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THE ESTATE by Sarah Jost Sources Landmark, November 2024 416 pages $16.99 ISBN: 1728262739

Sarah Jost very convincingly combines themes involving art, obsession, class, and gender politics within a speculative mystery in THE ESTATE. The book takes place in two timeframes, current and several generations past. In modern day London, Camille Leray, an expert on the sculpture of a woman artist from the past, spectacularly flares out. While in the midst of a breakdown, she is invited to a castle to authenticate some sculptures. The castle, and the family who owns it, have ties to both Camille and the suspected sculptor. What Camille finds, as she falls under the spell of the castle's owners and occupants, is a darkly dangerous plot to use her talents in the service of greed and the social striving of the aristocracy.

Camille's talent is the ability to truly get into the minds and worlds of artists whose work she analyzes. There's a bit of fairy tale to the plot, but it's more darkly gothic than lightly magical. As Camille confronts the consequences of familial trauma and male misogynistic dominance, she further develops her skills as a means to protect herself and others.

This is a complex mystery with strong characterization and an almost palpable atmosphere. The plot is compelling, the characters well developed, the setting transportative, and the integration of art fascinating. I found this hard to put down and will definitely be watching to see what Jost brings us next.

§ Sharon Mensing, retired educational leader, lives, reads, and enjoys the outdoors in Arizona.

Reviewed by Sharon Mensing, January 2025

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Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)

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