The time, and place, of the novel is so strongly established, I had to remind myself the people were fictional characters, not the people who built, owned and/or operated the Hydro Majestic. Julian cheekily uses similarities in name to great advantage, such as the fictional Meadow Springs for the real Medlow Bath, and Monika Fox for the name of the children’s book writer in the novel.

There are multiple twists in this family history, and the lush, strange, mystery persists until the end. The final denouement isn’t broadcast to the reader – as many scenarios as I imagined, I was not close. I recommend this novel to anyone looking for a good read with substance.