The Secrets of Blackthorn House

by Marie McWilliams

After a whirlwind romance, Evelyn is excited to start her new life with her husband, Peter. But when the sudden passing of Peter’s father gives him the title Lord Black, along with the family’s remote manor, Blackthorn House, she finds herself in the middle of the wild Yorkshire Moors, separated from the only life she has ever known. She quickly realizes something is wrong with Blackthorn children’s laughter can be heard throughout the halls, the constant fog is full of wailing specters, and her dreams are haunted by an entity wearing her mother’s corpse like a suit. Furthermore, her new husband has become a stranger to her, treating her with barely veiled disdain.

Under the constant surveillance of the staff of Blackthorn House, Evelyn struggles to find answers. Unable to gain any insight from the frightened locals in the nearby village, Evelyn and her trusted servant, Lilly, must seek answers from the dead. They learn that the Black family has long kept a dark and terrible secret. A secret that threatens both of their lives and, now, the life of Evelyn’s unborn baby. A secret involving a bargain paid in blood.

Genres: Horror, Gothic, Ghosts, Paranormal, Dark, Adult, Fiction

290 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 22, 2025

Reviews

[Livlyy ⭑.ᐟ · Rating 5 out of 5]

♾️ / 5 ⭐️

“𝑶𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒏 , 𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒍 𝒉𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒖𝒏𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒖𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒂𝒔𝒌𝒔.”


「 ✦ 𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬 ✦ 」 So there’s this girl Evelyn , who is married to Peter , who according to her is perfect. But she sees her true nature when his father dies, he inherites his wealth and move into the blackthorn house. And then she realises his true motive and the history of his ancestors ( pretty much like the Bollywood film “Chhori” )



𝑷𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒅𝒂𝒕𝒆 : August 22nd , 2025



⋆.˚✮ 𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔 ✮˚.⋆ I have soo much to say but at the same time nothing to say 😭 This is my first ever book from horror genre , and honestly it was AMAZING . It gives the vibe of a classic book but at the same time it didn’t have sophisticated writing and I’d recommend it to anyone who wants to get familiar with this gothic horror genre. I was screaming and crying , it was an emotional roller coaster.It was a type of book to evoke your feminine rage. The writing and the pacing everything was PERFECT! I did NOT see the ending coming and I’m begging the author to make a second part of this book 😭

This book has such a badass FMC and from the moment I read the dedication , I KNEW IT WAS GONNA SLAY

“𝑫𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒘𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒉𝒂𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒚 𝒂 𝒎𝒂𝒏. 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒎𝒂𝒚 𝒃𝒖𝒓𝒏 𝒖𝒔 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒘𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒆 𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒖𝒎𝒑𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒔.”



┈┈┈┈ ⋆.˚✮🎧✮˚.⋆ ┈┈┈┈



𐔌 . ⋮ 𝐂ɦα𝗋α𝖼𝗍𝖾𝗋𝗌 .ᐟ ֹ ₊ ꒱


⋮ ⋆˚࿔ 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐲𝐧 ⋆ 𝜗𝜚˚⋆
She is a really brave woman . At first she was not that much careful and angry Peter but when she became pregnant she had a major glow up and it was giving PEAK MATERNAL VIBES ! And that one particular scene where they all unite I was like YESSSS GO ONN!! ( I’ll stop here so else I’ll spoil the whole book ) PLEASE GIVE HER A HAPPY ENDING THO😭😭😭😭


⋮ ⋆˚࿔ 𝐏𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫 ⋆ 𝜗𝜚˚⋆
I’m so mad at this guy , I was literally screaming in frustration at the FMC to grab the knife and slit his throat ASAP. And then whenever he did something that would make the readers anger , the author would add the word “ smirks” to evoke more anger😭


⋮ ⋆˚࿔ 𝐋𝐢𝐥𝐲 ⋆ 𝜗𝜚˚⋆
I was suspecting her from the start but she actually turned out to be nice WOAH. She was there for Evelyn every time and that was so heartwarming ❤️ ( I’ll stop here or else I’ll start crying again😭)


┈┈┈┈ ♡˚ 🦢・✧ ┈┈┈┈

˚⋆𐙚｡𝑺𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒍𝒖𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌𖦹.ᡣ𐭩˚ Domestic Violence , Emotional Manipulation, Death and grief.


