The Midnight Estate

by Kelly Rimmer

A haunting mystery of a family's darkest secrets from the worldwide bestselling Australian author

In the aftermath of a tumultuous year, Fiona Winslow finds solace in the decaying grandeur of Wurimbirra, the rambling family estate. Intent on restoring it - despite her mother's objections - she discovers the keys to more than just the dilapidated country mansion. Beneath the crumbling plaster are secrets that have been buried for a generation.

When a book, The Midnight Estate, catches her attention, Fiona is plunged into a tale that mirrors her own life - a story of love, loss and betrayal. She dismisses the similarities as coincidence, but as she's drawn deeper into the story, the lines between fiction and reality blur, and Fiona must ask how well does she know her family?

A gothic epic that spans generations, Kelly Rimmer weaves a tale as immersive as Kate Morton's Homecoming, inviting readers into the heart of a family's darkest secrets with an absorbing book-within-a-book mystery.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Fiction, Audiobook, Gothic, Books About Books, Historical

337 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 30, 2025

About the author

Kelly Rimmer is the author of historical and contemporary fiction, including The Warsaw Orphan, The Things We Cannot Say and The Secret Daughter, with 3 million books sold. Her books have been translated into dozens of languages and have appeared on bestseller lists around the world, including The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today.

Since 2022, Kelly has owned and operated Collins Booksellers Orange, the last remaining bookstore in the small regional city she calls home. Her next novel, The Midnight Estate, will be released in Australia, New Zealand and the UK in July 2025.

Reviews

[L A · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A Gothic tale told across three timelines, The Midnight Estate is a haunting mystery entwining a family's darkest secrets and a captivating book-within-a-book puzzle."
Fiona grew up closely with her cousin Jon and her beloved Uncle Tad, a very successful author. When her Uncle died unexpectedly, her cousin Jon inherited the house and gladly sold it to her. She met resistance from the town's people and her mother, who said the estate is haunted. Deliveries were made difficult when no one wanted to come inside the home. Fiona thought this was nonsense since her fondest memories of growing up were in the family estate. Jon witnessed Fiona's mother and Tad having a heated argument the day he was found dead. So many secrets to uncover in this house: past and present.
Fiona has suffered her share of heartache and emotional meltdowns after she found her husband and best friend having an affair. The book is full of emotions, heart wrenching moments and the capture of enduring love. When she stumbles on a book The Midnight Estate, the story quickly blurs into the reality and fiction for Fiona. It begins to resemble her own life of loss, love and betrayal.
I would have said no to the house, but she gracefully settles in to remodel it to its previous grandeur state. The noises and nightmares appear scary for the reader. I loved the atmospheric tale of Wurimbirra even the book within a book, especially the one she finds sending her on a trail of keys and secrets to reveal. It is a Gothic and epic book I will not forget. I love books with this type of atmosphere where researching the grounds is peril to her.
Thank you Harlequin Trade Publishing sending me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Liana Gold · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ 4.5 ⭐️ Some secrets are best when taken to the grave.

This is one of those story-within-a-story books that you can easily lose yourself in. It's immersive, atmospheric, mysterious, well layered. The Story Keeper had me feeling all the emotions because I was completely invested in all the characters and their stories. It's incredibly well written with hard hitting themes of domestic abuse, albeit not graphic, and spousal coercive control. It is essentially a story about generational trauma, loss, legacy and the power behind the secrets and stories that shape us.

Fiona Winslow, in process of a divorce, returns to a crumpling estate only to discover a mysterious novel, The Midnight Estate, written by her late uncle. The fictional novel follows the story of Marie and her abusive husband Rupert and Silas, a man who comes back to America to visit his dying sister. Readers should buckle up because the fictional The Midnight Estate becomes the heart of the story that will pull on all your emotions. As Fiona reads it, she begins to realize the fictional story mirrors her life in unsettling ways. When the line between fiction and reality blurs, so do the long-buried secrets begin to come out. The novels unfolds through dual timelines, gradually revealing how the past shapes the present.

Rimmer's novel stands out with a well incorporated and executed, engaging 'story within a story' structure. Usually, when not done right, these type of books tend to confuse me. With a rich atmospheric Gothic setting centered on the decaying mansion and the emotional tug of Marie's story,
the story kept me up all night because just like Fiona who was reading the fictional novel, I need to know what happens next. The mystery, more so of what happened to Fiona Winslow's family and why so much of history was deliberately hidden, was perfectly weaved between two storylines. The nested or the embedded narrative here deepened the theme of domestic abuse. Domestic abuse is not just physical abuse; at its center it's always about power and control. While some of the fictional chapters really amped my anger, they were in fact some of the best written ones in the novel.

This novel is a prime example that history is never forgotten. That secrets can't stay buried for too long and there's time and place for everything hidden to come out. It's only when truth comes out, healing begins. This is my first book by Kelly Rimmer and won't be my last.




