The Wax Artist
by Sarah L King
An Ailsa Rose Mystery (book 1)
Published by: Ethersay Publishing Scotland
Ailsa Rose has a gift - she can see the past, the dead and the future. When her friend Jane (maid at the Andrews’ house) tells the Misses Andrews of Ailsa’s abilities they invite her round to do a reading. Uneasy about the affair Ailsa attends but when she receives a vision from Pierre (a spirit boy whom she was friends with in Paris) things take a drastic turn.
The initial chapters are dotted with snippets from Ailsa’s past - you are left wandering where this young lady has come from. Clearly there was at some point wealth when she lived in Paris - but how has she come to be alone in Edinburgh working in a tavern?
Slowly throughout the book her past is revealed to us. Ailsa is a likeable character, kind to her neighbours and concerned for others. She may not have much but she makes the best of her lot. When Angus, a guardsman who frequents the tavern where she works, offers to take her to the new exhibit of Madame Tussaud’s wax figures she is unable to say no. Whilst there though her visions overcome her and she ends up confiding her past and abilities to the caring young man.
I felt myself caught up in both Ailsa and Angus as characters. I could picture them in my mind and wanted good things for them. Angus is a caring character who is instantly likeable. From the first mention of him I had high hopes that he and Ailsa might become more than mere acquaintances through the tavern. He shows a kindness and understanding to those around him that I felt would be good for her.
There are several side plots within this book.
Ailsa’s elderly neighbour Alice features heavily at the start. Appearing to suffer from dementia and stuck in the past looking for her daughter. She is a heartfelt character who you can’t help but feel for.
Ailsa’s mother also plays heavily throughout the story - usually through the mind of Ailsa herself. Reminding her daughter of how to be and who she is. Offering that advice which is already known but you don’t want to hear.
The main story is focused on Clara Andrews and Ailsa’s vision regarding her future. Unsure at first what to do about it as the story unfolds Ailsa discovers more information and sets out to try to protect Clara. But her actions - however well intended - lead to danger and trouble for more that just Clara.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was gripping in so many ways and had everything you could want. Mystery, danger, romance, tension and happiness.
I was delighted that I could read a copy as part of the book tour with Love Books Tours and can not recommend it highly enough.
I sincerely hope for a second book in the series before too long.
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Artist-Ailsa-Rose-Mysteries-Book-ebook/dp/B09M74HZ3M?crid=23CXFD2JLRNGQ&keywords=the+wax+artist+sarah+l+king&qid=1641376318&sprefix=The+Wax+Artist+,aps,71&sr=8-1&linkCode=sl1&tag=kellylacey-21&linkId=bbafac2f4927386ac3ca34f1cbd5ab14&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Author Bio
Sarah L King lives in West Lothian, Scotland, with her husband and children. Born in Nottingham and raised in Lancashire, her books include the historical fiction novels, The Gisburn Witch (2015), A Woman Named Sellers (2016) and The Pendle Witch Girl (2018), all set during the Lancashire witch trials in the seventeenth century. She is also the author of two contemporary mystery novels, Ethersay (2017) and The House at Kirtlebeck End (2019). The Wax Artist is her sixth novel and the first book in the Ailsa Rose Mysteries series.
When she’s not writing, Sarah loves long country walks, romantic ruins, Thai food and spending time with her family.
Social Media:
@Sarahkingauthor
@KellyALacey
@lovebookstours
@igbooktours
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