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Historian Robin Quain is trying to find evidence for conclusions she has drawn about magic use by groups throughout history. Her work was coming along fairly well but then was stolen by her former best friend. So when she finds mentions of an artifact that could prove her theory and get her back on track, she grabs the opportunity to go do research for the summer at a tiny college in Colorado.
Hildegard College was previously a monastery but now is known for its archives, scientific research, and beautiful campus full of gorgeous botanical gardens. Robin is excited to arrive and get started on her search for the artifact. But the woman who supposedly found the artifact on a dig and brought it back to the college has been missing for months. And when Robin asks questions about the woman, she gets weird reactions from the few faculty members and staff who are on campus for the summer.
The chummy little group comprises fairly young people who are working in various fields. One woman tends a garden that contains many herbs and traditional medicinal plants used in folk remedies and even witchcraft. Robin is especially drawn to her, as she may be able to help her solve a kind of riddle in a source. The group all eat meals together and dress up nicely when they meet up. It all seems just a bit strange.
Then there are the unsettling noises, visions, and dreams. Are monsters roaming the grounds? That can’t be possible. But she is researching the occult, after all. Is it popping up at Hildegard?
Atlas of Unknowable Things felt like an unusual mix of genres to me, with elements of horror and mystery, but for most of the book, I was unsure how much of the occult was “real” or if the main character had stumbled into a dangerous situation where she was being used somehow. It felt much like a thriller. It really held my interest and had me wondering until the truth was revealed.
I’m puzzled, however, by the publisher saying it’s “perfect for fans of The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle,” because I do not see that at all. I am a huge fan of that book, and it didn’t feel like it in tone, style, or plot. So if you go into it believing that publisher’s blurb, forget you read that.
In short, I found Atlas of Unknowable Things to be a page-turner, with an eclectic mix of elements.
Rated: High. Profanity includes 14 uses of strong language, 16 instances of moderate profanity, about 30 uses of mild language, and 30 instances of the name of Deity in vain. Some use of drugs. Violence involves deaths and injuries by various methods, with some blood and a couple of gory details. The story includes references to and themes of ancient use of witchcraft and demon/monsters.
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*I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
