The Room Beyond is Stephanie Elmas' first novel and what a novel it is. I was lucky enough to receive and advanced reading copy of this book from Netgalley and I'm so glad I did. I couldn't put it down!
It is set both in the present and past tense, which chapters going back and forth between the two time zones. The main focus of the story is 36 Marguerite Avenue, where Serena has just taken up a position in the present time, as a nanny to 4 year old Beth. But as she gets to know the family she also uncovers lots of secrets and mysteries surrounding the house and the intriguing disappearance of house number 34.
After reading the book, I have found out that Stephanie has completed a Masters degree is Victorian literature and it certainly shows in this book. The house is described brilliantly and you can certainly understand the different time zones. The characters are also masterfully created and you really start empathising with some of them and hating others. There were also parts that made your stomach wrench as they were so disgusting and unbelievable.
The only thing that I wasn't sure about was the title. I couldn't work out which 'room' the title was referring to and think that it might not be quite the right one. There were several key rooms involved in the story and in fact it was the whole house that took precedence, rather than just one single room - as the title implies.
But this is just a minor detail and shouldn't put you off reading it. I would certainly recommend 'The Room Beyond. It's an easy to read mystery story which has an unexpected twist at the end and will leave you wondering and guessing after every chapter.
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