The Forgotten Garden

By: Kate Morton

Narrated by: Caroline Lee

A foundling, an old book of dark fairy tales, a secret garden, a maze, an aristocratic family, a love denied, a mystery - The Forgotten Garden is a captivating, atmospheric, and a compulsive listen about the past, ghosts, family, and memories from best-selling author Kate Morton.

Thirty-eight year old Cassandra is lost, alone, and grieving. Her much loved grandmother, Nell, has just died and Cassandra, her life already shaken by a tragic accident 10 years ago, feels like she has lost everything known and dear to her.

But an unexpected and mysterious bequest from Nell turns Cassandra's life upside down and ends up challenging everything she thought she knew about herself and her family. Inheriting a book of dark and intriguing fairytales written by Eliza Makepeace Rutherford - the Victorian authoress who disappeared mysteriously in the early 20th century - as well as a cliff-top cottage on the other side of the world, Cassandra takes her courage in both hands to follow in the footsteps of Nell, on a quest to find out the truth about their history, their family and their past; little knowing that in the process, she will also discover a new life for herself.

©2008 Kate Morton (P)2008 Bolinda Publishing

Critic reviews

"This debut page-turner...recounts the crumbling of a prominent British family as seen through the eyes of one of its servants....Morton triumphs with a riveting plot, a touching but tense love story and a haunting ending." ( Publishers Weekly)

Crockpot Mystery--Not For Microwave Readers

My first attempt at listening to this book failed because I was wanting a quick-paced, twist and turn "microwaved" mystery. It is not for those wanting instant gratification. If that is you, I would suggest not buying the book. However, on my second attempt, the book became just want I wanted. It is a slow, layered mystery that takes time to simmer and cook. I liked the different points of view and time periods because it added depth of understanding. I couldn't stop listening because I wanted to know the "why" as much as the characters themselves. It is a "darker" narrative, so if you want sunshine and roses, this book is not for you. If you are patient and willing to wait for characters to develop and grow and a mystery to be unraveled, then you should enjoy this book. I really found it refreshing and engaging. The narrator is top-notch as well.

Six stars if I could

I rate a book probably more for how it is written than for any of its other facets. I enjoy an interesting plot. I hope for well-developed characters and surprise endings. This book has it all and much, much more. On the surface, these are three stories beautifully woven into one. But there is much more. It is a story about the writing of a book of faerie tales that is a faerie tale itself. It is challenging to critique this book without giving away too much. I will just leave it to the lucky readers to discover the many wonderful aspects of this book for themselves. In short, of the last fifty books or so that I have read this year, this is one of the two very best hands down.

Chick Flick in a Book

Being a former Marine and a truck driver, this book was not in my wheel house. It is well written and thought out. The characters are likable and the story keeps you engaged. It is looooong and the beginning is a tad chaotic. But if I stayed with it anyone can.

Haunting, Unforgettable, Mesmerizing

Kate Morton and Caroline Lee are a winning team! I loved both the author and the narrator in "The Shifting Fog" aka "The House at Riverton" and they are no less wonderful in this book. Twisting, turning, a mystery and haunting story of love and lives. Don't miss one word.

Wonderful!

Really enjoyed this book. Did not want it to end. Lots of turns and twists. I really enjoyed how the story was woven together with the different generations of women. I would recommend it to anyone who likes a good mystery and a little romance.

Didn't want it to end

Great story. Each section left me wanting for more. I just couldn't wait to get all the pieces to the puzzle and loved every bit.

just awesome

I listen to audiobooks quite frequently (I am able during work since I have a lonely job), and besides series that I get completely absorbed in, this was the most wonderful book I've listened to in a while. I wish it hadn't ended. I even enjoyed the stories that Eliza wrote greatly. I will be listening to more that the author has written. I highly recommend.

Three stories in one!

This is a book that I will be listening to many times. There are three stories going on as the granddaughter, her grandmother and her great grandmother are revealed. The main character receives an inheritance of land and a mystery from her grandmother. The 3 stories unravel and are intertwined as you learn more about the fully developed characters. Descriptions, Suspense, Outstanding ending, Oh my!

SO Intriguing!

This book was absolutely wonderful! It IS long, but you can't wait to see where next event will take you and what new secret will be revealed. I loved going through each woman's life events from the past as the story unfolded. Was sorry when it was done, and am looking forward to listening to Kate Morton's other book.

I did not want this book to end

This is a complex historical/mystery novel, seamlessly winding three generations of women together. I never had any confusion following who was where, and I got to know the characters so well that when it ended I felt like I had lost a friend. This is going to be reread for me. If you are looking for something completely absorbing with rich detail and well rounded characters, this book is it.