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What Lies Beneath
When the village of Priors Bramley was closed off for chemical-weapons testing during the Cold War, a long history of dark secrets was also shut away. Now, more than fifty years later, the ghost village has been declared safe again, but there are those living nearby who would much rather that the past remain buried. Ella Haywood, who used to play in the village as a child, is haunted by the discovery of two bodies. All those years ago, something happened in the village, something so terrible that and she and her two oldest friends have vowed to this day never to tell a soul. But the past has a habit of forcing the truth to the surface. With the identity of the bodies and the mystery surrounding the now derelict Cadence Manor drawing increasing local interest, Ella fears that she will have to resort to ever more drastic measures if she is to make sure that no one discovers what really happened all those years ago.
567 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
36 people are currently reading
542 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Rayne
46 books306 followersAka Frances Gordon, Bridget Wood
After a convent education, which included writing plays for the Lower Third to perform, Sarah Rayne embarked on a variety of jobs, but - probably inevitably - returned again and again to writing. Her first novel appeared in 1982, and since then her books have also been published in America, Holland and Germany.
The daughter of an Irish comedy actor, she was for many years active in amateur theatre, and lists among her hobbies, theatre, history, music, and old houses - much of her inspiration comes from old buildings and their histories and atmospheres. To these interests, she adds ghosts and ghost stories, and - having grown up in the Sixties - good conversation around a well-stocked dinner table.
After a convent education, which included writing plays for the Lower Third to perform, Sarah Rayne embarked on a variety of jobs, but - probably inevitably - returned again and again to writing. Her first novel appeared in 1982, and since then her books have also been published in America, Holland and Germany.
The daughter of an Irish comedy actor, she was for many years active in amateur theatre, and lists among her hobbies, theatre, history, music, and old houses - much of her inspiration comes from old buildings and their histories and atmospheres. To these interests, she adds ghosts and ghost stories, and - having grown up in the Sixties - good conversation around a well-stocked dinner table.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
July 22, 2011
This started well. It had a complex plot structure with 4 plot strands, but the author managed them well, and it never got confusing. However, part of the plot hinged on an immense coincidence. I actually felt slightly offended by it - it seemed an insult to my intelligence to expect me to find it believable. I think the author could have conveyed the information from that part of the plot in other ways so I don't think it was even necessary. My other problem with this was the amount of tedious detail the author wrote. Eventually, I used speed reading to get through two of the plot strands because those parts of the plot were drowning in minutiae. Overall, I think this was a great idea and with some good editing it could have been a great thriller. I really think it could stand to loose a good 100 to 200 pages to tighten up the plot.
May 30, 2015
If those reviewers who say this is certainly not her best work are correct, I can't wait to read those that are deemed better. This one kept me totally involved, guessing, and up way too late. (And other reviewers agree with me!)
February 5, 2023
I've got to agree with the other reviewers who compared this to an episode of Midsomer Murders. Not that that's entirely a bad thing. But, if I'm going to poke behind the "normal" facade of an English village and find horrors lurking, I'd rather do so while spending most of my time with likable people. Here, a majority of the book seems to be about either the actual murderers of the piece or people who aren't much better. Not to say there are no likable people in the book - there are. We just don't spend nearly as much time with them.
It also seemed to imply that murderousness was some sort of inheritable (or contagious) mental illness - either alongside the syphilis or because of the syphilis.
And there's the rather large fridge logic question about how Cadence Manor and grounds could possibly have been purchased by the government for the road/chemical warfare testing without Jamie knowing. It was, at that point, either his or Saul's. Even if everything was handled by some sort of executor, that executor had to know that they existed and were living there. (Or be ignoring the bank withdrawls for the grocery deliveries and electricity and such.)
For them to be trapped in the doomed village requires the government to not bother buying that piece of property (and only that piece of property) or the executor to intentionally not notify them of the sale, and for the grocery delivery place to not wonder why they weren't contacted to have the deliveries stopped. It's not as if it was a secret what was going to happen to Priors Bramley. Oh, and for no one to actually make a double check that the village that was going to be bombed with chemical weapons (as a test!).
