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The Bloody Key: A Bluebeard Retelling
Fifteen-year-old Anne tends goats while daydreaming of fairy tales—until the day she finds herself in one. When a wealthy nobleman marries her older sister, they’re both swept off to his castle deep in the woods. Upon entering this world of finery, lush gardens, and nightly balls with dashing suitors, Anne believes her own happily-ever-after is just around the corner. She has almost forgotten the rumors surrounding the estate—tales of the castle’s tragic history and whispers of ghosts—when her sister falls mysteriously ill.
To save her, Anne must uncover the shadowy pasts of those who share her new home. Her sister’s husband refuses to speak of the disappearance of his last wife (or possibly wives), the domineering housekeeper hides her own secrets in a forbidden garden, and the handsome, enigmatic gardener urges Anne to escape the castle and leave her sister behind. There are signs, too, that something dark and supernatural haunts the estate.
If Anne misplaces her trust or fails to discover where the real danger lies, she’ll forfeit her sister’s life—and her own.
Told through the diaries and letters of those who live within the castle, this reimagining of the Bluebeard fairy tale is perfect for fans of Crimson Peak, Erin A. Craig’s House of Salt and Sorrows, Lyndall Clipstone's Lakesedge or classic Gothic horror.
To save her, Anne must uncover the shadowy pasts of those who share her new home. Her sister’s husband refuses to speak of the disappearance of his last wife (or possibly wives), the domineering housekeeper hides her own secrets in a forbidden garden, and the handsome, enigmatic gardener urges Anne to escape the castle and leave her sister behind. There are signs, too, that something dark and supernatural haunts the estate.
If Anne misplaces her trust or fails to discover where the real danger lies, she’ll forfeit her sister’s life—and her own.
Told through the diaries and letters of those who live within the castle, this reimagining of the Bluebeard fairy tale is perfect for fans of Crimson Peak, Erin A. Craig’s House of Salt and Sorrows, Lyndall Clipstone's Lakesedge or classic Gothic horror.
303 pages, Paperback
Published April 25, 2023
42 people are currently reading
3391 people want to read
About the author
L.J. Thomas
3 books94 followersL.J. Thomas is a writer of speculative fiction. A native of South Dakota, she now lives in Minnesota with her husband and adopted dog. She works as an engineer by day and writes by night. In her free time she enjoys being outdoors, traveling, reading, and daydreaming about other worlds.
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August 16, 2024I've been reading this absentmindedly for the past month and decided it is simply not for me. The story is most definitely something I want to read but the way it's done... just not my style.
May 5, 2023
I was so lucky to get my hands on an advanced copy of this — The Bloody Key is a riveting addition to the canon of Gothic fiction.
I wasn’t familiar with the Bluebeard fairytale, but it was a joy to be introduced to it through the eyes of Anne and Liesl. LJ Thomas does a wonderful job creating their sisterly bond!
Bluebeard got under my skin, and every time a little more of his past was revealed, the more repulsed I became. Definitely an effectively creepy villain.
If you’re a fan of the original fairytale or Gothic fiction in general, The Bloody Key is definitely worth your while!
I wasn’t familiar with the Bluebeard fairytale, but it was a joy to be introduced to it through the eyes of Anne and Liesl. LJ Thomas does a wonderful job creating their sisterly bond!
Bluebeard got under my skin, and every time a little more of his past was revealed, the more repulsed I became. Definitely an effectively creepy villain.
If you’re a fan of the original fairytale or Gothic fiction in general, The Bloody Key is definitely worth your while!
November 1, 2024
Loved that it was written in letters and journal entries! Made it such a quick read!
May 18, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This started out really strong but kind of lost traction around the 40% mark for me. For a Gothic novel verging on horror, this fell short. Things happened way too quickly, and I felt like I was never given enough time to truly feel dread or get the sense of impending doom that I feel like the author was perhaps wanting to go for.
The story was intriguing enough, and I did want to know what went on with the wives. The Prose did its job without being groundbreaking was as lyrical as I would have liked.
Overall, I still enjoyed this book, and would recommend it of you're looking for a quick, engaging read.
This started out really strong but kind of lost traction around the 40% mark for me. For a Gothic novel verging on horror, this fell short. Things happened way too quickly, and I felt like I was never given enough time to truly feel dread or get the sense of impending doom that I feel like the author was perhaps wanting to go for.
The story was intriguing enough, and I did want to know what went on with the wives. The Prose did its job without being groundbreaking was as lyrical as I would have liked.
Overall, I still enjoyed this book, and would recommend it of you're looking for a quick, engaging read.
April 26, 2023
Thank you so much to Book Sirens for an early e-arc!
What a gothic gem of a book! LJ Thomas’s epistolary retelling of this timeless fairytale comes to life with the story of Anne and Liesl, two goatherd sisters charmed when Lord Bluebeard comes upon their meadow and draws them away to his mysterious castle after Liesl agrees to be his bride.
But not all is well with Anne and Liesl’s new life. The castle is filled with a cast of untrustworthy characters and gruesome secrets, and they must keep their wits about them as they learn to navigate their new home.
I loved this book! Anne is such a wonderfully curious protagonist, with her love for her sister and her curiosity and foreboding about their new home and Liesl’s new husband propelling her determination to learn all of the castle’s secrets. And the epistolary format allows us to glimpse not only Anne’s thoughts as she recounts the events of her and Liesl’s time with Bluebeard, but we also read accounts from others, including Bluebeard himself! (These entries in particular were wonderfully chilling and so eerie!!)
I also loved that this story included such a wonderful cast of characters, from Sebastian, the gardener who is by turns sweet and suspect of knowing more than he lets on, to Idonia, the stern housekeeper, and Cook, the jovial commander of the kitchen (whose recipes I desperately want to try!).
LJ’s writing is as lyrical and lush as a fairytale itself and effortlessly immersive, drawing you right into another time of daydreaming, would-be princesses hoping for fairytales come true.
Those who know the Bluebeard tale will find so much to love in this retelling. All the mystery and terror of the original story are included in spades here. And those who might be new to the Bluebeard story will root for Anne and Liesl and find wonder and fright in this haunting gothic tale.
What a gothic gem of a book! LJ Thomas’s epistolary retelling of this timeless fairytale comes to life with the story of Anne and Liesl, two goatherd sisters charmed when Lord Bluebeard comes upon their meadow and draws them away to his mysterious castle after Liesl agrees to be his bride.
But not all is well with Anne and Liesl’s new life. The castle is filled with a cast of untrustworthy characters and gruesome secrets, and they must keep their wits about them as they learn to navigate their new home.
