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Clara Dawson #2
A Deadly Deception
New York City, December 1933. When Clara accepts an invitation to a New Year’s Eve gala at the Grand Sterling Hotel, she hopes for a night of respite—to leave behind the lingering horrors of Hollowfield House and rekindle her fragile connection with Tuck, the one person who makes her question her self-imposed solitude. But beneath the glittering façade of high society, a chilling mystery drags her back into the darkness she thought she’d escaped.
As midnight strikes, the unthinkable happens: a guest is found dead. When a fierce snowstorm traps everyone inside the hotel, tensions among the guests escalate, but the danger at the Grand Sterling isn’t confined to the living.
With her troubled past making her a prime suspect, Clara is the only one who can confront the malevolent entity that lurks in the shadows, stalking the guests with deadly intent. As more lives hang in the balance, she must unravel the mystery before she’s accused of murder—or becomes the next victim herself.
A Deadly Deception is the second book in the Clara Dawson paranormal mystery series. Each novel features a standalone mystery, but later books may contain spoilers for previous cases. For the best reading experience, it’s recommended to read the series in order.
As midnight strikes, the unthinkable happens: a guest is found dead. When a fierce snowstorm traps everyone inside the hotel, tensions among the guests escalate, but the danger at the Grand Sterling isn’t confined to the living.
With her troubled past making her a prime suspect, Clara is the only one who can confront the malevolent entity that lurks in the shadows, stalking the guests with deadly intent. As more lives hang in the balance, she must unravel the mystery before she’s accused of murder—or becomes the next victim herself.
A Deadly Deception is the second book in the Clara Dawson paranormal mystery series. Each novel features a standalone mystery, but later books may contain spoilers for previous cases. For the best reading experience, it’s recommended to read the series in order.
- GenresHistorical Mystery
290 pages, ebook
Published July 17, 2025
5 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Amelie West
5 books39 followersAmelie West is an author and fiction editor from Toronto, Canada, who crafts dark, atmospheric gothic mysteries featuring strong, complex heroines. She draws inspiration from authors like Simone St. James, Deanna Raybourn, and Ava Reid. When she isn’t lost in her latest manuscript, Amelie can be found wandering old bookstores or enjoying the company of her two loyal companions—a French bulldog and a pug mix.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
July 10, 2025
Amelie West is back again with another fantastic gothic mystery drenched in hauntings and deceptions. (and the inner terrors and vulnerabilities of being deeply seen by another person). The second instalment in the Clara Dawson Mystery series brings more eerie intrigue, and sees a new cast of fresh faces as well as our beloved returning characters.
One thing I absolutely love about Amelie’s writing is her ability to mix a ghostly mystery with deep-seated trauma and the lingering effects they leave on our psyche. In Clara we see a raw, visceral, and perfectly imperfect character, whose past has left a mark on her ability to open up and trust others.
The setting of a New Year’s Eve party in a luxury hotel in a freshly post-prohibition era, paints the perfect landscape for this tale of mysterious deaths, hauntings and possession, tragedy, and slow burn romance!
I can’t wait to see what Amelie comes up with next!
👻 1934 New Year’s Eve
👻 Haunted Luxury Hotel
👻 Gothic Murder Mystery
👻 Slow Burn Romance
👻 Ghosts & Possession
*I was generously provided with an advance reviewer copy from the author. However, all viewpoints expressed above are my own!
One thing I absolutely love about Amelie’s writing is her ability to mix a ghostly mystery with deep-seated trauma and the lingering effects they leave on our psyche. In Clara we see a raw, visceral, and perfectly imperfect character, whose past has left a mark on her ability to open up and trust others.
The setting of a New Year’s Eve party in a luxury hotel in a freshly post-prohibition era, paints the perfect landscape for this tale of mysterious deaths, hauntings and possession, tragedy, and slow burn romance!
I can’t wait to see what Amelie comes up with next!
👻 1934 New Year’s Eve
👻 Haunted Luxury Hotel
👻 Gothic Murder Mystery
👻 Slow Burn Romance
👻 Ghosts & Possession
*I was generously provided with an advance reviewer copy from the author. However, all viewpoints expressed above are my own!
July 14, 2025
Set in a swanky NYC hotel just after Prohibition has ended, this was an enthralling historical gothic mystery with paranormal elements and a closed-door romance. It's the second book in a series. It could be read as a standalone, but I think it's better if you've read the first. I really like that each book in the series has a self-contained mystery and resolution.
I was excited to continue Clara and Tuck's slow-burn romance from the first book. Mix into that a dozen of Clara's high society friends with their own secrets, a haunted hotel, a dead body, and a snowstorm. Suspicious characters and red herrings abound. I did not see the ending coming.
I'm really enjoying the Clara Dawson series. I didn't want to put this book down.
I was generously provided with an advance reviewer copy from the author. All viewpoints expressed above are my own.
I was excited to continue Clara and Tuck's slow-burn romance from the first book. Mix into that a dozen of Clara's high society friends with their own secrets, a haunted hotel, a dead body, and a snowstorm. Suspicious characters and red herrings abound. I did not see the ending coming.
I'm really enjoying the Clara Dawson series. I didn't want to put this book down.
I was generously provided with an advance reviewer copy from the author. All viewpoints expressed above are my own.
July 5, 2025
I got the honor of reading the ARC of A Deadly Deception by Amelie West, the second book in the Clara Dawson series. It's a balanced mix of mystery and ghost story with some romance sprinkled in. Set in 1933, Clara is invited to a New Years Eve get-together at a hotel in the city. We quickly discover the hotel is haunted and the spirit takes a liking to Clara. After Clara discovers a dead body, she sets out on a who done it. Is it a ghost? Is it one of her friends? Can Clara figure out the mystery before someone else meets their end?
The ghost scenes in this book are deliciously terrifying. Truly the best part of the book. I wish they were longer.
Clara's friend group is absolutely horrible! The drama and deceit between these people is a pot ready to burst. No wonder someone dies! My one criticism here is there are too many characters. It was really difficult keeping up with who was who. Some of them play very small roles that could have easily been removed.
The relationship with Tuck and Clara is a slow-burn but was only made painful in Clara's inability to communicate! Clara, use your words girl! Also this book is not spicy, so great for non-spice lovers.
Amelie did a great job with the setting in this book. There is dialogue that is rarley used anymore which reminds you that we are in the 30's. The way many of men act towards the women is a reminder of how far we've come in many ways. Also the descriptions of the winter storm outside is such a mood! This would make a great winter read.
I also want to note that this is a standalone mystery so you can go into it without reading book one. This is what I did, but I wouldn't recommend it. It didn't take away from this story but there is a lot of talk about what happened in the first book so I felt like I was missing out on some information like Tuck and Clara's origin story. Plus if I decide to go back and read An Insidious Inheritance the mystery is ruined as that is brought up in this book.
