Labyrinth

I don’t often read fiction with a historical focus, so I perhaps arrived at Kate Mosse’s Labyrinth with fresher eyes than those who dig books about the mysterious Holy Grail, Knights Templar, Da Vinci etc. As such (and contrary to popular review), I really enjoyed it! Whether or not the story is based on true events doesn’t really play into it for me (seeing as it’s fictional), so I didn’t find myself comparing it to the trail of evidence that springs up if you go down a google rabbit hole.

The novel jumps back and forth between two women, one growing up in 1209 and the other in 2005 - each finding themselves tied to the mystery of the labyrinth symbol, and the grail that it represents. The contemporary story I enjoyed, finding much comfort in the descriptions of french scenery, food and architecture. I also found Alice Tanner (modern-day protagonist) to be mostly relatable - if a little frustrating at times. I think the writing really burned brightest in Alais’ sections though, those set in the 13th Century - these sections were gripping and easy to lose yourself in. The first third of the book is relatively slow, with world building and opening up quite a few narrative threads that only come neatly together in the final pages. It really picks up pace in the middle, and then the grand finale is exciting and satisfying!

All round, a really enjoyable mystery story that kept me intrigued until the very end. I’d recommend it for an easy, longer holiday read or something to lose yourself in after a hard day.

CW: Rape, murder, violence, religious persecution