Set in Stone

Set in Stone follows Samuel Godwin, a young artist who takes a position as art tutor to two daughters of a wealthy businessman at their mansion called Fourwinds in Victorian England. The Gothic atmosphere of Fourwinds conceals mysteries about the family and the previous art tutor who departed suddenly, leaving an unfinished sculpture. Through alternating perspectives, the story tracks Samuel's growing concern about strange occurrences at the estate and the odd behavior of his two pupils. This young adult novel incorporates elements of Victorian literature, particularly drawing inspiration from the works of Wilkie Collins and Charlotte Brontë. Written for mature readers despite its categorization as children's literature, the book addresses complex themes within its historical setting. The narrative explores ideas of art, deception, and the dark secrets that can lurk beneath respectable Victorian facades, creating a multilayered story about truth and appearances in 19th century society.

Readers note the Gothic atmosphere and Victorian setting as key strengths, with many comparing it to classics like The Turn of the Screw. The slow-building mystery and detailed period descriptions create tension that pays off in the final chapters. Readers appreciate: - Rich historical details of Victorian art and architecture - Complex character relationships - Themes of secrets and deception - Atmospheric descriptions of Fourwinds house Common criticisms: - Pacing too slow in first half - Some plot threads left unresolved - Modern dialogue that breaks period immersion - Predictable twist ending Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (85 ratings) "The house itself becomes a character, with its hidden passages and weathered gargoyles," notes one Goodreads reviewer. Others found the romantic subplots distracting: "Takes too long to get to the actual mystery," writes an Amazon reviewer. Several readers mention putting the book down multiple times before finishing.

The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield A gothic mystery follows a biographer uncovering dark family secrets in a decaying mansion while documenting the life of a reclusive author.

Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier The second wife of a wealthy widower arrives at his estate to find herself haunted by the memory of his first wife and the secrets hidden within the walls of Manderley.

The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters A country doctor becomes entangled in the lives of an aristocratic family whose crumbling mansion harbors unexplained phenomena and generations of buried truths.

The Turn of the Screw by Henry James A governess arrives at a remote estate to care for two children and encounters mysterious apparitions that may be connected to the property's hidden past.

The Shadow Between Us by Catherine Banner Two families' lives intertwine across generations in an Italian villa, revealing long-buried secrets through letters, diaries, and architectural clues.

🎨 The Victorian era saw a surge in art tutoring among wealthy families, as artistic accomplishments were considered essential for well-bred young ladies. 🏰 Wilkie Collins, whose style influenced this novel, pioneered the "sensation novel" genre in the 1860s, combining Gothic romance with domestic realism. 📚 Linda Newbery has written over 30 books across different genres, but "Set in Stone" marked her first venture into Victorian Gothic territory. 🏆 The Costa Children's Book Award (formerly Whitbread Award) that "Set in Stone" won in 2006 is one of the UK's most prestigious literary honors. 🎭 Gothic literature experienced a major revival in the late Victorian period, partly due to public fascination with spiritualism and the supernatural.