I'm not saying it's impossible, but it begins to seem seriously unlikely. Even if, as Jamie theorizes after finding the paper, some unknown person (WHO??? How did they inherit it? Why did they never investigate their inheritance and discover that the lodge was occupied?) was paid for the manor, wouldn't the authorities want to make sure no vagrants were in the village before it was sealed off? They weren't planning on it being sealed off for fifty years. It generally looks bad to accidentally kill people while testing chemical weapons in the country side. Even if the people are vagrants.
And, for bog's sake, the damn thing had electricity running to it. I'm pretty sure electricity is paid for in England. How could that not be investigated? And then, after the fifty years pass and the bodies are discovered, why did the authorities not (or did they and we just don't see it) try to contact any living Cadences (which should include Jamie, and at least possibly Saul) to see if they had any idea who might have died on their former property? Which would have turned up at least one missing Cadence.
I know, I know, it's supposed to be cosmic justice, or some such. Still...
It also seemed to imply that murderousness was some sort of inheritable (or contagious) mental illness - either alongside the syphilis or because of the syphilis.
And there's the rather large fridge logic question about how Cadence Manor and grounds could possibly have been purchased by the government for the road/chemical warfare testing without Jamie knowing. It was, at that point, either his or Saul's. Even if everything was handled by some sort of executor, that executor had to know that they existed and were living there. (Or be ignoring the bank withdrawls for the grocery deliveries and electricity and such.)
For them to be trapped in the doomed village requires the government to not bother buying that piece of property (and only that piece of property) or the executor to intentionally not notify them of the sale, and for the grocery delivery place to not wonder why they weren't contacted to have the deliveries stopped. It's not as if it was a secret what was going to happen to Priors Bramley. Oh, and for no one to actually make a double check that the village that was going to be bombed with chemical weapons (as a test!).
I'm not saying it's impossible, but it begins to seem seriously unlikely. Even if, as Jamie theorizes after finding the paper, some unknown person (WHO??? How did they inherit it? Why did they never investigate their inheritance and discover that the lodge was occupied?) was paid for the manor, wouldn't the authorities want to make sure no vagrants were in the village before it was sealed off? They weren't planning on it being sealed off for fifty years. It generally looks bad to accidentally kill people while testing chemical weapons in the country side. Even if the people are vagrants.
And, for bog's sake, the damn thing had electricity running to it. I'm pretty sure electricity is paid for in England. How could that not be investigated? And then, after the fifty years pass and the bodies are discovered, why did the authorities not (or did they and we just don't see it) try to contact any living Cadences (which should include Jamie, and at least possibly Saul) to see if they had any idea who might have died on their former property? Which would have turned up at least one missing Cadence.
I know, I know, it's supposed to be cosmic justice, or some such. Still...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2012
I usually really enjoy Sarah Rayne's books but this one was very disappointing. It's a dual time frame murder story but the modern day element was pretty awful. As the story progressed the modern tale became desperate and rather silly. Not a book I would recommend to anyone. Sarah Rayne has written far better books than this one.
June 19, 2015
This book started out great but lost me pretty quickly. The whole book could have been condensed as there was unnecessary minute detail throughout. The story was interesting but just not for me.
July 26, 2021
I was totally intrigued and engrossed in this triple-era mystery. First we have the Cadences: wealthy early century bank owners and manor house owners who have a lot of secrets and skeletons and emotional baggage and pitfalls. Next we meet the depression-era children, Ella, Victoria and Clem. They are friends who also have secrets even at their tender age, and one which they will carry to the end of their lives. And, finally, we meet Amy - Ella's grown grandaughter - and Jan, Amy's boyfriend.
Although the story travels the world, it centers on The Poisoned Village. The Poisoned Village is Priors Bramley, a village shut off in the 1950s so that the area could be used for chemical weapons-testing during the Cold War. When the village was evacuated and the razor wire and signs surrounded it, a long history of dark secrets was also closed off to the outside world. Now, sixty years later, the village has been declared safe again. And there are people who want the ugly secrets kept hidden in Priors Bramley forever - and there are some who are searching out answers which promise to stir the secrets to the surface.
If you are up for a neo gothic thriller this one should be next on your list! I do wish Hitchcock were still around to film this story ... he might even surpass Vertigo with this material!
