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The Lost Children
1966: Standing on the rugged Cornish coast, Hallows Abbey can be a lonely place for the boys boarding there. For Theresa, however, it offers an escape from her father’s long shadow, and as the school nurse, she tries to be a comfort to those students struggling to adjust to their remote life. But, before the year is over, Theresa will make a terrible decision – and the consequences for the children in her care will change everything…
2025: With her own children having just left home, Amanda’s emotions are in turmoil when she arrives at the isolated school where her husband is to be Deputy Head. When she learns of the school’s tragic history, in which a group of boys went out on a boat trip and disappeared, she becomes obsessed with finding out what happened, even when her research risks upsetting the fragile equilibrium of the school. But when she starts to hear voices in the gardens, and crying in the halls at night, she begins to wonder if she’s losing her mind.
Only one thing seems certain: this corner of Cornwall could well be Amanda’s undoing.
2025: With her own children having just left home, Amanda’s emotions are in turmoil when she arrives at the isolated school where her husband is to be Deputy Head. When she learns of the school’s tragic history, in which a group of boys went out on a boat trip and disappeared, she becomes obsessed with finding out what happened, even when her research risks upsetting the fragile equilibrium of the school. But when she starts to hear voices in the gardens, and crying in the halls at night, she begins to wonder if she’s losing her mind.
Only one thing seems certain: this corner of Cornwall could well be Amanda’s undoing.
360 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 4, 2025
About the author
Victoria Scott
7 books152 followersVictoria Scott is a bestselling British author of life-affirming fiction, known for her gripping gothic historical mysteries and uplifting book club novels that explore themes of hope, resilience and the power of human friendship and love. Her books are perfect for fans of Lucinda Riley, Kate Morton, and Jojo Moyes.
Her novels, The Storyteller’s Daughter and The Women Who Wouldn’t Leave, are both Amazon Top 100 bestsellers. Her latest novel, The House on the Cliff – a haunting, atmospheric tale of secrets and second chances – is out now.
Before becoming a novelist, Victoria worked as a journalist for the BBC, The Telegraph and Al Jazeera. She now combines her love of storytelling with lecturing in journalism at Kingston University.
Victoria lives on an island in the River Thames with her husband, two children, and a cat called Alice. When she’s not writing, she is a keen (but amateur) singer and gardener.
Follow Victoria for updates and behind-the-scenes book content:
Instagram & TikTok: @VictoriaScottAuthor
Facebook: @VictoriaScottJournalist
X/Twitter: @toryscott
Her novels, The Storyteller’s Daughter and The Women Who Wouldn’t Leave, are both Amazon Top 100 bestsellers. Her latest novel, The House on the Cliff – a haunting, atmospheric tale of secrets and second chances – is out now.
Before becoming a novelist, Victoria worked as a journalist for the BBC, The Telegraph and Al Jazeera. She now combines her love of storytelling with lecturing in journalism at Kingston University.
Victoria lives on an island in the River Thames with her husband, two children, and a cat called Alice. When she’s not writing, she is a keen (but amateur) singer and gardener.
Follow Victoria for updates and behind-the-scenes book content:
Instagram & TikTok: @VictoriaScottAuthor
Facebook: @VictoriaScottJournalist
X/Twitter: @toryscott
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
October 4, 2025
It was 1966 and Theresa had left her home and family in London to start employment as a school nurse on the Cornish coast. Hallows Abbey, a boys only dwelling, had been around for a long time, and was now a private boarding school with the monks housed close by. Theresa loved her work, caring for the boys and getting to know all those she worked with. John was one such pupil, but he was bullied relentlessly because he was there on a scholarship.
2025, and Amanda and her husband Mike were heading to Hallows Abbey where Mike was to work as deputy head. Amanda was feeling adrift - her two children had left home to have their own lives, and Mike was extremely busy with his new job. Amanda became friendly with Rosie, the school's nurse, and helped out on occasion. But when she learned of a tragedy that had happened in the years past, Amanda decided she wanted to learn more about what had occurred. Gradually, things began to fall apart...
I quite enjoyed The House on the Cliff by Victoria Scott and found both timelines well-written. Theresa was a naive young woman who was easily led, while Amanda was having problems of her own. The beauty of the rugged Cornish coast shone through, with the wild and violent storms which hit unexpectedly, able to cause much damage. This is my first read of this author's work, but it won't be my last. Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Boldwood Books for my digital ARC to read and review.
2025, and Amanda and her husband Mike were heading to Hallows Abbey where Mike was to work as deputy head. Amanda was feeling adrift - her two children had left home to have their own lives, and Mike was extremely busy with his new job. Amanda became friendly with Rosie, the school's nurse, and helped out on occasion. But when she learned of a tragedy that had happened in the years past, Amanda decided she wanted to learn more about what had occurred. Gradually, things began to fall apart...
