“The Skeleton Key” by Erin Kelly is a complex and intriguing novel that blends elements of a thriller, historical fiction, family drama, and murder mystery. The book follows two families, the Churchers and the Lockes, who are tied together by history, success, and marriage. The story is set in London and Cornwall and is told from the perspectives of three different characters: Rachel, a young woman who is hired to catalog the Churchers’ extensive library; Dora, the matriarch of the Churcher family; and Leo, Dora’s son and Rachel’s love interest.

The central theme of “The Skeleton Key” is obsession, betrayal, and the lengths people will go to protect their families. The book revolves around the Churcher family’s obsession with a book called “The Golden Bones,” which leads to a treasure hunt that ultimately destroys the family. The book explores the complex and dysfunctional family dynamics of the Churchers and the Lockes, who are tied together by history, success, and marriage. The plot is full of twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the very end. The historical elements of the book are also well-researched and add depth to the plot.

Overall, the book has received positive reviews, with many readers praising Kelly’s ability to create complex and dysfunctional family dynamics. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is full of twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the very end. The book also explores themes of obsession, betrayal, and the lengths people will go to protect their families.

One of the strengths of the book is Kelly’s writing style, which is sophisticated and vivid, creating a creepy and unsettling atmosphere throughout.  The story is slow-paced at times, and the ending may not be entirely satisfying for everyone.

Overall, “The Skeleton Key” is a solid choice for fans of family sagas with a mystery woven through them. It is a well-written and engaging novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.