Although the story travels the world, it centers on The Poisoned Village. The Poisoned Village is Priors Bramley, a village shut off in the 1950s so that the area could be used for chemical weapons-testing during the Cold War. When the village was evacuated and the razor wire and signs surrounded it, a long history of dark secrets was also closed off to the outside world. Now, sixty years later, the village has been declared safe again. And there are people who want the ugly secrets kept hidden in Priors Bramley forever - and there are some who are searching out answers which promise to stir the secrets to the surface.
If you are up for a neo gothic thriller this one should be next on your list! I do wish Hitchcock were still around to film this story ... he might even surpass Vertigo with this material!
March 20, 2018
Another great read from Sarah Rayne. Great gothic mystery with a ton of history.
January 10, 2020
What Lies Beneath by Sarah Rayne is an intriguing tale featuring music, madness, and murder that takes place over three distinct time periods.
I am looking forward to reading more from Sarah Rayne.
I am looking forward to reading more from Sarah Rayne.
January 27, 2022
This will keep you turning the pages, whether to figure out what happened in the past, what is going on in the present, or how they are connected. The author gets full credit for intertwining the stories of all these characters while keeping them straight! Discovering how past leads to present, digging through dark secrets, and the culmination of it all made the 500+ pages seem like far less.
June 6, 2017
This book contains the usual mysterious historical fiction and modern day interlinked storylines that Rayne seems to do brilliantly, it isn’t quite as dark and unnerving as some of her other standalone novels (such as House of the Lost), but certainly darker than her Nell West series.
The historical storyline was very interesting. The story switches back to 1912 where we meet the Cadence family of Cadence Manor in the village of Priors Bramley, mostly through a series of journals – author initially unknown. We also flashback to Ella’s childhood and an incident on the day the village closed.
Overall, I still really enjoyed this book, not as good as others she has written but still very clever, particularly the historical storylines. For those that haven’t discovered the Sarah Rayne’s writing, I would suggest these novels are quite similarly written to Phil Rickman’s work; old story exposed, great characters and slightly eerie. Although the dark dividing (standalone novel) is my favourite out of her books. The Nell West series she writes is also very good. This is more of a 3.5 from me but as that option isn't available and a 3 felt very mean I gave it a 4.
In the modern storyline, we go with Ella Haywood who finds out the town from her childhood is to be re-opened for a short while prior to being cleared for new motorway bypass. This is the talk of the town and soon Ella gets very jittery and no-one including her granddaughter knows why. Ella’s behaviour becomes more and more obscure and no-one around her knows why.
The historical storyline was very interesting. The story switches back to 1912 where we meet the Cadence family of Cadence Manor in the village of Priors Bramley, mostly through a series of journals – author initially unknown. We also flashback to Ella’s childhood and an incident on the day the village closed.
Other reviewers have complained about Rayne’s writing style in this and I do agree with some of the comments (e.g. it is quite slow in places). There are four storylines in this book and it is quite complicated how it is held together. Normally Sarah Rayne’s writing style is much sharper, darker and more dramatic. However, I did enjoy the storyline non-the-less. Also, the main character in this book Ella is not very nice, normally Rayne has a really strong protagonist who you champion throughout the book whereas this character isn’t. I did enjoy Rayne’s experimentation with this technique but I think having a main character that you dislike isn’t always an easy sell to other readers.
Overall, I still really enjoyed this book, not as good as others she has written but still very clever, particularly the historical storylines. For those that haven’t discovered the Sarah Rayne’s writing, I would suggest these novels are quite similarly written to Phil Rickman’s work; old story exposed, great characters and slightly eerie. Although the dark dividing (standalone novel) is my favourite out of her books. The Nell West series she writes is also very good. This is more of a 3.5 from me but as that option isn't available and a 3 felt very mean I gave it a 4.
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December 7, 2016
This is the second book I have read by Sarah Rayne and I am starting to get a feel for her style, which is one that I quite like as she switches from present to past to journal entries etc.
In "What Lies Beneath" a village was evacuated in 1956 to be used for testing a chemical weapon not unlike mustard gas. On the last day in the village, 3 children having one last look around their home, accidentally kill a man. Fifty years later the village is to be decontaminated and opened again. One of the children, now an adult, is very afraid of the past catching up with them.
