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Clara Dawson #3
A Bitter Betrayal
Westchester County, NY, February 1934. Seeking a fresh start, Clara Dawson accepts a position at Sablehurst Manor, assisting her writer friend Vincent as he documents the estate’s infamous haunting. Ten years earlier, a young woman drowned in the manor’s pond, and now her presence is said to linger on the property.
Her death was ruled an accident. But in the months leading up to it, rumors spread through the town of a darkness within her, and some even whispered of demonic possession.
The deeper Clara, Vincent, and Tuck dig into the young woman’s final months, the less certain the verdict becomes. Was the drowning an accident? A desperate act? Or something far more deliberate?
A BITTER BETRAYAL is the third novel in the Clara Dawson gothic paranormal mystery series. Though each mystery stands alone, this book contains spoilers for earlier installments. For the best experience, read in order.
Her death was ruled an accident. But in the months leading up to it, rumors spread through the town of a darkness within her, and some even whispered of demonic possession.
The deeper Clara, Vincent, and Tuck dig into the young woman’s final months, the less certain the verdict becomes. Was the drowning an accident? A desperate act? Or something far more deliberate?
A BITTER BETRAYAL is the third novel in the Clara Dawson gothic paranormal mystery series. Though each mystery stands alone, this book contains spoilers for earlier installments. For the best experience, read in order.
293 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 5, 2026
5 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Amelie West
7 books54 followersAmelie West is an author and fiction editor from Toronto, Canada, who crafts dark, atmospheric gothic mysteries featuring strong, complex heroines. She draws inspiration from authors like Simone St. James, Deanna Raybourn, and Ava Reid. When she isn’t lost in her latest manuscript, Amelie can be found wandering old bookstores or enjoying the company of her two loyal companions—a French bulldog and a pug mix.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 5, 2026
ARC Review ✨
We’re back with Clara in 1930s Rochester, investigating a mysterious death tied to a haunting in an eerie old mansion. Spirits, possession, exorcisms. It all layers into a mystery that keeps pulling you deeper. A Bitter Betrayal really leans into that old-time sleuthing vibe: no instant answers, just instinct, observation, and unraveling the truth piece by piece.
What I Loved ✨
* The gothic winter setting is instantly atmospheric. Dark, eerie, and immersive, especially with how quickly Clara is pulled into the haunting.
* The blend of supernatural elements (spirits, possession, exorcisms) and steady tension keeps the mystery gripping without ever feeling overdone.
* Clara’s truly starting to accept her abilities, but the internal conflict hasn’t disappeared. Her character is more driven, sharp, and determined to uncover the truth, yet still shaped by her insecurities, making her feel layered and real.
* Amelie continues to develop the complex relationship between Clara and Tuck. The connection is undeniable, but so is the tension. Their push-pull dynamic leads to choices that feel complicated, and believable.
* This is my favorite of the series so far. Its darker, more sinister, and more confident in its tone. Watching Clara step into her role as a truth-seeker and begin to embrace her abilities adds real depth to the story.
Thank you to Amelie West for the opportunity again to read and share my thoughts about this book. 💖
We’re back with Clara in 1930s Rochester, investigating a mysterious death tied to a haunting in an eerie old mansion. Spirits, possession, exorcisms. It all layers into a mystery that keeps pulling you deeper. A Bitter Betrayal really leans into that old-time sleuthing vibe: no instant answers, just instinct, observation, and unraveling the truth piece by piece.
What I Loved ✨
* The gothic winter setting is instantly atmospheric. Dark, eerie, and immersive, especially with how quickly Clara is pulled into the haunting.
* The blend of supernatural elements (spirits, possession, exorcisms) and steady tension keeps the mystery gripping without ever feeling overdone.
* Clara’s truly starting to accept her abilities, but the internal conflict hasn’t disappeared. Her character is more driven, sharp, and determined to uncover the truth, yet still shaped by her insecurities, making her feel layered and real.
* Amelie continues to develop the complex relationship between Clara and Tuck. The connection is undeniable, but so is the tension. Their push-pull dynamic leads to choices that feel complicated, and believable.
