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No One Leaves the Manor
A deliciously twisted, fast-paced YA horror, where debutante dreams become bloody nightmares–perfect for fans of House of Hollow and Their Vicious Games.
It’s 1921, and Mrs. Caroline Reginald Kane, the last surviving descendant of a family of oil barons, has invited four young debutantes to visit her at Greystone Manor. There, they'll compete for the ultimate to become heir to her unspeakably vast fortune. But only one girl can win. And the manor is watching. Dorothea is a thief, and the best liar in the American Northeast. Her mother vanished at Greystone years ago, and she’s determined to find out why–so long as no one uncovers her secrets first. Vaughn isn’t crazy. She was born for this life– and she won’t let anyone come between her and the fortune she deserves. Birdie doesn’t know why she’s been invited, but she believes everything happens for a reason…and that reason just might be divine. Elspeth is called “pretty as a peach, dim as a doorknob.” But she sees things that the others can' whispering birds, shifting doors, and a language that should never be spoken. And there’s something else hidden behind these walls.Something sinister. It doesn’t plan to let them leave alive.
It’s 1921, and Mrs. Caroline Reginald Kane, the last surviving descendant of a family of oil barons, has invited four young debutantes to visit her at Greystone Manor. There, they'll compete for the ultimate to become heir to her unspeakably vast fortune. But only one girl can win. And the manor is watching. Dorothea is a thief, and the best liar in the American Northeast. Her mother vanished at Greystone years ago, and she’s determined to find out why–so long as no one uncovers her secrets first. Vaughn isn’t crazy. She was born for this life– and she won’t let anyone come between her and the fortune she deserves. Birdie doesn’t know why she’s been invited, but she believes everything happens for a reason…and that reason just might be divine. Elspeth is called “pretty as a peach, dim as a doorknob.” But she sees things that the others can' whispering birds, shifting doors, and a language that should never be spoken. And there’s something else hidden behind these walls.Something sinister. It doesn’t plan to let them leave alive.
400 pages, Hardcover
Published July 14, 2026
About the author
Kelly McWilliams
7 books332 followersKelly McWilliams is a mixed-race novelist whose work examines white passing, American history, and the uncanny. She is also the author of several acclaimed novels for young adults, including Mirror Girls, a Junior Library Guild Selection. American Nightmare is her adult fiction debut. She lives in Seattle with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
July 14, 2026
I really enjoyed this. This was multi-POV and I really felt like each characters chapters were enjoyable. This perfectly blended horror, historical fiction and speculative fiction.
This had me on the edge of my seat, and I was audibly reacting at several moments. I was so intrigued by this story and all of the twists and turns. The ending HAD ME!! This features a lot of art within & on the chapter titles and it really added to the atmospheric nature of this story. I did wish we got a bit more lore, but I also wonder if this was set up for a sequel?
This *does* really need some trigger warnings. I had both a physical and digital ARC and did not see any in either of my copies. There is bodily horror, animal abuse & death, a lot of themes around racism and colorism, misogyny, etc. I don’t typically get triggered, and I am white, so I’m not the best person to pull a list of triggers together, but I would definitely read with some caution if you think any of these would apply to you. The racism and misogyny do align with the time period (1920s), but that does not mean it isn’t any less triggering for some. I haven’t seen the final copy yet to know if these were added later or not.
Thank you to Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for providing me with a gifted copy.
This had me on the edge of my seat, and I was audibly reacting at several moments. I was so intrigued by this story and all of the twists and turns. The ending HAD ME!! This features a lot of art within & on the chapter titles and it really added to the atmospheric nature of this story. I did wish we got a bit more lore, but I also wonder if this was set up for a sequel?
This *does* really need some trigger warnings. I had both a physical and digital ARC and did not see any in either of my copies. There is bodily horror, animal abuse & death, a lot of themes around racism and colorism, misogyny, etc. I don’t typically get triggered, and I am white, so I’m not the best person to pull a list of triggers together, but I would definitely read with some caution if you think any of these would apply to you. The racism and misogyny do align with the time period (1920s), but that does not mean it isn’t any less triggering for some. I haven’t seen the final copy yet to know if these were added later or not.
Thank you to Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for providing me with a gifted copy.
July 15, 2026
I do not normally read books that aren’t romance based, but this one held my interest the whole time. I love the immersive setting of this 1920’s historical fiction. The plot kind of reminds me of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with a house of horrors spin. You have the quirky, creepy house magic and the competition between girls to win the wealth and family name of the house.
I loved the relationship between the main characters and between Dorothea and her brother. I really enjoyed her brother and his new friend working from the outside in to save the girls.
You get a multi POV story told from people inside the house and outside.
The story was intriguing and the last 25% got really exciting. I love how the ending came together. There were some moments that felt like they jumped around and I had to go back to see if I missed something.
🧡 Determined FMC
🧡 1920’s High Society
🧡 YA Mystery Horror
🧡 BPOC rep main characters
🧡 Historical Fiction
🧡 Sentient House
🧡 LGBTQ Rep
Not a romance focus but did have a couple kisses.
(Some light references to suggestive situations)
Some language, not used often (bi, ba, d)
This is a horror, so there are things that could be triggering or upsetting for some readers. Body horror, m-rder, death magic, mention of past ab-se, and some time period accurate challenges such as racism and classism. There is not a list of TWs in the book, but these are a few of the ones I thought about.
I loved the relationship between the main characters and between Dorothea and her brother. I really enjoyed her brother and his new friend working from the outside in to save the girls.
You get a multi POV story told from people inside the house and outside.
The story was intriguing and the last 25% got really exciting. I love how the ending came together. There were some moments that felt like they jumped around and I had to go back to see if I missed something.
🧡 Determined FMC
🧡 1920’s High Society
🧡 YA Mystery Horror
🧡 BPOC rep main characters
🧡 Historical Fiction
🧡 Sentient House
🧡 LGBTQ Rep
Not a romance focus but did have a couple kisses.
(Some light references to suggestive situations)
Some language, not used often (bi, ba, d)
This is a horror, so there are things that could be triggering or upsetting for some readers. Body horror, m-rder, death magic, mention of past ab-se, and some time period accurate challenges such as racism and classism. There is not a list of TWs in the book, but these are a few of the ones I thought about.
Read
July 11, 2026Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy
No One Leaves the Manor by Kelly McWilliams is a third person multi-POV YA historical supernatural horror. When Dorthea, Vaughn, Elspeth and Birdie are invited to compete to become the heir to a great fortune, all four of them jump at the life-changing opportunity. But Greystone Manor is not all that it appears and the young women will soon learn just what they signed up for.
This is definitely a horror to me over any other genre. I can understand why mystery is being mentioned in the marketing, though as Dorthea’s brother Chester tries to figure out why the manor is how it is and there is an element of revealing twists and turns in that regard. But because of how it all comes together, it's more horror with some mystery elements rather than a mystery with a horror atmosphere.
Of all the POVs, I found Birdie’s to be the most interesting. There's poetry in most, if not all, of her chapters and it adds a very unique layer to her POV as it helps the reader get deep into her psyche. She and Elspeth end up falling for each other very quickly when they meet in the manor, but in order for them to be together, they'll have to find a way out, which involves Birdie confronting some difficult things about her past.
There is a decent amount of period accurate anti-Black racism and some mentions of anti-Semitism depicted within the story. Like most YA, those who have bigoted beliefs are punished by the narrative and it is explicitly shown that that kind of language is harmful. Some of the language is on the stronger side, particularly in the use of racial slurs. There is also a scene where Chester is pulled over by a cop and we are in his POV as he is painfully aware of the dangerous position that puts him in, especially with his white-passing sister in the car. I personally have a preference for art in historical settings to be honest about that setting, the good and the bad, so I do appreciate these depictions of history even if they are uncomfortable.
