Okay, so hear me out; this book is not bad by any means. It is just not good either.

Read with care possible spoilers ahead surrounding the romances.

The plot is intriguing. On the one hand, we are in 1580 England, where a mute and deaf apothecary who enjoys his quiet life of serving his queen and her staff is suddenly pulled into a vast plot where he spies on Queen Mary of Scots plans to assassinate Queen Elizabeth and take her throne.
On the other hand, in 2021 England, Mathilde finds out that she has a family she had no idea about and a large estate her father left for her. Within the estate, she finds mysterious items that connect her to the past.


Interesting? Right. However, the book is missing SO much.

The ending was disappointing, and it needed all closure. Yes, we find out how Tom and Mathilde are connected, but it is so predictable, so the ending seems unfinished and ill-planned.
The relationships in this book are undefined and feel like an instant love situation, especially with Tom and Isabel. They barely communicate (given his situation being deaf and mute plus their different statuses), and he is instantly head over heels. Then just days later, they are married??

Mathilde's relationship with Oliver is no better, she is smitten with him from the moment he comes over to help, and somehow he goes instantly to kissing her head and hair. Not to judge, but that is insanely creepy of a stranger. Their relationship is unresolved by the end of the book. They sleep together, and what? Nothing.


I liked the dual point of view and especially liked Tom's POV. His side of the story is so attractive as a mute and deaf servant of the queen, where he understands everything said to him without the ability to hear. Unfortunately, however, the book is mostly disappointing.