The Monk's Lair

Regency Paranormal #1

by Ellie Thomas

Christian Maxwell is used to being alone. A delicate and over-imaginative young man, he’s abandoned to his own devices and company in his family’s Wiltshire country home. When his aunt, concerned for his well-being, insists he accompany her to the Welsh Borders for a country house party in the autumn of 1816, Christian is resigned to being surrounded by people for the duration.

One particular guest, Sam Gillespie, is a handsome amateur scientist of a similar age to Christian who is determined to befriend him. When Sam persuades Christian to join him on an expedition to the scenic ruins of Tintern Abbey, they stumble across an isolated valley that contains a long-dead and sinister monastic force.

Their dreams are haunted by the spirit of the place, so the pair band together to find out the valley’s dark history, kindling their romance along the way. But their ghostly foe is more tenacious than they imagine. Can Christian and Sam manage to defeat the black monk and find lasting happiness?

Genres: Paranormal, Thriller, Ghosts

66 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 28, 2023

About the author

Ellie Thomas lives by the sea. She comes from a teaching background and goes for long seaside walks where she daydreams about history. She is a voracious reader especially about anything historical. She mainly writes MM historical romance.

Ellie also writes historical erotic romance as L. E. Thomas.

Reviews

[SJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

If this story had been written in the 19th century it would have been a success, like with a gothic horror vibe. But, without the frotting, lol. It was a good read now, too.
While reading it, I put it aside at night because I am way too susceptible to scary stories and the author wrote those chilling scenes very skillfully. I believe in picking up on bad vibrations from places, as happened in this story.
The author’s writing was very good from the beginning of the book describing the pastoral setting, with tendrils of menace woven through . The word choices are of that time period, but are not cloying or confusing. It is intelligent writing and dialogue. The MCs are nicely described and I enjoyed the house party setting and the character of the aunt.
It contrasts with the haunted dell that Christian and Sam explore, the lighthearted normalcy with the black darkness of evil.
I enjoyed the romance. The scary parts gave Sam and Christian a jump start to their relationship and maybe writing a book about their adventure. I would read more about this couple, and the other couples in the author’s books. They are good about providing a sequel!

[Maryann Kafka · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the 16th century with the Dissolution of Monasteries, the Tintern Abbey in Monmouthshire turned to ruins. It lies on the Welsh bank of the River Wye, which forms the border between Monmouthshire in Wales and Gloucestershire in England. It has it’s rumors to be a dark and forbidding place, where no human or animals will tread the overgrown area. With dark times and plague the abbey was let to a Holy Man but not one who worshiped the Lord and the area became a place of sacrifice.

In Ledbury, Colonel Maltravers is holding a get together. He believes Wye Valley is now just ruined because of he flood of tourists. But he has opposition in the Reverend Gilpin, vicar Mr. Michaels, his wife and many of the ladies. They believe with tourist, Wye Valley is now becoming a profitable area for local trade.

Christian Maxwell has been listening to the many voices and volume of noise of the get together and has now developed a headache. Mentally he withdraws from all the commotion. Once the festivities are over he knows he will be able to find quiet and solitude in his room. He’s been traveling with his Aunt Amelia, who loves her nephew and doesn’t like that he lives a solitary life. But he loves his solitary life, the quiet and the meditation and the peace of just being able to constantly read. His Aunt doesn’t like how her brother, Christians father, treats him. Christian is an embarrassment and his father is hostile because of Christians sexuality.

But there is one person Christian can’t escape and that’s the talkative, enthusiastic, and friendly Sam Gillespie. As they talk Christian is quite taken with Sam. Sam recognizes Christians interest in the foundry works of Tintern and invites him to take a boat downriver to explore. Sam even has a picnic planned. Their time at Tintern has been interesting until they start to explore the overgrown and creepy valley. As Sam get’s ahead of Christian, he becomes frightened by a dark presence and calls Sam back.

As a connection grows between Sam and Christian they become friends and spend more time together. With the eerie nightmares and sharing of more time together, Sam finds out more about Tintern. There is more than just the stories of the holyman and his followers, sacrifices, villagers disappearing and the Hell Fire Club. Are Christian and Sam ready to face the danger and evil that is about to come?

Ellie Thomas creates a very 18th century, gothic tale with the “The Monk’s Lair.” It has all the aspects and eeriness of dark theme tale, with supernatural tones. I could see this as a nice mini series with Christian and Sam investigating all types of spooky rumors, truths or legends. I also like that the author brings some factual history to the story about the Tintern Abbey.

The two main characters, Christian and Sam, are opposites but they are a perfect fit. Their chemistry is sweet and wonderful and brings the romance to the story. I also have to mention Aunt Amelia, a strong lady, who supports her nephew, whole heartedly.

I highly recommend “The Monk’s Lair” it’s an easy read novella, with twists and surprises and very likable characters. Well done, Ellie Thomas!

[Kelly (Maybedog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes I have trouble rating a book right after I’ve read it. My mind needs time to sort out how I feel. So it goes with this one as well. But if I don’t write a review right away, I never will. So I will just convey my thoughts.

