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Thornby Manor
Penniless and newly orphaned Briar Monroe finds shelter at Thornby Manor, a brooding estate above a mist-shrouded lake. But whispers of a dead wife, an estranged son and locked-away secrets haunt its corridors … Atmospheric, intoxicating and laced with peril – a spellbinding historical mystery of love, betrayal, obsession and a house that will not release its past…
Warwickshire, 1891. Recently orphaned and left destitute, Briar Monroe accepts the protection of Lord Danville and the shadowed sanctuary of Thornby Manor. The great house looms above a mist-shrouded lake, its corridors heavy with secrets – not least the mysterious death of Lady Elizabeth Danville, and the unspoken tensions between her formidable widower and his magnetic son, Gabriel.
As Briar navigates the undercurrents of a household ruled by watchful servants and locked doors, she is drawn ever deeper into a web of suspicion, desire and fear. Whispers in the night, figures at windows, and a constant sense of being watched leave her questioning not only the truth about Thornby, but her own safety within its walls.
Atmospheric, intoxicating and laced with peril, Thornby Manor is a gothic tale of betrayal, obsession and a house that never forgets.
A simmering, haunting debut for readers who loved Jane Eyre, Rebecca, The Woman in White and The Silent Companions
Warwickshire, 1891. Recently orphaned and left destitute, Briar Monroe accepts the protection of Lord Danville and the shadowed sanctuary of Thornby Manor. The great house looms above a mist-shrouded lake, its corridors heavy with secrets – not least the mysterious death of Lady Elizabeth Danville, and the unspoken tensions between her formidable widower and his magnetic son, Gabriel.
As Briar navigates the undercurrents of a household ruled by watchful servants and locked doors, she is drawn ever deeper into a web of suspicion, desire and fear. Whispers in the night, figures at windows, and a constant sense of being watched leave her questioning not only the truth about Thornby, but her own safety within its walls.
Atmospheric, intoxicating and laced with peril, Thornby Manor is a gothic tale of betrayal, obsession and a house that never forgets.
A simmering, haunting debut for readers who loved Jane Eyre, Rebecca, The Woman in White and The Silent Companions
380 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 23, 2026
39 people are currently reading
280 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 25, 2026
Full review to come - it's Victorian, it's gothic, it's delicious
January 23, 2026
A twisty gothic novel set in a Victorian manor house, with both mist and unsettling rumours swirling around.
Briar Monroe leaves London to begin a trip with her Aunt, but a change of plans leaves her at Thornby Manor. Both the staff and the man of the house, Lord Danville, are clearly hiding something from their unexpected guest.
Briar was a great character, a strong and outspoken woman at a time where this behaviour was not acceptable - and could even land her in an asylum. I loved that her strength was not just in making herself heard, but in her compassion for others.
I flew through this novel and it was an easy four star read. I would have liked more of the Briar/Gabriel story and there were a few loose ends around the Governess but maybe that’s for a sequel/prequel? For a debut novel this is a banger!
There are obvious similarities to Jane Eyre, Rebecca, and The Silent Companions and I would recommend to fans of that vibe. Perfect for a dark and rainy night.
Thank you to Orenda Books for an ARC. I look forward to seeing what’s next from Stephanie Bramwell-Lawes!
Briar Monroe leaves London to begin a trip with her Aunt, but a change of plans leaves her at Thornby Manor. Both the staff and the man of the house, Lord Danville, are clearly hiding something from their unexpected guest.
Briar was a great character, a strong and outspoken woman at a time where this behaviour was not acceptable - and could even land her in an asylum. I loved that her strength was not just in making herself heard, but in her compassion for others.
I flew through this novel and it was an easy four star read. I would have liked more of the Briar/Gabriel story and there were a few loose ends around the Governess but maybe that’s for a sequel/prequel? For a debut novel this is a banger!
There are obvious similarities to Jane Eyre, Rebecca, and The Silent Companions and I would recommend to fans of that vibe. Perfect for a dark and rainy night.
Thank you to Orenda Books for an ARC. I look forward to seeing what’s next from Stephanie Bramwell-Lawes!
April 24, 2026
1891.
Briar Monroe leaves London after the death of her parents. She is due to join her Aunt Josephine so they could travel together, however, as her aunt falls unwell, she sends Lord Danville in her place.
Lord Danville is a powerful man in Warwickshire and he assures Briar that his wife, Lady Danville, is a good friend of her aunt’s. Placated by this, Briar accepts his invitation and finds herself in the draughty, surrounded by the mist, manor.
As soon as she arrives, a sense of foreboding begins. Nothing is as it seems: Lady Danville is dead, and the governess parades wearing fancy clothes in a home where none children are present.
Then, Gabriel, Lord Danville’s magnetic son, arrives…
I love a gothic novel and this one didn’t disappoint.
Briar was such a headstrong character, I was in awe of her. She was unafraid to help those who needed it, and by doing so, she has made an enemy of a powerful man.
Throughout the book, the threat of an asylum was palpable. A woman answered to her husband, and if he deemed her ‘hysterical’ or ‘too vocal’, then he could have had her committed to an asylum.
The proximity of the asylum to Thornby Manor only added to the threat.
I’m such a huge fan of Rebecca and Wuthering Heights, and I could see so many parallels between this book and those two classics. For example, Marie Clara, the governess, has reminded me so much of Mrs Danvers, the formidable housekeeper of Manderley.
This book is eerie, tense and atmospheric. I loved it.
