Kate Mosse Sepulchre is a great book. Like "Labyrinth" you feel like you are right there in the story. I look forward to more of Kate's novels.

This isn't really an assessment of the quality of the book, but more a warning for readers who (like me) are easily frightened -- this book is spooky! I was really enjoying the first 100 pages, and looking forward to the rest, until I had a Sepulchre-induced nightmare that made me decide to give it up. Here's hoping Mosse writes another meaty historical novel soon -- without the ghosts.

I picked up Sepulchre because I was intrigued by the idea that a deck of tarot cards was in some way brought to life as an integral part of the story. And that's why I stuck with this book till the end.

Unfortunately, it took too much time to get to the end! As I kept reading, I kept wondering why the editor allowed so much extraneous material to bog down the story. While the narrative was, for the most part, expertly handled, I felt that the book was an attempt to be all things to all readers--was it romance, mystery, fantasy, historical fiction, a coming-of-age story, a supernatural thriller, a modern day tale? Yes. Was it about the composer Claude Debussy or was it about southwestern France or tarot cards or 19th-century Paris or Rennes-le-Chateau (Da Vinci Code territory) or a modern-day orphan's story? Yes. In addition, there were at times jarring anachronisms--did anyone really use the phrase "it was down to her" during the 19th century (and in France)? To be fair, these were rare, but again, where was the editor?

I was also a bit disappointed by the way the tarot cards were used to move the story forward. I thought they were both over-emphasized and under-explicated as a plot device. Too gimmicky.

Having made those criticisms, I will say I enjoyed the story enough to keep reading. I thought the 19th century characters and setting were the heart of the tale, they engaged my sympathies and interest far more than the character and action of the modern-day segments which were supposed to derive from the events of the past. But it was frustrating that the past versus present segments kept interrupting the narrative flow. For instance, after reading several chapters and coming to a cliff-hanger in the 1891 section, the reader is presented with several chapters of modern-day action. Then by the time that section has been read, so much has taken place that details crucial to the historical segment have been forgotten. It was like reading several books at the same time, all between the same covers.

In any case, an overly long read, but a satisfying one if you can stick with it. I have not read the author's previous book, Labyrinth, so can make no comparison with it.

This book jumps back and forth from ancient times to modern times and keeps the thought process going in your mind, always. It is amazing how the author takes you into each block of time and connects the two to create this action packed story. Great read !

Sepulchre
Well...I need to express my continual frustration with authors/editors who don't seem to understand the need to button up their stories. 'Sepulchre' is a perfect starting point!
Why, oh why, do authors find it necessary to drag a story out?
There was no sensible reason in the world that 'Sepulchre' ran on for 565 pages in smaller then average typeface. Talk about a book being overweight in more ways then just the number of pages. This story was not supposed to be 'War and Peace' but a suspense novel that would engage the reader and keep things moving.
Ms. Mosse's previous book, 'Labyrinth', was very similar in premise--another sticking point. Unlike a series where a character is the focal point--the use of the same theme, two separate time frames, in this case over 100 years apart, having a connection to each other.
This is not supposed to be a history book, but a book that will give the reader an enjoyable time and bring them back to not only the tale, but the writings of the author.
I treasure the expression 'less is more'. My advice to this author, is to please write less while keeping me engrossed. Life is too busy and with so many books tantalizing the reading publics attention, I beg authors and their editors to streamline their work. Let us also take into consideration the need to conserve on paper ergo saving our trees.

I thought Sepulchre was very well done. I actually liked it better than Labyrinth. The characters were real to me and the plot moved along quickly in my opinion. I was sad to finish it. I particularly enjoyed the references to Labyrinth along with Audric and Shelagh O'Donnell. I felt as if I were meeting old friends.

Did not know what to expect from Kate Mosse as had read anything by her yet. What a pleasant surprise! She kept me trying to remember anything of my 3 semesters of French in the early 80's, and loving the way she meshed history and characters caught in different times. Already have her next book!

Sandra Casey

There were things I enjoyed about this book and things I didn't. I have not read Labyrinth so I can't compare it to that book.

I did enjoy the historical detail and the descriptions of the places. I wouldn't have minded even more detail on the Visigoths. I didn't enjoy the frequent untranslated French phrases; many times I could guess what they meant but often I was in the dark.

When I realized the novel centered around a set of tarot cards, I worried that it might be a little too "woo-woo" for me. It came close, but so much of the book was about the threats from human evil that the supernatural parts were tolerable. However, I didn't think the author explained how the ancient set of cards along with Leonie's picture cards were able to be reproduced if they were buried.

