Camilla Bruce’s At the Bottom of the Garden is a gothic thriller laced with eerie supernatural elements, centering on Clara Woods—a remorseless murderess who unexpectedly becomes the reluctant guardian of two orphaned girls. The novel weaves a compelling tale of greed, ghosts, and survival as Clara’s dark past collides with the uncanny abilities of her nieces, Lily and Violet.
The novel’s greatest strength is its protagonist. Clara is unapologetically ruthless, making for a refreshingly amoral character whose motivations, while self-serving, are intriguing to follow. Her pragmatic acceptance of murder is both chilling and, at times, darkly amusing. The arrival of the orphaned sisters complicates her life, particularly when Violet’s ability to see and interact with the dead threatens to unravel Clara’s carefully concealed secrets.
While the premise is gripping, the novel has its shortcomings. The choice of a first-person narrative works well for Clara’s voice but may not appeal to readers who prefer a broader perspective. Additionally, while the children play a significant role in the story, their voices lack the distinctiveness necessary to make them feel like separate, fully realized characters. Their dialogue and thoughts often feel too mature for their ages, making it difficult to differentiate between them outside of their supernatural abilities.
Overall, At the Bottom of the Garden delivers an engaging, atmospheric read with a sinister protagonist and a haunting premise. Though the execution falters in some areas, particularly with character distinction, fans of gothic thrillers and supernatural suspense will likely find it an intriguing, if imperfect, experience.
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