Many thanks to Netgalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing/MIRA, and the author, Kelly Rimmer for an early ARC!

Many thanks to Harlequin Audio for an early ALC!

Narrator: Siho Ellsmore
Duration: 12 hours 14 minutes
Speed: 1.5x

Publication: July 21, 2026

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 5 out of 5]

2010, NSW, Australia. Fiona Winslow buys the old family home Wurimbirra from her cousin Jon in the country town of Forbes and she’s had a tough year and her marriage ended; and she was made to sell her share in their heritage consultant business. The once grand house is rundown, the gardens are overgrown, mice have taken up residence and she wants restore the mansion to it's former glory and save it's beautiful pressed ceilings.

Rumours have always circled about the house being haunted, Fiona thinks it's a load of nonsense and all old homes make noises, have creaks and groans it’s perfectly normal.

The narrative has a triple timeline and is basically a story within a story and is set in both America and Australia and is very easy to follow.

Fiona discovers a book amongst her late uncle’s possessions, he was an eccentric writer who never threw a anything away and it was published years ago and she has never heard of the author before and she gets totally immersed in the tale and parts of it could be describing her own childhood and fill the gaps in her life.

I received a copy of The Midnight Estate/The Story Keeper from Edelweiss Plus and Harper Collins in exchange for an unbiased review. Kelly Rimmer once again takes the reader on a well written journey, and the tale includes secrets and mystery, complicated family relationships, drama and hidden ties, serious topics such as infidelity and cheating, coercive control and spousal abuse.

Half way though the novel I could guess the links to the characters and where the plot was possibly going, but this didn’t take away my enjoyment of the story and it all comes together for a stunning and satisfying conclusion.

A must read for those who enjoy gothic and eerie fiction set in old houses and five stars from me.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fiona Winslow arrived back in Forbes, NSW, to the only place she'd ever called "home" - Wurimbirra - the mansion which had been in her family for generations. Since her Uncle Tad, a well known author, had died, he'd left it to Fiona's cousin, Jon, who had then sold it to Fiona. Wurimbirra was long neglected, filled with dust and rubbish plus supposedly haunted - Fiona knew it would take her a long time to clean it all up. And as she was doing so, a box of books which had been ignored for years, was found. Inside were books written by an author she'd not heard of, the title being The Midnight Estate. Fiona was intrigued and before long she was lost in the story.

As Fiona spent her days cleaning the house, sorting out things like electricity, water and so on, as well as reading the book, she wondered where it was all going. Was it a parallel to her life and the past? Was it purely fiction? What were the answers that were sure to be at the end?

The Midnight Estate is a fascinating book by Aussie author Kelly Rimmer which took me a little to get into because of the fictional characters within the book that was within the book (!) but once I'd settled into the rhythm, it was excellent. I must say I enjoyed the "inside" book the most; the characters were more solid and realistic while Fiona and her fellow characters felt a little blurred around the edges! (Sorry, it's difficult to explain!!) Quite different from the author's usual fare, but it was definitely entertaining, and I have no hesitation in recommending it.

With thanks to NetGalley & Hachette AU for my digital ARC to read and review.

[Christine Garrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Story Keeper by Kelly Rimmer is the kind of novel that slowly gathers threads from different generations before weaving them into something emotional and satisfying.

You may want to be aware of some content warnings, including coercive control, emotional abuse, domestic abuse, grief, death of loved ones, divorce stigma, pregnancy loss, trauma, and mental health struggles.

Fiona Winslow returns to Wurimbirra, the neglected coastal Australian estate where she once lived, determined to restore the aging mansion to its former glory. But the house seems reluctant to give up its secrets. Strange occurrences begin to unsettle Fiona, and when she discovers a mysterious novel called The Midnight Estate, she realizes the answers she seeks may be hidden within its pages.

Told across three timelines—including a story-within-a-story—Kelly Rimmer explores grief, coercive control, family secrets, and the lasting impact of the choices we make. The novel asks how stories are preserved, who gets to tell them, and what happens when painful truths are buried for generations.

The pacing won’t work for every reader. There were stretches where Fiona spent a significant amount of time reflecting on her emotions or considering renovation decisions, which occasionally slowed the momentum. At the same time, some of the transitions between timelines move quickly and can be a little disorienting until the pieces begin to fall into place.

I found the audiobook particularly helpful for navigating the multiple perspectives and timelines. Narrator Siho Ellsmore effortlessly shifts between Australian and American accents, making it easier to distinguish the characters and immerse myself in each storyline.

What kept me invested was the emotional authenticity of the characters. Their struggles feel believable, and even when the plot moves slowly, the relationships remain compelling. By the final chapters, the seemingly separate storylines connect in ways that feel both earned and deeply moving.

