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Wyndclyffe
The mysteries of a remote estate lead a young woman down a twisted path in this gripping gothic thriller from the Edgar Award–winning author of Or Else.
After a car accident took the lives of both her parents, Mira Caine’s transition to adulthood was hard and fast. Solely responsible for the welfare of her intellectually disabled younger brother, she’s searching for a better life for them both when she’s approached by an enigmatic woman with an offer that seems like the answer to their problems. Allison Wyndclyffe, the young heir to an enormous fortune who’s suffered her own trauma, is in need of a mentor and companion.
Isolated on an island in the St. Lawrence River lies the Wyndclyffe estate—beautiful but possessing a dark and complicated legacy. As Mira settles in and befriends her troubled charge, she quickly learns her new home is full of questions that no one wants to answer. What caused Allison’s father to murder his wife and almost kill his daughter? How is the tragedy connected to the arcane writings Mira stumbles across? And why do parts of the island feel strangely familiar to her?
As more of the sprawling manor’s secrets are revealed through Allison’s damaged psyche, Mira’s sense of time and self begin to erode. Before long she will come face-to-face with the unspeakable truth at the heart of Wyndclyffe, and not everyone will make it off the island alive.
Perfect for fans of Karen M. McManus’s The Cousins and Shirley Jackson’s We Have Always Lived in the Castle, Edgar Award–winning and Wall Street Journal–bestselling author Joe Hart’s Wyndclyffe is a taut, multilayered mystery that pulls you in and won’t let go.
“Hart’s exceptional gothic novel will thrill mystery and thriller readers alike. Fans of Shirley Jackson’s We Have Always Lived in the Castle and Riley Sager’s The Only One Left will enjoy this one.” —Library Journal
After a car accident took the lives of both her parents, Mira Caine’s transition to adulthood was hard and fast. Solely responsible for the welfare of her intellectually disabled younger brother, she’s searching for a better life for them both when she’s approached by an enigmatic woman with an offer that seems like the answer to their problems. Allison Wyndclyffe, the young heir to an enormous fortune who’s suffered her own trauma, is in need of a mentor and companion.
Isolated on an island in the St. Lawrence River lies the Wyndclyffe estate—beautiful but possessing a dark and complicated legacy. As Mira settles in and befriends her troubled charge, she quickly learns her new home is full of questions that no one wants to answer. What caused Allison’s father to murder his wife and almost kill his daughter? How is the tragedy connected to the arcane writings Mira stumbles across? And why do parts of the island feel strangely familiar to her?
As more of the sprawling manor’s secrets are revealed through Allison’s damaged psyche, Mira’s sense of time and self begin to erode. Before long she will come face-to-face with the unspeakable truth at the heart of Wyndclyffe, and not everyone will make it off the island alive.
Perfect for fans of Karen M. McManus’s The Cousins and Shirley Jackson’s We Have Always Lived in the Castle, Edgar Award–winning and Wall Street Journal–bestselling author Joe Hart’s Wyndclyffe is a taut, multilayered mystery that pulls you in and won’t let go.
“Hart’s exceptional gothic novel will thrill mystery and thriller readers alike. Fans of Shirley Jackson’s We Have Always Lived in the Castle and Riley Sager’s The Only One Left will enjoy this one.” —Library Journal
259 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 2, 2025
273 people are currently reading
10719 people want to read
About the author
Joe Hart
52 books1,383 followersJoe Hart is the Edgar Award-winning and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of seventeen novels including The River Is Dark, Obscura, The Last Girl, and Or Else. His work has been optioned for film and translated into eight languages. He lives with his family in Minnesota.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
January 17, 2026
✰ 3.75 stars ✰
When eighteen-year-old Mira Caine so easily accepted Eleanor's invite to spend time on an island to be a friend to troubled Allison after her parents' traumatic tragedy, I already felt sure of what was to happen for how painfully obvious the setup was. 🙄 Even her bff warned her of the dangers of going to a place alone, unsupervised with complete strangers. But the lure of money that promised her and her mentally challenged younger brother an independent future safety net after their own parents' death in an unfortunate car accident makes the risk worth it.
It's a slow but steady unraveling of the occult mysteries and Gothic vibes that haunt the remote Wyndclyffe estate. The gruesome sordid family past Mira has invited herself into, rattles and unnerves her with each bated breath of fear and uncertainty that something surely is amiss. 🧐 The isolated seclusion is tangible, as she delves deeper into the strange occurrences of the island that have her questioning her own sanity.
“This time there were no tears, only a long embrace that felt like an understanding. A promise.”
The final quarter of the narrative was what really grabbed me, one where I was fully absorbed in how Mira's life was truly at stake in the most extreme of circumstances. 😟 The crippling fear of losing your identity that steadily builds up, taut with a prickling fear of interactions and choices that build the suspense and dread in a palpable way. The writing also convincingly captured the brooding horror and wave of troubled emotions.
It is also easy to sympathize and empathize with Mira's sense of goodness and her desire to help others, for how she believes everyone is deserving of it. 🥺 Yes, she was a bit too trusting for taking an offer that really was too good to be true, but she never lost sight of herself or her convictions. It was a powerful innate strength of hers that saved her during moments of her foreboding curiosity and her forlorn loneliness.
“Trauma was a chain stretching into the past, and sometimes it couldn’t be broken without help.”
One gripe that I would point out is the focus on mental illness, which yes, did serve as a red herring, but I'm not sure it was fully or properly addressed enough to make it that impactful. Nor did I feel the ending entirely fulfilling with the certain lack of comeuppance from the justified parties.
The kicker is that there should have been no surprise. But the surprise is how attuned I was, how immersive and easy to read it was, how engaged I was with the narrative.👌 For all that I thought it would follow a predictable path (which, it kinda did), it was perhaps how the pacing was taut and the way each bittersweet twist and unsettling truths were laid bare made me appreciate it just a bit more than expected.
“I think some of the worst things are done for love.”
When eighteen-year-old Mira Caine so easily accepted Eleanor's invite to spend time on an island to be a friend to troubled Allison after her parents' traumatic tragedy, I already felt sure of what was to happen for how painfully obvious the setup was. 🙄 Even her bff warned her of the dangers of going to a place alone, unsupervised with complete strangers. But the lure of money that promised her and her mentally challenged younger brother an independent future safety net after their own parents' death in an unfortunate car accident makes the risk worth it.
It's a slow but steady unraveling of the occult mysteries and Gothic vibes that haunt the remote Wyndclyffe estate. The gruesome sordid family past Mira has invited herself into, rattles and unnerves her with each bated breath of fear and uncertainty that something surely is amiss. 🧐 The isolated seclusion is tangible, as she delves deeper into the strange occurrences of the island that have her questioning her own sanity.
“This time there were no tears, only a long embrace that felt like an understanding. A promise.”
The final quarter of the narrative was what really grabbed me, one where I was fully absorbed in how Mira's life was truly at stake in the most extreme of circumstances. 😟 The crippling fear of losing your identity that steadily builds up, taut with a prickling fear of interactions and choices that build the suspense and dread in a palpable way. The writing also convincingly captured the brooding horror and wave of troubled emotions.
It is also easy to sympathize and empathize with Mira's sense of goodness and her desire to help others, for how she believes everyone is deserving of it. 🥺 Yes, she was a bit too trusting for taking an offer that really was too good to be true, but she never lost sight of herself or her convictions. It was a powerful innate strength of hers that saved her during moments of her foreboding curiosity and her forlorn loneliness.
