When I first read that Kate Mascarenhas was writing another novel, I was over the moon. I absolutely adored her first book, The Psychology of Time Travel, and somehow knew I will love anything she wrote. I was not wrong. Her new book The Thief on the Winged Horse was published on the 12th of November 2020 by Head of Zeus.
SHORT SYNOPSIS:
The Kendrick family have been making world-famous dolls since the early 1800s. But their dolls aren't coveted for the craftmanship alone. Each one has a specific emotion laid on it by its creator. A magic that can make you feel bucolic bliss or consuming paranoia at a single touch. Though founded by sisters, now only men may know the secrets of the workshop.
Persephone Kendrick longs to break tradition and learn the family craft, and when a handsome stranger arrives claiming doll-making talent and a blood tie to the Kendricks, she sees a chance to grasp all she desires.
But then, one night, the family's most valuable doll is stolen. Only someone with knowledge of magic could have taken her. Only a Kendrick could have committed this crime...
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kate Mascarenhas is a part-Irish, part-Seychellois midlander. Since 2017, Kate has been a chartered psychologist. Before that she worked as a copywriter, a dolls' house maker, and a bookbinder. She lives with her husband in a small terraced house which she is slowly filling with Sindy dolls. Her first novel, The Psychology of Time Travel was published in 2018 to wide acclaim. This is her second novel.
MY REVIEW:
I received this book just before lockdown started and I immediately knew I need to save it for a day when I feel like I need an escape from reality. As soon as I started reading it I was completely immersed. Mascarenhas has the ability to invent stories like no one else, her novel felt fresh and, unlike many novels, it didn't remind me of something I previously read.
The Thief on the Winged Horse is a perfect mixture of crime, magic, feminism and romance. Both Larkin and Persephone, the two main characters in the story, felt very complete - they had a backstory that explains their actions and behaviours. Although I do wish I was able to find out a bit more about Larkin and his past in Italy, I also love the mystery that surrounds him.
Read it or avoid it?
I secretly wish the author writes a sequel to this mesmerising novel, but the The Thief on the Winged Horse is just so intricate that it is definitely worth reading as a standalone too!
The Thief on the Winged Horse is out now, published by Head of Zeus.
*Disclaimer - I do not own any of these photos. please note that all images and copyrights belong to their original owners.*
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