12 November 2024

Thank you to Penguin Random House South Africa for this review copy.

The Blue Hour transports you to the hauntingly atmospheric island of Eris, a Scottish tidal retreat shrouded in mystery and defined by its isolation. The setup is intriguing: a solitary house, a single inhabitant named Grace, and a past linked to Vanessa, a famous artist whose scandalous husband disappeared two decades ago. The story promises an unravelling of secrets, prompted by a discovery in a London art gallery that pulls Grace into a web of long-buried truths.

Hawkins evokes the eerie and desolate beauty of Eris. The island itself almost becomes a character, with its shifting tides and unpredictable nature adding a constant sense of unease. The prose is vivid, capturing the isolation and wildness of the Scottish coast, which enhances the novel’s suspenseful atmosphere. Additionally, the underlying theme of art and its power to reveal or conceal truths is compelling, especially as the narrative explores Vanessa’s artistic legacy and the mysteries that surround it.

Grace, the central figure, is intriguing yet hard to fully connect with. Her desire for isolation is understandable and sympathetically portrayed, but her introspection sometimes slows the story’s pace. As secrets begin to unfold, her reactions feel authentic, though I found her character arc slightly underwhelming. Similarly, the secondary characters, particularly Vanessa in flashbacks and the visitor from London add layers to the narrative but lack the depth needed to make them truly memorable.

The mystery element is well-crafted but uneven. The initial buildup is slow and deliberate, creating a sense of anticipation, yet the resolution feels rushed and less impactful than I had hoped. Twists and revelations do emerge, but some are predictable, and the final twist, while surprising, left me feeling more confused than satisfied. The story’s reliance on atmosphere is effective, but it occasionally overshadows the plot, leading to moments where the tension wanes.

The Blue Hour is a solid read for fans of slow-burn mysteries set in moody, atmospheric locations. Hawkins excels in setting and tone, but the plot and characters didn’t fully grip me. It’s an enjoyable read, but it lacks the punch of Hawkins’ previous work. If you enjoy an atmospheric setting and don’t mind a more character-driven, contemplative mystery, this book may be worth your time. However, for those seeking a fast-paced, twist-filled thriller, it may fall short of expectations.