┈┈┈┈ ⋆.˚✮🕯️✮˚.⋆ ┈┈┈┈

「°•`୨𝑶𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒍!•°ৎ 」I’m shocked and I cannot stop thinking about this book. Love the writing and the gothic atmosphere, so it’s a five star read for me ❤️ Thank you to NetGalley , Marie McWilliams and Quill & Crow for giving me E - arc for this book in exchange for an honest review!

[Kayla_Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Quill & Crow for the opportunity to read and review the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Gothic horror done right! If you enjoyed the classic Rebecca, this might just be right up your alley. A whirlwind romance quickly becomes a living nightmare in the remote Blackthorn House. Something is not right in Evelyn’s new home and her husband is becoming a stranger. It was a suspenseful, chilling, and atmospheric read that will have you gripping the pages until the very end.

[✨ tweety ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The secrets of Blackthorn House is a horror/gothic story set in England, which gave me very 'classic' book vibes. It starts when Evelyn, the main protagonist, gets married to Peter Black. She is so enamored with him and can't wait to start her life with her new husband. Peter looks like the perfect man: he dotes on Evelyn, defends her when someone says something bad about her, and is sweet. But soon, Evelyn finds out that all that glitters isn't gold. After they move to his ancestral home, Blackthorn House, the mask Peter had worn in order to charm her is quickly shed. Evelyn finds herself captured in a house which holds a secret and even more than meets the eye.

There wasn't a quiet moment in Evelyn's life, and the literal horrors she goes through were described nicely and made me feel as I was there observing the scene. This book may trigger some readers because it contains abuse, manipulation, violence and death (some of these off screen), so I suggest to thread carefully.

Evelyn reminded me of a gothic heroine. She is young and romantic, and her ideals are soon destroyed after she moves into Blackthorn House. The house itself is a main character of the book and Evelyn must be resilient and courageous and strong in order to survive. I really liked her friendship with Lilly and their strength to go on and never give up until the end, to make it for the other women who didn't.

The story unraveled quickly and had the right pace. The blurb promised horror and it delivered.

[Paige Ray · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Secrets of Blackthorn House is a gothic horror that explores dark themes such as toxic relationships. It’s also filled with ghosts, feminine rage and a completely helpless FMC. This book didn’t complete capture my true attention as a whole as much as I’d have liked it to. This story was paced very slow and repetitive at times. The creepy overall sense of dread was there but all the big moments were downplayed in my opinion. I struggle with slow burns as a reader so I think this just was a book not for me. I’m sure many other readers who enjoy their gothic horror as slow burns will really enjoy this one. No jump scares or palpable heartbeat moments and that’s what ultimately didn’t have me completely sold. If you’re going to write a gothic horror novel you need to be fully in it to make it stand out amongst the many others in the genre.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. The Secrets of Blackthorn House releases in August 21st, 2025.

[witchy_book_babe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is horror done correctly!

The Secrets of Blackthorn House has to be the best Horror book I've read as an Adult. I was promised Horror Historical Fiction, and that promise was fulfilled!

The pacing of the entire plot was perfect for my reading preferences. Enough details to keep me interested, yet answers were not easily given which made me eager to read on. The suspenseful, adrenaline spiking scenes were very much appreciated and had me on edge. I loved actually getting worried and anticipating what was going to happen next in those moments. I loved the lore and history that this story played around with. It tied everything together for me and was satisfying to have the "why" be interesting.

Evelyn did cry a bit much, however as I thought on it a bit. I came to the conclusion that it was probably realistic and appropriate for a woman of her age (and the era she was in); especially considering her circumstances. I realized I'd probably be crying a lot too! However, by the end of the book, I was mentally fist pumping for Evelyn. She may be one of the most badaxx female characters I have read about. As a woman myself, I felt every single struggle, strain, bead of sweat, and labored breath that she endured during that ending. And maybe because I could physically feel present with her, it made me admire and cheer for Evelyn that much harder. I loved her determination and loved her character so much!

