Hall of Deception

by P.L. Jonas

Dee Danes, an orphan raised by her spiteful cousin, is inexperienced in love and desperately wants to fit in. She takes a job tutoring a little girl at a mansion, secretly fantasizing about romance with the owner, just like her beloved heroine Jane Eyre. The strikingly handsome and wealthy owner of Rothmorton Hall, Hugh Roth, appears to enjoy embarrassing her and Dee worries she's made a terrible mistake. Mystery surrounds the other staff and Hugh, particularly the ex-wife everyone is forbidden to discuss. Shocking truths about Hugh are exposed and Dee struggles to accept the lies and deceptions questioning the man he truly is. When frightening attempts on Hugh's life and other strange incidents occur, Dee fears for the lives of those she's come to care for-and perhaps even her own.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance

211 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 13, 2023

About the author

A native Arizonan, P. L. Jonas has traveled all over the US and ten other countries. Her stories draw from personal experience, a fascination with history, and a love of research. When she's not writing or editing, he's reading or painting while her beloved cat looks on.

Awards
"Eternal Hearts: A Journey Across Time" 2025 PenCraft Literary Award of Excellence for Romance/Fantasy/SciFi, 2nd Place
"Sea of Doubt: Can We Ever Escape Our Secrets?" 2024 Firebird Bood Award
"Hall of Deception: a post-WWII romantic suspense," received The Historical Fiction Company Highly Recommended 5-Star Award
Published by Black Rose Writing, 2023
"Beneath A Radiant Moon," First Place 2020 CIBA Goethe Category for 20th Century Historical Fiction. Release Fall 2025, publisher Scarsdale Press

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Reviews

[Kerry Chaput · Rating 5 out of 5]

Think Downton Abbey in a 1950s East Coast mansion. With all the intrigue and secrets you’d expect from a brooding, handsome owner of a grand estate, Hugh must untangle his past when Dee arrives to tutor his niece. Sparks fly and secrets are revealed while a swoony historical romance is afoot.

[Joseph Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unsophisticated young lady from Illinois takes a tutoring job at a wealthy manor near Boston. She arrives to a cat nailed to a tree, running footsteps in the middle of the night, secrets kept, the possibility of love, and a huge unexpected twist. All the makings of a romantic thriller that takes place in the 1950's. A solid 4.5 stars!

[Pam Mortensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good romance, and this one did not disappoint! “Hall of Deception” transports readers to the post-WWII era and is filled with suspense and intrigue, thanks to secrets and a gripping crime subplot.

With her shy innocence and tumultuous past, the protagonist, Dee, finds refuge in the pages of her favorite book, “Jane Eyre”. Dee soon finds herself wrapped in a similar situation with her new wealthy employer, Hugh — yet not without moments of self-doubt and peril that add a thrilling dimension to her story.

This novel entertained me and kindled a desire to reread the old timeless favorite “Jane Eyre” again.

[Reading is Life · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you loved Jane Eyre, then you’ll love Hall of Deception. The story blends the gothic mystery and charm with the beauty of post WWII America. The main characters, Dee and Hugh, have an instant chemistry on the page and as we watch their love grow Im reminded of why I fell in love with gothic romance. The long looks, the subtle tension, all leading to that declaration of love. there’s a great cast of secondary characters to round out the household and you’re left wondering until the end who will be Mr. Rochester’s wife.

[Literary Titan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hall of Deception, by P.L. Jonas, is a captivating historical fiction romance set in the atmospheric world of 1953. The story follows Dee Danes, a young and inexperienced orphan raised by a spiteful cousin, who seizes an opportunity to become a tutor at the mysterious Rothmorton Hall. With dreams of a romance akin to her favorite heroine, Jane Eyre, Dee finds herself entranced by the mansion's enigmatic owner, Hugh Roth. However, Roth's playful yet elusive nature, combined with the dark secrets lurking within the estate, fills Dee with doubt and trepidation.

This gothic mystery weaves a spellbinding tale of romance and suspense, drawing readers into the post-WWII American setting with skill and charm. Jonas’s storytelling pays homage to classic gothic romances, yet adds a fresh twist that ensures Hall of Deception stands out in its own right. In the opulent yet ominous Rothmorton Hall, Dee's romantic notions are quickly entangled with the mansion’s secrets and the unnerving behavior of its inhabitants. Hugh Roth, with his compelling allure and wealth, seems to take pleasure in keeping Dee in a state of uncertainty, causing her to question her decision to come to Rothmorton Hall.