* This is my favorite of the series so far. Its darker, more sinister, and more confident in its tone. Watching Clara step into her role as a truth-seeker and begin to embrace her abilities adds real depth to the story.
Thank you to Amelie West for the opportunity again to read and share my thoughts about this book. 💖
May 8, 2026
⭐️ 4.5/5. Clara Dawson is back, and this time she’s staying in a haunted manor house in the country with her new friend Vincent the mystery novelist and her maybe-they-will-maybe-they-won’t man-friend Tuck, as Vincent writes his book on supernatural events in the state of New York. He’s brought Clara along to type up his manuscript, but primarily to help him connect with a spirit that is haunting the estate.
That spirit is rumored to be the ghost of 16-year old Ophelia who drowned in the back pond almost a decade ago. Ophelia begins to make contact with Clara, but the attempts are irregular and sometimes dangerous; lending to the town lore that before her death, Ophelia was possessed by an evil spirit. Will Clara, Vincent, and Tuck be able to find out what’s keeping Ophelia’s spirit tied to the manor before it’s too late?
I stayed up wayyyyyyyuuu too late reading this one three nights in a row and was totally hooked! This 1930s gothic thriller/murder mystery was so atmospheric and kept me on the edge of my seat. I really wanted to see Clara and Tuck’s relationship progress in this book. While it did a little bit, I’m frustrated at them for not getting their act together 😂 I guess they’re the definition of slow burn 🔥😜
Author Amelie West gives this book a satisfying ending, while also setting up really well for book 4. I will be here, eagerly awaiting it until 2027!
That spirit is rumored to be the ghost of 16-year old Ophelia who drowned in the back pond almost a decade ago. Ophelia begins to make contact with Clara, but the attempts are irregular and sometimes dangerous; lending to the town lore that before her death, Ophelia was possessed by an evil spirit. Will Clara, Vincent, and Tuck be able to find out what’s keeping Ophelia’s spirit tied to the manor before it’s too late?
I stayed up wayyyyyyyuuu too late reading this one three nights in a row and was totally hooked! This 1930s gothic thriller/murder mystery was so atmospheric and kept me on the edge of my seat. I really wanted to see Clara and Tuck’s relationship progress in this book. While it did a little bit, I’m frustrated at them for not getting their act together 😂 I guess they’re the definition of slow burn 🔥😜
Author Amelie West gives this book a satisfying ending, while also setting up really well for book 4. I will be here, eagerly awaiting it until 2027!
May 5, 2026
As always, I enjoyed my time with Clara, Tuck, and this story! The Clara Dawson series is starting to become a favorite series for me because how easy it has been to get invested in the main characters, and although it may not be the most horrifying thing I read, it's so enjoyable. It's a perfect almost cozy haunting read. And again, Amelie West writes such a compelling mystery with a perfect amount of horror that isn't too scary for non-horror readers. Also, the setting is perfectly described that it feels like I'm also experiencing the cold winter while reading it in May. My favorite fun fact about this is that there are passages of true documented hauntings in the story that goes well with the eeriness of this one. The mystery will pulled at my heartstrings and the tension between Clara and Tuck had me shaking my kindle! haha
Definitely get into this series! By this book, I'd recommend reading the previous books because there are a few things mentioned that happened in them. But if you want a historical mystery with a haunted manor and a slow burn romance that isn't too scary, I highly recommend it!
Thank you to the author for a copy of the ARC in exchange for a review.
Definitely get into this series! By this book, I'd recommend reading the previous books because there are a few things mentioned that happened in them. But if you want a historical mystery with a haunted manor and a slow burn romance that isn't too scary, I highly recommend it!
Thank you to the author for a copy of the ARC in exchange for a review.
May 1, 2026
I'm obsessed with Emilie West's atmospheric writing, and this short story did not disappoint. The winter setting had me feeling the chill, while the pacing was spot on. I loved watching Clara and Tuck's relationship grow, and their dynamic with Vincent was great. The ghostly encounters and darker themes were engaging, keeping me invested in the mystery.