“Trauma was a chain stretching into the past, and sometimes it couldn’t be broken without help.”
One gripe that I would point out is the focus on mental illness, which yes, did serve as a red herring, but I'm not sure it was fully or properly addressed enough to make it that impactful. Nor did I feel the ending entirely fulfilling with the certain lack of comeuppance from the justified parties.
The kicker is that there should have been no surprise. But the surprise is how attuned I was, how immersive and easy to read it was, how engaged I was with the narrative.👌 For all that I thought it would follow a predictable path (which, it kinda did), it was perhaps how the pacing was taut and the way each bittersweet twist and unsettling truths were laid bare made me appreciate it just a bit more than expected.
September 3, 2025
Atmospheric, eerie, haunting, disturbing, transportive…
Just a few of the thoughts that come to mind as I try to process the amazing-ness that Joe Hill delivers with Wyndclyffe. I loved the character depth, particularly with Mira, and could see myself in her shoes trying to make the right choices in a hard situation. She was so supportive and loving of her brother Aaron and I couldn’t imagine how difficult it must have been to accept a position on a remote island and be away from him in order to provide the monetary support they so desperately needed.
Wyndclyffe itself felt like a character. I could feel the drafty corners, smell the scents of decay and wealth and age, and appreciate the sense of foreboding that lurked behind every door. I couldn’t decide if this was a thriller, a mystery, a horror, or a blend of all and I think it ultimately fell somewhere in the middle. Indeed, this is a great choice for those thriller lovers who aren’t sure if they’re ready to dip their toes in the horror genre.
Mostly, this book surprised me. I had some theories about what was happening and was pretty off the mark which was super fun and I always appreciate. There is definitely a suspension of belief but if you let yourself go along for the ride, I promise you’ll enjoy it!
The PULSE is always abuzz when it comes to Joe Hill and I have no doubt the hype will be at an all time high for Wyndclyffe! Wyndclyffe releases 9/2/2025.
Just a few of the thoughts that come to mind as I try to process the amazing-ness that Joe Hill delivers with Wyndclyffe. I loved the character depth, particularly with Mira, and could see myself in her shoes trying to make the right choices in a hard situation. She was so supportive and loving of her brother Aaron and I couldn’t imagine how difficult it must have been to accept a position on a remote island and be away from him in order to provide the monetary support they so desperately needed.
Wyndclyffe itself felt like a character. I could feel the drafty corners, smell the scents of decay and wealth and age, and appreciate the sense of foreboding that lurked behind every door. I couldn’t decide if this was a thriller, a mystery, a horror, or a blend of all and I think it ultimately fell somewhere in the middle. Indeed, this is a great choice for those thriller lovers who aren’t sure if they’re ready to dip their toes in the horror genre.
Mostly, this book surprised me. I had some theories about what was happening and was pretty off the mark which was super fun and I always appreciate. There is definitely a suspension of belief but if you let yourself go along for the ride, I promise you’ll enjoy it!
The PULSE is always abuzz when it comes to Joe Hill and I have no doubt the hype will be at an all time high for Wyndclyffe! Wyndclyffe releases 9/2/2025.
September 11, 2025
"Grief never truly went away, it only dulled with time. And once in a while, when everything was just so, it would light up like a supernova and burn your center out."
Wonderfully suspenseful and mesmerizingly gothic, I was transported into the creepy and atmospheric Wyndclyffe estate along with Mira. Speaking of Mira, she's delightful and I grew attached to her quickly. Though young, she's been through a lot, yet retains her empathy and willingness to help others. There's a tragic history of course, for Mira, and also for her young companion Allison, but what actually happened?
I was SURE I knew where things were heading, only to realize I was putty in Joe Hart's hands as I ended up right where he led me. While I did manage to figure out a few things, the distrust and unreliability of EVERYONE had me second guessing myself right up to the taut ending. What a head trip in the best possible way! A gothic tale wouldn't be complete without including mental illness and Hart empathetically and realistically touches on several different mental health disorders with the care they deserve. The audiobook paired well with the physical read and is a great option for a more immersive experience.
A mind twisting tale with an increasing sense of paranoia and a house that has its own presence, WYNDCLYFFE is sure to have you pondering what's real. Isn't that what the best psychological thrillers do? If you're ready for some eerie and uncomfortable suspense that will keep you in a chokehold until the truth is revealed, you've got it right here!
____
Thank you Joe Hart and Podium Entertainment for my gifted copies. All thoughts are my own.
Wonderfully suspenseful and mesmerizingly gothic, I was transported into the creepy and atmospheric Wyndclyffe estate along with Mira. Speaking of Mira, she's delightful and I grew attached to her quickly. Though young, she's been through a lot, yet retains her empathy and willingness to help others. There's a tragic history of course, for Mira, and also for her young companion Allison, but what actually happened?
I was SURE I knew where things were heading, only to realize I was putty in Joe Hart's hands as I ended up right where he led me. While I did manage to figure out a few things, the distrust and unreliability of EVERYONE had me second guessing myself right up to the taut ending. What a head trip in the best possible way! A gothic tale wouldn't be complete without including mental illness and Hart empathetically and realistically touches on several different mental health disorders with the care they deserve. The audiobook paired well with the physical read and is a great option for a more immersive experience.
A mind twisting tale with an increasing sense of paranoia and a house that has its own presence, WYNDCLYFFE is sure to have you pondering what's real. Isn't that what the best psychological thrillers do? If you're ready for some eerie and uncomfortable suspense that will keep you in a chokehold until the truth is revealed, you've got it right here!
____
Thank you Joe Hart and Podium Entertainment for my gifted copies. All thoughts are my own.
September 17, 2025
This read like an eerie Psychological suspense/ mystery to me with a bit of maybe paranormal mixed. It depends on how you choose to see it.
I thought it was very good and I knew something was going on right away. Subtle clues. Some maybe not so subtle to those of us that read these a lot.
Spoilers below:
I knew she was <“cut”>
Being drugged. Right away. I knew something was weird about Allison other than she supposedly needed a friend or needed someone to talk to. Her vanishing acts, etc.
I was wondering about things changing and I kept thinking- why has she not picked up on the fact that they are drugging her?! I guess she was attributing it to fitful night’s sleep w nightmares.
But her room changing ? Photos on the wall… your ph might not be getting signal but the camera will still work! And I knew they were using some kind of blocker! I would have gone searching for the thing !
And Hallo?! Ding! Ding! Mira!!! Dude lies about the boat being broken; things are changing including which room you are in and shocker(!!!) these ppl have a secret graveyard and rituals and other weird crap you are learning about and you aren’t trying to flag down a plane!? Send smoke signals? Look for a telegraph machine? Message in a bottle? Something ! Shoot an arrow across the way with a note tied to it!
<“/cut”>
End spoilers
But I enjoyed this book immensely. One creepy thing after another. I saw that it was coming out and I was waiting for it.
The story is creepy even if you figure out some things along the way.
I thought it was very good and I knew something was going on right away. Subtle clues. Some maybe not so subtle to those of us that read these a lot.
Spoilers below:
I knew she was <“cut”>
Being drugged. Right away. I knew something was weird about Allison other than she supposedly needed a friend or needed someone to talk to. Her vanishing acts, etc.
