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The Mystery of Haverford House
A captivating and moving tale of love, the true meaning of home, and the haunting secrets that can bind generations.
1933. Annie Bishop is sixteen years old when she first climbs the steps of Haverford House ready to take service as a maid. She knows her place until, during a summer of high society, she crosses paths with wealthy America heir, Thomas Everard. In his arms, Annie dares to dream of a different life.
Until she vanishes without a trace.
2003. Viola Hendricks knows what it's like to dream big. So when she reads about Annie's disappearance shortly before she sees an advert for a job at Haverford House, it seems fate is at work. Five years later, when the house faces closure, Viola is determined to do everything she can to keep it open. What's not in her plans is enigmatic American Chase Matthews, with an agenda of his own…
If they want to save Haverford House, they must look for answers together - but are they prepared for the truth about what really happened to Annie Bishop?
Perfect for fans of Rachel Hore, Lorna Cook and Kathryn Hughes.
1933. Annie Bishop is sixteen years old when she first climbs the steps of Haverford House ready to take service as a maid. She knows her place until, during a summer of high society, she crosses paths with wealthy America heir, Thomas Everard. In his arms, Annie dares to dream of a different life.
Until she vanishes without a trace.
2003. Viola Hendricks knows what it's like to dream big. So when she reads about Annie's disappearance shortly before she sees an advert for a job at Haverford House, it seems fate is at work. Five years later, when the house faces closure, Viola is determined to do everything she can to keep it open. What's not in her plans is enigmatic American Chase Matthews, with an agenda of his own…
If they want to save Haverford House, they must look for answers together - but are they prepared for the truth about what really happened to Annie Bishop?
Perfect for fans of Rachel Hore, Lorna Cook and Kathryn Hughes.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 14, 2024
324 people are currently reading
219 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Burton
18 books304 followersRachel Burton is the bestselling author of historical timeslip novels and has previously written romantic comedies.
Rachel was born in Cambridge and grew up in a house full of books and records. She has read obsessively since she first realised those black squiggles on the pages that lined her parents’ bookshelves were actually words and it has gone down in family history that any time something interesting happened, she missed it because she had her nose in a book.
After reading for a degree in Classics and another in English Literature she accidentally fell into a career in law but her love of books prevailed as she realised that she wanted to slip into imaginary worlds of her own making. She eventually managed to write her first novel on her lunch breaks.
She is obsessed with old houses and the secrets they keep, with abandoned gardens and locked gates, with family histories and surprising revelations, and with the outcomes of those surprises many generations later.
She lives in Yorkshire with her husband, a variety of cats and far too many books. By writing novels she now has an excuse for her head being forever in the clouds.
Find her on Instagram as @RachelBWriter, subscribe to her newsletter rachelburton.substack.com or website rachelburtonwrites.com
Rachel was born in Cambridge and grew up in a house full of books and records. She has read obsessively since she first realised those black squiggles on the pages that lined her parents’ bookshelves were actually words and it has gone down in family history that any time something interesting happened, she missed it because she had her nose in a book.
After reading for a degree in Classics and another in English Literature she accidentally fell into a career in law but her love of books prevailed as she realised that she wanted to slip into imaginary worlds of her own making. She eventually managed to write her first novel on her lunch breaks.
She is obsessed with old houses and the secrets they keep, with abandoned gardens and locked gates, with family histories and surprising revelations, and with the outcomes of those surprises many generations later.
She lives in Yorkshire with her husband, a variety of cats and far too many books. By writing novels she now has an excuse for her head being forever in the clouds.
Find her on Instagram as @RachelBWriter, subscribe to her newsletter rachelburton.substack.com or website rachelburtonwrites.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
March 17, 2024
In 1928: Annie Bishop is sixteen when she starts working as a maid at Haverford House in Yorkshire and like her mother did years before her. Annie shares a room with Polly, the other servants are kind and Lord Haverford lets his staff read books from his impressive library and Annie enjoys Shakespeare’s plays. Five years later Annie dreams of more and around this time servants are tired of working long hours and leaving the service and it's hard to replace them. During the summer of 1933 Annie meets wealthy America Thomas Everard, he’s staying at Haverford House, she starts considering moving to the United States, until one night Annie vanishes and was she killed?
The story has a dual timeline, it’s very easy to follow and focuses on the two main female characters, Annie and Viola.
In 2003: Viola Hendricks applies for a job at Haverford House, the old place is struggling financially and she and the current Countess of Haverford, hold tours during the summer, people have heard the tale about the maid Annie Bishop who vanished into thin air and they feature a Shakespeare festival and this year her brother Sebastian is playing the leading role in Twelfth Night. Despite their best efforts, they don’t make enough money to keep Haverford House in the black and many other stately homes in a similar position have been sold and become hotels and wedding venues. Viola thinks she’s met a like-minded person when Chase Matthews attends a couple of her tours, he’s from America and seems very interested in the house and the disappearance of Annie Bishop?
I received a copy of The Mystery of Haverford House by Rachel Burton from Aria and Aries in exchange for unbiased review. This well written and appealing narrative is perfect for historical fiction fans who enjoy reading dual timeline stories about old houses, the staff below stairs and the upper crust gentry they served, unsolved mysteries and lost love, and fans of Shakespeare, especially Twelfth Night and two of the characters have an obvious link to the play. I highly recommend this book, and Ms. Burton’s previous release The Secrets of Summer House and five stars from me.
The story has a dual timeline, it’s very easy to follow and focuses on the two main female characters, Annie and Viola.
In 2003: Viola Hendricks applies for a job at Haverford House, the old place is struggling financially and she and the current Countess of Haverford, hold tours during the summer, people have heard the tale about the maid Annie Bishop who vanished into thin air and they feature a Shakespeare festival and this year her brother Sebastian is playing the leading role in Twelfth Night. Despite their best efforts, they don’t make enough money to keep Haverford House in the black and many other stately homes in a similar position have been sold and become hotels and wedding venues. Viola thinks she’s met a like-minded person when Chase Matthews attends a couple of her tours, he’s from America and seems very interested in the house and the disappearance of Annie Bishop?
I received a copy of The Mystery of Haverford House by Rachel Burton from Aria and Aries in exchange for unbiased review. This well written and appealing narrative is perfect for historical fiction fans who enjoy reading dual timeline stories about old houses, the staff below stairs and the upper crust gentry they served, unsolved mysteries and lost love, and fans of Shakespeare, especially Twelfth Night and two of the characters have an obvious link to the play. I highly recommend this book, and Ms. Burton’s previous release The Secrets of Summer House and five stars from me.
March 12, 2024
Annie Bishop is the central character in this dual timeline set in 1933 and 2003 and she's a very likeable one. Haverford House also features in both timelines. There is a great cast of characters and I liked the below stairs people best. The mystery is excellent. I did guess early on, to a degree, what happened to Annie but it didn't detract from the story as I still didn't have the whole picture.
The present day story was enjoyable but it was the past that really hooked me. Little bits of what WE call history, real events, were dropped into the story as of course they were current at the time.
I love an epilogue but I would have liked more in this one. I needed to know what became of some of the others who had featured quite prominently and who I had been invested in. Saying that, it wasn't worth dropping a star for as I flew through this novel and couldn't wait to see the outcome.
This author is new to me and I'll be looking into her other books having read this.
I'd highly recommend this read to fans of historical fiction and anyone who enjoys a mystery.
Thanks to Aria & Aries and NetGalley for an early copy of this book.
The present day story was enjoyable but it was the past that really hooked me. Little bits of what WE call history, real events, were dropped into the story as of course they were current at the time.
I love an epilogue but I would have liked more in this one. I needed to know what became of some of the others who had featured quite prominently and who I had been invested in. Saying that, it wasn't worth dropping a star for as I flew through this novel and couldn't wait to see the outcome.
This author is new to me and I'll be looking into her other books having read this.
I'd highly recommend this read to fans of historical fiction and anyone who enjoys a mystery.
Thanks to Aria & Aries and NetGalley for an early copy of this book.
November 11, 2023
Another fabulous, well written and intriguing story from Rachel Burton. I love historical novels set in grand houses and this one ticks all the boxes - two time lines (1933 and 2003), two women falling for a mysterious American (Annie and Viola), and the gorgeous setting of Haverford House (the family home of Lord Haverford with a small household staff in 1933; and struggling to stay within the family in 2003 due to spiralling debts).
This gorgeous book pulls you in and you find yourself swept up in the mystery of what happened to Annie Bishop and why she disappeared on the night of a party in 1933. Highly recommended ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This gorgeous book pulls you in and you find yourself swept up in the mystery of what happened to Annie Bishop and why she disappeared on the night of a party in 1933. Highly recommended ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 17, 2023
This atmospheric historical mystery plays out over a dual timeline. Set in the York village of Cranmere, the main focus is on Haversford House, a Georgian mansion, located on top of a hill overlooking the village. Once the heart and soul of the village, it’s now struggling to stay afloat. This novel well researched and had beautifully descriptions of the house and grounds. I could picture the house in its heyday, buzzing with life. I wanted to walk up the grand staircase, stare a the elaborately painted ballroom ceiling, visit the dollhouses, walk around the beautiful grounds then have afternoon tea and watch a Shakespeare show on the grounds.
Linking the two timelines is the mystery of what happened to housemaid Annie, who disappeared without a trace in 1933. Both timelines were held my attention and the story moved seamlessly between the two. In the historical story we get to know Annie as she starts work at Haversford house in 1928, get to know her, her family and what it was like to work in a house of its type. It finishes up in 1933, the day she disappears. The moderns timelines focused on Viola Hendricks, who manages Haversford Hiuse as tourist destination. Like other manors of the time, visitor numbers are decreasing and it’s now struggling to stay afloat, despite its infamous history of Annie’s disappearance.
I really enjoyed Viola as a main character, particularly her back story, relationship with twin brother Sebastian, her interactions with newcomer Chase Matthews and Saskia, the dowager countess and her connections with Australia. Annie was interesting as a woman ahead of her time. I loved the links to Shakespeare and found the examination of class and domestic violence of the time interesting. Another solid historical mystery from Burton.
Linking the two timelines is the mystery of what happened to housemaid Annie, who disappeared without a trace in 1933. Both timelines were held my attention and the story moved seamlessly between the two. In the historical story we get to know Annie as she starts work at Haversford house in 1928, get to know her, her family and what it was like to work in a house of its type. It finishes up in 1933, the day she disappears. The moderns timelines focused on Viola Hendricks, who manages Haversford Hiuse as tourist destination. Like other manors of the time, visitor numbers are decreasing and it’s now struggling to stay afloat, despite its infamous history of Annie’s disappearance.
I really enjoyed Viola as a main character, particularly her back story, relationship with twin brother Sebastian, her interactions with newcomer Chase Matthews and Saskia, the dowager countess and her connections with Australia. Annie was interesting as a woman ahead of her time. I loved the links to Shakespeare and found the examination of class and domestic violence of the time interesting. Another solid historical mystery from Burton.
January 11, 2024
This was a great story, captivated me from the start. It is told in alternating times, with both times connected by The Haverford House. Viola has been working at the historical house for five years, and loves it beyond measure. She is devastated to learn it will be closing, especially before she. can uncover the 70 year old mystery of the missing maid, Annie Bishop. By going back and forth between the present and past, the plot slowly builds and the reader is given insight into whaat happened all those years ago, and how it has shaped the present. A really enjoyable read - little mystery, love, friendship, and starting over.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
March 20, 2024
I loved this dual timeline novel set in the most glorious of English houses with romance and mystery, this book has it all, highly recommend
August 17, 2024
I was a little underwhelmed with this book which is a shame as I was really looking forward to it. It’s historical fiction and has a dual timeline which normally has me hooked but I just didn’t feel much of a connection with the characters and it was a bit of a slow burner. It did pick up a lot more at the end but I just hoped for more overall.
November 1, 2023
I initially saw the two distinct stories of Annie Bishop in the 1930s and Viola in the present as linked via Haverford House, a grand but struggling home full of secrets and in need of a lot of money for its upkeep. However, it soon became apparent that there is so much more these two characters have in common. As both struggle with being torn between their family, their heart and their ambitions, it is clear that despite nearly a century between them, similar issues still persist. I could not stop reading this book, I quickly became so invested in both Annie and Viola's story, their characters were both so well developed and the plot pace was so well done I just had to keep finding out more to have answers to the mystery and what would become of both of their fates.
A beautiful, riveting dual timeline romance and mystery that sweeps you up in the storytelling..
A beautiful, riveting dual timeline romance and mystery that sweeps you up in the storytelling..
November 17, 2023
Told in alternating time points in 1933 and 2023, The Mystery of Haverford House is part mystery: part historical fiction. The story follows Annie and Viola who work at Haverford house 70 years apart. I loved the insights into the changing nature of the class system, and the sprawling backdrop of the grand home. I found the first part of the book a bit slow to get into, but I’m glad I persevered. The pace quickened as more characters were introduced and the threads of the mystery were woven together, then I couldn’t put it down! A great read for anyone looking for a cosy mystery with loveable characters.
Thank you to Aries Fiction Books and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Aries Fiction Books and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 3, 2023
I remember enjoying a previous book by this author, so I was excited to read this one. It was a mystery with a timeslip element, so there were two narratives, and I felt a connection with both sets of characters. I enjoyed escaping with this story for a little while.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
December 20, 2023
Another great read by Rachel Burton
Annie Bishop worked as a servant at Haverford House, she aspired for something more ..... in the summer of 1933 she mysteriously disappears.
Years later, Viola is employed by the Dowager to market the facilities of the failing house, the disappearance of Annie is a local legend and she uses this when doing tours of the house.
Viola looks at ways of saving the house from being turned into a hotel, the heir of the house wants to get rid of the house and brings over an American to try and buy the house.... a great story to read .
Annie Bishop worked as a servant at Haverford House, she aspired for something more ..... in the summer of 1933 she mysteriously disappears.
Years later, Viola is employed by the Dowager to market the facilities of the failing house, the disappearance of Annie is a local legend and she uses this when doing tours of the house.
Viola looks at ways of saving the house from being turned into a hotel, the heir of the house wants to get rid of the house and brings over an American to try and buy the house.... a great story to read .
March 15, 2024
1933. Annie Bishop entered service at Haverford House to become a maid when she was just sixteen. Five years later she has learned to 'know her place' and keep her dreams small, but inside she longs to become a writer. Then one summer, wealthy actor, Thomas Everard arrives. Lord Haverford has an eye on Thomas marrying one of his daughters to revive the family fortunes, but as an American, Thomas is not particularly enamoured with the strictures of English society. When the idea of putting on a production of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night takes hold with the younger members of the country house set, Thomas finds himself growing close to lady's maid Annie through their shared love of the Bard. Suddenly, the prospect of another life opens up to Annie, but that fateful summer, she disappears without a trace...
2003. Australian, Viola Hendricks was drawn to Haverford House by the mystery of Annie's disappearance, and the hope of a new start. For the last five years, she has worked hard as an events manager for the Dowager Seraphina to keep the house and grounds open to the public, but now the prospect of closure cannot be ignored in the face of mounting costs. Viola hopes that this summer's Shakespeare festival will give some breathing space for her to finally source the funds they need to stave off the current Lord Haverford's plans - especially with her own brother, famous Hollywood star Sebastian, headlining a production of Twelfth Night in the grounds. However, she does not plan on the appearance of distracting American, Chase Matthews, or the interference of his secretive motives. But perhaps they can still work together to save historic Haverford, and solve the mystery of Annie's disappearance too?
Flipping back and forth between these two beautifully written timelines, Rachel Burton pulls you into a sweeping mystery about the past, present, and future, of Yorkshire country estate, Haverford House, through the voices of two women separated by time. Annie's story unfurls in 1933, with atmospheric between-the-wars vibes, while Viola battles to find a way to keep Haverford House out of the hands of developers, and save the home she has grown to love, in the present.
The secrets of Haverford House, and the way the mystery of Annie Bishop's disappearance in 1933 causes ripples through time, are the spine of the story. Burton keeps you turning the pages, weaving lovely storylines for her characters around dreams, belonging, romance, and family which tug on your heart strings, and I became completely immersed in the interconnected threads.
I loved how Burton floods this book with themes that link Annie and Viola's stories, not least the way she connects them through my favourite Shakespeare play, Twelfth Night. She delves nicely into the gulf that separates the society family above stairs from the below stairs staff who serve them, exploring so many issues around the social changes at play in the 1930s (also one of my favourite eras), and in a stroke of genius she echoes many these themes in Viola's storyline too - especially when it comes to generational conflict, siblings, found family, love that spans an ocean-divide, and the problems of maintaining a grand country estate on dwindling funds.
This one kept me guessing, pulled on by the perfectly judged nudges in the story, until all the secrets of the past are finally revealed in the present - which Burton uses cleverly to bring this compelling tale full-circle in a conclusion that warmed the cockles of my heart. The Mystery of Haverford House is just the kind of historical fiction I like best, evocative, emotional, well-researched, and with relatable women front and centre. I adored it. My favourite Rachel Burton yet.
2003. Australian, Viola Hendricks was drawn to Haverford House by the mystery of Annie's disappearance, and the hope of a new start. For the last five years, she has worked hard as an events manager for the Dowager Seraphina to keep the house and grounds open to the public, but now the prospect of closure cannot be ignored in the face of mounting costs. Viola hopes that this summer's Shakespeare festival will give some breathing space for her to finally source the funds they need to stave off the current Lord Haverford's plans - especially with her own brother, famous Hollywood star Sebastian, headlining a production of Twelfth Night in the grounds. However, she does not plan on the appearance of distracting American, Chase Matthews, or the interference of his secretive motives. But perhaps they can still work together to save historic Haverford, and solve the mystery of Annie's disappearance too?
Flipping back and forth between these two beautifully written timelines, Rachel Burton pulls you into a sweeping mystery about the past, present, and future, of Yorkshire country estate, Haverford House, through the voices of two women separated by time. Annie's story unfurls in 1933, with atmospheric between-the-wars vibes, while Viola battles to find a way to keep Haverford House out of the hands of developers, and save the home she has grown to love, in the present.
The secrets of Haverford House, and the way the mystery of Annie Bishop's disappearance in 1933 causes ripples through time, are the spine of the story. Burton keeps you turning the pages, weaving lovely storylines for her characters around dreams, belonging, romance, and family which tug on your heart strings, and I became completely immersed in the interconnected threads.
I loved how Burton floods this book with themes that link Annie and Viola's stories, not least the way she connects them through my favourite Shakespeare play, Twelfth Night. She delves nicely into the gulf that separates the society family above stairs from the below stairs staff who serve them, exploring so many issues around the social changes at play in the 1930s (also one of my favourite eras), and in a stroke of genius she echoes many these themes in Viola's storyline too - especially when it comes to generational conflict, siblings, found family, love that spans an ocean-divide, and the problems of maintaining a grand country estate on dwindling funds.
This one kept me guessing, pulled on by the perfectly judged nudges in the story, until all the secrets of the past are finally revealed in the present - which Burton uses cleverly to bring this compelling tale full-circle in a conclusion that warmed the cockles of my heart. The Mystery of Haverford House is just the kind of historical fiction I like best, evocative, emotional, well-researched, and with relatable women front and centre. I adored it. My favourite Rachel Burton yet.
March 10, 2024
Really enjoyed this, a dual timeline story set in Yorkshire, and my third outing with Rachel Burton.
Annie Bishop, a lady’s maid, disappeared during a party in 1933 and was never seen again. The story has become shrouded in mystery and is part of the attraction for those who visit Haverford House.
In 2003, Australian Viola Hendricks works with the Dowager Duchess Seraphina, helping to run the small stately home. Annie’s disappearance has become a central part of her official tour of the house. Despite this, it has become increasingly difficult to attract visitors and Viola learns that this could be the last summer the house will be open to the public as the new duke is looking to sell the estate. Viola has lived at Haverford for five years and despite working hard to create a successful business, it looks as though they will need a miracle to keep it open
Annie’s life as a maid intertwines with Viola’s twenty first century story and there is an additional voice. An elderly crime writer who lives in New York. After reading an interesting news item in the paper, she decides to travel to the UK and pay a visit to Haverford House. It’s a journey that could just change everything.
This is a well written story both from Annie and Viola’s viewpoints. Although decades apart, there is so much about their lives that complement each other. Both women have close ties to family, Annie with her mother and Viola with her twin brother Sebastian. They also experience challenges and events which ultimately change their lives. And, of course, they both fall in love. I enjoyed what I called the ‘Downton Abbey’ part of the book, and life in a country house as lived by the servants. I also understood Viola’s passion for the Haverford, and the hard work she had put in to turn it into a credible business. All in all, a lovely read. Rachel Burton is fast becoming one of my favourite authors.
I would like to thank Aria/Aries, the author and Netgalley for an ARC of The Mystery of Haverford House in exchange for an honest review.
Annie Bishop, a lady’s maid, disappeared during a party in 1933 and was never seen again. The story has become shrouded in mystery and is part of the attraction for those who visit Haverford House.
In 2003, Australian Viola Hendricks works with the Dowager Duchess Seraphina, helping to run the small stately home. Annie’s disappearance has become a central part of her official tour of the house. Despite this, it has become increasingly difficult to attract visitors and Viola learns that this could be the last summer the house will be open to the public as the new duke is looking to sell the estate. Viola has lived at Haverford for five years and despite working hard to create a successful business, it looks as though they will need a miracle to keep it open
Annie’s life as a maid intertwines with Viola’s twenty first century story and there is an additional voice. An elderly crime writer who lives in New York. After reading an interesting news item in the paper, she decides to travel to the UK and pay a visit to Haverford House. It’s a journey that could just change everything.
This is a well written story both from Annie and Viola’s viewpoints. Although decades apart, there is so much about their lives that complement each other. Both women have close ties to family, Annie with her mother and Viola with her twin brother Sebastian. They also experience challenges and events which ultimately change their lives. And, of course, they both fall in love. I enjoyed what I called the ‘Downton Abbey’ part of the book, and life in a country house as lived by the servants. I also understood Viola’s passion for the Haverford, and the hard work she had put in to turn it into a credible business. All in all, a lovely read. Rachel Burton is fast becoming one of my favourite authors.
I would like to thank Aria/Aries, the author and Netgalley for an ARC of The Mystery of Haverford House in exchange for an honest review.
March 15, 2024
The Mystery at Haverford House is dual time mystery set in 1933 and 2003 in a lovely Georgian mansion in Yorkshire
The book starts in New York where a wealthy older woman reads an article about a body discovered on the estate of Haverford House and decides to take a trip to visit Haverford House as it is meaningful to her past. Meanwhile at Haverford House, Viola Hendricks, event planner for the estate is doing everything she can to keep the estate from being sold. Haverford House has been her only home for the past 5 years and she has always had an affinity to the house and the mysterious disappearance of one of the maids. Annie Bishop in 1933. While trying to save the estate a body is discovered in the old boathouse. Whose body is it and does it have any connection to the disappearance of Annie Bishop? The story is told in alternating chapter between Viola in 2003 and Annie in 1933. Both Viola and Annie were likeable characters who had tragedies in their past to overcome and a need for a place to call home. I enjoyed the book and the mystery did have a nice twist as to whose body was in the boathouse.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher Aries & Aria and the author for the chance to read and review this book.
The book starts in New York where a wealthy older woman reads an article about a body discovered on the estate of Haverford House and decides to take a trip to visit Haverford House as it is meaningful to her past. Meanwhile at Haverford House, Viola Hendricks, event planner for the estate is doing everything she can to keep the estate from being sold. Haverford House has been her only home for the past 5 years and she has always had an affinity to the house and the mysterious disappearance of one of the maids. Annie Bishop in 1933. While trying to save the estate a body is discovered in the old boathouse. Whose body is it and does it have any connection to the disappearance of Annie Bishop? The story is told in alternating chapter between Viola in 2003 and Annie in 1933. Both Viola and Annie were likeable characters who had tragedies in their past to overcome and a need for a place to call home. I enjoyed the book and the mystery did have a nice twist as to whose body was in the boathouse.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher Aries & Aria and the author for the chance to read and review this book.
March 24, 2024
This book was amazing a dual timeline about two woman.
Viola works at Haverford House as a guide telling the history of the house. There is a mystery that over the 70 years has different stories of what happened to the maid Annie who disappeared. Viola meets Chase who is very intrigued in the mystery as well. The house needs money to be able to run as a business.
Elizabeth is an author of mysteries and has something that she needs to put right from her past. You wonder who she is really as it is not her real name.
Annie is the maid who we find out about her story in the book who really likes Shakespeare’s work and reads the plays at every chance she gets. She is a very intelligent woman.
I thought the characters worked well together it was well written and kept my attention in the book and I just wanted to read on as I could not put the book down.
Viola works at Haverford House as a guide telling the history of the house. There is a mystery that over the 70 years has different stories of what happened to the maid Annie who disappeared. Viola meets Chase who is very intrigued in the mystery as well. The house needs money to be able to run as a business.
Elizabeth is an author of mysteries and has something that she needs to put right from her past. You wonder who she is really as it is not her real name.
Annie is the maid who we find out about her story in the book who really likes Shakespeare’s work and reads the plays at every chance she gets. She is a very intelligent woman.
I thought the characters worked well together it was well written and kept my attention in the book and I just wanted to read on as I could not put the book down.
July 23, 2024
This is a nice little story but no real surprises to me, I guessed most of it and the mystery person wasn't really a mystery. A time slip novel and its lovely as a beach read I would say but it just lacked that something more I needed.
March 26, 2024
"A moving tale of love, the true meaning of home, and the haunting secrets that can bind generations"
...
The story opens in the late 1920s, when a young Annie Bishop is set to follow in her mother's footsteps, as she joins the below stairs staff of Haverford House. However, she is not strictly typical of her class, in that she has been nurtured by her parents and is quite learned and well read, so her speedy rise from maid to Lady's maid, is not totally unexpected. Annie is restless to discover more of the what the world has to offer, although she is fiercely loyal to her mother, her employers and even the house itself, so she is not about to make any rash decisions about her future. That is until she meets wealthy American heir, Thomas Everard, who dares her to contemplate a different life and follow the dream she has, which she has only ever shared with him. The star-crossed lovers are each beset with problems from within their own societal class, which almost sees the undoing of all their carefully laid plans, so when Annie mysteriously disappears and Thomas looks to be guilty of a crime no one can determine, this particular chapter of life within the walls of Haverford House, looks to be closed for good.
It is now 2003 and Lady Seraphina and the heir designate of Haverford House, her son David, are at odds about what fate should befall the estate, which is sliding into a state of genteel disrepair and is a financial millstone around their necks. In her bid to preserve the house for the country and indeed herself, Seraphina has hired Viola Hendricks to organise open-house days and special events, in an effort to delay the inevitable. Viola, an Australian by birth, was instantly beguiled by the mystery which still surrounded the disappearance of Annie Bishop in 1933 and weaves as many stories and anecdotes around the incident as she can, for the paying public. However, Viola has also come to look upon Haverford House as her home, one which she doesn't want to lose. Unaware that, through her actor brother Sebastian, she shares more in common with Annie than she might ever have thought, Viola organises a series of Shakespeare evenings, which are hugely popular, although still not enough to stave off the inevitable. Enter wealthy and enigmatic American Chase Matthews, heir to a hotel empire, with an agenda of his own and set by his father. Chase, is however, totally unprepared to be bowled over by the passion Viola holds for Haverford House and the secret surrounding Annie Bishop's disappearance and finds himself prepared to accept the wrath of his disappointed father, when he decides to follow his heart in both matters of love and future career.
Where does British/American mystery write Elizabeth Smithson fit into this jigsaw puzzle of parallel stories and will her revelations help or hinder Viola, Seraphina and Chase, in their quest to maintain Haverford House for the future of a nation?
...
A moving romance, blended with a haunting mystery, this beautifully structured and textured, dual timeline story, was narrated in well-signposted chapters by Annie and Viola, with occasional interspersions by 'the writer', one Elizabeth Smithson. Two separate strands of the same storyline, which dovetailed together seamlessly as I became more and more engrossed in the lives of these women, their families and those who sought to influence their lives. Eventually I did begin to put two and two together for myself, although I was never completely right about any particular aspect of the unfolding drama, as there were one or two well placed red herrings which tripped me up along the way.
Also, as a work of cultural fiction, author Rachel Burton offered a compulsive and masterful elucidation of every day domestic intrigue and societal interest, from within the confines of a modestly sized, titled estate. Encompassing over seventy decades of challenges, the ever-changing dynamics between a life of service and master, are explored with a genuine realism, sympathy and empathy for the individuals, exuding an atmosphere which was so perfectly described, I almost felt I could step into any scene and I would know exactly what role I should be playing and how to present myself.