Overall, The Story Keeper is a touching generational family saga filled with mystery, heartbreak, and hope. It takes its time getting there, but the payoff is worth it. This story is a keeper.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for providing an advance listening copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelly Rimmer's "The Story Keeper" is a beautifully written, entertaining, dual time-line historical fiction novel. It features a story within a story, with engaging characters, family secrets, unexpected twists, and a gratifying conclusion. The author's note and personal insights are enlightening and greatly appreciated. Siho Ellsmore has a lovely voice and does a wonderful job narrating the novel.

[Kerrin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Storykeeper by Kelly Rimmer is a haunting novel that beautifully blends mystery, family secrets, and the power of storytelling. Fiona Winslow, a historical architect, returns to her childhood home, called Wurimbirra. It is a house steeped in ghost stories, grief, and long-buried truths. As Fiona begins reading The Midnight Estate, a novel by an unknown author about an abused woman offered a chance at escape, the “book within a book” becomes unsettlingly relevant to her own life. Rimmer skillfully weaves the two narratives together, revealing how stories can illuminate hidden trauma. The story is a thoughtful exploration of family secrets, kindness, and the stories we tell to survive.

I enjoyed the audio narration.

Trigger warning: Abuse in the form of coercive control.

[Lindsay L · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

A strong start that fizzled out in the second half.

A newly divorced woman purchases her deceased uncles’ crumbling countryside estate with the hopes of fixing it up and being comforted by countless childhood memories. While cleaning and renovating, she discovers a box of books that lead her to uncover deeply buried family secrets.

This was a highly anticipated read for me, as this is one of my favourite authors. I’ve read all of her releases from the last several years and have given all but one 4 or 5 stars. This book came with high expectations that unfortunately didn’t live up to my hopes.

The first 40% was amazing! I was engrossed in the atmosphere and invested in the plot. The book within a book trope had me curious and captivated. I was intrigued by the characters. The family mansion was like a character itself, harbouring clues and secrets to the family legacy.

Just before the second half, there was a shift in the overall feel of the book. A potential romance became a focus which was a complete turn off. The book within a book layer became cheesy, convenient and predictable. That trope, which I usually love, completely lost its potential for any sort of impact on me. The characters that had potential in the beginning became surface level and predictable. They lost their edge of real, raw authenticity and emotion. The dialogue lacked natural ease and became cutesy and charming. It almost felt as if another author took over the writing of the second half.

Overall, this storyline had a lot of potential but the execution didn’t work for me. There are some heavy topics covered which I appreciate the author exploring, but their presentation didn’t feel real or impactful for me. This book wasn’t a winner for me but I highly recommend several of this authors previous books that sit on my Favourites Shelf such has, The Things We Cannot Say, Before I Let You Go and The German Wife.

I am definitely the outlier with my feelings so be sure to check out the countless raving reviews!

Audio rating: 3 stars. The audio narration was “ok” but nothing truly impactful or memorable. I cannot recommend the audio as a way of enhancing this reading experience.

Thank you to the publisher for my review copy and audio copy!

[❋ Booked Out Today ❋ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Midnight Estate by Kelly Rimmer
★★★★★

Fiona Winslow uncovers generations of secrets hidden within her ancestral home. She finds a forgotten novel that begins to mirror her own life, drawing her into a haunting story of love, betrayal, and a chilling truth that blurs the line between fiction and reality.

Historical Fiction | Gothic | Books About Books

Did somebody say well-written novel? Because you’ve found it right here!

I was reading the two storylines in parallel and initially struggled to understand the relevance of the found novel. I was past halfway through the book before I could even begin making predictions about the major plot twist.

I loved how this story came together. It ended perfectly and opened up thought-provoking discussions about life choices and how their impact can echo through generations.

This book was impactful, adventurous, and compelling.

Although it’s labelled as “gothic,” I didn’t strongly feel that genre while reading. The gothic elements were subtle, more atmospheric than spooky.

I was completely swept away by the brilliant plot and Kelly Rimmer’s talented writing style.

📖🏚️🕰️🖋️

Thank you to @HachetteAU for a copy of this book.

💭 A book within a book, is this something that interests you?

Pour a hot drink, it’s book talk time.
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[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 2010 Fiona Winslow an historical architect has just purchased the house she grew up in from her cousin Jon she is hoping that this will help her get over the past year which really hasn’t been a good one but moving back to Forbes and Wurimbirra House built in 1860 is well known to be haunted might just open up a lot more than she was thinking.

Cleaning the house is going to be hard it has been locked up since the wake ten years ago of her beloved Uncle Tad a well-known writer, she finds a box of books that have been there since the wake unopened, curious she opens it and finds twelve copies of a book called The Midnight Estate by Charity Wilkes she has never heard of this author but thinks she might be a friend of her uncles she starts to read it and what she discovers is a mystery story that seems to be set around Wurimbirra has she uncovered a past that her family has kept secret since 1960 is it really about her family?

