Reading Elizabeth Brooks's new novel The Woman in the Sable Coat feels like stepping into an alternate version of I Capture the Castle written by Patricia Highsmith and filmed by Alfred Hitchcock. A mesmerizing, psychologically complex story about two women who meet at an impromptu dinner party in the 1930s English countryside--an encounter that sets off a decade of secrets and betrayals--only to discover their dreams of romance might be the greatest self-betrayal of all. From quaint village life and a war-time RAF airbase, to the snowy wilds of Canada and a storm-tossed ocean liner, The Woman in the Sable Coat spins a literary tale full of penetrating detail, enigmatic characters, and delicious plot twists. Not since Atonement have I read a book so unexpected in its telling, or its power.--Natalie Jenner, Internationally bestselling author of The Jane Austen Society

The Woman in the Sable Coat isn't just a breath of fresh air; it's a gust, blowing away stale tropes of the World War II novel and replacing them with an intriguing tale of vivid characters caught in the snares of love, war, and deception.--Annie Barrows, author of The Truth According to Us and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

Suspenseful. . . . A new-fashioned, old-fashioned story of love, deception and buried secrets.-- "Kirkus Reviews"

Exceptionally vivid. . . . a story of betrayal and unlikely friendships filled with reflective tidbits of wisdom, the novel blends WWII fiction with idyllic romance drama and a touch of macabre thriller. . . . like an updated and more approachable Jane Austen.-- "The Associated Press"

Secrets, betrayals, and compromises abound as these very different women navigate treacherous relationships to find safe harbor in Brooks' taut novel.-- "Booklist"

With a sense of suspense and menace in the vein of Daphne du Maurier. . . .The Woman in the Sable Coat is a slow burn of a novel, with a lovely, surprising moment of redemption and connection. . . at the story's end.-- "Book Page"

A story of infidelity, secrets, murder, friendship, and marriage. . . . a wonderful read.-- "Historical Novel Society"

A beautifully written evocation of a young girl's coming-of-age, and plunging into womanhood and war, which gradually intensifies into a gothic unease that would make Daphne Du Maurier proud. Excellent--I could not put it down.--Helen Simonson, author of The Summer Before The War

A seductive gothic novel. . . . Readers will be rapt.-- "Publishers Weekly"

Ripe with psychologically-complex characters and relentless attention to detail, Brooks' literary success comes from pushing the genre's boundaries. . . . breathes new life into the genre of historical fiction.-- "West Trade Review"

I was compelled to stay up way past my bedtime on more than one occasion. Highly recommended to lovers of historical fiction.-- "California Reading"

Publisher: Tin House Books

Pub date: 2024-03-05

Length: 352 pages