Overall, I would recommend checking out A Deadly Deception on July 17th!
The ghost scenes in this book are deliciously terrifying. Truly the best part of the book. I wish they were longer.
Clara's friend group is absolutely horrible! The drama and deceit between these people is a pot ready to burst. No wonder someone dies! My one criticism here is there are too many characters. It was really difficult keeping up with who was who. Some of them play very small roles that could have easily been removed.
The relationship with Tuck and Clara is a slow-burn but was only made painful in Clara's inability to communicate! Clara, use your words girl! Also this book is not spicy, so great for non-spice lovers.
Amelie did a great job with the setting in this book. There is dialogue that is rarley used anymore which reminds you that we are in the 30's. The way many of men act towards the women is a reminder of how far we've come in many ways. Also the descriptions of the winter storm outside is such a mood! This would make a great winter read.
I also want to note that this is a standalone mystery so you can go into it without reading book one. This is what I did, but I wouldn't recommend it. It didn't take away from this story but there is a lot of talk about what happened in the first book so I felt like I was missing out on some information like Tuck and Clara's origin story. Plus if I decide to go back and read An Insidious Inheritance the mystery is ruined as that is brought up in this book.
Overall, I would recommend checking out A Deadly Deception on July 17th!
July 17, 2025
Amelie West does it again in the second installment of the Clara Dawson series. While the mystery itself is a standalone, I highly recommend reading the first book!
A Deadly Deception picks up shortly after book 1 with Clara accepting an invitation to a New Year’s Eve party at a swanky hotel. She extends the invitation to Tuck who she gets close to in an Insidious Inheritance. When one of the friends is found dead, Clara strikes up her own investigation.
This book is filled with suspense. Amelie West has an amazing writing style that not only makes you feel every creepy moment, it allows you to relate and feel close to her characters. This paranormal whodunnit is well worth the read.
Thank you to Amelie West for this ARC opportunity. This is an honest and voluntary review.
A Deadly Deception picks up shortly after book 1 with Clara accepting an invitation to a New Year’s Eve party at a swanky hotel. She extends the invitation to Tuck who she gets close to in an Insidious Inheritance. When one of the friends is found dead, Clara strikes up her own investigation.
This book is filled with suspense. Amelie West has an amazing writing style that not only makes you feel every creepy moment, it allows you to relate and feel close to her characters. This paranormal whodunnit is well worth the read.
Thank you to Amelie West for this ARC opportunity. This is an honest and voluntary review.
October 28, 2025
There’s just something irresistible about a haunted hotel. It perfectly captures that mix of glamour and unease that makes 1930s high society so deliciously scandalous. The upper-class secrets, the ghostly twists, the tension simmering beneath every conversation, it all hooked me from the start.
Clara and Tuck are absolutely perfect together, and watching them untangle this ghostly mystery (with a few intriguing new faces) had me completely obsessed. I couldn’t put it down and was literally thinking about it every time I wasn’t reading. That’s when you know it’s a good one. Now I’m just impatiently waiting for book three!
Clara and Tuck are absolutely perfect together, and watching them untangle this ghostly mystery (with a few intriguing new faces) had me completely obsessed. I couldn’t put it down and was literally thinking about it every time I wasn’t reading. That’s when you know it’s a good one. Now I’m just impatiently waiting for book three!
July 14, 2025
Wow! I have always loved mysteries, but the romantic layer made it even better. I also loved all the paranormal twists.
The author says you can read this as a standalone, but please, I beg you, read the first book first. The characters are all so fun to get to know, and the first book has such an amazing buildup and story that I feel you need before diving into this one. You -can- read as a standalone, but it's so much better as a duology.
You do get some flashbacks from the first one to understand everything and to refresh our poor memories. I loved it even though I read the first one because it didn't bog the story down and was done so cleverly. My brain was so thankful, so I didn't have to try and remember everything.
I'm obsessed with all of the characters in this novel. You have so many personalities that come together, and it was fun getting to know them all through the main character.
It's a beautifully written story that held me in its grip until the end. I loved every word of it.
Amelie West is an instant buy/read for me. Huge hit!
If I had any complaints, it would just be more private scenes and romantic scenes, but that's because I'm a romance reader. Even with closed door, this was flipping fantastic.
The author says you can read this as a standalone, but please, I beg you, read the first book first. The characters are all so fun to get to know, and the first book has such an amazing buildup and story that I feel you need before diving into this one. You -can- read as a standalone, but it's so much better as a duology.
You do get some flashbacks from the first one to understand everything and to refresh our poor memories. I loved it even though I read the first one because it didn't bog the story down and was done so cleverly. My brain was so thankful, so I didn't have to try and remember everything.
I'm obsessed with all of the characters in this novel. You have so many personalities that come together, and it was fun getting to know them all through the main character.
It's a beautifully written story that held me in its grip until the end. I loved every word of it.
Amelie West is an instant buy/read for me. Huge hit!
If I had any complaints, it would just be more private scenes and romantic scenes, but that's because I'm a romance reader. Even with closed door, this was flipping fantastic.
June 30, 2025
What a privilege to be able to ARC read the second installment in the Clara Dawson Mystery series. I absolutely adored West's writing style, the fear she builds in the more sinister and suspenseful scenes is magical. I actually forgot how good she is at writing fear, until she got me again in book 2!
I absolutely adored the narrative around women and specifically the power of their voice and their rights in the 30s. West expertly Included it into her murder mystery and it led to a very poignant read. It's a reminder of how far we've come as women in society sure, but more importantly how easy it is to lose your voice as a woman. I just personally felt that this was a really nice touch, owning it so completely was powerful and will leave each reader with something to think about.
Holy mother of slow burns! The will they won't they from book one continues into book two and my god, when Tuck said what he said on page 217, I was giggling and kicking my feet and screaming!!
West hasn't hidden away from dark themes and instead double downed and gave us a shocking ending!
This was, as always, a joy to read. 5 stars!
I absolutely adored the narrative around women and specifically the power of their voice and their rights in the 30s. West expertly Included it into her murder mystery and it led to a very poignant read. It's a reminder of how far we've come as women in society sure, but more importantly how easy it is to lose your voice as a woman. I just personally felt that this was a really nice touch, owning it so completely was powerful and will leave each reader with something to think about.
Holy mother of slow burns! The will they won't they from book one continues into book two and my god, when Tuck said what he said on page 217, I was giggling and kicking my feet and screaming!!
West hasn't hidden away from dark themes and instead double downed and gave us a shocking ending!
This was, as always, a joy to read. 5 stars!