Briar Monroe leaves London after the death of her parents. She is due to join her Aunt Josephine so they could travel together, however, as her aunt falls unwell, she sends Lord Danville in her place.
Lord Danville is a powerful man in Warwickshire and he assures Briar that his wife, Lady Danville, is a good friend of her aunt’s. Placated by this, Briar accepts his invitation and finds herself in the draughty, surrounded by the mist, manor.
As soon as she arrives, a sense of foreboding begins. Nothing is as it seems: Lady Danville is dead, and the governess parades wearing fancy clothes in a home where none children are present.
Then, Gabriel, Lord Danville’s magnetic son, arrives…
I love a gothic novel and this one didn’t disappoint.
Briar was such a headstrong character, I was in awe of her. She was unafraid to help those who needed it, and by doing so, she has made an enemy of a powerful man.
Throughout the book, the threat of an asylum was palpable. A woman answered to her husband, and if he deemed her ‘hysterical’ or ‘too vocal’, then he could have had her committed to an asylum.
The proximity of the asylum to Thornby Manor only added to the threat.
I’m such a huge fan of Rebecca and Wuthering Heights, and I could see so many parallels between this book and those two classics. For example, Marie Clara, the governess, has reminded me so much of Mrs Danvers, the formidable housekeeper of Manderley.
This book is eerie, tense and atmospheric. I loved it.
April 23, 2026
If you love a book that exudes suspense and mystery, delivering a heady and potent mixture of atmosphere and tension, wrapped up in that deliciously gothic historical styling that pays homage to the classical literature many of us know and love, well you could do a lot worse than grab yourself a copy of this book. Thornby Manor is a truly captivating and irresistible novel that grabbed me from the start and held me, rapt, until the very final pages. So poetic and vivid is the imagery that the story evokes, that I really cannot believe this is Stephanie Bramwell-Lawes debut novel. Where has she been hiding all this time?
This is the story of Briar Monroe, a young woman in Victorian society who, having recently lost her parents, leaves London, and her sister, behind to embark upon travels with her Aunt. It is clear from the very beginning that Briar is holding secrets close to her chest, and the nature or, at the very least, the full extent of those secrets we have to wait a while to uncover. But it is the start of an unexpected journey for Briar when her Aunt is unable to travel and leaves her in the care of an old friend, Lady Elizabeth Danville. Now, sadly, Lady Danville herself is recently deceased, and so Briar finds herself in the company of her husband, Lord Danville, in the shadowy and misted grounds of the impressive and foreboding eponymous Thornby Manor.
And here the story really begins. The manor, and its inhabitants are as shrowded in mystery and the house itself is in mist. Everything about the place screams danger, an almost visceral sense of unease beginning to grow from the moment Briar, and by extension, us as readers, takes those first tentative steps into the manor. Ominous is the best way to describe it, and the way in which the author builds upon that initial frisson of fear or tension to build the sense of suspense and mystery within the novel is pitch perfect. There is nothing overt that keep the senses alert, no particular jump scare moments that would be out of place in such a story, just those small trinkets and moments of uncertainty, a noise here, a scent there, and a whole host of locked doors and partially hidden passages that create that drama. That feeling of 'otherliness' that keeps you wondering whether the root cause could be something spectral, or something altogether more real.
The characters in this book are so beautifully imagined. From Briar, a woman who is of a determined mind and perhaps a little more outspoken that polite society might expect, to Lord Danville, an imposing and perhaps slightly elusive character whose personality is hard to decipher - at least in the beginning. There is long term resident, Governess Marie Clara, who holds far more sway over the household that would normally be expected of someone whose charge has long since grown past the age of needing her guidance. And of course, the younger Danville, Gabriel, a man with whom Briar has no small amount of chemistry. The charge between them is enough to ignite any candle or gas lamp that may be positioned around the manor halls, but the distraction for them both lies in uncovering the truth about the final days of Lady Danville, an unpalatable truth that lies at the heart of all that happens both around the manor house and the wider Warwick society.
Dripping in authenticity, the book touches upon aspects of Victorian society that are less than agreeable, and the propensity for the world to want to lock away anything, or anyone, considered to be mentally unstable, or even just what we would now consider neuro-divergent. The intolerance, the mob mentality of the baying crowds, helps to build up additional layers of conflict in story that already carries a significant, if intoxicating, edge, the injustices adding to the many feelings that this story elicits. Haunting is perhaps the perfect description for the book, on so many levels, and it is most heartily recommended.
This is the story of Briar Monroe, a young woman in Victorian society who, having recently lost her parents, leaves London, and her sister, behind to embark upon travels with her Aunt. It is clear from the very beginning that Briar is holding secrets close to her chest, and the nature or, at the very least, the full extent of those secrets we have to wait a while to uncover. But it is the start of an unexpected journey for Briar when her Aunt is unable to travel and leaves her in the care of an old friend, Lady Elizabeth Danville. Now, sadly, Lady Danville herself is recently deceased, and so Briar finds herself in the company of her husband, Lord Danville, in the shadowy and misted grounds of the impressive and foreboding eponymous Thornby Manor.