I quite enjoyed The House on the Cliff by Victoria Scott and found both timelines well-written. Theresa was a naive young woman who was easily led, while Amanda was having problems of her own. The beauty of the rugged Cornish coast shone through, with the wild and violent storms which hit unexpectedly, able to cause much damage. This is my first read of this author's work, but it won't be my last. Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Boldwood Books for my digital ARC to read and review.
September 17, 2025
I found it hard to rate this book as it did keep me reading but the blurb is slightly misleading. I love duel timelines though and this is what drew me to it.
Amanda moves to to Hallow's Abbey, in Cornwall, with her husband who is to become the deputy head of the boarding school for boys. It's extremely remote and Amanda finds it hard leaving London and her children who are at college but she has always followed her husband when he moved schools for work. She is in the middle of the perimenopause which doesn't help and the school has a creepy air about it.
Theresa is in 1966 and is then at the same school as a nurse. She took the job to escape her home life in Ireland but it soon becomes clear she has exchanged one problem for another.
I liked Theresa's story best. It was interesting and had me wondering all the time about the disappearance of the boys. When it finally came to light what happened, I felt a little let down. After the ghostly crying in the school halls I was expecting something weird but it was all very ordinary in the end.
Amanda's 'digging' into the mystery was almost negligible. She made one foray into it and that seemed to be that. While it's good to see women's previously ignored problems like the perimenopause written about, there was too much of it. So this part of the story read like Amanda's personal history rather than part of the overall mystery.
It was all nicely tied up at the end. I love the Cornwall setting and there are some lovely descriptions of the place and the sea. It was just a little light on the story side.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for an early copy.
Amanda moves to to Hallow's Abbey, in Cornwall, with her husband who is to become the deputy head of the boarding school for boys. It's extremely remote and Amanda finds it hard leaving London and her children who are at college but she has always followed her husband when he moved schools for work. She is in the middle of the perimenopause which doesn't help and the school has a creepy air about it.
Theresa is in 1966 and is then at the same school as a nurse. She took the job to escape her home life in Ireland but it soon becomes clear she has exchanged one problem for another.
I liked Theresa's story best. It was interesting and had me wondering all the time about the disappearance of the boys. When it finally came to light what happened, I felt a little let down. After the ghostly crying in the school halls I was expecting something weird but it was all very ordinary in the end.
Amanda's 'digging' into the mystery was almost negligible. She made one foray into it and that seemed to be that. While it's good to see women's previously ignored problems like the perimenopause written about, there was too much of it. So this part of the story read like Amanda's personal history rather than part of the overall mystery.
It was all nicely tied up at the end. I love the Cornwall setting and there are some lovely descriptions of the place and the sea. It was just a little light on the story side.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for an early copy.
September 14, 2025
The House On The Cliff by Victoria Scott, this is one of the most full circle awesome books I have ever read. The book starts with Amanda and Michael who are empty-nesters moving because Mike is changing jobs and is now going to be the principal at an Abbey for liv-in students. The second POV is Teresa in the 1960s at the same school she just moved from Ireland and is the new nurse of students and this is where she meets scholarship student John. Amanda is going through menopause and is suffering many changes in resent Mike for not noticing her inner emotional upset. At the same time unbeknownst to Amanda he is suffering his own trauma from long ago and his brother Ollie’s suicide something he never talks about. Thankfully while on a walk Amanda will meets Rosie,a lovely elderly lady who despite her age, is active infectious and someone Amanda really comes to enjoy spending time with. there’s also a mystery from the 1960s of a boat trip that went horrible and all lives on board were lost. By the time the two POV‘s come full circle everyone will know everyone else’s secrets but will it be for the better or for worse? let me just start by saying this book had an absolute twist at the end and although I expected one of them I did not at all expect the others. I really liked the addition of Pastor Omar I thought the author also did a great job making flaude yet likable characters not to mention a marriage that in the end is worked through as opposed to what I’m used to reading. This is an awesome five star read and one I definitely recommend. if you like dual POV’s with great writing and even greater characters then you will definitely love this book I certainly did. #NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #VictoriaScott, #TheHouseOnTheCliff,
October 22, 2025
I have always enjoyed Victoria Scott's immersive stories and this one blew me a way.
An old Catholic boarding school run by monks, with a questionable past, and one incident in particular that has never been laid to rest, and a school nurse who cannot forget the guilt of her involvement.
And a woman following her husband to join him as he works there, caught up in some mysterious goings on, as well as trying to deal with the onset of perimenopause and a touch of empty nest syndrome.
The story is told through a dual time line from the perpective of the two women, with Theresa during the 1960s and Amanda in the present.
