Review | The Lamplighters by Emma Stonex

In 1972, three keepers vanish from a remote lighthouse in Cornwall, miles from the shore. 20 years later, the women they left behind are still struggling to move on. A writer is giving them a chance to tell their side of the story. But only in confronting their darkest fears can the truth begin to surface.

Nothing for miles except sea and sea and sea. No friends. No women. Just the other two, day in, day out, unable to get away from them, it could drive you stark mad.

I love the premise of The Lamplighters because I find stories about lighthouse keepers fascinating! Based on a true story about the disappearance of three lighthouse keepers in Flannan Isles in 1900, this book is both historical fiction and a locked-room mystery. I appreciate the details about work in the lighthouse, the daily routine, and the tedious waiting. I liked the portrayal of personality clashes between the three keepers and how the tiniest of things can cause an issue when you’re stuck with each other for weeks. The writing is evocative; I particularly enjoyed the passages about the sea.

What I didn’t enjoy is the storyline involving the keepers’ wives. There’s a lot of filler information that has nothing to do with the mystery. The ending is a run-of-the-mill thriller trope. I wish the book had focused only on the men and their psychological battle with each other. I found the melancholic revelation of the characters wanting to be at the lighthouse more than at home to be moving. It speaks to how men aren’t encouraged to share their true feelings, to their own detriment. There are issues that can be explored relating to toxic masculinity, superstitions, redemption, and loss but they were skimmed over.

Overall, The Lamplighters is a beautifully written mystery that fell a little short for me in the end. Still recommended for fans of slow-burn historical mysteries.

CW: child death, animal death, infidelity

I received a digital copy from the publisher and Netgalley for review purposes.

About the author: Emma Stonex

Photo by Everaldo Coelho