A Long Time Burning by J A Higgins

Release: 21 Sept. 2022
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Independently published
Source: Rachels Random Resources
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle

Nell has had a terrible year, so she travels to North Chase to find some true Christmas magic. But the town has its own problems; its solstice festival is tainted by the disappearance of two teenage boys and a witch’s curse is blamed.

Then, nine-month-old Ava is threatened. Has a medieval killer been awoken or does something else haunt the woods?

Nell must battle through horrific nightmares and face her own demons to expose the truth before another child is spirited away. There is magic in the air this Christmas, but behind the tinsel and baubles glitters a terrifying secret that one family has hidden for centuries, and only Nell can uncover it.

About the Author:

J A Higgins was born and raised at Porton Down in Wiltshire, and currently works for the NHS in Salisbury. She has always been fascinated by history, crime and the unexplained.

A Long Time Burning is the second book in the Nell Montague Mystery series which explores how horrors from the past are still very relevant today. The first book, Finding Ruby, was a Page Turner Book Award winner in 2021.

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A Long Time Burning Review:

“A Long Time Burning” is a significant improvement over “Finding Ruby,” as the author masterfully expands the cast of characters. I enjoyed reading this book so much more than the first. The narrative brims with multifaceted developments. On one hand, we delve into Nell’s haunting nightmares while Max grapples with their profound connection. Meanwhile, Austin becomes entangled in another enigmatic mystery in the woods. Additionally, introducing characters like the Corberley family—Mark, Tilly, Daisy, Seb, and Ric—infuses the storyline with additional layers of mystery and drama, seamlessly intertwining their arcs into a larger narrative tapestry. This intricate weaving of plots involving diverse characters was particularly captivating.

Like the previous book, the author skillfully navigates between past and present, enthralling readers with the witchcraft-laden Mother Maundrell storyline. The story’s Christmas setting adds a delightful supernatural dimension. Nell’s personal growth is highlighted, especially in her relationships with Max and Austin.

Some of the most memorable moments in the story include the Ghost Tour attended by the team, Daisy’s uncanny experiences while caring for Ava, and the captivating flashbacks related to Maundrell. My heart again went out for Nell in the story as she let go of her Nana and tried to move on with her life.

However, there were instances where the sheer number of characters on the canvas felt overwhelming. While the introduction of numerous characters was commendable, some, like Brett, appeared to contribute little to the overall narrative. Additionally, certain scenes felt repetitive, particularly the recurring chapters detailing Nell’s nightmares, which became stagnant in the book’s latter half.

Setting aside these minor drawbacks, “A Long Time Burning” was a delightful read, surpassing its predecessor. It undoubtedly enriches the Nell Montague series with its intricate storytelling and character dynamics, making it a valuable addition.