Content warning for depictions of anti-Black racism and anti-Semitism
I would recommend this to fans of YA horror looking for a historical book and readers who love books about competitions for an inheritance
No One Leaves the Manor by Kelly McWilliams is a third person multi-POV YA historical supernatural horror. When Dorthea, Vaughn, Elspeth and Birdie are invited to compete to become the heir to a great fortune, all four of them jump at the life-changing opportunity. But Greystone Manor is not all that it appears and the young women will soon learn just what they signed up for.
This is definitely a horror to me over any other genre. I can understand why mystery is being mentioned in the marketing, though as Dorthea’s brother Chester tries to figure out why the manor is how it is and there is an element of revealing twists and turns in that regard. But because of how it all comes together, it's more horror with some mystery elements rather than a mystery with a horror atmosphere.
Of all the POVs, I found Birdie’s to be the most interesting. There's poetry in most, if not all, of her chapters and it adds a very unique layer to her POV as it helps the reader get deep into her psyche. She and Elspeth end up falling for each other very quickly when they meet in the manor, but in order for them to be together, they'll have to find a way out, which involves Birdie confronting some difficult things about her past.
There is a decent amount of period accurate anti-Black racism and some mentions of anti-Semitism depicted within the story. Like most YA, those who have bigoted beliefs are punished by the narrative and it is explicitly shown that that kind of language is harmful. Some of the language is on the stronger side, particularly in the use of racial slurs. There is also a scene where Chester is pulled over by a cop and we are in his POV as he is painfully aware of the dangerous position that puts him in, especially with his white-passing sister in the car. I personally have a preference for art in historical settings to be honest about that setting, the good and the bad, so I do appreciate these depictions of history even if they are uncomfortable.
Content warning for depictions of anti-Black racism and anti-Semitism
I would recommend this to fans of YA horror looking for a historical book and readers who love books about competitions for an inheritance
July 8, 2026
I had such a hard time putting this book down and do anything but read it 😩
If you are looking for a Summerween book this is going to be a great choice! It is set in 1921, there is a manor where nobody who goes in comes out, a paranormal entity, just the over all feeling of something being off, time slipping and bodily horror!
There is multiple POVs in this book but I found it easy to remember who is who, my favorite POV was between Elspeth and Birdie, both girls were so fantastic to read and I found myself excited anytime I opened a chapter and saw their name at the top.
I would definitely check any TWs as I’ve said there is body horror, and some prejudice themes because of the time period.
If you are looking for a Summerween book this is going to be a great choice! It is set in 1921, there is a manor where nobody who goes in comes out, a paranormal entity, just the over all feeling of something being off, time slipping and bodily horror!
There is multiple POVs in this book but I found it easy to remember who is who, my favorite POV was between Elspeth and Birdie, both girls were so fantastic to read and I found myself excited anytime I opened a chapter and saw their name at the top.
I would definitely check any TWs as I’ve said there is body horror, and some prejudice themes because of the time period.
Read
March 17, 2026Thank you NetGalley for the eARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
“No One Leaves the Manor” by Kelly McWilliams is the kind of YA gothic horror that grabs you immediately with its creepy mansion, eerie atmosphere, and constant sense that something is deeply wrong behind all the polished 1920s glamour. The setup alone had me hooked: four girls are invited to Greystone Manor to compete for a massive inheritance, only to realize the house and whatever lurks inside it has other plans.
The strongest part of this book is easily the atmosphere. Greystone Manor feels alive in that classic gothic horror way: decaying luxury, unsettling hallways, strange rules, and the constant feeling that the girls are being watched. The tension builds so well throughout the story, and there’s this heavy sense of dread hanging over every chapter. I also loved the mixed media elements and old-fashioned advertisement illustrations because they added even more to the creepy historical vibe.
The story rotates between multiple POVs, and for the most part that really works. Each girl feels distinct: Dorothea is stubborn and secretive, Vaughn is confident but deeply wounded, Elspeth is soft-hearted and observant, and Birdie honestly stole the show for me. Her chapters had this poetic quality that made her perspective feel especially haunting and emotional. The relationships between the girls become one of the most interesting parts of the book, especially as the horror intensifies and they start realizing survival may depend on trusting each other.
What I appreciated most is that the book doesn’t shy away from the uglier realities of the 1920s. There are depictions of anti-Black racism and antisemitism that are uncomfortable but feel honest to the setting rather than sanitized. The story also digs into themes of greed, power, prejudice, religion, and how desperation can make people ignore obvious evil if they think there’s something to gain from it.
The supernatural side of the story is genuinely unsettling too. The manor itself feels wrong from the start, and V. makes for a very memorable villain. I do wish we’d gotten a little more backstory about the manor, V., and the larger mythology behind everything because those elements were fascinating and sometimes felt slightly underexplored. There were moments where the plot became a little over-the-top or chaotic, and a few POVs felt stronger than others, but honestly I was having too much fun to care that much.
This definitely leans more horror than mystery for me. There are mystery elements, but the real appeal is the oppressive gothic tension, the psychological unease, and the feeling that the girls walked into something ancient and hungry.
Overall, this was such a fun, creepy, fast-paced YA horror novel. If you love haunted manor stories, historical horror, morally messy characters, creepy supernatural entities, and books that feel like a mix of gothic fiction and survival horror, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
“No One Leaves the Manor” by Kelly McWilliams is the kind of YA gothic horror that grabs you immediately with its creepy mansion, eerie atmosphere, and constant sense that something is deeply wrong behind all the polished 1920s glamour. The setup alone had me hooked: four girls are invited to Greystone Manor to compete for a massive inheritance, only to realize the house and whatever lurks inside it has other plans.
The strongest part of this book is easily the atmosphere. Greystone Manor feels alive in that classic gothic horror way: decaying luxury, unsettling hallways, strange rules, and the constant feeling that the girls are being watched. The tension builds so well throughout the story, and there’s this heavy sense of dread hanging over every chapter. I also loved the mixed media elements and old-fashioned advertisement illustrations because they added even more to the creepy historical vibe.
The story rotates between multiple POVs, and for the most part that really works. Each girl feels distinct: Dorothea is stubborn and secretive, Vaughn is confident but deeply wounded, Elspeth is soft-hearted and observant, and Birdie honestly stole the show for me. Her chapters had this poetic quality that made her perspective feel especially haunting and emotional. The relationships between the girls become one of the most interesting parts of the book, especially as the horror intensifies and they start realizing survival may depend on trusting each other.
What I appreciated most is that the book doesn’t shy away from the uglier realities of the 1920s. There are depictions of anti-Black racism and antisemitism that are uncomfortable but feel honest to the setting rather than sanitized. The story also digs into themes of greed, power, prejudice, religion, and how desperation can make people ignore obvious evil if they think there’s something to gain from it.
The supernatural side of the story is genuinely unsettling too. The manor itself feels wrong from the start, and V. makes for a very memorable villain. I do wish we’d gotten a little more backstory about the manor, V., and the larger mythology behind everything because those elements were fascinating and sometimes felt slightly underexplored. There were moments where the plot became a little over-the-top or chaotic, and a few POVs felt stronger than others, but honestly I was having too much fun to care that much.
This definitely leans more horror than mystery for me. There are mystery elements, but the real appeal is the oppressive gothic tension, the psychological unease, and the feeling that the girls walked into something ancient and hungry.
Overall, this was such a fun, creepy, fast-paced YA horror novel. If you love haunted manor stories, historical horror, morally messy characters, creepy supernatural entities, and books that feel like a mix of gothic fiction and survival horror, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
Review of advance copy received from Author
𝐍𝐨 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐫 is a YA gothic horror with an inheritance games twist. I loved the idea of a group of debutantes showing up to not only fight for the Kane inheritance, but their own independence. Each of the girls has her own reasons for showing up, and I really appreciated that each was relatable or understandable in its own way.