July 12, 2025
ARC Review 📚
**Spoiler free**
Release Date - 17th July 2025
Set in New York in the 1930s, the story follows Clara as she visits friends for a new year's eve party, however, whilst she's there, a terrible accident happens at the hotel causing the death of a patron. Clara must determine was it actually an accident or are there other forces at play...?
Review:
I love a whodunnit, and this does not disappoint. The set up for the mystery was very well done. The ending wasn't obvious but well explained and hints had been planted throughout the story. The paranormal parts were good and not cliché like some others can be. I found myself really worried for Clara and what might happen next!
I really enjoyed this book, I felt the writing style was brilliant, and you can tell the characters have matured already just from Book 1 to 2. I think there are more books planned in this series and I can't wait to read them.
This is the second Clara Dawson mystery, however you could read this as a standalone if you wanted to. I'd advise reading the first book though (An Insidious Inheritance) otherwise this will spoil the mystery/ending of the first book.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Read this if you like:
🖤Mysterious death
🖤Paranormal happenings
🖤Historical setting (1930s)
🖤Slow burn romance
🖤Strong female lead
I was kindly gifted an advanced reader copy by the author, however all thoughts are my own.
**Spoiler free**
Release Date - 17th July 2025
Set in New York in the 1930s, the story follows Clara as she visits friends for a new year's eve party, however, whilst she's there, a terrible accident happens at the hotel causing the death of a patron. Clara must determine was it actually an accident or are there other forces at play...?
Review:
I love a whodunnit, and this does not disappoint. The set up for the mystery was very well done. The ending wasn't obvious but well explained and hints had been planted throughout the story. The paranormal parts were good and not cliché like some others can be. I found myself really worried for Clara and what might happen next!
I really enjoyed this book, I felt the writing style was brilliant, and you can tell the characters have matured already just from Book 1 to 2. I think there are more books planned in this series and I can't wait to read them.
This is the second Clara Dawson mystery, however you could read this as a standalone if you wanted to. I'd advise reading the first book though (An Insidious Inheritance) otherwise this will spoil the mystery/ending of the first book.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Read this if you like:
🖤Mysterious death
🖤Paranormal happenings
🖤Historical setting (1930s)
🖤Slow burn romance
🖤Strong female lead
I was kindly gifted an advanced reader copy by the author, however all thoughts are my own.
July 15, 2025
I had the pleasure of proofing this book, and let me tell you, I wasn't disappointed! Amelie is fantastic at imagery and descriptive emotion, so much so that I got sucked right into this sequel! Definitely get your hands on this series, you won't regret it! 🥰
July 8, 2025
First off, thank you so much, Amelie, for letting me get this opportunity to ARC read this. I had to go and read the first one, and it was amazing, and I couldn't wait to get to book 2 of the Clara Dawson Mystery series!
I will admit it was my first ARC to read, and nonetheless, my first historical fiction. I was hooked from the start and wanted to finish faster than I could read, much suspense, and keeps you guessing how everything's going to play out. Sprinkled with some romantic tension. Leaving it to possibly be another book to come if wanted to be continued, which I'm hoping they'll be a 3rd book to come! 🤞
I will admit it was my first ARC to read, and nonetheless, my first historical fiction. I was hooked from the start and wanted to finish faster than I could read, much suspense, and keeps you guessing how everything's going to play out. Sprinkled with some romantic tension. Leaving it to possibly be another book to come if wanted to be continued, which I'm hoping they'll be a 3rd book to come! 🤞
September 14, 2025
I was fortune enough to get this as an ARC from the author and NetGalley. I’m new to A. West and I’m usually not into horror but I was pleasantly surprised by the paranormal along with the slow burn romance and the grandeur of the setting.
Well written and engaging, the second installment is so engaging! I had to read the first one to do this ARC review and I was not disappointed!!
Coming back to comment. I thoroughly enjoyed the character development and cannot WAIT to see what kind of trouble Clarabelle gets into. This has GOT to be the beginning of the next chapter. And can we talk about how supportive Tuck is? Ugh. I’m ready for more!!!
Well written and engaging, the second installment is so engaging! I had to read the first one to do this ARC review and I was not disappointed!!
Coming back to comment. I thoroughly enjoyed the character development and cannot WAIT to see what kind of trouble Clarabelle gets into. This has GOT to be the beginning of the next chapter. And can we talk about how supportive Tuck is? Ugh. I’m ready for more!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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July 13, 2025
A party in a hotel, a death on the stairs, a ghost bent on revenge in this return…
❄️☠️ A Deadly Deception by Amelie West ☠️❄️
⭐️⭐️��️⭐️
“To flowing spirits and sleepless nights.”
Thank you to Amelie West (AGAIN!) for this e-ARC to review! We get to revisit Clara and Tuck as they venture back to Clara’s home of Rochester, NY to partake in the biggest New Years bash after the ending of the Prohibition.
Another reminder of the time and place in which this story is taking place only adds more tension and anxiety, making it palpable. The will-they-won’t-they romantic aspect graces readers with its presence once again, and is really ramped up when Tuck and Clara are both faced with possibly interrupters entering the chat. West has once again killed it with creating dynamic characters. Her ability to ramp up the tension and create incredibly dislikable characters who you may or may not be rallying for their demise while also having incredibly likable characters that you will want to ride for is so impressive. Since we get to revisit our core characters, the arcs just get deeper and more evolved. We love Clara and Tuck, we are Cluck fans in this household.
For fans of Simone St. James and Deanna Raybourn, readers will enjoy the mystery and thriller aspects, with a big dose of the supernatural to boot. I’m really excited to see what Amelie West does next, and as always, I’m very excited for the expansion pack for the series.
“But just because someone is a great person doesn’t make them your person. And sometimes, your person isn’t even that great a person… But that doesn’t make them any less yours.”
“Love wasn’t eternal—that much, Clara knew—and letting yourself love someone only meant waiting for the day that love died.”
“It was clear she was being summoned for a reason—maybe [he] only wanted to scare her, but there had to be something more. Something he wanted, and that meant leverage.”
Summary:
New York City, December 1933. When Clara accepts an invitation to a New Year’s Eve gala at the Grand Sterling Hotel, she hopes for a night of respite—to leave behind the lingering horrors of Hollowfield House and rekindle her fragile connection with Tuck, the one person who makes her question her self-imposed solitude. But beneath the glittering façade of high society, a chilling mystery drags her back into the darkness she thought she’d escaped.
As midnight strikes, the unthinkable happens: a guest is found dead. When a fierce snowstorm traps everyone inside the hotel, tensions among the guests escalate, but the danger at the Grand Sterling isn’t confined to the living.
With her troubled past making her a prime suspect, Clara is the only one who can confront the malevolent entity that lurks in the shadows, stalking the guests with deadly intent. As more lives hang in the balance, she must unravel the mystery before she’s accused of murder—or becomes the next victim herself.