This story had me captivated with the book within the book, it is such a well told story and takes in three timelines across two countries so many wonderful characters and not so nice character, the relationship between Fiona and her mother is a very strained one and gets worse but will it finally be what they both want when the secrets are uncovered?

I thoroughly enjoyed this one and I highly recommend it, another fabulous read from Kelly Rimmer

[Kristina Pauls (ARC Reviewer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Story Keeper by Kelly Rimmer completely caught me off guard. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I stayed up until 3 AM to finish this, which I honestly haven’t done in a long time. And when I finished, I just sat there with that lump-in-your-throat feeling, like I could cry. I couldn’t even put a review together right away. You will want to read this in a few months when it publishes.

It wasn’t just one moment either. It was everything coming together at the end. Seeing a mother-daughter relationship start to heal, and in the book Fiona was reading — seeing how steady and good Silas was through it all, and the bigger message behind the story; it all hit at once.

I also connected really quickly to the characters, which surprised me. Not just Fiona in the present, but also the family in the book she was reading. It didn’t take long before I felt completely invested, like I was right there with them and what was happening actually mattered to me.

Around halfway through, I started to realize how things were connecting (at least part of it), especially between Fiona’s story and the book she found in the mansion. That made the second half even more emotional watching it all unfold.

I listened to this on audio, and I’ll be honest, it took me a few chapters to really get into the flow. The story switches between Fiona’s real life and the book she’s reading, and even though the chapters are labeled, I still got a little confused at first. Once it clicked though, it worked really well.

I went into this knowing almost nothing, and I definitely didn’t expect it to hit me like this. But I really appreciated that it wraps everything up in a way that feels complete.

This one stuck with me. I will be purchasing it for my personal collection.

Content notes: very little to no profanity, but heavier themes including coercive control and domestic abuse.

PUBLISH DATE: July 21, 2026
BOOK TITLE: The Story Keeper
AUTHOR: Kelly Rimmer
NARRATOR: Siho Ellsmore
PUBLISHER: Harlequin Audio
FORMAT: audiobook

I received a complimentary digital ARC [Advanced Readers Copy] of this book via NetGalley. Thank you to the Publisher and the Author for the opportunity to read and review this title prior to publication. As always, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Marialyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fiona Winslow needs place to escape to and finds one in her old family estate Wurimbirra. The house is in terrible disrepair and Fiona sets out to refurbish it to its former state. Fiona has had a disastrous year, and needs this project to help her heal and forget.

There Fiona, discovers a book entitled The Midnight Estate and finds this book strangely mirrors her own life. The book and Fiona's life merge to give eerie vibes, and the house rumored to be a harbinger of ghosts fills one with dread and foreboding. "a few years before this house was built, something unthinkable did happen right on the other side of the low concrete wall that bounds the existing property."

Fiona after a huge warning from her mother, starts to experience the fact that “History doesn’t always stay in the past, Fiona. I hope to God you know what you’re doing.”

There is certainly much of an atmospheric feel to this story and the book within a book opens us up to the the things this house has witnessed. In listening to this story, one can't help but feel uneasy and frightened. The blending of the old and new happens with lots of emotion and the ability of stories to connect us to our past.

**I did listen to this story and at times had a rough time determining where I was. Audible stories are not my forte.**

[Mlpmom (Book Reviewer) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Kelly Rimmer's work, all of her books are so rich in detail and suck you right in. I had pretty high hopes for this based on all her other stories that I've read and fell in love with. And while this was a good story, the pacing was a little off and it was sadly very predictable. I saw the twist coming from a mile away, and I think the two combined storylines just didn't quite work for me this time. I did enjoy this story, but I wanted more, I think. More history, more detail, more house, maybe even more romance. Either way, this was a good story, just not quite the high standards I've come to expect from this author. Still, I think this is one fan should read because they will enjoy it, predictability and all.


*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I cannot resist a story about a family home, the secrets kept, and any time a protagonist finds a journal or book that helps them figure it all out. In The Story Keeper, Fiona Winslow is recently reeling from her husband and best friend's affair. With her grown daughters living their own lives, Fiona takes solace in renovating her family's estate. However, Fiona's mother is not that pleased and warns Fiona that she has no idea the chaos she may have invited. But Fiona's memories of life with her author uncle are wrapped in wonderful memories, and when her cousin doesn't want the estate, she cannot believe her luck. As she renovates, Fiona stumbles upon a novel, one she believes her uncle wished to share with the family, but as the narrative flows, Fiona begins to wonder about her uncle's true purpose.

Simply, a fantastic story with plenty of heartbreak. Kelly Rimmer brought all the feels, and even though I wasn't surprised when all secrets were revealed, I still felt completely satisfied as to how it all played out.