I loved the different POVs, and I never felt like there were too many. We spent a good amount of time with each, and got the information we needed through each. The girls are all very different — we have Birdie, who survived polio; Elspeth, whose mother disdains her because of her dyslexia; Vaughn, whose father had previously been to the estate, and whose mother was deemed mad; and Dorothea, who is black but is able to pass as white. Dor’s brother is another POV, which I appreciated as he gave us the perspective of what was happening outside the manor. Each of the characters has a significant and unique story that allows the reader to think about how society treats anyone outside of the patriarchal power structure. I really appreciated how the stories were all so different but all reveal the truth about how this societal structure hurts and oppresses most people, and only really benefits a few.
Each POV has its own tone, but one that really stood out was Birdie’s, as it was structured differently from the others. From her first chapter, Birdie’s is a combination of verse and prose, and it’s very impactful. I really loved the verse sections — they were beautiful but also haunting.
The House itself is essentially a character. It seems like it’s trying to trick the girls from the beginning, and makes them question their reality. I really liked how the house was such a major part of the horror, and how that also propelled the relationships between the girls and forced them to make choices. Do they band together, or fight it out alone?
I really enjoyed the way McWilliams wove in serious social issues and themes into the horror of the story. I would absolutely recommend this book, whether you’re a teen or an adult, it will pull you right in!
This is one of my favourite quotes from the book:
𝘖𝘯𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘩 𝘢𝘵 𝘢 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦.
𝘓𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭
𝘸𝘩𝘰’𝘴 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘸𝘭
𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘺
𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘰𝘮.
Thank you to Colored Pages Book Tours, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers and the author for the gifted copy. All thoughts are my own and are freely given.
I loved the different POVs, and I never felt like there were too many. We spent a good amount of time with each, and got the information we needed through each. The girls are all very different — we have Birdie, who survived polio; Elspeth, whose mother disdains her because of her dyslexia; Vaughn, whose father had previously been to the estate, and whose mother was deemed mad; and Dorothea, who is black but is able to pass as white. Dor’s brother is another POV, which I appreciated as he gave us the perspective of what was happening outside the manor. Each of the characters has a significant and unique story that allows the reader to think about how society treats anyone outside of the patriarchal power structure. I really appreciated how the stories were all so different but all reveal the truth about how this societal structure hurts and oppresses most people, and only really benefits a few.
Each POV has its own tone, but one that really stood out was Birdie’s, as it was structured differently from the others. From her first chapter, Birdie’s is a combination of verse and prose, and it’s very impactful. I really loved the verse sections — they were beautiful but also haunting.
The House itself is essentially a character. It seems like it’s trying to trick the girls from the beginning, and makes them question their reality. I really liked how the house was such a major part of the horror, and how that also propelled the relationships between the girls and forced them to make choices. Do they band together, or fight it out alone?
I really enjoyed the way McWilliams wove in serious social issues and themes into the horror of the story. I would absolutely recommend this book, whether you’re a teen or an adult, it will pull you right in!
This is one of my favourite quotes from the book:
𝘖𝘯𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘩 𝘢𝘵 𝘢 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦.
𝘓𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭
𝘸𝘩𝘰’𝘴 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘸𝘭
𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘺
𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘰𝘮.
Thank you to Colored Pages Book Tours, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers and the author for the gifted copy. All thoughts are my own and are freely given.
Did Not Finish
June 25, 2026DNF at 44% (page 115 of 261 in the eARC)
This isn’t a bad book at all. I think I just wasn’t expecting the story to be so focused on racism and anti-semitism. (To be clear, that in itself isn’t a bad thing; and it’s actually important to explore such topics in books. I just didn’t love the repeated use of “Negro” and “colored” to describe the characters; it was just distracting for me personally.)
According to their bio, this author likes to explore white passing American history in her stories, which I reiterate is very important. I just never found myself immersed in this story or intrigued enough by the characters to keep reading. So once I put the book down, I wasn’t compelled to pick it back up.
Ultimately, I really hope that this book continues to find its audience! It just wasn’t for me.
NOTES I TOOK WHILE READING:
This isn’t a bad book at all. I think I just wasn’t expecting the story to be so focused on racism and anti-semitism. (To be clear, that in itself isn’t a bad thing; and it’s actually important to explore such topics in books. I just didn’t love the repeated use of “Negro” and “colored” to describe the characters; it was just distracting for me personally.)
According to their bio, this author likes to explore white passing American history in her stories, which I reiterate is very important. I just never found myself immersed in this story or intrigued enough by the characters to keep reading. So once I put the book down, I wasn’t compelled to pick it back up.
Ultimately, I really hope that this book continues to find its audience! It just wasn’t for me.
NOTES I TOOK WHILE READING:
June 19, 2026
I loved this book so much and thought it had such great representation of different things. I always think it’s wonderful when books for young readers show a diversity of characters, not only in race but also in abilities. In this multi-, third-person POV, we get to know five characters: Dorothea, Chester, Elspeth, Birdie, and Vaughn. Each comes from different backgrounds (except Dor and Chester who are siblings) and different lived experiences. Set in the 1920s, Dorothea, Elspeth, Birdie, and Vaughn have all been invited to Greystone Manor by Mrs. Caroline Reginald Kane for a weekend to compete for a chance to become her heir and inherit millions of dollars. But everyone has secrets, including the manor itself.
I really liked each of the characters and getting to know more of their backstories and why they are the way that they are (even Vaughn, though she still has a lot to work through). The House itself is also an interesting aspect to the story - really the main aspect. Throughout the story we don’t really know what is happening inside and even in the surrounding areas of that house, but we know that something is definitely not right. I especially liked the aspect of seeing how each of the girls’ rooms was decorated for them, which gave insight into the girls themselves and what the house was doing to them. I did enjoy learning what was happening outside the house too with Chester’s point of view and learning more about the area that way.
I thought this was a very tense and suspenseful horror novel that included interesting commentary about being a young women in the 1920s but also how being Black, white-passing, having a history of mental illness in the family, having a learning disability, and having a physical disability can affect how people view and interact with one another. Not just even during the 1920s but how some of it can still translate to today.
I really recommend this book if you like spooky houses and mysteries. It was a great read with a super interesting reveal of what is happening in that house and area.
______
Thank you NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for providing me with an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I really liked each of the characters and getting to know more of their backstories and why they are the way that they are (even Vaughn, though she still has a lot to work through). The House itself is also an interesting aspect to the story - really the main aspect. Throughout the story we don’t really know what is happening inside and even in the surrounding areas of that house, but we know that something is definitely not right. I especially liked the aspect of seeing how each of the girls’ rooms was decorated for them, which gave insight into the girls themselves and what the house was doing to them. I did enjoy learning what was happening outside the house too with Chester’s point of view and learning more about the area that way.
I thought this was a very tense and suspenseful horror novel that included interesting commentary about being a young women in the 1920s but also how being Black, white-passing, having a history of mental illness in the family, having a learning disability, and having a physical disability can affect how people view and interact with one another. Not just even during the 1920s but how some of it can still translate to today.
I really recommend this book if you like spooky houses and mysteries. It was a great read with a super interesting reveal of what is happening in that house and area.
______
Thank you NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for providing me with an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
July 19, 2026
I will admit, I didn’t read the synopsis fully when I signed up for the blog tour. Or I read it and didn’t remember it because I thought it was just a run-of-the-mill YA Mystery/Thriller… with no paranormal or horror elements. So when I started to get the inklings of spooky things I went: Wait, what? And had to reread the synopsis really slowly and realise what it actually was all about 😂. But when I got into it I really did and was so intrigued and dragged in which I’m always excited about!
