The Kept
The Kept
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2014
Book Brief
384
Novel • Fiction
Upstate New York • 1890s
2014
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Kept by James Scott is a historical thriller set in the deep winter of 1897 in upstate New York, centering on Elspeth Howell, a midwife who discovers her husband and four of her children murdered. Together with her surviving son, Caleb, she seeks vengeance while uncovering dark secrets about her past.
Dark
Mysterious
Gritty
Unnerving
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
8,786 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Kept by James Scott receives praise for its haunting prose and rich, atmospheric setting. The characters, while deeply flawed, evoke empathy. However, some readers find the pacing uneven and the plot occasionally predictable. Overall, Scott's debut is a compelling exploration of revenge and redemption, resonating well with fans of literary fiction.
Who Should Read The Kept?
Readers who would enjoy The Kept by James Scott are fans of atmospheric, character-driven historical fiction. This novel will appeal to those who appreciate the dark, evocative storytelling found in books like True Grit by Charles Portis and In the Woods by Tana French. Its mix of mystery and familial drama in a stark rural setting will captivate a reflective, literary audience.
8,786 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
384
Novel • Fiction
Upstate New York • 1890s
2014
Adult
18+ years
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