In ‘A Bitter Betrayal’ we join the duo in a small rural town as they help their writer friend Vincent in his new home. Vincent is working on a non-fiction novel about the haunting of the manor by the spirit of Ophelia, a young lady with a dark past. As Clara communicates with Ophelia, the trio slowly uncovers the truth behind Ophelia’s untimely death. But things take a turn when Vincent’s brother and his family join them, putting the children in danger. With ghostly messages as their only clue, they must solve Ophelia’s mystery in a town where everyone has a secret.
In ‘A Bitter Betrayal’ we join the duo in a small rural town as they help their writer friend Vincent in his new home. Vincent is working on a non-fiction novel about the haunting of the manor by the spirit of Ophelia, a young lady with a dark past. As Clara communicates with Ophelia, the trio slowly uncovers the truth behind Ophelia’s untimely death. But things take a turn when Vincent’s brother and his family join them, putting the children in danger. With ghostly messages as their only clue, they must solve Ophelia’s mystery in a town where everyone has a secret.
May 7, 2026
This is the 3rd book in the series, and this time we follow Clara as she makes some drastic changes to her steady life and decides to take an acquaintance, Vincent, up on his offer to type up his book about hauntings... And of course he's hoping to utilise her very.... Particular abilities to get an authentic sighting of a ghost that is said to be haunting the manor they are staying at.
As always, Amelie has perfected this ambience, which is rich and thick with tension, amplified by the yearning we have in this super slow burning romance between Clara and Tuck. On the topic of yearning - I felt so awful for Tuck. At this point he has more than proved himself to be a kind and gentle man, clearly capable of giving so much to Clara and I feel fiercely protective of him. I feel like Clara was unnecessarily being aloof at best and needlessly cruel at worse, regarding his feelings. They've connected on many levels and I feel like she is trailing him along. We did get a break through and I'm happy conversations were had, because I would have been so mad at Clara if it was left there.
From early on, I felt so much for poor Ophelia, and was really eager for Clara and the others to get to the bottom of her death.
I couldn't help but be suspicious over Vincent's insistence against Clara's line of inquiry, relating to the potential murder of Ophelia, so that was really interesting to see how that played out.
The way the author edges around sensitive topics delicately, in a way that feels authentic to the time period and boundaries but without diminishing the topic, is artful and beautifully subtle.
The atmosphere was, as usual, delicious! There were so many times where I was reading into the night to look up and realise how dark it was and I'd be covered in goosebumps.
Overall, loved being back in this world and looking forward to book 4!
Pick it up, give it a go & enjoy!
As always, Amelie has perfected this ambience, which is rich and thick with tension, amplified by the yearning we have in this super slow burning romance between Clara and Tuck. On the topic of yearning - I felt so awful for Tuck. At this point he has more than proved himself to be a kind and gentle man, clearly capable of giving so much to Clara and I feel fiercely protective of him. I feel like Clara was unnecessarily being aloof at best and needlessly cruel at worse, regarding his feelings. They've connected on many levels and I feel like she is trailing him along. We did get a break through and I'm happy conversations were had, because I would have been so mad at Clara if it was left there.
From early on, I felt so much for poor Ophelia, and was really eager for Clara and the others to get to the bottom of her death.
I couldn't help but be suspicious over Vincent's insistence against Clara's line of inquiry, relating to the potential murder of Ophelia, so that was really interesting to see how that played out.
The way the author edges around sensitive topics delicately, in a way that feels authentic to the time period and boundaries but without diminishing the topic, is artful and beautifully subtle.
The atmosphere was, as usual, delicious! There were so many times where I was reading into the night to look up and realise how dark it was and I'd be covered in goosebumps.
Overall, loved being back in this world and looking forward to book 4!
Pick it up, give it a go & enjoy!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Amelie has outperformed herself yet again with the latest instalment of the Clara Dawson Mystery series. We meet Clara as she journies towards Vincent, following the events of New Year's Eve. But Clara isn't the only one travelling to their next haunted location, Tuck is also on his way...
I'll tell you now, dear reader, the noise that came out of me when I realised that West wasn't giving us an easy romance was not attractive. I actually dm'd her straight away to screech about it. Because what do you mean it's still not a done deal?! This is the ultimate slow burn, and I loved every agonising second of it. I was yearning more than Tuck!