A tragedy that occured in 1966 threads its way throught the whole story, bringing both these women's storues together in a way you wouldn't imagine.
Boarding schools have always held my interest, not least because of the years of reading Mallory Towers and St Claire's books by Enid Blyton, but also because my own brother attended one for his secondary years. The ragging, and the loneliness, as well as the cameraderie that can come from the experience.
An old Catholic boarding school run by monks, with a questionable past, and one incident in particular that has never been laid to rest, and a school nurse who cannot forget the guilt of her involvement.
And a woman following her husband to join him as he works there, caught up in some mysterious goings on, as well as trying to deal with the onset of perimenopause and a touch of empty nest syndrome.
The story is told through a dual time line from the perpective of the two women, with Theresa during the 1960s and Amanda in the present.
A tragedy that occured in 1966 threads its way throught the whole story, bringing both these women's storues together in a way you wouldn't imagine.
Boarding schools have always held my interest, not least because of the years of reading Mallory Towers and St Claire's books by Enid Blyton, but also because my own brother attended one for his secondary years. The ragging, and the loneliness, as well as the cameraderie that can come from the experience.
November 24, 2025
Oh how I do love a good historical fiction story that has a dual timeline within.
The author Victoria has done it again, woven such a beautiful and heartfelt story which captivates the past and present and moulds them together as one story. I absolutely adore a storyline with a dual timeline.
It didn't take me long to be drawn into the stories of Theresa back in 1966 and that of Amanda in present day, I was captivated right from the first few chapters. I loved how the story went back and forth from 1966 to present day which was done so seamlessly.
This was a highly entertaining and enjoyable story from start to finish, plenty going on with all of the characters, with lots of drama and a few surprises thrown in along the way. I literally could not turn those pages quick enough, the story was so very well written.
The book cover to this book was also beautiful and the prefect for this story.
The author Victoria has done it again, woven such a beautiful and heartfelt story which captivates the past and present and moulds them together as one story. I absolutely adore a storyline with a dual timeline.
It didn't take me long to be drawn into the stories of Theresa back in 1966 and that of Amanda in present day, I was captivated right from the first few chapters. I loved how the story went back and forth from 1966 to present day which was done so seamlessly.
This was a highly entertaining and enjoyable story from start to finish, plenty going on with all of the characters, with lots of drama and a few surprises thrown in along the way. I literally could not turn those pages quick enough, the story was so very well written.
The book cover to this book was also beautiful and the prefect for this story.
March 25, 2026
Really liked this book, the dual timeline was good and there were some good twists as the story unfolded.
April 19, 2026
4.5. Brilliant, read in 24 hours!
September 15, 2025
A dual timeline story set in and around a cliff top abbey / boarding school run by monks in the 1960’s and in the present day.
The story is told from the POV of two women.
In the 1960’s, Theresa has travelled from Ireland to work in a boys boarding school in Cornwall. One of the boys is being bullied and just doesn’t fit in as he is a local lad and doesn’t come from money, but he finds a friend in Theresa. Theresa is looking for love and thinks she finds it but the charismatic man who she is having a relationship with is not quite who she thinks.
In the present day, Amanda and her husband Mike are recent empty nesters, and are travelling to a boarding school in Cornwall to his new post as Deputy Head. Amanda is struggling with the symptoms of perimenopause and feels her husband is not supporting her. When out exploring the cliffs nearby, she finds a plaque remembering a boat full of students and their teachers who were lost at sea. She is intrigued and begins to dig into what happened that day in the 1960’s.
I enjoyed both of the storylines which are told in alternating chapters. The addition of a ghostly monk made it even better! You can’t beat a resident ghost in an old abbey.
The 1960’s storyline leading up to the boat trip deals with illness and the stresses of bullying at boarding school, where there are no parents around to help or give a comforting hug.
I could totally understand Amanda’s struggles having been through perimenopause myself. The inability to remember the simplest words. The feeling of losing your purpose as your children grow and don’t need you so much. And more. However, I did feel there was far too much about Amanda’s perimenopause problems which continued throughout the book, feeling like this was the main storyline. I felt sorry for her husband who had his own problems and was not getting any support from his wife.
Thank you to Boldwood Books for an advance copy of the book via NetGalley.
The story is told from the POV of two women.
In the 1960’s, Theresa has travelled from Ireland to work in a boys boarding school in Cornwall. One of the boys is being bullied and just doesn’t fit in as he is a local lad and doesn’t come from money, but he finds a friend in Theresa. Theresa is looking for love and thinks she finds it but the charismatic man who she is having a relationship with is not quite who she thinks.
