Katja Willemsen

**This book was provided free of charge by the author for review purposes. WARNING: This review contains a plot spoiler.**

Raisin Radscliffe tries to escape from what she views as a suffocating realtionship to the south of France. There she is joined by her brother Geoffrey, and together they explore the landscape near Collioure. One day they accidentally find a dolmen and discover a small statue of what they perceive must be St Francis. A hidden chamber leads them further into the mountain and Raisin has visions of a tribeswoman from the stone age making hand prints on the cave walls. But their carefree days in the sunshine are soon overshadowed by violence…

I was contacted by the author and asked if I would review her book and I really wanted to like it. There are some lovely descriptions of the wild beauty of the southernmost tip of France, and I could tell that Katja Willemsen has a passion for that particular region and immersed herself in its rugged landscape. I just wish I could say the same for the rest of the novel. In contrast with the other reviewers, I found some of the plotting overwrought, far-fetched and bordering on the ridiculous (a dangerous, fanatic cult with secret tattoos and not averse to human sacrifice), not to mention obvious from start to finish; no real surprises here because usually I was one step ahead of Raisin and Geoffrey. At times I was inclined to liken it to an adventure of the Famous Five but for adults and with nastier undertones. I was tempted repeatedly to give up on it but persevered out of respect for the author, but in the end was glad it was over and I could now return to a book I did enjoy. I’m very sorry, but I won’t be recommending this book to my friends.… (mehr)