And here the story really begins. The manor, and its inhabitants are as shrowded in mystery and the house itself is in mist. Everything about the place screams danger, an almost visceral sense of unease beginning to grow from the moment Briar, and by extension, us as readers, takes those first tentative steps into the manor. Ominous is the best way to describe it, and the way in which the author builds upon that initial frisson of fear or tension to build the sense of suspense and mystery within the novel is pitch perfect. There is nothing overt that keep the senses alert, no particular jump scare moments that would be out of place in such a story, just those small trinkets and moments of uncertainty, a noise here, a scent there, and a whole host of locked doors and partially hidden passages that create that drama. That feeling of 'otherliness' that keeps you wondering whether the root cause could be something spectral, or something altogether more real.
The characters in this book are so beautifully imagined. From Briar, a woman who is of a determined mind and perhaps a little more outspoken that polite society might expect, to Lord Danville, an imposing and perhaps slightly elusive character whose personality is hard to decipher - at least in the beginning. There is long term resident, Governess Marie Clara, who holds far more sway over the household that would normally be expected of someone whose charge has long since grown past the age of needing her guidance. And of course, the younger Danville, Gabriel, a man with whom Briar has no small amount of chemistry. The charge between them is enough to ignite any candle or gas lamp that may be positioned around the manor halls, but the distraction for them both lies in uncovering the truth about the final days of Lady Danville, an unpalatable truth that lies at the heart of all that happens both around the manor house and the wider Warwick society.
Dripping in authenticity, the book touches upon aspects of Victorian society that are less than agreeable, and the propensity for the world to want to lock away anything, or anyone, considered to be mentally unstable, or even just what we would now consider neuro-divergent. The intolerance, the mob mentality of the baying crowds, helps to build up additional layers of conflict in story that already carries a significant, if intoxicating, edge, the injustices adding to the many feelings that this story elicits. Haunting is perhaps the perfect description for the book, on so many levels, and it is most heartily recommended.
April 27, 2026
It’s not often the writing of a debut author completely blows me away, but Stephanie Bramwell-Lawes has achieved that and more. Her writing is exquisite. Replete with a dark, brooding, Gothic atmosphere, Thornby Manor is a novel that gripped me from the beginning and didn’t let go.
Briar Monroe is a fabulously realised character. Finding herself in severely straitened circumstances, her first thought is to protect her sister from this knowledge, and to secure her sister’s good reputation in society, with no thought for her own circumstances.
With no money and nowhere to live, Briar relies on her aunt for company and support. When we first encounter Briar, she is travelling to meet her. But things don’t quite work out as anticipated, and Briar finds herself a temporary guest at Thornby Manor. Lady Danville was a friend of her mother’s, but Lord Danville, meeting Briar and inviting her to his home, neglects to mention that Lady Danville has passed away.
The house is a forbidding place. It is shrouded in mist. The few servants there live out; all are new to Thornby Manor, and none will discuss what happens there. Lord Danville has an adult son, Gabriel, but his governess, Marie Clara still presides over the house. Few rooms are occupied, a whole section of the house is locked, and Briar is not even told that there is a second floor.
Told in the first person, Thornby Manor is Briar’s narrative of her stay. Briar is spirited; she has not let her reduced circumstances quash her intrepid spirit, and she is both slightly scared and intrigued by this house and what happens in it.
The house feels hostile, and Marie Clara dictates where Briar may and may not go, sometimes subtly, other times less so.
Instinctively, Briar knows something is fundamentally wrong in this house. The servants are uneasy; there’s a strong sense of foreboding in the air, and the tension is so tight, you fear it will snap at any moment.
Then there’s Gabriel. His relationship with his father is so strained that he rarely visits when Lord Danville is in residence. He does, however, offer an opportunity for Briar to travel into town without being shadowed. What she discovers there adds another layer of fear and suspense to this story.
Stephanie Bramwell-Lawes plays on some of the injustices of Victorian society, from the position of women to the way in which mental illness is handled.
When Gabriel and Briar join forces to find the truth about what happened in Thornby Manor, and the fate of Lady Danville, sparks fly between them. The truth is revealed in a dramatic turn of events and is just as horrifying as this atmospheric novel has led you to think it might be.
Verdict: Dark, disturbing, Gothic and highly atmospheric, Thornby Manor is a riveting read and an immensely impressive debut. I can’t wait for Stephanie Bramwell-Lawes next book!
Briar Monroe is a fabulously realised character. Finding herself in severely straitened circumstances, her first thought is to protect her sister from this knowledge, and to secure her sister’s good reputation in society, with no thought for her own circumstances.
With no money and nowhere to live, Briar relies on her aunt for company and support. When we first encounter Briar, she is travelling to meet her. But things don’t quite work out as anticipated, and Briar finds herself a temporary guest at Thornby Manor. Lady Danville was a friend of her mother’s, but Lord Danville, meeting Briar and inviting her to his home, neglects to mention that Lady Danville has passed away.
The house is a forbidding place. It is shrouded in mist. The few servants there live out; all are new to Thornby Manor, and none will discuss what happens there. Lord Danville has an adult son, Gabriel, but his governess, Marie Clara still presides over the house. Few rooms are occupied, a whole section of the house is locked, and Briar is not even told that there is a second floor.
Told in the first person, Thornby Manor is Briar’s narrative of her stay. Briar is spirited; she has not let her reduced circumstances quash her intrepid spirit, and she is both slightly scared and intrigued by this house and what happens in it.
The house feels hostile, and Marie Clara dictates where Briar may and may not go, sometimes subtly, other times less so.
Instinctively, Briar knows something is fundamentally wrong in this house. The servants are uneasy; there’s a strong sense of foreboding in the air, and the tension is so tight, you fear it will snap at any moment.