Murder and madness abound in this delicious story, which is an excellent psychological thriller.
Highly recommended.
In "What Lies Beneath" a village was evacuated in 1956 to be used for testing a chemical weapon not unlike mustard gas. On the last day in the village, 3 children having one last look around their home, accidentally kill a man. Fifty years later the village is to be decontaminated and opened again. One of the children, now an adult, is very afraid of the past catching up with them.
Murder and madness abound in this delicious story, which is an excellent psychological thriller.
Highly recommended.
July 8, 2014
While this isn't my favorite book by Rayne, it was exactly what I was in the mood to read this weekend. I love her complicated time frames where we're following tracks in the nineteen-teens, the nineteen-fifties, and the present. I appreciate the complicated plot of a disappeared village in the UK, which is now being re-opened; as well as the hideous progress of untreated syphilis, and the horrific treatment available a hundred years ago. Her books are just a delight to get lost in, and pick up a little arcane knowledge besides.
Beloved MIL's copy.
Beloved MIL's copy.
February 10, 2018
Another Sarah Rayne reread, because who cares about my TBR list? (Ok, I do but I like rereading books too)
What Life Beneath is the story of Priors Bramley. It was closed off after a chemical experiment was more harmful than expected, which means loads of secrets. In the past & present, Ella is worried that the re-opening of Priors Bramley will reveal the secrets she holds. In the past, the slow fall of the Cadences is shown through journal entries and a regular POV narrative with two main POV characters.
This sounds complicated, but it’s actually one big story that ties up satisfyingly (if rather sadly) by the end. There are at least 5 POV characters, but they’re all pretty distinct and effectively used to increase the tension in the book.
The most intriguing character has to be Ella. Crispian, Jamie (characters from the Cadence subplot), Amy, and Malik (characters from the present day) are all well-done, but Ella stands out because of her mental journey. She starts off as a sympathetic if slightly paranoid person who made a mistake as a child, but as her story continues, I found that there was much more to her than meets the eye. And it’s pretty terrifying.
Oh, and something I noticed in this reread is the narrative style. The POV is mostly third limited, but there are a lot of opinions from other people in the village, which allows you to get a sense of how the community thinks (or how a character interprets the community’s reactions). It’s a kind of nosy, informal style and I really enjoyed it.
According to the note at the end of the book, there are quite a few abandoned villages in England, and a few of them inspired Priors Bramley. That may actually be the most terrifying aspect, since it brings a sense of realism to the book.
I would totally recommend this to anyone who wants something a bit scarier than a normal mystery. There’s no outright horror here* but it’s a complicated, slightly creepy, and intense story.
* Which, come to think of it is weird because after my first round reading Sarah Rayne’s books, I associated her with “dual plotline horror” which shows how little I know of horror.
This review was first posted at Inside the mind of a Bibliophile
What Life Beneath is the story of Priors Bramley. It was closed off after a chemical experiment was more harmful than expected, which means loads of secrets. In the past & present, Ella is worried that the re-opening of Priors Bramley will reveal the secrets she holds. In the past, the slow fall of the Cadences is shown through journal entries and a regular POV narrative with two main POV characters.
This sounds complicated, but it’s actually one big story that ties up satisfyingly (if rather sadly) by the end. There are at least 5 POV characters, but they’re all pretty distinct and effectively used to increase the tension in the book.
The most intriguing character has to be Ella. Crispian, Jamie (characters from the Cadence subplot), Amy, and Malik (characters from the present day) are all well-done, but Ella stands out because of her mental journey. She starts off as a sympathetic if slightly paranoid person who made a mistake as a child, but as her story continues, I found that there was much more to her than meets the eye. And it’s pretty terrifying.
Oh, and something I noticed in this reread is the narrative style. The POV is mostly third limited, but there are a lot of opinions from other people in the village, which allows you to get a sense of how the community thinks (or how a character interprets the community’s reactions). It’s a kind of nosy, informal style and I really enjoyed it.
According to the note at the end of the book, there are quite a few abandoned villages in England, and a few of them inspired Priors Bramley. That may actually be the most terrifying aspect, since it brings a sense of realism to the book.
I would totally recommend this to anyone who wants something a bit scarier than a normal mystery. There’s no outright horror here* but it’s a complicated, slightly creepy, and intense story.
