The Bedlam Stacks by Natasha Pulley

The Bedlam Stacks is the first book I have read by Natasha Pulley. It is one of those books that gets under your skin. It is a slow build up and then you reach a point that you must finish reading or die trying. When the end comes you just let out a breath you did not even know you were holding. I know it is only March, but I suspect this book will end up being one of my favorites this year.

The story is about Merrick Tremayne who is currently at home in Cornwall convalescing after a tragic accident that almost cost him his leg. He has been contemplating what jobs a cripple can do and his current prospects don’t look so good. When Merrick starts seeing a garden statue move and a tree explode his brother thinks Merrick might be going mad like their mother. To Merrick’s dismay his brother is now insisting he take a position as a parson or be committed. Fortunately for Merrick, Clem, an old friend, drops by and convinces Merrick that he is well enough to make a journey with him to Peru for the East India Company, Merrick’s employer before his accident.

Once they arrive in Peru, they are to travel over the mountains deep into the interior to the quinine forests to retrieve cuttings. Quinine is the only known remedy for Malaria and these cuttings would allow The East India Company to cultivate their own supply.  It all sounds easy but the last group who tried were all killed.

Once in Peru Merrick meets Raphael, a priest who acts as if he knew his grandfather. Raphael becomes his guide and together with Clem they all travel to New Bethlehem the place where his father was born. Once there he learns of strange magical things that have been happening. He delves into the local lore and develops a deep friendship with Raphael. The question to be answered is, will Merrick betray his new friendship in order to retrieve the quinine cuttings he needs?

The characters are beautifully drawn. The prose is elegant. The plot was reminiscent of a Sunday afternoon drive, relaxed and thoroughly enjoyable. All-in-all, the book is a beautifully written piece of work.

Lastly I would like to say, I read a lot of really good books during the course of a year, but this one is outstanding. The Bedlam Stacks is one book that should be on everyone’s TBR list.

I received a free galley copy from the publisher, via Shelf Awareness, in exchange for my honest review.