REVIEW: Sepulchre (Kate Mosse)

Book: Sepulchre

Author: Kate Mosse

My rating: 4/5.

Premise: In 1891, Leonie Vernier and her brother abandon Paris for the sanctuary of their aunt's house, Domaine de la Cade, near Carcassonne. But Leonie stumbles across a ruined sepulchre and a timeless mystery whose traces are written in blood. In 2007, Meredith Martin arrives at Domaine de la Cade to research her family. But she soon becomes immersed in the story leading to a cataclysmic night over a century ago.

The book follows two stories which are interwoven. The first follows the Vernier siblings, who are being hunted by bad people. There's a good amount of mystery throughout this plot, and a lot of spiritual magic as Leonie gets drawn to the sepulchre and a deck of tarot cards. There was a lot of foreboding as I read this story as you have an idea of how the story ultimately ends for each character. The second plot follows Meredith and her search into her past. This story complements the other, giving hints as to what might've happened in the past (but not giving away too much). It was a nice contrast to be following the events "as they happen" but also through Meredith, who is following the story as an outsider. The writing is very descriptive, and at times I felt there was some information that was unnecessary. However, you get a real sense of the setting; the scenery and the feel of the south of France. A very enjoyable read!