* Which, come to think of it is weird because after my first round reading Sarah Rayne’s books, I associated her with “dual plotline horror” which shows how little I know of horror.
This review was first posted at Inside the mind of a Bibliophile
March 5, 2024
A small British village is essentially erased by the government, who have selected it for a post-World-War-II chemical experiment, that seemingly goes wrong, closing the village and its surroundings for half a century to outsiders and locals alike... and concealing the bodies of two dead men.
This is the premise of Sarah Rayne's What Lies Beneath. But the story includes the tragic lives of the last of the Cadence family, a British banking dynasty whose fortunes wane in the years just preceding and following World War I. Entangled with the lives of this family are other lives in the tiny village of Priors Bramley, including three childhood friends--Ella, Veronica and Clem--whose adventurous excursion on the morning of the chemical experiment that evacuated the village leads to horror for one of them, and foretells a dark future.
I nearly abandoned this book halfway through. There are very dark and disturbing chapters involving one character in particular, and a second character whose machinations underlay the entire tale. Details about the horrific effects of syphilis on the human body and mind, as well as the effects of mustard gas, are one part of the disturbance, but the ability of another character to chillingly kill again and again to protect long-buried secrets may be more so.
I keep hoping the author will stop using the gimmick of ending a chapter in one timeline and having the next chapter in another timeline start with the same phrase. But this is the third book that uses the gimmick. It is now beyond annoying, and feels merely lazy. A pity, because Ms. Rayne writes a compelling tale. She does not need cheap tricks to keep the story moving along.
Not exactly horror, although horrifying from the perspective of the human capacity for evil.
This is the premise of Sarah Rayne's What Lies Beneath. But the story includes the tragic lives of the last of the Cadence family, a British banking dynasty whose fortunes wane in the years just preceding and following World War I. Entangled with the lives of this family are other lives in the tiny village of Priors Bramley, including three childhood friends--Ella, Veronica and Clem--whose adventurous excursion on the morning of the chemical experiment that evacuated the village leads to horror for one of them, and foretells a dark future.
I nearly abandoned this book halfway through. There are very dark and disturbing chapters involving one character in particular, and a second character whose machinations underlay the entire tale. Details about the horrific effects of syphilis on the human body and mind, as well as the effects of mustard gas, are one part of the disturbance, but the ability of another character to chillingly kill again and again to protect long-buried secrets may be more so.
I keep hoping the author will stop using the gimmick of ending a chapter in one timeline and having the next chapter in another timeline start with the same phrase. But this is the third book that uses the gimmick. It is now beyond annoying, and feels merely lazy. A pity, because Ms. Rayne writes a compelling tale. She does not need cheap tricks to keep the story moving along.
Not exactly horror, although horrifying from the perspective of the human capacity for evil.
January 24, 2023
This started out really intriguing and had me flipping pages so fast then it just got gross, unbelievable, ridiculous, and silly. I just don't enjoy reading graphic scenes especially written in a vulgar way and most especially rape. There are better ways of conveying the same message. This is why I prefer older books especially classics.
I am impressed though how all the threads from different time periods were handled. It would seem it could be confusing but it wasn't. The journal entries were not believable in my opinion; they read more like a narrative.
As other reviewers have said, some parts of this book just needed to be edited out. Some of the storyline details added nothing to the story.
I'm giving this book two stars for keeping me in suspense and making me want to finish it to see how everything panned out. But I had to suspend my disbelief quite a bit towards the last quarter of the book.
I am impressed though how all the threads from different time periods were handled. It would seem it could be confusing but it wasn't. The journal entries were not believable in my opinion; they read more like a narrative.
As other reviewers have said, some parts of this book just needed to be edited out. Some of the storyline details added nothing to the story.
I'm giving this book two stars for keeping me in suspense and making me want to finish it to see how everything panned out. But I had to suspend my disbelief quite a bit towards the last quarter of the book.
June 15, 2023
This should have been a DHF but I have a hard time doing that with books. The fact that it took me too long to finish it should have indicated how much I didnt like or wasn't gonna like. This was a total WTF book. I felt like I was reading 2 different story lines that really didn't come together in the end or should I say connect enough that you needed to read the then and now aspects to understand what was happening. This could be an example of an author writing to just fill pages moment. Sure it worked but really wasn't needed. I was a little disappointed to say the least especially with all th 4 and 5 star reviews.