Jonas crafts a psychologically rich narrative filled with startling revelations and perilous deceptions. The chemistry between Dee and Hugh crackles with tension, echoing the classic allure of gothic romances but infused with a vibrant, contemporary dynamic that keeps the story fresh and engaging. The supporting characters, from the kind-hearted Mrs. Chambers to the enigmatic nurse Sylvi, enrich the narrative, adding layers of complexity and intrigue that will keep readers guessing until the final pages. Peril stalks the halls of Rothmorton, with acts of vandalism and threats to lives escalating the tension. As Dee navigates her deepening feelings for Hugh and the growing mysteries of the hall, Jonas delivers a riveting page-turner that masterfully balances romance and suspense.

Hall of Deception is a compelling read, blending the haunting beauty of gothic romance with the thrill of a suspenseful mystery. P.L. Jonas has crafted a novel that not only honors the legacy of authors like Charlotte Brontë but also carves out a unique and memorable niche in the genre. This is a must-read for anyone who delights in a mystery steeped in passion and suspense.

[Michelle Caffrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of Hall of Deception
P. L. Jonas delivers a captivating blend of romance, intrigue, and suspense in Hall of Deception, a post-WWII tale set in the picturesque yet foreboding town of Plymouth, Massachusetts. Fans of classic romances like Jane Eyre will be drawn to the novel’s rich atmosphere and emotionally charged storytelling.
Dee Danes, a young orphan burdened by her past, is a heroine readers can’t help but root for. Her journey begins with dreams of finding love and belonging as she accepts a tutoring job at the enigmatic Rothmorton Hall. However, her romantic idealism is quickly challenged by Hugh Roth, the mansion’s brooding, sowner. Their dynamic brims with tension, as Hugh alternates between haughty arrogance and hints of vulnerability, keeping Dee—and readers—guessing about his true nature.
Jonas masterfully weaves a web of secrets and danger, from the hushed whispers about Hugh’s mysterious ex-wife to the unsettling attempts on his life. The shadowy corners of Rothmorton Hall practically breathe with suspense, immersing readers in a world where no one can be entirely trusted. Dee’s emotional journey—her struggle to reconcile the man she admires with the truths she uncovers—is as gripping as the mystery itself.
While the story pays homage to gothic romance classics, Hall of Deception adds its own unique flair with its post-war setting and richly layered characters. Jonas’s writing is vivid and immersive, drawing readers into every stolen glance, chilling revelation, and heart-pounding moment.
For those who love a romance wrapped in mystery and suspense, Hall of Deception is a must-read. With its interesting characters, twists, and evocative setting, it will leave you both swooning and on the edge of your seat until the last page.
Rating: 5/5 stars

[Patti Liszkay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Move over, Charlotte Brontë!
In her romantic suspense novel, “Hall of Deception,” PL Jonas weaves a psychologically complex and engaging tale set in the early 1950’s of a young teacher who can’t lose the feeling that her life is following a singular trajectory that bears an uncanny resemblance to a Charlotte Brontë novel.
When shy Dee Danes leaves her teaching job in rural Illinois to take a position in affluent Plymouth, Massachusetts as a private tutor for the physically frail ward of the wealthy scion of an influential upper-crust family, she imagines herself entering a scenario from her favorite Victorian novel, “Jane Eyre.” But the owner of the palatial estate where Dee finds herself is no brooding, surly Mr. Rochester; Mr. Hugh Roth, heir of Rothmorton Hall, is handsome, charming and outgoing, though his habit of teasing and expressing whatever he thinks causes introverted Dee to misread his intentions.
While Dee wrestles with her growing attraction to and confused feelings for Mr. Roth, as well as residual inner conflict from her own lonely and repressed childhood, frightening and inexplicable occurrences at Rothmorton Hall suggest that things – and the people – there may not be as they seem.
A highly entertaining mix of romance and suspense make “Hall of Deception” a can’t-put-down, page-turner of a read.

[Jann Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taut romance in a suspenseful historical mystery, with a nod to Jane Eyre

There’s something deceptive afoot at Rothmorton Hall, as teachers college graduate Dee Danes soon learns in her new role as tutor to the young niece of the wealthy, dashing Hugh Roth. The tutor, left in an orphanage and later raised by a series of distant relations, needs a position that’s far from her tumultuous youth laboring on a midwestern farm.

