Author: Roshani Chokshi
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
Publication Date: 14 February 2023
Pages: 289
Format: Paperback
Genre: Gothic Mystery
Source: Bought Copy
Once upon a time, a man who believed in fairy tales married a beautiful, mysterious woman named Indigo Maxwell-Casteñada. He was a scholar of myths. She was heiress to a fortune. They exchanged gifts and stories and believed they would live happily ever after—and in exchange for her love, Indigo extracted a promise: that her bridegroom would never pry into her past.
But when Indigo learns that her estranged aunt is dying and the couple is forced to return to her childhood home, the House of Dreams, the bridegroom will soon find himself unable to resist. For within the crumbling manor’s extravagant rooms and musty halls, there lurks the shadow of another girl: Azure, Indigo’s dearest childhood friend who suddenly disappeared. As the house slowly reveals his wife’s secrets, the bridegroom will be forced to choose between reality and fantasy, even if doing so threatens to destroy their marriage . . . or their lives.
Having previously enjoyed some of Roshani Chokshi's other works, I was keen to see what The Last Tale of the Flower Bride would have in store, and I wasn't disappointed. This was a lush, lyrical, dream-like tale that wove Gothic romance-mystery themes through fairytales. The characters were intriguing and the story's pacing perfect. I didn't guess at the twist until very near the end, which was great as it helped maintain the suspense. This was definitely a work I could sink deep into, swept up by what was happening on the page. As such, it gets 5 stars from me. Recommended for lovers of fairytales retold and gothic romance.
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