There were also some shocking moments that I did not anticipate and I enjoyed being taken by surprise like that by the Author. I am so excited for this to release so that I can purchase a physical copy for my shelves!

Thank you so much to NetGalley for the ARC.

[Erin Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨✨✨Top tier chilling gothic horror! ✨✨✨

I really enjoyed The Secrets of Blackthorn House! This is a wonderful (okay it was very sad and creepy but I think that’s wonderful) gothic story reminiscent of books such as Rebecca and We Have Always Lived in the Castle so of course I devoured this one!

I liked the MC Evelyn a lot and the author did a great job making the reader really care about her and scared for her. The atmosphere was on point (chilling!!!) which for me is the most important thing in a gothic horror book. I’m obsessed with how incredible and well written this novel is!

This is definitely a must read for gothic horror fans!! 👏 👏

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a free ebook copy in exchange for an honest review. This book will be released August 22, 2025.

[Nikita · Rating 4 out of 5]

“𝘈𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘵𝘴, 𝘮𝘺 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦. 𝘖𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘯, 𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘭 𝘩𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘶𝘯𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘶𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘢𝘴𝘬𝘴.”

The Secrets of Blackthorn House brings a classic, mysterious, gothic feel to this paranormal tale of horror!

I loved how this book blended the classic gothic horror elements like an isolated manor, hauntings, character’s questioning their sanity, and dark secrets, with elements of Norse mythology! It brought a unique spin to the gothic, paranormal horror.

I also really enjoyed the battle between evils, the hauntings of the deceased vs the horrors of the living. The themes of female friendship also stood out to me, especially amongst the feelings of isolation and madness.

Like most gothics, this book contains some dark themes, particularly centering around abuse, suicide, and death. Check content warnings before reading, your mental health is important 🖤

🖤 Isolated Estate
🖤 Norse Mythology
🖤 Deception & Dark Family Secrets
🖤 Female Friendship
🖤 MANY Hauntings


*Disclaimer: I was generously provided with an advance copy from Quill & Crow Publishing House. However, all viewpoints expressed above are my own!

[Lucia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A classic gothic horror, deliciously dark 🖤

What you can expect to find in The Secrets of Blackthorn House:

🖤 Ominous manor house
☠️ Helpless heroine
🖤 Ghosts
☠️ Toxic/abusive marriage
🖤 Female rage

The feeling of oppression and despair, appropriate for gothic horror, was done perfectly here. I felt the heroine’s helplessness grow with every page, and by the halfway point I had no idea how the story might end.
At some moments I felt the story dragged on or was a bit repetitive, but I understand the point was to show the main character had exhausted all possible ways to free herself.
I also liked the inclusion of norse mythology, it didn’t feel forced or out of place.

One point that I wish had been better explored was the reason why the villains did what they did. "For power" is absolutely a valid reason, but we only get a rushed explanation at the end in the villain's monologue. How did this curse give them power? were they immortal? if so, what happened to the ancestors? I'm still a bit confused about the explanation.

In the guise of a horror story, this book is ultimately about toxic and manipulative relationships, highlighting the narcissism of the men who treat women as their possessions to own and discard.

Thanks to Quill & Crow via NetGalley for providing an eARC

[DarkStar's Book Cavern · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the perfect gothic horror. I was hooked from the very first page until the very last. The simmering feminine rage woven throughout the book is powerful. The folklore at the heart of this is interesting.

A more detailed review to come (I'm in the middle of decorating)

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

YouTube Review: https://youtu.be/fZy352qPQI8

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great gothic horror story. It had my interest from the very start with the details and setting as Evelyn’s life goes from just married bliss to living her worst nightmare very, very quickly. Set in the English moors in the early 1900s it had all the elements of a creepy, spooky story.
Check trigger warnings before starting.
Thank you to Netgalley for the arc of this book.

[Dani Rikku · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Secrets of Blackthorn House by Marie McWilliams Historical Horror/Fiction

⭐️⭐️⭐️ (I’m always a tough critic with my star ratings—only a select few ever earn the full five!)

This book is wonderfully eerie and atmospheric. The haunting tone is beautifully set, with vivid scenes and well-drawn characters that linger in the mind. I especially appreciated the strong female bond between a couple of the main characters—it added depth and warmth to the chilling narrative.

