a reclusive vet is drawn into ancient mystery when snakes start appearing in quiet English village

4.5 stars. ( )

Enjoyed her later books... this, not so much. ( )

What a fabulous book! So outside my zone but amazing none the less. Who would have thought I would have loved a book about snakes?!? What a great mix of mystery, suspense, nature, history, and religion. I can't wait to read more from this author! I wish there was a sequel. ( )

Clara Benning is a veterinary surgeon who, due to a childhood accident, chooses to spend her time working with a wildlife hospital and living as a near recluse in her small village near the boundaries of Devon and Dorset England. Grass snakes are common in that area, but not when they invade households en masse. Even less common is when a resident dies by the bite of a black adder as many times the level of venom from one snake bite. When a taipan, one of the world's most deadly snakes and native to New Guaina, is found, there is clearly a human hand at work killing elderly residents. Along with her neighbor, a police officer, and an internationally herpetologist, Clara must uncover a long buried secret and a killer, before more die.

S.J. Bolton creates a wonderful setting for her tale, and Clara is the perfect narrator and heroine and her bravery and intrepid sleuthing skills carry the novel. Bolton keeps Clara as much a mystery throughout most of the novel as the cause and perpetrator of the crimes themselves. This is one great read. ( )