“There’s a ghost train that runs along here at night.
They say it carries the souls of those bound for hell.”
They say it carries the souls of those bound for hell.”
Author: L. M. Merrington
Publisher: PAC Books (December 4, 2017)
Publication: December 4, 2017
Pages: 177
Language: English
ASIN: B077S3T7MM
Cover design: Raewyn Brack
Author photographer: James Walsh
"This book was provided by L. M. Merrington in exchange for my honest review alongside my proffered thank-you for asking."
5 Stars
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| L. M. Merrington |
This story was incredible.
The Iron Line is a Gothic murder mystery set with secrets nestled within the rural fictional town of Tungold, Australia in the late 1800's.
A newly widowed young lady by the name of Jane Adams will take you on a journey to hell and back.
Becoming the new gatekeeper from Goulburn, she was capable of handling one daily train that ran through town - and then she deemed herself capable of settling her curiosity of the train that rumbled the tracks every now and then, deep in the middle of the night.
Locals call it The Ghost Train and it be best to run home and jump in bed and cover your head 'til its gone - lest you die. Happenings before you know.
Curiosity killed the cat, yet she had to spy the train and once she did, she didn't die. Though she spied a sight she might've not should've -
yet again, not sure what happened exactly in town there with that murder too, but teaming up with Constable Ward seemed like a for sure plan. 'Even though being a woman', Jane is vibrant and outspoken and after seeing the logic, Ward concedes that two views are better than one. Off they set to investigate a mysterious ghost train and a murder to them making no sense.
Constable Ward reminded me of Pierce Brosnan with his suave demeanor and I felt Jane looking at him with a cautious female want through the read. Now she's thinking hold on here, hold on, slow the hell down. Still wearing mourning threads. Slow. It. Down. And there were the spots in the read she did halt all, then, the rekindles, then ....
Both of these characters will wrap you with life in the 1800's - detailing for you the life one would expect back then. I appreciated the temperament Ms. Merrington, all the characters were distinct with their garb and demeanors, and their patois was accented audibly for me - thank you.
The Iron Line is speckled with a bit of history of the land and times along with a handful of issues facing women since time started really. Tip of my hat for voicing the violence of where one should feel the safety of tranquility at it's fullest Ms. Merrington. Along with other issues peppered here and there that are alive and kicking and happening today right now as you are reading my review here.
As I was reading, Jane becomes more lovable by the page. Stands her ground as her backbone is made of impenetrable granite at times. She can't stand bullies. Many of us probably could relate to Jane, not only for her perseverance, but as you read, for her other ingredients that make up her character.
As the mystery of the ghost train and the murder - and the attempted killing! - continues, you are enveloped in the Victorian Gothic genre for the weekend. Now folks, I'm down here on Earth, just as the lot of you - Ms. Merrington pens a sentence that pulls the next one right afterwards and then the sentence pulls the next paragraph right after turning that into the next page which in turns a smile as you close the back cover. Take my word for it.
Now I would venture to say the question of whether or not that I would recommend this read for your weekend pleasure is naught, eh?
Yep. Thought so.
Folks, you won't see the end. This is a great mystery with the end having a twist - oh, twisting right around the corner ... and down the hill ~ you can't possibly see it ~ however, you will absolutely love it!
~ enjoy!
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Here's where you can get your fingers on The Iron Line:
- Amazon ~ Kindle $2.99 ~ Paperback $14.99 USD
- Barnes & Noble ~ NOOK $2.99 ~ Paperback $14.99 USD
- IndieBound ~ Support your local book stores
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About the author ~
L.M. Merrington is an Australian author, freelance writer and consultant. Her books include two Gothic mysteries, Greythorne and The Iron Line, and a non-fiction communications handbook, Communications for Volunteers: Low-Cost Strategies for Community Groups. She is fascinated by the Victorian era and particularly enjoys writing Gothic stories and steampunk.
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You'll also get access to exclusive behind-the-scenes content, first-look book excerpts and more.
Connect with Ms. Merrington
Email: louise@lmmerrington.com
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