I loved this book! Anne is such a wonderfully curious protagonist, with her love for her sister and her curiosity and foreboding about their new home and Liesl’s new husband propelling her determination to learn all of the castle’s secrets. And the epistolary format allows us to glimpse not only Anne’s thoughts as she recounts the events of her and Liesl’s time with Bluebeard, but we also read accounts from others, including Bluebeard himself! (These entries in particular were wonderfully chilling and so eerie!!)
I also loved that this story included such a wonderful cast of characters, from Sebastian, the gardener who is by turns sweet and suspect of knowing more than he lets on, to Idonia, the stern housekeeper, and Cook, the jovial commander of the kitchen (whose recipes I desperately want to try!).
LJ’s writing is as lyrical and lush as a fairytale itself and effortlessly immersive, drawing you right into another time of daydreaming, would-be princesses hoping for fairytales come true.
Those who know the Bluebeard tale will find so much to love in this retelling. All the mystery and terror of the original story are included in spades here. And those who might be new to the Bluebeard story will root for Anne and Liesl and find wonder and fright in this haunting gothic tale.
April 30, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
As a fan of fairy tale retellings, I was very excited to see an adaptation of Bluebeard. After reading it, I was not disappointed. I loved the writing style, the characters, and the mystery that the characters were unraveling.
The story is told in the form of letters and journal entries, giving a look inside the minds of the characters you don't get in a fairy tale. The journal entries come from Anne and Bluebeard, while the letters are from Liesl (Bluebeard's wife), Anne, and one of their brothers.
If you know the story of Bluebeard, you will know the major story beats. Despite this, there are some key differences. We learn about Bluebeard's past, his previous wives, and, because of the letter-writing style, we get to know sister Anne and thr test of the family.
As with most good books I read, I found myself wanting more information about the world overall. However, the book itself gave me actually what I needed to know as I was reading it. The story itself unfolds naturally, which I appreciated. It might not be a mystery to me, but it was for the characters, and it was fun to watch the characters piece things together.
Both Anne and Liesl have an interesting character arcs, making the story more compelling. The bond between the sisters was also fleshed out. Anne and Liesl felt like real sisters. They fought, but they also obviously love each other. Both Anne and Liesl fight passionately for each other, and this adds a new layer to the original tale.
If you are a fan of fairy tale retellings, stories about sisters, or the story Bluebeard, this is definitely a book worth checking out!
As a fan of fairy tale retellings, I was very excited to see an adaptation of Bluebeard. After reading it, I was not disappointed. I loved the writing style, the characters, and the mystery that the characters were unraveling.
The story is told in the form of letters and journal entries, giving a look inside the minds of the characters you don't get in a fairy tale. The journal entries come from Anne and Bluebeard, while the letters are from Liesl (Bluebeard's wife), Anne, and one of their brothers.
If you know the story of Bluebeard, you will know the major story beats. Despite this, there are some key differences. We learn about Bluebeard's past, his previous wives, and, because of the letter-writing style, we get to know sister Anne and thr test of the family.
As with most good books I read, I found myself wanting more information about the world overall. However, the book itself gave me actually what I needed to know as I was reading it. The story itself unfolds naturally, which I appreciated. It might not be a mystery to me, but it was for the characters, and it was fun to watch the characters piece things together.
Both Anne and Liesl have an interesting character arcs, making the story more compelling. The bond between the sisters was also fleshed out. Anne and Liesl felt like real sisters. They fought, but they also obviously love each other. Both Anne and Liesl fight passionately for each other, and this adds a new layer to the original tale.
If you are a fan of fairy tale retellings, stories about sisters, or the story Bluebeard, this is definitely a book worth checking out!
June 6, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Oh my god, SO GOOD. I already knew the Bluebeard story going into this, as well as Carter’s retelling in The Bloody Chamber but this was fabulous. I’ve read this as what I justified as revision since Carter is my set text in my next exam and BOY! The tension is even better in this retelling! The epistolary style blended Dracula with The Bloody Chamber and the first person really allows you to become a part of the story. The characters are lovable and you are rooting for them the whole time. If you don’t know the Bluebeard story DON’T LOOK IT UP. This story would be an amazing introduction it would shock you with the plot twist, I already knew it and I was like 😱😱😱 Very beautiful story and it’s not like classic gothic literature in the writing, it’s so easy to understand which is probably why I loved it so much, especially since it still had the good old gothic elements. L.J Thomas knows what the reader wants and left ABSOLUTELY NO CRUMBS. 100 Million/10 🤩
Oh my god, SO GOOD. I already knew the Bluebeard story going into this, as well as Carter’s retelling in The Bloody Chamber but this was fabulous. I’ve read this as what I justified as revision since Carter is my set text in my next exam and BOY! The tension is even better in this retelling! The epistolary style blended Dracula with The Bloody Chamber and the first person really allows you to become a part of the story. The characters are lovable and you are rooting for them the whole time. If you don’t know the Bluebeard story DON’T LOOK IT UP. This story would be an amazing introduction it would shock you with the plot twist, I already knew it and I was like 😱😱😱 Very beautiful story and it’s not like classic gothic literature in the writing, it’s so easy to understand which is probably why I loved it so much, especially since it still had the good old gothic elements. L.J Thomas knows what the reader wants and left ABSOLUTELY NO CRUMBS. 100 Million/10 🤩
July 7, 2023
“A few were perhaps jealous, like Silvia said, but none seemed afraid for us. So why, then, am I?” To me this line helped to set the tone in the rest of the book. This story is about a young teenage girl named Anne and the life-changing journey she goes through after her sister is courted by an older and wealthier man.
First, while I struggled to get into the book in the beginning after that I really couldn’t put it down and even rushed through my bath to pick it up again. The author uses the diary and letters of majorly Anne, the older sister, the husband and one of their brothers to tell us the story. While this would usually not capture me because I like going through the book with the MC as it happens, I feel like the author did a pretty good job of replicating that feeling while also sticking to the original theme of it being a diary told by Anne while also giving us glimpses of the other characters thoughts and motivations. I also loved how well thought out Anne was in terms of how a 15 year-old farm girl would act when given a totally new lifestyle. Throughout the book we see her feel such a range of emotions and we also get to see how the experience changes her view of the world and of people in general. Towards the end of the book I feel like the author did such a good job of showing the differences in the characters ages in small ways and to me that helped make the book.
One last thing that I truly enjoyed was the sisterhood we see between Anne and her older sister. I loved how the author really did capture the feelings of the younger sister feeling protective over her older sister and feeling that she had a duty to protect her no matter what.