I see a lot of myself in Clara, which I think made this worse for me. Because I, too, would struggle with social interactions and flirting like she does.
To be a woman written by West. A girl can dream.
Clara, although bumbling through her romantic relationship, stepped right into her power in this book. She took charge, and she was strong-willed and angry. Her anger is probably one of my favourite things about her. It's not mean or scary. It's to the point and needed.
I loved the little nods to previous books in the series that West weaved in, the creaking, the stairs, the call backs. It really makes it feel so much more cohesive and gives us super fans some delicious Easter eggs to spot.
Naturally, there were scenes that got my heart racing. And at one point, I did physically jump whilst reading.
This is an enigmatic read and I thoroughly recommend it!
I'll tell you now, dear reader, the noise that came out of me when I realised that West wasn't giving us an easy romance was not attractive. I actually dm'd her straight away to screech about it. Because what do you mean it's still not a done deal?! This is the ultimate slow burn, and I loved every agonising second of it. I was yearning more than Tuck!
I see a lot of myself in Clara, which I think made this worse for me. Because I, too, would struggle with social interactions and flirting like she does.
To be a woman written by West. A girl can dream.
Clara, although bumbling through her romantic relationship, stepped right into her power in this book. She took charge, and she was strong-willed and angry. Her anger is probably one of my favourite things about her. It's not mean or scary. It's to the point and needed.
I loved the little nods to previous books in the series that West weaved in, the creaking, the stairs, the call backs. It really makes it feel so much more cohesive and gives us super fans some delicious Easter eggs to spot.
Naturally, there were scenes that got my heart racing. And at one point, I did physically jump whilst reading.
This is an enigmatic read and I thoroughly recommend it!
May 5, 2026
Book 3 in a 1930s paranormal mystery series set in Upstate NY with Clara Dawson, a woman that can interact with ghosts. Equal parts historical fiction, gothic, and paranormal mystery vibes if I'm geing honest (Go read book 1 if that interests you)
A Bitter Betrayal is set in a manor haunted by a young lady that mysteriously died a decade prior. Clara and Tuck are invited to the manor by Vincent, a friend of Clara's that is writing a non-fiction about hauntings in New York. Vincent's goal is to do it as scientific as possible, but the world of the supernatural doesn't play by standard rules as the name "supernatural" implies.
I will admit this is my least favorite of them all but has my favorite moment yet simultaneously which is why it sustains it's 4 star rating. I didn't feel fully satisfied with the ending... it's left a bit to the imagination and I typically like more concrete endings. It's not bad, it's a personal preference.
I absolutely love the way that Amelie writes. I've currently read everything she has published and I won't be stopping anytime soon. She writes spooky, atmospheric in a way that keeps my interest in the story and is easy to read. Especially the Clara Dawson series. Cannot wait to see what's next!
A Bitter Betrayal is set in a manor haunted by a young lady that mysteriously died a decade prior. Clara and Tuck are invited to the manor by Vincent, a friend of Clara's that is writing a non-fiction about hauntings in New York. Vincent's goal is to do it as scientific as possible, but the world of the supernatural doesn't play by standard rules as the name "supernatural" implies.
I will admit this is my least favorite of them all but has my favorite moment yet simultaneously which is why it sustains it's 4 star rating. I didn't feel fully satisfied with the ending... it's left a bit to the imagination and I typically like more concrete endings. It's not bad, it's a personal preference.
I absolutely love the way that Amelie writes. I've currently read everything she has published and I won't be stopping anytime soon. She writes spooky, atmospheric in a way that keeps my interest in the story and is easy to read. Especially the Clara Dawson series. Cannot wait to see what's next!
April 25, 2026
The mysterious and thrilling suspense of the third book in the A Clara Dawson Mystery continues. I was provided the opportunity to read a digital ARC of A Bitter Betrayal by Amelie West, in exchange for an honest review. This review is a description of my own feelings and opinions of the story.
This story follows our main character Clara Dawson months after the incidence at the hotel in the second book. Clara visits her friend Vincent to help him write a story and discover why the Stablehurst Manor is haunted and what happened there.
