Leatherdale brings to life the grandeur and flamboyance of the pre-war and post-war era, when the Palace built its reputation on its glamorous parties and guests (including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Dame Nellie Melba). This glamour provides a startling contrast to the dark secrets exposed through meticulous research by Lisa and hotel historian Luke, as it does to the ageless but dangerous beauty of the surrounding landscape. Leatherdale’s love for the mountains comes across clearly, matching his love for delving into the past and discovering new in the old. As a gothic-style novel, it works well, using the Palace as a brooding, secretive character, with plenty of gloom, fog, mystery and secrets to add to the atmosphere.