The Distant Hours

by Kate Morton
The Distant Hours cover
Good Books rating 3.5
Historical Fiction
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 9840
  • Added: 2026-01-03
  • Updated: 2026-01-05
  • ISBN: 9780230755895
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published: 2010-10-15
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Edie Burchill's journey to Milderhurst Castle begins with a mysterious letter that reveals a long-buried secret from her mother's past. As she delves into the castle's history, she uncovers not only her mother's hidden truths but also the dark secrets of the eccentric Sisters Blythe, who have lived in the decaying castle for decades. The castle itself, with its crumbling walls and hidden passages, becomes a character in this story, holding the key to the past. /n/n The novel is a beautifully crafted exploration of family secrets, the passage of time, and the enduring power of love and loss. Kate Morton's signature style of blending historical fiction with contemporary storytelling creates a rich and immersive narrative that will keep readers enthralled until the very end.

Reviews
Cassandra C. Stirling · Cassandra C. Stirling · 2023-04-03
engrossing 4.50

The book is perfect for those who enjoy family tragedies, secrets, and the bonds that make or break a family. It is a dark and engrossing read.

Cassandra C. Stirling highly recommends 'The Distant Hours' for readers who enjoy stories about family tragedies, secrets, and the complex bonds that can either strengthen or break a family. She found the book to be a dark and engrossing read, with a compelling narrative that keeps readers hooked. The reviewer appreciated the depth of the characters and the intricate plot, which makes the book a great choice for those who enjoy a good mystery with a lot of emotional depth. Overall, she found the book to be a satisfying and engaging read.

Quick quotes

    If you like a story about family tragedy, secrets, and the bonds that make or break a family, you'll love this book.

    It is a dark and engrossing read that will keep you turning the pages.

    The characters are well-developed, and the plot is intricate and compelling.

She Reads Novels · 2012-01-10
disappointing 2.00

The book was a bit disappointing and not worth the time it took to read. It was not terrible, but it fell short of expectations.

The reviewer found 'The Distant Hours' to be a bit of a letdown. They didn't think it was a terrible book, but it didn't live up to their expectations. The story didn't captivate them as much as they had hoped, making it feel like a chore to finish. They felt that the book didn't offer enough to justify the time invested in reading it. Overall, it was a disappointing experience for them.

Quick quotes

    I didn't think The Distant Hours was a terrible book – just a bit disappointing and not really worth the time it took to read it.

    To those of you who love Kate Morton, I'm sorry to say that this one didn't quite hit the mark for me.

    It felt like a chore to finish, and I found myself skimming through parts just to get to the end.

Reading the Past · 2010-11-08
satisfying 4.00

The book is a novel that you inhabit rather than simply read, and it is satisfying on every level. The clever use of dual timelines adds depth to the story.

The reviewer found 'The Distant Hours' to be a novel that you truly inhabit rather than just read. They were satisfied with the book on every level, praising Morton's clever use of dual timelines, which adds depth and intrigue to the story. The reviewer admired the way the past and present intertwine, creating a rich and immersive reading experience. They also appreciated the atmospheric setting and the well-crafted characters, which make the book a compelling read. Overall, they found the book to be a satisfying and engaging exploration of family secrets and the past.

Quick quotes

    The Distant Hours is the type of novel you inhabit rather than simply read, and I found it satisfying on every level.

    I admired Morton's clever use of dual timelines, which adds depth and intrigue to the story.

    The atmospheric setting and well-crafted characters make this book a compelling read.

Appears in Lists