A Bitter Betrayal is a gothic mystery. This story is a blend of a suspenseful investigation, intense atmosphere, and a creepy sense of the supernatural. Something that I love about Amelie West’s stories is that even with the moody and mysterious nature of the books, she also incorporates beautiful relationships amongst the characters woven into the storyline.
Thank you Amelie West for an opportunity to read a copy of your story. This third book is just as exhilarating as the first two and the novella. If you have not yet picked up the Clara Dawson mysteries, now is your sign to do so!
This story follows our main character Clara Dawson months after the incidence at the hotel in the second book. Clara visits her friend Vincent to help him write a story and discover why the Stablehurst Manor is haunted and what happened there.
A Bitter Betrayal is a gothic mystery. This story is a blend of a suspenseful investigation, intense atmosphere, and a creepy sense of the supernatural. Something that I love about Amelie West’s stories is that even with the moody and mysterious nature of the books, she also incorporates beautiful relationships amongst the characters woven into the storyline.
Thank you Amelie West for an opportunity to read a copy of your story. This third book is just as exhilarating as the first two and the novella. If you have not yet picked up the Clara Dawson mysteries, now is your sign to do so!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This third book in the Clara Dawson Mystery series takes us to a haunted manor. Clara, Tuck, and Vincent work together to document the haunting of Sablehurst Manor by Ophelia Whitmore, a young girl who mysteriously drowned on the property 10 years ago. The spirit of Ophelia seems to only want the attention of Clara, but soon a new idea is drawn from information gathered about Ophelia... could this haunting really be the work of a demon? Vincent is ultimately trying to make a scientific study of the paranormal with the help of Clara's special abilities, and Clara works to seek justice for Ophelia. The book also has the continued slow-burn between Clara and Tuck, rife with Clara's denial of emotions and fear of falling. Some of the more important themes in the book include religious beliefs, and the difference between spirits and demons.
Overall, I enjoyed the atmosphere of the book, but I believe the other two books in the series grabbed my attention more. With that being said, I am excited to see what is in store for Clara as she and Tuck continue to navigate their feelings and Clara learns more about the paranormal and her gift.
Overall, I enjoyed the atmosphere of the book, but I believe the other two books in the series grabbed my attention more. With that being said, I am excited to see what is in store for Clara as she and Tuck continue to navigate their feelings and Clara learns more about the paranormal and her gift.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
I find Amelie's writing style really easy to read. This is the 4th book of hers i've read and i'm fully into the world of Clara Dawson and can't wait to read the next installment.
It's been exciting to see how Clara has embraced her ability more in this book, and how she's letting her friends into her world more. You can see why she's still uncertain of her abilities, and i would love to see her develop more in the next book.
I enjoyed more of the Clara/Tuck relationship and the ending of this book makes me want to read the next one immediately to see where it is going.
The mystery aspect of the book was well thought out, and I enjoyed how everything came together towards the end, my only negative is that I would have liked
Overall a solid read, and i will always pick up the next book in this series.
I find Amelie's writing style really easy to read. This is the 4th book of hers i've read and i'm fully into the world of Clara Dawson and can't wait to read the next installment.
It's been exciting to see how Clara has embraced her ability more in this book, and how she's letting her friends into her world more. You can see why she's still uncertain of her abilities, and i would love to see her develop more in the next book.
I enjoyed more of the Clara/Tuck relationship and the ending of this book makes me want to read the next one immediately to see where it is going.
The mystery aspect of the book was well thought out, and I enjoyed how everything came together towards the end, my only negative is that I would have liked
Overall a solid read, and i will always pick up the next book in this series.
May 5, 2026
If you're looking for a chilling, atmospheric mystery, with a dash of paranormal and a sprinkle of romance, you're going to love this one!!
Clara Dawson is back, this time in a haunted manor, in 1934. She's there, along with Tuck, to assist her writer friend, Vincent, as he documents the paranormal happenings there. Ten years ago, a young woman drowned and is now thought to be haunting the large estate. The deeper the three of them look into things, the less certain they are about what truly happened.
This is the third Clara Dawson book and each one just gets better. Amelie West writes so evocatively, crafting such a perfectly eerie atmosphere! There were a couple of scenes that were totally spine-tingling, giving me goosebumps and freezing me in place. This is not a horror but just chilling and unsettling in the best way! The paranormal aspects, the mystery, the continuing slow burn between Clara and Tuck, all had me completely hooked from start to finish! This was another quick and highly addictive read - can't wait for the next installment!🖤
Clara Dawson is back, this time in a haunted manor, in 1934. She's there, along with Tuck, to assist her writer friend, Vincent, as he documents the paranormal happenings there. Ten years ago, a young woman drowned and is now thought to be haunting the large estate. The deeper the three of them look into things, the less certain they are about what truly happened.
This is the third Clara Dawson book and each one just gets better. Amelie West writes so evocatively, crafting such a perfectly eerie atmosphere! There were a couple of scenes that were totally spine-tingling, giving me goosebumps and freezing me in place. This is not a horror but just chilling and unsettling in the best way! The paranormal aspects, the mystery, the continuing slow burn between Clara and Tuck, all had me completely hooked from start to finish! This was another quick and highly addictive read - can't wait for the next installment!🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
This might just be Amelie’s best instalment in the Clara Dawson series yet (and that’s saying something as I adore each previous book as well)!
“There’s a darkness in you,” she said. “And he wants it for himself.”
A Bitter Betrayal takes us to a haunted mansion in New York, complete with an eerie, sorrow-filled lake and a teeny nearby town.
As always, I’m an avid fan of how Amelie West manages to use her ghost stories as a vessel for deeper themes that also give us more depth and insight into the complex living characters! The mystery and paranormal elements combine with these intricate characters and their historical setting to give us a spooky, enjoyable read that tackles the complexities of the darkness that it brings between its pages!
I especially loved how Amelie included tales of real-life historical New York hauntings! It added an extra flair of historical reality to an already immersive story!
*Thank you to the author for sending me a digital advanced reviewer copy! All opinions expressed above are my own.
“There’s a darkness in you,” she said. “And he wants it for himself.”
A Bitter Betrayal takes us to a haunted mansion in New York, complete with an eerie, sorrow-filled lake and a teeny nearby town.
As always, I’m an avid fan of how Amelie West manages to use her ghost stories as a vessel for deeper themes that also give us more depth and insight into the complex living characters! The mystery and paranormal elements combine with these intricate characters and their historical setting to give us a spooky, enjoyable read that tackles the complexities of the darkness that it brings between its pages!
I especially loved how Amelie included tales of real-life historical New York hauntings! It added an extra flair of historical reality to an already immersive story!
*Thank you to the author for sending me a digital advanced reviewer copy! All opinions expressed above are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Amelie West does it again with another great Clara Dawson book. If she writes it, I'm definitely going to read it. I wish there were more because I devoured this book in one day.
This book picks up right where the last one left off. Clara has agreed to work with her friend Vincent to help write a book on hauntings and to prove that ghosts exist. The story they are currently working on takes place in their current residency, Sablehurst Manor, where ten years earlier, a young girl drowned in the manor's pond, and her presence has been said to still linger around. Her death was ruled an accidental drowning, but with further investigations, rumors started to spread, and people believed it was demonic possession. The more Clara, Tuck, and Vincent investigate the matter, the more secrets are revealed, and they are no longer so sure it was an accident.
This book does have some heavy topics, so please check trigger warnings.
It is a quick read, with a lot of suspense and mystery that will leave you begging for more.
This book picks up right where the last one left off. Clara has agreed to work with her friend Vincent to help write a book on hauntings and to prove that ghosts exist. The story they are currently working on takes place in their current residency, Sablehurst Manor, where ten years earlier, a young girl drowned in the manor's pond, and her presence has been said to still linger around. Her death was ruled an accidental drowning, but with further investigations, rumors started to spread, and people believed it was demonic possession. The more Clara, Tuck, and Vincent investigate the matter, the more secrets are revealed, and they are no longer so sure it was an accident.
This book does have some heavy topics, so please check trigger warnings.
It is a quick read, with a lot of suspense and mystery that will leave you begging for more.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨️ Amelie is one of my favourite horror authors and this 3rd book in the series did not disappoint!