February 26, 2023
Although I did enjoy this book, I will not recommend to everyone. First off, it was at least 150 pages too long, and I know some people won't care for all the historical part of the book. I liked the history aspect being a history major and all! :) But as gothic stories go, it was pretty good. I will check out other books by this author.
April 23, 2023
Started with "what in the Jesus Christ was that" and ended with "oh my poor babies"
Screw Ella, though. 🙄
Kinda disappointed with the ending, but overall, it was a decent read. The merging of the past and present was well done, though.
Originally rated this as 3.5, but thought I'll give a half star in honor of Clem, Crispian, and Gil, my fave characters from the story
Screw Ella, though. 🙄
Kinda disappointed with the ending, but overall, it was a decent read. The merging of the past and present was well done, though.
Originally rated this as 3.5, but thought I'll give a half star in honor of Clem, Crispian, and Gil, my fave characters from the story
October 11, 2025
DNF Honestly I don't think the story was bad, it just has too much going on. The timelines are chaotic and none of the characters felt very genuine or likeable. At just under 50% of the way through the book, I figured I'd given it a good chance, but was constantly avoiding reading it, and I'd rather read than look at my phone so it's time to find a new book.
October 10, 2017
I thought one character's story in particular was brilliantly written, I definitely couldn't put it down during those sections. The story overall was full of exciting plot twists & interesting character developments & I quite enjoyed reading it. Highly recommend
May 16, 2019
Usually I love Sarah Raynes books but this one sat on my shelf over a year. I finally pushed myself to read it for a challenge. I just didn't "feel" it or connect with any of the characters. This just wasn't the right book for me. I ended up skimming so much after the first 100 pages.
December 16, 2020
This was an interesting read to say the least - two storylines and a little hard to get all the characters straight to begin with. The majority of the characters are not that likeable which in this book adds to the enjoyment of the book.
August 26, 2017
Was not scary, or thrilling. Did not meet expectations. Way too drawn out. The historical bits and the ranting diaries did not add to the narrative. Not for me.
March 2, 2019
Love, love, loved this book. I have reread several times!
July 27, 2020
Not one of her best novels, but an entertaining read nonetheless.
September 30, 2021
Dark, but good.
October 7, 2023
Great read
I always enjoy reading a Sarah Rayne book.
Always enjoy the eeriness and spookinesses that she weaves into her stories.
I always enjoy reading a Sarah Rayne book.
Always enjoy the eeriness and spookinesses that she weaves into her stories.
May 30, 2025
Solid. A felt story. Long at times. As a coffee it’s a well crafted- if not too sweet - frappe. It has the expected slightly acrid aftertaste.
April 21, 2013
I've been reading thriller novels from author Sarah Rayne for years now and really enjoy her writing style.*
I'm pleased to say that she's getting even better over time, and I thoroughly enjoyed What Lies Beneath, published in 2011.
Essentially the novel is about a town which is going to be cleared to build a highway, but before it is, the government decides to use it for testing. Unfortunately the tests leave the area poisoned and it's locked up and out of bounds for decades.
Characters in the past are linked to characters in the present and both have something to hide and something to discover.
I especially enjoyed the section where one of the characters in the past was being treated for Syphilis using the methods and treatments available in 1912. I found it completely and utterly fascinating, as one of the treatments included an infusion box where the patient has their body seated and fully enclosed in a box with just their head exposed. A mercury solution is heated underneath the box which turns to vapour the patient inhales during the process which takes several hours.
Apparently the treatment was incredibly painful and exhausting as the fumes were being absorbed into the skin as well as the lungs, and Rayne's description of the process had me gripping the book and shaking my head in disbelief that this was occurring a mere 100 years ago.
I almost wanted to get up and go and research this illness, era and treatments and find out more. It just seemed so surreal; who would come up with such a therapy and how could they possibly believe it would work? I was thinking about it long finishing the book, and for this What Lies Beneath earns an additional star.
*For reviews of 5 other books by Sarah Rayne, please visit full review here: http://www.carpelibrum.net/2013/04/re...