She’s found it in affluent post-WWII Massachusetts, where she’s beguiled by the cryptic Hugh Roth and soon quite taken with her young pupil. Golden-curled Ellen is an orphan herself who’s adored by her uncle, her life secure in the imposing Gilded Age mansion. Author P.L. Jonas captures the shadowy, gothic hall in vivid detail — the perfect setting for mysteries, which swirl in rapid pace — of ghosts in the yard, the secretive whereabouts of Roth’s former wife, vandals inside the walled estate, threats to Ellen.

Nurse, housekeeper, cook, chauffeur, staff: who can be trusted, worries the impressionable Dee, as drawn to her handsome but enigmatic employer as she is to her beloved role model, Jane Eyre. The suspense quickly becomes as taut as the forbidden romantic attraction between tutor and employer, and Hall of Deception becomes a page-turner.

[Gail Olmsted · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hall of Deception by author PL Jonas is a well-written, page-turning historical novel. The story revolves around Dee Danes, a young college grad who travels across the country in 1953 to become the tutor to the six year old ward of Hugh Roth. He is the owner and master of the imposing and secret-ridden Rothmorton Hall near historic Plymouth, Massachusetts. While comparisons to Jane Eyre are natural, Dee and Hugh’s relationship feels fresh and the interactions between the characters are authentic and relatable.

The hospitable Mrs. Chambers, mysterious nurse Sylvi, friendly waitress Becky, and the charming chauffeur Ben help to round out this story and their characters provide loads of twists and turns as secrets are revealed and past relationships are exposed. Danger is afoot when acts of vandalism and criminal mischief start to multiply throughout the mansion and its grounds, begging the question: who is trying to harm delightful young Ellen or her devoted Uncle Hugh? You’ll be guessing right up until the surprising climax.

I received an advance copy of Hall of Deception and have voluntarily shared my honest review.

[Lucille Guarino · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s 1953 when we first enter the world of author Jonas’ novel, Hall of Deception, a post-
WWII era with all the characteristics and trends that go with America’s golden age. The protagonist, Dee, is hired to tutor the six-year-old niece of Mr. Roth, the heir and owner of Rothmorton Hall in Massachusetts. If Mr. Roth’s extroverted ways weren’t enough for unassuming Dee, something nefarious is going on at the mansion that distresses her and she doesn’t think she can last long there. But as time moves forward, even while frightening and disturbing events occur, Dee cannot deny the affection she feels for Mr. Roth and his niece and is eager to learn who wants to harm them. She finds herself caught up in a world of secrets and threats, as her own life is exposed to peril. This has all the elements of a suspenseful romance. Danger, tension, mystery, and of course, love. The parallel to the classic novel, Jane Eyre, was strongly felt throughout as I eagerly turned the pages of this captivating novel to its final conclusion.

[T R · Rating 5 out of 5]

1953 Massachusetts. Dee Danes (aka Deirdre) arrives at a mansion with her favorite book, Jane Eyre, in her purse. The book is used to parallel the earlier story to similarities in P. L Jonas’ story, a clever metaphorical tool. The story begins with her new job as teacher to Ellen, the niece of the handsome owner of the mansion, Mr. Roth, and characters are introduced: Ben, the handsome chauffeur, Mrs. Chambers the housekeeper, and nurse Clayton -Ellen’s nurse, among others. Odd things happen: a dead cat hung on a tree, a loose railing, missing medication, and a vandalized classroom. All this while relationships develop, and all is not what it seems to be. I thought I had this one figured out until the surprise ending, leaving me appreciating the clever author’s way of tying all the loss ends together. A short read in terms of pages, it packs a big punch of fun and entertainment. A perfect read during these trying times.

[S.M. Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

What starts out as a coming-of-age story – young woman Dee embarks on a new career in a new state – quickly becomes more complex as sinister actions threaten her employer, the mega-rich Hugh, owner of the Rothmorton estate. A web of secrets and untold motives all come together in the end, but good luck guessing the truth in the meantime!

The mystery was intriguing but the writing and character development also shone through. In particular, I loved how Dee is fascinated with Jane Eyre and wouldn’t mind living the romance part of that classic novel, yet she is not a weak woman who only wants to be swept away; she is a strong female lead with a level head on her shoulders who, for the most part, makes sound decisions. (And who among us makes sound decisions all the time?) A very compelling and human portrait, plus a fun read!

[Cam Torrens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This post-war love story will sweep you away!

