My Review:

A story that completely transported me to the Swan, a vintage inn on the Thames River.

“The dead girl lived again.”

And the story, the mystery of the little girl, and those who would claim her as their own….began.

This is a book that needed my full concentration to appreciate. I wanted to find a quiet reading spot and was able to just get “lost” in the weaving and turning and telling of the tale. Reminiscent of a dark fairy tale, blended with folklore, and mystery. Packed with characters to love and hate and those you want to hug.

A book for those who want to spend time in the unfolding of this magical, captivating story. The characters were engaging and I was fully invested in learning what would become of the dead girl who lived again.

Recommend to those who enjoy an epic tale that takes some initial work on the readers part. I know it required my full attention and I was rewarded for it. Give it a chance and you might be as mesmerized as I was.

I even purchased one a copy for my “favorites” bookshelf.

Book Description:

A dark midwinter’s night in an ancient inn on the Thames. The regulars are entertaining themselves by telling stories when the door bursts open on an injured stranger. In his arms is the drowned corpse of a little child.

Hours later the dead girl stirs, takes a breath and returns to life.

Is it a miracle?

Is it magic?

Or can it be explained by science?

Replete with folklore, suspense and romance, as well as with the urgent scientific curiosity of the Darwinian age, Once Upon a River is as richly atmospheric as Setterfield’s bestseller The Thirteenth Tale.