I'm pleased to say that she's getting even better over time, and I thoroughly enjoyed What Lies Beneath, published in 2011.
Essentially the novel is about a town which is going to be cleared to build a highway, but before it is, the government decides to use it for testing. Unfortunately the tests leave the area poisoned and it's locked up and out of bounds for decades.
Characters in the past are linked to characters in the present and both have something to hide and something to discover.
I especially enjoyed the section where one of the characters in the past was being treated for Syphilis using the methods and treatments available in 1912. I found it completely and utterly fascinating, as one of the treatments included an infusion box where the patient has their body seated and fully enclosed in a box with just their head exposed. A mercury solution is heated underneath the box which turns to vapour the patient inhales during the process which takes several hours.
Apparently the treatment was incredibly painful and exhausting as the fumes were being absorbed into the skin as well as the lungs, and Rayne's description of the process had me gripping the book and shaking my head in disbelief that this was occurring a mere 100 years ago.
I almost wanted to get up and go and research this illness, era and treatments and find out more. It just seemed so surreal; who would come up with such a therapy and how could they possibly believe it would work? I was thinking about it long finishing the book, and for this What Lies Beneath earns an additional star.
*For reviews of 5 other books by Sarah Rayne, please visit full review here: http://www.carpelibrum.net/2013/04/re...
August 31, 2012
‘What Lies Beneath’ by Sarah Rayne.
Published by Simon & Schuster, 2011. ISBN: 978-1-84737-335-9
Although the book starts in the present day when Ella Haywood hears alarming news whilst queuing at the supermarket, the story switches back to 1912 where we meet the Cadence family of Cadence Manor in the village of Priors Bramley, narrated by Crispian Cadence the eldest son, and a series of journals – author initially unknown.
The news that so disturbed Ella Haywood relates back to 1960 when the local council moved the residents from the village of Priors Bramley, re-housing them in the nearby village of Upper Bramley to make way for a road. Then decided to use the village for a chemical weapons experiment. On the morning that the village is to be sprayed with chemicals from the air, three children, Ella Heywood, Veronica and Clem, nine years old walk through the village for the last time, with disastrous results. They all swear never to tell what happened that morning in Priors Bramley, confident that with the village sealed because of contamination their secret will remain a secret.
Although the seeds for the catastrophe of 1960 were sown in the early 1900’s the full horror does not actually come to light until the present day. This is a gruesome yet utterly absorbing tale, where the sins of the fathers are certainly visited on their children. For Ella Hayward the past must stay buried, but secrets have a habit of finding their way to the surface.
The descriptive powers of the author are awesome, and the tension rises to a menacing level. Whilst there are some horrific scenes, it is a terribly sad tale.
Brilliantly crafted, Sarah Rayne is a gifted writer. Highly recommended.
-----
Lizzie Hayes
Published by Simon & Schuster, 2011. ISBN: 978-1-84737-335-9
Although the book starts in the present day when Ella Haywood hears alarming news whilst queuing at the supermarket, the story switches back to 1912 where we meet the Cadence family of Cadence Manor in the village of Priors Bramley, narrated by Crispian Cadence the eldest son, and a series of journals – author initially unknown.
The news that so disturbed Ella Haywood relates back to 1960 when the local council moved the residents from the village of Priors Bramley, re-housing them in the nearby village of Upper Bramley to make way for a road. Then decided to use the village for a chemical weapons experiment. On the morning that the village is to be sprayed with chemicals from the air, three children, Ella Heywood, Veronica and Clem, nine years old walk through the village for the last time, with disastrous results. They all swear never to tell what happened that morning in Priors Bramley, confident that with the village sealed because of contamination their secret will remain a secret.
Although the seeds for the catastrophe of 1960 were sown in the early 1900’s the full horror does not actually come to light until the present day. This is a gruesome yet utterly absorbing tale, where the sins of the fathers are certainly visited on their children. For Ella Hayward the past must stay buried, but secrets have a habit of finding their way to the surface.
The descriptive powers of the author are awesome, and the tension rises to a menacing level. Whilst there are some horrific scenes, it is a terribly sad tale.
Brilliantly crafted, Sarah Rayne is a gifted writer. Highly recommended.
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Lizzie Hayes
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