A rich and twisty thriller I could not put down

5 stars

I've read a fair few novels written by Erin Kelly and am never disappointed by them. They each bring a little something different to the table and The Night Stairs is no exception. I revelled in the time I spent at St Cordula's school, in both the past and current timelines. The sense of mystical religious mystery interwoven with a gaggle of unruly girls living by and breaking the rules of a convent school just spelled good fun for me. On some level I believe I would have loved boarding at school with the comradery that comes from finding life-long friends you live with for much of the year and the bonds that creates. Definitely part of the charm, much like the Harry Potter series, a sense of united-ness, working as one toward an aim or solving a centuries old mystery.

We have two parallel storylines in The Night Stairs - 2002 and current day. Both periods have an outbreak of girl students suffering from 'the spins', a crushing vertigo believed to be brought on by allowing 15th century St. Matilda's handwritten words, 'God forgive me', to fade on the wall. Could it be true? This isn't the only mystery afoot. Deputy Head, Fiona Fox has secrets of her own but how far is she willing to go to keep them hidden?

I enjoyed both then and now plotlines but there were quite a few characters to keep straight in each. All the bullying, personal conflict, comradery and religious faith melded into a well paced, rather addictive story I could not put down. I was keen to know Fiona's secret and what really happened in 2002. Things take a decidedly twisty turn toward the climax of the novel. Quite possibly going a titch too far? But a satisfying conclusion regardless. As ever, Erin Kelly delivers a rich story filled with smart and intriguing characters and a mystery plot to keep readers guessing. Great fun, indeed!