“I’m not a fragile man. I don’t fear pain… Break me, Clara. Shatter me into pieces. Just . . . let me in.”
Genre: Historical Fiction, Paranormal, Historical Mystery
❄️☠️ A Deadly Deception by Amelie West ☠️❄️
⭐️⭐️��️⭐️
“To flowing spirits and sleepless nights.”
Thank you to Amelie West (AGAIN!) for this e-ARC to review! We get to revisit Clara and Tuck as they venture back to Clara’s home of Rochester, NY to partake in the biggest New Years bash after the ending of the Prohibition.
Another reminder of the time and place in which this story is taking place only adds more tension and anxiety, making it palpable. The will-they-won’t-they romantic aspect graces readers with its presence once again, and is really ramped up when Tuck and Clara are both faced with possibly interrupters entering the chat. West has once again killed it with creating dynamic characters. Her ability to ramp up the tension and create incredibly dislikable characters who you may or may not be rallying for their demise while also having incredibly likable characters that you will want to ride for is so impressive. Since we get to revisit our core characters, the arcs just get deeper and more evolved. We love Clara and Tuck, we are Cluck fans in this household.
For fans of Simone St. James and Deanna Raybourn, readers will enjoy the mystery and thriller aspects, with a big dose of the supernatural to boot. I’m really excited to see what Amelie West does next, and as always, I’m very excited for the expansion pack for the series.
“But just because someone is a great person doesn’t make them your person. And sometimes, your person isn’t even that great a person… But that doesn’t make them any less yours.”
“Love wasn’t eternal—that much, Clara knew—and letting yourself love someone only meant waiting for the day that love died.”
“It was clear she was being summoned for a reason—maybe [he] only wanted to scare her, but there had to be something more. Something he wanted, and that meant leverage.”
Summary:
New York City, December 1933. When Clara accepts an invitation to a New Year’s Eve gala at the Grand Sterling Hotel, she hopes for a night of respite—to leave behind the lingering horrors of Hollowfield House and rekindle her fragile connection with Tuck, the one person who makes her question her self-imposed solitude. But beneath the glittering façade of high society, a chilling mystery drags her back into the darkness she thought she’d escaped.
As midnight strikes, the unthinkable happens: a guest is found dead. When a fierce snowstorm traps everyone inside the hotel, tensions among the guests escalate, but the danger at the Grand Sterling isn’t confined to the living.
With her troubled past making her a prime suspect, Clara is the only one who can confront the malevolent entity that lurks in the shadows, stalking the guests with deadly intent. As more lives hang in the balance, she must unravel the mystery before she’s accused of murder—or becomes the next victim herself.
“I’m not a fragile man. I don’t fear pain… Break me, Clara. Shatter me into pieces. Just . . . let me in.”
Genre: Historical Fiction, Paranormal, Historical Mystery
July 31, 2025
4.5⭐️ rounded up
These books have me feeling absolutely giddy. The Clara Dawson Mystery series feels so nostalgic; like reading Nancy Drew for adults but with a paranormal twist.
A Deadly Deception was a fantastic second installment in this series. I love that it could absolutely be read as a standalone. However, reading the first book definitely enhances the experience and allows you to feel more invested in the characters. I appreciated the way that the events of the first book played a roll in the events of this book but we're not an absolute necessity to enjoy the plot of this installment.
This book had a bit of a slower start in my opinion. It took a bit longer to lay the groundwork, and introduce new characters, but I appreciated being allowed the time to witness the inner workings of the friend group and the scene building because it allowed a sense of understanding of the setting, the time in history, and the way that individuals within the group interacted with eachother. With the groundwork laid, the author successfully pulled me into the guessing game of who was trustworthy, what was happening, and had me sitting with a plethora of suspicions.
This book read very much like a crossover of a Nancy Drew mystery and Clue. The paranormal aspect of these books is what really sets them apart from other mystery novels I've read and gives them an edge.
Amelie west does an incredible job painting a vivid picture of the scene to a point where I felt like I was experiencing the story first hand. I was so engrossed I found myself checking over my own shoulder several times throughout the book.
I deeply appreciate the historical aspects of these books. It's is clear that the author has done her research on societal issues of the times and the ways in which social classes, gender rolls, and the status quo interacted with eachother during the 1930s.
Overall I am obsessed with this entire series so far and I cannot wait to read more in the Clara Dawson Mystery series in the future!
These books have me feeling absolutely giddy. The Clara Dawson Mystery series feels so nostalgic; like reading Nancy Drew for adults but with a paranormal twist.
A Deadly Deception was a fantastic second installment in this series. I love that it could absolutely be read as a standalone. However, reading the first book definitely enhances the experience and allows you to feel more invested in the characters. I appreciated the way that the events of the first book played a roll in the events of this book but we're not an absolute necessity to enjoy the plot of this installment.
This book had a bit of a slower start in my opinion. It took a bit longer to lay the groundwork, and introduce new characters, but I appreciated being allowed the time to witness the inner workings of the friend group and the scene building because it allowed a sense of understanding of the setting, the time in history, and the way that individuals within the group interacted with eachother. With the groundwork laid, the author successfully pulled me into the guessing game of who was trustworthy, what was happening, and had me sitting with a plethora of suspicions.
This book read very much like a crossover of a Nancy Drew mystery and Clue. The paranormal aspect of these books is what really sets them apart from other mystery novels I've read and gives them an edge.
Amelie west does an incredible job painting a vivid picture of the scene to a point where I felt like I was experiencing the story first hand. I was so engrossed I found myself checking over my own shoulder several times throughout the book.
I deeply appreciate the historical aspects of these books. It's is clear that the author has done her research on societal issues of the times and the ways in which social classes, gender rolls, and the status quo interacted with eachother during the 1930s.
Overall I am obsessed with this entire series so far and I cannot wait to read more in the Clara Dawson Mystery series in the future!
July 16, 2025
A paranormal who-dun-it murder mystery set in 1933 with a cast of suspicious characters.
Clara happens to be friends with several people of a more sophisticated class than her. She is invited to a New Years Party at a swanky hotel. She decides to ask Tuck (a kind, handsome groundskeeper she has gotten close with after their adventure in book 1) to come along.
The group of friends is full of history and drama. Tuck is an outsider but his good-naturedness help him fit in rather smoothly and affections for Clara are clear from the get go to everyone but Clara.
One of the friends is found dead, there's a man with a top hat that only Clara can see, and the entire party is warned to stay within the hotel for the duration of the investigation.
Clara is a FMC I can easily identify with. Her insecurities hold her captive. She is thoughtful and brave despite her various flaws. She just feels real to me.
Tuck is... patient, sweet, and perceptive.