In the present day, Amanda and her husband Mike are recent empty nesters, and are travelling to a boarding school in Cornwall to his new post as Deputy Head. Amanda is struggling with the symptoms of perimenopause and feels her husband is not supporting her. When out exploring the cliffs nearby, she finds a plaque remembering a boat full of students and their teachers who were lost at sea. She is intrigued and begins to dig into what happened that day in the 1960’s.
I enjoyed both of the storylines which are told in alternating chapters. The addition of a ghostly monk made it even better! You can’t beat a resident ghost in an old abbey.
The 1960’s storyline leading up to the boat trip deals with illness and the stresses of bullying at boarding school, where there are no parents around to help or give a comforting hug.
I could totally understand Amanda’s struggles having been through perimenopause myself. The inability to remember the simplest words. The feeling of losing your purpose as your children grow and don’t need you so much. And more. However, I did feel there was far too much about Amanda’s perimenopause problems which continued throughout the book, feeling like this was the main storyline. I felt sorry for her husband who had his own problems and was not getting any support from his wife.
Thank you to Boldwood Books for an advance copy of the book via NetGalley.
February 23, 2026
As it appears on my FB page, Moni's Reading Journey
The House on the Cliffs 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
By Victoria Scott
Short synopsis: this is about a boys boarding school that was located in a huge historical building in the Cornwall countryside in England, by the sea cliffs. It's a dual time story from the mid 60s and today, 2024-2025.
The action follows nurse Theresa, who was working in this boys school in the 60s, as well as Amanda, who is the wife of the vice-principal who started working at the school presently.
This book really has all the elements that you're looking for into a Gothic story: old building full of mystery, secrets buried in the past that keep resurfacing, tragic love story, maybe a ghost here and there, and the way it moves from the past to present, the zig-zagging between these 2 eras is remarkably done. I love the setting, I love the story, I love the characters, I loved the drama woven into the plot. It also touches on the World Cup that was won by England in 1966, and I can say that this is my first 5 star review of the year, and I have a feeling, it might be my favorite book of 2026, though we're so early in the year. This is my second book by Victoria Scott and I have to say that her writing style is exquisite. She creates beautiful settings, beautiful characters, and compelling drama. Besides having the absolute most beautiful covers of her books (and I know I shouldn't judge a book by a cover, but just look at it) I can only highly-highly recommend it. And now I'm going to go ahead and read her other books, because I have a feeling it's not gonna be disappointing.
Happy, reading everyone! 😊
The House on the Cliffs 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
By Victoria Scott
Short synopsis: this is about a boys boarding school that was located in a huge historical building in the Cornwall countryside in England, by the sea cliffs. It's a dual time story from the mid 60s and today, 2024-2025.
The action follows nurse Theresa, who was working in this boys school in the 60s, as well as Amanda, who is the wife of the vice-principal who started working at the school presently.
This book really has all the elements that you're looking for into a Gothic story: old building full of mystery, secrets buried in the past that keep resurfacing, tragic love story, maybe a ghost here and there, and the way it moves from the past to present, the zig-zagging between these 2 eras is remarkably done. I love the setting, I love the story, I love the characters, I loved the drama woven into the plot. It also touches on the World Cup that was won by England in 1966, and I can say that this is my first 5 star review of the year, and I have a feeling, it might be my favorite book of 2026, though we're so early in the year. This is my second book by Victoria Scott and I have to say that her writing style is exquisite. She creates beautiful settings, beautiful characters, and compelling drama. Besides having the absolute most beautiful covers of her books (and I know I shouldn't judge a book by a cover, but just look at it) I can only highly-highly recommend it. And now I'm going to go ahead and read her other books, because I have a feeling it's not gonna be disappointing.
Happy, reading everyone! 😊
December 7, 2025
It is August 2025 in Cornwall and Mike and Amanda have moved from London for Mike to take up his new position as Deputy Headmaster at Hallow Abbey, a Catholic boarding school for teenagers. Isolated by location it is run by monks who live on the premises. It has existed for many years but has a tragic story concerning the loss of boys and teachers on a boat trip. They have never been found.
Briefly, in 1966 Theresa arrives at the school to take up her duties as a nurse. She is young and left her family in Dublin for a new adventure. She tries to help the boys struggling with their school lives away from home and family. There is an ever presence of strange John, a bullied boy who Theresa takes under her wing and what appears to be a ghostly monk! Back in 2025 Amanda is fascinated by the story of the missing boys and determines to find out what happened to them.
Told in dual timeline we follow the emotions at play with the two women as they try to adjust to their new lives. One wants adventure and finds romance whilst the other really struggles with her new life. Both timelines are equally good and they come together seamlessly. The beautiful ruggedness of the Cornish coastline is used to good effect. A creepy gothic mystery. Very enjoyable.