I have mixed feelings because I liked the book enough to finish reading it, but probably wouldn't recommend it to my friends.

This is a wonderful book. Yes it is similar to Labyrinth because she uses the same style of writing but the plot & storyline is completely different. I LOVED the fact that she included Sahje/Audric Ballaird in the story again. I'm dying for a story just about the many centuries of his life. I don't know if this was quite as great as Labyrinth but it was still a interesting well written book. I'm all ready for her next one! Hopefully soon!

I am in total agreement with the reviewer who wrote the following: "I found Sepulchre to be more similar to The Historian than to Labyrinth. A fairly complex plot over several time periods and places requires a depth of material." Anyone who enjoyed the novel "The Historian" will enjoy this book, and vice versa. The books have the same feel to them. Anyone who does not enjoy heavy description of location, atmosphere and ambiance will get bogged down, I agree... but for those of us who expect the author to paint word pictures so as to draw us into the narrative will not be disappointed. You can see, hear and feel where the characters are in this book. I look forward to more books by Ms. Mosse.

Excellent reading. Fast paced book. Good plot. No complicated story lines. Stayed on track without getting the reader lost. Comparing Sepulchre to Labyrinth, most historical pieces do sound alike in some aspects especially if they are going from past to present. But, I feel Kate Mosse pulled it off again. This book is well worth reading and purchasing for your collection. Great book.

I disagree with the negative reviewers. One of the main strengths of this book is the detail about the setting and how is almost becomes a character itself. Creative, intriguing, the kind of book you'll take with you to bed at night!

If you haven't read Labyrinth this is worth a read. If you have I wouldn't bother with Sepulchre.

I found the basic premise of the book just too much like Labyrinth but with the writing more protracted and the descriptions long and flowery. I didn't think the constant French quotes added anything to the book and despite being able to speak French passibly I found them tedious.

I purchased Sepulchre from Amazon UK so got to read it well before the US release. I too disagree with some of the harsh criticism that Mosse's book received. Part of the joy of reading period historical fiction is becoming part of the atmosphere. You can't do that in a few pages. You need to set the scene, create interest in characters and situations and come to understand where the author is taking you.

I found Sepulchre to be more similar to The Historian than to Labyrinth. A fairly complex plot over several time periods and places requires a depth of material. I found the descriptions of Paris excellent and in fact purchased Zola's Debacle after reading one of the character's discussion of the work. The action in the Carcasonne region is compelling.

I did not find the characters at all one dimensional. All express feelings and reactions that are well within the expected range. The story line is always interesting. Perhaps the reader needs some familiarity with French fiction of the period, like Victor Hugo's works to fully understand what Mosse is attempting. Also, the subject area should be very familiar to readers of recent fiction as it has been used in the DaVinci Code, The Templars and several other stories. The rich historical venue is a perfect setting for Sepulchre.

I found Mosse's second novel to be a fascinating addition to understanding the Church's purge of the Cathars and the treasures and threats that area possesses. Summer is coming. Sit on your favorite chair, take a cold drink and be prepared to be totally entertained by Sepulchre. I was.

I loved Kate Mosse's Labyrinth and was eagerly anticipating her next offering. Sadly, "Sepulchre" turned out to be a big letdown for me. Labyrinth had well-developed characters that one came to really care about as well as a well-paced plot that kept the reader on edge. In comparison Sepulchre is found lacking - it is weighed down by excessive descriptions [there were a couple of pages about tarot cards alone!] and the characters are never truly developed.

Like Labyrinth, Sepulchre has two parallel stories set in different times. Half is set in 1891 and the other half is in 2007. The 1891 story revolves around a pair of siblings, Anatole [26] and Leonie[17] Vernier whose mother Marguerite uses her looks to get patronage from rich men. Leonie is invited by a relative to spend a holiday in the Domaine de la Cade, near Rennes les Bains. As Anatole is desirous of leaving Paris for a while [due to some trouble] , Leonie decides to accept the invitation. They arrive at Domaine de la Cade, meeting the suprisingly young Tante Isolde, and Leonie finds herself getting drawn into the mysteries of the place [the Domaine having a reputation for sinister associations with spirits, demons and monsters]. Leonie comes upon an old book written by her late uncle [Isolde's husband] which describes a tarot deck and sepulchre that Leonie manages to uncover, not realising the dark dangers that await her and her loved ones.

