Jones, Sadie

Though difficult to follow at times, Jones’s (Uninvited Guests) novel will be of interest to adults who enjoy coming-of-age stories told from the children’s point of view.

Don't be misled by this book's title. Although a few creepy reptiles make an appearance, the real snakes in this twisty story are human ones. Another memorable novel from the versatile Jones (The Uninvited Guests). [See Prepub Alert, 12/3/18.]

Jones's intricate, complex plot, sympathetically drawn characters, and authentic depictions of damaged genius make an unassailable claim for the power of a writer's detailed observation in the face of formula fiction. [See Prepub Alert, 11/3/13.]

Excellent characterization combines with a plot sprinkled with hints of secrets to be revealed to produce a page-turning read that blurs the edges of the country house mystery. In her third novel (after the Costa First Novel Award-winning The Outcast and Small Wars), Jones demonstrates a talented writer's versatile imagination and originality. [See Prepub Alert, 11/21/11.]