‘The Unravelling’ is Polly Crosby’s second novel. I combined reading with an advance review copy via NetGalley of its unabridged audiobook edition, narrated by Katherine Press.While titled in the USA as ‘The Women of Pearl Island’, I rather prefer its U.K. title as it suggests the unravelling of mysteries. The cover art is breathtaking.Following the death of her mother, Tartelin Brown is seeking a new start. She responds to an advertisement: “PA required to assist lepidopterist. Must be able to start immediately. Must not be squeamish.” While she has no scientific background, Tartelin gains the position and travels to Dohhalund, a tiny island off the coast of East Anglia, to join the reclusive Marianne Stourbridge.The elderly woman, whose family had owned the island for hundreds of years, is wheelchair bound and has recently returned to the island to study its butterflies and moths seeking an answer to a mystery. However, as she is no longer able to capture specimens, she needs assistance; hence the ‘not squeamish’ requirement.The narrative unfolds over three timelines: in 2018, the novel’s present,1955, and 1927 where fifteen- year-old Marianne learns uncomfortable truths about her family and the island. I actually found it amazing as given these dates, Marianne was 106 years old!It is a novel that unfolds (or unravels) slowly and is focused upon the relationships between its characters. In addition to Tartelin and Marianne, there is Jacob, a university lecturer studying arachnids on the island, and Nan, another elderly woman who had been a mermaid (aka herring girl) in 1927. Like Marianne, Nan has recently returned after the army lifted the requisition it had imposed on the island since the mid-1950s. Mystery upon mystery!While scientific observation is a key theme, there is also a subtle quality linked to the lure of the sea, where traditional lore holds sway. Again, there are mysteries to be unravelled.In addition, Dohhalund, while fictional, is inspired by Orford Ness, which was under the control of the Ministry of Defence for decades and forbidden to the public.With respect to the audiobook, given the quality of Polly Crosby’s writing, with its lyrical descriptions, it is a novel very suited to the format on its own or as a combined read/listen. Katherine Press has an exquisite, polished voice and I have enjoyed her narration of a number of previous titles.Overall, I found ‘The Unravelling’ a beautifully written, atmospheric work of literary fiction. It is a novel that may appeal to reading groups that are looking for a novel that is contemplative in its myriad themes, including loss and bereavement, yet remains an accessible read.Highly recommended.