I don't know what runs in the water on the emerald island, but if we keep getting these kinds of literally gems, I'm here for it! Jan Carson is a very established writer and this book is no exception. She is a brilliant storyteller and I massively enjoyed this alternate version of history, the sardonic, dry sense of humour that seeps through the pages, the family drama. This is a story that's immersive, intriguing, thought-provoking, a bit mind-bending, with complex characters and I can't say I was able to predict which way it was going, and the writing/prose is smooth and skilful. I think, if you are familiar with Jan Carson and her writing, you are in for a treat! Thank you to Jan Carson, Random House UK, Transworld Publishers | Doubleday and NetGalley for this review copy, all opinions are my own.