The writing was excellent. The period verbiage was very well done. The atmosphere and interactions between the various characters felt authentic. The romance was very sweet and the ending was lovely. I liked both main characters immensely.

The story was good, the villains adequately scary. The climax was short but well done and there was good danger and peril through the book.

I wish I knew what Christian’s infirmity was from. He suffered from headaches, which I assume to be migraines, but he didn’t have them all the time. All the women in my family going back for generations have suffered from migraines, all but my peers having suffered without medication that helped. The migraines are debilitating to be sure as they are far more than just a bad headache, but in between we aren’t frail. My ancestors were made of stern stuff and quite able to function between the migraines.

I would read something else by this author in a heartbeat.

[Sheena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this was an early Halloween treat. Dark, gothic and with a paranormal twist it's the perfect novella if you're looking for a short bonechiller for Halloween and like me, you love anything historical.

Christian and Sam are guests at a mutual friends' house in the early 1800s and start spending time together. Sam has an insatiable thirst for knowledge and wants to know everything about everything. Gregarious, outgoing and a man of science he's Christian's opposite. Christian is solitary, bookish, and possibly with paranormal abilities. I loved the slow build of the connection between these two, they say opposites attract and that's true here.

The two men take a trip to Tintern Abbey and start exploring the grounds, coming across a small annexe in a valley that has a dark, evil aura and subsequently gives both men nightmares. I really enjoyed this, I didn't know what to expect going in but it was a fun read. Both men are likable and the story is good too, with a happy conclusion.

Perfect timing for Halloween too.

I received an ARC and this is my honest review

[K.S. Trenten · Rating 4 out of 5]

As far as this reader is concerned, Ellie Thomas is more than a match for Mrs. Radcliffe. She brings all the delightful classic chills of a Gothic novel, a ghost story, and a vampire tale together in this book, mingling with the charm I often find in the works of E.F. Benson or Algernon Blackwood while giving Christian and Sam a unique charm of their own as they find each other. Mingled with the modern sensibility of self-discovery and power Christian finds awakening him while he and Sam openly express their passion for each other in a way I’m happy to say we can write about today, and you have an utterly delightful read. If any of these elements perk your interest, don’t miss this book.

[Tag Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet little gem!

Christian is a fragile and sensitive soul who is easily affected by the intense memories that arise from the places he visits. As such, he’s been cast aside and abandoned by his family. If it weren’t for a caring aunt, who swoops in to take him away on a holiday to the country, he never would have met the earnest and energetic Sam, a man right out of the adventure novels that Christian so enjoys. Together, the pair investigate the rumors surrounding a spooky Abbey grange, and it’s only the power of Christian’s burgeoning love that saves them.

I really liked this lovely pair. I can see them traipsing around the country and having all sorts of adventures together, which Sam will document and publish scientific analyses of. It could be a wonderful series.

I hope to see more of them.

[Jenifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A haunting romance that left me with chills and peeking over my shoulder to ensure I was still alone. If I hear any chanting, I'm outta here!

This story expertly wove two men who move from acquaintances, to friends, and then slowly into lovers. At the same time, they are exploring ruins in the area and come across a dark and sinister force that infiltrates their dreams. These vastly different feelings of love and joy and dread and foreboding balance each other out and end up creating a truly enjoyable story. I loved the battle of light versus dark and good versus evil and the self sacrifices that Christian was willing to make all in the name of love. I know that Sam and Christian will enjoy a long and happy life together and be free from the specters of darkness.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

And now for something completely different" as they say. This author did a big twist in the tale. Oh, she still gave us a gentle and touching romance, Sam and Christian are quire delightful, but she also added haunting mystery, evil doings, and terrible, creepy nightmares. It's a lovely tale, as usual, a truly pleasant but somewhat creepy story.

[Joyffree · Rating 3 out of 5]

I admit I almost walked away from this one.
I'm happy I didn't

It took me a bit to acclimate to the writing style, once I did though I couldn't put it down
Great Characters, both main and supporting
Solid storyline that kept me guessing with each new clue
The author did a beautiful job of crafting the environment, from both the historical aspect and the spooky mystery feel

Christian has been emotionally browbeat by his father most of his life for not being "manly" enough
Add his "gift" to that and he has learned it's better to blend into the background than risk being truly seen. That was until his aunt decided he was going to accompany her
Enter Sam
His world is about to expand and for the better

I enjoyed how opposite Sam and Chris were
Chris comes across, as not really weak, vulnerable is a better word for him. He can't see he is own worth yet (years of living under negative reinforcement will do that) though I think Sam will eventually get him to come out of his shell

Solid start to the series and their relationship

[Traci S · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun and quick read. I love a good ghost story and this one is wonderfully atmospheric, with a creepy Abbey and the murderous monk who haunts it. The highlight for me though was the two main characters, I loved seeing their new friendship grow into more. I especially loved how Sam is so accepting of Christian and his unusual abilities, particularly, his willingness to accept what he can’t see or fully understand. It’s pretty special especially considering how Christian’s family has basically exiled him for being different. Looking forward to the next one!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book

[ButtonsMom2003 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spooky!