In 2007, a 28 year old American, Meredith Martin comes to France with the intent of doing research for her book on Claude deBussy, but with the real purpose of tracing her family history, having lost her mother at a young age to suicide [she kept hearing voices] and wanting to know more about her family's past [Meredith was adopted as a young girl upon her mother's death]. She has only two things to help her in her quest - a picture of a soldier in WW I uniform taken in Rennes les Bains, and a music sheet titled Sepulchre, composed in 1891. A puzzling and ominous tarot reading leads her on a dangerous journey, landing her in the same Domaine de la Cade [which has been converted into a hotel in the present].Together with the assistance of a young man Hal, Meredith undertakes to discover the secrets of her past.


The writing itelf is quite good. What is annoying however is the tedious prose - the descriptions are so minute and detailed that you feel tired reading after a while [Ms Mosse has obviously put lots of research time in, but here it seems to detract from the pleasure of reading rather than enhance it]. At more than 500 pages long, this book could have done with some editing. If the excessive descriptions had been cut out [without affecting the plot], the novel's pace would have flowed better and not bogged down one's reading. The other irritant was the peppering of French phrases throughout the novel - some with translations and some without. For one who is not conversant in French this made for tedious reading.

The characters too are not fully developed, well perhaps with the exception of Leonie Vernier. Meredith's character never truly engaged me, even after more than 200 pages into the book. The other characters too appear to be reflective of cookie-cut characters rather than well-developed ones. The inclusion of Claude deBusssy is never developed much either.

I truly wanted to like this novel, especially after having enjoyed Labyrinth so much. It is not a bad novel, nor a great one. To be fair, the action does pick up after about 200 pages into the book [that was too long for me]. It is pleasing enough for those who enjoy literate, historical thrillers [with a touch of the supernatural], but is not as engaging as its predecessor. If you are new to Kate Mosse, I would recommend you read Labyrinth first. Also, for those who like stories with two time lines, I would recommend works by Barbara Erskine such as Lady of Hay.

I disagree with the other reviews completely. I thought this novel was superior to Labyrinth which I also enjoyed. This story moves seamlessly back and forth between the 1800s and the current time with two intertwined stories and heroines. The female characters are strong and interesting. Ms. Mosse took her time with the details which make this ghost story almost seem possible! Would love to see this one as a movie. The imagery and locale would be delightful to see on the big screen. Not a single boring moment in this entire novel! I'll be recommending this one to all my reading friends.

Slipping between modern France and 1891 France, Sepulchre tells the gothic-like stories of two strong women. In 1891, Léonie travels with her brother from Paris to the family estate in Rennes-les-Bains. The beauty of the French countryside conjures feelings of hidden spirits and secrets. Youthful and naïve, Léonie searches for the occult associated with the locale all the while unaware of a greater threat. In modern day Rennes-les-Bains, researcher Meredith is seeking facts for her book on Debussy, but hides a secret yearning to find her own ancestors. She too underestimates a looming collision with evil. Both women will invoke spirits and reveal secrets with the assistance of a deck of Tarot cards. A devil will come forth, loved ones will die and two parallel mysteries will unfold. Sounds like all the makings of a great story.

The problem is that too much cliché and over-thought bog down the story itself. Instead of being atmospheric, it's labored. The characters remain toneless and the plot evolves too easily. The attempts at including the fantastical seem ungainly. The sometimes translated, sometimes not, French gets annoying (either translate or not!).

I have to admit that I wanted to know what happened, but I skipped chunks of descriptive verbiage to get there. What was a great idea got bogged down to the point of ruining the tale. "Brevity is the soul of wit" was lost on this one.

2.5 Stars (if they'd let me)

In 1891 siblings Leonie and Anatole Vernier leave Paris to visit their Tante Isolde at her Domain de la Cade estate in the mountainous south France. At her widow aunt's place, Leonie overhears the villagers' whispers of the devil's abode and finds an interesting journal in which her late uncle studied the occult and mentions a special tarot card deck and a Visigoth tomb. Fascinated the teen searches for both while unknown to her someone wants to kill her and her loved ones while she begins to worriedly wonder why her Tante invited them.

In 2008 biographer Meredith Martin seeks to complete her latest book on renowned French composer Debussy when she finds a replica of the tarot cards that Leonie sought. What is frightening is that some of the cards contain pictures that eerily look like her. She makes inquiries which lead her to Domain de la Cade converted to a hotel; yet like over a century ago hosts a battle between the forces of good and evil.

Although too many passive sidebar discussions slow down the overall plot, fans will enjoy this interesting horror thriller as the good vs. evil war occurs twice due to the linking tarot cards. Readers will feel the changes in outlook of the lead females of each era as they start off with youthful enthusiastic curiosity that changes to outright fear; their identical reactions make for a fine but cluttered thriller.

Harriet Klausner