The Secret Garden of Yanagi Inn by Amber Logan

The Secret Garden of Yanagi Inn

by Amber Logan

Cracked doesn't always mean broken.

Grieving her mother's death, Mari Lennox travels to Kyoto, Japan to take photographs of Yanagi Inn for a client. As she explores the inn and its grounds, her camera captures striking images, uncovering layers of mystery shrouding the old resort—including an overgrown, secret garden on a forbidden island. But then eerie weeping no one else in the inn seems to hear starts keeping her awake at night.

Despite the warnings of the staff, Mari searches the deep recesses of the old building to discover the source of the ghostly sound, only to realize that her own family's history is tied to the inn, its mysterious, forlorn garden . . . and the secrets it holds.

Reviewed by Cameron Trost on

5 of 5 stars

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The Secret Garden of Yanagi Inn is a touching ghost story of discovery and loss. Amber Logan's narrative weaves past with present and leads us on a dreamlike - and at times nightmarish - stroll through an otherwordly Japanese garden as we watch her rich tapestry unravel. You'll feel for the Mari as she seeks clarity and direction, and you'll learn a bit about gardening at the same time. Perhaps my only criticism was the presence of some inconsistencies regarding blooming seasons for particular flowers, but I was pleased to note the author addresses this in a short message at the end of the book and asks the reader to accept it as artistic licence or the magic of the garden...I choose the second option. A beautiful work of ghostly fiction.

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  • 18 August, 2022: Reviewed