Then there’s Gabriel. His relationship with his father is so strained that he rarely visits when Lord Danville is in residence. He does, however, offer an opportunity for Briar to travel into town without being shadowed. What she discovers there adds another layer of fear and suspense to this story.
Stephanie Bramwell-Lawes plays on some of the injustices of Victorian society, from the position of women to the way in which mental illness is handled.
When Gabriel and Briar join forces to find the truth about what happened in Thornby Manor, and the fate of Lady Danville, sparks fly between them. The truth is revealed in a dramatic turn of events and is just as horrifying as this atmospheric novel has led you to think it might be.
Verdict: Dark, disturbing, Gothic and highly atmospheric, Thornby Manor is a riveting read and an immensely impressive debut. I can’t wait for Stephanie Bramwell-Lawes next book!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4.5 Stars
I’ve been on a roll lately when it comes to intense and atmospheric reads. And I’m glad to say that Thornby Manor was no exception!
The prose was darkly decadent and overflowing with an eerie sense of foreboding, that even the likes of Daphne du Maurier would find spine-chillingly suspenseful.
It’s set in the 1890s, and was an intricately woven Rebecca-esque gothic mystery. That’s centred around an isolated Manor House with a newly arrived guest (Briony), and a hauntingly slow unraveling of the long buried secrets that have befallen the Manor’s aristocratic inhabitants, the Danvilles.
The exploration of grief, mental health, obsession and betrayal was really well done. And was an absolute masterclass in gothic, character driven storytelling; made even more impressive as this is author, Stephanie Bramwell-Lawes’ debut novel!
Sole POV protagonist, Briony, was really intriguing as well. I loved how compelling and refreshing she was to explore, especially as she doesn’t fully conform to the expectations that the era placed on women.
Honestly, I was awed by her fierce sense of justice and need defend others or find answers (questioning the status quo/ the silencing of women’s voices despite the serious risk of being committed to an asylum herself.) And found even in her deepest moments of despair (navigating grief and the loss of her parents) she never really acted like a damsel in need of saving.
There is some romance with the charismatic Gabriel (son of the Manor’s patriarch, Lord Danville) which was as deliciously intense (and mysterious) as the rest of the novel. But it’s not the main focus, so don’t go into this expecting a Romantasy.
However, if you enjoy novels with slow, psychological buildup (that play on the paranoia and moral ambiguity of its characters) then you have to consider adding this to your TBRs.
Also, thanks to Orenda Books for the stunning proof.
I’ve been on a roll lately when it comes to intense and atmospheric reads. And I’m glad to say that Thornby Manor was no exception!
The prose was darkly decadent and overflowing with an eerie sense of foreboding, that even the likes of Daphne du Maurier would find spine-chillingly suspenseful.
It’s set in the 1890s, and was an intricately woven Rebecca-esque gothic mystery. That’s centred around an isolated Manor House with a newly arrived guest (Briony), and a hauntingly slow unraveling of the long buried secrets that have befallen the Manor’s aristocratic inhabitants, the Danvilles.
The exploration of grief, mental health, obsession and betrayal was really well done. And was an absolute masterclass in gothic, character driven storytelling; made even more impressive as this is author, Stephanie Bramwell-Lawes’ debut novel!
Sole POV protagonist, Briony, was really intriguing as well. I loved how compelling and refreshing she was to explore, especially as she doesn’t fully conform to the expectations that the era placed on women.
Honestly, I was awed by her fierce sense of justice and need defend others or find answers (questioning the status quo/ the silencing of women’s voices despite the serious risk of being committed to an asylum herself.) And found even in her deepest moments of despair (navigating grief and the loss of her parents) she never really acted like a damsel in need of saving.
There is some romance with the charismatic Gabriel (son of the Manor’s patriarch, Lord Danville) which was as deliciously intense (and mysterious) as the rest of the novel. But it’s not the main focus, so don’t go into this expecting a Romantasy.
However, if you enjoy novels with slow, psychological buildup (that play on the paranoia and moral ambiguity of its characters) then you have to consider adding this to your TBRs.
Also, thanks to Orenda Books for the stunning proof.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
5 stars for this absolutely beautifully dark, historical, gothic mystery!
Thornby Manor was given a presence all of its very own, I felt as if I was transported through these pages and that I had landed squarely in front of this intimidating building that is shrouded in mist and mystery.
These characters are so fully realised, I could easily imagine them in my minds eye! They are deep and leave long lasting impressions even once the story has finished.. I still want to know more about them! I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to their story.
I LOVE the historical period the book is set in, with modernised language to match, it was done to perfection. The beautiful mix of glittering high society, the subtle insults and heated retorts are written so well! All with a gothic undertone, that really showcased the dire situation that women found themselves to be in if found to be acting either side of the dictated parameters for ‘normal behaviour’, the expression of feminist rage to be labelled something unsavoury to society for just having an opinion or for not having money, and not just women, but those that were found of unsound mind with very little reason for incarceration. You could feel the fear of the asylum, of labels that could have you shunned from society as a whole.
This book is what I have been CRAVING in a novel, I loved it so much that I had to try to pace myself because I was devouring these pages too quickly and I didn’t want it to end. I was totally enraptured by trying to figure out the answers to the dark and twisted mysteries surrounding Thornby Manor, I was shocked at every twist and turn! I loved the fact it kept me on my toes and kept me guessing right until the end!