Briefly, in 1966 Theresa arrives at the school to take up her duties as a nurse. She is young and left her family in Dublin for a new adventure. She tries to help the boys struggling with their school lives away from home and family. There is an ever presence of strange John, a bullied boy who Theresa takes under her wing and what appears to be a ghostly monk! Back in 2025 Amanda is fascinated by the story of the missing boys and determines to find out what happened to them.
Told in dual timeline we follow the emotions at play with the two women as they try to adjust to their new lives. One wants adventure and finds romance whilst the other really struggles with her new life. Both timelines are equally good and they come together seamlessly. The beautiful ruggedness of the Cornish coastline is used to good effect. A creepy gothic mystery. Very enjoyable.
October 12, 2025
4.5 stars! This was such a moving read. The author really brings the characters to life with such depth and emotion. I liked that each of them has their flaws, their struggles but also hopes and dreams.
The story is told over two timelines that come together as the stories unfold. In the present, Amanda is the wife of Mike, who has just been appointed deputy head at a prestigious boarding school. This requires a move to Cornwall. The couple struggle to find that their relationship is tested. In the past we follow Theresa and John a school nurse and pupil of the same boarding school in the 1960s.
I really enjoyed both stories and the struggles the characters faced. The book is about finding yourself, relationships and also overcoming mistakes, being human and adjusting to what life throws at you. I also liked Amanda's challenges of Perimenopause as this is not often written about.
The book was well written and the author really made me care about the characters! A really enjoyable read.
The story is told over two timelines that come together as the stories unfold. In the present, Amanda is the wife of Mike, who has just been appointed deputy head at a prestigious boarding school. This requires a move to Cornwall. The couple struggle to find that their relationship is tested. In the past we follow Theresa and John a school nurse and pupil of the same boarding school in the 1960s.
I really enjoyed both stories and the struggles the characters faced. The book is about finding yourself, relationships and also overcoming mistakes, being human and adjusting to what life throws at you. I also liked Amanda's challenges of Perimenopause as this is not often written about.
The book was well written and the author really made me care about the characters! A really enjoyable read.
November 27, 2025
Coastal North Cornwall, London, Fishguard, Dublin. This book has everything, tragedy, ghosts, boarding school, infidelity, the Sea, perimenopause, and every human condition. Dual time aspect with overlap, of course. Satisfying read, well balanced, perfectly paced. Well Done Victoria and Boldwood Books .
September 9, 2025
A dual timeline story set in a remote part of Cornwall. The book revolves around two characters, Tereas and Amanda, and their lives at Harrows Abbey, a boarding school on the cliffs in Cornwall. Old secrets, a lonely boy and beautiful descriptions of the area kept me reading throughout the night! Reminding me of Daphne DuMaurier's books , this is a great book for those who read this type of mystery. Highly recommended!
October 4, 2025
This dual timeline story gripped me completely and I found the two stories of the women at the boarding school so atmospheric. The descriptions of the boarding school, the majesty of the ocean and the stories of those living in this remote part of Cornwall all wrapped up in a mystery that needed solving
November 18, 2025
What a fantastic book! I have read it in 2 days, couldn't put it down. Lots of emotions involved with reading this book. If you are looking for a good read this is the book for you.
I hate giving any spoilers, all I would say is there are some sad passages but on the whole a brilliant read.
I hate giving any spoilers, all I would say is there are some sad passages but on the whole a brilliant read.
September 9, 2025
A dual time line centered around a school on top of a Cornish cliff. This had creepy undertones, ghosts and strange goings-on which really gave this book atmosphere. I loved it. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
October 6, 2025
A dual time mystery that is very well written. The twists and turns will keep you up reading into the night. Highly recommended.
February 2, 2026
Loved this book! So many good twists and great character development throughout. I really enjoyed the slight paranormal elements as it was just enough to make you question things, but not enough to be a ghost story.
March 8, 2026
A twist
I really enjoyed this story and it has twist I certainly didn't see coming ! A good beginning,middle and end.
I really enjoyed this story and it has twist I certainly didn't see coming ! A good beginning,middle and end.
March 27, 2026
Haunting….
A well written story about people from different times and how their interaction finally solves a long ago mystery. Very relatable characters.
A well written story about people from different times and how their interaction finally solves a long ago mystery. Very relatable characters.
April 19, 2026
Full of twists
I found I couldn't put this book down, it drawers you into 2 stories running along side each other. I wasn't expecting the outcome. Lovely book
I found I couldn't put this book down, it drawers you into 2 stories running along side each other. I wasn't expecting the outcome. Lovely book
March 21, 2026
My first taste of a Gothic novel and I absolutely loved the thrill of it! I loved how everything slowly but surely unfolded, along with the double POVs that occurred in different timelines, and I empathized with the struggle each character had to go through. The reveal was astonishing, and it was nothing that I could possibly predict. Another great read from Victoria Scott, who always seems to be able to turn the mundane into extraordinaries!