This is a quick read but tells a complete story very well. I loved how Sam was solicitous of Christian and didn’t criticize him at all for being rather delicate. The story has just the right feel for reading at this time of year. The descriptive writing gave me chills and I’m glad that I wasn’t reading this too late in the evening. 😊 I can’t wait to see how the relationship between Christian and Sam develops; they are very sweet together. I’ll be starting the next book in this series right away.

A review copy of this book was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.

[Belinda Zamora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slow burn, friends to lovers, spooky

Sam and Christian were wonderful.
The setting, mystery, and danger were the true stars here.
I truly felt completely immersed and on the edge of my seat throughout reading.

[RjS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable Gothic tale - I liked the characters and the chills. Loved the setting - know it well.

[DMCechak · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Monk’s Lair - The Power of Love

‘All the fictional knights and dashing adventurers that had loomed large in Christian’s imagination could not compare to the reality of Sam. They now seemed drab, like faded paper cut-outs, the paltry conjuring of an affection-starved existence. Christian’s lonely introspection melted along with his fear of rejection at Sam’s evident desire for him. He wanted, no, he needed, Sam as his confederate, the enduring focus of all his wistful romantic yearnings.’

It is the early 1800’s in Gloucestershire, when Christian is convinced by his aunt to travel away with her from his solitary life at home and spend time at a gathering of her acquaintances. While there, he finds himself ‘regarding the allure’ of one young, handsome Mr. Gillespie, who ‘continued to single him out.’

Prior to this forced adventure, Christian found he had ‘waking dreams of what he had read’ and an imagination that, at times, felt too real. When presented with the chance to excursion with Sam Gillespie one lovely day, they travel a distance to tour some industrial sites and eventually come across an abbey ruin where Christian’s aptitude as a conduit is tested.

This otherworldly story, by the accomplished Ellie Thomas, provides chills, darkness, terror, unexpected attraction, friendship, loyalty, and the blossoming of love. The Monk’s Lair entrances, with its promise that light can defeat the dark!

[Kiki Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Monk’s Lair is a scary story by the always wonderful Ellie Thomas. It’s Book One of her Paranormal Regency series, and from the first page, I was hooked! The evocative sense of menace floats off the page
The MCs are amazing. Ignored by his family, delicate, bookish Christian has been brought by his Aunt Amelia to a house party in the Welsh Borders for some human contact. Fellow guest, the winsome Sam, is an amateur scientist who is intrigued by Christian and invites him on a trip to a local monastery. This inquisitive, kind man is amazing.
Veering off course, they head home with a sense of unease. When they both have the same disturbing nightmare, they set out to find out why, discovering a dark history of the abandoned ruins and frightening monster at play.
There is still time for romance, and Ellie does this so beautifully.
“Sam’s lips were a sweet balm to the earlier horrors, a sensation of something good, kind, and true.”
I loved seeing Christian and Sam work together, supporting each other, and vanquishing a pretty scary dark force.
The 19th century gothic vibes are strong. There’s a midnight vigil, an evil monk, and Christian proving how strong he really was.
And this:
“Christian’s last coherent thought was that at long last, this is what it felt like to be cherished.”
Christian totally deserves to be cherished!
I love where their story ended, and can’t wait to read Book Two, The Unquiet House, which just released.

[Fiona Glass · Rating 5 out of 5]

This delightful little book is an absolute joy. It’s stuffed full of Gothic references including a ruined abbey, a sinister cult and a malevolent hooded monk, as well as an atmospheric setting (Tintern Abbey in Monmouthshire) and a really sweet romance. It will surely appeal to any readers who like history, menacing baddies and dashing heroes who come to the rescue, sometimes when you least expect them to! I’d have loved a tiny bit more backstory to the characters, especially Sam, but I’m really hoping that he and Christian get to share in further adventures which will allow us to find out more about them. If there are to be more books in the series I’ll definitely be looking out for them.

[Juniper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightfully atmospheric story— in the sense of the dark, sinister, paranormal aspects as well as the sweeter and lighter aura of an unlikely affinity that becomes an opposites attract, slow burn, friends to lovers tale for two very different yet beautifully suited souls. I won’t spoil any of the spooky aspects, as the twists and turns deserve their time to (chillingly) shine, but the interweaving of the supernatural elements and the relationship is deftly done, the characters are drawn with care and nuance, and overall, it makes for a rewarding and memorable read.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Mir · Rating 4 out of 5]

Currently on sale (everything is on sale at publisher JMS Books) this is a pleasing seasonal read. Quiet romance, quiet horror, the gradual chilling of both the physical and psychological atmosphere as the days grow darker and the darkness grows stronger and closer to our sensitive protagonist Christian and his sensible new friend Sam.

Christian senses from the first that something is wrong, evil, in the abandoned monastic location near the foundry where Sam is researching iron smelting. (You know a crush is serious when someone pretends to care about iron smelting to keep the conversation going.) Christian could simply avoid the area, but he doesn't want miss out on Sam's company, or have Sam think he's crazy. And so, as humans so often do, he puts off action until it is almost too late...