I was wondering about things changing and I kept thinking- why has she not picked up on the fact that they are drugging her?! I guess she was attributing it to fitful night’s sleep w nightmares.
But her room changing ? Photos on the wall… your ph might not be getting signal but the camera will still work! And I knew they were using some kind of blocker! I would have gone searching for the thing !
And Hallo?! Ding! Ding! Mira!!! Dude lies about the boat being broken; things are changing including which room you are in and shocker(!!!) these ppl have a secret graveyard and rituals and other weird crap you are learning about and you aren’t trying to flag down a plane!? Send smoke signals? Look for a telegraph machine? Message in a bottle? Something ! Shoot an arrow across the way with a note tied to it!
<“/cut”>
End spoilers
But I enjoyed this book immensely. One creepy thing after another. I saw that it was coming out and I was waiting for it.
The story is creepy even if you figure out some things along the way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2025
Well, first let me say that I love the cover! Unfortunately, I did not love the story. I found Wyndclyffe to be slow, boring, predictable and it took me forever to read despite its short length. I did like the setting, atmosphere and some of the characters so it wasn't all bad. This definitely wasn't my favorite Joe Hart novel. 2.5 stars rounded up.
May 7, 2025
This book gave me all the gothic chills I crave in a thriller. A moody atmosphere, a mysterious old house, and characters with secrets. Joe Hart’s writing is beautifully eerie, and the pacing is perfect.
Mira Caine’s life has been nothing but survival. After losing her parents, she’s now the sole guardian of her brother, and desperate to create stability for both of them. When she takes a job to help a troubled heiress on a remote island, it feels like this could be their only hope. But the Wyndclyffe estate holds its own secrets, tragedy, and a darkness that refuses to stay buried.
Mira Caine’s life has been nothing but survival. After losing her parents, she’s now the sole guardian of her brother, and desperate to create stability for both of them. When she takes a job to help a troubled heiress on a remote island, it feels like this could be their only hope. But the Wyndclyffe estate holds its own secrets, tragedy, and a darkness that refuses to stay buried.
August 16, 2025
Wyndclyffe is so atmospheric and chilling. Taking place in a remote island, this story was the perfect gothic thriller. The estate is sprawling and tainted with a disturbing history that is haunting.
I flew through this one, anxious to find out what was really going on.
I flew through this one, anxious to find out what was really going on.
June 21, 2025
Woah—what a prologue. Just four pages in, and my heart was already racing. Set on a remote island with a decaying mansion that seems to steal time, Wyndclyffe is drenched in gothic atmosphere and creeping dread.
After a tragic accident, Mira Caine is left caring for her younger brother. She accepts a mysterious job on a secluded island... but nothing is as it seems. Strange caretakers. A haunting presence. A house that feels wrong. Is it haunted? Who is Isabella? Can anyone be trusted?
Joe Hart plays brilliantly with unreliable perception—and the final quarter? Pure adrenaline. Twist after twist after WHAT IS HAPPENING?!
If you love: ✨Creepy mansions ✨Family secrets ✨Unsettling atmospheres ✨Mind-bending twists
...then Wyndclyffe needs to be on your spooky season TBR! 🎃📚
After a tragic accident, Mira Caine is left caring for her younger brother. She accepts a mysterious job on a secluded island... but nothing is as it seems. Strange caretakers. A haunting presence. A house that feels wrong. Is it haunted? Who is Isabella? Can anyone be trusted?
Joe Hart plays brilliantly with unreliable perception—and the final quarter? Pure adrenaline. Twist after twist after WHAT IS HAPPENING?!
If you love: ✨Creepy mansions ✨Family secrets ✨Unsettling atmospheres ✨Mind-bending twists
...then Wyndclyffe needs to be on your spooky season TBR! 🎃📚
May 13, 2025
If you are looking for a gothic thriller that will have you tearing through the pages, I highly suggest you read this book. It is amazing! Atmospheric, creepy, gothic, an enormous mansion that takes on a life of its own. Characters you will fall in love with, and others you will detest. It makes you take a hard look at mental illness and what can happen if you do not get the help you need. A family wrapped in tragedy, yet all the money in the world. It all comes together in one thrill a minute read. That had me questioning what is going on and why?
Mira Caine entire life changed with one phone call. Her parents had perished in a car accident. Leaving her in charge of her younger disabled brother. Mira is inking out a life and barely getting by. Mira dreams of getting out of NYC and moving back to Connecticut. Buying a house for her and her brother. When she feels like she has hit rock bottom a woman comes to her with an opportunity she cannot pass up. Her job is to befriend Allison Wyndclyffe. A young woman whose own parents were killed in a violent act. That has left her catatonic at times, depressed, and unable to leave the island that her mansion is on in upstate New York. The paycheck alone makes Mira risk it all and leave her brother in the trusted care of the home he lives in. Wyndclyffe is an imposing estate that is completely isolated. There is a small staff on hand. Mira feels comfortable at first. Until little things begin to occur and she becomes lost in herself. Days turn into weeks. Weeks into months. Until Mira has no sense of time. She knows she is in danger but from what and whom? The entire island is drenched in tragedy and Mira is in the middle.
Joe Hart has quickly become one of my favorite authors. Wyndclyffe did not disappoint. I will be recommending this book to everyone. It completely hooked me from the first sentence. I love when a building becomes part of the story and a character itself. Thank you to Joe Hart and Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse for my gifted copy.
Mira Caine entire life changed with one phone call. Her parents had perished in a car accident. Leaving her in charge of her younger disabled brother. Mira is inking out a life and barely getting by. Mira dreams of getting out of NYC and moving back to Connecticut. Buying a house for her and her brother. When she feels like she has hit rock bottom a woman comes to her with an opportunity she cannot pass up. Her job is to befriend Allison Wyndclyffe. A young woman whose own parents were killed in a violent act. That has left her catatonic at times, depressed, and unable to leave the island that her mansion is on in upstate New York. The paycheck alone makes Mira risk it all and leave her brother in the trusted care of the home he lives in. Wyndclyffe is an imposing estate that is completely isolated. There is a small staff on hand. Mira feels comfortable at first. Until little things begin to occur and she becomes lost in herself. Days turn into weeks. Weeks into months. Until Mira has no sense of time. She knows she is in danger but from what and whom? The entire island is drenched in tragedy and Mira is in the middle.
Joe Hart has quickly become one of my favorite authors. Wyndclyffe did not disappoint. I will be recommending this book to everyone. It completely hooked me from the first sentence. I love when a building becomes part of the story and a character itself. Thank you to Joe Hart and Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse for my gifted copy.
October 21, 2025
OH MY GODDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD !!!!!!!!!!!
this book was like if The Only One Left by Riley Sager was on cocaine & i mean that in best way possible
bear with me as i detail out to the Nth degree why i loved this terrifyingly brilliant novel
the plot itself is a modern take on “creepy isolated mansion with dark family history” & joe hart’s writing preserved the historical setting while giving us modern-day elements.
mira was our hero. sweet, beautiful mira with a heart of gold. our 18 year old protagonist who was forced to grow up when her parents died tragically, added another element of depth and interest to this story. when her role in the mansion becomes clearer and clearer with each page, i felt her headaches, i saw her nightmares & i experienced her terror.
this was a trope buffet of everything i love in a mystery/thriller. joe hart does not rely on his twists to carry you to the end of the story. with a strong cast of characters and a high-stakes plot, the journey is compelling and satisfying long before the final reveal.
i thought i knew what was happening, i had my theories & i couldn’t have been more wrong. you gotta love it.
this is the 5th book i’ve by the author & i truly hope he gets the recognition he deserves. this book was outstanding.
this book was like if The Only One Left by Riley Sager was on cocaine & i mean that in best way possible
bear with me as i detail out to the Nth degree why i loved this terrifyingly brilliant novel
the plot itself is a modern take on “creepy isolated mansion with dark family history” & joe hart’s writing preserved the historical setting while giving us modern-day elements.
mira was our hero. sweet, beautiful mira with a heart of gold. our 18 year old protagonist who was forced to grow up when her parents died tragically, added another element of depth and interest to this story. when her role in the mansion becomes clearer and clearer with each page, i felt her headaches, i saw her nightmares & i experienced her terror.
this was a trope buffet of everything i love in a mystery/thriller. joe hart does not rely on his twists to carry you to the end of the story. with a strong cast of characters and a high-stakes plot, the journey is compelling and satisfying long before the final reveal.
i thought i knew what was happening, i had my theories & i couldn’t have been more wrong. you gotta love it.
this is the 5th book i’ve by the author & i truly hope he gets the recognition he deserves. this book was outstanding.
July 3, 2025
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Pub Date: 9/2
•
This was a very fun book. This book gave me shutter island and inception vibes the entire time and I loved it. It was the perfect mystery/thriller/horror. It will have you hooked right from the start and you will end up staying up late finishing it.
•
Wyndclyffe has the perfect steady to fast pace throughout the entire story. Hart does a fantastic job at giving WyndClyffe life itself. His descriptions of the house make you feel like you have been transported to that remote island. I loved exploring the house with Mira and uncovering its secrets. There are plenty of twists and turns along the way. There were a bunch of twists that I didn't see coming. Which brings me to that stellar ending!
•
Wyndclyffe is going to be a huge hit come September. I loved this book and will be highly recommending it for the rest of the year! I know that I will be thinking about this one for a while. Huge thank you to Joe Hart, and @thrillerbookloversthepulse for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Pub Date: 9/2
•
This was a very fun book. This book gave me shutter island and inception vibes the entire time and I loved it. It was the perfect mystery/thriller/horror. It will have you hooked right from the start and you will end up staying up late finishing it.
•
Wyndclyffe has the perfect steady to fast pace throughout the entire story. Hart does a fantastic job at giving WyndClyffe life itself. His descriptions of the house make you feel like you have been transported to that remote island. I loved exploring the house with Mira and uncovering its secrets. There are plenty of twists and turns along the way. There were a bunch of twists that I didn't see coming. Which brings me to that stellar ending!
•
Wyndclyffe is going to be a huge hit come September. I loved this book and will be highly recommending it for the rest of the year! I know that I will be thinking about this one for a while. Huge thank you to Joe Hart, and @thrillerbookloversthepulse for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
August 25, 2025
This was a chilling and atmospheric read from an author I’m still getting to know.
Mira Caine, after losing her parents, struggles to care for her intellectually disabled brother. She meets Allison Wyndclyffe, a young heiress in need of a mentor, and moves to the isolated Wyndclyffe estate. There, Mira discovers dark family secrets, including a past tragedy involving Allison's father's violent actions. As she delves deeper into the estate's mysteries, Mira faces unsettling truths about herself and the island, leading to a tense confrontation where not everyone will survive.
The main character, Mira, is likable, relatable, and undergoes substantial development throughout the story. With so much on her plate, it’s no surprise that she takes a job on a secluded island, hoping for a better future for herself and her brother. What could possibly go wrong, right? The narrative cleverly shifts between past and present, allowing us to fully grasp the unfolding events.
Allison, on the other hand, is a more complex character, but it’s hard not to feel sympathy for her given her difficult upbringing and the traumas she endured. At one point, I thought we were heading down a low-key “Shutter Island” path, but that was just a clever ruse to keep us guessing about the true nature of the story.
The vividly described environment gives you chills and greatly enhances the overall reading experience. I recommend diving into this book during the fall or around Halloween, as it captures the creepiness that the author excels at so well! The pacing is just right, making it hard to put down.
For anyone who loves gothic vibes, isolated island settings, and plenty of dark secrets waiting to be uncovered, this read is for you. You might find yourself on the edge of your seat as you approach the ending! Just remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Especially when you resemble someone in the family for whom you’re about to work. You’ve got to read it and let me know what you think! It’s truly spooky times a hundred!
Thank you, Thriller Book Lovers: the Pulse and Podium Publishing, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Mira Caine, after losing her parents, struggles to care for her intellectually disabled brother. She meets Allison Wyndclyffe, a young heiress in need of a mentor, and moves to the isolated Wyndclyffe estate. There, Mira discovers dark family secrets, including a past tragedy involving Allison's father's violent actions. As she delves deeper into the estate's mysteries, Mira faces unsettling truths about herself and the island, leading to a tense confrontation where not everyone will survive.
The main character, Mira, is likable, relatable, and undergoes substantial development throughout the story. With so much on her plate, it’s no surprise that she takes a job on a secluded island, hoping for a better future for herself and her brother. What could possibly go wrong, right? The narrative cleverly shifts between past and present, allowing us to fully grasp the unfolding events.
Allison, on the other hand, is a more complex character, but it’s hard not to feel sympathy for her given her difficult upbringing and the traumas she endured. At one point, I thought we were heading down a low-key “Shutter Island” path, but that was just a clever ruse to keep us guessing about the true nature of the story.
The vividly described environment gives you chills and greatly enhances the overall reading experience. I recommend diving into this book during the fall or around Halloween, as it captures the creepiness that the author excels at so well! The pacing is just right, making it hard to put down.
For anyone who loves gothic vibes, isolated island settings, and plenty of dark secrets waiting to be uncovered, this read is for you. You might find yourself on the edge of your seat as you approach the ending! Just remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Especially when you resemble someone in the family for whom you’re about to work. You’ve got to read it and let me know what you think! It’s truly spooky times a hundred!
Thank you, Thriller Book Lovers: the Pulse and Podium Publishing, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 12, 2025
Thank you to Podium Publishing and Joe Hart for the ARC!
After a devastating car accident, Mira Caine is forced to grow up fast. Barely an adult herself, she is trying to get by on part time hours at work and provide a better life for herself and her disabled brother. But that life seems so out of reach. When she is approached by a woman with a seemingly too good to be true job offer, Mira has to consider it. Her job would be to be a live-in companion to Allison Wyndcliffe, a young heir to a family fortune, who is recovering from trauma herself. At first, things seem okay; the home is beautiful with a library and chef. But the longer Mira stays there, the more unsettling things become.
We love Joe Hart at The Pulse! His newest novel does NOT disappoint! Immediately, I was drawn in by the unique circumstances and found myself really sympathetic towards Mira. The pressure she was under, and having lost her parents so suddenly, was so unfair. But she never gave up and only wanted what was best for her brother. That motivated her to take on this job under strange circumstances. But the more time she spends with Allison, the more she realizes just how much they have in common. Without giving any spoilers, Hart very respectfully showed just how devastating mental illness could be (with a nice reminder at the end that help is available).
