Reader reviews of The House at Riverton

‘The House at Riverton is beautifully written, completely absorbing, and one of my new favourites. I bought it because the synopsis recommends it for those who liked the film Gosford Park. Which is really a good indication if you would like this book, as well as Edwardian Country House (BBC) and Kazuo Ishiguro, The Remains of the Day.

It is immediately captivating from the swish, swish, swish of Nancy's skirt as she climbs the stairs to the very last page (when you find out what actually happened).

Grace is very real and is one of those characters you feel agony for if you think she is doing the wrong thing, toe curling tense moments, and who, ultimately, you care about. There are several characters in this book that you have to keep track of, however Kate does often remind you who they are so it's not a problem. There are some characters I would have liked to have been developed further such as Frederick or Nancy. However this book is plus 600 (glorious) pages as it is, and since it is from Grace's point of view, we only witness scenes as she sees them, or learn things she is told, so there are details that are kept unknown and mysterious.

The book has been very well researched and it is completely believable, there are three pages at the very back (which you can look at before you finish the book because the acknowledgements pages are between them so you won't see the last page) that lists the main texts Kate read to research it (primary ones and novels of a similar theme), which is a really good reference for other good books to read. I love this book, the characters are developed it takes its time and isn't rushed but fast paced enough so you don't flag. I can't recommend it enough.’

Written By ‘Sobriquet’ – England
9th July 2007

‘I was given this book as a birthday present by a friend of mine who swears by the Richard and Judy book selections and I'm a convert to it now. I never write reviews but I think this book really deserves one so here I am.

It's a deep, evocative family saga rich with hidden plots and character driven drama with great dialogue and beautiful descriptions. I grew up in the countryside near a grand country house that has fallen into delapidation and the author really hit the nail on the head with the descriptions of the property and the mystery that shrouds it. A few other people have already said this, but the characters really got under my skin. I finished it a week ago and still find myself sitting on the bus on the way to work pondering Grace and her adventures and the beautiful, haunted sisters Grace and Emmeline.

I don't know anyone who wouldn't love this book; my husband is reading it now and he is enjoying it too.’

Written By – ‘HillBillyHill’ – Stamford
6th July 2007

‘If you read one book this year, make it this one. What a story! This book was so elegant and rich and entirely engrossing.

The characters are deeply developed and entirely credible, they really leap off the page and into your living room. The story is fast-paced and beautifully written, gently mounting suspense on suspense until you are breathlessly flicking through the pages to find out...how does it end? That is a huge surprise and well worth the wait - a very surprising twist. All the loose ends are wrapped up very satisfyingly and I just want more and more of these characters. I'm hoping for a sequel so I can find out what's next for these 'new friends'... 110% satisfaction with this novel.’

Written By ‘Julia Sanderson’
6th July 2007

‘This book is an excellent mystery story that shifts between the past and the present to reveal the secret that Grace, the storyteller, has kept all her life. Grace is a wonderful character and I found myself thinking about her long after I'd finished reading.

I couldn't put the book down, yet I didn't want it to end. It kept me guessing right up until the last minute, and I have to say the twist really surprised me. Can't wait to read the author's next book.’

Written By – ‘Mystery Lover’ – London
6th July 2007 

‘A brilliantly written mystery novel that twists so well with past to present, that oftentimes, you don't even realize that you are going back in time. Two sisters of the manner are the primary characters and then there is Grace, a housemaid. Well Grace is a story all in itself. Each character set are pulled together in a very tragic love story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. At times I'm certain I was actually sitting in the same room with them.

The book as a whole is wonderful, but the end has a very creative twist that I was not expecting. Highly recommended and also recommend you find the convention written by travis. A love story as well filled with tragedy, faith, hope, love, Angels, terrorism and God.’

Written By ‘Lover of Books’ – Down Under
4th July 2007

‘I never write reviews - except that this book is forcing me too... Absolutely stunning - i really couldn't put it down - read in three sittings and made me late for work one morning.... and it made me cry.’