Second, some things small things that made me struggle to get into the book was, again the storytelling being told through diaries and letters. While It is true that the author did a good job of it, it also felt rushed in the beginning especially the dialogue between the characters. We got introduced to so many characters in the beginning, but we never really hear from them again not even at the end of the book. We really only hear from one sibling and based on how close they are I feel like that’s kinda unrealistic.
Overall, I totally enjoyed reading this book, and I loved the take on the Bluebeard legend, to be honest it was one of the best parts of the book to me and it gave it a cute little horror aspect which I love ❤️ .
First, while I struggled to get into the book in the beginning after that I really couldn’t put it down and even rushed through my bath to pick it up again. The author uses the diary and letters of majorly Anne, the older sister, the husband and one of their brothers to tell us the story. While this would usually not capture me because I like going through the book with the MC as it happens, I feel like the author did a pretty good job of replicating that feeling while also sticking to the original theme of it being a diary told by Anne while also giving us glimpses of the other characters thoughts and motivations. I also loved how well thought out Anne was in terms of how a 15 year-old farm girl would act when given a totally new lifestyle. Throughout the book we see her feel such a range of emotions and we also get to see how the experience changes her view of the world and of people in general. Towards the end of the book I feel like the author did such a good job of showing the differences in the characters ages in small ways and to me that helped make the book.
One last thing that I truly enjoyed was the sisterhood we see between Anne and her older sister. I loved how the author really did capture the feelings of the younger sister feeling protective over her older sister and feeling that she had a duty to protect her no matter what.
Second, some things small things that made me struggle to get into the book was, again the storytelling being told through diaries and letters. While It is true that the author did a good job of it, it also felt rushed in the beginning especially the dialogue between the characters. We got introduced to so many characters in the beginning, but we never really hear from them again not even at the end of the book. We really only hear from one sibling and based on how close they are I feel like that’s kinda unrealistic.
Overall, I totally enjoyed reading this book, and I loved the take on the Bluebeard legend, to be honest it was one of the best parts of the book to me and it gave it a cute little horror aspect which I love ❤️ .
October 24, 2024
The Bloody Key is a gothic retelling of the classic Bluebeard tale 🗝🥀
The story follows Anne, who leaves her familiar life behind to move into a mysterious castle alongside her sister Liesl after Liesl marries the wealthy nobleman named Bluebeard. At first, the castle seems like a dream come true, complete with opulent halls and lavish balls. But then Liesl falls ill, and Anne begins to uncover the sinister truths hiding behind the castle's beautiful facade. We're talking whispering ghosts, a strange housekeeper with her own agenda, and a garden filled with poisonous plants 🌱🫣
One of the most striking aspects of The Bloody Key is how it interprets the themes of greed and ambition. This retelling taps into that essence, exploring how cruel ambition can corrupt not only an individual but also the lives of those around them. Secrets and deception also play crucial roles in the story.
The pacing of the story was spot on, maintaining suspense without feeling rushed or dragging through pivotal moments. And the way it’s written in letters and diary entries? I absolutely loved that! It adds such a personal touch to the story.
Anne and Liesl's sisterhood is the heart of the story. You can feel the deep bond they share. You can’t help but root for them as they face challenges and uncover dark secrets. The supporting cast (looking at you, Sebastian 😉) is equally intriguing, bringing depth to the plot with enough twists to keep you guessing.
Special thanks to L.J. Thomas for sending me a copy of this gem. If you’re on the hunt for something dark, intense, and atmospheric, The Bloody Key is the perfect addition to your autumnal and spooky TBR! 👻🍂🏰🕯
The story follows Anne, who leaves her familiar life behind to move into a mysterious castle alongside her sister Liesl after Liesl marries the wealthy nobleman named Bluebeard. At first, the castle seems like a dream come true, complete with opulent halls and lavish balls. But then Liesl falls ill, and Anne begins to uncover the sinister truths hiding behind the castle's beautiful facade. We're talking whispering ghosts, a strange housekeeper with her own agenda, and a garden filled with poisonous plants 🌱🫣
One of the most striking aspects of The Bloody Key is how it interprets the themes of greed and ambition. This retelling taps into that essence, exploring how cruel ambition can corrupt not only an individual but also the lives of those around them. Secrets and deception also play crucial roles in the story.
The pacing of the story was spot on, maintaining suspense without feeling rushed or dragging through pivotal moments. And the way it’s written in letters and diary entries? I absolutely loved that! It adds such a personal touch to the story.
Anne and Liesl's sisterhood is the heart of the story. You can feel the deep bond they share. You can’t help but root for them as they face challenges and uncover dark secrets. The supporting cast (looking at you, Sebastian 😉) is equally intriguing, bringing depth to the plot with enough twists to keep you guessing.
Special thanks to L.J. Thomas for sending me a copy of this gem. If you’re on the hunt for something dark, intense, and atmospheric, The Bloody Key is the perfect addition to your autumnal and spooky TBR! 👻🍂🏰🕯
December 5, 2023
An exciting retelling!
- I would like to thank the author for the eARC -
When a wealthy nobleman named Bluebeard stumbles in Anne's life and marries her sister, she ends up living with them in a strange castle in the woods. For someone who's spent her life in a simple farm, the luxury and balls that this new life brings are exciting. Until she starts hearing strange rumors about his brother in law and his previous wives...
I do love retellings and I was very excited to see what the author would do with Bluebeard. Although the first half of the book was sometimes a bit slow and dragging (probably because we "know" the story), the second half definitely made up for it in intensity and pace. I loved the relationship between Anne and her sister especially. It's not often that a sibling relationship is at the center of a book and it was refreshing to read this. The story was intriguing and I think the author really added some depth and plot twists to the initial story, which made it really exciting. The part of Bluebeeard's diary were also quite intriguing, I liked having his side of the story as well. Past some point I couldn't stop reading because I was really terrified for the girls and didn't know how they were going to make it out alive.
I recommend if you like short retellings that are intense!
"There are things that can't be unseen or unknown."
TW: violence, child abuse, murder, blood, death, corpse, kidnapping, abuse, assault
- I would like to thank the author for the eARC -
When a wealthy nobleman named Bluebeard stumbles in Anne's life and marries her sister, she ends up living with them in a strange castle in the woods. For someone who's spent her life in a simple farm, the luxury and balls that this new life brings are exciting. Until she starts hearing strange rumors about his brother in law and his previous wives...
I do love retellings and I was very excited to see what the author would do with Bluebeard. Although the first half of the book was sometimes a bit slow and dragging (probably because we "know" the story), the second half definitely made up for it in intensity and pace. I loved the relationship between Anne and her sister especially. It's not often that a sibling relationship is at the center of a book and it was refreshing to read this. The story was intriguing and I think the author really added some depth and plot twists to the initial story, which made it really exciting. The part of Bluebeeard's diary were also quite intriguing, I liked having his side of the story as well. Past some point I couldn't stop reading because I was really terrified for the girls and didn't know how they were going to make it out alive.