One of the big things about the book that drew me in was the competition. I love a competition in books because the competitors and the tasks involved are always different. It went in a much different path than what I thought it would have but I didn’t mind it that much. McWilliams took the story to much higher steps and you end up with a really cool story! She also took what easily could’ve been simple characters and created much more interesting ones. Even the character I liked the least (Vaughn) turned out to be really interesting. I’ll definitely make a note to look at her other books if there are other interesting characters like these ones.
I love a sentient house. There’s just something about being in a house and realising that something is up with this house (especially if you can’t leave). The way that that was handled here was something I love seeing for horror books — those creepy things starting to happen and then building until it boils over. McWilliams was good at writing the ‘spook factor’ and that made me excited to read her other books. The way she had the characters experience the house — and of course, they’re doubting what’s happening from the first odd things — entrapped me so much I sped through the second half in a night.
I think my favourite character would probably be Elspeth but I also liked Dor! But that’s just if I really force myself to choose a favourite. All of them were so good and I enjoyed being in their heads a lot. I’m always a big fan of a multi pov and luckily the characters felt all different and I wasn’t confused by whose head I was in. They all had their own dreams and desires and reasons for coming to the house. Of course since we’re in their heads you get to see all those reasons why.
The spook factor definitely amped up and I really enjoyed the climax. I even got myself saying “what? what just happened?!” and frantically tapping the screen to see what was next in store for everyone. Once I got to the climax and things were being explained all the little details fell into place really quickly which was great! No loose ends, nothing that I was still confused about, I understood it all.
One of the big things about the book that drew me in was the competition. I love a competition in books because the competitors and the tasks involved are always different. It went in a much different path than what I thought it would have but I didn’t mind it that much. McWilliams took the story to much higher steps and you end up with a really cool story! She also took what easily could’ve been simple characters and created much more interesting ones. Even the character I liked the least (Vaughn) turned out to be really interesting. I’ll definitely make a note to look at her other books if there are other interesting characters like these ones.
I love a sentient house. There’s just something about being in a house and realising that something is up with this house (especially if you can’t leave). The way that that was handled here was something I love seeing for horror books — those creepy things starting to happen and then building until it boils over. McWilliams was good at writing the ‘spook factor’ and that made me excited to read her other books. The way she had the characters experience the house — and of course, they’re doubting what’s happening from the first odd things — entrapped me so much I sped through the second half in a night.
I think my favourite character would probably be Elspeth but I also liked Dor! But that’s just if I really force myself to choose a favourite. All of them were so good and I enjoyed being in their heads a lot. I’m always a big fan of a multi pov and luckily the characters felt all different and I wasn’t confused by whose head I was in. They all had their own dreams and desires and reasons for coming to the house. Of course since we’re in their heads you get to see all those reasons why.
The spook factor definitely amped up and I really enjoyed the climax. I even got myself saying “what? what just happened?!” and frantically tapping the screen to see what was next in store for everyone. Once I got to the climax and things were being explained all the little details fell into place really quickly which was great! No loose ends, nothing that I was still confused about, I understood it all.
July 18, 2026
Set in 1921, this book drops us right at Greystone Manor, home to the last heir of a massive oil fortune, who has invited four young women to compete for her entire inheritance. Only one gets to win it all, but the manor itself seems to have way darker plans, and getting out alive might not be an option. We follow four very different girls: Dorothea, a quick-witted thief here to find out what really happened to her mom who vanished at Greystone years ago; Vaughn, convinced this life is hers by right and won’t let anyone stand in her way; Birdie, soft-hearted and hopeful, come to the manor for "adventure"; and Elspeth, who everyone think as simple, but is the only one noticing the weird phenomenon in the manor.
Kelly McWilliams nails that addictive YA horror vibe right from the start. Think Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, but darker. The best part for me is the atmosphere. Greystone Manor feels like it’s alive, and there's that constant prickly feeling that you’re always being watched. The tension builds perfectly, and there’s this heavy sense of dread that sticks with you through every chapter.
The POV switches between all four girls, and we get to know each of them properly, their secrets, drives, and all the messy parts of who they are. Their dynamic is so interesting; they start as rivals, but as things get more dangerous, they start to realize surviving might mean trusting each other. I also love that it doesn’t sugarcoat the harsh realities of that time; the honest portrayal of anti-Black racism feels true to the era. It also digs into what life was like for young women back then, and how things like race and disability changed how people saw you, things that still feel familiar today.
Overall, this is such a fun, fast, really spooky read. If you love stories with gothic vibes, haunted manor, and messy, real characters, you definitely need to pick this one up!
Thank you to Little, Brown Books for Young Readers and Toppling Stacks Tours for the opportunity to be part of this book tour. Please check https://topplingstackstours.com/ for the Book Tour schedule.
Kelly McWilliams nails that addictive YA horror vibe right from the start. Think Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, but darker. The best part for me is the atmosphere. Greystone Manor feels like it’s alive, and there's that constant prickly feeling that you’re always being watched. The tension builds perfectly, and there’s this heavy sense of dread that sticks with you through every chapter.
The POV switches between all four girls, and we get to know each of them properly, their secrets, drives, and all the messy parts of who they are. Their dynamic is so interesting; they start as rivals, but as things get more dangerous, they start to realize surviving might mean trusting each other. I also love that it doesn’t sugarcoat the harsh realities of that time; the honest portrayal of anti-Black racism feels true to the era. It also digs into what life was like for young women back then, and how things like race and disability changed how people saw you, things that still feel familiar today.
Overall, this is such a fun, fast, really spooky read. If you love stories with gothic vibes, haunted manor, and messy, real characters, you definitely need to pick this one up!
Thank you to Little, Brown Books for Young Readers and Toppling Stacks Tours for the opportunity to be part of this book tour. Please check https://topplingstackstours.com/ for the Book Tour schedule.
July 14, 2026
📖 Title: No One Leaves the Manor
✍🏾 Author: Kelly McWilliams-new to me author
📅 Publication date:7/14/26 | Read: 7/13/26
📃 Format: e-Book 400 pgs.
Genre:
* Fantasy/Sci Fi
* Mystery/Horror
* Historical Fic
*YA
*Multicultural
Tropes:
*competition-debutantes
*haunted house/magic
*hidden secrets
*female friendship
*LGBTQIA+ rep
*secret identity
*small town
👆🏾POV:3rd person multiple
⚠️TW: racism, antisemitism, classism, disability rep, dyslexia, child abuse
🌎 Setting: New Hampshire-Greystone Manor 1921
Summary: A wealthy oil heiress Mrs. Kane invites four girls into her home to compete for her fortune. All from different walks of life, they must face their own secrets and betrayals while sinister happenings inside the manor.
👩🏾 Heroines:
Dorothea Williams-a thief and liar passes for white
Elspeth Taylor-poor from her mother's gambling, has a learning disability
Vaughn Lennox-wealthy, privileged w/ a newspaper magnate father
Birdie Armstrong-has polio was in an iron lung, walks w/ cane
🎭 Other Characters
* Mrs. Caroline Reginald Kane-last surviving descendant of a family of oil barons
*Cleopatra-Dorethea's cat
*Thomas Du Pont-heir to a chemical dynasty (Vaughn was in love w/ him)
*Chester Williams-Dorethea's brother
*Isaac and Miriam Rosenthal-a Jewish father and daughter who help Chester
*Enoch Greene-a pastor who "laid hands on" Birdie
*Dr. McCullough-teacher helped Elspeth to read
🤔 My Thoughts/Likes: I loved how flushed out the characters were, but the story lost its way in the middle. I didn't understand all the caged bird stuff and Dorothea with Velthora. The contest was won and all the girls got a HEA along with Chester and my MVP Cleo!
Rating: 3/5 ✨
Spice level: 0/5 🌶️
🙏🏾Thanks to NetGalley, Little Brown Books for Young Readers, and Kelly McWilliams for this ARC! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions are my own.
