Blog Tour & Giveaway: The Secret of Isobel Key by: Jen McConnel

The Secret of Isobel Key by: Jen McConnel (Dec. 2013)

Genre: New Adult, Contemporary, Mystery       

Publisher: Bloomsbury Spark

Source: I received a free copy for my honest review for being a part of the Xpresso Book Tours.

Purchase: Barnes and Noble | Amazon

Synopsis: Lou is in the middle of a quarter-life crisis. Fresh out of college, she’s unemployed and unsure of herself. But when she gets the chance to escape to Scotland with her best friend, it could be the answer to her quest for self-discovery. The trip is not at all what she expected, especially when her tour guide turns out to be the dreamy historian Brian, and together they embark on a hunt for information about Isobel Key, a woman accused of witchcraft in the seventeenth century.

They set out to learn the truth of the condemned witch, but Lou isn’t prepared for the knowledge that awaits her. She must face her own demons if she has any hope of righting the wrongs of the past. Flashing between the seventeenth century and modern day Scotland, The Secret of Isobel Key is a mystery that will please readers of all ages.

My Review

The Secret of Isobel Key may be a little rough around the edges, but it is a solid read with an interesting story mixed within the past and present. 

Two of my favorite aspects of The Secret of Isoblel Key was that it was told in the present, and also in the past during the witch trials in Scotland, and that the transitions between the two were spot on. There was also a slight air of mystery surrounding the “witch” Isobel Key that was developed and revealed really well throughout the novel.

Now let's talk about the main character Lou, a very relatable and nice person who can be somewhat of a negative Nancy. I loved getting to read a book where the main character is a young woman struggling with finding a job after college, although this isn’t a huge part of the book, it was still nice that the author acknowledged that life right after college isn’t all rainbows and butterflies. Lou’s trip to Scotland was fun and enlightening for Lou and for the reader. I really like that friendship plays a big role in this book, but on the other hand, I honestly don’t think it was handled very well. It seemed just a little forced. Brian, the tour guide and love interest, was a good character, except that the author really didn't need to remind us constantly what Brian looked like. Not that I mind reading about a hot Scottish man. ;) The writing was a little off and seemed choppy at times, and small details were not really needed, but overall none of these small issues kept me from enjoying the story.

The Secret of Isobel Key is worth taking a look at. It is an interesting story centered around witch trials that really tugs on your heart strings. I like that this book was new adult, but not like the majority of new adult books out there, it was unique.

Author

Jen McConnel first began writing poetry as a child. A Michigander by birth, she now lives and writes in the beautiful state of North Carolina. When she isn’t crafting worlds of fiction, she teaches college writing composition and yoga. Once upon a time, she was a middle school teacher, a librarian, and a bookseller, but those are stories for another time.  She is the author of The Secret of Isobel Key (NA 2013) and Daughter of Chaos (YA 2014).  Visit www.jenmcconnel.com to learn more.

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