I recommend if you like short retellings that are intense!
"There are things that can't be unseen or unknown."
TW: violence, child abuse, murder, blood, death, corpse, kidnapping, abuse, assault
May 8, 2023
The Bloody Key (TBK) is, in a word, enthralling. From the epistolary format to the subconscious horror vibe, I was immediately hooked. I am such a huge fan of the Gothic horror genre, so to find a retelling of one of my absolute favorite fairytales and for that retelling to be so absolutely well-done, I am more than pleased.
I think one of the things I wanted more of was world-building. If the novel had contained a few sections of a bird’s eye view just to help orient readers in the story. That is just one potential for making this book 5 stars.
However, I still found this book absolutely stunning. I started reading late last night and couldn’t put it down until I finished. Definitely worth the read! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I think one of the things I wanted more of was world-building. If the novel had contained a few sections of a bird’s eye view just to help orient readers in the story. That is just one potential for making this book 5 stars.
However, I still found this book absolutely stunning. I started reading late last night and couldn’t put it down until I finished. Definitely worth the read! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 18, 2023
A refreshing take on the classic Bluebeard fairytale, The Bloody Key. The story is spun on its head from the get go by imaging our heroines as two goatherds, one that married Bluebeard and the other her loyal sister that comes to live with the newly married couple. The story is told from multiple perspectives: Anne's diary and letters to her brother Klaus, Liesel's letters to her mother, and Bluebeard's observations of his former wives and their demises. I truly loved this format at it truly felt like you were in the heads of the characters, especially Anne. I also loved the agency given to Anne. Things don't just happen to her, she makes things happen. This is not just a fairytale retelling, but a story of sisterly love and tenacity.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 8, 2023
You're gonna turn these pages so freaking fast.
*I received an ARC copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily*
I woke up at 2am a few nights ago. I thought "I'll read a few pages of The Bloody Key and fall back asleep."
What a stupid mistake.
Before I knew it, I was 54% through the book and it was almost time to get ready for work.
You won't be able to stop flipping the pages of TBK as you try to unfold the mystery of Bluebeard through the eyes of two endearing sisters.
A longer review to follow! (But first I have to catch up on my lost sleep)
*I received an ARC copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily*
I woke up at 2am a few nights ago. I thought "I'll read a few pages of The Bloody Key and fall back asleep."
What a stupid mistake.
Before I knew it, I was 54% through the book and it was almost time to get ready for work.
You won't be able to stop flipping the pages of TBK as you try to unfold the mystery of Bluebeard through the eyes of two endearing sisters.
A longer review to follow! (But first I have to catch up on my lost sleep)
July 26, 2023
Never having read the Bluebeard tale, I was intrigued by THE BLOODY KEY. I love a good fairy tale retelling, especially if it’s a new fairy tale for me.
The Bloody Key exalts the power of family bonds. Though Anne is the younger sister, she does her best to protect and support her older sister, even when they are far from home and their situation turns dire. The sisters’ bond is heartwarming.
Bluebeard’s perspective interspersed throughout gives some insight into the mystery Anne is trying to solve, creating a nice tension for the reader as her plans and Bluebeard’s frightening history intersect. There are lots of atmospheric touches too, hinting at the supernatural forces at work and giving the story a hearty dollop of Gothic flavor.
Secrets lurk in the many richly furnished rooms of Bluebeard’s old castle and the hearts of the side characters. I thought I had a character figured out, and then more of the story unfolds and completely overhauls my perspective. Idonia’s story was probably my favorite, but in order to keep this review spoiler-free, I’ll let you discover why. I’ll give you a hint though: there’s love involved. ;)
Though Anne is unsure who to trust, she is inevitably drawn to the mysterious gardener, Sebastian. Sebastian has all the makings of an intriguing love interest: striking dark hair, likes to get his hands dirty, appreciates the fragile beauty of the flowers… but the chemistry between these two was lacking for me, even with a ‘one-horse’ scene. Perhaps because Anne was so distrustful of everyone, it bled into this relationship for me? I’m not sure. There were also moments where the dialogue was a little too modern when Anne and Sebastian interacted, and it took me out of the story. But for the most part, the prose retained a historical feel everywhere else.
The story started off a bit slow for me. For the first half of the book, Anne repeats her desire to find out the truth about Bluebeard’s previous wives, but is distracted by her new experiences in Bluebeard’s castle. I can understand why; it’s relatable to get caught up in the glitz of the balls and celebrations, but it came across a touch repetitive to me.
After about halfway through, though, you better hold on tight, because The Bloody Key was a lot harder to put down. And let’s just say the ending delivered justice, and was very, very satisfying.
I was given the opportunity to read an advanced review copy of this book, and all my views and impressions were given truthfully and voluntarily.
The Bloody Key exalts the power of family bonds. Though Anne is the younger sister, she does her best to protect and support her older sister, even when they are far from home and their situation turns dire. The sisters’ bond is heartwarming.
Bluebeard’s perspective interspersed throughout gives some insight into the mystery Anne is trying to solve, creating a nice tension for the reader as her plans and Bluebeard’s frightening history intersect. There are lots of atmospheric touches too, hinting at the supernatural forces at work and giving the story a hearty dollop of Gothic flavor.
Secrets lurk in the many richly furnished rooms of Bluebeard’s old castle and the hearts of the side characters. I thought I had a character figured out, and then more of the story unfolds and completely overhauls my perspective. Idonia’s story was probably my favorite, but in order to keep this review spoiler-free, I’ll let you discover why. I’ll give you a hint though: there’s love involved. ;)
Though Anne is unsure who to trust, she is inevitably drawn to the mysterious gardener, Sebastian. Sebastian has all the makings of an intriguing love interest: striking dark hair, likes to get his hands dirty, appreciates the fragile beauty of the flowers… but the chemistry between these two was lacking for me, even with a ‘one-horse’ scene. Perhaps because Anne was so distrustful of everyone, it bled into this relationship for me? I’m not sure. There were also moments where the dialogue was a little too modern when Anne and Sebastian interacted, and it took me out of the story. But for the most part, the prose retained a historical feel everywhere else.
The story started off a bit slow for me. For the first half of the book, Anne repeats her desire to find out the truth about Bluebeard’s previous wives, but is distracted by her new experiences in Bluebeard’s castle. I can understand why; it’s relatable to get caught up in the glitz of the balls and celebrations, but it came across a touch repetitive to me.
After about halfway through, though, you better hold on tight, because The Bloody Key was a lot harder to put down. And let’s just say the ending delivered justice, and was very, very satisfying.
