Drowned in Gold, a novel by Sara Vice, immerses readers into a richly textured world where mystery and history intertwine with a steady hand. It's a narrative that lures you in from the first page, opening in a small, seemingly quaint village where the past's heartbeat echoes through every cobblestone and whispered secret. This review aims to delve deep into the narrative structure, character development, and thematic elements that make Vice's book a compelling addition to historical mystery literature.

The story begins with the return of young Elizabeth Harding to her ancestral home in Dorset after her grandmother's mysterious death. The initial mood set by Vice is palpably atmospheric, pulling readers into a dense fog of suspense and semi-gothic allure. It's not just a setting; the village serves as a character in its own right, concealing secrets that span generations. Elizabeth, our protagonist, is enveloped by local lore and the glittering allure of an age-old legend of lost Gold. Her quest to uncover truths not only about her grandmother's unexplained demise but also about the gold that reputedly sank with a warship off the coast, offers a dual path of suspense and discovery that Vice navigates with deft control.

Sara Vice's prowess shines in her character development. Elizabeth is portrayed with layers that are peeled gradually, revealing vulnerability, tenacity, and a keen intellect. Her interactions with the villagers, from the wary postmaster to the enigmatic historian, Jonathan Moore, unveil dynamics that range from heart-warming to chilling. Vice employs dialogue effectively, each conversation adding depth to characters and fuelling the slowly unraveling plot. The secondary characters are neither mere backdrops nor overshadow the protagonist, but contribute significantly to the narrative texture. Jonathan Moore, in particular, emerges as a complex figure whose motives and past are as intricate as the main mystery.

The essence of Drowned in Gold lies in its ability to merge historical intrigue with the mystery at hand. Vice does not simply use history as a backdrop but weaves it through the plot in ways that are vital to understanding both the present and the past. Her research is evident in the detailed descriptions of historical artifacts, societal norms of the era being referenced, and even the architecture, all of which enrich the authenticity and immersive quality of the tale.

Thematically, the novel is a treasure trove. It explores themes of legacy, loss, and the lengths to which individuals go to uncover or cover up truths. The symbolism of gold runs potent throughout the book, representing not just physical wealth but the 'golden' truth that sometimes lies buried under layers of history and human deception. This motif is paralleoted beautifully with Elizabeth's internal journey, her personal enlightenment running parallel to her literal chase for the gold.

Stylistically, Vice's writing is lush yet precise. Her descriptions of the Dorset landscape—with its rugged cliffs and turbulent seas—are poetic yet accessible. The mood is craftily set through a careful choice of words that convey an old-world charm interspersed with modern-day crises. The pacing, meanwhile, is meticulously planned; just as the tide of interest seems to wane, a new twist or revelation surges forth, keeping the reader hooked.

However, no novel is without its faults. At times, the plot seems to tread too slowly, lingering a bit too long on scenic descriptions or symbolic ponderings, which, while beautiful, occasionally stall the narrative's forward motion. Additionally, some plot twists can come off as slightly predictable, especially for seasoned readers of the genre.

In conclusion, Drowned in Gold by Sara Vice is a mesmerizing blend of historical richness and mystery, sewn together by exquisite storytelling and vivid character portraits. It is a novel that invites you to dive into the depths of not just the sea, but human motives, and the shadows that history can cast across generations. For fans of mystery and historical fiction, this novel is a compelling read that satisfies the craving for both thrill and substance. Vice's talent for weaving tension and texture into her narrative makes this book difficult to put down and leaves the reader pondering long after the last page is turned.