✍🏾 Author: Kelly McWilliams-new to me author
📅 Publication date:7/14/26 | Read: 7/13/26
📃 Format: e-Book 400 pgs.
Genre:
* Fantasy/Sci Fi
* Mystery/Horror
* Historical Fic
*YA
*Multicultural
Tropes:
*competition-debutantes
*haunted house/magic
*hidden secrets
*female friendship
*LGBTQIA+ rep
*secret identity
*small town
👆🏾POV:3rd person multiple
⚠️TW: racism, antisemitism, classism, disability rep, dyslexia, child abuse
🌎 Setting: New Hampshire-Greystone Manor 1921
Summary: A wealthy oil heiress Mrs. Kane invites four girls into her home to compete for her fortune. All from different walks of life, they must face their own secrets and betrayals while sinister happenings inside the manor.
👩🏾 Heroines:
Dorothea Williams-a thief and liar passes for white
Elspeth Taylor-poor from her mother's gambling, has a learning disability
Vaughn Lennox-wealthy, privileged w/ a newspaper magnate father
Birdie Armstrong-has polio was in an iron lung, walks w/ cane
🎭 Other Characters
* Mrs. Caroline Reginald Kane-last surviving descendant of a family of oil barons
*Cleopatra-Dorethea's cat
*Thomas Du Pont-heir to a chemical dynasty (Vaughn was in love w/ him)
*Chester Williams-Dorethea's brother
*Isaac and Miriam Rosenthal-a Jewish father and daughter who help Chester
*Enoch Greene-a pastor who "laid hands on" Birdie
*Dr. McCullough-teacher helped Elspeth to read
🤔 My Thoughts/Likes: I loved how flushed out the characters were, but the story lost its way in the middle. I didn't understand all the caged bird stuff and Dorothea with Velthora. The contest was won and all the girls got a HEA along with Chester and my MVP Cleo!
Rating: 3/5 ✨
Spice level: 0/5 🌶️
🙏🏾Thanks to NetGalley, Little Brown Books for Young Readers, and Kelly McWilliams for this ARC! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Little, Brown and Company, and Kelly McWilliams for access to this advanced reader’s copy of No One Leaves the Manor. This is my honest and unbiased review.
——
“She wishes she didn’t have to lie to Chester, but the con is all she knows. Besides her brother—and the wisp of memory that’s left of her mother—it’s all she’s ever loved: the smell of the hunt, the chase. The thrill.”
——
As an avid fan of gothic fiction, No One Leaves the Manor really stunned me into a fresh appreciation for the genre. A rotting, gilded mansion, four girls in way over their heads, and a primordial demon poised to eat them all alive. What more could a girl ask for?
At the surface level, No One Leaves the Manor is a tale of greed and its inexplicable ability to prey on the disadvantaged. But at a deeper level, it’s a study of prejudice, guilt, survival, and belief. The four girls that walk into the manor are very different from one another. Dor is a stubborn girl with secrets to keep. Elspeth has a soft heart and a lack of confidence. Birdie is unwillingly fragile but staunchly resolute in her beliefs. And Vaughn is perfectly poised but wounded by rejection. The relationships the girls weave with one another change them irrevocably, for better or for worse. Their varying POVs make the horror of the story that much more oppressive and eerie.
No One Leaves the Manor is a master class on tension and the feeling that something is horribly wrong despite everything being perfectly in its place. Points in the story were genuinely uncomfortable to read, but that’s exactly what I hope for in a gothic horror. I wish we would have seen more of the supernatural side of things (V. was an INCREDIBLE villain), but I fear that would have made the book too long.
Either way, I adored this book and highly recommend it for fans of a period piece (specially the 1920s) and gothic literature!
——
“She wishes she didn’t have to lie to Chester, but the con is all she knows. Besides her brother—and the wisp of memory that’s left of her mother—it’s all she’s ever loved: the smell of the hunt, the chase. The thrill.”
——
As an avid fan of gothic fiction, No One Leaves the Manor really stunned me into a fresh appreciation for the genre. A rotting, gilded mansion, four girls in way over their heads, and a primordial demon poised to eat them all alive. What more could a girl ask for?
At the surface level, No One Leaves the Manor is a tale of greed and its inexplicable ability to prey on the disadvantaged. But at a deeper level, it’s a study of prejudice, guilt, survival, and belief. The four girls that walk into the manor are very different from one another. Dor is a stubborn girl with secrets to keep. Elspeth has a soft heart and a lack of confidence. Birdie is unwillingly fragile but staunchly resolute in her beliefs. And Vaughn is perfectly poised but wounded by rejection. The relationships the girls weave with one another change them irrevocably, for better or for worse. Their varying POVs make the horror of the story that much more oppressive and eerie.
No One Leaves the Manor is a master class on tension and the feeling that something is horribly wrong despite everything being perfectly in its place. Points in the story were genuinely uncomfortable to read, but that’s exactly what I hope for in a gothic horror. I wish we would have seen more of the supernatural side of things (V. was an INCREDIBLE villain), but I fear that would have made the book too long.
Either way, I adored this book and highly recommend it for fans of a period piece (specially the 1920s) and gothic literature!
July 18, 2026
Rating: 🐧🐧🐧🐧.5/5
Quick Reasons: chillingly grisly summerween read; it is 2am and I started reading at 7pm.... could not put this one down; twisty, turny, supernatural; vibrantly written characters; multiple POVs; historical paranormal fantasy
Huge thanks to Kelly McWilliams; Little, Brown, and Company; and Colored Pages Book Tours for the gifted copy! This review is voluntarily written and in no way impacted by this gesture.
This read is full of storytelling, folklore, and historical fantasy! The writing is darkly atmospheric and deliciously twisty, taking readers on a wild ride from page one. Detailed with advertisement snippets, drawings, letters, and other imagery, the lush prose, vibrant characters, and finely crafted storytelling kept me enthralled. So enthralled, in fact, I started reading around 7pm and did not close the book until the end..... at roughly 1:30am. OOPS!
There are elements of folklore and history rooted throughout this read that support the narrative being created. The ending chapter leaves you breathless with doubts, questioning everything you thought you'd just read. Some of the scenes are vividly gruesome, some of the characters both morally ambiguous and outstandingly frustrating. There is an accurate sense of humanity to these pages; I found myself wanting to shake some sense into these characters several times!
I had a fabulous time learning this world and getting to know these characters. I highly recommend this to lovers of creepy mansions similar to Rose Red, characters who seep into every page, and multiple POV reads. The doors have closed and the birds are screaming, Penguins; will you be left standing at the end?
Quick Reasons: chillingly grisly summerween read; it is 2am and I started reading at 7pm.... could not put this one down; twisty, turny, supernatural; vibrantly written characters; multiple POVs; historical paranormal fantasy
Huge thanks to Kelly McWilliams; Little, Brown, and Company; and Colored Pages Book Tours for the gifted copy! This review is voluntarily written and in no way impacted by this gesture.
This read is full of storytelling, folklore, and historical fantasy! The writing is darkly atmospheric and deliciously twisty, taking readers on a wild ride from page one. Detailed with advertisement snippets, drawings, letters, and other imagery, the lush prose, vibrant characters, and finely crafted storytelling kept me enthralled. So enthralled, in fact, I started reading around 7pm and did not close the book until the end..... at roughly 1:30am. OOPS!
There are elements of folklore and history rooted throughout this read that support the narrative being created. The ending chapter leaves you breathless with doubts, questioning everything you thought you'd just read. Some of the scenes are vividly gruesome, some of the characters both morally ambiguous and outstandingly frustrating. There is an accurate sense of humanity to these pages; I found myself wanting to shake some sense into these characters several times!