I was given the opportunity to read an advanced review copy of this book, and all my views and impressions were given truthfully and voluntarily.
November 25, 2023
I received this book for free. This does not impact my review in any shape or form.
The Bloody Key: A Bluebeard Retelling by L.J Thomas is a gothic fairytale about trusting your instincts and your family, no matter how good a promise may seem. Anne is the youngest daughter of a peasant goatherd. Creative and critical in general, she dreams of being a writer. One day, a mysterious nobleman named Bluebeard decides to court, and later marry, her older sister, Liesl. The two sisters are then whisked away to Bluebeard’s castle, where everything isn’t as it seems. Terrible secrets are etched into the castle walls. Soon enough, Anne tries to uncover the past, if only to protect her sister from the darkness within.
I remembered reading Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Estés. It offers a Jungian analysis to age old fairytales from around the world, and in it, an empowering retelling of Bluebeard. Bluebeard’s wife had failed to heed her sister’s warnings, and it wasn’t until she was finally confronted with her husband’s dark secrets did she realize she needed to escape. In the same way, Anne, as well as the other wives, helped Liesl find herself and rely on herself and the people she cared about to keep her safe, even if help was far away. While it’s okay to lean on the men in our lives for protection, at the end of the day we have to know who our allies are. I used to volunteer at a rape crisis center, and from then on, even with my private practice, worked with community centers dedicated to empowering individuals who have experienced homelessness and domestic violence. You wanna know the sad truth? A lot of the clients I serve were women who trusted the wrong men, who refused to heed their families and loved ones, and found themselves trapped, very much like Liesl. The difference is, unlike those women, Liesl has Anne. The fact they’re giving back to their own village speaks volumes to how important they understand it is to be independent.
I also liked knowing Bluebeard’s point of view. In a twisted way, he did love his wives, even though he chose himself every single time. It humanizes him, and we get to see how his thirst for knowledge and power led him to become so inhumane. He reminds me of the pastors who try manipulating their congregations into giving more money for their own personal desires, or priestesses from covens who put their fellow members down to build themselves up.
I enjoyed this book, and as such, I would give this book a 5 out of 5 stars.
The Bloody Key: A Bluebeard Retelling by L.J Thomas is a gothic fairytale about trusting your instincts and your family, no matter how good a promise may seem. Anne is the youngest daughter of a peasant goatherd. Creative and critical in general, she dreams of being a writer. One day, a mysterious nobleman named Bluebeard decides to court, and later marry, her older sister, Liesl. The two sisters are then whisked away to Bluebeard’s castle, where everything isn’t as it seems. Terrible secrets are etched into the castle walls. Soon enough, Anne tries to uncover the past, if only to protect her sister from the darkness within.
I remembered reading Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Estés. It offers a Jungian analysis to age old fairytales from around the world, and in it, an empowering retelling of Bluebeard. Bluebeard’s wife had failed to heed her sister’s warnings, and it wasn’t until she was finally confronted with her husband’s dark secrets did she realize she needed to escape. In the same way, Anne, as well as the other wives, helped Liesl find herself and rely on herself and the people she cared about to keep her safe, even if help was far away. While it’s okay to lean on the men in our lives for protection, at the end of the day we have to know who our allies are. I used to volunteer at a rape crisis center, and from then on, even with my private practice, worked with community centers dedicated to empowering individuals who have experienced homelessness and domestic violence. You wanna know the sad truth? A lot of the clients I serve were women who trusted the wrong men, who refused to heed their families and loved ones, and found themselves trapped, very much like Liesl. The difference is, unlike those women, Liesl has Anne. The fact they’re giving back to their own village speaks volumes to how important they understand it is to be independent.
I also liked knowing Bluebeard’s point of view. In a twisted way, he did love his wives, even though he chose himself every single time. It humanizes him, and we get to see how his thirst for knowledge and power led him to become so inhumane. He reminds me of the pastors who try manipulating their congregations into giving more money for their own personal desires, or priestesses from covens who put their fellow members down to build themselves up.
I enjoyed this book, and as such, I would give this book a 5 out of 5 stars.
March 28, 2023
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is closer to 3.5 stars, but, like, the highest possible 3.5 stars you could give to something. Because The Bloody Key is so. Fucking. READABLE. I sat down to read the first few chapters and the next thing I knew, hours had passed and I had finished it in one go. Epistolary novels are incredibly few and far between these days, and the way the author layered journal entries with letters from different people made it so easy to digest the story.
Unfortunately, the epistolary structure is also one of its biggest drawbacks. Maybe this is a problem that only I have with style, but I find that narrating the action of the climax with the knowledge that it is in post cleaves the tension in half. The final scene with Bluebeard felt very much like someone was telling me a story that happened to them and their friends, and we all know those "you had to be there" stories. I WANTED to be there. I wanted it so badly, but I wasn't. And in a Bluebeard retelling, where the entire fairytale hinges on the building of suspense and horror, I needed that. The moment where we find the dead wives? I don't want to be told about that in post. I want to FEEL the blood under my shoes and the smell of rotting corpses.
I regret to inform you that the delivery of the signature Bluebeard suspense and horror is not nearly as strong as I expected going in. Without going into spoilers, the thing that first clued me in was that Bluebeard genuinely had a blue beard. I admit that I am moderately more pretentious than the average reader, but certain details in the story prevented me from taking it seriously.
The story doesn't seem to know whether it wants to be a fully expanded and lived-in world or a fairytale with purposely vague set pieces. While it was a very quick, entertaining, and easy read, I would've loved it more if we got to expand on everything. And I do mean everything. From Anne and Bluebeard's relationship to the village setpiece before we move into the castle, to the suspense and mystery of the dead wives. All of it. I wanted more.
This is closer to 3.5 stars, but, like, the highest possible 3.5 stars you could give to something. Because The Bloody Key is so. Fucking. READABLE. I sat down to read the first few chapters and the next thing I knew, hours had passed and I had finished it in one go. Epistolary novels are incredibly few and far between these days, and the way the author layered journal entries with letters from different people made it so easy to digest the story.
Unfortunately, the epistolary structure is also one of its biggest drawbacks. Maybe this is a problem that only I have with style, but I find that narrating the action of the climax with the knowledge that it is in post cleaves the tension in half. The final scene with Bluebeard felt very much like someone was telling me a story that happened to them and their friends, and we all know those "you had to be there" stories. I WANTED to be there. I wanted it so badly, but I wasn't. And in a Bluebeard retelling, where the entire fairytale hinges on the building of suspense and horror, I needed that. The moment where we find the dead wives? I don't want to be told about that in post. I want to FEEL the blood under my shoes and the smell of rotting corpses.