I love the dynamics of their relationship and they certainly work well together. Which is good considering it is a murder mystery. haha.
I had a really good time reading this book. Amelie West does a great job of writing creepy suspense. I look forward to the next Clara Dawson (and Tuck) adventure.
I'm grateful for the opportunity to read an ARC and provide my opinion.
Clara happens to be friends with several people of a more sophisticated class than her. She is invited to a New Years Party at a swanky hotel. She decides to ask Tuck (a kind, handsome groundskeeper she has gotten close with after their adventure in book 1) to come along.
The group of friends is full of history and drama. Tuck is an outsider but his good-naturedness help him fit in rather smoothly and affections for Clara are clear from the get go to everyone but Clara.
One of the friends is found dead, there's a man with a top hat that only Clara can see, and the entire party is warned to stay within the hotel for the duration of the investigation.
Clara is a FMC I can easily identify with. Her insecurities hold her captive. She is thoughtful and brave despite her various flaws. She just feels real to me.
Tuck is... patient, sweet, and perceptive.
I love the dynamics of their relationship and they certainly work well together. Which is good considering it is a murder mystery. haha.
I had a really good time reading this book. Amelie West does a great job of writing creepy suspense. I look forward to the next Clara Dawson (and Tuck) adventure.
I'm grateful for the opportunity to read an ARC and provide my opinion.
July 24, 2025
The eerie and thrilling suspense of A Clara Dawson Mystery continues. I was provided the opportunity to read a digital ARC of A Deadly Deception by Amelie West, in exchange for an honest review. This review is a description of my own feelings and opinions of the story.
This is the second book in the Clara Dawson Mystery. It follows our main character Clara and her friends who are staying at a ritzy hotel in New York for a New Year’s party. What starts out as a joyous and celebratory event, turns tragic when one of their mutual friends ends up deceased. Clara is caught up in the investigation and her past comes to haunt her, in more ways than one. But she is also caught up in a romance and semi love triangle, that is making her more confused.
What I love about Amelie West’s writing is that you never quite know what might happen. She includes so many plot twists to the investigation, that as a reader, she always had me guessing. Just when I thought I figured it out, she throws in a new discovery to the investigation and I no longer knew what the outcome was going to be. I loved every second reading this book. I cannot wait to continue the Clara Dawson Mystery series. Thank you Amelie West for an opportunity to read a copy of your story. It was just as exhilarating as the first one.
This is the second book in the Clara Dawson Mystery. It follows our main character Clara and her friends who are staying at a ritzy hotel in New York for a New Year’s party. What starts out as a joyous and celebratory event, turns tragic when one of their mutual friends ends up deceased. Clara is caught up in the investigation and her past comes to haunt her, in more ways than one. But she is also caught up in a romance and semi love triangle, that is making her more confused.
What I love about Amelie West’s writing is that you never quite know what might happen. She includes so many plot twists to the investigation, that as a reader, she always had me guessing. Just when I thought I figured it out, she throws in a new discovery to the investigation and I no longer knew what the outcome was going to be. I loved every second reading this book. I cannot wait to continue the Clara Dawson Mystery series. Thank you Amelie West for an opportunity to read a copy of your story. It was just as exhilarating as the first one.
July 6, 2025
A group of friends gather together at a swanky New York hotel to ring in the new year. By the time the clock strikes midnight, one of them will be dead. Snowed in and hit with a sudden power outage, there is no escape for the remaining guests. With a murderer on the loose and a more sinister game afoot, nobody is safe.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
It's not exactly a stand-alone and, not having read the first of the series [yet], I was afraid some of the storyline wouldn't make sense to me, but I was able to follow along from the very start.
The plot was well carried out and tiny clues were scattered throughout the earlier chapters that hinted at a deeper mystery at play. I do have to say that, reading the majority of the book well after midnight, I had the heebie jeebies for the last third or so 😅. I had to put it down at 4:45AM at 85% of the way through because my overtired brain just couldn't handle any more stress 😂
I really liked the relationship between Clara and Tuck, seeing her trying to overcome her own trauma to trust him with her truths. While it was clear he didn't fully understand what she was dealing with, his support was unwavering ❤️ I love that he refused to leave her side, protecting her from dangers seen and unseen.
Thank you to author Amelie West for the e-ARC!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
It's not exactly a stand-alone and, not having read the first of the series [yet], I was afraid some of the storyline wouldn't make sense to me, but I was able to follow along from the very start.
The plot was well carried out and tiny clues were scattered throughout the earlier chapters that hinted at a deeper mystery at play. I do have to say that, reading the majority of the book well after midnight, I had the heebie jeebies for the last third or so 😅. I had to put it down at 4:45AM at 85% of the way through because my overtired brain just couldn't handle any more stress 😂
I really liked the relationship between Clara and Tuck, seeing her trying to overcome her own trauma to trust him with her truths. While it was clear he didn't fully understand what she was dealing with, his support was unwavering ❤️ I love that he refused to leave her side, protecting her from dangers seen and unseen.
Thank you to author Amelie West for the e-ARC!
July 10, 2025
✨ARC Reader✨
I normally read off vibes, and the first book in the series was a bit of a struggle to get through. But this one shook me to my core! There was so much suspense and the ending took me by surprise. I breezed through this novel because I could not put it down, I had to know what happened next! I did find myself having to remember that this took place in the 1930s so some of the naivety of the group when it came to police investigations and experiences with privacy made sense. Amelie did a great job at remaining within that era, including the clothing descriptions and setting. It was very well researched and thought out.
Can we just take a moment to acknowledge that Clara is a total red flag 🚩 like I just wanted her to let Tuck love her and be by her side! Tuck is a total ride-or-die for Clara and all of her mishaps! Their love story truly flourished in this novel although Clara was literally in denial throughout the entire novel. But I love that the love story didn’t take over the entire book but simply acted as a compliment to the plot.
Overall, I’d recommend this to anyone who loves a suspenseful book! It kept me turning the page and I can’t wait for it to release!
I normally read off vibes, and the first book in the series was a bit of a struggle to get through. But this one shook me to my core! There was so much suspense and the ending took me by surprise. I breezed through this novel because I could not put it down, I had to know what happened next! I did find myself having to remember that this took place in the 1930s so some of the naivety of the group when it came to police investigations and experiences with privacy made sense. Amelie did a great job at remaining within that era, including the clothing descriptions and setting. It was very well researched and thought out.
Can we just take a moment to acknowledge that Clara is a total red flag 🚩 like I just wanted her to let Tuck love her and be by her side! Tuck is a total ride-or-die for Clara and all of her mishaps! Their love story truly flourished in this novel although Clara was literally in denial throughout the entire novel. But I love that the love story didn’t take over the entire book but simply acted as a compliment to the plot.