Written By ‘HazyPea’ – West Midlands
30th June 2007

‘This is a Richard and Judy book, although I didn't realise when I bought it. I was drawn to it by its cover as I've not heard of Kate Morton before, which is hardly surprising as this is her debut novel.

It tells the story of Hannah and Emmeline, two girls from a privileged background, and of a young housemaid at Riverton, Grace.

The story is told by Grace by use of flashbacks and these flashbacks are very neatly integrated into the story so you don't even consciously notice it switching from present to past as it does it seamlessly.

The characters are very well written, and the author has researched life in a big house with many servants and writes convincingly. She references some of the books/TV programmes that inspired her in the back of the book. I was quite surprised to read that she is actually Australian - she obviously has a keen interest in UK history.

The story drew me in very quickly and kept me wanting to know more. The event at the party in summer 1924, mentioned in the `blurb' doesn't happen until very near the end of the book, and it kept me guessing right up to its conclusion.

All in all, it was a great story. I must confess to shedding a few tears towards the end!’

Written By ‘Janet-s-s’ – Somerset
27th June 2007 

‘A real page-turner of a novel, beautifully written and very evocative of the period. The author succeeds in weaving a complex tale of passion, jealousy and intrigue with a startling twist at the end. A very compelling read, highly recommended.’

Written By ‘Sarah Hutton’
22nd June 2007

‘Essentially, this is two stories in one and is a simply brilliant mystery novel that has it all. Emmeline and Hannah are financially secure duaghters of the manner. Then there is Grace, a housemaid that is a story of its own. The two are brilliantly combined in a very dramatic and deeply tragic romantic love story that certainly kept me in a state of "what's coming next". I couldn't wait. I mean I literally couldn't wait. The end of this book has a simply wonderful twist. It caught me completely off guard. Brilliant and this book is certainly one of the best of the year. Another you should get is The Convention written by Travis. It is also a tragic love story, but with a different twist at the end. "life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but rather by the moments that take out breath away". Absolutely excellent!’

Written By –‘L. Blanton’ – London
22nd June 2007

‘This is a fantastic book. Couldn't stop reading this novel. I do not normally read this genre of book but was given a Australian edition (different name of 'The Shifting Fog')and was amazed by the gripping writting style and Kate Morton's ability to trap me in the world she had created. Historical events of the time are brought clearly to life and give the reader an excellent view of the early Twentieth Century. Stunning.’

Written By ‘L. Greenway “Papa Smurf” ‘ – Sussex, UK
21st June 2007

‘From the minute I read the first sentence of this book, I found it impossible to put down. I literally lived this story with every page of the book and completely disappeared in to the world of Riverton. The plot builds and builds in a series of beautifully written and very evocative events. The characters are created so well that, by the end of the book, I felt like I was farewelling fond friends.

The story begins on the brink of the first world war, an historical period that sees the world about to face irrevocable changes, in a grande country house. There are two story threads which are both equally engrossing. The first explores the lives and challenges faced by the two wealthy daughters of the manner, Hannah and Emmeline, each determined to find independence in their own seperate ways. At the same time, there's Grace, a young housemaid in service at Riverton manner and we follow her story too, and the rich, complex way all three girls impact on each other's lives forever. It's difficult to pigeon hole this book - it's got a great mystery that pulses throughout, it's dark and tragic in parts, but also really uplifting. There's romance, drama, and the dialogue is very witty - and a great twist at the end.

This is a moving, emotional and extremely memorable story that will stay with you long after you've finished reading the book. I recommend it strongly.’

Written By ‘Danielle-Bookworm’ – London
20th June 2007

‘Morton's enchanting first novel tells a story of love, mystery, family rebellion and a woman with an enviable adventure filled life and an extraordinary memory. I didn't put the book down once as I lived through Grace Bradley's life, a story so well told I really believed I was watching her days from beside her instead of reading a book.

A fantastic read from an up and coming star novelist - I look forward to seeing more from this extremely talented and imaginative Australian.’

Written By ‘Stace “Stace” ‘ – London
19th June 2007