I regret to inform you that the delivery of the signature Bluebeard suspense and horror is not nearly as strong as I expected going in. Without going into spoilers, the thing that first clued me in was that Bluebeard genuinely had a blue beard. I admit that I am moderately more pretentious than the average reader, but certain details in the story prevented me from taking it seriously.
The story doesn't seem to know whether it wants to be a fully expanded and lived-in world or a fairytale with purposely vague set pieces. While it was a very quick, entertaining, and easy read, I would've loved it more if we got to expand on everything. And I do mean everything. From Anne and Bluebeard's relationship to the village setpiece before we move into the castle, to the suspense and mystery of the dead wives. All of it. I wanted more.
May 13, 2023
The Bloody Key by LJ Thomas first popped onto my radar through one of the many newsletters I had fully forgotten I was subscribed to (honestly, author newsletters are worth it for the surprise books alone, strong recommend). I was thrilled at the premise! But I have to admit, I had never actually heard the original Bluebeard fairytale that this story is based on, and unfortunately confused him with Blackbeard … so I might have been anticipating far more pirates in this story when I signed up for an ARC. However, the lack of swashbuckling did not stop me from enjoying this wonderful little gothic horror retelling, at all!
Anne is part of a large and loving family. She lives in a picturesque little village, the kind that inspires painters to create fine landscapes, and spends her time looking after her father’s goats. But, while her life may seem all daisy chains and sunshine, trying to survive in the countryside is far from easy. The family struggles to make enough to keep themselves afloat, and winters are bleak. So, when a dashing nobleman arrives in the neighbourhood, promising wealth and security for the whole family if Anne or her sister, Liesl, will agree to be his wife, it seems like a dream come true. Sure, he’s older than both the girls combined, and there are rumours that his last wife disappeared, never to be seen from again. But can they afford to pass this opportunity up?
Liesl decides that they cannot and agrees to marry the enigmatic Bluebeard. But when the vows are said and done, Anne still feels uneasy. To keep her sister safe, she will follow Liesl into the bowels of Tiefenwald Castle and hope that her own ever curious nature doesn’t lead them both into further danger.
As my first encounter with the Bluebeard story, I think The Bloody Key did a fantastic job. The epistolary narration was an interesting choice, giving it a Dracula-esque feel, but with a youthful, innocent perspective (Anne is only fifteen), that highlighted the gruesome aspects of the tale in a particularly grizzly way. Watching Anne’s character develop from overly curious and naïve, to clearly traumatised and struggling to remain open to the world was compelling, and there was some excellent moments of tension created as clues dripped slowly into the her diary pages.
That being said, I felt like something was missing from The Bloody Key that would have given it that extra special five-star dazzle. Having read around a bit, I don’t think the novel did anything particularly new with the story, and I felt that there were a few missed opportunities to really make it bounce. For instance, most of the tale is told from Anne’s perspective, which means Bluebeard (arguably the most interesting character in the story) is somewhat absent, appearing only in his handful of diary entries and the beginning and end of Anne’s narration. I love a good villain, particularly one with a skewed sense of morality and an inflated ego, but there is so very little of Bluebeard in this book that you only really get a hint of who he is as a character. I would have loved to see him interact with Anne more, perhaps catching her snooping, or pointing her on the wrong track with a cleverly worded comment. Instead, Anne spends most of her time in the castle gardens, developing a romance that didn’t really hit for me. Particularly as the man in question sort of flounders around, not quite giving her enough information to protect herself.
Essentially, if you’re looking for something spooky, a bit grizzly, but also easy to read and not horrendously intense, The Bloody Key by LJ Thomas is a very, very good option. It’s a solid retelling, and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a bit of fun to chip away at over a cup of tea (~winks~). But if you want something more involved, this is not the book for you.
Anne is part of a large and loving family. She lives in a picturesque little village, the kind that inspires painters to create fine landscapes, and spends her time looking after her father’s goats. But, while her life may seem all daisy chains and sunshine, trying to survive in the countryside is far from easy. The family struggles to make enough to keep themselves afloat, and winters are bleak. So, when a dashing nobleman arrives in the neighbourhood, promising wealth and security for the whole family if Anne or her sister, Liesl, will agree to be his wife, it seems like a dream come true. Sure, he’s older than both the girls combined, and there are rumours that his last wife disappeared, never to be seen from again. But can they afford to pass this opportunity up?
Liesl decides that they cannot and agrees to marry the enigmatic Bluebeard. But when the vows are said and done, Anne still feels uneasy. To keep her sister safe, she will follow Liesl into the bowels of Tiefenwald Castle and hope that her own ever curious nature doesn’t lead them both into further danger.
As my first encounter with the Bluebeard story, I think The Bloody Key did a fantastic job. The epistolary narration was an interesting choice, giving it a Dracula-esque feel, but with a youthful, innocent perspective (Anne is only fifteen), that highlighted the gruesome aspects of the tale in a particularly grizzly way. Watching Anne’s character develop from overly curious and naïve, to clearly traumatised and struggling to remain open to the world was compelling, and there was some excellent moments of tension created as clues dripped slowly into the her diary pages.
That being said, I felt like something was missing from The Bloody Key that would have given it that extra special five-star dazzle. Having read around a bit, I don’t think the novel did anything particularly new with the story, and I felt that there were a few missed opportunities to really make it bounce. For instance, most of the tale is told from Anne’s perspective, which means Bluebeard (arguably the most interesting character in the story) is somewhat absent, appearing only in his handful of diary entries and the beginning and end of Anne’s narration. I love a good villain, particularly one with a skewed sense of morality and an inflated ego, but there is so very little of Bluebeard in this book that you only really get a hint of who he is as a character. I would have loved to see him interact with Anne more, perhaps catching her snooping, or pointing her on the wrong track with a cleverly worded comment. Instead, Anne spends most of her time in the castle gardens, developing a romance that didn’t really hit for me. Particularly as the man in question sort of flounders around, not quite giving her enough information to protect herself.
Essentially, if you’re looking for something spooky, a bit grizzly, but also easy to read and not horrendously intense, The Bloody Key by LJ Thomas is a very, very good option. It’s a solid retelling, and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a bit of fun to chip away at over a cup of tea (~winks~). But if you want something more involved, this is not the book for you.
April 29, 2023
The story is interesting, but the method of telling misses the mark. Most journal entries don’t include such minute details as ‘she smiled and arched an eyebrow’ and ‘smiled conspiratorially’, nor do they usually detail one’s family history. And describing characters in first-person can be especially tricky, because most people don’t sit around thinking about someone’s physical attributes in the same way a third-person narrative could use. ‘Light spilled through the lace curtains over the windows, drawing attention to her straw-pale hair and dark blue eyes’ isn’t something you expect to read in a first-person narrative.