March 26, 2026
Beautifully Written
A really good story really, a gentle, almost soothing read about all of life’s obstacles and opportunities, mistakes, forgiveness, and acceptance.
A really good story really, a gentle, almost soothing read about all of life’s obstacles and opportunities, mistakes, forgiveness, and acceptance.
April 3, 2026
Great read
An exellent book. Enjoyed the character development once I had got used to the between characters in each chapter. The twists at the end of the book brought the story together. Really well
An exellent book. Enjoyed the character development once I had got used to the between characters in each chapter. The twists at the end of the book brought the story together. Really well
October 24, 2025
Enjoyed this story
I enjoyed this book, a dual timeline but very different! Set in modern day and 1966 - the year England won the World Cup!
I enjoyed this book, a dual timeline but very different! Set in modern day and 1966 - the year England won the World Cup!
November 11, 2025
super
A really well written story about a school in Cornwall it has many twists and turns and mystical monk . I’ll read some more from this author.
A really well written story about a school in Cornwall it has many twists and turns and mystical monk . I’ll read some more from this author.
January 23, 2026
I'll admit, the setting was what first enticed me to read this novel. An abbey/boarding school sitting atop a rugged cliff on the Cornish coast... how atmospheric.
The dual-time line narrative served this story well.
Present day: Amanda and Mike are very recent 'empty-nesters'. Mike has a new position as deputy head of a remote boarding school in Cornwall. Amanda, missing her children desperately, thinks maybe a fresh start, in a new location, would help her adjust to her new situation. Once there, Mike is totally consumed by his work. The school is struggling financially and Mike spends every free minute attending to his myriad duties. Amanda though, is left with far too much free time. Not only does she miss her children, but she also misses her friends in London. This, in turn, puts a huge strain on their marriage.
1966: A young woman named Theresa leaves Dublin to take up a position as school nurse at Hallows Abbey in Cornwall. She enjoys the work very much. She tries her best to be impartial, but she is particularly fond of a boy named John. He is a scholarship student who doesn't quite 'fit in', and as a result is bullied.
Theresa is also falling in love... she is besotted with a local man. When a boat trip is planned for the boys as an outing, she finagles a way for this man to skipper the boat. The day ended in tragedy... the boys and teachers who went out that day were never found.
Meanwhile, Amanda (present day) learns of the tragic boat trip. She becomes more and more interested in finding out just what happened that day. Her life at the Abbey is becoming more and more distressing. Mike pays her no attention, she is menopausal, and she constantly hears crying at night. Crying that seems to have no source...
As the past gives up its secrets, the resilience of both Amanda and young Theresa is highlighted.
Recommended to readers who love a gothic atmosphere coupled with a mysterious story.
The dual-time line narrative served this story well.
Present day: Amanda and Mike are very recent 'empty-nesters'. Mike has a new position as deputy head of a remote boarding school in Cornwall. Amanda, missing her children desperately, thinks maybe a fresh start, in a new location, would help her adjust to her new situation. Once there, Mike is totally consumed by his work. The school is struggling financially and Mike spends every free minute attending to his myriad duties. Amanda though, is left with far too much free time. Not only does she miss her children, but she also misses her friends in London. This, in turn, puts a huge strain on their marriage.
1966: A young woman named Theresa leaves Dublin to take up a position as school nurse at Hallows Abbey in Cornwall. She enjoys the work very much. She tries her best to be impartial, but she is particularly fond of a boy named John. He is a scholarship student who doesn't quite 'fit in', and as a result is bullied.
Theresa is also falling in love... she is besotted with a local man. When a boat trip is planned for the boys as an outing, she finagles a way for this man to skipper the boat. The day ended in tragedy... the boys and teachers who went out that day were never found.
Meanwhile, Amanda (present day) learns of the tragic boat trip. She becomes more and more interested in finding out just what happened that day. Her life at the Abbey is becoming more and more distressing. Mike pays her no attention, she is menopausal, and she constantly hears crying at night. Crying that seems to have no source...
As the past gives up its secrets, the resilience of both Amanda and young Theresa is highlighted.
Recommended to readers who love a gothic atmosphere coupled with a mysterious story.
August 22, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
A dual timeline mystery set on the dramatic cliffs of Cornwall.
2024 - Amanda has followed her husband to the isolated boarding school, Hallows Abbey. She’s dealing with a lot of changes in her life. An empty nester who’s going through perimenopause, she’s struggling with her identity, now that her relationship with her children has changed, her marriage is in crisis due to the demands of her husband’s new position. She can’t help but feel the loneliness creeping in. When she starts hearing mysterious crying she decides to look further into the tragedy that occurred at the school some years earlier. Could the two instances be related?
