Weekend Book Review: The Cloisters

The Cloisters by Katy Hays

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Genre: Fiction, Mystery

Hardcover, 320 pages

Expected publication: November 1st 2022 by Atria Books

The Cloisters is a strong debut from Katy Hays, who I hope continues to write more intriguing, atmospheric novels! Hays gives her readers a rich sensory experience by setting the story in the Cloisters, the second location of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Located in the Northern tip of Manhattan, this real-life venue offers “a combination of such stunning examples of original medieval European architecture, exquisite gardens, and marvelous works of art” found nowhere else in the United States, according to the Met’s website. A field-day for the imagination, I was content to spend time with the main character, Ann Stilwell, a small-town college grad from Eastern Washington, on her summer internship within the medieval walls and humid gardens. I was engrossed in the mysteries and academic rivalries unfolding, as well as the research on a deck of unusual Italian tarot cards that promised to be life-changing (life-altering?).

In this heavily atmospheric story, a slow-burn mystery takes place between three academics and a “feral”, artistic and entrepreneurial gardener who is easy-on-the-eyes. The complexities in the relationships between Ann, Rachel, Patrick and Leo are part of what fuels the plot. Within the story are themes of privilege and how much it affords you, as well as the idea of fate verses free will.

I readily devoured this piece of eye-candy for the mind. The only miss for me was the ending, which others have said they loved. For me, it did not sit quite right, as it felt a bit implausible, and I’d be happy to go into more detail with others who read and want to discuss! All in all, I recommend this book as a delightful escape into the world of art and intrigue. Thank you to Goodreads and Atria Books for the ARC of this gem. The Cloisters hits shelves on November 1, 2022.



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