Thank you so much for letting me be an early reader for this stunning book!
Thornby Manor was given a presence all of its very own, I felt as if I was transported through these pages and that I had landed squarely in front of this intimidating building that is shrouded in mist and mystery.
These characters are so fully realised, I could easily imagine them in my minds eye! They are deep and leave long lasting impressions even once the story has finished.. I still want to know more about them! I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to their story.
I LOVE the historical period the book is set in, with modernised language to match, it was done to perfection. The beautiful mix of glittering high society, the subtle insults and heated retorts are written so well! All with a gothic undertone, that really showcased the dire situation that women found themselves to be in if found to be acting either side of the dictated parameters for ‘normal behaviour’, the expression of feminist rage to be labelled something unsavoury to society for just having an opinion or for not having money, and not just women, but those that were found of unsound mind with very little reason for incarceration. You could feel the fear of the asylum, of labels that could have you shunned from society as a whole.
This book is what I have been CRAVING in a novel, I loved it so much that I had to try to pace myself because I was devouring these pages too quickly and I didn’t want it to end. I was totally enraptured by trying to figure out the answers to the dark and twisted mysteries surrounding Thornby Manor, I was shocked at every twist and turn! I loved the fact it kept me on my toes and kept me guessing right until the end!
Thank you so much for letting me be an early reader for this stunning book!
April 23, 2026
Wow! This incredible debut novel had me hooked from the very start. From the very first chapter, we are given tantalising glimpses of Briar Monroe’s family secret, which I was desperate to uncover.
.
Thornby Manor itself feels ominous, dark, and cut off from everything else, encased in mist and mystery. The story is deliciously gothic, unsettling, and eerie. Briar instinctively knows she’s made a mistake in agreeing to stay at Thornby Manor almost straight away, and as she tries to learn more about her new surroundings, Lord Danville, and the mysterious death of Lady Elizabeth Danville, it seems every character has a secret to hide. The writing is descriptive and immersive, bringing the Manor and it’s residents vividly to life.
.
I loved Briar—she is intelligent, brave, and outspoken (especially for the 19th century). Although there is sizzling chemistry with Gabriel, it doesn’t overshadow or take away from her own story. Thornby Manor explores how women were often silenced and deemed mad if they were slightly different from what was considered “normal” and acceptable behaviour. Briar is determined to uncover the truth, even if it puts her in danger…
.
Fans of Jane Eyre, and Rebecca are sure to love this historical gothic thriller. I can’t wait to read more from Stephanie Bramwell-Lawes.
.
Thornby Manor itself feels ominous, dark, and cut off from everything else, encased in mist and mystery. The story is deliciously gothic, unsettling, and eerie. Briar instinctively knows she’s made a mistake in agreeing to stay at Thornby Manor almost straight away, and as she tries to learn more about her new surroundings, Lord Danville, and the mysterious death of Lady Elizabeth Danville, it seems every character has a secret to hide. The writing is descriptive and immersive, bringing the Manor and it’s residents vividly to life.
.
I loved Briar—she is intelligent, brave, and outspoken (especially for the 19th century). Although there is sizzling chemistry with Gabriel, it doesn’t overshadow or take away from her own story. Thornby Manor explores how women were often silenced and deemed mad if they were slightly different from what was considered “normal” and acceptable behaviour. Briar is determined to uncover the truth, even if it puts her in danger…
.
Fans of Jane Eyre, and Rebecca are sure to love this historical gothic thriller. I can’t wait to read more from Stephanie Bramwell-Lawes.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Briar’s first person point of view really draws you into the story. The author’s vivid descriptions paint such clear pictures and use colour in such imaginative ways that you can almost feel the atmosphere. Plus, the story moves at just the right speed, keeping you on edge with just the right amount of mystery and suspense.
I thoroughly enjoyed the historical setting perfectly balanced with its modernised language. It never bored me, especially since this book was set in the 1800s. The gothic undertone really emphasised the dire situation faced by women who deviated from societal norms. It shows how feminist anger was seen as unacceptable just because someone had a different opinion or didn’t have much money. It also touches on those with mental health problems who are unfairly locked up. The fear of asylums and being shunned by society for these labels is very real. This look into Victorian society reveals some of its darker sides, especially how people often try to hide or keep away those they think are mentally unstable or neurodivergent.
The way the author delved into grief, mental health, obsession and betrayal was truly remarkable. It was a masterclass in gothic, character driven storytelling, and even more impressive because it is Stephanie Bramwell-Lawes debut novel.
I absolutely loved this book.
I thoroughly enjoyed the historical setting perfectly balanced with its modernised language. It never bored me, especially since this book was set in the 1800s. The gothic undertone really emphasised the dire situation faced by women who deviated from societal norms. It shows how feminist anger was seen as unacceptable just because someone had a different opinion or didn’t have much money. It also touches on those with mental health problems who are unfairly locked up. The fear of asylums and being shunned by society for these labels is very real. This look into Victorian society reveals some of its darker sides, especially how people often try to hide or keep away those they think are mentally unstable or neurodivergent.
The way the author delved into grief, mental health, obsession and betrayal was truly remarkable. It was a masterclass in gothic, character driven storytelling, and even more impressive because it is Stephanie Bramwell-Lawes debut novel.
I absolutely loved this book.
April 29, 2026
Without doubt this is going to be compared with my favourite book of all time. Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier. The atmosphere is similar as is the suspense and secrets but this is its own book and a great read. It’s 1891 and the lead character is Briar Monroe, an orphan who has left her sister to travel as companion to her aunt. Told from Briars first person POV this is exactly the sort of book I love.
