It was a bit of a slow burn to begin with, and took a few chapters for me to be fully hooked, as Maude was so hesitant and fearful. 

The novel is polyphonic, with Constance's point of view being epistolary, only giving enough at each turn to explain the actions of Maude, who was timorously determined to find the truth behind the accident that befell her sister.  The sinister character of Stowe was way too overdone as a creepy, classist, sexist, egotistical villain to be believable, but his macabre tours were fascinating.   

I do so appreciate a historical novel that is clearly well researched.   The time period, the locations, the sense (and smells) of London, as well as the frigid bleak of the Artic were exceedingly well done. The ending felt a bit rushed, but I felt the outcome was satisfying.    

Was really pleased to have won the print edition of this book through a Storygraph giveaway.