#TheMidnightEstate #NetGalley.
Publication Date 21/07/26
Goodreads Review 24/07/26
Thanks to NetGalley and Harelquin Trade Publishing/MIRA for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Marialyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fiona Winslow needs place to escape to and finds one in her old family estate Wurimbirra. The house is in terrible disrepair and Fiona sets out to refurbish it to its former state. Fiona has had a disastrous year, and needs this project to help her heal and forget.

There Fiona, discovers a book entitled The Midnight Estate and finds this book strangely mirrors her own life. The book and Fiona's life merge to give eerie vibes, and the house rumored to be a harbinger of ghosts fills one with dread and foreboding. "a few years before this house was built, something unthinkable did happen right on the other side of the low concrete wall that bounds the existing property."

Fiona after a huge warning from her mother, starts to experience the fact that “History doesn’t always stay in the past, Fiona. I hope to God you know what you’re doing.”

There is certainly much of an atmospheric feel to this story and the book within a book opens us up to the the things this house has witnessed. In listening to this story, one can't help but feel uneasy and frightened. The blending of the old and new happens with lots of emotion and the ability of stories to connect us to our past.

[Amina · Rating 2 out of 5]

✰ 2 stars ✰

“Books are everything,” he said. “Whatever you need in life – escape, wisdom, knowledge, power, pick up the right book and it will all be there.”

Shockingly disappointing. 🙍🏻‍♀️ And I don't mean the book within a book setup of the narrative; which actually served as a detriment to a story that could have been a bit more impactful, if not meaningful. for the way the plot unfolded - everything was all tell and no show.

“Life is so short, it makes good sense to me that people would enjoy tales about it being longer and more complex than it really is.”

The one-dimensional characters lacked heart, the writing listless and flat. The author had to lay down the significant parallels with deliberately placed hints that took away the mystery behind the significance of The Midnight Estate, much too early. 🙅🏻‍♀️ The writing also felt very amateurish and juvenile, not at all what I recall from an author I gave a much higher rating, too, thus leading to my interest in their latest work.

I wished there had been a more gothic feel to Wurimbirra, a spooky house which had all the elements of unexplainable mystique, that sadly was not used to its full potential. 😐 When Fiona relayed the tragic horrors that had occurred, it offered nothing to the plot, save for adding to its haunted feel, which then did not go anywhere - misplaced information. The mystery had a slight grip, but it failed to be really compelling, when it became painfully apparent what direction the narrative was taking. 😒

“History doesn’t always stay in the past, Fiona.”

The sensitive themes it explored are necessarily relevant and important; but, I also felt that they were disjointed plot lines that never really came together, despite the predictable if not lackluster formulaic way in which it progressed – the good, the bad, the downright ugly. One minute Fiona's lamenting her marriage woes and fawning over her long lost crush, then it shifts to the dramatics of her uncle's literary past, and his questioning final moments that just created this imbalance to the narrative. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Uncle Tad was a character; an enigma who I suppose did have the best interests at heart for those he cared about, but perhaps all his life was trying to make up for failing to give the ones he loved the care and attention they deserved, thus shouldering more responsibility than he really should have. 😞

“Never apologise for doing what you had to do to survive.”

A more understanding view would be that in Fiona's effort to restore her precious family home, she inadvertently strips away the secrets that have kept their family at arm's length, finally bringing closure to unanswered questions; which, fine, I admit, that did happen. ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹 The loyalty of love that has us commit unthinkable choices and decisions for those we love.

But, the way this supposedly hard-hitting family saga was presented was not appealing or worth the effort to read. Maybe it's justified because it was a reflection of Uncle Tad's nature, but I really struggled to care about any character's plight or purpose. I did not feel the love and sacrifice they committed. 😔

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5*

In the aftermath of a traumatic marriage break-up and the subsequent loss of her career and business, Fiona Winslow forges a new life at 50, by taking on the renovation of the beautiful but dilapidated "Wurimbirra" Estate. The grand country homestead sits on property near the town of Forbes in central New South Wales, and was Fiona's home for a while as a child, when she and her mother lived with her author Uncle, Tad.

Fiona's mother has been set against her moving back to Wurimbirra since she first mooted the idea, and she begins to question her own resolve when a series of strange occurrences make her wonder if there's some sort of paranormal presence in the house. The discovery of a box containing several review copies of a book, titled The Midnight Estate, written by an author she's never heard of, Charity Wilkes, piques Fiona's curiosity and as she starts reading, it's apparent that the story contains many eerie parallels with her own life and those of her family members.

The parallel storyline set in California during the mid-20th century is interwoven with the present day narrative, as Fiona comes nearer to uncovering the truth that's buried at Wurimbirra. Along the way, she reconnects with Jack, a friend from her teenage years who still lives on a nearby property, which provides a light romantic subplot.

I've enjoyed Kelly Rimmer's ability in this and her previous books to cleverly interweave dual timeline storylines to create fascinatingly mysterious plots around family secrets and hidden history. The Midnight Estate is an enthralling and atmospheric mystery-thriller, although its themes of domestic violence / coercive control and references to historical violence to indigenous people make it a challenging read at times. I'd highly recommend it to any reader who enjoys domestic thrillers, historical mysteries and family dramas.

My thanks to the author, Kelly Rimmer, publisher Hachette Australia & New Zealand, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.

[Craig and Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big thanks to Hachette for sending us a copy to read and review.
It’s always a day to be celebrated when a new Kelly Rimmer arrives on your doorstep.
The Midnight Estate is a gothic and haunting epic saga.
The dark secrets of the Wirumbirra estate will expose a nostalgic mystery.
Fiona Winslow buys the family mansion and begins restoring it, against her mother’s wishes.
It’s run down and needs some TLC, behind the damaged walls there’s secrets and if you believe the myths it’s haunted too.
During the clean up, Fiona discovers a book and begins to read at night just before bed.
As the story develops, the lines haze between fact and fiction and Fiona starts to question it all…..
Kelly is one creative genius and this new direction of genre for her is a cause to be applauded.
The storyline is well structured and smoothly delivered.
An author with worldwide success and one of Australia’s finest, this newest novel will capture readers hearts.
A book within a book mystery and one that is hard to put down.
Give Kelly a standing ovation.

[Brooke - Brooke's Reading Life · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is a dual narrative where one storyline is taking place in the form of a 'novel in a novel' which was quite interesting. It seemed clear that there was some kind of connection between the events happening in the found novel and the main character's family but it is not until the end that all the pieces fit completely together. This author is one of my instant adds to my to-be-read list whenever a new book is published so I was super excited to read this. I didn't quite get the emotional connection to this story that I've experienced with the other novels I've read by her hence the 4 star review instead of 5 stars. I still absolutely enjoyed it and would happily recommend it!

[Danielle B · Rating 4 out of 5]

The MIDNIGHT ESTATE is a blend of historical mystery with some emotional drama mixed in. I liked the dual timelines, there were many secrets and surprises. I thought the old estate in Australia was spooky and very cool. Even though I guessed what was happening early on, it was still a very enjoyable book to listen to. I really liked the narrator, she did an excellent job of keeping me entertained!

[Kirsten Mattingly · Rating 4 out of 5]

My experience with The Story Keeper was uneven, but ultimately rewarding.

I found myself alternating between being completely absorbed and losing interest for several days at a time. There were stretches where listening felt almost like an obligation because I aspire to finish all my NetGalley ARCs. Then the pacing would suddenly pick up again, and I couldn’t wait to return to these characters like old friends.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is Fiona. I found her to be a realistic and relatable protagonist. At fifty years old, divorced, and with her children grown, she’s searching for a new purpose as she restores her family’s abandoned estate. I appreciated reading about a woman at this stage of life beginning a new chapter instead of feeling like her story was over.

I also loved the book-within-a-book structure. Fiona discovers an novel called The Midnight Estate, and the story alternates between Fiona’s life and chapters from that mysterious novel. Watching the connections between the fictional story and Fiona’s discoveries around the house unfold was one of my favorite aspects of the book.

The setting was another highlight. The abandoned mansion almost becomes a character itself. Kelly Rimmer’s descriptions made it easy to picture the crumbling estate, and I especially enjoyed the Australian setting.

The emotional themes were handled very well. Family secrets, healing through truth, resilience, loyalty, and finding purpose all came together in a satisfying way. The novel also portrays complex PTSD with compassion and realism.

Readers should be aware that domestic abuse and coercive control are major themes. Some of the scenes depicting Marie’s marriage were difficult to read, particularly one involving Rupert forcing her to remain outside in the cold rain for hours as punishment for accidentally locking herself out of the house. These scenes were heartbreaking and, in my opinion, realistically portrayed the dynamics of coercive control.

One surprise I absolutely loved was the explanation for the seemingly supernatural activity in the house. It was a genuinely heartwarming reveal that made me smile.

My biggest criticism is the pacing. While I enjoyed the restoration of the old house as a backdrop, there were simply too many logistical details about cleaning, reconnecting utilities, and renovating. Those sections slowed the momentum enough that I repeatedly put the audiobook aside for several days before returning.

Mild spoiler discussion follows.

I figured out fairly early that The Midnight Estate was actually Uncle Tad’s autobiography written under a pseudonym and that Marie was Fiona’s mother. Because I reached that conclusion well before Fiona did, I spent quite a bit of the novel waiting for her to catch up. Whether that was intentional denial on Fiona’s part or simply written that way by the author, it lessened some of the mystery for me. Even so, I found the ending emotionally satisfying, especially the family’s movement toward reconciliation and healing.