Hall of Deception, a captivating historical romance set in the 1950s, draws inspiration from the timeless classic Jane Eyre but uses a unique setting and brilliant characters to define its own story. Following the spirited protagonist, Deirdre "Dee" Danes, as she takes on a tutoring position at Rothmorton Hall, the novel weaves a tale of love, mystery, and danger. Jonas skillfully portrays Dee's complex relationship with her enigmatic employer, Hugh Roth, while simultaneously unraveling a threat to her student, Ellen. With a compelling narrative reminiscent of Kate Morton's The Forgotten Garden and Margot Livesey's The Flight of Gemma Hardy, Jonas delivers a brilliant adaptation that will keep readers eagerly turning the pages.

[Kari Wirth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first page had me hooked. I was immediately drawn into this sweet romantic suspense story. Dee is a simple woman who takes on more than a tutoring job when she moves into Rothmorton Hall. Her employer, Hugh Roth, a dashingly handsome, wealthy man, becomes a target after several attempts are made on his life. While trying to find answers, the attraction between Dee and Hugh grows. They are from two different worlds, but their backgrounds aren’t the only challenges they face as secrets lurking inside the mansion test truth and honesty. Hall of Deception has it all. Romance, suspense, and danger. A real page-turner you won’t want to put down.

[J.L. Lycette · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's something strange happening at Rothmorton Hall, and naive tutor Dee Danes soon finds herself enmeshed in a real-life dramatic mystery just like in her favorite book, Jane Eyre. But while romance may beckon, events at Rothmorton become more and more dangerous. Who is the target -- the capricious owner of the hall, Hugh Roth; his ward, the adorable young Ellen; or could it even be Dee herself? And wait a minute, is there a hidden wife involved?? Can Dee find out in time? I enjoyed this self-aware retelling of Jane Eyre set in 1950s New England.

[Karen Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romance AND Suspense. What's Not to Love!

The first chapter grabbed me in this well crafted novel. The author deftly sets up both the suspense and the romance--a dead cat, an almost accident, a young but insecure protagonist, and the dashing owner of the manor. The short chapters keep the pages turning. Threats and mysteries pile up and the romance begins to sizzle. This was a delightful read. I highly recommend it. Karen E. Osborne, author of Tangled Lies and Reckonings.

[Connie Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story took place in the early 1950s, the post-war era. Since I am of a certain age, and always enjoyed the movies of that period, I found this book thoroughly entertaining. As I read the story, the setting, characters, plot, dialogue, and tension-building made me feel as if I were in my parents' living room watching a drama unfold on television. The romance and the suspense hooked me right away.

[Lynne Shaner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get ready to be charmed by this post-WWII page turner, set in sumptuous, mysterious Rothmorton Hall. Young Miss Danes is hired to tutor estate owner Mr. Roth’s niece, and in the mix gets drawn into this story of intrigue, deception, and madness. And while this mid-century nod to Jane Eyre strikes similar chords, the feisty Dee Danes clears her own path as a heroine for the times. Enjoy the pages quickly flying by as you follow each twist and turn!

[Sarah Nakawatase · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hall of Deception transports the reader to a time when manners were paramount, but remove the smiles, compliments, and titles of respect, and you will find some of the same people we know today. Deception is not a new concept, but it used to come in a prettier, less threatening package.

I enjoyed this period piece, watching the characters navigate polite society while trying to make their feelings for one another known.

[Linda Pennell · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love Jane Eyre as much I as do, then you will enjoy this mid-century retelling of the classic tale. Set in 1950s New England, the reader follows Dee Danes as she navigates the mysteries of Rothmorton Hall and its owner. Is Hugh Roth who appears to be or does danger and deception actually define the man Dee has grown to love? Ms. Jonas skillfully weaves romance and mystery into a fast-paced story sure to satisfy. Highly recommended!

[Rebecca Hunter · Rating 2 out of 5]

Storyline fine, English not good

The storyline is ok but the English grammar is not good. Lots of occasions where it was like reading a text message as words like “I” were missed out. I don’t think this is just it being American as I read lots of American books.
Also needs better proof reading.

[Lena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Filled with foreboding and an eerie familiarity, Jonas has written a suspenseful take on a post-WW2 Jane Eyre with enough unique twists to keep you guessing.

[Natalie Dyen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even before Dee Danes sets foot inside, Rothmorton Hall to begin employment as a tutor, she encounters a macabre sight: a dead cat nailed to a tree. Her employer, wealthy, Hugh Roth, welcomes her into the household, and she forms a close bond with Ellen, her young student and Hugh’s niece. As the attraction between Hugh and Dee intensifies, so do the attempts on his life and on the life of his niece.

Who is behind these frightening acts? What are the lies and secrets waiting to be revealed? The combination of suspense and romance keeps the reader turning the pages of this most satisfying novel.