1966 - Theresa thought she would finally be out from under her religious father’s thumb and finally have the independence she craves only to discover she’s left one cage for another. She longs for adventure, though that’s hard to come by when you’re stranded at a remote school with a strict code of conduct. When she meets Trystan, a local fisherman, she finally finds the adventure she’s been seeking. But when she makes the wrong decision, the consequences are tragic.
I expected this to be more of a mystery, but really it’s a character study of a woman who’s going through a lot of emotional changes in her life and her marriage is in crisis. At the 50% mark, there hasn’t really been any forward movement toward solving the mystery of the tragedy that occurred at the school. The pacing is very slow, and while I appreciate the care Ms. Scott takes in creating a complex character with real life problems, I didn’t find it as captivating as the idea of the mystery. In fact, I felt as if it were an informational brochure on perimenopause, which after a while becomes tedious. This read more like women’s fiction with a mystery subplot, which isn’t bad, just not what I had expected.
I did find Theresa’s section of the story much more compelling. I felt it had more of a plot and the pacing was a lot better. The characters were much more fleshed out than in Amanda’s timeline, which made for a much more engaging read. The two timelines tie up neatly in the end, and while a pleasant read, I was left disappointed.
A dual timeline mystery set on the dramatic cliffs of Cornwall.
2024 - Amanda has followed her husband to the isolated boarding school, Hallows Abbey. She’s dealing with a lot of changes in her life. An empty nester who’s going through perimenopause, she’s struggling with her identity, now that her relationship with her children has changed, her marriage is in crisis due to the demands of her husband’s new position. She can’t help but feel the loneliness creeping in. When she starts hearing mysterious crying she decides to look further into the tragedy that occurred at the school some years earlier. Could the two instances be related?
1966 - Theresa thought she would finally be out from under her religious father’s thumb and finally have the independence she craves only to discover she’s left one cage for another. She longs for adventure, though that’s hard to come by when you’re stranded at a remote school with a strict code of conduct. When she meets Trystan, a local fisherman, she finally finds the adventure she’s been seeking. But when she makes the wrong decision, the consequences are tragic.
I expected this to be more of a mystery, but really it’s a character study of a woman who’s going through a lot of emotional changes in her life and her marriage is in crisis. At the 50% mark, there hasn’t really been any forward movement toward solving the mystery of the tragedy that occurred at the school. The pacing is very slow, and while I appreciate the care Ms. Scott takes in creating a complex character with real life problems, I didn’t find it as captivating as the idea of the mystery. In fact, I felt as if it were an informational brochure on perimenopause, which after a while becomes tedious. This read more like women’s fiction with a mystery subplot, which isn’t bad, just not what I had expected.
I did find Theresa’s section of the story much more compelling. I felt it had more of a plot and the pacing was a lot better. The characters were much more fleshed out than in Amanda’s timeline, which made for a much more engaging read. The two timelines tie up neatly in the end, and while a pleasant read, I was left disappointed.
August 22, 2025
Victoria Scott, The House on the Cliff, Boldwood Books, October 2025.
Thank you, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing me with this uncorrected proof for review.
The House on the Cliff is the fourth of Victoria Scott’s novels that I have enjoyed. However, although there is much to admire, I felt a little disappointed. The pacing was slow at times; the writing would have benefitted from being sharper and more focussed. Also, although I was impressed with Scott’s exploration of the nature of perimenstrual impact on women and their relationships, this was a little overworked. The positive feature of the way in which Scott dealt with this issue was that the difficulties were validated, and their effect on the present-day main character’s relationships did not dismiss the real challenges she faced and had to reconcile with her marriage, her changing responsibilities and even the seemingly simple task of leaving a familiar environment for an new future.
Amanda is the main present-day character, and she and her husband, Mike, have moved to Cornwall where he has been promoted to deputy head in a boarding Catholic school with a long history. They have not only left London, which is a wrench for Amanda, but even more disconcerting for her, their two children have begun their independent lives of education and possible career building. The school staff comprise monks and lay people; both the head and Michael’s co-deputy are monks. Amanda begins work at the school, as has been her habit, as an assistant to the school nurse.
The past becomes a feature of Amanda’s life at the school when she sees a plaque memorialising a disaster off the coast with all the crew, schoolboys and teachers missing, believed drowned. Therese is the main character whose story provides the details of the school in the 1960s, the matters leading up to the disaster, and her personal fears and problems – which contrast with Amanda’s mature concerns.
