Book Review: The Missing Years by Lexie Elliott

Synopsis:
An eerie, old Scottish manor in the middle of nowhere that’s now hers.

Ailsa Calder has inherited half of a house. The other half belongs to a man who disappeared without a trace twenty-seven years ago—her father.
Leaving London behind to settle the inheritance from her mother’s estate, Ailsa returns to her childhood home, nestled amongst the craggy peaks of the Scottish Highlands, joined by the half-sister who’s almost a stranger to her.
Ailsa can’t escape the claustrophobic feeling that the house itself is watching her—as if her past hungers to consume her. She also can’t ignore how the neighbourhood animals refuse to set one foot within the gates of the garden.
When the first nighttime intruder shows up, Ailsa fears that the manor’s careless rugged beauty could cost her everything.

Thoughts: 

If you're anything like me, you've been getting tired of the same old suspense books that authors seem to be doling out like no other. I requested a review copy of this book solely based on the fact that it centers around a massive house in the Scottish countryside. I didn't expect much from it, but I was pleasantly surprised. This novel has its way of delivering a slow and steady creeping feeling. It makes you question whether the bump you heard in the night really was just a bump. 

In addition to the creepy house, Ailsa has to deal with the fact that when she was a young girl her father disappeared. It left her with questions that she has no idea will ever be answered. On top of that, she feels like the house is against her as well as having the feeling that everyone has something to hide in her old hometown. 

The scenery is beautifully Gothic. The characters are a somber cast which aids the novel along wonderfully and sets the mood well. Add in the Scottish dialogue and you've got a book that transplants you right in the middle of Scotland.

Everything ties up well in the end but during your read Elliott only gives away half of what you need. Guaranteed to make you ask questions, guaranteed to make you turn the pages the find the answers to those questions. 

I was thoroughly surprised at the end and I didn't guess anything at all. I'm usually good at figuring out what's going on in these types of books but I honestly had no clue whatsoever. Anything you think you know is called into question as soon as you think it. 
Are you and Ailsa both going crazy, or are things really as they seem?

Definitely a book I'm recommending. Read it! 

You can pre-order it on Amazon here.