I’m a huge fan of Hart’s books but this story seriously took things to the next level and will be a top book of the year for me. It is everything a psychological thriller should be! Deeply atmospheric, the isolated mansion setting only added to the creepy feeling I got while reading this. The fast pace also added to the ever-present tension. By the end I truly didn’t know which way was up - I was so invested in this story I wasn’t sure who to believe! Don’t wait on this one.
”Wyndclyffe” releases September 2, 2025. This review will be shared to my instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly :)
After a devastating car accident, Mira Caine is forced to grow up fast. Barely an adult herself, she is trying to get by on part time hours at work and provide a better life for herself and her disabled brother. But that life seems so out of reach. When she is approached by a woman with a seemingly too good to be true job offer, Mira has to consider it. Her job would be to be a live-in companion to Allison Wyndcliffe, a young heir to a family fortune, who is recovering from trauma herself. At first, things seem okay; the home is beautiful with a library and chef. But the longer Mira stays there, the more unsettling things become.
We love Joe Hart at The Pulse! His newest novel does NOT disappoint! Immediately, I was drawn in by the unique circumstances and found myself really sympathetic towards Mira. The pressure she was under, and having lost her parents so suddenly, was so unfair. But she never gave up and only wanted what was best for her brother. That motivated her to take on this job under strange circumstances. But the more time she spends with Allison, the more she realizes just how much they have in common. Without giving any spoilers, Hart very respectfully showed just how devastating mental illness could be (with a nice reminder at the end that help is available).
I’m a huge fan of Hart’s books but this story seriously took things to the next level and will be a top book of the year for me. It is everything a psychological thriller should be! Deeply atmospheric, the isolated mansion setting only added to the creepy feeling I got while reading this. The fast pace also added to the ever-present tension. By the end I truly didn’t know which way was up - I was so invested in this story I wasn’t sure who to believe! Don’t wait on this one.
”Wyndclyffe” releases September 2, 2025. This review will be shared to my instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly :)
August 19, 2025
An eerie thriller that had me on edge from the moment our FMC, Mira, stepped into the house. I’m so glad I listened to this one during the day. Goosebumps everywhere!
Every little bump had me looking around, even though *spoiler alert* I'm alone. Mira has been helping Allison with her mental health, but Mira has realized she is in trouble after she discovers the family dark secrets. Will Mira be able to get out or will she be forever lost in the Wyndclyffe estate?
A fast paced read that kept me on the edge of my seat listening to Kate Rudd. The narrator, Kate Rudd does an amazing job portraying Mira, Allison, and several of the other characters in the book. I was hooked from the very beginning. The tones and inflections used were spot on and the pacing was well done. This is perfect for fans of gothic mansion setting, dark family secrets, and high stakes.
A very special thanks to Podium Entertainment for the gifted ALC.
Every little bump had me looking around, even though *spoiler alert* I'm alone. Mira has been helping Allison with her mental health, but Mira has realized she is in trouble after she discovers the family dark secrets. Will Mira be able to get out or will she be forever lost in the Wyndclyffe estate?
A fast paced read that kept me on the edge of my seat listening to Kate Rudd. The narrator, Kate Rudd does an amazing job portraying Mira, Allison, and several of the other characters in the book. I was hooked from the very beginning. The tones and inflections used were spot on and the pacing was well done. This is perfect for fans of gothic mansion setting, dark family secrets, and high stakes.
A very special thanks to Podium Entertainment for the gifted ALC.
May 1, 2025
At 18 years of age, Mira is thrown into adulthood after the loss of her parents and having to care for her intellectually disabled brother. When a job offer lands in her lap with the promise of money that will see both siblings comfortable, Mira knows she needs to take it....even if she will be away from her brother for a bit. Isolated on an island in a house that holds a lot of secrets, Mira soon finds herself wanting to know the truth.
Joe Hart is a mastermind at writing thrillers that keep you on the edge of your seat. From the moment I started this book, I was enthralled with the last 25% leaving me gasping and cheering for Mira as she maneuvered her way through everything she found out. What a book! Mark your calendars, this one only releases early September so there's still a bit of a wait but I can assure you, thriller lovers will lap this one up.
Joe Hart is a mastermind at writing thrillers that keep you on the edge of your seat. From the moment I started this book, I was enthralled with the last 25% leaving me gasping and cheering for Mira as she maneuvered her way through everything she found out. What a book! Mark your calendars, this one only releases early September so there's still a bit of a wait but I can assure you, thriller lovers will lap this one up.
August 11, 2025
Joe Hart delivers a dark and atmospheric story with a mansion that feels like its own character. The tension builds with every chapter as secrets unravel, and the vivid, unsettling imagery had me fully wrapped up in the mystery. The twists were clever, and the pacing gave me just enough breathers to really feel the creepiness sink in. A couple of moments were easier to see coming, but it didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed the story. Hart has a way of making you feel like you’re right there in the shadows with his characters, and this one definitely left me with chills.
September 14, 2025
I kept trying to figure out what was happening and what the "twist" was but I couldn't, and that's the sign of a great book. I was a bit disappointed by the deus ex machina at the end, but I can forgive it ;-)
PS- Hart sure loves descriptive words and idioms, holy cow!
PS- Hart sure loves descriptive words and idioms, holy cow!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2025
3.5 - I wasn’t sure how to rate this book. At times I loved it and at other times I wasn’t sure where the tale was headed. There was a lot going on here and many story lines; one in particular felt like an afterthought and was never really resolved. At the beginning of the book, the author used “big” thesaurus words that felt forced thru the voice of Mira then later on he settled into plainer language which felt more in line with the storyteller. This annoyed me.
September 8, 2025
Bizarre plot with people trying desperately to stay on an island in a mansion after the patriarch goes crazy and murders his wife. It may have been reasonable to them at first, but the conspirators quickly degenerated into lawlessness, and eventually murder. Then, suddenly they CAN leave the island.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2025
there were really good parts but some of the story fell flat for me. I was more intrigued by the Leland story than what was happening in present time. i would have liked the book to deal with how the murder-homicide changed Allison, not just a quick 3 page brush off.
August 19, 2025
📚 E-ARC BOOK REVIEW 📚
Wyndclyffe By Joe Hart
Publication Date: September 2, 2025
Publisher: Podium Publishing
📚MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
📚MY REVIEW:
What in the holy hell did I just read?! WOW -- this unhinged and twisty gothic thriller from Joe Hart absolutely blew me away! It was heart-pounding, edge-of-your-seat insanity...and a complete mindf*ck. And I loved every single damn minute of it.
The prologue of Wyndclyffe immediately captivated me. Its shots of psychological adrenaline and utter creepiness left me breathless, with that feeling something awful was just around the turn of each page. The short chapters and constant uncertainty made for a gripping read that was unputdownable.
Mira is barely making ends meet when she's let go from her part-time job at the special-needs facility where her younger brother Aaron lives, and she has no idea what she'll do now. When her parents died tragically a few years ago, she was left to ensure Aaron's care on her own - and it's not cheap. So when a stranger offers Mira an opportunity to make some bigtime money for a month's work - just to befriend Allison, a wealthy young heiress who lives in her family's huge manor on a remote island, Mira figures it can't be that bad. And if the month goes well, it could become full-time work and she could finally give Aaron the home their parents would've wanted them to have. Everything seems okay when Mira first arrives at the massive manor on the island. Sure, the house is creepy and there's an eerie list of family tragedies that've happened there, but she and Allison have already hit it off and everyone seems friendly. But Mira starts feeling a little off, and then she isn't sending to remember things accurately. And she is getting the sense that everything here isn't quite what it seems...