Both storylines offer social commentary; Therese’s background, her passionate but disastrous choices, and her care for the boys all reflect the concern Scott shows for the issues raised in the present. This is what I particularly admire about Scott’s work. Despite the problems I raised at the beginning of this review I look forward to her next novel. The accessible way she features social commentary as well as engaging storylines makes her an author to follow.
Thank you, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing me with this uncorrected proof for review.
The House on the Cliff is the fourth of Victoria Scott’s novels that I have enjoyed. However, although there is much to admire, I felt a little disappointed. The pacing was slow at times; the writing would have benefitted from being sharper and more focussed. Also, although I was impressed with Scott’s exploration of the nature of perimenstrual impact on women and their relationships, this was a little overworked. The positive feature of the way in which Scott dealt with this issue was that the difficulties were validated, and their effect on the present-day main character’s relationships did not dismiss the real challenges she faced and had to reconcile with her marriage, her changing responsibilities and even the seemingly simple task of leaving a familiar environment for an new future.
Amanda is the main present-day character, and she and her husband, Mike, have moved to Cornwall where he has been promoted to deputy head in a boarding Catholic school with a long history. They have not only left London, which is a wrench for Amanda, but even more disconcerting for her, their two children have begun their independent lives of education and possible career building. The school staff comprise monks and lay people; both the head and Michael’s co-deputy are monks. Amanda begins work at the school, as has been her habit, as an assistant to the school nurse.
The past becomes a feature of Amanda’s life at the school when she sees a plaque memorialising a disaster off the coast with all the crew, schoolboys and teachers missing, believed drowned. Therese is the main character whose story provides the details of the school in the 1960s, the matters leading up to the disaster, and her personal fears and problems – which contrast with Amanda’s mature concerns.
Both storylines offer social commentary; Therese’s background, her passionate but disastrous choices, and her care for the boys all reflect the concern Scott shows for the issues raised in the present. This is what I particularly admire about Scott’s work. Despite the problems I raised at the beginning of this review I look forward to her next novel. The accessible way she features social commentary as well as engaging storylines makes her an author to follow.
October 5, 2025
This is beautifully written with a dual timeline, that works seamlessly.
Firstly, the cover!! How beautiful is it?? I just love the detail and the colours.
In 1966, we meet Theresa, a school nurse at a boarding school in a remote location. Throughout the story we learn of her early working days here, the school, the people she meets and a tragedy that occurs.
In 2025 we follow Amanda’s story, her children having left home she moves with her husband to his new job at the school.
The two stories intertwine to reveal the secrets of the school as well as the lives of the people living there.
It is a bit of a slow burn, with lots of time spent finding out about all the characters and this remote area in which they find themselves. It’s interesting to see the similarities and differences between the area in the different years and how the school is continuing to run in a similar way.
There is a lot of focus on menopause within Amanda’s story and while I think it’s great to see this addressed and recognised, it maybe was a little overwhelming to the story. It did however make her character really real and I’m sure many people will connect with her and others will appreciate those around them who may be going through similar. It was very interesting to see a true and honest account of how it truly affects someone and their life.
I found myself dipping in and out of this one, a few chapters at a time, however as the story drew towards its conclusion, I couldn’t put it down and loved how it all pulled together.
The characters are all really well developed and the scenes all well described. You will feel you are swimming in the cove along with them! I was intrigued by some of the supernatural aspects and loved how some of it played out, but I don’t want to give anything away!
All in all a lovely book, especially if you enjoy dual timelines and great character depth.
3.5 stars
Firstly, the cover!! How beautiful is it?? I just love the detail and the colours.
In 1966, we meet Theresa, a school nurse at a boarding school in a remote location. Throughout the story we learn of her early working days here, the school, the people she meets and a tragedy that occurs.
In 2025 we follow Amanda’s story, her children having left home she moves with her husband to his new job at the school.
The two stories intertwine to reveal the secrets of the school as well as the lives of the people living there.
It is a bit of a slow burn, with lots of time spent finding out about all the characters and this remote area in which they find themselves. It’s interesting to see the similarities and differences between the area in the different years and how the school is continuing to run in a similar way.
There is a lot of focus on menopause within Amanda’s story and while I think it’s great to see this addressed and recognised, it maybe was a little overwhelming to the story. It did however make her character really real and I’m sure many people will connect with her and others will appreciate those around them who may be going through similar. It was very interesting to see a true and honest account of how it truly affects someone and their life.
I found myself dipping in and out of this one, a few chapters at a time, however as the story drew towards its conclusion, I couldn’t put it down and loved how it all pulled together.
The characters are all really well developed and the scenes all well described. You will feel you are swimming in the cove along with them! I was intrigued by some of the supernatural aspects and loved how some of it played out, but I don’t want to give anything away!
All in all a lovely book, especially if you enjoy dual timelines and great character depth.
3.5 stars
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