This book is a slow build, with each character offering up a self-serving narrative that casts the others in a jaundiced light, as investigator Charles Maddox tries to ascertain the truth. A bizarre read. I'd hate to come to it with no knowledge of the Shelleys thinking I was going to learn something... First Shelley is accused of strangling his infant daughter, then Mary is accused of starving all her children to death, Shelley is proclaimed the true author of Frankenstein, etc. Shepherd justifies all the hatchet work in an afterward that claims there's plenty of evidence for what she's alleging. Byron remains on the periphery, painted in the usual broad-brush clichés--vain, haughty, etc. ( )

Having studied Shelley at university and read another book about his death in Italy I was looking forward to reading this book. In addition having read, "Tom-All-Alones," I wanted to know more about the life of Charles Maddox and I knew that Lynn Shepherd was an excellent author. "A Fatal Likeness," did not disappoint. The plot is complex and incredible but so was the life of Shelley. Of course much comes from Lynn's imagination but the real people of this story were passionate, emotional and irresponsible so anything was possible. ( )

I'll be honest with you, peeps. Despite struggling with writing style, ultimately I found this book fascinating.


Lynn Shepherd slowly and painstakingly reassembled a fatal love triangle which consisted of Percy Bysshe Shelley, Mary Godwin (lately Shelley) and Claire Clairmont. She also reintroduced various mysterious events in Shelley's life and her own very Gothic version of what was happening around him and his women.


I freely admit that I was gobsmacked by A Fatal Likeness' series of events. It's very dark, twisted and convoluted, and it's intricately woven in such a mystery that the reader along with the detective Charles Maddox is forced to stumble alone in the dark, coming to the wrong conclusions again and again until we get to see the final version of the truth.

It's disconcerting, at times horrifying, but half way through the book you find that you are too invested in its characters to stop reading.

The writing style wasn't my sort of thing only because it varied between the old-fashioned Victorian language and author's own insights into what this or other event or condition would be called in the future. Such interventions were minute but I don't think they were necessary until Author's Notes and Acknowledgements where Lynn explained what she did and how she did it. I know that they kept ruining my immersion into the story.

Did you notice that I haven't said anything about the characters yet? That' because the characters is what totally made the story shine for me. They are creepy and ambiguous and keep you uncertain if you can trust your own judgement... Perhaps the only solid rock in A Fatal Likeness is Charles Maddox, the detective himself, the rest are fluid. This is why I won't tell you anything about them so as not to spoil your own impressions.

Overall, very good, although you might need to push yourself through the first third of the book to truly enjoy the whole thing.

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http://www.girllostinabook.com/2014/09/review-fatal-likeness-by-lynn-shepherd.ht... ( )

Gripping & complex Victorian mystery

The plot in this book is so complex as to be impossible to summarize ( I have posted a longer version on amazon.ca). Nutshell version: Charles Maddox, a 19th century private investigator ( and star of 2 previous books by the author) takes on a request by clients Sir Percy & Jane Shelley. He is the son of famous poet Percy Shelley & Mary Godwin (Frankenstein). They want him to round up any personal documents & letters of Shelley's that may be in the wrong hands. The poet is long dead but Mary is still alive although very ill. But soon Charles will become aware of the hidden agenda behind their request.
The author has taken well documented real events & people from the lives of Shelley, Mary & her half sister Claire Clairmont & embellished the story with fictional ones. The result is a seamless blend & a book that is engrossing, fascinating & chilling.
The main protagonist, Charles is a compelling character. He's smart, intuitive & slightly repressed. What he learns as he digs shocks him (and me!) & will change his life irrevocably. He has taken over the business for his great uncle Maddox while he recovers from what sounds like a stroke & the case quickly becomes personal as he uncovers Maddox's involvement with the family, going back 30 years.
Layer by layer, the author reveals secrets & lies so the reader is as surprised as Charles. Individual characters tell their story in alternating chapters, obviously with their own best interests in mind, switching from villain to victim in a heartbeat. Each is fully realized with a distinct voice & dialogue is carefully composed and appropriate for the time.
As Charles becomes obsessed with getting to the truth, he neglects his home life with tragic results. It's a good example of the toxic effect Shelley, Mary & Claire had on anyone who entered their sphere. These are not nice people & if alive today, no doubt they'd be diagnosed with a raft of personality disorders. But in the way of a witnessed train wreck, you can't take your eyes away even as your jaw drops while you read on.
There are many characters & side stories that add to the plot and at times, I found it difficult to keep the cast straight (first & second spouses with children from previous relationships). This is not a quick, easy read & you have to pay attention. But boy, is it worth it.
The author has done copious research & skillfully weaves fact & fiction to create a haunting tale that will stay with you long after you've finished. ( )