However, I do quite like other aspects of the book. The strange goings-on when Anne spends the night in her sister’s room and experiences the disturbances, and the mystery of just what is happening in the castle. And I love Sebastian. The scene on the balcony before he left was heartbreaking, and I spent the rest of the book hoping they’d be able to make up (and was thoroughly glad when they did).
When Anne discovered the poison garden, it felt a bit convenient—oh look, a garden full of poison that she investigates when her sister falls ill—but I love the twist that Idonia was trying to kill Bluebeard, not Liesl. And I adored Idonia’s whole story, even if as readers we don’t understand why she’s being harsh in the beginning.
While I felt there were a few hiccups in regard to the storytelling, the tale itself was an enjoyable one.
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
However, I do quite like other aspects of the book. The strange goings-on when Anne spends the night in her sister’s room and experiences the disturbances, and the mystery of just what is happening in the castle. And I love Sebastian. The scene on the balcony before he left was heartbreaking, and I spent the rest of the book hoping they’d be able to make up (and was thoroughly glad when they did).
When Anne discovered the poison garden, it felt a bit convenient—oh look, a garden full of poison that she investigates when her sister falls ill—but I love the twist that Idonia was trying to kill Bluebeard, not Liesl. And I adored Idonia’s whole story, even if as readers we don’t understand why she’s being harsh in the beginning.
While I felt there were a few hiccups in regard to the storytelling, the tale itself was an enjoyable one.
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2023
I received a free ARC copy of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.
I find the story of Bluebeard fascinating but you don’t see it addressed very often in retellings. That in itself gives this book an interesting angle. It’s also a quick read and very easy to digest.
I loved seeing Anne and Liesl interact. Sibling relationships can be so much fun in fiction and I’m always glad to see it.
Given the nature of the story, there’s some “ick” to Bluebeard but the story takes full advantage of this, addressing it head on.
I was a bit disappointed as the book presents the story as sections of the girls’ diaries but the prose doesn’t reflect that—it’s technically told in 1st person, but the characters know way too much for something to be a diary entry. It works fine that way but when the prose presents it as a diary entry but the writing doesn’t reflect it—it’s a bit disappointing.
But all in all, it’s a fun retelling of a not often addressed story and well worth a few hours of your time.
I find the story of Bluebeard fascinating but you don’t see it addressed very often in retellings. That in itself gives this book an interesting angle. It’s also a quick read and very easy to digest.
I loved seeing Anne and Liesl interact. Sibling relationships can be so much fun in fiction and I’m always glad to see it.
Given the nature of the story, there’s some “ick” to Bluebeard but the story takes full advantage of this, addressing it head on.
I was a bit disappointed as the book presents the story as sections of the girls’ diaries but the prose doesn’t reflect that—it’s technically told in 1st person, but the characters know way too much for something to be a diary entry. It works fine that way but when the prose presents it as a diary entry but the writing doesn’t reflect it—it’s a bit disappointing.
But all in all, it’s a fun retelling of a not often addressed story and well worth a few hours of your time.
November 3, 2024
*Thank you LJ Thomas for the copy for an honest review!*
This had me at Bluebeard retelling. As it is a lesser known fairytale, I personally have not seen many retellings, though I have always thought it would be an interesting one to be re-told. Although it is one of the darker fairytales, it is pretty perfect for reading during spooky season!
I enjoyed the style, written as diary entries from our main character, Anne, Bluebeard's own personal writings, and the occasional letter written by Leisl. The pacing was done really well and kept me interested all the way through. There were moments of unease that seeped through the page, and the high stakes towards the end of the story were palpable. It was very well thought out, and just enough detail was given throughout the story. The characters were all interesting, and the relationship between Anne and Leisl was believable and sweet.
I would recommend this one to anyone who enjoys fairytale retellings, a bit of a spook factor, and a bond between two sisters that is unshakable.
This had me at Bluebeard retelling. As it is a lesser known fairytale, I personally have not seen many retellings, though I have always thought it would be an interesting one to be re-told. Although it is one of the darker fairytales, it is pretty perfect for reading during spooky season!
I enjoyed the style, written as diary entries from our main character, Anne, Bluebeard's own personal writings, and the occasional letter written by Leisl. The pacing was done really well and kept me interested all the way through. There were moments of unease that seeped through the page, and the high stakes towards the end of the story were palpable. It was very well thought out, and just enough detail was given throughout the story. The characters were all interesting, and the relationship between Anne and Leisl was believable and sweet.
I would recommend this one to anyone who enjoys fairytale retellings, a bit of a spook factor, and a bond between two sisters that is unshakable.
May 4, 2025
A retelling of the classic Bluebeard fairy tale. Anne and her sister Liesl are simple goatherds when a distinguished nobleman comes across them. He decides then and there that he chooses to court them and will pick one of them to be his wife. After a few weeks Liesl accepts his marriage proposal and they are married. Liesl asks to bring Anne with and it's allowed. But as soon as they move into Bluebeard's expansive estate, Liesl gets seemingly sickly and strange things occur throughout the house. Eventually Bluebeard needs to leave for a couple of weeks and he tells Liesl that she has free reign of the house and to look everywhere EXCEPT a particular room in the house...but still gives her the key to it. And all plays out as one would expect and she finds his previous wives's bodies used to further extend his own life. All of this was told mainly through Anne's perspective through diary entries and letters with some other diary entries/letters from Bluebeard and Liesl as well. Was a decent book, but nothing too altogether special. Quick read.
April 6, 2023
*I received the ARC through Booksirens for free and am voluntarily leaving this review.
When a wealthy nobleman asks for Anne's sister, Liesl's, hand in marriage, she was expecting a fantastical fairytale life inside the giant castle. But instead, she is greeted with mystery and danger lurking around the corner. Anne would have to save her and her sister without alerting the staff and her sister's husband, the infamous Bluebeard.
I really enjoyed this book! The fantasy element is very charming and the characters were endearing! The format of the book really intrigued me, the entire story being told through Anne's diary entries and letters to her family. The writing is descriptive and beautiful, although it doesn't seem like super realistic diary entries.
The plot is intriguing and I was very excited to finish the book once I started! Definitely didn't disappoint and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for an exciting fantasy novel!
When a wealthy nobleman asks for Anne's sister, Liesl's, hand in marriage, she was expecting a fantastical fairytale life inside the giant castle. But instead, she is greeted with mystery and danger lurking around the corner. Anne would have to save her and her sister without alerting the staff and her sister's husband, the infamous Bluebeard.