It's no surprise that all my friends at Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse have been going CRAZY about this book and anything this author writes! This book was so ridiculously good! It's perfect for fans of The Only One Left and We Used To Live Here. And if you like remote settings with serious isolation, creepy family histories containing generational tragedies, huge old houses that almost seem to have a life of their own, wildly unhinged characters, and crazy twists you will NEVER see coming -- you simply cannot miss Joe Hart's upcoming book, Wyndclyffe!
Now, please excuse me while I look up every single book ever written by this author...and read them immediately.
#Wyndclyffe #JoeHart #PodiumPublishing #thrillerbookloversthepulse #fivestarreads #MUSTREADS #thrillerreads #thrilleraddict #thrillerlover #psychologicalthriller #gothicthriller #booklover #bookreviews #bookrecs #bookrecommendations
Wyndclyffe By Joe Hart
Publication Date: September 2, 2025
Publisher: Podium Publishing
📚MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
📚MY REVIEW:
What in the holy hell did I just read?! WOW -- this unhinged and twisty gothic thriller from Joe Hart absolutely blew me away! It was heart-pounding, edge-of-your-seat insanity...and a complete mindf*ck. And I loved every single damn minute of it.
The prologue of Wyndclyffe immediately captivated me. Its shots of psychological adrenaline and utter creepiness left me breathless, with that feeling something awful was just around the turn of each page. The short chapters and constant uncertainty made for a gripping read that was unputdownable.
Mira is barely making ends meet when she's let go from her part-time job at the special-needs facility where her younger brother Aaron lives, and she has no idea what she'll do now. When her parents died tragically a few years ago, she was left to ensure Aaron's care on her own - and it's not cheap. So when a stranger offers Mira an opportunity to make some bigtime money for a month's work - just to befriend Allison, a wealthy young heiress who lives in her family's huge manor on a remote island, Mira figures it can't be that bad. And if the month goes well, it could become full-time work and she could finally give Aaron the home their parents would've wanted them to have. Everything seems okay when Mira first arrives at the massive manor on the island. Sure, the house is creepy and there's an eerie list of family tragedies that've happened there, but she and Allison have already hit it off and everyone seems friendly. But Mira starts feeling a little off, and then she isn't sending to remember things accurately. And she is getting the sense that everything here isn't quite what it seems...
It's no surprise that all my friends at Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse have been going CRAZY about this book and anything this author writes! This book was so ridiculously good! It's perfect for fans of The Only One Left and We Used To Live Here. And if you like remote settings with serious isolation, creepy family histories containing generational tragedies, huge old houses that almost seem to have a life of their own, wildly unhinged characters, and crazy twists you will NEVER see coming -- you simply cannot miss Joe Hart's upcoming book, Wyndclyffe!
Now, please excuse me while I look up every single book ever written by this author...and read them immediately.
#Wyndclyffe #JoeHart #PodiumPublishing #thrillerbookloversthepulse #fivestarreads #MUSTREADS #thrillerreads #thrilleraddict #thrillerlover #psychologicalthriller #gothicthriller #booklover #bookreviews #bookrecs #bookrecommendations
April 20, 2025
𝑵𝒐𝒘, 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆'𝒔 𝒂 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒆𝒎𝒑𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒚. 𝑺𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒔. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝒊𝒔 𝒅𝒆𝒆𝒑𝒍𝒚 𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒖𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒖𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒆𝒅. 𝑭𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝒊𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒖𝒎𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒏 𝒂 𝒇𝒐𝒖𝒓-𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒇 𝒄𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓.
Infused with Gothic elements that make it perfect for a rainy day read, this is a story of tragedy, loss, desperation, and a refusal to let go that will deeply resonate with fans of early V.C. Andrews and Shirley Jackson.
Mira Caine has only been an adult for a few weeks. Her childhood was ripped away with one phone call telling her that both of her parents were involved in a fatal car accident. She's left solely responsible for taking care of her intellectually disabled younger brother and figuring out how to navigate the harsh realities of adulthood with no mentor. After an act of both bravery and kindness lands her on the news, she's sought out by a woman who has an offer that seems too good to be true--she's offered room and board and a shockingly large payment in exchange for becoming a mentor and companion to Allison Wyndclyffe, the young heir to an enormous fortune. Sadly, Allison has suffered a trauma that Mira can relate to, the loss of her parents, but the circumstances surrounding Allison's loss are much darker.
Mira is both persuaded by the life-changing sum of money and the thought that she can truly make a difference in this young woman's life, so she agrees to go the manor, which is isolated on an island with spotty cell phone reception. Despite friendly hosts, Mira has a pervasive sense of unease. The house appears to change; "𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒔 𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒆," Allison says, the paintings are quietly sinister and unsettling, and worst of all, what do the odd words mean in the secret journal she found? Is is connected to the strange spot in the woods she stumbled upon?
You will have so many questions as you move through the pages of this deeply atmospheric read. Tautly paced, teeming with dread, and filled with a sense of unease that you just can't escape, WYNDCLYFFE is another winner from this versatile author. Thank you to Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse, Podium Publishing, and the author for this early copy that is set to publish on September 2, 2025.
Infused with Gothic elements that make it perfect for a rainy day read, this is a story of tragedy, loss, desperation, and a refusal to let go that will deeply resonate with fans of early V.C. Andrews and Shirley Jackson.
Mira Caine has only been an adult for a few weeks. Her childhood was ripped away with one phone call telling her that both of her parents were involved in a fatal car accident. She's left solely responsible for taking care of her intellectually disabled younger brother and figuring out how to navigate the harsh realities of adulthood with no mentor. After an act of both bravery and kindness lands her on the news, she's sought out by a woman who has an offer that seems too good to be true--she's offered room and board and a shockingly large payment in exchange for becoming a mentor and companion to Allison Wyndclyffe, the young heir to an enormous fortune. Sadly, Allison has suffered a trauma that Mira can relate to, the loss of her parents, but the circumstances surrounding Allison's loss are much darker.
Mira is both persuaded by the life-changing sum of money and the thought that she can truly make a difference in this young woman's life, so she agrees to go the manor, which is isolated on an island with spotty cell phone reception. Despite friendly hosts, Mira has a pervasive sense of unease. The house appears to change; "𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒔 𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒆," Allison says, the paintings are quietly sinister and unsettling, and worst of all, what do the odd words mean in the secret journal she found? Is is connected to the strange spot in the woods she stumbled upon?
You will have so many questions as you move through the pages of this deeply atmospheric read. Tautly paced, teeming with dread, and filled with a sense of unease that you just can't escape, WYNDCLYFFE is another winner from this versatile author. Thank you to Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse, Podium Publishing, and the author for this early copy that is set to publish on September 2, 2025.
September 14, 2025
Was this objectively great? Probably not. Was the prose occasionally too florid for my taste? Yes. Was it all a little bit silly? Also yes. But darn it, I was entertained. Thoroughly. The plot, I couldn't guess where it was headed until pretty late in the game, which I appreciated, and even then some red herrings had me second-guessing. The mystery's solution was pleasantly believable, as was the ending.
My one annoyance, one of the characters was so selfish and stupid that it made my viscerally angry, haha.
Spoilers below, but honestly, the book is definitely worth reading without knowing much going in.
My one annoyance, one of the characters was so selfish and stupid that it made my viscerally angry, haha.
