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4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
113 global ratings
5 star
66%
4 star
27%
3 star
6%
2 star
1%
1 star 0% (0%)
0%
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Top reviews from the United States

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Ellie RG
5.0 out of 5 stars Total page turner
Reviewed in the United States on August 1, 2019
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I really wasn’t prepared for what I was about to read when I started The Poison Thread. We follow Dorothea, a wealthy young women with a fascination towards phrenology *the study of the shape and size of the cranium as a supposed indication of character and mental illness.. totally had to look this up, just being real. Because of this fascination she takes it upon herself to visit the prison and talk to the inmates to better understand their motives behind their crimes. And at the same time
We also follow Ruth, she’s about to go on trial for murder.
When Dorothea meets Ruth for the first time, she’s aware that Ruth, and Ruth’s story is different, it’s the beginning of a life changing relationship.
The novel is written in a dual POV and we learn a lot from both characters, but personally I was more drawn to Ruth’s story, and thought Dorothea’s POV was almost first world problems compared to Ruth’s. I was to knock some sense into Dorothea..
“Dotty, there’s many more much important things to worry about!”
So I found myself flying through Dorothea’s chapters, but reeaaally taking my time reading Ruth’s chapters..
The last few chapters hit me hard, and unexpectedly.. I totally had to reread the last few chapters over and over again trying to understand.. “but why??!”
Definitely a page turner, will keep you on your toes, and the twists are Cray-ZY!
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B. N. Gray
5.0 out of 5 stars Riveting
Reviewed in the United States on December 28, 2019
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This is one of the best books I've read in quite a while. Purcell has a way of taking all the components of classic Gothic takes and performing some kind of mysterious alchemy, making a story that is so much more than the sum of its parts. This is one of those books that I find myself talking about to anyone who will listen. It just lingers in my mind. I really can't recommend it enough.
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Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely riveting!
Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2019
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One of the best novels of the decade. The book stays with you and never reveals its secrets to the very end. The setting, time, character development, plot, all perfect! If you are a fan of the Victorian era, and the supernatural, then this book is for you. There are so many great characters, I can see this being made into a movie. Laura Purcell is my new favorite author!
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Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars I'm confused
Reviewed in the United States on September 16, 2020
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The ending was not what I was expecting. Three times I have reread the last several chapters trying to get a better understanding. Each time I go back a little further in the book and finally had my "Aha Moment". I read too fast sometimes and miss a lot of important reading moments. Anyhow I enjoyed the book and couldn't decide between a four star rating or a five. Went for the five.
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Reb
5.0 out of 5 stars Beyond Excellent
Reviewed in the United States on October 20, 2019
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I read this with my book club and hesitated to read it as it is not my normal taste. I was immediately drawn in and could not put it down. The story weaves history, characters and mystery in ways you never expect, right to the ending.
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Kindle Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Dark Victorian drama
Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2020
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A well told and increasingly chilling tale of murder, madness and cruelty, as well as the sweat and toil of the poor and desperate in Victorian times. Atmospheric, dark, and unsettling, with two narrarators, one or both who may be unreliable.
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amanda rock
4.0 out of 5 stars A stellar novel ...
Reviewed in the United States on February 15, 2020
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Victorian Gothic novels are a favorite of mine. This one did not disappoint. The story was compelling, and I enjoyed the style of writing. The ending left me scratching my head, but overall I enjoyed getting lost in this story.
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4.0 out of 5 stars A stellar novel ...
By amanda rock on February 15, 2020
Victorian Gothic novels are a favorite of mine. This one did not disappoint. The story was compelling, and I enjoyed the style of writing. The ending left me scratching my head, but overall I enjoyed getting lost in this story.
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Nancy
5.0 out of 5 stars Loved this book
Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2019
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The author’s depiction of the harsh life the poor endured was chilling. The story was well written and researched. I highly recommend this book.
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Top reviews from other countries

jaime
3.0 out of 5 stars A let down for me
Reviewed in Canada on June 3, 2020
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I really was looking forward to this book. I just couldn’t stay interested in it. It bored me.
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N.Bogaard
3.0 out of 5 stars Watch out!
Reviewed in the Netherlands on June 18, 2019
Verified Purchase
This is the same book as "the corset"!!
Only a different (american) edition!
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