Finally, I really enjoyed Siho Ellsmore’s narration. She handled both Australian and American accents well enough that I always knew who was speaking. Occasionally a bit of the Australian accent slipped into the American voices, but only slightly, and I found her performance engaging and pleasant to listen to throughout.

Overall, this was a book that had so much going for it: an engaging protagonist, an atmospheric setting, meaningful themes, and an inventive story-within-a-story structure. I just wish the pacing had been more consistent. If you enjoy family mysteries, Gothic estates, dual narratives, and stories about uncovering long-buried truths, I think this one is worth picking up.

I’m giving it 3 1/2 stars and I always round up.

Thank you to Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for providing me with an advance listening copy. My opinions are my own.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kelly Rimmer can always weave an entertaining tale! This novel is set primarily in a large, dilapidated home in a small town in NSW, Australia. The primary character is Fiona, a woman who has recently purchased the home with the intention to renovate it. As in any good gothic novel, the house is reputed to be haunted. The previous inhabitants of the house include: Fiona (it was her childhood home); Fiona’s dead uncle (who was a famous author); Fiona’s cousin (with whom she grew up in the home); and Fiona’s mother (who now lives nearby and who is clearly harboring a multitude of secrets). There is also a novel within the novel, which provides a second/past storyline.
The author covers a large variety of topics, including spousal abuse (by control not violence), sibling relationships, marital relationships, and a mother-daughter relationship in which secrets are hidden. The novel moves at a fast pace, and it kept me entertained. A few of the events were rather predictable, but a few of them definitely were not!
Also, I would not enjoy a novel in which believing in ghosts was necessary, so I am glad to say that the activities of the ghosts in this novel have a lovely explanation!
If you want an entertaining trip to a “haunted” house in Australia, with lots of family intrigue, you will enjoy this novel.
Thanks to Net Galley for an early audible version.

[Corinna ⚓️ Reading At Sea · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Midnight Estate had such a promising premise. I really liked the setup of Fiona returning to her childhood home after her divorce and the way the estate itself felt almost like a character—creepy, atmospheric, and full of secrets. The “book within a book” angle was also clever, and I enjoyed how it connected past and present in unexpected ways.

That said, this one didn’t quite land for me. The pacing in the first half dragged, and while there were definitely moments of suspense, a lot of the mystery felt predictable. I kept waiting for a bigger twist or emotional gut-punch that never really came. I also wished the characters had been a bit more developed earlier on, because I didn’t connect to them as much as I wanted to.

Overall, it was a decent read with a strong atmosphere and some creative storytelling elements, but it didn’t completely hold me the way I hoped it would. For me, it ended up being an okay read rather than a great one—which is why I landed on 3 stars.

[Patty (IheartYA311) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I tried my hardest to get into this book but I just couldn't. A lot of it felt superficial, like it was just scratching the surface. Maybe my expectations were too high. Based on the cover and blurb, I thought it would be magical, heartwarming, and uplifting, but it was monotone and dry. I actually read a few chapters and couldn't get into it, put it down for a few weeks, then started it over again. If it wasn't a Netgalley title, I probably would have DNFed.

Thank you to Netgalley for offering this title in their catalog.

[Sara Ellis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Kelly Rimmer but I didn’t love this story. It felt slow paced and predictable to me. I thought the back and forth of the timeline was a little confusing and I wasn’t a fan of the character development.

[Bre · Rating 3 out of 5]

Huge thanks to NetGalley, Kelly Rimmer, and Harlequin Audio for the advance listening copy of The Story Keeper. The following is, as always, my honest opinion.
I’m settling on a 3.5 to 4 star rating for this one. The concept immediately grabbed me—the discovery of The Midnight Estate and the way its narrative runs parallel to the main character’s own journey. I loved how seamlessly the two stories wove together, and the atmosphere was so vivid it almost felt like the setting became its own character. That immersive quality is where this book really shines.
Where it lost me a little was in the pacing. The opening took me some time to find my footing, and by the final stretch, it felt a bit drawn out. Still, those small qualms didn’t overshadow the fact that this was an imaginative, atmospheric listen that lingered with me after I finished.

[Jenny (Readingwhilemynailsdry) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars...

Folks, mark your calendars for this one…

A story within a story, rich with intrigue, secrets, and a novel that changes everything!

I’ve always loved a layered narrative, and this one truly delivered. It was captivating, full of intrigue, atmosphere, and just the right touch of mystery.

I was lucky enough to receive an advance audiobook of this title, and it was perfect. The narration was engaging and well paced. It was clear, expressive, and kept the momentum flowing throughout. I truly enjoyed it!

