'm amazed the scenery is unchanged, fixed, when I've been absorbed in heart-stopping drama or tragedy, or romance.
At last, I am following my bliss. I'm a bit late to the party, but I'm dancing.
There was an old black and gold typewriter knocking about my childhood home. When I wasn't skinning my knees climbing trees or wandering aimlessly in the countryside with my dog and my dreams, I could be found, as now, typing away with imaginary friends whispering in my ear.
My first novel, The Twisted Vine, is based on a happy time picking grapes in France in the 1980s. I met some amazing people there but none as outrageous as those that sprang to life on my screen. Daffodils is based in Wiltshire, where I grew up. It attempts to portray how ordinary lives, and the rigid social order, were radically altered by the catalyst of the First World War. This book developed into The Katherine Wheel Series, with a sequel set in 1919 in the aftermath of WW1, Peace Lily, and Speedwell, taking the characters into the roaring twenties and the dangerous world of motor-racing. Willow (a novella) introduces the next generation who face daunting challenges in WW2 in Woodbine and Ivy, the final book in this epic saga which draws all the many threads together in the previous six books into a dramatic climax.
The Spirit Level comprises two dual-time ghost stories. The Rose Trail is set in the English Civil War and Triskelion has a Druid priestess giving Fay and Percy an urgent message for the modern world.
The next book is always just around the corner. I'm just listening to the whispers from the other side to get the full picture... And now that book (my tenth!) is here. Warrior Queens is the third book in The Spirit Level Series although the link is tenuous. Three friends struggle through adversity and only their bond can get them through. A modern tale of girlpower.
I'm never happier than when bashing both brain and keyboard in my Plotting Shed wherever that may be! On gloriously creative days, I can look up and find hours have passed. I'm amazed the scenery is unchanged, fixed, when I've been absorbed in heart-stopping drama or tragedy, or romance.
At last, I am following my bliss. I'm a bit late to the party, but I'm dancing.
There was an old black and gold typewriter knocking about my childhood home. When I wasn't skinning my knees climbing trees or wandering aimlessly in the countryside with my dog and my dreams, I could be found, as now, typing away with imaginary friends whispering in my ear.
My first novel, The Twisted Vine, is based on a happy time picking grapes in France in the 1980s. I met some amazing people there but none as outrageous as those that sprang to life on my screen. Daffodils is based in Wiltshire, where I grew up. It attempts to portray how ordinary lives, and the rigid social order, were radically altered by the catalyst of the First World War. This book developed into The Katherine Wheel Series, with a sequel set in 1919 in the aftermath of WW1, Peace Lily, and Speedwell, taking the characters into the roaring twenties and the dangerous world of motor-racing. Willow (a novella) introduces the next generation who face daunting challenges in WW2 in Woodbine and Ivy, the final book in this epic saga which draws all the many threads together in the previous six books into a dramatic climax.
The Spirit Level comprises two dual-time ghost stories. The Rose Trail is set in the English Civil War and Triskelion has a Druid priestess giving Fay and Percy an urgent message for the modern world.
The next book is always just around the corner. I'm just listening to the whispers from the other side to get the full picture... And now that book (my tenth!) is here. Warrior Queens is the third book in The Spirit Level Series although the link is tenuous. Three friends struggle through adversity and only their bond can get them through. A modern tale of girlpower.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 20, 2017
We are proud to announce that THE ROSE TRAIL by Alex Martin is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells a reader that this book is well worth their time and money!
August 30, 2018
Timeslip stories can miss their mark should one of the threads be stronger than the other, but the balance of this book was just perfect. In the present day, I loved Fay and Percy (a short form of Persephone that’s so much nicer than the one her husband uses…), two very different and wonderfully drawn characters. Fay’s ability to see dead people has always marked her out as “different”, and I loved the fact that she decided to suppress it by becoming an accountant (what better way to quieten rebellious spirits, eh?). Their partnership as amateur sleuths is so very well done – there’s a wonderful wry humour, with a touch of near slapstick at times that I really enjoyed, and a rather lovely developing warmth to their unlikely friendship. Fay’s personal history is heartbreaking, and I did like the way it was woven into the story alongside the main historical thread – and its resolution most definitely brought a tear to my eye.
