Product Description

A chilling novel set at the end of the nineteenth century, where love, possession, ambition and desire exist side by side . . .

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #99956 in Books
• Published on: 2007-01-23
• Binding: Paperback
• 368 pages

The Bookseller, 17 February 2006
... half-truths and shifting perceptions ... keep readers on the edge of their seats as the secret is gradually, teasingly revealed.

The Independent, July 10, 2006
... succeeds so brilliantly through virtuosity of style ... exactly captures genteel Victorian diction and the seething lust, shame and cruelty beneath.

The Telegraph, July 9 2006
... teases the reader into a false sense of security ... full of intrigue and deception ... Newbery writes with grace and immediacy.

Customer Reviews

A pleasant read
When young artist Samuel finds himself at Fourwinds, the impressive house of wealthy Mr Farrow, engaged to teach his two daughters, he is unaware he is stepping into a trap or that the house's sleek exterior hides many secrets.What of the missing west wind statue? And what of its sculptor, the talented Gideon Waring? Why was the last governess fired and why is the new one, Charlotte Agnew,so secretive?
'Set in stone' is not challenging as a book but I agree with those readers who write it can't be dismissed just as a children's book.It is well written, truly atmospheric and though some of the secrets and twists in the story, are easy to guess at, it still remains a very enjoyable read. If you choose to read it your brain won't be taxed but nor will you be bored.It entertained me for a good many hours and I certainly don't regret reading it nor would I hesitate ro recommend it!

A MUST BUY!!!

When I purchased this book, I could not have known it would become one of the greatest novels I have ever read! From the very first page and opening lines, one is embraced into the circle of a handful of characters whose lives and experiences are so vivid, one is apt to think that this is all real! In this, nobody is what they seem - everyone's identity is somewhat concealed for various reasons. As the story unfolds, everything is explained and becomes clear - despite being one of the most complex plots I can recall ever having read! This would make a tremendous film, if (not being a fan of modern films) it has not already been done. Linda Newbery's style of writing flows like running water, and you will find yourself reading so quickly, the pages will turn like leaves blowing in the wind! All too often it is said that one can not put a book down it is so riveting, but literally, I found myself retrieving this, and reading it upon every single opportunity I could get!

Not having read anything by this author before, I was absolutely puzzled to discover from the internet that Linda Newbery is known for writing books for children and young adults!? I cannot for the life of me comprehend why this book should fall into this category, since there seems little for children in this, as the story deals with so many adult topics. The story is full of both mystery and intrigue, and each disclosure subtly leads to another. Every character is so enriched with individual personality, that unlike many other reads, it is absolutely impossible to confuse any of them - they live and breathe and rise from the pages in a way that is quite startling!

Being a very slow reader, yet having finished this book in only a couple of days I was so glued, I was bitterly disappointed, and was left feeling very sad indeed having reached the end of it. Though I have more than 150 books new and unread awaiting me, this is going to be a VERY hard one to follow indeed!

You NEED to read this book!

FIFTY stars!!

Why Judy Bloom Should Be Worried
Writing of this high quality is rare. It's rarer to find a 'children's book' (what ever that is) written so engagingly and with such care. So much writing for teens is disposable: this is a classic that repays re-reading for wisdom and pleasure. Dump the junk: go for quality! And your parents will like it too.