Fiona returns to restore a place that holds deep meaning for her, hoping to bring it back to its authentic glory. Haunted… perhaps? But maybe, there are secrets buried beneath the surface waiting to be unearthed. In the heart of it all, she discovers a novel she can’t help but be drawn into and what unfolds is a compelling tale layered within her own.

I won’t give too much away, but if you’re someone who loves a story nestled within another, this is absolutely one to watch for.

If I had one small critique, it would be that I felt it lacked a bit of emotional depth, but to be fair, I often feel less emotionally connected when listening versus reading. I’ll definitely be picking up a print copy once it’s out to see how the experience compares, because the story itself is just lovely.

Thank-you to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for the advance listen!

[Wendy G · Rating 3 out of 5]

https://wendyreadit.wordpress.com/202...

Kelly Rimmer tells this story through a book, so it's really two stories. It took some time for me to get involved in Fiona's life and want to know her family's history. I love the descriptions of the countryside and old mansion in Australia. As secrets are revealed, I learned about Fiona's childhood, her cousin and family, and eventually why the mansion was thought to be haunted. As I got involved with the characters in the book within this book, I wanted to know how these fictitious characters were somehow connected to Fiona and her family. Don't give up on this story because the beginning is a confusing.

[Lisa (Insta: serenity.of.books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve loved so many of Kelly Rimmer’s books, but The Midnight Estate might just be her best yet—a spellbinding mystery within a mystery, unfolding in a gothic mansion that may (or may not) be haunted.

When Fiona Winslow returns to Wurimbirra, her late uncle’s crumbling estate, she plans to restore the historic home and recover from a difficult year. Childhood memories draw her back, but the mansion’s eerie reputation keeps locals away—including her own mother. In her uncle’s library, Fiona discovers a mysterious novel whose plot mirrors her own life—a tale of love, loss, and betrayal. As the parallels grow unsettling, she suspects the book may hold the key to long-buried family secrets.

I’ll admit it took me a little time to settle into the “book within a book” premise, but once the historical storyline unfolded, I was hooked. Even when it became clear where the plot was heading, the richly drawn characters, evocative setting, and clever weaving of timelines kept me thoroughly engaged.

If you enjoyed Kate Morton’s Homecoming, The Midnight Estate is a must-read. And if you love a dual-timeline story you can lose yourself in, you will love this one. It’s atmospheric, immersive, and my new favourite Kelly Rimmer novel.

[Jess ❈Harbinger of Blood-Soaked Rainbows❈ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just finished this audiobook and I have very conflicting feelings about it.

I really enjoyed the story within a story concept and the lush Australian setting. I enjoyed the family dynamics and the family secrets and the connections between the characters. It centers around Fiona who is going through a messy divorce and just purchased her beloved Uncle Tad's mansion, Wurimbirra from her cousin ten years after Tad's death. Fiona grew up in the house and loved the house and despite the local (and familial) whisperings of ghosts and hauntings, she is so excited to get down and dirty making her ancestral home livable again. One day while cleaning she finds several copies of a book entitled The Midnight Estate written by an author Fiona has never heard of. Being a famous and award winning author himself, Tad had many author contacts and friends, but no one seems to know how F.J. Wilkie, the author in question, got on the map. When Fiona starts reading The Midnight Estate she is transported back to 1960s America where Cyrus, currently living in Australia, comes home for his mother's funeral and has found his sister in a coma. Leaving his wife and young son in limbo down under, Cyrus is determined to stay in America to see his beloved sister Maeve through her medical crisis. While there he reconnects with Marie, a woman he knew as a girl years ago who finds herself now in an abusive marriage and is determined to help her. The two stories begin to intertwine in a heartwarming novel about found family, domestic abuse, and secrets that survive generations.

I really liked the story and found a lot of the themes relevant and well written. What I did not love was the narrator of the audiobook. It wasn't the worst narrator I've listened to, but the narration did take me out of the story at times. I found her Australian accent to be almost unbearable to listen to as every single female voice was nasal and annoying. Weirdly, I found her male voices to be the best, which is a strange thing for a female narrator. Also being a book within a book, the audio format was not my favorite as I found myself wanting to go back and forth while reading which is not easy to do with audio. I wonder if I would have rated this higher had I had a physical or digital copy in my hands. I especially liked the domestic violence aspect of the novel which I was not expecting going in. The subject matter was handled well and I found it to be realistic and unglorified which is not the norm these days. I also really enjoyed the characters as well as their ever-changing relationships with each other. The relationship especially between Fiona and her mom Ginny was very well played. I do wish that other relationships and other characters had more time to develop in the story as I felt there were still a lot of loose ends when I got to the end.

All in all a good family drama and I loved the rural Australian setting of Forbes as well as the descriptions of Wurimbirra itself (which the author stated at the end is NOT a real place). I did round down because of the narration, but I would recommend this to those who like these kinds of books.

3.5 stars

I received an ARC of this audiobook from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review