The Unrecovered

by Richard Strachan
The Unrecovered cover
Good Books rating 4.42
Historical Fiction
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Hardback • £16.99
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Technical
  • ID: 2650
  • Added: 2025-10-15
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9781526670496
  • Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
  • Published: 2025-02-13
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

The Unrecovered weaves a chilling tale set against the backdrop of the First World War's final months. Jacob Beresford, haunted by personal demons, inherits the gloomy fortress of Gallondean, a place shrouded in local legend and eerie omens. As he delves into the house's unsettling past, he encounters Esther, a widowed nurse volunteering at a nearby temporary hospital. Their lives become intertwined in a web of mystery and danger, as the shadows of the past and present converge in horrifying ways./n/nBoth atmospheric and deeply engaging, The Unrecovered is a historical debut inspired by real-life legend. The novel masterfully blends historical fiction with elements of suspense and the supernatural, creating an unforgettable narrative that explores the haunting consequences of war and the secrets buried within the human heart.

Reviews
Books from Scotland · David Robinson · 2025-10-15
impressive 4.50

The reviewer is impressed with the gothic literary thriller, praising its ability to keep readers guessing. They highlight the atmospheric and engaging nature of the novel.

David Robinson is captivated by Richard Strachan's debut novel, The Unrecovered. He appreciates the gothic elements and the way the story keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The reviewer finds the novel deeply atmospheric and engaging, making it a standout debut. Robinson particularly enjoys the suspense and the way the story unfolds, making it a compelling read from start to finish.

Quick quotes

    David Robinson is impressed with Richard Strachan's debut novel, The Unrecovered, a gothic literary thriller that keeps readers guessing.

    The Unrecovered is a gripping and atmospheric read that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

    Strachan's debut is a promising start to what looks to be a very successful writing career.

Goodreads · 2025-02-13
engaging 4.75

The reviewer finds the book both unsettling and evocative, with a deep atmospheric quality that makes it unforgettable. They praise its historical inspiration and engaging narrative.

This reviewer is struck by the unsettling and evocative nature of The Unrecovered. They appreciate the deep atmospheric quality that makes the book unforgettable. The historical inspiration and engaging narrative are particularly highlighted, making it a standout debut. The reviewer finds the story deeply atmospheric and brilliantly engaging, making it a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    Both unsettling and evocative, deeply atmospheric and brilliantly engaging The Unrecovered is an unforgettable historical debut inspired by a true story.

    The Unrecovered is a richly atmospheric tale that draws you in from the very first page.

    Strachan's writing is deft, fluent, and unfussy, making it a pleasure to read.

Historical Novel Society · 2025-02-13
ambitious 4.25

The reviewer notes the ambitious structure of the book, alternating between different perspectives and time periods. They appreciate the richly atmospheric tale of madness and obsession.

The Historical Novel Society reviewer highlights the ambitious structure of The Unrecovered, which alternates between Jacob's diaries and accounts of Esther and her colleagues. They appreciate the richly atmospheric tale of madness and obsession, making it a compelling read. The reviewer finds the historical details and character development particularly noteworthy, adding depth to the story. The book's exploration of obsession and madness is both disturbing and captivating.

Quick quotes

    This is an ambitious book, alternating Jacob's diaries with accounts of Esther and her colleagues and patients at the hospital.

    It hops backwards and forwards, creating a sense of disorientation that mirrors the characters' own madness.

    The Unrecovered is a richly atmospheric tale of madness and obsession that will stay with you long after you've finished reading.

GNOF Horror · 2025-02-12
distinct 4.20

The novel sits comfortably within the gothic tradition but feels fresh and distinct. The reviewer praises the author's unique voice.

The reviewer appreciates how this novel fits seamlessly into the gothic tradition while feeling fresh and distinct. They highlight the author's unique voice, which sets the novel apart from mere pastiches. The reviewer finds the story to be a compelling and atmospheric read, with elements of war and haunting that add depth to the narrative.

Quick quotes

    The Unrecovered sits comfortably within the gothic tradition, but never feels out-dated or a mere pastiche.

    Strachan's voice is too distinct for that, and his storytelling is compelling and atmospheric.

    The novel's elements of war and haunting add depth to the narrative, making it a standout read.

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