Spoilers below, but honestly, the book is definitely worth reading without knowing much going in.
October 28, 2025
Well, now.
Three pancakes short of a stack.
Wyndclyffe has been marketed as a Gothic thriller with an amazing cover. It's just recently published 9/2/25. I was bitin' at the bit to get to this one penned by the talented Joe Hart. Many positives filled these pages, but the negatives won out in the end.
Joe Hart is a master at creating atmospheric surround sound. Wyndclyffe is a remote estate on its own island in the St. Lawrence River. The mansion towers against the night sky. There is a well landscaped garden adjoining the grounds. But as you take the footpaths, you'll come across a creaky old boathouse. Go further into the woods and you'll spot a clearing with strange markings in the ground. And we haven't even crossed the threshold....yet.
Mira Caine is the sole care of her brother, Aaron, who resides in a community house. Their parents died in an auto accident. The expenses are mounting and Mira fears the worst. That is until she has been contacted to become a companion to a reclusive young woman. Where? Next stop....Wyndclyffe.
Joe Hart does a fine job of simmering the suspense in the beginning. As the story unfolds, we come across the real mechanics of this storyline. Mira is in danger herself. But we've figured that out the minute that Mira set foot on this island. All the nuts and bolts are thrown at us in the final chapters with so much explaining and filling in the blanks. The murders that occurred in the past are swept to the sidelines. "Something else" takes front row and center. I wanted more Gothic vibes and creepy horror.
C'mon, Joe. Put the pedal to the metal next time.
Three pancakes short of a stack.
Wyndclyffe has been marketed as a Gothic thriller with an amazing cover. It's just recently published 9/2/25. I was bitin' at the bit to get to this one penned by the talented Joe Hart. Many positives filled these pages, but the negatives won out in the end.
Joe Hart is a master at creating atmospheric surround sound. Wyndclyffe is a remote estate on its own island in the St. Lawrence River. The mansion towers against the night sky. There is a well landscaped garden adjoining the grounds. But as you take the footpaths, you'll come across a creaky old boathouse. Go further into the woods and you'll spot a clearing with strange markings in the ground. And we haven't even crossed the threshold....yet.
Mira Caine is the sole care of her brother, Aaron, who resides in a community house. Their parents died in an auto accident. The expenses are mounting and Mira fears the worst. That is until she has been contacted to become a companion to a reclusive young woman. Where? Next stop....Wyndclyffe.
Joe Hart does a fine job of simmering the suspense in the beginning. As the story unfolds, we come across the real mechanics of this storyline. Mira is in danger herself. But we've figured that out the minute that Mira set foot on this island. All the nuts and bolts are thrown at us in the final chapters with so much explaining and filling in the blanks. The murders that occurred in the past are swept to the sidelines. "Something else" takes front row and center. I wanted more Gothic vibes and creepy horror.
C'mon, Joe. Put the pedal to the metal next time.
July 7, 2025
⭐️ Book Tour - Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse⭐️
🔪WYNDCLYFFE by Joe Hart 🔪
4.5 STARS
Wow, this book cover is an absolute knockout! The moment I laid eyes on it, I was hooked. Huge thank you to @thrillerbookloversthepulse for bringing another spine-tingling Joe Hart thriller to our team!
If you’re into creepy mansions and remote islands, this one's definitely your ticket to chills and thrills. Joe Hart is an exceptional storyteller who takes you on an unforgettable journey with a family saga filled with twists and turns. You won’t be able to put it down! The secrets hidden in this book are so intense, they could bring a small country to its knees! Remember to circle the release date on your calendars!
This is a slow-burning gothic thriller that’s drenched in eerie island vibes. Although I usually prefer a faster pace, this story had me hooked. Mira Caine is grieving but trying to hold everything together for herself and her brother. She is presented with an opportunity to earn a large sum of money that she desperately needs by becoming a companion for the mysterious Allison Wyndclyffe, whose family history is a cocktail of murder and madness.
Thanks to the author and Podium Publishing for this gifted ARC. All opinions are my own.
#Wyndclyffe #JoeHart #PodiumPublishing #GothicReads #ThrillerBookLovers #ThePulse #ThrillerVibes #PsychologicalSuspense #StLawrenceMystery #IslandThriller #HauntedHouses #MoodyReads #AtmosphericReads #BookTokThriller #BookstagramThrills #Capcut #lefttoread
🔪WYNDCLYFFE by Joe Hart 🔪
4.5 STARS
Wow, this book cover is an absolute knockout! The moment I laid eyes on it, I was hooked. Huge thank you to @thrillerbookloversthepulse for bringing another spine-tingling Joe Hart thriller to our team!
If you’re into creepy mansions and remote islands, this one's definitely your ticket to chills and thrills. Joe Hart is an exceptional storyteller who takes you on an unforgettable journey with a family saga filled with twists and turns. You won’t be able to put it down! The secrets hidden in this book are so intense, they could bring a small country to its knees! Remember to circle the release date on your calendars!
This is a slow-burning gothic thriller that’s drenched in eerie island vibes. Although I usually prefer a faster pace, this story had me hooked. Mira Caine is grieving but trying to hold everything together for herself and her brother. She is presented with an opportunity to earn a large sum of money that she desperately needs by becoming a companion for the mysterious Allison Wyndclyffe, whose family history is a cocktail of murder and madness.
Thanks to the author and Podium Publishing for this gifted ARC. All opinions are my own.
#Wyndclyffe #JoeHart #PodiumPublishing #GothicReads #ThrillerBookLovers #ThePulse #ThrillerVibes #PsychologicalSuspense #StLawrenceMystery #IslandThriller #HauntedHouses #MoodyReads #AtmosphericReads #BookTokThriller #BookstagramThrills #Capcut #lefttoread
July 13, 2025
I was introduced to Joe Hart from Bookstagram and I am so glad that I have come across his writing. He is quickly becoming one of my favorites. His Nora McTavish series is amazing!! His writing is so descriptive, in a way that I feel like I’m immersed in the book! The characters are fleshed out. As Mira was contemplating life and choices, I felt like I was right there with her. This book is told from primarily one POV, Mira! And yes 🙌🏻 short chapters!! The pacing is perfection. This week has been so busy with summer camps and swim meets!
Mira is trying to survive everything life is throwing at her. She is just 18 years old and has recently lost both parents in a tragic car accident. Her brother is living in a home for people with developmental disabilities. She dreams of purchasing a home in the country where she can bring her brother home and care for him. She gets a job offer to go to Wyndclyffe estate, set on a remote island, to care for and befriend Allison. Allison is a young woman has also suffered a great tragedy in her home that has led her to be emotionally withdrawn. Both girls have so much in common. The estate has a wild and crazy history and the Wyndclyffe family has more than one skeleton in their closet.
This book was so well done! I enjoyed every moment of reading it. As you are reading the book, the story will unfold before your eyes. There are so many great characters in the book, including the estate itself! It’s no wonder all my friends @thrillerbookloversthepulse are raving about this book. It releases on September 2 and will be the perfect read for spooky season! Thank you to Thriller Book Lovers, Podium Publishing and the author for the opportunity to read this book. My opinions are honest and my own!