I can be a bit of a wuss about restless spirits and the supernatural, but was relatively comfortable with the content here – it’s suitably disturbing in places, as it needed to be, but the touches of humour lightened things rather nicely. The transitions between the timelines were excellent, and very convincing. And then there’s the historical thread, which I thought was just wonderful, a superbly researched and presented story of the 17th century: strong and well-rounded characters, a family divided over the issues of the day and the love of a woman, with fascinating insights into the political situation and the religious divide, scenes of war vividly and compellingly described. The Battle of Roundway Hill was an event I wasn’t previously aware of, and the book brought it to life for me – and it’s always rather good when you can extend your knowledge while enjoying a novel. In fact, I particularly liked the way location was used to anchor and trigger events across the timelines, particularly the hill itself and the surrounds and labyrinthine depths of Meadowsweet Manor.
What I really did want to say though is that this was an absolutely cracking story, that I raced through in a couple of sittings, and thoroughly enjoyed. There’s enough historical depth to satisfy the most ardent fan of the finer detail, but not too much to put off the reader who might prefer the sleuthing and supernatural touches. I’m guessing it’s unlikely to happen – I know the author’s focus is more on her Katherine Wheel series at present – but I’d love to see this book’s characters developed into a series, as there’s considerably more mileage in that lovely partnership of Fay and Percy. I really loved this book.
I can be a bit of a wuss about restless spirits and the supernatural, but was relatively comfortable with the content here – it’s suitably disturbing in places, as it needed to be, but the touches of humour lightened things rather nicely. The transitions between the timelines were excellent, and very convincing. And then there’s the historical thread, which I thought was just wonderful, a superbly researched and presented story of the 17th century: strong and well-rounded characters, a family divided over the issues of the day and the love of a woman, with fascinating insights into the political situation and the religious divide, scenes of war vividly and compellingly described. The Battle of Roundway Hill was an event I wasn’t previously aware of, and the book brought it to life for me – and it’s always rather good when you can extend your knowledge while enjoying a novel. In fact, I particularly liked the way location was used to anchor and trigger events across the timelines, particularly the hill itself and the surrounds and labyrinthine depths of Meadowsweet Manor.
What I really did want to say though is that this was an absolutely cracking story, that I raced through in a couple of sittings, and thoroughly enjoyed. There’s enough historical depth to satisfy the most ardent fan of the finer detail, but not too much to put off the reader who might prefer the sleuthing and supernatural touches. I’m guessing it’s unlikely to happen – I know the author’s focus is more on her Katherine Wheel series at present – but I’d love to see this book’s characters developed into a series, as there’s considerably more mileage in that lovely partnership of Fay and Percy. I really loved this book.
June 5, 2017
The Rose Trail by Alex Martin has received a Chill with a Book Readers' Award
www.chillwithabook.com
"What I loved about this book was the well written historical part of the story. The detail from that period placed you with the characters and you could feel their torment."
"I enjoyed this book and loved the slip back to 1642."
"Loved the content of the book and the style it was written in. Enjoyed getting to know the characters."
Pauline Barclay
Founder of Chill with a Book Awards
www.chillwithabook.com
"What I loved about this book was the well written historical part of the story. The detail from that period placed you with the characters and you could feel their torment."
"I enjoyed this book and loved the slip back to 1642."
"Loved the content of the book and the style it was written in. Enjoyed getting to know the characters."
Pauline Barclay
Founder of Chill with a Book Awards
October 18, 2021
I really enjoyed this story about two ghost busting friends
This is such a good story about women's friendship, and tragic love stories. Distortions are both interesting and heartbreaking, As are the modern day segments of the story. Set in a beautiful ancient mansion in great Britain, The the main characters are so likable, they feel like long lost friends. The historical characters are also interesting and realistic. I'm hoping that Alex Martin writes a sequel because I would love to hear more about what happens to Fay and Persephone.