Clara Dawson has the gift of seeing the dead and so she is called in to help others with their hauntings! I absolutely love this series so much, the characters are great, the spooky storylines are written fantastically and I can never read them right before bed because i get so freaked out! There is also an underlying slow burn romance which just adds another layer of depth to the story in a way that I never thought would work! This particular book was actually quite emotional when it is revealed what happened and I did get teary! However the topic is written so sensitively and dealt with in a very thoughtful way.
Thank you so much for the eARC Amelie 🫶🏼
Clara Dawson has the gift of seeing the dead and so she is called in to help others with their hauntings! I absolutely love this series so much, the characters are great, the spooky storylines are written fantastically and I can never read them right before bed because i get so freaked out! There is also an underlying slow burn romance which just adds another layer of depth to the story in a way that I never thought would work! This particular book was actually quite emotional when it is revealed what happened and I did get teary! However the topic is written so sensitively and dealt with in a very thoughtful way.
Thank you so much for the eARC Amelie 🫶🏼
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank You to the author for the free digital ARC of A Bitter Betrayal in exchange for my honest review. It has everything I look for in a gothic mystery: suspense, atmosphere, emotional depth, and characters who feel alive on the page.
The pacing is fantastic and I love when a book keeps me guessing and this one absolutely did. Clara continues to be such a compelling protagonist and the supporting cast adds richness and intrigue to every scene. The gothic vibes are strong in this installment, from eerie settings and more.
This book is perfect for readers who love to sink into a moody, atmospheric mystery. It’s ideal for spooky season and if you enjoy curling up with something dark and immersive on a chilly night. I love this book and would recommend it to anyone especially to those who loves gothic, paranormal mysteries.
The pacing is fantastic and I love when a book keeps me guessing and this one absolutely did. Clara continues to be such a compelling protagonist and the supporting cast adds richness and intrigue to every scene. The gothic vibes are strong in this installment, from eerie settings and more.
This book is perfect for readers who love to sink into a moody, atmospheric mystery. It’s ideal for spooky season and if you enjoy curling up with something dark and immersive on a chilly night. I love this book and would recommend it to anyone especially to those who loves gothic, paranormal mysteries.
April 28, 2026
Another entry into the Clara Dawson Mystery world.
And another case solved.
Poor anxious Clara sees ghosts. And they always have a story to tell. But it’s rarely what’s expected or what the rumors have to say about it.
Ophelia was a young girl who drowned at 16 in the pond on the property of Sablehurst Manor. The town says she was possessed. Vincent wants to write about her in his novel about the paranormal. He purchased the estate for specifically this purpose.
Clara begins to experience strange phenomena that only she can see/hear/feel. But once she does, she refuses to settle for the obvious. And she must overcome her fears, in more than one sense.
And another case solved.
Poor anxious Clara sees ghosts. And they always have a story to tell. But it’s rarely what’s expected or what the rumors have to say about it.
Ophelia was a young girl who drowned at 16 in the pond on the property of Sablehurst Manor. The town says she was possessed. Vincent wants to write about her in his novel about the paranormal. He purchased the estate for specifically this purpose.
Clara begins to experience strange phenomena that only she can see/hear/feel. But once she does, she refuses to settle for the obvious. And she must overcome her fears, in more than one sense.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you Amelie West for the eARC!
I’ve been craving a solid mystery series that gives me the nostalgia of Nancy Drew for an adult audience, and this series has absolutely fulfilled that for me! Each mystery has been so unique and gripping, with this being the most heart wrenching and the darkest yet. I don’t know why I always decide to pick these books up at night, but I suppose it adds to the experience! I’m enjoying Clara’s journey to come into her own and how she’s finding her voice while also helping spirits find theirs, and her growing relationship with Tuck adds some wonderful, lighter moments to the story. I’m looking forward to seeing what Clara does next!
I’ve been craving a solid mystery series that gives me the nostalgia of Nancy Drew for an adult audience, and this series has absolutely fulfilled that for me! Each mystery has been so unique and gripping, with this being the most heart wrenching and the darkest yet. I don’t know why I always decide to pick these books up at night, but I suppose it adds to the experience! I’m enjoying Clara’s journey to come into her own and how she’s finding her voice while also helping spirits find theirs, and her growing relationship with Tuck adds some wonderful, lighter moments to the story. I’m looking forward to seeing what Clara does next!
