The House at Riverton – Kate Morton

A (murder) mystery, told from the perspective of Grace Bradley, who joins the domestic staff at Riverton Manor as a lowly maid at the end of the Edwardian era.

The story arc stretches forward to the late 1990s, with the narrative based on Grace recording her memories for her missing grandson, and gradually revealing details of a love triangle that resulted in the untimely death of a young poet. There are other mysteries revealed en route.

The main plot is placed in the turbulent twenties which allows for us to witness demobbed soldiers traumatised by the horrors of World War I and the hedonistic lifestyles of the rich and famous, partying away those horrors, and the increasing freedom allowed to the young – and the female young in particular.

A similar setting to Atonement/Gosford Park/Remains of the Day, but it’s a much frothier read – a good summer holiday book.

Amazon.co.uk link: The House at Riverton