Shadow on the Highway (Highway Trilogy, #1)

by Deborah Swift

[elysium]

Abigail "Abi" Chaplin lost her hearing after childhood illness and has had trouble finding job because of that. When she manages to get a job as a maid in Markyate Manor, she’s shocked to find in what state the Manor is. Only 3 servants and the mistress, Lady Katherine Fanshawe, is as young as she is.

Abi is not happy when Katherine decides to pose as another maid called Kate. She is horrified when her brother Ralph falls for Kate and wants Kate to join their Digger movement. It’s a commune type of thing where they think the earth will provide for all.

I’m not that familiar with this era so it was interesting to read about the common people of this time. This was short and quick read but very enjoyable.

I liked Abi but I couldn’t understand why she wanted to help Katherine or what Ralph saw in her. I didn’t like Kate at first but she did grow towards the end and I liked seeing how the relationship between Abi and Kate changed as they get to know each other better.

This was my first Swift book but if her YA book is this good I’m looking forward reading her adult books.