I really enjoyed this book! The fantasy element is very charming and the characters were endearing! The format of the book really intrigued me, the entire story being told through Anne's diary entries and letters to her family. The writing is descriptive and beautiful, although it doesn't seem like super realistic diary entries.
The plot is intriguing and I was very excited to finish the book once I started! Definitely didn't disappoint and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for an exciting fantasy novel!
May 28, 2023
This was an overall engaging story with interesting and unique characters and has a plot that kept me interested, particularly towards the end. I wasn't a fan of the diary format, but found this was less of an issue for me on the last half of the book. I found the story to move too slowly for my taste during the middle of the book, but by the last fourth of the book I was hooked on the story and had no trouble finishing it quickly. I found the characters likeable and I was curious to learn more about them. I gave this 3.5 stars because I didn't like the diary format and there was not enough action in the middle of the book. If I was basing my review on the first and last quarter of the book I would give this a 5 stars. Overall this was an interesting and memorable story that I enjoyed reading.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I appreciate the author and BookSirens for providing this copy to me!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I appreciate the author and BookSirens for providing this copy to me!
May 9, 2023
Wanted to DNF but waded through. I had high hopes for this, but it was such a let down. I rarely dislike books to the point of giving it a DNF but this was definitely one of those I should have.
The writing was so juvenile, like this was reading for pre teens, yet the material was very adultish. I had a hard time wanting to even read past the first few pages and I normally love books written for young people. I felt like the epistolary format was not the way to go with this story.
I didn’t like that every time Anne wrote in her diary she’d split it in two saying “later.” When one writes in a diary, does one really need to write that something happens later? It was just weird and made the writing choppy. IDK wish I had something positive to say, but I just don’t.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The writing was so juvenile, like this was reading for pre teens, yet the material was very adultish. I had a hard time wanting to even read past the first few pages and I normally love books written for young people. I felt like the epistolary format was not the way to go with this story.
I didn’t like that every time Anne wrote in her diary she’d split it in two saying “later.” When one writes in a diary, does one really need to write that something happens later? It was just weird and made the writing choppy. IDK wish I had something positive to say, but I just don’t.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 21, 2023
I loved that the author used Bluebeard as a the base of this fairy tale retelling, and it worked so well overall. It had the same great magic as the first book and that cover really added to the intregue that I was looking for. The characters worked well overall and I enjoyed getting to know them. I enjoyed the way L. J. Thomas wrote this and can't wait for more from them.
"Cacilie does not understand my quest for immortality. “We are blessed, my darling. Why spend your days searching for ways to extend your life when you could enjoy the time we have now?” Sometimes, she blushes and adds, “We could try again for an heir—that is how most men extend their legacies, is it not?”
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
"Cacilie does not understand my quest for immortality. “We are blessed, my darling. Why spend your days searching for ways to extend your life when you could enjoy the time we have now?” Sometimes, she blushes and adds, “We could try again for an heir—that is how most men extend their legacies, is it not?”
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 26, 2023
One of the best Bloody Key retellings I've read in my time (and I didn't even read it in its final form yet, so this review is based on a much less polished version than the final one). The story sticks close to the source material, but it also deviates enough to keep you on your toes. I can see people familiar with the tale as coming to love it, but I can also see people unfamiliar with it as coming to love it. It has suspense, mystery, a sisterly dynamic that's to die for, and the atmosphere leans appropriately gothic. And then there's the lyrical prose, which absolutely fits the theme and setting. I don't see why you shouldn't read it. You may not love the whole thing, like I did, but you will definitely find parts of it to love.
April 27, 2023
I went into the book completely blind. I don’t even know the original story of Bluebeard. After reading The Bloody Key I don’t think even the original can compare to this retelling. It’s that amazing! Every time I picked this book up I would get lost for much longer than I intended. I found myself reading it every chance I could and I was not disappointed. There’s adventure, ghosts that haunt the castle and a sweet bond between sisters. The writing style described everything perfectly without making me feel overwhelmed with details. If you’re looking for a creative retelling with a little bit of romance, a bit of murder mystery and a lot of gothic vibes, then this one is for you. Thank you to Book Sirens for the free e-arc and to L. J. Thomas for giving us such a fun retelling.
May 19, 2023
LJ Thomas is a favorite author of mine since reading We Survivors - I didn't even like post-apocalyptic reads and fell head over heels in love with it. Certainly, a retelling of Bluebeard could do the same? I wasn't familiar with the Bluebeard story but am now wanting to find out more.
What starts out as a quaint countryside setting soon turns into a castle in the woods with a tragic history and rumors of ghosts. You're speaking my language! I was immediately sucked in. The words on the page grabbed me by finger and kept me turning the pages to unravel the creepy mystery. The story is written with letters and journal entries (where clues were sprinkled) and gave a unique perspective. Well done!
What starts out as a quaint countryside setting soon turns into a castle in the woods with a tragic history and rumors of ghosts. You're speaking my language! I was immediately sucked in. The words on the page grabbed me by finger and kept me turning the pages to unravel the creepy mystery. The story is written with letters and journal entries (where clues were sprinkled) and gave a unique perspective. Well done!
April 27, 2024
Overall, I enjoyed this tale. This story is told in a little bit of a different way (as if told through their writings) and through multiple POVs. A majority of the story is told through Anne’s POV- through writings in her diary and letters to her family. There’s also excerpts from Bluebeard’s diary and Liesl’s letters to home. The intertwining letters and diary entries are structured in such a way that the story gets pushed forward nicely and the pacing remains steady.
Find the full blog post at heatherlbarksdale.com.
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
Find the full blog post at heatherlbarksdale.com.
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
August 30, 2025
Bluebeard - such a horrifically wonderful fairy tale
The author stated in the acknowledgements that she had been introduced to Bluebeard in a book of fairy tales. The same happened to me sixty years ago. My mother read to us from a book of fairy tales, and I became fascinated by the story of Bluebeard, asking her to read it again and again. When I came upon this novel, I knew I had to read it. It did not disappoint. It was an enjoyable read seeing the story fleshed out according to Thomas’s imagination. Although I knew the end before I began, getting from the beginning of the novel to the end was a great journey! This is an excellent gothic thriller.
The author stated in the acknowledgements that she had been introduced to Bluebeard in a book of fairy tales. The same happened to me sixty years ago. My mother read to us from a book of fairy tales, and I became fascinated by the story of Bluebeard, asking her to read it again and again. When I came upon this novel, I knew I had to read it. It did not disappoint. It was an enjoyable read seeing the story fleshed out according to Thomas’s imagination. Although I knew the end before I began, getting from the beginning of the novel to the end was a great journey! This is an excellent gothic thriller.
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