Briefly, circumstances conspire to leave Briar living with the Danville family. Lady Danville is recently deceased so Briar is living with Lord Danville and, when he visits, his son Gabriel in the dark, atmospheric Thornby Manor. The house is shrouded in secrets, a former governess who is living above her station, silent servants who are all new to the manor and a master who rules by fear. Briar and Gabriel come together with their suspicions and start trying find out exactly how Gabriel’s mother died.
Briar is a great protagonist. A strong, intelligent woman who has a determination that her status and gender would have been seen as wilful or even irrational at this time. The house is almost a character in itself, dark and brooding and hiding secrets that could rock its very foundations. A fantastic gothic tale, dark and haunting a story of betrayal that will have you on the edge of your seat. A fabulous read.
Briefly, circumstances conspire to leave Briar living with the Danville family. Lady Danville is recently deceased so Briar is living with Lord Danville and, when he visits, his son Gabriel in the dark, atmospheric Thornby Manor. The house is shrouded in secrets, a former governess who is living above her station, silent servants who are all new to the manor and a master who rules by fear. Briar and Gabriel come together with their suspicions and start trying find out exactly how Gabriel’s mother died.
Briar is a great protagonist. A strong, intelligent woman who has a determination that her status and gender would have been seen as wilful or even irrational at this time. The house is almost a character in itself, dark and brooding and hiding secrets that could rock its very foundations. A fantastic gothic tale, dark and haunting a story of betrayal that will have you on the edge of your seat. A fabulous read.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I read a google preview from the publisher, and there were enough chapters to know the engine of this book is missing. When I read "full of suspense and mystery" I did not see any of that on the page. I am an expert in the Gothic lit/ romance genre, so much so that my mother gifted me 4 different editions of Jane Eyre. There is incitement and pain and conflict in the first five pages of that book, which I did not see in 30 pages here. The opening paragraphs are confusing. I do not know where I am or what genre this is. There are no stakes or tension, and I wonder where the Developmental Editor failed this author letting this go to print without one?
The main character is the house which we do not even see in the first chapter. For a mystery plot? There is no mystery in the first chapter. There is a lot of purple prose and over descriptions but no character emerging from the page. The "intoxicating" blurb feels unearned because the pace is so static. There is zero "Red Room" energy in this book. Anywhere. If I had to say what the mystery was in this book, that was it.
There's nothing about Gothic lit that I love that I took away from these pages. Where is the writing as opposed to just "vibing?"
The main character is the house which we do not even see in the first chapter. For a mystery plot? There is no mystery in the first chapter. There is a lot of purple prose and over descriptions but no character emerging from the page. The "intoxicating" blurb feels unearned because the pace is so static. There is zero "Red Room" energy in this book. Anywhere. If I had to say what the mystery was in this book, that was it.
There's nothing about Gothic lit that I love that I took away from these pages. Where is the writing as opposed to just "vibing?"
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
‘The air grew thicker and the sky grew darker, and there – suddenly – was Thornby Manor. I would never forget the first time I saw it. It emerged from the fog like a monolith carved from a rock face: an imposing edifice of slate-grey brick smothered in a mass of impenetrable vines, whose twisted talons were embedded deep within the stone. It was impossible to fathom its depth. Its twin turrets seemed to pierce the clowds as I was guided beneath their summit towards a heavy oak door.’
In the mid-nineteenth century, Wilkie Collins et al domesticated the Gothic novel, bringing those dark secrets home from the sublime landscapes of Western Europe.
With THORNBY MANOR, Stephanie Bramwell-Lawes writes in the Collins tradition, proving his maxim that ‘nothing in this world is hidden forever’.
Briar Monroe becomes embroiled in a dark labyrinth of secrets, betrayal and madness as her own past threatens to engulf her, as she investigates the mysterious death of Lady Danville.
This is a novel written with a keen love and understanding of the nineteenth-century Gothic novel, honouring the form, but adding a fresh emotional intensity to events. A terrific debut novel.
In the mid-nineteenth century, Wilkie Collins et al domesticated the Gothic novel, bringing those dark secrets home from the sublime landscapes of Western Europe.
With THORNBY MANOR, Stephanie Bramwell-Lawes writes in the Collins tradition, proving his maxim that ‘nothing in this world is hidden forever’.
Briar Monroe becomes embroiled in a dark labyrinth of secrets, betrayal and madness as her own past threatens to engulf her, as she investigates the mysterious death of Lady Danville.
This is a novel written with a keen love and understanding of the nineteenth-century Gothic novel, honouring the form, but adding a fresh emotional intensity to events. A terrific debut novel.
April 26, 2026
4.5 🌟
I was completely pulled into this atmospheric, dark Victorian mystery. It gave me all the gothic vibes of Rebecca and Jane Eyre -two of my all-time favourites!
The story follows Briar Monroe, who, after the tragic loss of her parents, plans to stay with her aunt… only to arrive and find her missing due to illness. Instead, she’s sent to Thornby Manor to stay with the formidable Lord Danville.
From the moment Briar arrives, Thornby Manor is wrapped in mist, unease, and secrets. What really happened to Lady Danville? And why does the governess, Marie Clara, seem to be taking her place?