I had a fabulous time learning this world and getting to know these characters. I highly recommend this to lovers of creepy mansions similar to Rose Red, characters who seep into every page, and multiple POV reads. The doors have closed and the birds are screaming, Penguins; will you be left standing at the end?
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I found this story to be an entertaining read!
I was first drawn in by the premise: four girls being invited to an eerie mansion to compete for a huge inheritance, only to realize the house is far more creepy than they anticipated.
One of my favorite elements of this book was the eerie atmosphere! Greystone Manor felt not only creepy, but alive, giving the story gothic horror elements that I loved. There was tension and suspense that built throughout the story, which made me want to keep turning the pages. (There were also old-fashioned advertisements that really added to the creepy historical vibe!)
I also appreciated that this book didn’t shy away from staying true to the 1920s time period, which includes the depiction of anti-Black racism and antisemitism (which were uncomfortable to read at times, but realistic).
As far as characters go, I really enjoyed following our four main girls: Dorothea, Vaughn, Elspeth, and Birdie (my favorite!). Their relationships with each other throughout the book was so compelling, especially as the horror of their situation intensifies and they need to trust each other if they want to survive.
As far as the manor and our main villain go, I wish we had gotten a bit more backstory on them and the supernatural mythology in general. But that’s only because I enjoyed the bits we did get, and wanted to learn more.
The plot was also a lot of fun to follow, despite being over the top at times. I would say this story is more horror than mystery; but I still liked it a lot. And I think other readers will too!
Thank you so much to Little, Brown Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for allowing me to read the eARC!
July 17, 2026
🏚️How do you beat a haunted house? Simple.
You don’t.😈
Because this house has been waiting for you. 👀
The moment I stepped into Greystone Manor I knew something wasn’t right. Every hallway felt alive👀…..every room seemed to be hiding a secret and the atmosphere had me questioning what was real and what was waiting in the shadows.
Four debutantes. One massive inheritance. A manor that refuses to let anyone leave.
Need I say more babes?😮💨
I loved that every girl had her own reason for accepting the invitation. Their different backgrounds, strengths, fears, and secrets made every POV feel unique.
Elspeth and Birdie stole my heart. Their chapters had such an eerie, haunting quality that fit the atmosphere perfectly. Dorothea’s determination to uncover the truth about her mother’s disappearance kept the mystery moving while Chester’s outside perspective added another layer of suspense.
The house breathes.
It watches.
It manipulates.
It changes.
It felt like every door, every staircase, and every whisper had its own sinister purpose. I loved never knowing what nightmare was waiting around the next corner.🤌🏾🔥
This is a gothic horror first and foremost but it’s packed with mystery, friendship, survival, and creepy moments that make you glance over your shoulder.👀🫣
Tropes & Vibes
🏚️ Haunted/Sentient House
💰 Deadly Inheritance Competition
🕰️ 1920s Historical Setting
👭 Multiple POVs
🖤 Gothic Horror
🔍 Mystery
👻 Paranormal Horror
📖 Survival Story
🌈 LGBTQ+ Representation
🤎 BIPOC Main Characters
⚡ Found Family
You don’t.😈
Because this house has been waiting for you. 👀
The moment I stepped into Greystone Manor I knew something wasn’t right. Every hallway felt alive👀…..every room seemed to be hiding a secret and the atmosphere had me questioning what was real and what was waiting in the shadows.
Four debutantes. One massive inheritance. A manor that refuses to let anyone leave.
Need I say more babes?😮💨
I loved that every girl had her own reason for accepting the invitation. Their different backgrounds, strengths, fears, and secrets made every POV feel unique.
Elspeth and Birdie stole my heart. Their chapters had such an eerie, haunting quality that fit the atmosphere perfectly. Dorothea’s determination to uncover the truth about her mother’s disappearance kept the mystery moving while Chester’s outside perspective added another layer of suspense.
The house breathes.
It watches.
It manipulates.
It changes.
It felt like every door, every staircase, and every whisper had its own sinister purpose. I loved never knowing what nightmare was waiting around the next corner.🤌🏾🔥
This is a gothic horror first and foremost but it’s packed with mystery, friendship, survival, and creepy moments that make you glance over your shoulder.👀🫣
Tropes & Vibes
🏚️ Haunted/Sentient House
💰 Deadly Inheritance Competition
🕰️ 1920s Historical Setting
👭 Multiple POVs
🖤 Gothic Horror
🔍 Mystery
👻 Paranormal Horror
📖 Survival Story
🌈 LGBTQ+ Representation
🤎 BIPOC Main Characters
⚡ Found Family
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
digital arc courtesy of little, brown books for young readers (thank you!).
3.25*
this book checked all my boxes when i read the synopsis—an infamous home/dwelling that may or not have supernatural entities at play, an unlikely group of young women, and a historical backdrop. (bonus: mixed media!).
the most important part of the story was how it touched on the consequences of power and greed, and what that means for our community/society. it doesn't shy away from the racism and prejudices of its time period, and even corruption within religion. of course, this isn't to say these topics are of the past, rather a good way to address current events, especially since they all center on the issue of structure/authority and the way it divides us. community is intrinsic to survival.
all that aside, while i did enjoy how twisty the plot became, it started to feel over-the-top and surface level. i wish there was more context about the manor and v/the architects since they felt more like a device to push the characters into making decisions versus an over-looming puppeteer; more depth would probably save the story from feeling like "wouldn't it be crazy if xyz happened?" multiple times over. add, some perspectives felt stronger and more interesting than others that it made me wonder if a few more pages could've balanced the characters out.
3.25*
this book checked all my boxes when i read the synopsis—an infamous home/dwelling that may or not have supernatural entities at play, an unlikely group of young women, and a historical backdrop. (bonus: mixed media!).
the most important part of the story was how it touched on the consequences of power and greed, and what that means for our community/society. it doesn't shy away from the racism and prejudices of its time period, and even corruption within religion. of course, this isn't to say these topics are of the past, rather a good way to address current events, especially since they all center on the issue of structure/authority and the way it divides us. community is intrinsic to survival.
all that aside, while i did enjoy how twisty the plot became, it started to feel over-the-top and surface level. i wish there was more context about the manor and v/the architects since they felt more like a device to push the characters into making decisions versus an over-looming puppeteer; more depth would probably save the story from feeling like "wouldn't it be crazy if xyz happened?" multiple times over. add, some perspectives felt stronger and more interesting than others that it made me wonder if a few more pages could've balanced the characters out.
July 19, 2026
Actual Rating: 3.5⭐
This was one of the most immersive horror novels I’ve picked up this year!
I don’t usually wander into the horror genre, but the premise really caught my eye — and I’m glad to say it didn’t give me nightmares, even though it’s undeniably creepy.
The opening chapters had me hooked right away. I loved following the four main characters, each with such different backgrounds, and it was refreshing that I didn’t find myself preferring one perspective over the others.
The atmosphere was another highlight — the illusions that felt real, the haunting sounds, all of it pulled me straight into the manor’s unsettling world.
That said, the pacing did slow-down in the middle, and I felt the plot shifted direction once the story leaned into gods, bending reality, and time-space elements.
It wasn’t what I expected, and because there wasn’t much foreshadowing, the reveal felt a bit abrupt.
Still, the ending managed to tie things together with a neat little twist, leaving me satisfied overall.
Thank you to Toppling Stacks Tour, author and publisher for giving me an e-ARC of the book and for having me on this book tour. I’m leaving this review voluntarily!
⚠️ 𝐓𝐖: Violence, Body horror & gore, Rape references, Sexual imagery, Death & disappearance, Discrimination & stigma
This was one of the most immersive horror novels I’ve picked up this year!
I don’t usually wander into the horror genre, but the premise really caught my eye — and I’m glad to say it didn’t give me nightmares, even though it’s undeniably creepy.