May 2, 2026
I love this series! I’ve been super fortunate to have gotten ARCs of all 3 books and the novella so far. This particular one I think is the creepiest so far. There are some very spooky scenes and some more mature themes so please check your trigger warnings. Super slow burn romance, definitely a sub plot which is always refreshing.
Clara and Tuck join author Vincent Sterling at Sablehurst manor. Said to be haunted by a teenage girl that drowned on the property… and the demon that was possessing her. They intend to investigate and get proof of the haunting, but Clara is drawn more to finding out what really happened to the girl.
Clara and Tuck join author Vincent Sterling at Sablehurst manor. Said to be haunted by a teenage girl that drowned on the property… and the demon that was possessing her. They intend to investigate and get proof of the haunting, but Clara is drawn more to finding out what really happened to the girl.
May 4, 2026
I enjoyed this installment a lot! I enjoyed the mystery even though the longer the investigation went, the more my heart broke for the ghost. I also kicked my feet when Tuck and Clara finally, tentatively started their relationship! But also that ending had my heart breaking for a second time.
As always, the author has weaved together the gothic and mystery together in a way that had me wanting to read with one eye open. I honesty can say that Amelie West has become an autobuy author for me! I’m not sure what kind of magic she uses for her books but I’ve always inhaled her books and will continue to do so!
As always, the author has weaved together the gothic and mystery together in a way that had me wanting to read with one eye open. I honesty can say that Amelie West has become an autobuy author for me! I’m not sure what kind of magic she uses for her books but I’ve always inhaled her books and will continue to do so!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you Amelie West for the early access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review. This is unpaid.
The brilliance strikes again. Clara Dawson is a brilliantly complex character with such depth and complex feelings you can just feel her angst and struggles. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I cannot get enough of Clara’s story. I am excited to get the final version and hopefully see more of Clara and her growth and her relationship with Tuck. I’m super excited to see what comes next!
The brilliance strikes again. Clara Dawson is a brilliantly complex character with such depth and complex feelings you can just feel her angst and struggles. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I cannot get enough of Clara’s story. I am excited to get the final version and hopefully see more of Clara and her growth and her relationship with Tuck. I’m super excited to see what comes next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2026
I think this is my favorite one yet in the Clara Dawson series. Amelie has a way of setting the scene, feeling the atmosphere. It’s eerie, almost like a jump scare. You can feel the chill of winter and goosebumps on your skin when something spooky is about to happen.
The paranormal mystery of this one was written well because there were so many ways the crime could have went down that it left me guessing until Clara figured it out. The ending felt abrupt, but not in a negative way. It was more of a, “Oh crap, it’s over and I need to know what happens next immediately!” I can’t wait to follow Tuck and Clara into their next chapter.
The paranormal mystery of this one was written well because there were so many ways the crime could have went down that it left me guessing until Clara figured it out. The ending felt abrupt, but not in a negative way. It was more of a, “Oh crap, it’s over and I need to know what happens next immediately!” I can’t wait to follow Tuck and Clara into their next chapter.
Review of advance copy received from Author
As always, Amelie West pulls you in within the first few pages. The third book in the series, A Bitter Betrayal flows seamlessly from book 2 and takes you on yet another dark, tense and creepy ride... with a twist you'll never see coming. It's always such a pleasure to dive into Clara's world and be immersed in the paranormal. Can't wait for what's next!
May 6, 2026
I really enjoyed this book and i loved Clara. She has the type of driven personality and does not want to give up until she knows the truth, not just the easy answer. This book was really well written and easy to follow. I loved the parts where Clara types up Vincent's novel and learning about more haunted places.
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 7, 2026As always I LOVED this book! As always Clara found herself in another mystery and it was amazing! I read it in one sitting and I was transported right back with Clara and feeling all of the things with her! Amelie once again has given me a favorite book of hers (I mean all of them are) and I can’t wait for the next one! It’s a true gothic historical mystery that lingers even after you finish reading!
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