Personally, I felt the story could have leaned even further into its darker elements. The setting was already deliciously creepy, but if the ghosts and supernatural scenes had been a touch more fearsome, it might have elevated the tension and impact. I also found myself wishing for a more in-depth exploration of the backstory. While I grasped the general arc, there were gaps that left me wanting—questions like why? and for what power? lingered unanswered. The father-in-law, in particular, intrigued me. His story and emotional layers were hinted at, and I would have loved to see those threads developed further. At times, the focus on the main character felt a little drawn out, which slowed the pacing.

Huge thanks to NetGalley, Marie McWilliams, and Quill & Crow Publishing House for the advanced reader copy. The Secrets of Blackthorn House is now available to buy!

[kumori · Rating 3 out of 5]

i think that rather than Rebecca like i had initially assumed, the basic plot is actually very reminiscent of Elizabeth Gaskell's gothic novella The Grey Woman (which i loved) although the author has added her own spin with the supernatural aspect.

On the other hand the vibes that i got from this book has put in my mind of gothic horror films that were produced by Hammer Films in the 60's-70's or any other british/italian gothic films at that time which is a compliment because vivid atmosphere in a gothic book is a must for me. the author took the pain to described in detail the Blackthorn Hall that resulted in a very gloomy, but at the same time very lurid, claustrophobic atmosphere. Like i totally visualized it in my head in technicolor lol. what's more there's no brooding misunderstood husband here, because he's an out-and-out villain almost from the start. And also the final act really got me thinking what if the author really wrote the book as a homage for those gothic films in the past?

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a free ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Kate Victoria RescueandReading · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gothic horror that builds the dread and eeriness as the story progresses. I’d say pick this one up if stories by Poe, the Brontë sisters, or even more modern authors like Silvia Moreno-Garcia, Catriona Ward, and Isabel Cañas are your jam.

I can’t say I was a huge fan of the characters themselves, but the plot and writing was engaging and immersive.

Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Quill & Crow Publishing House for a copy!

[Margaret Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant read, kept the suspense going all through the book.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a hauntingly, creepy, sad, twisty story. I read it in one sitting, I just couldn't put it down. It starts in such a captivating way which I loved, a lot of books have buildup for the first few chapters, but this book just dived straight in and it was amazing.

Definitely check your trigger warnings first, it's gory, there are heavy grief and loss themes of all ages, and domestic violence. Just the whole stretch of dark and terrible things.

It was attention grabbing, horror filled, suspenseful and deeply sad. I really recommend this for people who like a good dark story.

*This is an ARC review provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

[Obscura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so glad I stuck with this book. At first, the level of detail felt a little overwhelming, but just a few chapters in, I was completely hooked. Marie McWilliams delivers a hauntingly atmospheric gothic thriller that pulls you deeper with every page.

The story follows Evelyn, a newlywed stepping into a powerful family’s legacy: one cloaked in shadows, secrets, and something much darker. What begins as a fairy tale quickly unravels into a chilling descent filled with unsettling discoveries, creeping dread, and a powerful supernatural undercurrent.

What truly stood out to me was the strong feminist core woven into the narrative. Evelyn’s journey is not just one of survival, but of reclaiming power. As she navigates isolation, grief, betrayal, and fear, she learns to trust her instincts—and the strength of the women around her. This story highlights the resilience of women, especially when they support one another. It’s a powerful reminder that even in the darkest moments, women can rise, fight back, and overcome.

Perfect for fans of gothic fiction, haunted estates, and stories where women face and conquer the unimaginable. This one lingers long after the final page.

[Sarah Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: The Secrets of Blackthorn House by Marie McWilliams

Marie McWilliams’ The Secrets of Blackthorn House is a spellbinding gothic mystery that weaves together family secrets, haunting atmosphere, and a touch of the supernatural. Set in the eerie, crumbling grandeur of Blackthorn House, the novel follows protagonist Eleanor Vaughn as she uncovers dark truths about her family’s past—and the sinister forces that still linger within its walls. With lush prose and a slow-burning tension, McWilliams crafts a tale that feels both timeless and fresh, perfect for fans of Rebecca and The Thirteenth Tale.