The opening chapters had me hooked right away. I loved following the four main characters, each with such different backgrounds, and it was refreshing that I didn’t find myself preferring one perspective over the others.
The atmosphere was another highlight — the illusions that felt real, the haunting sounds, all of it pulled me straight into the manor’s unsettling world.
That said, the pacing did slow-down in the middle, and I felt the plot shifted direction once the story leaned into gods, bending reality, and time-space elements.
It wasn’t what I expected, and because there wasn’t much foreshadowing, the reveal felt a bit abrupt.
Still, the ending managed to tie things together with a neat little twist, leaving me satisfied overall.
Thank you to Toppling Stacks Tour, author and publisher for giving me an e-ARC of the book and for having me on this book tour. I’m leaving this review voluntarily!
⚠️ 𝐓𝐖: Violence, Body horror & gore, Rape references, Sexual imagery, Death & disappearance, Discrimination & stigma
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown, and Company Books for the opportunity to read this eARC - all thoughts and opinions are my own!
If you are looking for a fresh take on historical YA horror, then look no further than No One Leaves The Manor! I devoured this book almost in one sitting because it had everything I love about horror in one book: an old and somewhat haunted house (you can’t trust your own eyes), the promise of a vast fortune with a few strings attached, and a supernatural evil that just might eat us all before the end. The old-fashioned advertisement illustrations and the mixed media were also really fun and added to the 1920s historical and somewhat sinister atmosphere!
This book had my pulse pounding and racing to find out what happens next. Like many horror books, this one was very good at giving me a sense of dread and while some parts of the plot may have been a little more vague, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with this speculative horror! If you are looking for something that will make you question reality, dives into issues like race, greed, and power, and ultimately leaves you feeling perhaps even a bit unsettled as you ponder the future, then you need to add this to your TBR ASAP!
If you are looking for a fresh take on historical YA horror, then look no further than No One Leaves The Manor! I devoured this book almost in one sitting because it had everything I love about horror in one book: an old and somewhat haunted house (you can’t trust your own eyes), the promise of a vast fortune with a few strings attached, and a supernatural evil that just might eat us all before the end. The old-fashioned advertisement illustrations and the mixed media were also really fun and added to the 1920s historical and somewhat sinister atmosphere!
This book had my pulse pounding and racing to find out what happens next. Like many horror books, this one was very good at giving me a sense of dread and while some parts of the plot may have been a little more vague, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with this speculative horror! If you are looking for something that will make you question reality, dives into issues like race, greed, and power, and ultimately leaves you feeling perhaps even a bit unsettled as you ponder the future, then you need to add this to your TBR ASAP!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you so much for the ARC!
This novel opens incredibly strong. The first chapters are gripping, technically polished, and confidently written. The prose feels deliberate and controlled, and I especially enjoyed the use of multiple POVs as it added texture and kept the pacing engaging.
That said, I did expect a bit more depth in certain areas of the overall plot. While the premise had strong potential, I found myself wanting more when it came to the backstory of the manor and V. Those elements felt somewhat one-dimensional at times, and I would have loved to see them explored with greater complexity.
I also found myself unsure how to classify this book. It doesn’t fully commit to mystery, nor does it lean far enough into horror. If anything, I would describe it as historical mystery fiction, though even then, it feels slightly genre-ambiguous.
One element I did appreciate was the inclusion of accurate (to the period) anti-Black racism and also anti-Semitism. These aspects may be uncomfortable for some readers, but they reflect historical realities and felt honest rather than gratuitous.
This novel opens incredibly strong. The first chapters are gripping, technically polished, and confidently written. The prose feels deliberate and controlled, and I especially enjoyed the use of multiple POVs as it added texture and kept the pacing engaging.
That said, I did expect a bit more depth in certain areas of the overall plot. While the premise had strong potential, I found myself wanting more when it came to the backstory of the manor and V. Those elements felt somewhat one-dimensional at times, and I would have loved to see them explored with greater complexity.
I also found myself unsure how to classify this book. It doesn’t fully commit to mystery, nor does it lean far enough into horror. If anything, I would describe it as historical mystery fiction, though even then, it feels slightly genre-ambiguous.
One element I did appreciate was the inclusion of accurate (to the period) anti-Black racism and also anti-Semitism. These aspects may be uncomfortable for some readers, but they reflect historical realities and felt honest rather than gratuitous.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐⭐⭐⭐
NO ONE LEAVES THE MANOR by Kelly McWilliams (July 14, 2026)
Thank you Netgalley and Little Brown Books for Young Readers for the eArc
In the 1920's, four debutantes are invited to Greystone Manor for a chance to become the heir of Mrs. Caroline Reginald Cane. Upon arriving at the manor, realization sets in: Something isn't right. The manor is watching, waiting, changing...
NO ONE LEAVES THE MANOR is a YA historical fiction, horror story. This multi point-of-view story is thrilling and eerie as the Debutantes meet their host, the house, and everything hidden inside.
I'm not really a huge fan of historical fiction, though I've come to appreciate it over the years; I really enjoyed this one. It was interesting, and the premise, itself, was familiar yet different. There was something about this book. From the first page, I was hooked. Each chapter brought something to be wary of while allowing each character their own time to shine. Because it's quite fast-paced, I flew through NO ONE LEAVES THE MANOR. Such a perfect Summerween read.
NO ONE LEAVES THE MANOR by Kelly McWilliams (July 14, 2026)
Thank you Netgalley and Little Brown Books for Young Readers for the eArc
In the 1920's, four debutantes are invited to Greystone Manor for a chance to become the heir of Mrs. Caroline Reginald Cane. Upon arriving at the manor, realization sets in: Something isn't right. The manor is watching, waiting, changing...
NO ONE LEAVES THE MANOR is a YA historical fiction, horror story. This multi point-of-view story is thrilling and eerie as the Debutantes meet their host, the house, and everything hidden inside.
I'm not really a huge fan of historical fiction, though I've come to appreciate it over the years; I really enjoyed this one. It was interesting, and the premise, itself, was familiar yet different. There was something about this book. From the first page, I was hooked. Each chapter brought something to be wary of while allowing each character their own time to shine. Because it's quite fast-paced, I flew through NO ONE LEAVES THE MANOR. Such a perfect Summerween read.
July 17, 2026
Man, did this book take me by surprise. Every turn it took was something I did not expect. First, you’re in the roaring 20s America. Segregation and racism is still very much alive and even though the story is in the north, there’s still areas that treated Blacks and Jews and lesser citizens. Even when you’re “white passing” like Dorothea, once you’re found out, tables get turned and she gets chased out. But she is one determined FMC when it comes to finding out what happened to her mother. With her bridge Chester by her side, they both land on their own journeys to discovering the truth behind Greystone Manor after receiving an invitation for the chance to become the next Mrs. Kane.
I just loved everything about this. Definitely coming of age vibes with overcoming adversity and saving the world. You’ll have to read this to find out what I meant by that. Also… if there’s a sequel to this, I’d really love to know because that ending… 👀
Thank you to @coloredpagesbt @thenovl @kellymmcwilliams for the #gifted copy.
I just loved everything about this. Definitely coming of age vibes with overcoming adversity and saving the world. You’ll have to read this to find out what I meant by that. Also… if there’s a sequel to this, I’d really love to know because that ending… 👀
Thank you to @coloredpagesbt @thenovl @kellymmcwilliams for the #gifted copy.
July 31, 2026
I'm very tempted to give this five stars, but I'm reeeaaaalllyy trying to save five-star ratings for books I would absolutely buy and reread. I'm not sure if I would own this book, but it was still really good. It was a VERY quick read, which made getting up at an ungodly hour (thanks, dog and/or cat) a lot more bearable.
Some things I loved about this book that'll make me vote for it if it's up for a Goodreads Award:
1. The chapter headers. Each one was an "advertisement" that fit the theme of the chapter, which I thought was a brilliant touch.