Mira is trying to survive everything life is throwing at her. She is just 18 years old and has recently lost both parents in a tragic car accident. Her brother is living in a home for people with developmental disabilities. She dreams of purchasing a home in the country where she can bring her brother home and care for him. She gets a job offer to go to Wyndclyffe estate, set on a remote island, to care for and befriend Allison. Allison is a young woman has also suffered a great tragedy in her home that has led her to be emotionally withdrawn. Both girls have so much in common. The estate has a wild and crazy history and the Wyndclyffe family has more than one skeleton in their closet.
This book was so well done! I enjoyed every moment of reading it. As you are reading the book, the story will unfold before your eyes. There are so many great characters in the book, including the estate itself! It’s no wonder all my friends @thrillerbookloversthepulse are raving about this book. It releases on September 2 and will be the perfect read for spooky season! Thank you to Thriller Book Lovers, Podium Publishing and the author for the opportunity to read this book. My opinions are honest and my own!
April 28, 2025
This was an atmospheric and poignant read. In this book, author has created characters with mental health issues and their poignant back stories contributing to the mental health issues and tragic past. The book has perfect amount of mystery, secrets, and horror.
Allison Wyndclyffe is the heir of Wyndclyffe estate. Residing deep in the island in the St. Lawrence River, the Manor holds secrets, traumatic memories and its the reason for Allison’s unsettling childhood. She has seen a lot and she has been through a lot. While Mira Caine finds herself resonating with Allison’s emotions as she has lost both her parents in fatal car accident. Allison also lost her parents but not the way Mira did. Mira is taking care of her disabled brother. Allison offers her to become a mentor and companion to her. But the strange silence and strange happenings in the
manor’s bothers Mira. The more she tries to find the answers, the more questions arises. The more she is delving deep in the mystery of the manor, the more she is finding herself tangled in the mystery.
Narrated in the present and past timelines, one might get confused but the book is deeply unsettling, grim, and it will take you deep into the atmospheric manor full of secrets and tragedy.
Thanks to the Publisher, Thriller Book Lovers- The Pulse, and Author.
Allison Wyndclyffe is the heir of Wyndclyffe estate. Residing deep in the island in the St. Lawrence River, the Manor holds secrets, traumatic memories and its the reason for Allison’s unsettling childhood. She has seen a lot and she has been through a lot. While Mira Caine finds herself resonating with Allison’s emotions as she has lost both her parents in fatal car accident. Allison also lost her parents but not the way Mira did. Mira is taking care of her disabled brother. Allison offers her to become a mentor and companion to her. But the strange silence and strange happenings in the
manor’s bothers Mira. The more she tries to find the answers, the more questions arises. The more she is delving deep in the mystery of the manor, the more she is finding herself tangled in the mystery.
Narrated in the present and past timelines, one might get confused but the book is deeply unsettling, grim, and it will take you deep into the atmospheric manor full of secrets and tragedy.
Thanks to the Publisher, Thriller Book Lovers- The Pulse, and Author.
January 1, 2026
Would you spend time on a private island in a haunted mansion?😲
I would not. A private island with only one boat to ferry you back and forth sounds terrifying. And it was in the book too!😁
Windclyffe by Joe Hart, is a gothic thriller/mystery. I knew the book sounded interesting when I first heard about it. But I was so hooked, as soon as I picked it up! It’s one of those books you just can’t put down.
Mira Caine, lost her parents in a car crash, leaving her and her brother alone for Mira to take care of.
When she’s given the offer to stay at the Windclyffe estate for a lot of much needed money, she goes against her gut feeling and takes up the offer. All she has to do is friend Allison Windclyffe after a horrific tragedy left both her parents dead.
Immediately things feel off, she tries to rationalize these feelings, but strange things continue to happen that make her question her own sanity.
You know something is wrong, and the story draws you in perfectly, so you have to find out what exactly is going on here!
I’ve read a few gothic novels and I am hooked, I need to read more!
Thank you @podiumentertainment for this gifted copy!
Windclyffe will publish on 9/2/25 and is Avalon our Amazon storefront
I would not. A private island with only one boat to ferry you back and forth sounds terrifying. And it was in the book too!😁
Windclyffe by Joe Hart, is a gothic thriller/mystery. I knew the book sounded interesting when I first heard about it. But I was so hooked, as soon as I picked it up! It’s one of those books you just can’t put down.
Mira Caine, lost her parents in a car crash, leaving her and her brother alone for Mira to take care of.
When she’s given the offer to stay at the Windclyffe estate for a lot of much needed money, she goes against her gut feeling and takes up the offer. All she has to do is friend Allison Windclyffe after a horrific tragedy left both her parents dead.
Immediately things feel off, she tries to rationalize these feelings, but strange things continue to happen that make her question her own sanity.
You know something is wrong, and the story draws you in perfectly, so you have to find out what exactly is going on here!
I’ve read a few gothic novels and I am hooked, I need to read more!
Thank you @podiumentertainment for this gifted copy!
Windclyffe will publish on 9/2/25 and is Avalon our Amazon storefront
July 8, 2025
Thank you @joe_hart_author and @thrillerbookloversthepulse for my complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
This atmospheric gothic thriller checks everything off my gothic horror checklist:
✅ Huge (castle-like) mansion
✅ Remote location
✅ Heiress
✅ Penniless companion
✅ Tragic past
✅ Secret passages
✅ Hidden rooms
✅ Morally gray characters
✅ Shocking conclusion
I stayed up way too late reading this one in almost one sitting! Mira is a tragic and likable character who is essentially all alone in the world, with only a mentally challenged brother to care for. She accepts a job that sounds too good to be true. Once she arrives at the castle-like fortress, she is given free rein to roam and explore. Strangely, her employers don’t mind if she sleeps late or misses meals either. (I need a job like that!) But as Mira explores, she makes troubling discoveries. She begins having strange dreams and even seeing things. She is unable to check on her brother due to a sketchy Wi-Fi connection. None of this seems to overly trouble Mira until it’s too late! Ultimately this is a haunting tale you will not soon forget
This atmospheric gothic thriller checks everything off my gothic horror checklist:
✅ Huge (castle-like) mansion
✅ Remote location
✅ Heiress
✅ Penniless companion
✅ Tragic past
✅ Secret passages
✅ Hidden rooms
✅ Morally gray characters
✅ Shocking conclusion
I stayed up way too late reading this one in almost one sitting! Mira is a tragic and likable character who is essentially all alone in the world, with only a mentally challenged brother to care for. She accepts a job that sounds too good to be true. Once she arrives at the castle-like fortress, she is given free rein to roam and explore. Strangely, her employers don’t mind if she sleeps late or misses meals either. (I need a job like that!) But as Mira explores, she makes troubling discoveries. She begins having strange dreams and even seeing things. She is unable to check on her brother due to a sketchy Wi-Fi connection. None of this seems to overly trouble Mira until it’s too late! Ultimately this is a haunting tale you will not soon forget
December 24, 2025
3.5 - It was better than a 3, but 4 seems a bit high since I felt it took a bit long to get going, and then they rushed past the climax. That being said, it ended up being better than I expected and more original as well, at first it felt a bit cliché, and like some kind of retelling of The Turn of the Screw/Blythe Manor, but definitely took a very unexpected turn in the final act. But that's also where I wish they'd spent more time rather than rushing past it and (seemingly) wrapping it up in a bit too much of a perfect bow by the end. I would have preferred some fleshing out of characters better, and the backstory of the family, which was the base of the entire story. All in all though, still an enjoyable read and a page turner.
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