This is such a good story about women's friendship, and tragic love stories. Distortions are both interesting and heartbreaking, As are the modern day segments of the story. Set in a beautiful ancient mansion in great Britain, The the main characters are so likable, they feel like long lost friends. The historical characters are also interesting and realistic. I'm hoping that Alex Martin writes a sequel because I would love to hear more about what happens to Fay and Persephone.
January 9, 2017
I received an ARC of this book.
This is a time slip novel covering the present day and the English Civil War. The transition between to two time zones is well written, no confusion for the reader as to which time stream we are in.
In fact I felt more involved in the ‘past’ story than I did in the ‘now’ story. The past has been well researched although I don’t know a lot about this period in history it all rings so true – the characters are fantastic with traits that you like and dislike which also applies to the ‘present’ characters who have their own issues to contend with as well as being able to connect with the past.
A combination of love, tragedies, friendships, past and present, lashings of historical aspects, religious bias, controlling natures all combined with the supernatural give this novel a wonderful page-turning quality.
The descriptions of the supernatural (for want of a better word without giving spoilers) is, for a wimp like me, scary in some places but in keeping with the nature of the story.
Well written and totally believable.
This is a time slip novel covering the present day and the English Civil War. The transition between to two time zones is well written, no confusion for the reader as to which time stream we are in.
In fact I felt more involved in the ‘past’ story than I did in the ‘now’ story. The past has been well researched although I don’t know a lot about this period in history it all rings so true – the characters are fantastic with traits that you like and dislike which also applies to the ‘present’ characters who have their own issues to contend with as well as being able to connect with the past.
A combination of love, tragedies, friendships, past and present, lashings of historical aspects, religious bias, controlling natures all combined with the supernatural give this novel a wonderful page-turning quality.
The descriptions of the supernatural (for want of a better word without giving spoilers) is, for a wimp like me, scary in some places but in keeping with the nature of the story.
Well written and totally believable.
December 11, 2016
The Rose Trail is a great mixture of amateur detection and supernatural riddles, with dramas of the present day crashing painfully into dramas of the seventeenth century. A time when the country was riven by civil war, religious bigotry, totalitarian rulers, rebellious subjects wanting liberty, and families divided - not so very different from some events today. I love the story of the past, with two brothers at war over politics and love, but I also adore the two present-day protagonists, Fay and Persephone, so very different, but linked by an uncomfortable way with the desperate touch of the past. Ghosts need to find peace – those of the distant and the more recent past. Fay and Percy make a great team of detectives and I suspect (hope) there will be many more investigations to come.
April 11, 2021
I have to confess, this novel has been on TBR pile for a while. I was in the mood for a good Time-Slip, Supernatural novel and boy did this deliver. I should not have waited so long.
The story follow Fay a young woman who has the ability to see and interact with the dead. When she was a teenager her boyfriend Robin died in tragic circumstances related to her ability. After that she decided to give up on her gift and live the most, boring life she could. Then she meets an old school mate Persephone or Percy for short. Percy has a problem, she has a jerk of a husband who is always away and a haunted manor house. Enter Fay or the squash game that was. After accidentally injuring Fay in a squash game she takes her home to Meadowsweet manor to help her heal, and then the fun begins and the ghosts come out to play. It seems Meadowsweet Manor has some unresolved issues from two brothers and an enchanting neighbor girl from the English Civil War, not a great time for brothers on a whole, especially when on opposite sides. Ralph, Will and especially Rose cannot rest until the issues are resolved. Rose most of all seems to have issues, possessing Percy and causing all kinds of mayhem. Between them, Fay and Percy set out to right the wrongs and heal the past, and just maybe they can heal themselves along the way.
This was such a good book. I love the characters even crazy Rose, and I was so intrigued at the possibilities in the epilogue, that I contacted the author to see if there will be a sequel and the great news is she said she is working on one now!!!!
The story follow Fay a young woman who has the ability to see and interact with the dead. When she was a teenager her boyfriend Robin died in tragic circumstances related to her ability. After that she decided to give up on her gift and live the most, boring life she could. Then she meets an old school mate Persephone or Percy for short. Percy has a problem, she has a jerk of a husband who is always away and a haunted manor house. Enter Fay or the squash game that was. After accidentally injuring Fay in a squash game she takes her home to Meadowsweet manor to help her heal, and then the fun begins and the ghosts come out to play. It seems Meadowsweet Manor has some unresolved issues from two brothers and an enchanting neighbor girl from the English Civil War, not a great time for brothers on a whole, especially when on opposite sides. Ralph, Will and especially Rose cannot rest until the issues are resolved. Rose most of all seems to have issues, possessing Percy and causing all kinds of mayhem. Between them, Fay and Percy set out to right the wrongs and heal the past, and just maybe they can heal themselves along the way.
This was such a good book. I love the characters even crazy Rose, and I was so intrigued at the possibilities in the epilogue, that I contacted the author to see if there will be a sequel and the great news is she said she is working on one now!!!!
February 12, 2021
A different type of book by Alex Martin
Having read the Daffodils books I jumped at reading another Alex Martin book. This was totally different to the others but I found it captivating & enjoyable. Would love there to be a sequel covering Fay & Percys ghostbusting experiences.
Having read the Daffodils books I jumped at reading another Alex Martin book. This was totally different to the others but I found it captivating & enjoyable. Would love there to be a sequel covering Fay & Percys ghostbusting experiences.
April 1, 2018
Once Again, Alex Martin, You Made Me Lose Myself
Every time I read one of Ms. Martin's books, I'm carried away by her story. Thank you! Hope you enjoy as much as I did.
Every time I read one of Ms. Martin's books, I'm carried away by her story. Thank you! Hope you enjoy as much as I did.
January 13, 2018
Good ghost story
An enjoyable English ghost story around the English civil war. Easy to follow & not too much history to confuse
An enjoyable English ghost story around the English civil war. Easy to follow & not too much history to confuse
May 11, 2017
I've been somewhat of a fan of Alex Martin since she began writing.
Her historical fiction has always been cinematic and enthralling, so I read this change in genre with interest to see if she maintained the colour and atmosphere.
I thoroughly enjoyed it.
She remained true to her style and I liked the characters and plotline and the way the past and present interwove without jarring. A great story.
For lovers of time-slip novels, this is recommended.
Her historical fiction has always been cinematic and enthralling, so I read this change in genre with interest to see if she maintained the colour and atmosphere.
I thoroughly enjoyed it.
She remained true to her style and I liked the characters and plotline and the way the past and present interwove without jarring. A great story.
For lovers of time-slip novels, this is recommended.
January 16, 2017
This timeslip story was a very good read, linking the modern day with the turmoil and drama of the English Civil War. There's amateur detective work and plenty of supernatural goings on. I very much liked the interaction between the modern day characters which added humour to the mix. Highly recommended.
December 13, 2016
loved this book couldnt put down romance spooky full of action highly recommend this book
January 18, 2017
Way back in 2015, I interviewed Alex Martin after I’d read her first books: http://bit.ly/2iVUaxK. And then again in 2016, http://bit.ly/2itOdaz (when she was part of the Tenby book fair: now evolved into the Narberth Book Fair: (http://bit.ly/2iiW8HW ). I have enjoyed all her work and I must admit I was looking forward to reading The Rose Trail, expecting the same genre.
It’s not! But the strong writing style that makes this author’s book instantly recognisable is there throughout. And just as fascinating. This is a story that moves through two time zones, starting off in the present day and then woven into the period of the English Civil War. It’s dark, haunting and riveting and moves a a good steady place with the occasional revelation that shocks the reader.
As usual Alex Martin has researched well; the settings, the descriptions give an evocative sense of place
The characters are well rounded and believable. Fay could be a protagonist that elicits pity, yet her courage and fortitude soon become evident. And Percy; for me it was dislike on sight but then an unwilling sympathy. Until, I admitted to myself that she was actually a decent person. See? I’m talking about them as thought they’re real. Which, to me is a sign of empathetic writing. And the two brothers, Will and Ralph in the juxtaposed historical story become just as believable with the wrangling in both their political and personal lives.
The dialogue, both as spoken and as internal thoughts, of all the characters reads naturally. There are no irritating lines where I wasn’t sure who was speaking.
If there was one small constructive criticism I’d have it would be with some of those parts of the book that deal with the civil war combat scenes. I found myself skipping through them. Though I have to confess, some of the dark ‘ghostly’ scenes, I stopped to re-read again. perhaps this says more about me as a reader than anything else!
So, as with all the other books that Alex Martin has written, I really enjoyed The Rose Trail and have no hesitation in recommending this novel.
It’s not! But the strong writing style that makes this author’s book instantly recognisable is there throughout. And just as fascinating. This is a story that moves through two time zones, starting off in the present day and then woven into the period of the English Civil War. It’s dark, haunting and riveting and moves a a good steady place with the occasional revelation that shocks the reader.
As usual Alex Martin has researched well; the settings, the descriptions give an evocative sense of place
The characters are well rounded and believable. Fay could be a protagonist that elicits pity, yet her courage and fortitude soon become evident. And Percy; for me it was dislike on sight but then an unwilling sympathy. Until, I admitted to myself that she was actually a decent person. See? I’m talking about them as thought they’re real. Which, to me is a sign of empathetic writing. And the two brothers, Will and Ralph in the juxtaposed historical story become just as believable with the wrangling in both their political and personal lives.
The dialogue, both as spoken and as internal thoughts, of all the characters reads naturally. There are no irritating lines where I wasn’t sure who was speaking.
If there was one small constructive criticism I’d have it would be with some of those parts of the book that deal with the civil war combat scenes. I found myself skipping through them. Though I have to confess, some of the dark ‘ghostly’ scenes, I stopped to re-read again. perhaps this says more about me as a reader than anything else!
So, as with all the other books that Alex Martin has written, I really enjoyed The Rose Trail and have no hesitation in recommending this novel.
January 12, 2019
The eternal triangle
Should have loved this - it had a great plot - ghosts, loss and plenty of emotion but somehow it failed to connect with me. Probably due to the characters, they just felt a bit stilted and insincere. I just didn't like either of the two main ones and the dialogue was just a bit forced and cold.
She had always been able to see ghosts and had suffered bullying because of it. Plus the one time she had gone along to help a ghost, her one true love died. Maybe if she had put up more of a fight he would still be here. Now all grown up she reconnects with one of her schoolmates. Only to suffer a nose injury in a game of squash. Feeling out of it she takes up the offer to spend the evening at the family home of her friend. Add in a restless ghost that is intent on being reunited with her love even though she split a family apart to do so. Possession and attacks follow. Can the two women give this restless soul and the two brothers she pit against the other peace. Especially when it becomes clear that she is the cause of her own lovers death.
Should have loved this - it had a great plot - ghosts, loss and plenty of emotion but somehow it failed to connect with me. Probably due to the characters, they just felt a bit stilted and insincere. I just didn't like either of the two main ones and the dialogue was just a bit forced and cold.
She had always been able to see ghosts and had suffered bullying because of it. Plus the one time she had gone along to help a ghost, her one true love died. Maybe if she had put up more of a fight he would still be here. Now all grown up she reconnects with one of her schoolmates. Only to suffer a nose injury in a game of squash. Feeling out of it she takes up the offer to spend the evening at the family home of her friend. Add in a restless ghost that is intent on being reunited with her love even though she split a family apart to do so. Possession and attacks follow. Can the two women give this restless soul and the two brothers she pit against the other peace. Especially when it becomes clear that she is the cause of her own lovers death.
February 7, 2017
Could not put this book down
I really enjoyed this book. Story takes us back and forward in time to see why a young lover wants her revenge
I really enjoyed this book. Story takes us back and forward in time to see why a young lover wants her revenge
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews