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Calderwood
Welcome to Calderwood, a country home with one occupant, one maid, and one door that leads to a secret underground realm where something monstrous waits.
Arlo Reade comes to Calderwood in the summer of 1895 as a maid of all work and finds that she is, in fact, the only maid. The house is otherwise empty except for its owner, Tristan Calder, whom Arlo finds instantly captivating despite his odd habits and inconsistent personality.
But Tristan’s not the strangest thing at Calderwood. Following her curiosity into the pitch-black cellar, Arlo finds a door covered in intricate carvings of writhing snakes. At least, she thinks they’re carvings—until one of them speaks. It says it’ll open the door for her, if she solves the riddle of the three things it requires as payment.
Once she cracks the puzzle, Arlo finds a world where the house is backwards and as full of guests as Calderwood is empty. She also finds Lucien, the handsome, charming host who invites her to return three times. Arlo can’t seem to quit Lucien and his glittering world, even as her affection for Tristan grows. But the third time is for keeps, and when she finds herself trapped in Lucien’s house, Arlo has one chance to win her freedom and get back to Tristan and the world above before it’s too late.
Arlo Reade comes to Calderwood in the summer of 1895 as a maid of all work and finds that she is, in fact, the only maid. The house is otherwise empty except for its owner, Tristan Calder, whom Arlo finds instantly captivating despite his odd habits and inconsistent personality.
But Tristan’s not the strangest thing at Calderwood. Following her curiosity into the pitch-black cellar, Arlo finds a door covered in intricate carvings of writhing snakes. At least, she thinks they’re carvings—until one of them speaks. It says it’ll open the door for her, if she solves the riddle of the three things it requires as payment.
Once she cracks the puzzle, Arlo finds a world where the house is backwards and as full of guests as Calderwood is empty. She also finds Lucien, the handsome, charming host who invites her to return three times. Arlo can’t seem to quit Lucien and his glittering world, even as her affection for Tristan grows. But the third time is for keeps, and when she finds herself trapped in Lucien’s house, Arlo has one chance to win her freedom and get back to Tristan and the world above before it’s too late.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2025
1 person is currently reading
6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 24, 2025
*I read the e-ARC provided by the author, but my opinion is my own
Arlo Reade escaped unwanted offers of marriage by taking a position in Calderwood. She arrives at the large estate and is surprised to learn that such a place boasts only three employees, two of which don’t live on the premises.
Arlo quickly adapts to the routine and what’s expected from her – mostly cleaning the few inhabited rooms of the mansion and bringing her employer his meals. She’s even able to stop working before the sun sets. But that’s also when she starts hearing things in the nearly empty house.
One day, as she’s collecting coal in the basement, she finds a door decorated with snake carvings which talk to her and pose a riddle to her. While she ponders how to solve it, she gets to know Tristan Calder, the owner of the estate, and starts to fall for him. When she finally figures out a way through the door, she finds an alternate Calderwood, full of happy people, a bountiful party, and the beautiful Lucien, who courts her from the second she arrives. He asks her to stay with him forever.
Arlo finds herself torn between the two Calderwoods and their men: Lucien and his direct affections, Tristan and his kind perceptiveness.
She still doesn’t know the full story behind the two Calderwoods before she’s forced to make a choice, and she’ll need the aid of all the horror stories and fairy tales she’s read in her life to figure things out.
I loved this story so much! The way that Leila A. M. Martin chose to pace it was so refreshing. It felt like watching someone carefully knitting a scarf instead of just having a machine quickly throw some stitches and give us a 5-minute product. It was very delicate, but I also felt ravenous to know what would happen to Arlo next.
Arlo Reade escaped unwanted offers of marriage by taking a position in Calderwood. She arrives at the large estate and is surprised to learn that such a place boasts only three employees, two of which don’t live on the premises.
Arlo quickly adapts to the routine and what’s expected from her – mostly cleaning the few inhabited rooms of the mansion and bringing her employer his meals. She’s even able to stop working before the sun sets. But that’s also when she starts hearing things in the nearly empty house.