Premise & Themes
When Eleanor inherits Blackthorn House—a decaying estate shrouded in local superstition—she is drawn into a web of long-buried secrets, ghostly whispers, and a family curse that refuses to stay forgotten. Themes of identity, betrayal, and redemption unfold as Eleanor pieces together the truth about her ancestors, all while questioning whether the house’s malevolent presence is real or imagined. McWilliams excels at blending psychological suspense with gothic tradition, keeping readers guessing until the final pages.

Strengths & Highlights
-Atmospheric Mastery: The house itself is a character—its creaking halls, hidden passages, and oppressive aura are rendered with vivid, immersive detail.
-Layered Mystery: The plot unfolds with expert pacing, dropping just enough clues to keep readers hooked without revealing too much too soon.
-Complex Protagonist: Eleanor is a compelling lead—flawed, determined, and haunted by her own past, making her journey deeply personal.
-Supernatural Ambiguity: The novel walks the line between psychological and paranormal horror, leaving room for interpretation.

Areas for Improvement
Some secondary characters feel underdeveloped, and a few plot threads could benefit from deeper exploration. The ending, while satisfying, may feel slightly rushed to readers who crave more lingering dread.

Score Breakdown (Out of 5)
-Atmosphere: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – A masterclass in gothic mood-setting.
-Plot Intrigue: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – Twisty and engaging, though a few reveals could be more impactful.
-Character Depth: ⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5/5) – Eleanor shines, but some supporting roles lack dimension.
-Pacing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – Deliberate and suspenseful, though the climax accelerates quickly.
-Ending Satisfaction: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – Fitting but leaves a few lingering questions.
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – A haunting, beautifully crafted gothic tale that lingers like fog over a graveyard. McWilliams proves herself a formidable voice in the genre.

Perfect For:
-Lovers of classic gothic fiction with a modern edge.
-Readers who enjoy slow-burn mysteries with supernatural undertones.
-Fans of eerie, atmospheric settings that feel alive.

Acknowledgments:
Thank you to NetGalley and Marie McWilliams for providing an advance review copy of The Secrets of Blackthorn House in exchange for an honest review.

Final Thought: The Secrets of Blackthorn House is a book to be read by candlelight—its shadows will follow you long after the last page. McWilliams delivers a gothic gem that’s as unsettling as it is unforgettable.

[💜VGreedyReader🖤 · Rating 4 out of 5]

An horror story worthy of its name.

The author’s skills at setting the right eerie vibe are evident from the first lines of this chilling story. The beautifully descriptive scenery will transport you into a scary world that will creep you out and leave no doubts about what’s to come.

Evelyn is a delicate young woman who is to be married to Peter Black, a dashing handsome young man whose blue eyes and smooth talk promise a life full of love and devotion. Soon after the wedding, upon the announcement of Peter’s father passing, the couple is to move to Blackthorn house the family mansion where the new Lady Black will live with her husband.

Evelyn travels to her new abode with her personal maid Lilly, the two women are puzzled by the cold welcoming the village people give them, the situation doesn’t improve when they finally reach Blackthorn house. Death and decay are the premise for a more ominous future, a fate set in a past life which is bound by blood and a something more sinister.

This was my first read by this author and it definitely won’t be the last! I loved every agonising moment, the author has an uncanny ability in depicting a scary world, the mystery surrounding the weaving of the plot is expertly conceived. The revelation of every detail is a step towards the final scene and is well delivered without giving away too much but also allowing the narrative pace to progress. That last line of the epilogue didn’t fail to give me shivers! Well done Ms Mc Williams.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to Quill & Crow Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC of this chilling gothic tale!

The Secrets of Blackthorn House is a story steeped in atmosphere, where the house itself becomes as much a character as the people inhabiting it. From the very first pages, I was pulled into a world of shadows, whispers, and the kind of lingering dread that only a crumbling gothic estate can hold.

