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The House on Biscayne Bay
Listening Length: 530 Minutes
As death stalks a gothic mansion in Miami, the lives of two women intertwine as the past and present collide in New York Times bestselling author Chanel Cleeton’s atmospheric new novel.
With the Great War finally behind them, thousands of civilians and business moguls alike flock to South Florida with their sights set on making a fortune. When wealthy industrialist Robert Barnes and his wife, Anna, build Marbrisa, a glamorous estate on Biscayne Bay, they become the toast of the newly burgeoning society. Anna and Robert appear to have it all, but in a town like Miami, appearances can be deceiving, and one scandal can change everything.
Years later following the tragic death of her parents in Havana, Carmen Acosta journeys to Marbrisa, the grand home of her estranged older sister, Carolina, and her husband, Asher Wyatt. On the surface, the gilded estate looks like paradise, but Carmen quickly learns that nothing at Marbrisa is as it seems. The house has a treacherous legacy, and Carmen’s own life is soon in jeopardy . . . unless she can unravel the secrets buried beneath the mansion’s facade and stop history from repeating itself.
As death stalks a gothic mansion in Miami, the lives of two women intertwine as the past and present collide in New York Times bestselling author Chanel Cleeton’s atmospheric new novel.
With the Great War finally behind them, thousands of civilians and business moguls alike flock to South Florida with their sights set on making a fortune. When wealthy industrialist Robert Barnes and his wife, Anna, build Marbrisa, a glamorous estate on Biscayne Bay, they become the toast of the newly burgeoning society. Anna and Robert appear to have it all, but in a town like Miami, appearances can be deceiving, and one scandal can change everything.
Years later following the tragic death of her parents in Havana, Carmen Acosta journeys to Marbrisa, the grand home of her estranged older sister, Carolina, and her husband, Asher Wyatt. On the surface, the gilded estate looks like paradise, but Carmen quickly learns that nothing at Marbrisa is as it seems. The house has a treacherous legacy, and Carmen’s own life is soon in jeopardy . . . unless she can unravel the secrets buried beneath the mansion’s facade and stop history from repeating itself.
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First published April 2, 2024
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About the author
Chanel Cleeton
23 books7,268 followersChanel Cleeton is the Cuban-American New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of many novels including Reese's Book Club pick Next Year in Havana. Originally from Florida, Chanel studied in London where she earned degrees in International Relations and Global Politics. In law school, Chanel discovered her passion writing novels and embarked on a new adventure following her lifelong love of books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,089 reviews
April 1, 2024
Chanel Cleeton’s historical fiction novel,
The House on Biscayne Bay,
has multiple mysteries with two timelines. The first timeline is 1918 featuring Anna Barnes and the second is set in 1941 and features Carmen Acosta. Both are set at Marbrisa, an estate on Biscayne Bay in Miami, Florida
In the first timeline, Robert and Anna Barnes build Marbrisa, a glamorous estate. Robert wants the house to be his legacy. This is a time when wealthy industrialists like Robert are streaming into Florida where land and labor is cheaper than in New England. The house is Robert’s surprise birthday gift to Anna, who hates its garishness. The only thing she takes an interest in is the garden area.
In the second timeline, Carmen travels to Marbrisa to Marbrisa, the home of her estranged older sister, Carolina, and her husband, Asher Wyatt. The sisters’ parents died in an accident, and Asher is to manage Carmen’s inheritance until she is 21. The house has gained notoriety and many people won’t work on the estate.
The author has a descriptive way of writing that brought Marbrisa to life. I could easily envision the estate and its glamour. The story goes back and forth between Anna’s and Carmen’s points of view. While there are plenty of mysteries and secrets, the pacing was slow. Despite a couple of surprises at the end and compelling characters, the novel has a slow-burn plot throughout most of the story. Themes include death, family, legacies, fear, respect, trust, jealousy, secrets, and much more.
Overall, this was an entertaining read with great world-building highlighting the glamor of the times.
Berkley Publishing Group and Chanel Cleeton provided a digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently expected to be April 2, 2024.
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My 3.35 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon.
In the first timeline, Robert and Anna Barnes build Marbrisa, a glamorous estate. Robert wants the house to be his legacy. This is a time when wealthy industrialists like Robert are streaming into Florida where land and labor is cheaper than in New England. The house is Robert’s surprise birthday gift to Anna, who hates its garishness. The only thing she takes an interest in is the garden area.
In the second timeline, Carmen travels to Marbrisa to Marbrisa, the home of her estranged older sister, Carolina, and her husband, Asher Wyatt. The sisters’ parents died in an accident, and Asher is to manage Carmen’s inheritance until she is 21. The house has gained notoriety and many people won’t work on the estate.
The author has a descriptive way of writing that brought Marbrisa to life. I could easily envision the estate and its glamour. The story goes back and forth between Anna’s and Carmen’s points of view. While there are plenty of mysteries and secrets, the pacing was slow. Despite a couple of surprises at the end and compelling characters, the novel has a slow-burn plot throughout most of the story. Themes include death, family, legacies, fear, respect, trust, jealousy, secrets, and much more.
Overall, this was an entertaining read with great world-building highlighting the glamor of the times.
Berkley Publishing Group and Chanel Cleeton provided a digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently expected to be April 2, 2024.
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My 3.35 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon.
May 13, 2025
REBECCA, is that you? While some stories try to emulate this classic, not a lot succeed. I think the gothic genre is hard to define, but as this mystery wove itself in and around this grand house, Marbrisa, I almost felt a sense of longing for Manderley.
While I enjoyed NEXT YEAR IN HAVANA and liked THE CUBAN HEIRESS, I think Chanel truly shines with this genre. There is something a little magical about historical fiction, but I enjoy the grandiose-ness that comes with the gothic genre.
Like her Cuban series, this is a story told in two parts, and I was engrossed in both. In the past, we meet Robert and Anna Barnes, the original proprietors of Marbrisa, an estate on Biscayne Bay.
In present day, Carmen Acosta leaves Cuba to join her sister and brother-in-law, Carolina and Asher Wyatt, at the home. Murders occur in each timeline. The killer(s) may seem obvious, but there are secrets lying hidden beneath the surface.
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley
While I enjoyed NEXT YEAR IN HAVANA and liked THE CUBAN HEIRESS, I think Chanel truly shines with this genre. There is something a little magical about historical fiction, but I enjoy the grandiose-ness that comes with the gothic genre.
Like her Cuban series, this is a story told in two parts, and I was engrossed in both. In the past, we meet Robert and Anna Barnes, the original proprietors of Marbrisa, an estate on Biscayne Bay.
In present day, Carmen Acosta leaves Cuba to join her sister and brother-in-law, Carolina and Asher Wyatt, at the home. Murders occur in each timeline. The killer(s) may seem obvious, but there are secrets lying hidden beneath the surface.
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley
October 25, 2025
2.5
Had I written this review right after I read this HF spooky tale, it would have fared better. I love a spooky house with potential hauntings so I “dove” right into this tale of early 20th century power, love, greed and retribution.
Great premise and super disappointing resolution. Too much time with one character (and lots of belated moaning that I totally lost patience with) and the silly idea that 15 years later a naive little rich girl can solve it all. (Ahhh, now that older sister of hers would have given the plot a real shot of interest!)
There were some glorious moments detailing the Florida coast in the 1920s and 1940s. I could sometimes see and smell the grand home on Biscayne Bay. I certainly got the creepiness of an overgrown maze. This author can write but the characters seriously fell flat.
Some of the female characters who played bit parts or became victims would have been better as the focal point. They were certainly more interesting than our entitled homemaker and orphaned heiress. And don’t get me started on the one-dimensional dudes in this parable about the unsavory side of obsession and power.
Le sigh. I’m sure others will enjoy it more and turn this into an outlier review, but I need more substance— even in a plot-driven ghost story!!
(Reviewed 10/12/24)
Had I written this review right after I read this HF spooky tale, it would have fared better. I love a spooky house with potential hauntings so I “dove” right into this tale of early 20th century power, love, greed and retribution.
Great premise and super disappointing resolution. Too much time with one character (and lots of belated moaning that I totally lost patience with) and the silly idea that 15 years later a naive little rich girl can solve it all. (Ahhh, now that older sister of hers would have given the plot a real shot of interest!)
There were some glorious moments detailing the Florida coast in the 1920s and 1940s. I could sometimes see and smell the grand home on Biscayne Bay. I certainly got the creepiness of an overgrown maze. This author can write but the characters seriously fell flat.
Some of the female characters who played bit parts or became victims would have been better as the focal point. They were certainly more interesting than our entitled homemaker and orphaned heiress. And don’t get me started on the one-dimensional dudes in this parable about the unsavory side of obsession and power.
Le sigh. I’m sure others will enjoy it more and turn this into an outlier review, but I need more substance— even in a plot-driven ghost story!!
(Reviewed 10/12/24)
January 7, 2024
This atmospheric novel is told with two timelines. In the first, it's 1918, the Great War has just ended, and Anna's husband Robert has contracted to built a mansion in Miami, which he says is a gift for her. She is not happy at Marbrisa but Robert, determined to succeed in Miami society, throws an enormous party. Anna is not a party person, and things worsen when a young woman dies at the party by drowning. Is it an accident, or does Robert know more than he is telling?
Marbrisa falls into ruins, and is purchased by Asher and his wife Carolina. Carolina's 18 year old sister Carmen comes to stay with them after the death of their parents in Havana in 1940. (Asher controls Carmen's inheritance until she turns 21, so her options are limited.) Things get worse when there is another death. Is Marbrisa haunted? Is this death related to the one which happened years ago? There's a strong Manderley vibe about Marbrisa, and the house, even if not haunted, harbors more than its share of secrets. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.
Marbrisa falls into ruins, and is purchased by Asher and his wife Carolina. Carolina's 18 year old sister Carmen comes to stay with them after the death of their parents in Havana in 1940. (Asher controls Carmen's inheritance until she turns 21, so her options are limited.) Things get worse when there is another death. Is Marbrisa haunted? Is this death related to the one which happened years ago? There's a strong Manderley vibe about Marbrisa, and the house, even if not haunted, harbors more than its share of secrets. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.
May 13, 2024
3.5 stars
In her latest work, Chanel Cleeton tackles the gothic theme by centering her dual timeline story around Marbrisa, a glamorous mansion built in Miami, Florida right after the Great War. The over-the-top mansion is a gift that Robert Barnes surprises his wife with for her birthday, but during the inaugural party to celebrate the estate’s completion, tragedy strikes and their lives are changed forever. More than 20 years later, Carmen Acosta has no place to go after the tragic death of her parents in an accident, so she moves into the Marbrisa, the mansion that is currently home to her sister Carolina and her rich husband Asher Wyatt. Prior to her arrival though, strange things were already happening at the mansion but things escalate soon after, to the point where Carmen’s life is in danger. Is Marbrisa cursed and haunted like people believe it is? Or are the strange events the result of something more sinister?
Overall, Cleeton’s latest foray into Gothic fiction was entertaining, but I enjoyed her previous works more. While the writing was good (as expected), the plot was way too predictable, to the point that I already had everything figured out less than halfway through the story, which of course took the “suspense” out of things (not to mention some loose ends never got explained, which created a few plot holes here and there). The other issue I had was the narrative structure: the story was told in a dual timeline structure, with each time timeline narrated from the first person perspective of its respective protagonist— Anna in 1918 and Carmen in 1941. The two protagonists couldn’t have been more different in terms of age, race, life experiences, circumstances, etc., yet at times, I found it difficult to tell the two narrative voices apart and had to go back to check the chapter heading to remind myself which timeline I was reading. This got a bit tiring after awhile, though it wasn’t to the extent where it prevented me from moving through the story at a decent pace.
As I mentioned earlier, I did enjoy this one, but I have to admit that I was a little bummed that the story this time around had no connection to the Perez family (though I shouldn’t have been surprised, since this book and her Cleeton’s previous one were both standalone). With that said, there was an indirect link to one of Cleeton’s previous novels — a “blink and you’ll miss it” reference that I totally missed and only found out about after reading the Author’s Note.
Even though I didn’t take to this one as much as I thought I would, Cleeton continues to be one of those “go-to” authors for me whose works I will continue to read regardless (though I do hope she writes another book with a Perez family connection at some point).
Received ARC from Berkeley via NetGalley.
In her latest work, Chanel Cleeton tackles the gothic theme by centering her dual timeline story around Marbrisa, a glamorous mansion built in Miami, Florida right after the Great War. The over-the-top mansion is a gift that Robert Barnes surprises his wife with for her birthday, but during the inaugural party to celebrate the estate’s completion, tragedy strikes and their lives are changed forever. More than 20 years later, Carmen Acosta has no place to go after the tragic death of her parents in an accident, so she moves into the Marbrisa, the mansion that is currently home to her sister Carolina and her rich husband Asher Wyatt. Prior to her arrival though, strange things were already happening at the mansion but things escalate soon after, to the point where Carmen’s life is in danger. Is Marbrisa cursed and haunted like people believe it is? Or are the strange events the result of something more sinister?
Overall, Cleeton’s latest foray into Gothic fiction was entertaining, but I enjoyed her previous works more. While the writing was good (as expected), the plot was way too predictable, to the point that I already had everything figured out less than halfway through the story, which of course took the “suspense” out of things (not to mention some loose ends never got explained, which created a few plot holes here and there). The other issue I had was the narrative structure: the story was told in a dual timeline structure, with each time timeline narrated from the first person perspective of its respective protagonist— Anna in 1918 and Carmen in 1941. The two protagonists couldn’t have been more different in terms of age, race, life experiences, circumstances, etc., yet at times, I found it difficult to tell the two narrative voices apart and had to go back to check the chapter heading to remind myself which timeline I was reading. This got a bit tiring after awhile, though it wasn’t to the extent where it prevented me from moving through the story at a decent pace.
As I mentioned earlier, I did enjoy this one, but I have to admit that I was a little bummed that the story this time around had no connection to the Perez family (though I shouldn’t have been surprised, since this book and her Cleeton’s previous one were both standalone). With that said, there was an indirect link to one of Cleeton’s previous novels — a “blink and you’ll miss it” reference that I totally missed and only found out about after reading the Author’s Note.
Even though I didn’t take to this one as much as I thought I would, Cleeton continues to be one of those “go-to” authors for me whose works I will continue to read regardless (though I do hope she writes another book with a Perez family connection at some point).
Received ARC from Berkeley via NetGalley.
August 26, 2024
Trite, dull, cliché, & predictable with bland, basic prose & a vague setting that could be any large manor house in any climate in any era. It’s NOT a thriller; it’s NOT a gothic. It’s a hamfisted dual-timeline womens fic about two bad marriages mixed with a tepid Nancy Drew wannabe, & I couldn’t care less what happened because the narrators were both ultra-annoying in their own ways. (Sidenote: the dialogues involving Detective Pierce were laughably bad. I can only assume the author isn’t well-versed in quality police procedurals, whether book or film.)
1.5 stars, rounded to 2; the epilogue was semi-decent & the cover is a gorgeous aesthetic. But the rest…blah. I doubt I’ll try this author again.
EDIT: Oops, I forgot to mention how the villain’s motives made no sense because there was no way he’d turn things to his advantage, let alone any good reason why he slaughtered the alligator & peacock (don’t worry, that’s all off-page). Why? How? What? Just a totally ridiculous plot overall.
1.5 stars, rounded to 2; the epilogue was semi-decent & the cover is a gorgeous aesthetic. But the rest…blah. I doubt I’ll try this author again.
EDIT: Oops, I forgot to mention how the villain’s motives made no sense because there was no way he’d turn things to his advantage, let alone any good reason why he slaughtered the alligator & peacock (don’t worry, that’s all off-page). Why? How? What? Just a totally ridiculous plot overall.
April 20, 2024
The House on Biscayne Bay by Chanel Cleeton. I have so much going on in my head. I had difficulty concentrating on the book. Book is a mystery. I didn’t like the ending. Though, I did not see it coming. Then the twist on who the person is, I disliked it more. Don’t take what i say just read it. Form your own opinion. I have not been in the head space for some books.
March 30, 2024
Chanel Cleeton is a new author for me, although I see she has written at least nine other novels. The description drew me to this book and I'm happy to say I enjoyed the read.
Description:
With the Great War finally behind them, thousands of civilians and business moguls alike flock to South Florida with their sights set on making a fortune. When wealthy industrialist Robert Barnes and his wife, Anna, build Marbrisa, a glamorous estate on Biscayne Bay, they become the toast of the newly burgeoning society. Anna and Robert appear to have it all, but in a town like Miami, appearances can be deceiving, and one scandal can change everything.
Years later following the tragic death of her parents in Havana, Carmen Acosta journeys to Marbrisa, the grand home of her estranged older sister, Carolina, and her husband, Asher Wyatt. On the surface, the gilded estate looks like paradise, but Carmen quickly learns that nothing at Marbrisa is as it seems. The house has a treacherous legacy, and Carmen’s own life is soon in jeopardy . . . unless she can unravel the secrets buried beneath the mansion’s facade and stop history from repeating itself.
My Thoughts:
This book has two timelines related to murders at the same house - Marbrisa. One is right after the Great War when people from the north came to Florida to build mansions and communities. The other is around 1940. The deaths at the house are mysterious and some said the house was haunted by Anna Barnes who disappeared from the house in the first timeline and was presumed dead. It was speculated she drowned in the bay. Some speculated that her husband killed her, but he was never charged. Her body was never found. When murders happened again in the 1940 timeline Anna Barnes and the haunting theory were brought up. There was an eerie feel to the house that everyone seemed to notice. I enjoyed this story and the mystery surrounding it. The characters were interesting and captivating. The plot was a slow burn. I would recommend this to anyone who likes a good mystery.
Thanks to Berkley Publishing Group through Netgalley for an advance copy. Expected publication April 2, 2024.
Description:
With the Great War finally behind them, thousands of civilians and business moguls alike flock to South Florida with their sights set on making a fortune. When wealthy industrialist Robert Barnes and his wife, Anna, build Marbrisa, a glamorous estate on Biscayne Bay, they become the toast of the newly burgeoning society. Anna and Robert appear to have it all, but in a town like Miami, appearances can be deceiving, and one scandal can change everything.
Years later following the tragic death of her parents in Havana, Carmen Acosta journeys to Marbrisa, the grand home of her estranged older sister, Carolina, and her husband, Asher Wyatt. On the surface, the gilded estate looks like paradise, but Carmen quickly learns that nothing at Marbrisa is as it seems. The house has a treacherous legacy, and Carmen’s own life is soon in jeopardy . . . unless she can unravel the secrets buried beneath the mansion’s facade and stop history from repeating itself.
My Thoughts:
This book has two timelines related to murders at the same house - Marbrisa. One is right after the Great War when people from the north came to Florida to build mansions and communities. The other is around 1940. The deaths at the house are mysterious and some said the house was haunted by Anna Barnes who disappeared from the house in the first timeline and was presumed dead. It was speculated she drowned in the bay. Some speculated that her husband killed her, but he was never charged. Her body was never found. When murders happened again in the 1940 timeline Anna Barnes and the haunting theory were brought up. There was an eerie feel to the house that everyone seemed to notice. I enjoyed this story and the mystery surrounding it. The characters were interesting and captivating. The plot was a slow burn. I would recommend this to anyone who likes a good mystery.
Thanks to Berkley Publishing Group through Netgalley for an advance copy. Expected publication April 2, 2024.
April 20, 2024
Loved this fun (spine-tingling!) dual mystery set on the grounds of an impressive monstrosity of a home named ‘Marbrisa’.. a character in of itself. The mansion sits on Biscayne Bay with its cool breeze (a brief respite from Floridas heat and humidity), and beautifully landscaped gardens abutted by a dense, tropical jungle of native plants, trees and animals; -peacocks and alligators, to name a few. The story features heavily on place and is woven with chilling suspense. I was captivated by how Chanel Cleeton effortlessly merges the dual timelines to complete.. what at first feels like an unsolvable puzzle.. to a quite surprising, twisty ending.
THE HOUSE ON BISCAYNE BAY takes you back to the bygone era of the 1920’s when Miami was just at the start of attracting out-of-towner’s, to becoming a popular high-society destination, and Marbrisa was being built (1918) as a gift from Robert Barnes to his wife Anna. Tragedies soon follow, along with whispers of it being cursed and Marbrisa being shuttered for the next decade.
When eighteen-year-old Carmen Acosta’s parents die tragically in their homeland of Cuba, she goes to live with her older sister Carolina and brother-in-law Asher Wyatt (Carmen’s financial guardian) in Florida. The Wyatt’s had purchased Marbrisa dirt cheap, restoring it back to its (prior) glory days. But the past rears its ugly head.. and oh yes.. tragedy strikes once again. Now Carmen must put her own life on the line to uncover the long hidden skeletons behind Marbisas’ turbulent past. This is a deliciously dark tale about loyalty, desire, lies and murder with all the creepy feels of a southern gothic thriller. 4.5 stars — Pub. 4/2/24
THE HOUSE ON BISCAYNE BAY takes you back to the bygone era of the 1920’s when Miami was just at the start of attracting out-of-towner’s, to becoming a popular high-society destination, and Marbrisa was being built (1918) as a gift from Robert Barnes to his wife Anna. Tragedies soon follow, along with whispers of it being cursed and Marbrisa being shuttered for the next decade.
When eighteen-year-old Carmen Acosta’s parents die tragically in their homeland of Cuba, she goes to live with her older sister Carolina and brother-in-law Asher Wyatt (Carmen’s financial guardian) in Florida. The Wyatt’s had purchased Marbrisa dirt cheap, restoring it back to its (prior) glory days. But the past rears its ugly head.. and oh yes.. tragedy strikes once again. Now Carmen must put her own life on the line to uncover the long hidden skeletons behind Marbisas’ turbulent past. This is a deliciously dark tale about loyalty, desire, lies and murder with all the creepy feels of a southern gothic thriller. 4.5 stars — Pub. 4/2/24
April 22, 2024
This was my first Chanel Cleeton but certainly not my last.
Think old floridan high society, mixed with bold gothic houses, marshy swamps, and lies shrouded in a murder mystery. The House on Biscayne Bay is well written and entertaining, and definitely had me wanting to know more. This is a dual POV, dual timeline story that jumps back and forth and I was equally attracted to both parts.
I loved the setting of this story. I feel like "gothic" is my trigger word for getting me to read a book. I loved the imagery that the author created. I could feel the opulence and the grandeur all set in this swamp where alligators roamed.
This is definitely more murder mystery than love story. There is a slight element of romance but if you hang around waiting for it you will be disappointed. BUT I really enjoyed the mystery aspect. I felt like it gave you just enough to stick around and try to solve the murders before it was too late.
All in all a really solid story with great narration. Both POV's has their own distinct narrator which I think amplified my experience with the book. I can't wait to try more of Cleeton's books in the future.
Think old floridan high society, mixed with bold gothic houses, marshy swamps, and lies shrouded in a murder mystery. The House on Biscayne Bay is well written and entertaining, and definitely had me wanting to know more. This is a dual POV, dual timeline story that jumps back and forth and I was equally attracted to both parts.
I loved the setting of this story. I feel like "gothic" is my trigger word for getting me to read a book. I loved the imagery that the author created. I could feel the opulence and the grandeur all set in this swamp where alligators roamed.
This is definitely more murder mystery than love story. There is a slight element of romance but if you hang around waiting for it you will be disappointed. BUT I really enjoyed the mystery aspect. I felt like it gave you just enough to stick around and try to solve the murders before it was too late.
All in all a really solid story with great narration. Both POV's has their own distinct narrator which I think amplified my experience with the book. I can't wait to try more of Cleeton's books in the future.
June 7, 2024
This writing was so bland and elementary. Several times the author belabored a very obvious point so that nothing was left to the imagination. The only reason I kept reading was for the Miami references; however, it was not worth it. Do not bother.
September 28, 2025
An average tale. A bit more of a murder mystery and not terribly gothic. While the beautiful state of Florida setting is frequently there in the story, the lush atmosphere doesn’t quite come to life in a vivid way, nor does a chilling gothic feel present itself. The gorgeous cover art doesn’t really represent the story, other than there’s a house, and a few peacocks.
It’s clean fiction, however. No sex scenes, maybe one swear word, no diversity bingo checklist antics.
Conclusion: Entertaining enough to keep reading, but nothing to write home about.
- Desiree Reads
September 25, 2025
It’s clean fiction, however. No sex scenes, maybe one swear word, no diversity bingo checklist antics.
Conclusion: Entertaining enough to keep reading, but nothing to write home about.
- Desiree Reads
September 25, 2025
November 14, 2025
3.5 stars
I loved the gothic atmospheric feel of this story. The two timelines also converged nicely towards the end. The author did a brilliant job in personified the house so that it was one of the main characters in the plot.
It lost stars only because the mystery was a little too simplistic so the suspense never really grew for me.
I loved the gothic atmospheric feel of this story. The two timelines also converged nicely towards the end. The author did a brilliant job in personified the house so that it was one of the main characters in the plot.
It lost stars only because the mystery was a little too simplistic so the suspense never really grew for me.
April 9, 2024
How could a mansion with such a beautiful name - Marbrisa - be the scene of murders?
Peacocks screaming and dying and then construction workers and guests found dead.
1918 - Robert and Anna came from New York to Florida after the Great War, built an outlandish mansion, but it didn’t make them happy.
A drowning at their lavish party didn’t help with things. But was it an accident or murder?
1940 - Years later Carolina and Asher bought the house, fixed it up, and Carolina’s sister, Carmen, came to live with them after their parents died.
Another death happens and Carmen worries about her safety, especially since Asher controls her estate until she’s 21.
We follow both storylines as the mansion seems to be the center of attention and drama and as we meet characters that keep and tell secrets.
A marvelous Gothic-style read with undercurrents of menace that you can’t figure out if the menace is coming from a person, place, or thing.
Don't miss this one!! 5/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Peacocks screaming and dying and then construction workers and guests found dead.
1918 - Robert and Anna came from New York to Florida after the Great War, built an outlandish mansion, but it didn’t make them happy.
A drowning at their lavish party didn’t help with things. But was it an accident or murder?
1940 - Years later Carolina and Asher bought the house, fixed it up, and Carolina’s sister, Carmen, came to live with them after their parents died.
Another death happens and Carmen worries about her safety, especially since Asher controls her estate until she’s 21.
We follow both storylines as the mansion seems to be the center of attention and drama and as we meet characters that keep and tell secrets.
A marvelous Gothic-style read with undercurrents of menace that you can’t figure out if the menace is coming from a person, place, or thing.
Don't miss this one!! 5/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
April 9, 2024
I absolutely love Chanel Cleeton. The House on Biscayne Bay she brings her signature style to Miami in the early 1900s. Told in dual timelines, with murder and mystery, this was an entertaining, gripping and fascinating story. I was completely transported to the era.
The narration was fantastic and I believe it was even better because of it.
The narration was fantastic and I believe it was even better because of it.
April 30, 2024
Beautiful, haunting, and as atmospheric as the cover promises, The House of Biscayne Bay is another stunning historical release from Chanel Cleeton. In the gorgeous, untouched land of Miami is Biscayne Bay and wealthy businessman Robert Barnes has etched out a piece of land with an architect to build for his wife the most beautiful, grand estate, Marbrisa. Anna Barnes instantly feels a sense of foreboding, but ever the dutiful wife keeps mum as the architect delivers her the gardens of her dreams. Years later Carmen Acosta arrives to Marbrisa where her sister and husband now live. She has arrived to start over after the loss of her parents, but nothing prepared her for the scream of the peacocks and the haunting history within the walls of the grand estate.
I absolutely love Chanel Cleeton, she somehow brings both the characters and their settings to life. Marbrisa is a character in its own right, the walls alive with secrets as Anna and later Carmen pass through them. Anna is such a classic, wealthy, time period accurate wife. Her wealth is with her husband, the decisions held by him, her happiness hinged on his own. It is only through Marbrisa that she discovers herself, the truth, and the will to fight for her needs again. Carmen, on the other hand, is the independent individual that Anna was not. She is at Marbrisa to gain that independence even further, but it is through the mystery of the home and its past that she truly discovers who she really is as well. The House on Biscayne Bay is as much a tale of self discovery as it is of love, loss, and the mistrials of fortune.
I absolutely love Chanel Cleeton, she somehow brings both the characters and their settings to life. Marbrisa is a character in its own right, the walls alive with secrets as Anna and later Carmen pass through them. Anna is such a classic, wealthy, time period accurate wife. Her wealth is with her husband, the decisions held by him, her happiness hinged on his own. It is only through Marbrisa that she discovers herself, the truth, and the will to fight for her needs again. Carmen, on the other hand, is the independent individual that Anna was not. She is at Marbrisa to gain that independence even further, but it is through the mystery of the home and its past that she truly discovers who she really is as well. The House on Biscayne Bay is as much a tale of self discovery as it is of love, loss, and the mistrials of fortune.
April 19, 2024
A dual timeline mystery in the gothic mansion, Marbrisa, set in Miami circa 1920 & 1950. The early 20th century setting is everything elegant and mysterious about The Magic City.
November 15, 2024
Chanel Cleeton has easily become one of the my favorite new-to-me authors recently and I’ve just been on a binge of all of her historical fictions. The House on Biscayne Bay was the last one I had to get to and this one was different than the others, but still so good! I had such a good time reading this one.
This book is described as perfect for fans of Rebecca, which is one of my favorite books. This delivers on lush, gothic vibes, it has a dash of romance, the setting is a gilded estate, we get dual timeline (1910s & 1940s in Florida), its atmospheric, and we get not one but multiple murder mysteries!
The lives of two women intertwine as the past and present collide at Marbrisa—a glamorous, gothic estate on Biscayne Bay. In the 1910s we follow Anna. After the Great War, thousands of business moguls flocked to South Florida with their sights set on making a fortune, including Anna and her husband, a wealthy industrialist. We see her husband’s obsession with the building of Marbrisa and their want to join Miami society. In the 1940s timeline we follow Carmen who has recently left Havana to visit her estranged older sister Carolina who lives at Marbrisa with her husband. Both timelines have mysteries to unravel!
I had a great time with this read, I was swept into the story and just really enjoyed the characters and the presence of the house! This author just continues to hit for me.
This book is described as perfect for fans of Rebecca, which is one of my favorite books. This delivers on lush, gothic vibes, it has a dash of romance, the setting is a gilded estate, we get dual timeline (1910s & 1940s in Florida), its atmospheric, and we get not one but multiple murder mysteries!
The lives of two women intertwine as the past and present collide at Marbrisa—a glamorous, gothic estate on Biscayne Bay. In the 1910s we follow Anna. After the Great War, thousands of business moguls flocked to South Florida with their sights set on making a fortune, including Anna and her husband, a wealthy industrialist. We see her husband’s obsession with the building of Marbrisa and their want to join Miami society. In the 1940s timeline we follow Carmen who has recently left Havana to visit her estranged older sister Carolina who lives at Marbrisa with her husband. Both timelines have mysteries to unravel!
I had a great time with this read, I was swept into the story and just really enjoyed the characters and the presence of the house! This author just continues to hit for me.
July 2, 2024
All up-to-date on Cleeton's Historical fiction backlist and front list, and I think I am a completist of hers! This latest edition was a bit of a departure for Cleeton as she writes a dual timeline gothic mystery thriller and I for one was along for the entire ride!
Was extremely intrigued and invested from the very first page as we were introduced to Marbrisa, a sprawling & impressive estate in South Florida on the creeping shores of Biscayne Bay. Anna's husband Robert, along with the help of a famous architect, dreamt this massive dream, and now she finds herself moving into this mansion set along an unfamiliar landscape. Soon the couple become the toast of high society, but everything is not as it seems, and all else discover the same when a tragedy occurs at one of their famous house parties.
Years later, and following the tragic loss of both her parents, Carmen leaves the shores of Havana, Cuba and arrives in South Florida to live with her estranged older sister and brother in law at their estate, Marbrisa. She learns there is a dark history in this house and Carolina and Asher certainly seem to have plenty of secrets of their own as well. When history seems to repeat itself at Marbrisa, Carmen fears for her own life, and with good reason.
This was compulsively readable and SO atmospheric! Gave me series "Rebecca" vibes, a story that I love, and Marbrisa (just like Manderley) is a character all its own in these pages. There were some twists I saw coming and other turns I didn't and it all is resolved by the final page. Another solid hit from Cleeton!
Was extremely intrigued and invested from the very first page as we were introduced to Marbrisa, a sprawling & impressive estate in South Florida on the creeping shores of Biscayne Bay. Anna's husband Robert, along with the help of a famous architect, dreamt this massive dream, and now she finds herself moving into this mansion set along an unfamiliar landscape. Soon the couple become the toast of high society, but everything is not as it seems, and all else discover the same when a tragedy occurs at one of their famous house parties.
Years later, and following the tragic loss of both her parents, Carmen leaves the shores of Havana, Cuba and arrives in South Florida to live with her estranged older sister and brother in law at their estate, Marbrisa. She learns there is a dark history in this house and Carolina and Asher certainly seem to have plenty of secrets of their own as well. When history seems to repeat itself at Marbrisa, Carmen fears for her own life, and with good reason.
This was compulsively readable and SO atmospheric! Gave me series "Rebecca" vibes, a story that I love, and Marbrisa (just like Manderley) is a character all its own in these pages. There were some twists I saw coming and other turns I didn't and it all is resolved by the final page. Another solid hit from Cleeton!
April 4, 2024
After the Great War wealthy in 1918, businessmen and the rich moved to South Florida, and it was here along Biscayne Bay that wealthy industrialist Robert Barnes built Marbrisa, a glamorous estate for his wife Anna. The tale shares their rise and fall from the talk of the town to tragedy. We learn their tale before we meet the present owners, Carolina, and her husband, Asher Wyatt.
In 1941, after the tragic death of her parents in Havana, Carmen Acosta journeys to Marbrisa to live with her estranged sister Carolina and husband, Asher, who is in charge of her inheritance. From the start there is a sense of foreboding and it only intensifies as we learn about the home’s tragic past and the unhappiness that lies within.
Cleeton pulled me into the story from the start, making me question characters’ motives, suspecting supernatural elements and wondering if the home itself is cursed. If you love a gothic mansion mystery, you’ll enjoy the author’s use of dual timelines and the ominous vibe of Marbrisa set against the beauty of Biscayne Bay.
I enjoyed the characters, particularly the detective and the inquisitive Carmen. The multiple murders, unusual foul play, accidents and fleeing staff will hold mystery lovers captive.
Cleeton is an auto-buy for this reader and I cannot wait to see what genre she tries next. If you write it, I will read it. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
In 1941, after the tragic death of her parents in Havana, Carmen Acosta journeys to Marbrisa to live with her estranged sister Carolina and husband, Asher, who is in charge of her inheritance. From the start there is a sense of foreboding and it only intensifies as we learn about the home’s tragic past and the unhappiness that lies within.
Cleeton pulled me into the story from the start, making me question characters’ motives, suspecting supernatural elements and wondering if the home itself is cursed. If you love a gothic mansion mystery, you’ll enjoy the author’s use of dual timelines and the ominous vibe of Marbrisa set against the beauty of Biscayne Bay.
I enjoyed the characters, particularly the detective and the inquisitive Carmen. The multiple murders, unusual foul play, accidents and fleeing staff will hold mystery lovers captive.
Cleeton is an auto-buy for this reader and I cannot wait to see what genre she tries next. If you write it, I will read it. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
April 27, 2024
3.5 rounded up
June 19, 2024
The House on Biscayne Bay is the latest historical fiction offering by Chanel Cleeton. This atmospheric novel has two timelines, both taking place during the twentieth century in southeast Florida with gothic overtones. Looming large is the beautiful estate being built by Robert Barnes on Biscayne Bay as an anniversary gift for his wife, Anna. Marbrisa becomes the focal point throughout the mysterious tale as the beginning of the twentieth century was a time that many grand homes were being built in Florida, inspired by Florida’s natural landscape and its flora. This was also a time when art and architecture graced these estates as well as the promise of Miami that drew so many. This was the time of the historic Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables as well as mansions like the historic and famous Vizcaya estate. This was also the time of the famed Florida East Coast Railway built by industrialist Henry Flagler, and, in addition to the railroad Flagler built the historic hotel, The Breakers, and his famous estate, all in Palm Beach, Florida.
This story intertwines the stories of two women, Anna Barnes and Carmen Acosta, both of their lives irrevocably changed by their time at Marbrisa as the past and the present seem to collide in chilling form. The book is set in between World War I and World War II. The first time period is after the Great War when society is exploding with growth and innovations, particularly in south Florida. This was the attraction for New York businessman and an industrialist to make his mark in southeast Florida with his wife, Anna Barnes, as they build their glamorous estate Marbrisa on Biscayne Bay. Many years later, Carmen Acosta leaves her home in Havana, Cuba after the tragic deaths of her parents, coming to live with her estranged sister, Carolina, living with her husband, Asher Wyatt, in Marbrisa. Each in their own way learn that the glamorous estate, Marbrisa, has a mysterious and tortuous legacy that threatens to consume them unless each can unravel the mysteries and secrets of the mansion. This was a page turner and an exciting book on many levels.
”The house looms before me, a pale stone behemoth jettisoning from the swampy earth. It casts a long shadow, towering three stories high with a parapet on top as though it’s readying itself to guard against intruders. Its palatial size and exterior appear to have been plucked from some European city and dropped on this godforsaken plot of land in Miami.
“Avoiding the maze like I usually do, I walk toward the front of the house, making my way to the immense driveway that leads up to Marbrisa. There are two ways to arrive at the estate—by land or water—and each way highlights the grandeur of Michael Harrison’s architectural vision. The driveway is lined with towering palm trees that terminate right before an enormous circular driveway, the fountain dominating the view, and yet still, it looks positively miniature compared to the three stories of the main house piled on top of one another, the parapet above the house.”
This story intertwines the stories of two women, Anna Barnes and Carmen Acosta, both of their lives irrevocably changed by their time at Marbrisa as the past and the present seem to collide in chilling form. The book is set in between World War I and World War II. The first time period is after the Great War when society is exploding with growth and innovations, particularly in south Florida. This was the attraction for New York businessman and an industrialist to make his mark in southeast Florida with his wife, Anna Barnes, as they build their glamorous estate Marbrisa on Biscayne Bay. Many years later, Carmen Acosta leaves her home in Havana, Cuba after the tragic deaths of her parents, coming to live with her estranged sister, Carolina, living with her husband, Asher Wyatt, in Marbrisa. Each in their own way learn that the glamorous estate, Marbrisa, has a mysterious and tortuous legacy that threatens to consume them unless each can unravel the mysteries and secrets of the mansion. This was a page turner and an exciting book on many levels.
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March 20, 2024This was a really interesting take on the traditional gothic mansion tale. Full review to come.
July 13, 2024
I don't think this book quite knows what it wants to be. Historical fiction wise - this book doesn't really put you in the time periods of either story line. Besides a couple of very brief mentions of WWI and WWII and mentioning that Miami is not yet built up. This story could really be set present day. It also doesn't give a great sense of place for Miami. Just feels like any slightly rural house from any thriller.
For the thriller aspect - it was heavy handed but also not well thought out. We get it the house is creepy and just has inexplicable bad vibes. Bad vibes strong enough for Carmen to be there for one day and decide she has to investigate and her sister is drawn to the women who were killed at the house. But we are never really given any depth as to why the sister is so caught up on finding out about the past which is ultimately what kills her. Also George doesn't have a great motive...he says the house is his inheritance but Robert was broke at the end and why kill the animals and why kill the sister because she found out? None of it is fleshed out.
The only character with any depth is Sarah from the earlier time period storyline and it's still not much.
I'm excited to try one of the authors other books cause this one just didn't do it.
For the thriller aspect - it was heavy handed but also not well thought out. We get it the house is creepy and just has inexplicable bad vibes. Bad vibes strong enough for Carmen to be there for one day and decide she has to investigate and her sister is drawn to the women who were killed at the house. But we are never really given any depth as to why the sister is so caught up on finding out about the past which is ultimately what kills her. Also George doesn't have a great motive...he says the house is his inheritance but Robert was broke at the end and why kill the animals and why kill the sister because she found out? None of it is fleshed out.
The only character with any depth is Sarah from the earlier time period storyline and it's still not much.
I'm excited to try one of the authors other books cause this one just didn't do it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2024
The House on Biscayne Bay is a gothic atmospheric novel set in two different time periods in Miami. Following the Great War, the grand manor of Marbrisa is built according to the whims of Robert Barnes. The construction comes with extreme costs—both financial and in terms of loss of life. As the work on the manor progresses, two additional lives are lost, and whispers of a curse begin to circulate.
Anna Barnes is taken from her domestic bliss in NYC to Miami as a surprise gift from her husband. Believing that Anna will appreciate their new home as much as he does, Robert hopes to find a shared purpose in the construction of Marbrisa. However, aside from the disruptive wildlife, Anna feels out of place in her new environment. She also begins to worry about the exorbitant costs and the growing distance between her and her husband. Will she uncover the truth behind Robert’s new aloofness before it’s too late?
Carmen Acosta has lost both of her parents in a tragic accident. Her life and inheritance are now in the hands of her brother-in-law, Asher Wyatt. Set against the backdrop of America on the brink of entering a second world war, Carmen travels to her sister’s new home at Marbrisa, hoping to discuss her independence. However, upon her arrival, things are not as they should be; Carolina and Asher seem to have an estranged relationship. Adding to this tension are strange occurrences with the wildlife, which seem to pose threats to the manor’s current occupants. What is truly happening? Is Marbrisa cursed? As Carmen gets closer to uncovering the answers, her safety becomes increasingly jeopardized.
I enjoyed the dual points of view and timelines. Although Anna seemed somewhat naive for her age, both she and Carmen had a certain spunk. The manor itself exuded an allure that could be chilling. However, the constant switching of perspectives slightly tempered the thrill.
Overall, there were some minor issues with the execution of this novel. I was expecting a touch of the paranormal that was never fully realized. Additionally, the twist at the end felt forced, as though the author was unsure of who the ultimate villain should be to fit both timelines until the very end. Unfortunately, this lack of clarity undermined the twist, making it fall a bit flat.
Anna Barnes is taken from her domestic bliss in NYC to Miami as a surprise gift from her husband. Believing that Anna will appreciate their new home as much as he does, Robert hopes to find a shared purpose in the construction of Marbrisa. However, aside from the disruptive wildlife, Anna feels out of place in her new environment. She also begins to worry about the exorbitant costs and the growing distance between her and her husband. Will she uncover the truth behind Robert’s new aloofness before it’s too late?
Carmen Acosta has lost both of her parents in a tragic accident. Her life and inheritance are now in the hands of her brother-in-law, Asher Wyatt. Set against the backdrop of America on the brink of entering a second world war, Carmen travels to her sister’s new home at Marbrisa, hoping to discuss her independence. However, upon her arrival, things are not as they should be; Carolina and Asher seem to have an estranged relationship. Adding to this tension are strange occurrences with the wildlife, which seem to pose threats to the manor’s current occupants. What is truly happening? Is Marbrisa cursed? As Carmen gets closer to uncovering the answers, her safety becomes increasingly jeopardized.
I enjoyed the dual points of view and timelines. Although Anna seemed somewhat naive for her age, both she and Carmen had a certain spunk. The manor itself exuded an allure that could be chilling. However, the constant switching of perspectives slightly tempered the thrill.
Overall, there were some minor issues with the execution of this novel. I was expecting a touch of the paranormal that was never fully realized. Additionally, the twist at the end felt forced, as though the author was unsure of who the ultimate villain should be to fit both timelines until the very end. Unfortunately, this lack of clarity undermined the twist, making it fall a bit flat.
April 10, 2024
This story, told in dual timelines, is about a fantastic house built in Miami following the First World War. It’s about the women who come to live there, the men drawn to the house, and how those things collide.
I enjoyed both timelines, as there is interest and intrigue in both. Strange things occur in this wild area of Florida- wild with nature and wild from greed and desire. I found the storylines interesting, how they wove together, the characters and surprises. The ending brought things together in a way I felt fitting for the characters and that I enjoyed. Also, I quite liked the narration in the audiobook!
I enjoyed both timelines, as there is interest and intrigue in both. Strange things occur in this wild area of Florida- wild with nature and wild from greed and desire. I found the storylines interesting, how they wove together, the characters and surprises. The ending brought things together in a way I felt fitting for the characters and that I enjoyed. Also, I quite liked the narration in the audiobook!
April 10, 2024
3.5 stars.
This one has two timelines that are linked by place. Both have their own mystery and that also links them together.
I like this author. She does so many things well. Her female characters really shine with all the detail and the way their relationships are shaped. It all felt genuine. She also has that same finesse when it comes to world building. This house on Biscayne Bay in Miami was so atmospheric that it seemed like its own character. This added an extra creepy vibe to the mysteries at hand.
Even with all the things I like and that I've come to expect from this author, I wasn't pulled in like I usually am by her stories. The pace crawled and the male characters lacked a lot of the detail that the female characters seem to capture. However, it was the ending that seemed a little soft that kept this one at 3 stars for me.
This one has two timelines that are linked by place. Both have their own mystery and that also links them together.
I like this author. She does so many things well. Her female characters really shine with all the detail and the way their relationships are shaped. It all felt genuine. She also has that same finesse when it comes to world building. This house on Biscayne Bay in Miami was so atmospheric that it seemed like its own character. This added an extra creepy vibe to the mysteries at hand.
Even with all the things I like and that I've come to expect from this author, I wasn't pulled in like I usually am by her stories. The pace crawled and the male characters lacked a lot of the detail that the female characters seem to capture. However, it was the ending that seemed a little soft that kept this one at 3 stars for me.
March 26, 2024
Very different from her other historical fiction, this felt more like a gothic mystery. I don't usually read mysteries so I found this a fun break from my typical reading and the story was easy to devour. (Review based on a free early reader copy provided through publisher and Netgalley.)
March 28, 2024
3.5/5
Short synopsis: A mansion named Marbrisa on Briscayne Bay in Florida built by the wealthy Robert and Anna Barnes fraught with unexplained deaths, now years later Carmen joins her sister Carolina at Marbrisa after the death of their parents.
My thoughts: Cleeton has a great way of writing an atmospheric location. It’s very easy to imagine the scenery as the characters are seeing it. And the gothic mysterious mansion in flourishing Florida was such a fun setting.
This was a fun mystery that kept me engaged until the end pages, I just hoped for a little more suspense. Definitely read different than her other novels with the mystery element.
Read if you love:
- Gothic mansion settings
- Dual timelines and POV
- atmospheric settings
- Lavish parties and mysterious deaths
Short synopsis: A mansion named Marbrisa on Briscayne Bay in Florida built by the wealthy Robert and Anna Barnes fraught with unexplained deaths, now years later Carmen joins her sister Carolina at Marbrisa after the death of their parents.
My thoughts: Cleeton has a great way of writing an atmospheric location. It’s very easy to imagine the scenery as the characters are seeing it. And the gothic mysterious mansion in flourishing Florida was such a fun setting.
This was a fun mystery that kept me engaged until the end pages, I just hoped for a little more suspense. Definitely read different than her other novels with the mystery element.
Read if you love:
- Gothic mansion settings
- Dual timelines and POV
- atmospheric settings
- Lavish parties and mysterious deaths
April 30, 2024
Wonderful! This story drew me in from the very beginning and I didn’t want to put it down. It has everything I look for in historical fiction (or any book, really): great characters, a perfect setting, a mysterious past, and a dual timeline that is easy to follow but equally intriguing. I loved everything about this book! Highly recommended for fans of gothic mysteries, creepy locales, and historical fiction fans.
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