2. Birdie being disabled but not an "inspiration" or a throwaway character.
3. Elspeth's dyslexia being described and given some backstory without an endless repetition of characters pointing out her disability to scorn her. (Her mom shames her for it, but that's pretty much it.)
4. Incorporating the Green Book to drive (no pun intended) the plot. Brilliant. I didn't know that Jews were targeted by sundown towns too, so that was a thing I learned.
5.
Some things I loved about this book that'll make me vote for it if it's up for a Goodreads Award:
1. The chapter headers. Each one was an "advertisement" that fit the theme of the chapter, which I thought was a brilliant touch.
2. Birdie being disabled but not an "inspiration" or a throwaway character.
3. Elspeth's dyslexia being described and given some backstory without an endless repetition of characters pointing out her disability to scorn her. (Her mom shames her for it, but that's pretty much it.)
4. Incorporating the Green Book to drive (no pun intended) the plot. Brilliant. I didn't know that Jews were targeted by sundown towns too, so that was a thing I learned.
5.
Review of advance copy
I absolutely loved this book from Kelly McWilliams. I’ve read all of her work, and this one feels like a sharp evolution of her voice. The prose is lean, precise, and atmospheric in a way that wastes nothing. Every sentence feels intentional.
The story moves quickly, but the pacing never feels rushed, instead unfolding in rich, velvety layers of dread, glamour, secrets, and menace. The manor itself feels alive. The girls are vivid and distinct, each carrying their own wounds, ambitions, and beautiful magnetism.
I especially loved Elspeth. As someone with dyslexia, she’s written with such tenderness, dignity, and depth. The way McWilliams captures both how hard Elspeth has had to work and the grit she carries because of it felt incredibly beautiful and deeply human.
Equal parts Jazz Age glamour and nightmare fuel, this is YA horror at its absolute best.
August 1, 2026
Four girls enter a strange manor in order to strike it rich, but the manor only needs one girl to survive the weekend. . .
Dorothea is at Greystone in order to pull her biggest con yet. . .only she keeps finding reminders of her mother and the oddest sensation that something’s wrong.
Chester is her brother and after meeting a waitress at a diner, he begins to realize that he dropped his sister off at a trap. And he might be trapped as well.
Elspeth has been bullied for her dyslexia for ages, but she’s determined that she has to win this competition. If only she wasn’t tormented by a strange language.
Birdie is a sheltered girl who longs for adventure. She’s going to much more than she desired.
Vaughan knows she’s going to win. She’ll do anything to set herself apart from her mother. Who needs sanity anyway when you have Daddy’s approval?
At Greystone, time twists, sanity cracks, and something is always watching. It toys with the girls, changing their minds and bodies to its will. As Chester and the waitress try to save Dorothea from outside the manor, the girls must save themselves from the eldritch being trapped in there with them. Only. . .it won’t be that easy.
Dorothea is at Greystone in order to pull her biggest con yet. . .only she keeps finding reminders of her mother and the oddest sensation that something’s wrong.
Chester is her brother and after meeting a waitress at a diner, he begins to realize that he dropped his sister off at a trap. And he might be trapped as well.
Elspeth has been bullied for her dyslexia for ages, but she’s determined that she has to win this competition. If only she wasn’t tormented by a strange language.
Birdie is a sheltered girl who longs for adventure. She’s going to much more than she desired.
Vaughan knows she’s going to win. She’ll do anything to set herself apart from her mother. Who needs sanity anyway when you have Daddy’s approval?
At Greystone, time twists, sanity cracks, and something is always watching. It toys with the girls, changing their minds and bodies to its will. As Chester and the waitress try to save Dorothea from outside the manor, the girls must save themselves from the eldritch being trapped in there with them. Only. . .it won’t be that easy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
2.75/5 rounded up.
I really liked the idea of this book, but I didn't love the execution.
This is a dramatic historical mystery with an ensemble cast of characters set in the 1920's.
I think my biggest problem with this book is that the writing really threw me off. It was so choppy and awkward at times. It felt like the author was trying too hard to make if sound of the time, but it just came across as really young and unpolished. It also took me out of the story instead of immersing me more (the way I think it was intended). Maybe it would've worked better as an audiobook, with people going full-out with the accents?
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
I really liked the idea of this book, but I didn't love the execution.
This is a dramatic historical mystery with an ensemble cast of characters set in the 1920's.
I think my biggest problem with this book is that the writing really threw me off. It was so choppy and awkward at times. It felt like the author was trying too hard to make if sound of the time, but it just came across as really young and unpolished. It also took me out of the story instead of immersing me more (the way I think it was intended). Maybe it would've worked better as an audiobook, with people going full-out with the accents?
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
First of all, I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for the e-ARC. I'd also like to say that this felt more like YA horror than a thriller or mystery to me, as there were gross and scary details throughout, particularly in the descriptions of the meals. While there was a bit of a mystery, the story was more about them escaping than finding out the answers. I liked the different backgrounds of the characters, but it felt like Vaughn's arc could have been more developed. I felt like she didn't really learn a lesson about her prejudices and racism before the resolution. Everything also felt a bit short, like there could have been further development in how different plot points and conflicts resolved. The writing was very descriptive, and I liked the visuals for each chapter.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A fast-paced YA horror story that is set in the 1920's. Four debutantes are invited to the Kane manor to compete to see who might win the fortune. The story is told from multiple POV's so that we can get inside the heads of the girls and follow them as they learn about this manor and what all happens there. The four girls, Dorothea, a thief, Vaughn, cocky and ready for this, Birdie, not really sure why she was included, and Elspeth, sees things others miss are all great representations of teens and what girls went through back in this time period. There is racism in this book, but it really shows how things were then and how people were treated. If you love historical horror, this is the tale for you.
July 17, 2026
I liked Dorthea from the start, and once she and the other girls arrive at the Manor, things start going wonky very fast. The Manor is isolated; it feels like you're being watched, tested, and mostly found wanting. The locals don't dare go up there, and most who do don't come back out.
I loved the multiple POV's, even the one from my least favorite of the girls, had me hooked. I loved Dorothea and her relationship with her brother, her determination to find out what happened to their mother at the same manor years ago, and her cat, Cleo, who was a character in her own right.
This was creepy, kept me on the edge of my seat, and with each new creepy reveal, I was more and more invested in what was happening.
I loved the multiple POV's, even the one from my least favorite of the girls, had me hooked. I loved Dorothea and her relationship with her brother, her determination to find out what happened to their mother at the same manor years ago, and her cat, Cleo, who was a character in her own right.
This was creepy, kept me on the edge of my seat, and with each new creepy reveal, I was more and more invested in what was happening.
July 19, 2026
I'm.. I'm gonna need a minute to process the ending of this book, I was terrified for the characters so damn much ahhh 😭 this book was brilliantly written, I was absorbed in reading every single character's emotions and arc, and the plot wrap up was >>>>>
I loved the found family so so much, and I was cheering so hard for the two romances in this book! The plot set over just a few days, and split amongst 5 povs, but I still felt insanely connected to every character and what they went through. I was rooting for the romances from the minute I got an inkling of them, and I loved how they ended up <3
I would so read a sequel of this book, like, give me everything you've plotted, I'll take it all 😭
-- ty to the author, the publisher and @coloredpagesbt for a gifted copy!
I loved the found family so so much, and I was cheering so hard for the two romances in this book! The plot set over just a few days, and split amongst 5 povs, but I still felt insanely connected to every character and what they went through. I was rooting for the romances from the minute I got an inkling of them, and I loved how they ended up <3
I would so read a sequel of this book, like, give me everything you've plotted, I'll take it all 😭
-- ty to the author, the publisher and @coloredpagesbt for a gifted copy!
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