The author does a wonderful job of weaving secrets, family legacies, and buried sins into the fabric of the narrative. Every room in Blackthorn House seems to hold a mystery, and the pacing builds slowly but effectively, letting the tension creep under your skin.

The prose leans into classic gothic tradition—moody descriptions, storm-laden skies, and characters who are as haunted as the house itself. It balances the eerie with emotional depth, giving the reader both unsettling chills and moments of human vulnerability.

At times, the story unfolds with deliberate slowness, which may not appeal to everyone, but for me, it added to the suspense and authenticity of the gothic style. When the revelations came, they were impactful and satisfying, tying the past and present together in a way that felt true to the genre.

If you love gothic fiction full of atmosphere, hidden histories, and a lingering sense of the uncanny, this is one to add to your list. Perfect for fans of haunted manors, old secrets, and stories that keep you glancing over your shoulder.

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although filled with enticing gothic themes, this book fell flat for me, and it did so rather quickly. I was initially captivated by the intense imagery of this novel. It successfully established a gothic, dark feel quickly. Unfortunately, that’s where the successes of this book ended for me.

I felt that this book moved incredibly slow. The repetitive, intensive and long descriptions of the scene took away from the story itself, leaving characters underdeveloped and plot points lost. In particular, I was disappointed that, despite the imagery used, the author failed to make me feel what the main character was feeling at any point. I was, therefore, disconnected from the character and felt like I was just reading for the sake of it, rather than to engage in the story. This led to the majority of the book being skimmed.

Furthermore, while it’s clear the main character’s marriage is toxic from the beginning, there is a quick turn into graphic physical domestic abuse that felt abrupt and like the only piece of the plot that evoked emotion for me. This didn’t sit well with me and I almost set the book down completely from it.

While I certainly can see where this book may have successes for some readers, it was not one that could hold my attention. I would certainly revisit this author further in her career, as I believe she is a strong writer, but lacks depth at this time.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC copy of this book.

[Darth C · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has vibes for days. Gloomy manor on the Yorkshire moors? Check. Creepy fog that never lifts? Check. Whispers in the dark, ghost children, and a husband who might be more haunted than the house itself? Big check. It leans all the way into the gothic horror atmosphere, and I really loved how well the tone fit the time period. It felt like reading something from another era in the best way.

But for me, the plot moved at a crawl. I kept waiting for something big to happen, and while we do get some reveals and spooky scenes, it started to feel repetitive. Evelyn hears something scary, investigates, gets brushed off, repeat. There’s definitely a creeping sense of dread, but I needed a little more variety and momentum to stay fully invested.

That said, I can totally see this being a five-star read for other readers who are more patient with the slow unravel. If you like your horror elegant, eerie, and soaked in gothic gloom, this one is worth checking out. Just go in knowing it’s more vibes than jump scares, more slow burn than rollercoaster. Still glad I read it, even if I didn’t fully love it.

[Simona · Rating 1 out of 5]

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I'm sorry to say this, but I did not enjoy reading this book — at all. By the time I reached the 60% mark, I seriously started considering DNF’ing it. At that point, absolutely nothing had happened. The same things kept repeating over and over again.

I grew tired of the FMC’s endless inner monologues — she’s such a dull character to have as the main lead. I honestly don’t see the purpose of this story. There’s no world-building, no character development. Why is the house like that? Why has the husband changed so drastically? The author simply tells us that “this is how it is,” and we’re expected to accept it and move on. Everything important happens off-page, and we’re only left to see the aftermath.

The atmosphere had potential, but once again, we’re told the house is haunted and that the FMC constantly sees ghosts — yet we get only a few minor encounters. At this point, it just feels like lazy writing.

After the first 20% of the book, I stopped caring about what would happen to the FMC or how she felt, because I was already bored to death. Honestly, my grandmother’s shopping list is more exciting.

[Jade aka MrsTosh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a gothic horror story set in the unforgiving Yorkshire Moors, it gave me both Wuthering Heights and Rebecca vibes.

After a whirlwind romance, Evelyn and her new husband Peter are left his fathers large imposing estate Blackthorn House. As soon as she and her maid Lily arrive they realise that all is not as it seems and the house itself seems to hold some dark and sinister secret. Neither her Husband or the household staff are kind, and Evely quickly realises that evil is afoot.

Trying to find out the secrets of the house Evelyn and Lily, put themselves in grave danger and events happen that neither of them can control or forget.

The writing itself was chilling and athmosphericIt. I would have liked to be a little more scared whilst reading, but all in all a great example of gothic horror set in a macabre old manor house.

Thank you to NetGalley and Quill & Crow Publishing House for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Expected publication date is - August 22, 2025

[Steph's_Creepy _Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a really tricky one to rate and review as there were so many aspects of this book that I loved, but felt like once part did not blend well with the rest of the story and knocked this down from a 5 star to a 3.
You have this beautifully dar and ominous setting, the intermittent presence of spirits, a venomous marriage and a woman trapped by situation, and then Vikings.
Vikings did not sit well within this story or the setting that was conjured. I think considering you have a witchy character and others with the gift of sight, it would have been far more fitting to have some dark magic element from witches or a coven than Vikings.
This really spoiled it for me and drew me away from the beautiful gothic world you created.

[Brianna Franklin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the eARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

We start off reading about a newly wedded young couple, both came from money, and life is perfect. When Peter’s father dies unexpectedly he must return to his family home to take over his father’s duties, this home is much more than Evelyn anticipated.

Evelyn immediately gets a cold eerie feeling entering the home and the character change in Peter is drastic, who is the man that she married?

This book is a good read for any ghost and paranormal lover. I would have loved more of a spook factor throughout the story, but the ending left me with chills!

Will Evelyn make it out alive?

[Mariana Ramos Fonseca · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️

Just for the starters, the horror/gothic environment got me trapped instantly. As much as the very detailed descriptions about everything, starting with the scenarios until the character’s personality and actions!
I’m mesmerized for the richness description of Blackthorn House. I mean I was able to visualize every single room that was described with every detail the author gave us, the walls, the fabrics used, the lighting…Chef’s kiss👌

About the characters, whoa! I mean our strong FMC, Evelyn, the woman she is! I believe it will be very difficult for someone not to suffer and be happy for every single step and difficulty she passed, the way she discovers herself stronger and resilient…I myself suffered, a lot, for her, felt every emotion, angst, fear, sadness she passed through. That being said, all the readers please pay attention to the trigger warnings list the author provided, before you read.
Also, I felt so attached to Lilly! Their friendship melted my heart and some tears just fell!
A little mention to our “beloved” Peter…If I could I would jump inside of the book and finish him with my own hands because…arg…smh!

About the plot and storyline, I adored the way the it was written! So detailed and everything counts to the storytelling, the writing is very vivid and rich! As someone who loves mythology, the use of Norse mythology to enrich and build the storyline was much appreciated.
The ending made me scared and anxious!

So if you like a gothic horror story with a rich scenario descriptions, vivid characters, to feel everything every character feels, being attached to them, being transported to a world that incorporates ancient magic, then this is just the book you need. It was such a delight reading this book and feel all the gothic horror vibes coming. I loved it 🖤

Thank you very much to Marie McWilliams and NetGalley for giving me the access to the ARC

[Brittany Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got bored during the middle and it kind of dragged but the last 20ish percent more than made up for it.

[sTaTic · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an amazing twist on the classic, historic Gothic horror story. The whole thing was filled with bumps in the night and glimpses of specter. Check the trigger warnings because it is heavy. But the plot successfully uses womens issues and social roles to mold the horror. The writing is eloquent but is very detailed so I would consider this a heavier read. It also had some great descriptive gore. Overall i would recommend this to anyone looking for a macabre ghost story.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not usually one for Gothic horror, but I really enjoyed this. The description of the moors was perfectly desolate, which added to the creepiness. The ending was kinda predictable, but I didn't mind, as it was a satisfying one.

[Tracey Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hauntingly beautiful and atmospheric. I felt this book in my soul. What a lovely ghost story. I cried heavy tears near the end and was just in love with how it ended. What a fantastic story that showcased how little women were valued not to long ago and how much we have to be thankful for. It made me angry, sad, hopeful, elated, and mournful. What a captivating read, I highly recommend this book!