The characters were each well defined and rendered to completely fit their individual roles, so as I had expected, there were many of them I couldn't and indeed wouldn't have ever hoped to connect with or invest in. However, with Annie and Thomas, Viola and Chase, being two sides of the same coin, separated not only by time, but also by class, their lives were particularly interesting to follow; with Annie and Viola demonstrating a unique and lasting bond with Haverford House, as a place they had learned to call home, despite its many secrets. Polly also stood out as worthy of a mention for the way in which, after having escaped her position in a life below stairs without really thinking through the potential consequences of a 'too good to be true' situation, consequently embraced without question the next new chapter of her life with a true strength of character and stalwart loyalty, after having been shown the true hand of friendship.
Haverford House was a fictional establishment, although loosely based on many similar, real historic houses and estates, with which the Yorkshire landscape is replete. As such, the house and characters quite rightly dominated the storyline, with the wider location taking something of a backseat, although the nearby City of York and town of Halifax are alluded to on occasion, as are the City of New York, USA and the town of Kiama, near Sydney, Australia. Author Rachel Burton brought the scenes to life with her wonderfully woven words, which offered that all important extra dimension, of a lovely sense of time and place. So, everything having been taken into account, I finished this book with my 'armchair traveller' hat on, more than happy and contented with my virtual journey.
...
The story opens in the late 1920s, when a young Annie Bishop is set to follow in her mother's footsteps, as she joins the below stairs staff of Haverford House. However, she is not strictly typical of her class, in that she has been nurtured by her parents and is quite learned and well read, so her speedy rise from maid to Lady's maid, is not totally unexpected. Annie is restless to discover more of the what the world has to offer, although she is fiercely loyal to her mother, her employers and even the house itself, so she is not about to make any rash decisions about her future. That is until she meets wealthy American heir, Thomas Everard, who dares her to contemplate a different life and follow the dream she has, which she has only ever shared with him. The star-crossed lovers are each beset with problems from within their own societal class, which almost sees the undoing of all their carefully laid plans, so when Annie mysteriously disappears and Thomas looks to be guilty of a crime no one can determine, this particular chapter of life within the walls of Haverford House, looks to be closed for good.
It is now 2003 and Lady Seraphina and the heir designate of Haverford House, her son David, are at odds about what fate should befall the estate, which is sliding into a state of genteel disrepair and is a financial millstone around their necks. In her bid to preserve the house for the country and indeed herself, Seraphina has hired Viola Hendricks to organise open-house days and special events, in an effort to delay the inevitable. Viola, an Australian by birth, was instantly beguiled by the mystery which still surrounded the disappearance of Annie Bishop in 1933 and weaves as many stories and anecdotes around the incident as she can, for the paying public. However, Viola has also come to look upon Haverford House as her home, one which she doesn't want to lose. Unaware that, through her actor brother Sebastian, she shares more in common with Annie than she might ever have thought, Viola organises a series of Shakespeare evenings, which are hugely popular, although still not enough to stave off the inevitable. Enter wealthy and enigmatic American Chase Matthews, heir to a hotel empire, with an agenda of his own and set by his father. Chase, is however, totally unprepared to be bowled over by the passion Viola holds for Haverford House and the secret surrounding Annie Bishop's disappearance and finds himself prepared to accept the wrath of his disappointed father, when he decides to follow his heart in both matters of love and future career.
Where does British/American mystery write Elizabeth Smithson fit into this jigsaw puzzle of parallel stories and will her revelations help or hinder Viola, Seraphina and Chase, in their quest to maintain Haverford House for the future of a nation?
...
A moving romance, blended with a haunting mystery, this beautifully structured and textured, dual timeline story, was narrated in well-signposted chapters by Annie and Viola, with occasional interspersions by 'the writer', one Elizabeth Smithson. Two separate strands of the same storyline, which dovetailed together seamlessly as I became more and more engrossed in the lives of these women, their families and those who sought to influence their lives. Eventually I did begin to put two and two together for myself, although I was never completely right about any particular aspect of the unfolding drama, as there were one or two well placed red herrings which tripped me up along the way.
Also, as a work of cultural fiction, author Rachel Burton offered a compulsive and masterful elucidation of every day domestic intrigue and societal interest, from within the confines of a modestly sized, titled estate. Encompassing over seventy decades of challenges, the ever-changing dynamics between a life of service and master, are explored with a genuine realism, sympathy and empathy for the individuals, exuding an atmosphere which was so perfectly described, I almost felt I could step into any scene and I would know exactly what role I should be playing and how to present myself.
The characters were each well defined and rendered to completely fit their individual roles, so as I had expected, there were many of them I couldn't and indeed wouldn't have ever hoped to connect with or invest in. However, with Annie and Thomas, Viola and Chase, being two sides of the same coin, separated not only by time, but also by class, their lives were particularly interesting to follow; with Annie and Viola demonstrating a unique and lasting bond with Haverford House, as a place they had learned to call home, despite its many secrets. Polly also stood out as worthy of a mention for the way in which, after having escaped her position in a life below stairs without really thinking through the potential consequences of a 'too good to be true' situation, consequently embraced without question the next new chapter of her life with a true strength of character and stalwart loyalty, after having been shown the true hand of friendship.
Haverford House was a fictional establishment, although loosely based on many similar, real historic houses and estates, with which the Yorkshire landscape is replete. As such, the house and characters quite rightly dominated the storyline, with the wider location taking something of a backseat, although the nearby City of York and town of Halifax are alluded to on occasion, as are the City of New York, USA and the town of Kiama, near Sydney, Australia. Author Rachel Burton brought the scenes to life with her wonderfully woven words, which offered that all important extra dimension, of a lovely sense of time and place. So, everything having been taken into account, I finished this book with my 'armchair traveller' hat on, more than happy and contented with my virtual journey.
November 26, 2023
Such a great book, I loved the overlap between history and now but also the over lap of the characters and the similar emotions. It was a really great book. I loved the details about the house from both periods. Thank you NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
March 13, 2024
I’ve enjoyed reading Rachel’s historical timeslip books before and you can read my last review here : https://mentoringmumof2bookreviews.ho...
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, enjoying the story of how Annie started as a maid at Haverford House at the age 16 before disappearing a few years later. Decades later could Viola solve the mystery of Annie’s disappearance and stop the owner selling the property to the highest bidder?
The book is full of secrets for both Annie and Viola, and I enjoyed how Rachel slowly revealed them as the story progressed. I also loved how the story features the real life changes to life in the UK as the era of being a servant in a large house changed dramatically.
An enjoyable story I’m happy to recommend. Great characters and a location that came to life from the pages of the book. The love of books also features heavily in the story as Annie develops her knowledge of the world via the library at Haverford House.
Author Bio:
Rachel Burton is the bestselling author of historical timeslip novels and has previously written romantic comedies.
Rachel was born in Cambridge and grew up in a house full of books and records. She has read obsessively since she first realised those black squiggles on the pages that lined her parents’ bookshelves were actually words and it has gone down in family history that any time something interesting happened, she missed it because she had her nose in a book.
After reading for a degree in Classics and another in English Literature she accidentally fell into a career in law but her love of books prevailed as she realised that she wanted to slip into imaginary worlds of her own making. She eventually managed to write her first novel on her lunch breaks.
She is obsessed with old houses and the secrets they keep, with abandoned gardens and locked gates, with family histories and surprising revelations, and with the outcomes of those surprises many generations later.
She lives in Yorkshire with her husband, a variety of cats and far too many books. By writing novels she now has an excuse for her head being forever in the clouds.
Categorized as #AD, #Blogtour, #BookBlogger, Book reviews
Tagged #AD, #AriaFiction, #Blogtour, #BookBlogger, #Bookreview, #Fiction, #HeadofZeus, #Historicalfiction, #RachelBurton, #secrets, #TheMysteryofHaverfordHouse
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, enjoying the story of how Annie started as a maid at Haverford House at the age 16 before disappearing a few years later. Decades later could Viola solve the mystery of Annie’s disappearance and stop the owner selling the property to the highest bidder?
The book is full of secrets for both Annie and Viola, and I enjoyed how Rachel slowly revealed them as the story progressed. I also loved how the story features the real life changes to life in the UK as the era of being a servant in a large house changed dramatically.
An enjoyable story I’m happy to recommend. Great characters and a location that came to life from the pages of the book. The love of books also features heavily in the story as Annie develops her knowledge of the world via the library at Haverford House.
Author Bio:
Rachel Burton is the bestselling author of historical timeslip novels and has previously written romantic comedies.
Rachel was born in Cambridge and grew up in a house full of books and records. She has read obsessively since she first realised those black squiggles on the pages that lined her parents’ bookshelves were actually words and it has gone down in family history that any time something interesting happened, she missed it because she had her nose in a book.
After reading for a degree in Classics and another in English Literature she accidentally fell into a career in law but her love of books prevailed as she realised that she wanted to slip into imaginary worlds of her own making. She eventually managed to write her first novel on her lunch breaks.
She is obsessed with old houses and the secrets they keep, with abandoned gardens and locked gates, with family histories and surprising revelations, and with the outcomes of those surprises many generations later.
She lives in Yorkshire with her husband, a variety of cats and far too many books. By writing novels she now has an excuse for her head being forever in the clouds.
Categorized as #AD, #Blogtour, #BookBlogger, Book reviews
Tagged #AD, #AriaFiction, #Blogtour, #BookBlogger, #Bookreview, #Fiction, #HeadofZeus, #Historicalfiction, #RachelBurton, #secrets, #TheMysteryofHaverfordHouse
January 26, 2024
Brief synopsis from the book cover:
1933. Annie Bishop is sixteen years old when she first climbs the steps of Haverford House ready to take service as a maid. She knows her place until, during a summer of high society, she crosses paths with wealthy America heir, Thomas Everard. In his arms, Annie dares to dream of a different life.
Until she vanishes without a trace.
2003. Viola Hendricks knows what it's like to dream big. So when she reads about Annie's disappearance shortly before she sees an advert for a job at Haverford House, it seems fate is at work. Five years later, when the house faces closure, Viola is determined to do everything she can to keep it open. What's not in her plans is enigmatic American Chase Matthews, with an agenda of his own…
If they want to save Haverford House, they must look for answers together - but are they prepared for the truth about what really happened to Annie Bishop?
My rating:
Plot: 5 out of 5 stars
Writing: 4 out of 5 stars
Character development: 4 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Recommended for readers of:
Historical Fiction
Review:
This is an intriguing plot, set at an old English country home from which a woman disappeared, what happened to her is still a mystery seventy years later. This is what grabbed my attention. The fact that it’s written over a dual time line added an extra dimension to the story and made it more interesting. The book is well written with fascinating characters, they all have their own problems and issues but their actions are explained well which made them interesting and true to life.
Overall:
A well written and captivating story with great character development and the right amount of mystery and suspense.
Review copy provided through Netgalley at no cost to me.
1933. Annie Bishop is sixteen years old when she first climbs the steps of Haverford House ready to take service as a maid. She knows her place until, during a summer of high society, she crosses paths with wealthy America heir, Thomas Everard. In his arms, Annie dares to dream of a different life.
Until she vanishes without a trace.
2003. Viola Hendricks knows what it's like to dream big. So when she reads about Annie's disappearance shortly before she sees an advert for a job at Haverford House, it seems fate is at work. Five years later, when the house faces closure, Viola is determined to do everything she can to keep it open. What's not in her plans is enigmatic American Chase Matthews, with an agenda of his own…
If they want to save Haverford House, they must look for answers together - but are they prepared for the truth about what really happened to Annie Bishop?
My rating:
Plot: 5 out of 5 stars
Writing: 4 out of 5 stars
Character development: 4 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Recommended for readers of:
Historical Fiction
Review:
This is an intriguing plot, set at an old English country home from which a woman disappeared, what happened to her is still a mystery seventy years later. This is what grabbed my attention. The fact that it’s written over a dual time line added an extra dimension to the story and made it more interesting. The book is well written with fascinating characters, they all have their own problems and issues but their actions are explained well which made them interesting and true to life.
Overall:
A well written and captivating story with great character development and the right amount of mystery and suspense.
Review copy provided through Netgalley at no cost to me.
March 3, 2024
If you enjoyed The Last Party at Silverton Hall you are in for a real treat with Rachel Burton's newest book out on 14th March. The story weaves together two timelines at the stately home. In 1933 Annie Bishop is employed as a live in maid at the country house that had employed her mother until she married. Life in service is a little different now after the Great War and the family seem to be fighting a losing battle trying to keep their lifestyle in the way that it always has been. Annie knows where she fits into this life and doesn't dare to dream of anything else until a wealthy American comes to stay for the summer. Thomas Everard forces her to look at her life differently. Then she vanishes overnight without a trace.
In 2003 the house still belongs to the family who are struggling to hang on it. Open to the public during the Spring and Summer months the visitor numbers aren't high enough to cover the escalating repair bills. Viola Hendricks manages the house and is doing everything in her power to try and keep the house going. This beautiful house is the only place that has felt like home since she left Australia. She does her best to capitalise on the mystery of Annie's disappearance but it is looking more likely that this will be the last season for Haverford House. The first part of the book runs a little slow as you are introduced to all the characters and the scene is set. Think later series of Downton Abbey and you won't be far off. Stick with it though as once the events of 1933 start to play out in all their glory you won't be able to put it down.
Beautifully described, it feels like you are right there in the House with both sets of protagonists and the Shakespearean play that links both eras is a touch of genius.
Supplied by Net Galley and Aria & Aries in exchange for an honest review.
UK Publication Date: Mar 14 2024. 400 pages.
In 2003 the house still belongs to the family who are struggling to hang on it. Open to the public during the Spring and Summer months the visitor numbers aren't high enough to cover the escalating repair bills. Viola Hendricks manages the house and is doing everything in her power to try and keep the house going. This beautiful house is the only place that has felt like home since she left Australia. She does her best to capitalise on the mystery of Annie's disappearance but it is looking more likely that this will be the last season for Haverford House. The first part of the book runs a little slow as you are introduced to all the characters and the scene is set. Think later series of Downton Abbey and you won't be far off. Stick with it though as once the events of 1933 start to play out in all their glory you won't be able to put it down.
Beautifully described, it feels like you are right there in the House with both sets of protagonists and the Shakespearean play that links both eras is a touch of genius.
Supplied by Net Galley and Aria & Aries in exchange for an honest review.
UK Publication Date: Mar 14 2024. 400 pages.
July 27, 2025
Viola, originally from Australia, has had to reinvent herself several times. She has finally found a place that feels like home—a huge estate in Yorkshire. Her job is to manage Haverford House as a tourist attraction, but it is difficult to maintain it as a viable establishment financially given its size, age, and tax status. The current earl and owner wants to sell it, but his mother, the dowager countess, is sentimentally attached to it.
There is a mystery and legend that Viola emphasizes in her house tours. Annie Bishop, a serving girl at Haverford, disappears in 1933. Was she murdered or did she travel to America to start a new life? As the story unfolds for the reader, much of the status of women during the period between the two World Wars is revealed. There is also a focus on the works of Shakespeare, particularly Twelfth Night, as there is a production of it in both timelines. The characters are fleshed out in both timelines with some villains and heroes in both. It is interesting to see that the Haverford residents in the 1930’s, even the “nice” ones, were disdainful of the servants that worked in the house. There were also those in the lower classes who felt they and their peers should “mind their place.”
My interest in both storylines never flagged. I no sooner finished a chapter with my interest peaked than the focus changed to equally compelling events in the other storyline. This seesaw continues all the way to the end of the book with a number of surprises along the way.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
There is a mystery and legend that Viola emphasizes in her house tours. Annie Bishop, a serving girl at Haverford, disappears in 1933. Was she murdered or did she travel to America to start a new life? As the story unfolds for the reader, much of the status of women during the period between the two World Wars is revealed. There is also a focus on the works of Shakespeare, particularly Twelfth Night, as there is a production of it in both timelines. The characters are fleshed out in both timelines with some villains and heroes in both. It is interesting to see that the Haverford residents in the 1930’s, even the “nice” ones, were disdainful of the servants that worked in the house. There were also those in the lower classes who felt they and their peers should “mind their place.”
My interest in both storylines never flagged. I no sooner finished a chapter with my interest peaked than the focus changed to equally compelling events in the other storyline. This seesaw continues all the way to the end of the book with a number of surprises along the way.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
May 27, 2024
This dual time story based in a stately home, focuses on the changing role of these houses after the first World War and in the 21st century. When teenager, Annie Bishop, joins the staff of Haverford House in 1928 it has a much reduced workforce to that experienced by her mother when she worked there. Reminding me of the situation shown in Downton Abbey we meet the 2 daughters of the house, after the death of their brother and heir, failing to meet their father’s expectation of successful marriages. One is a blue-stocking with no interest in men, the other unhappy and desperate to escape. By 1933 there are hopes that Lady Prunella will marry rich American actor, Thomas Everard, but while staying at Haverford he organises a production of Twelfth Night and Annie, who has always loved Shakespeare, becomes the prompt.
In 2003 we join Viola Hendricks, who works for the Dowager Duchess, showing the house to the public and organising fund-raising events such as the Shakespeare festival which this year includes Twelfth Night with her twin brother, Sebastian, a famous Australian actor, as its star. Viola is worried that even this coup, will not raise enough money to prevent the house being sold off and she is also anxious to renew her lapsed relationship with her brother. Meeting an intriguing visitor, American, Chase Matthews, lifts her spirits but does he have a hidden agenda?
There are several threads of interest in this novel; why did Annie disappear in 1933, what role can Haverford House have in the 21st century and can Viola find a happy future after several disappointments in the past? Though some aspects are still to be resolved at the end of the book, Annie’s fate is revealed and the complex nature of family relationships is thoroughly explored.
In 2003 we join Viola Hendricks, who works for the Dowager Duchess, showing the house to the public and organising fund-raising events such as the Shakespeare festival which this year includes Twelfth Night with her twin brother, Sebastian, a famous Australian actor, as its star. Viola is worried that even this coup, will not raise enough money to prevent the house being sold off and she is also anxious to renew her lapsed relationship with her brother. Meeting an intriguing visitor, American, Chase Matthews, lifts her spirits but does he have a hidden agenda?
There are several threads of interest in this novel; why did Annie disappear in 1933, what role can Haverford House have in the 21st century and can Viola find a happy future after several disappointments in the past? Though some aspects are still to be resolved at the end of the book, Annie’s fate is revealed and the complex nature of family relationships is thoroughly explored.
January 8, 2026
Rachel Burton piše prav prijetne zgodbe. Predvsem mi je všeč, ker se velikokrat dogajajo v več različnih obdobjih, vpletene pa so tudi skrivnosti. Pa še angleška avtorica je. Veliko teh, in irskih mi v romantičnih zgodbah ustrezajo, medtem ko se čez večino ameriških ne prebijem.
Tako mi je bila od te avtorice všeč Poletni festival na otoku ter Božič v knjigarni. Pri Zadnji zabavi v dvorcu Silverton pa je na žalost prevod tako šepal, da mi je pustilo slab vtis.
V Skrivnost hiše Haveford je veliko skrivnosti. Knjiga se dogaja v dveh časovnih obdobjih. Med letom 1928 in 1933 spremljamo služabnico Annie, ki služi v dvorcu Haveford. Pisateljica je imenitno ujela utrip življenja služinčadi in razliko med višjim slojem. V tem obdobju pa se zgodi tudi skrivnost, ki čez mnogo let, v letu 2003 bega Violet. Ta je v istem dvorcu zaposlena kot organizatorka prireditev. Dvorec je namreč odprt za javnost, Violet pa vodi tudi oglede in govori o skrivnostno izginuli služabnici, ki je neke noči izginila. Nihče ni uspel razkriti skrivnosti, dokler...
Všečno je tudi dejstvo, da knjiga ni pretirano sladkana. Dvorec je v sedanjosti v hudih finančnih stiskah. Je tik pred predajo, toda Violet vztrajno išče rešitev. In ta, ki jo je pisateljica našla, me je navdušila. Popolnoma drugačna od pričakovane, kar ji štejem v plus.
Če imate radi skrivnostne zgodbe, utrip angleškega podeželja, njihove togosti v času grofov in služinčadi, zapovrh pa dobite še kriminalni roman in veliko ugank; tokrat je prevod čisto korekten in je simpatično branje za možgane na off.
Tako mi je bila od te avtorice všeč Poletni festival na otoku ter Božič v knjigarni. Pri Zadnji zabavi v dvorcu Silverton pa je na žalost prevod tako šepal, da mi je pustilo slab vtis.
V Skrivnost hiše Haveford je veliko skrivnosti. Knjiga se dogaja v dveh časovnih obdobjih. Med letom 1928 in 1933 spremljamo služabnico Annie, ki služi v dvorcu Haveford. Pisateljica je imenitno ujela utrip življenja služinčadi in razliko med višjim slojem. V tem obdobju pa se zgodi tudi skrivnost, ki čez mnogo let, v letu 2003 bega Violet. Ta je v istem dvorcu zaposlena kot organizatorka prireditev. Dvorec je namreč odprt za javnost, Violet pa vodi tudi oglede in govori o skrivnostno izginuli služabnici, ki je neke noči izginila. Nihče ni uspel razkriti skrivnosti, dokler...
Všečno je tudi dejstvo, da knjiga ni pretirano sladkana. Dvorec je v sedanjosti v hudih finančnih stiskah. Je tik pred predajo, toda Violet vztrajno išče rešitev. In ta, ki jo je pisateljica našla, me je navdušila. Popolnoma drugačna od pričakovane, kar ji štejem v plus.
Če imate radi skrivnostne zgodbe, utrip angleškega podeželja, njihove togosti v času grofov in služinčadi, zapovrh pa dobite še kriminalni roman in veliko ugank; tokrat je prevod čisto korekten in je simpatično branje za možgane na off.
March 21, 2024
A mystery with a dual timeline.
Set in 1933 and 2003 at Haverford House, a Yorkshire stately home, following Annie, the maid and Viola, the estate manager, respectively.
Annie is 16 when she starts working as a maid at Haverford House, during the summer of 1933, Annie meets wealthy American, Thomas Everard, a guest at the house and starts considering a move to America, until one night Annie vanishes.
In 2003, Viola applies for the position of Estate Manager at Haverford House. The old house is struggling and with the countess’ agreement she starts holding tours of the house during the summer months. Viola meets Chase Mathewson one of the tours, he’s American and very interested in the house and the disappearance of Annie Bishop.
Review - the characters are so beautifully well developed you feel an instant connection with both Annie & Viola and you’re interested in their fate.
Particularly loved the 1930’s upstairs/downstairs element of a by gone era.
The dual timeline flowed brilliantly and the mystery element added a bit of intrigue
The perfect escapist historical mystery - would make an excellent Easter holiday read
Thanks @rachelbwriter, @hoz & @netgalley for the fab historical mystery
Set in 1933 and 2003 at Haverford House, a Yorkshire stately home, following Annie, the maid and Viola, the estate manager, respectively.
Annie is 16 when she starts working as a maid at Haverford House, during the summer of 1933, Annie meets wealthy American, Thomas Everard, a guest at the house and starts considering a move to America, until one night Annie vanishes.
In 2003, Viola applies for the position of Estate Manager at Haverford House. The old house is struggling and with the countess’ agreement she starts holding tours of the house during the summer months. Viola meets Chase Mathewson one of the tours, he’s American and very interested in the house and the disappearance of Annie Bishop.
Review - the characters are so beautifully well developed you feel an instant connection with both Annie & Viola and you’re interested in their fate.
Particularly loved the 1930’s upstairs/downstairs element of a by gone era.
The dual timeline flowed brilliantly and the mystery element added a bit of intrigue
The perfect escapist historical mystery - would make an excellent Easter holiday read
Thanks @rachelbwriter, @hoz & @netgalley for the fab historical mystery
February 29, 2024
Brilliant historical story on two timelines from the late 1920’s/1930’s to 2003, set predominately in Yorkshire.
Annie Bishop starts working at Haverford House in Yorkshire when she is 16 years old just as her mum had done before, and where her parents had met. Getting used to being part of the staff and her daily work is hard but her love of books, especially the works of Shakespeare, take her through.
Viola is fed up of her life and boyfriend in London, inspired by an article of Haverford House, she hotfoots it to Yorkshire and lands the job of manager introducing schemes to keep the manor thriving in the local community.
Well written, great characters and hugely enjoyable. The book gripped me and flowed from the first page to the last. Loved this story. The history and traditions from the 20’s through to the beginning of this century were fascinating. Great details of the everyday along with drama.
Hugely enjoyed and will be recommended.
Thank you to NetGalley and Aria for the early read.
Annie Bishop starts working at Haverford House in Yorkshire when she is 16 years old just as her mum had done before, and where her parents had met. Getting used to being part of the staff and her daily work is hard but her love of books, especially the works of Shakespeare, take her through.
Viola is fed up of her life and boyfriend in London, inspired by an article of Haverford House, she hotfoots it to Yorkshire and lands the job of manager introducing schemes to keep the manor thriving in the local community.
Well written, great characters and hugely enjoyable. The book gripped me and flowed from the first page to the last. Loved this story. The history and traditions from the 20’s through to the beginning of this century were fascinating. Great details of the everyday along with drama.
Hugely enjoyed and will be recommended.
Thank you to NetGalley and Aria for the early read.
March 6, 2024
Another story with two timelines. 1933 England Annie, like her mother enters service at Haverford House. Unlike her mother Annie dreams big, and seeks a future without being subservient to the owners and their ilk, who treat domestics as part of the furniture. One day Annie Bishop disappears and a legend starts.
2003 Haverford Houseis under threat of going under and the myth of Annie Bishop is waning. Viola who has worked five years in keeping the house going, now realizes that she has to accept the reality however unpleasant that the house will go up for sale, probably a modern hotel.
The stories from both decades are actually about social change, in the former period radical with WWI And the rise of feminism. In the latter period the bald fact that the privileged life of the “big houses” has come to an end and that the National Trust can only do so much to preserve such buildings.
Descriptive and still very much personal stories of Annie and Viola made for interesting reading.
2003 Haverford Houseis under threat of going under and the myth of Annie Bishop is waning. Viola who has worked five years in keeping the house going, now realizes that she has to accept the reality however unpleasant that the house will go up for sale, probably a modern hotel.
The stories from both decades are actually about social change, in the former period radical with WWI And the rise of feminism. In the latter period the bald fact that the privileged life of the “big houses” has come to an end and that the National Trust can only do so much to preserve such buildings.
Descriptive and still very much personal stories of Annie and Viola made for interesting reading.
March 14, 2024
It's emotional and intriguing historical fiction. It begins with the need to atone and takes the reader back to a seventy-year-old mystery that haunts a Yorkshire manor. Annie begins her life as a housemaid at sixteen, following her widowed mother's footsteps. She loves books and dares to dream of something more than duty. This wonderfully evocative story moves seamlessly between the late 1920s and early1930s and 2003. Viola has found her place at Haverford but must make amends with her past to embrace her future. I like the multilayered plot with echoes in the past. The believably flawed characters draw the reader into their lives and make them care what happens to them. The historical mystery is lyrical and rich in detail and evokes the dynamics of between-the-wars England. The socio-political ethos and emancipation of women are explored through the characters in an engaging and resonating tale. I like the echoes between the past and present, the characters and the relationship dynamics this story explores.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
April 29, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley, the publishing house, and the author for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of this book and return for review based upon my honest opinion.
This was a good read. I really enjoyed the storyline, the characters and the setting. This was a dual timeline story That takes place in Yorkshire. In the present day, Viola works in the Haverford house As a tour guide, she tells the story of Annie Bishop, a former made at the house who went missing and his presumed murdered. In the past, we hear the story of Annie Bishop and the staff of the Haverford house in the 1930s when the event was supposed to have taken place..
Both storylines were really good, but the past story of Annie was what really hooked me. This is a great book that will take you away to Yorkshire and immersed in the life of Annie. Wonderfully written.
This was a good read. I really enjoyed the storyline, the characters and the setting. This was a dual timeline story That takes place in Yorkshire. In the present day, Viola works in the Haverford house As a tour guide, she tells the story of Annie Bishop, a former made at the house who went missing and his presumed murdered. In the past, we hear the story of Annie Bishop and the staff of the Haverford house in the 1930s when the event was supposed to have taken place..
Both storylines were really good, but the past story of Annie was what really hooked me. This is a great book that will take you away to Yorkshire and immersed in the life of Annie. Wonderfully written.
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