I loved how the mystery slowly unraveled -layer by layer -revealing both the family’s dark past and Briar’s own past. The cast of characters is brilliantly done, with some truly chilling personalities that kept me guessing the whole time.
The asylum elements added an extra layer of intrigue, making the story even more gripping and unsettling.
Overall, such a brilliant debut and I’m excited to see what this author writes next!
I was completely pulled into this atmospheric, dark Victorian mystery. It gave me all the gothic vibes of Rebecca and Jane Eyre -two of my all-time favourites!
The story follows Briar Monroe, who, after the tragic loss of her parents, plans to stay with her aunt… only to arrive and find her missing due to illness. Instead, she’s sent to Thornby Manor to stay with the formidable Lord Danville.
From the moment Briar arrives, Thornby Manor is wrapped in mist, unease, and secrets. What really happened to Lady Danville? And why does the governess, Marie Clara, seem to be taking her place?
I loved how the mystery slowly unraveled -layer by layer -revealing both the family’s dark past and Briar’s own past. The cast of characters is brilliantly done, with some truly chilling personalities that kept me guessing the whole time.
The asylum elements added an extra layer of intrigue, making the story even more gripping and unsettling.
Overall, such a brilliant debut and I’m excited to see what this author writes next!
February 6, 2026
This was utterly addictive and gloriously atmospheric!!
From start to very end, the Victorian setting of this thrilling gothic Mystery was sublime. I made a point to NOT rush through this one, because the imagery used was magnificent!
From the very beginning chapter, we could feel the questions building, the strain of the main characters emotions as they dealt with various things. Even without knowing the whole at the start, the inner turmoil was clear to be felt right down to your bones.
I had questions from start to end, the story moving at a great pace with a writing style that transported you through time. At times I had to blink a few times when spoken to, just to bring myself back to the here and now!
Twists and turns from start to finish, a story that just pulled me along for the ride, and imagery to die for. What more can we want from a story?
If you haven’t preordered it yet, DO because you won’t want to miss this!
From start to very end, the Victorian setting of this thrilling gothic Mystery was sublime. I made a point to NOT rush through this one, because the imagery used was magnificent!
From the very beginning chapter, we could feel the questions building, the strain of the main characters emotions as they dealt with various things. Even without knowing the whole at the start, the inner turmoil was clear to be felt right down to your bones.
I had questions from start to end, the story moving at a great pace with a writing style that transported you through time. At times I had to blink a few times when spoken to, just to bring myself back to the here and now!
Twists and turns from start to finish, a story that just pulled me along for the ride, and imagery to die for. What more can we want from a story?
If you haven’t preordered it yet, DO because you won’t want to miss this!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This is one of those books that you hug during and after reading. To say thank you that you have opened a book that has taken you on a journey you will never forget. One that has drawn you into a gothic world so real and vivid that you sometimes found yourself holding your breath. A book that is written in such rich prose that you think the author may have travelled back in time and had a writing session with the Bronte sisters themselves. Can you tell I loved this book? Devoured it even. But I tried to read it as slowly as I could so that I could savour it as much as possible.
The storyline rich with intrigue and gothic dread is just delightful. The footsteps in the hallway, the attic out of bounds a la Jane Eyre and the noises.....never mind the person sighted at the window, in the garden....
Oh no more to say than to read it but give yourself time as this book will take over your life!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Rated 4.75
The writing was deliciously dark right from the get go and carried on throughout the book. All of the individual words and phrases used were well thought out and kept you in the gothic realm at all times. I enjoyed picking it back up at each reading session, eager for more.
It started with a Prologue and ended with an Epilogue (although I still wanted to know what happened to the characters after that!). Inbetween the Prologue and Epilogue, the chapters were fairly long, which meant that we got a good chunk of the story before moving on.
There was an interesting flow to the book, brought about by the occasional jump back in time. The jump backs were interesting and gave us a more rounded view of the main character and what she had been through before the current point in the story.
There was a good pace to the book. Whilst the chapters were long, I was eager to keep reading and was completely invested in solving the puzzle. Throughout the story there were hints of what had happened in the past, but we were always just kept out of sight of the real answer. I was kept in suspense and wondered how it was all going to come together. It was very cleverly done.
The characters were excellent. They all had secrets that I looked forward to learning throughout the book. They had all had sadness in their lives and that added to the overall dark and gothic feel to the story.
I felt for the main character and wanted her to find the answers that she was looking for. She was put in a terrible position and I felt for her.
Throughout the story there was the very real fear of what could happen to the main character based purely on the fact that she was a woman. You wanted her to do the right thing, but at what cost. There was no humanity in a couple of the characters which was interesting to read about.
Lastly the settings. They made up the rich fabric of the story and really made the story come to life. The settings were created from an array of dark descriptions that added suspense and tension to the story. The overall gothic atmosphere created was wonderful and I was sad when the story ended.
If you want something deliciously dark to read I recommend this.
The writing was deliciously dark right from the get go and carried on throughout the book. All of the individual words and phrases used were well thought out and kept you in the gothic realm at all times. I enjoyed picking it back up at each reading session, eager for more.
It started with a Prologue and ended with an Epilogue (although I still wanted to know what happened to the characters after that!). Inbetween the Prologue and Epilogue, the chapters were fairly long, which meant that we got a good chunk of the story before moving on.
There was an interesting flow to the book, brought about by the occasional jump back in time. The jump backs were interesting and gave us a more rounded view of the main character and what she had been through before the current point in the story.