One day, as she’s collecting coal in the basement, she finds a door decorated with snake carvings which talk to her and pose a riddle to her. While she ponders how to solve it, she gets to know Tristan Calder, the owner of the estate, and starts to fall for him. When she finally figures out a way through the door, she finds an alternate Calderwood, full of happy people, a bountiful party, and the beautiful Lucien, who courts her from the second she arrives. He asks her to stay with him forever.
Arlo finds herself torn between the two Calderwoods and their men: Lucien and his direct affections, Tristan and his kind perceptiveness.
She still doesn’t know the full story behind the two Calderwoods before she’s forced to make a choice, and she’ll need the aid of all the horror stories and fairy tales she’s read in her life to figure things out.
I loved this story so much! The way that Leila A. M. Martin chose to pace it was so refreshing. It felt like watching someone carefully knitting a scarf instead of just having a machine quickly throw some stitches and give us a 5-minute product. It was very delicate, but I also felt ravenous to know what would happen to Arlo next.
September 26, 2025
✨️ARC✨️
I absolutely loved this story. From the very first page, I was drawn into a world so richly imagined that it felt completely alive. The author has a gift for worldbuilding that feels effortless; every description added to the atmosphere without ever becoming boring or overly dense. It was immersive in the best possible way.
That said, I did find the beginning a little slow, not because it was poorly written, but because I was so eager to know what would happen next. The suspense built steadily, and once things started to unfold, I couldn’t stop reading. I was completely hooked.
Arlo Reade is such a clever, compelling protagonist. I adored how sharp and resourceful she was, even when the odds were stacked against her. Watching her navigate both the eerie Calderwood estate and the enchanting yet sinister underground realm was incredibly satisfying.
One of my favorite aspects of the book was how the smaller stories within the narrative subtly echoed what was happening around Arlo. It added layers of meaning in a way that felt both fun and intentional.
I also found myself wishing that everyone who had ever passed through the mysterious door would somehow find their own happy conclusion. The yearning, the grief, the glimpses into previously affected lives... it all contributed to making the world feel larger and more emotionally impactful.
In short, Calderwood is a richly atmospheric, intelligent, and beautifully crafted tale that seamlessly weaves together gothic mystery, romantic tension, and fairy-tale eeriness in perfect harmony. If you enjoy stories featuring secret doors, clever maids, riddles, and haunted hearts, this book is definitely for you.
Thank you, Leila A.M. Martin and BookFunnel for the opportunity to read this wonderful Gothic Tale!
I absolutely loved this story. From the very first page, I was drawn into a world so richly imagined that it felt completely alive. The author has a gift for worldbuilding that feels effortless; every description added to the atmosphere without ever becoming boring or overly dense. It was immersive in the best possible way.
That said, I did find the beginning a little slow, not because it was poorly written, but because I was so eager to know what would happen next. The suspense built steadily, and once things started to unfold, I couldn’t stop reading. I was completely hooked.
Arlo Reade is such a clever, compelling protagonist. I adored how sharp and resourceful she was, even when the odds were stacked against her. Watching her navigate both the eerie Calderwood estate and the enchanting yet sinister underground realm was incredibly satisfying.
One of my favorite aspects of the book was how the smaller stories within the narrative subtly echoed what was happening around Arlo. It added layers of meaning in a way that felt both fun and intentional.
I also found myself wishing that everyone who had ever passed through the mysterious door would somehow find their own happy conclusion. The yearning, the grief, the glimpses into previously affected lives... it all contributed to making the world feel larger and more emotionally impactful.
In short, Calderwood is a richly atmospheric, intelligent, and beautifully crafted tale that seamlessly weaves together gothic mystery, romantic tension, and fairy-tale eeriness in perfect harmony. If you enjoy stories featuring secret doors, clever maids, riddles, and haunted hearts, this book is definitely for you.
Thank you, Leila A.M. Martin and BookFunnel for the opportunity to read this wonderful Gothic Tale!
August 24, 2025
Calderwood is such a moody, gothic read. From the moment Arlo arrives at the eerie estate in 1895, I was hooked. The atmosphere is dark and mysterious, with just the right touch of the supernatural—especially once she discovers that creepy snake-covered cellar door.
I loved the slow build of tension, both in the romance and the mystery. Tristan’s odd habits kept me intrigued, while Lucien’s charm in the mirror-world made things deliciously complicated. The vibes are very gothic fairy tale, and I was all in for it.