Overall, I’d recommend this to anyone who loves a suspenseful book! It kept me turning the page and I can’t wait for it to release!
July 12, 2025
I read Amelie West's debut book, and the first in the Clara Dawson series, earlier this year - and loved it - so I was super excited to read an ARC of this one . . . and I loved it even more than the first one!
The setting was divine, mixing the grand vintage hotel with a blustering snowstorm, and peppering over it all with NYE celebrations. I felt immersed immediately, like a guest in the hotel myself, and the vibes were just gorgeous from the very start. The mystery was great, and there were some scenes that genuinely scared me very much when I read them.
One of my favourite things about this book was the complicated dynamic between the friendship group. They felt like real people, and the dialogue between them all was natural, flowing well from one barb to the next, as the cracks in the surface of their friendship began to show.
Clara's development in this book was fantastic, and I liked her even more than I did in book one. I also enjoyed the progression of the romance with Tuck, and I adore them together.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my time reading A Deadly Deception, and really hope there are more Clara Dawson books in the future! Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC :)
The setting was divine, mixing the grand vintage hotel with a blustering snowstorm, and peppering over it all with NYE celebrations. I felt immersed immediately, like a guest in the hotel myself, and the vibes were just gorgeous from the very start. The mystery was great, and there were some scenes that genuinely scared me very much when I read them.
One of my favourite things about this book was the complicated dynamic between the friendship group. They felt like real people, and the dialogue between them all was natural, flowing well from one barb to the next, as the cracks in the surface of their friendship began to show.
Clara's development in this book was fantastic, and I liked her even more than I did in book one. I also enjoyed the progression of the romance with Tuck, and I adore them together.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my time reading A Deadly Deception, and really hope there are more Clara Dawson books in the future! Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC :)
July 16, 2025
This book was so fun! It was a fun kind of mystery an easy to read whodunnit type of story. I enjoyed this way more than I thought I would. The setting is fun, 1930s, FMC Clara Dawson, unsure of herself among her friends and relationship issues combined with a winter storm and a body all make for a great mystery. I usually guess the ending and while I had a hint I didn’t guess this one. It was explained really well, sometimes in mysteries they explain it at the end in a fact dump kind of way but don’t explain it as a part of the story if that makes sense. But in this story i really liked the unveiling of the ending. This is the second Clara Dawson mystery and while you can read this one as a standalone I would suggest reading the first as well, as there may be a few spoilers in this one. The setting was so fun, I love historical mysteries, I think adds to the mystery. There was 1930s strong female lead, a slow burn romance, a winter storm and some paranormal elements. It had a little bit of everything for everyone. I found Clara relatable with trying to figure out where she fit among her friends. This was an easy enjoyable read for me.
Thank you to the author for the eARC I received, I really enjoyed it!
Thank you to the author for the eARC I received, I really enjoyed it!
July 5, 2025
Although this is a sequel, A Deadly Deception can be read as a standalone. All the references to the events of An Insidious Inheritance are fleshed out well so the reader won't feel like they are missing something.
I really enjoyed my time with this, and had a hard time putting it down. I was eating up the slow burn of the story, getting to know each of Clara's friends, and the chemistry between Clara and Tuck. ALSO! The scenes with the ghost were mad creepy compared to all the drama happening within the hotel an the friend group. I loved the contrast of it all. West can write different types of scenes really well. Speaking of which, the setting of this was perfect. I imagine reading this during the winter would be such a vibe.
I highly recommend this. Get ready to know Clara's friends, who are each hiding something, while also dealing with a murder, snow storm that traps the characters, and a vengeful ghost. I recommend this to readers who love mystery, winter stories, historical fiction, ghosts, and a slow burn/yearning romance.
Thank you again to Amelie West for providing an ARC for a review. I can't wait to see what mystery Clara will solve next.
I really enjoyed my time with this, and had a hard time putting it down. I was eating up the slow burn of the story, getting to know each of Clara's friends, and the chemistry between Clara and Tuck. ALSO! The scenes with the ghost were mad creepy compared to all the drama happening within the hotel an the friend group. I loved the contrast of it all. West can write different types of scenes really well. Speaking of which, the setting of this was perfect. I imagine reading this during the winter would be such a vibe.
I highly recommend this. Get ready to know Clara's friends, who are each hiding something, while also dealing with a murder, snow storm that traps the characters, and a vengeful ghost. I recommend this to readers who love mystery, winter stories, historical fiction, ghosts, and a slow burn/yearning romance.
Thank you again to Amelie West for providing an ARC for a review. I can't wait to see what mystery Clara will solve next.
July 10, 2025
I had the pleasure of being an ARC reader for both books in this series and I feel like I watched Amelie grow as an author in real time. A Deadly Deception had more detailed characters, more background info (ie friendships, history, etc), and a delightful historical feel. The suspense and mystery had me on the edge of my seat and honestly, I wish there was more of it. Gimble made for an excellent villain and I wish the ballroom scene was drawn out a little longer. I did not expect the twist of what truly happened to Rosalind. She was a bad person that was willing to hurt people without a second thought, but what happened to her was cruel.
I know a lot of people wish Clara would use her words and communicate better with Tuck, but honestly I think it makes her realistic. People aren’t perfect and she is learning to trust. As per usual, Tuck is a total love and I can’t wait to see what their future holds. I’m hoping the next book follows Clara and Tuck as they head to work for Vincent. Fingers crossed, Nina and Lettie possibly get a happy ending too.
I’m super excited to see what else Amelie has in store for us.
I know a lot of people wish Clara would use her words and communicate better with Tuck, but honestly I think it makes her realistic. People aren’t perfect and she is learning to trust. As per usual, Tuck is a total love and I can’t wait to see what their future holds. I’m hoping the next book follows Clara and Tuck as they head to work for Vincent. Fingers crossed, Nina and Lettie possibly get a happy ending too.
I’m super excited to see what else Amelie has in store for us.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2025
I’ll give this one 3.5 stars and round up to 4 stars.
A Deadly Deception was a mix of a mild romance with a ghost story in the setting of a gothic atmosphere.
Clara brings her “friend” Tuck on a weekend holiday for the New Year to a hotel where a group of her friends plan to have a party. One of them ends up dead at the bottom of the stairs and an investigation commences.
The relationship between Clara and Tuck was extremely frustrating. I’m not sure any man would truly keep fighting to have a relationship with a person that acts the way that Clara does. She’s so hit and miss with him.
Clara was honestly just a frustrating character for me in general. She was self deprecating but also seemed to think she was better than everyone and always tried to act so proper.
Aside from my character frustrations, this book was a good cozy ghost story read. I will say that it’s able to be a standalone even though it’s part of a series but I would highly recommend reading the first book before this one because there was an abundance of references that I didn’t get from not reading the first one.
A Deadly Deception was a mix of a mild romance with a ghost story in the setting of a gothic atmosphere.
Clara brings her “friend” Tuck on a weekend holiday for the New Year to a hotel where a group of her friends plan to have a party. One of them ends up dead at the bottom of the stairs and an investigation commences.
The relationship between Clara and Tuck was extremely frustrating. I’m not sure any man would truly keep fighting to have a relationship with a person that acts the way that Clara does. She’s so hit and miss with him.
Clara was honestly just a frustrating character for me in general. She was self deprecating but also seemed to think she was better than everyone and always tried to act so proper.
Aside from my character frustrations, this book was a good cozy ghost story read. I will say that it’s able to be a standalone even though it’s part of a series but I would highly recommend reading the first book before this one because there was an abundance of references that I didn’t get from not reading the first one.
July 18, 2025
With A Deadly Deception Amelie West takes her readers to 1933 New Years Eve in New York City for what is supposed to be a fun time with friends but turns into deadly weekend, and Clara Dawson once again comes up against a threatening malevolent force.
There’s murder, secrets, deceit, and romance that all takes place in a captivating historical setting.
I was so delighted to see Clara and Tuck together for book 2. They both struggled in trying to determine what they wanted their relationship to be. But when it came to dealing with solving the murder-mystery they had to learn to be real with themselves and each other.
I look forward to see what comes next for Clara (and Tuck) as undoubtedly there will be more paranormal mysteries for her to solve.
If you enjoy gothic paranormal mysteries, captivating historical settings and characters with complicated emotional lives you'll enjoy this series.
**A DEADLY DECEPTION is the second novel in the Clara Dawson paranormal mystery series. While each book features a standalone mystery, this book does contain major spoilers for the mystery in the first book. For the best reading experience, it’s recommended to read the series in order.
There’s murder, secrets, deceit, and romance that all takes place in a captivating historical setting.
I was so delighted to see Clara and Tuck together for book 2. They both struggled in trying to determine what they wanted their relationship to be. But when it came to dealing with solving the murder-mystery they had to learn to be real with themselves and each other.
I look forward to see what comes next for Clara (and Tuck) as undoubtedly there will be more paranormal mysteries for her to solve.
If you enjoy gothic paranormal mysteries, captivating historical settings and characters with complicated emotional lives you'll enjoy this series.
**A DEADLY DECEPTION is the second novel in the Clara Dawson paranormal mystery series. While each book features a standalone mystery, this book does contain major spoilers for the mystery in the first book. For the best reading experience, it’s recommended to read the series in order.
July 22, 2025
Atmospheric and alluring, A Deadly Deception transports readers to 1930s New York on the cusp of a new year—where glittering chandeliers and velvet gowns mask chilling secrets.
Clara Dawson, still haunted by her time at Hollowfield House, hopes that the Grand Sterling Hotel’s New Year’s Eve gala will offer some comfort and a chance to reconnect with Tuck. But when a guest is found dead and a snowstorm seals the doors, glamour quickly gives way to dread. The danger is not just human—and Clara finds herself once again caught in the grip of something deeply unnatural.
Amelie West writes with graceful tension and emotional nuance, balancing gothic dread with elegant prose. Clara is a heroine shaped by trauma, yet full of resolve, making each step she takes into darkness both brave and poignant.
Part historical mystery, part supernatural thriller, A Deadly Deception is more than a mystery—it’s an exploration of what happens when the past refuses to stay buried, and the present dares to confront it.
Thank you to Amelie West, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in return for my honest review.
Clara Dawson, still haunted by her time at Hollowfield House, hopes that the Grand Sterling Hotel’s New Year’s Eve gala will offer some comfort and a chance to reconnect with Tuck. But when a guest is found dead and a snowstorm seals the doors, glamour quickly gives way to dread. The danger is not just human—and Clara finds herself once again caught in the grip of something deeply unnatural.
Amelie West writes with graceful tension and emotional nuance, balancing gothic dread with elegant prose. Clara is a heroine shaped by trauma, yet full of resolve, making each step she takes into darkness both brave and poignant.
Part historical mystery, part supernatural thriller, A Deadly Deception is more than a mystery—it’s an exploration of what happens when the past refuses to stay buried, and the present dares to confront it.
Thank you to Amelie West, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in return for my honest review.
July 3, 2025
Want to start off by saying I hope there is another book to this series coming out. This book yet again like the first one had me thinking and had twists to it I did not see coming. Once, I thought oh this is why the ghost/spirit of Henry Gimble is doing his actions and all you get is plot twists of other events that make you go oh wow. Clara watching her struggle to open up you can still tell she struggles but you can see Tuck is trying to get her to open up and not run away. Tuck is a very interesting character who is actually my favorite to be honest because he doesn't show jealousy and has you guessing a lot on what he is thinking. He's the type of character that I can see he just watches and listens but you get him to either end of the being over emotions example really angry you can tell but mild angry or confusion you have to know him to be able to read him.
Amelie thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to read this book, I cannot wait to see what this series continues to hold!
Amelie thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to read this book, I cannot wait to see what this series continues to hold!
July 11, 2025
"You don't know what it's like. A woman's words never have more power than when a man is using them against her."
A Deadly Deception is a delightfully spooky read. Complete with ghosts in a hotel and a room referencing 1408, West pays homage to some classic horror tales while weaving a unique mystery.
One of the best parts of this book is that it can be read as a standalone. Enough detail is provided alluding to the previous installment to avoid confusion, and while certain aspects may benefit from having read the first book, it is by no means a requirement. Clara and Tuck are just as adorable and awkward in this story, and I found myself aggravated (in a good way) at their courtship and absolutely giddy.
A downside, this story did take a little while to grab me, mostly due to the larger cast of characters. The first book felt more intimate, while this one introduced many friends and acquaintances of Clara's. There were some aspects I found repetitive (such as the frequent use of "not having any claim" over someone, though this could admittedly be due to my reading the book over the course of a few days).
Overall, this is a book worth checking out if you're in the mood for a cozy, spooky read.
I received a free copy from the author and am leaving my thoughts voluntarily.
A Deadly Deception is a delightfully spooky read. Complete with ghosts in a hotel and a room referencing 1408, West pays homage to some classic horror tales while weaving a unique mystery.
One of the best parts of this book is that it can be read as a standalone. Enough detail is provided alluding to the previous installment to avoid confusion, and while certain aspects may benefit from having read the first book, it is by no means a requirement. Clara and Tuck are just as adorable and awkward in this story, and I found myself aggravated (in a good way) at their courtship and absolutely giddy.
A downside, this story did take a little while to grab me, mostly due to the larger cast of characters. The first book felt more intimate, while this one introduced many friends and acquaintances of Clara's. There were some aspects I found repetitive (such as the frequent use of "not having any claim" over someone, though this could admittedly be due to my reading the book over the course of a few days).
Overall, this is a book worth checking out if you're in the mood for a cozy, spooky read.
I received a free copy from the author and am leaving my thoughts voluntarily.
July 8, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the advanced reader copy! All thoughts are my own:
Amelie West has done it again! A great follow up to her debut novel. As with the previous book, the atmosphere of this book is written to perfection.
My only complaints with the book were with it being set at a party, there were a lot of characters to keep up with and it got confusing at times who was who, but if you laid out a list of a few things about each character as you read it could probably be easier. Still, this larger group of people did help aiding in the “whodunit” aspect of the novel, obviously.
I also didn’t fully agree with the ending, but I do understand where the characters were coming from. I just would’ve handled the situation differently if it were me.
Overall, a great, atmospheric, tense thriller/mystery. Last book I read from her, I recommended the book. Now, I’m recommending Amelie West. Not to repeat myself from my review of the first book, but I once again can’t wait to read the next one.
Amelie West has done it again! A great follow up to her debut novel. As with the previous book, the atmosphere of this book is written to perfection.
My only complaints with the book were with it being set at a party, there were a lot of characters to keep up with and it got confusing at times who was who, but if you laid out a list of a few things about each character as you read it could probably be easier. Still, this larger group of people did help aiding in the “whodunit” aspect of the novel, obviously.
I also didn’t fully agree with the ending, but I do understand where the characters were coming from. I just would’ve handled the situation differently if it were me.
Overall, a great, atmospheric, tense thriller/mystery. Last book I read from her, I recommended the book. Now, I’m recommending Amelie West. Not to repeat myself from my review of the first book, but I once again can’t wait to read the next one.
July 9, 2025
I really enjoyed reading this book. Although it is the second book in the Clara Dawson series, it worked great as a standalone as well. I didn’t feel like I was missing out from much by not reading the 1st book.
This book is set in the 1930’s NYC. Clara Dawson invites her new friend Tuck to a New Year’s Eve party with her childhood friends at the Grand Sterling Hotel. While hoping to catch up on everyone’s life, Clara battles with accepting herself. On New Year’s Eve, someone winds up dead but who did it? Was it an accident? was she murdered? Everyone becomes a suspect.
I honestly was left guessing at who could’ve done it and was extremely surprised by how the story played out. I was worried with there being quite a few characters and keeping up with them, but it wasn’t a problem at all. The characters were well thought out and I loved the way the author brought out each person’s personality.
It was a nice touch adding in the little details about how women would be perceived at that time because of certain things they did or didn’t do (don’t wanna give anything away).
This book is set in the 1930’s NYC. Clara Dawson invites her new friend Tuck to a New Year’s Eve party with her childhood friends at the Grand Sterling Hotel. While hoping to catch up on everyone’s life, Clara battles with accepting herself. On New Year’s Eve, someone winds up dead but who did it? Was it an accident? was she murdered? Everyone becomes a suspect.
I honestly was left guessing at who could’ve done it and was extremely surprised by how the story played out. I was worried with there being quite a few characters and keeping up with them, but it wasn’t a problem at all. The characters were well thought out and I loved the way the author brought out each person’s personality.
It was a nice touch adding in the little details about how women would be perceived at that time because of certain things they did or didn’t do (don’t wanna give anything away).
July 18, 2025
Another amazing read from Amelie West. As much as I loved the first book, this one was my favorite so far, even though I know there will be more. This one picks up a couple of months after the first with Clara inviting Tuck for a visit with her friends at the Grand Sterling Hotel. Clara accepts the invite hoping that it will help her forget the events that occurred at Hollowfield House, and maybe rekindle something with Tuck, but only if she allows herself to let him in.
Just when Clara thinks she's having a nice vacation with her friends, she finds one of them dead. Seeing that she's being considered a suspect, she decides to investigate it herself. During her time at the hotel, she sees a ghost, which is not the first one she has seen, the first being at Hollowfield House. From the first encounter with the hotel ghost Gimble, things just get crazy and creepy.
I loved the twist at the end. I kept going back and forth on who was responsible for everything, because everyone had their secrets and kept acting suspicious. This book has a good balance of mystery, creepiness, some slight romance, and a lot of complicated misunderstandings and secrets among the friend group. Would definitely recommend this book to those who like suspense, because I could not put this down until I found out what was going on. I cannot wait to see where their next adventure takes them, and what kind of supernatural entity they will encounter next.
Just when Clara thinks she's having a nice vacation with her friends, she finds one of them dead. Seeing that she's being considered a suspect, she decides to investigate it herself. During her time at the hotel, she sees a ghost, which is not the first one she has seen, the first being at Hollowfield House. From the first encounter with the hotel ghost Gimble, things just get crazy and creepy.
I loved the twist at the end. I kept going back and forth on who was responsible for everything, because everyone had their secrets and kept acting suspicious. This book has a good balance of mystery, creepiness, some slight romance, and a lot of complicated misunderstandings and secrets among the friend group. Would definitely recommend this book to those who like suspense, because I could not put this down until I found out what was going on. I cannot wait to see where their next adventure takes them, and what kind of supernatural entity they will encounter next.
July 6, 2025
What is meant to be a fun holiday weekend away in upstate New York with friends, turns into a haunting whodunnit!
Clara struggles with her feelings for Tuck and her future, while navigating the nuances of her circle of wealthy friends and trying to reconcile the events of Briar Hollow.
The clock strikes midnight and Clara is drawn by a mysterious figure to a body. With a winter storm that has knocked out the power, and a murder investigation underway - can she come to terms with herself and the reality that comes to light?
Oh Miss Clara Dawson, I hope you find your sense of self-worth! In a time where women were not allowed to be themselves, her character is so relatable and I am just drawn into her story, rooting for her!
I spent the whole book spiraling in theories of how it would play out, and I did not see that ending coming.
A brilliant follow-up to the Insidious Inheritance. Thank you so much for this advanced copy for me to devour!
Clara struggles with her feelings for Tuck and her future, while navigating the nuances of her circle of wealthy friends and trying to reconcile the events of Briar Hollow.
The clock strikes midnight and Clara is drawn by a mysterious figure to a body. With a winter storm that has knocked out the power, and a murder investigation underway - can she come to terms with herself and the reality that comes to light?
Oh Miss Clara Dawson, I hope you find your sense of self-worth! In a time where women were not allowed to be themselves, her character is so relatable and I am just drawn into her story, rooting for her!
I spent the whole book spiraling in theories of how it would play out, and I did not see that ending coming.
A brilliant follow-up to the Insidious Inheritance. Thank you so much for this advanced copy for me to devour!
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