There was a good pace to the book. Whilst the chapters were long, I was eager to keep reading and was completely invested in solving the puzzle. Throughout the story there were hints of what had happened in the past, but we were always just kept out of sight of the real answer. I was kept in suspense and wondered how it was all going to come together. It was very cleverly done.
The characters were excellent. They all had secrets that I looked forward to learning throughout the book. They had all had sadness in their lives and that added to the overall dark and gothic feel to the story.
I felt for the main character and wanted her to find the answers that she was looking for. She was put in a terrible position and I felt for her.
Throughout the story there was the very real fear of what could happen to the main character based purely on the fact that she was a woman. You wanted her to do the right thing, but at what cost. There was no humanity in a couple of the characters which was interesting to read about.
Lastly the settings. They made up the rich fabric of the story and really made the story come to life. The settings were created from an array of dark descriptions that added suspense and tension to the story. The overall gothic atmosphere created was wonderful and I was sad when the story ended.
If you want something deliciously dark to read I recommend this.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This debut novel is exceptional. It had me hooked from page one. Briar Monroe is left penniless after the death of her parents and due to her aunts illness ends up at Thornby Manor in Warwickshire. This dark, gloomy imposing edifice of a house is not all it's appears to be and holds many secrets. There is a persistent sense of foreboding and suspense. What happened to Lady Danvill. Teaming up with Gabriel Danville, the son Briar is determined to find the truth. It features scenes of madness, distress and darkness. The setting of the house is isolated and gloomy with a constant mist which adds to the grim atmosphere of the story. Reminiscent of JaneEyre, Wuthering Heights, and Silent Companions it is avtruly great debut novel. I look forward to reading more from this talented author.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Eerie manor setting
🤫 Buried secrets
🧩 Slow burn mystery
🖤 Morally grey characters
👨👩👧 Complicated family dynamics
🌫️ Isolated atmosphere
🕯️ Gothic vibes
🗝️ Hidden past unraveling
My|Review Thornby Manor by @bramwelllawes @orendabooks completely hooked me, the whole moody gothic vibes and I was obsessed. I loved the setting of Warwickshire too. The story pulls you into this isolated, slightly eerie manor where nothing feels straightforward and every little detail seems to be hiding something bigger. It’s very much a slow burn but in an addictive way where you’re constantly picking up clues and second guessing everything, and then suddenly you realise how deep the story actually goes. The plot weaves together secrets from the past, tense relationships, and that creeping sense of unease that just keeps building. I loved how the characters felt flawed and layered, like everyone had something to hide, which made it impossible to fully trust anyone and kept me soooo invested. The writing was so immersive and flowed really well. The atmosphere is honestly unreal, really immersive and haunting, If you love The Haunting of Hill House or Jane Eyre or just anything with rich gothic energy, messy characters, and slow reveal twists, you need this on your shelf. The perfect mix of character driven storytelling, creeping mystery, and emotional depth that makes it unforgettable highly recommended.
🤫 Buried secrets
🧩 Slow burn mystery
🖤 Morally grey characters
👨👩👧 Complicated family dynamics
🌫️ Isolated atmosphere
🕯️ Gothic vibes
🗝️ Hidden past unraveling
My|Review Thornby Manor by @bramwelllawes @orendabooks completely hooked me, the whole moody gothic vibes and I was obsessed. I loved the setting of Warwickshire too. The story pulls you into this isolated, slightly eerie manor where nothing feels straightforward and every little detail seems to be hiding something bigger. It’s very much a slow burn but in an addictive way where you’re constantly picking up clues and second guessing everything, and then suddenly you realise how deep the story actually goes. The plot weaves together secrets from the past, tense relationships, and that creeping sense of unease that just keeps building. I loved how the characters felt flawed and layered, like everyone had something to hide, which made it impossible to fully trust anyone and kept me soooo invested. The writing was so immersive and flowed really well. The atmosphere is honestly unreal, really immersive and haunting, If you love The Haunting of Hill House or Jane Eyre or just anything with rich gothic energy, messy characters, and slow reveal twists, you need this on your shelf. The perfect mix of character driven storytelling, creeping mystery, and emotional depth that makes it unforgettable highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
If you like a good gothic mystery, this is definitely worth reading. It's the late 19th century and Briar is recently orphaned and left destitute. She heads off to meet her aunt to go travelling but ends up staying in the house of her aunt's friend. There's mystery surrounding the friend and the position of the governess who acts like the lady of the household. Absolutely loved this.
April 29, 2026
A well written debut, excellent narration, maybe a little verbose. A mixture of Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier and Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë The characters came to life through the book, with atmospheric descriptions and charming men and headstrong women. it was a captivating story. I would read other books by this author.
April 26, 2026
This has a great gothic thriller vibe. The setting and the characters were creepy. I wish there would have been a twist. The governess manipulating the mom into thinking she was crazy would have been great. The ending just didn’t match the book. But the majority of the book was very well done.
February 6, 2026
Thank you @orendabooks @bramwelllawes for this beautiful haunting eARC. I read that this book is for people who love Jane Eyre, Rebecca & The Woman in White, all books I love so I was so excited when I got an advance reader copy of Thornby Manor. I couldn’t put it down. Such an atmospheric read, the description of the fog engulfing the manor, you could sense a haunting story that was going to unravel. I do wonder if there will be a follow up because without giving anything away it left me wanting more. Definitely a book I’d read again. 5/5 stars. Published 23rd April 2026.
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