If anything, I just wanted more—more detail about Lucien’s world and a deeper peek into Tristan’s strangeness. But overall, this was an enchanting and eerie story that blends romance, magic, and mystery really well. Definitely recommend if you love gothic fantasy with a dark fairy-tale feel.
I loved the slow build of tension, both in the romance and the mystery. Tristan’s odd habits kept me intrigued, while Lucien’s charm in the mirror-world made things deliciously complicated. The vibes are very gothic fairy tale, and I was all in for it.
If anything, I just wanted more—more detail about Lucien’s world and a deeper peek into Tristan’s strangeness. But overall, this was an enchanting and eerie story that blends romance, magic, and mystery really well. Definitely recommend if you love gothic fantasy with a dark fairy-tale feel.
August 21, 2025
Somehow Leila has the magical ability to completely transport readers to a different time and place in just a few sentences. I was hooked on Calderwood from the beginning. The romance is just…so much yearning. The mystery kept me turning pages. And the twists were so unique, I could’ve never predicted them. I love everything about this book. If you’re craving Downtown Abbey with subtle (and not so subtle) tones of dark fantasy, this is definitely your book. Oh also if you love curly-haired, gentle bookish boys 🫠
August 28, 2025
I had the opportunity to be an arc reader for this book and when I say it is a 10/10, I mean it! WOW. This story was unlike any other that I have read. It gave me Coraline vibes, but it has so many other elements that make it unique in its own way. I thoroughly enjoyed every second of this book. It is paced extremely well and kept me turning the page after each chapter end. I am sad it’s over because I wanted to stay in it and keep on reading! If you’re looking for a book with riddles, clever FMC’s, secret underground worlds and suspense, this book is 100% for you!
December 28, 2025
What a stunning world Leila A. M. Martin has built! Within the walls of Calderwood I was swept away into a mystery that kept me turning pages to find the answers. You’re not going to want to put down this book before the end. Main character Arlo does not disappoint in her strong mind and cunning inability to leave well enough alone. Thank goodness, because I’m glad I got to go on this adventure with her!
Get ready for a world that sweeps you away and a romance that makes your heart yearn. And confused. In the best way.
Get ready for a world that sweeps you away and a romance that makes your heart yearn. And confused. In the best way.
January 5, 2026
I was gifted this book and had absolutely no clue what to expect. It is a very gothic tale with very descriptive writing and beautiful imagery. While I seldom read gothic novels, I appreciated the warning the author gave before the book started.
It was a little dark for my personal taste but well written, no plot holes, and characters that feel very real. It did have some language, mostly bible swears, and a scene at the end that was not ‘closed door.’
If you like a strong gothic story, snakes, a twisted tale of love, loss, and self-discovery- you’ll enjoy this one.
It was a little dark for my personal taste but well written, no plot holes, and characters that feel very real. It did have some language, mostly bible swears, and a scene at the end that was not ‘closed door.’
If you like a strong gothic story, snakes, a twisted tale of love, loss, and self-discovery- you’ll enjoy this one.
August 20, 2025
Calderwood is one of the best books I've ever read.
The author managed to dive into an entirly different time perfectly using words i have not had the pleasure of seeing in many books.
The balance between fantasy, love, thriller, curiosity and the build up to finally finding out what was behind the door was so well written.
highly recommend giving this one a read.
The author managed to dive into an entirly different time perfectly using words i have not had the pleasure of seeing in many books.
The balance between fantasy, love, thriller, curiosity and the build up to finally finding out what was behind the door was so well written.
highly recommend giving this one a read.
August 22, 2025
Calderwood had me intrigued from the start, and the story truly delivered. It's the kind of book that effortlessly sweeps you away to another time and place, blending romance, fantasy, and thrills. I couldn't wait to uncover the secrets behind the door. A highly recommended read!
August 16, 2025
This was an amazing story, I could not put it down. I just couldn't wait to know what was behind the door just like Arlo.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2025
3.5 ⭐ rounded up! loved the story and the great details the author put into place with the house! I just wish there was equally as much character detail - I needed more! but the plot was great 👏🏼
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews