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Winterbourne: A spellbinding reinvention of the Gothic genre
'Haunting, ominous and astonishingly dark. A mesmerising triumph.' Suzy Aspley, author of
Crow Moon
'Unnerving and windswept with a wild, Gothic heart.' Jody Cooksley, author of The Small Museum
'Compelling contemporary gothic, skin-creepingly good.' Elaine Thomson, author of Hawthorn
Within the walls of Winterbourne dwells a secret room, with an unspeakable collection of books.
Librarian Anne Adams has found the perfect a job cataloguing the library of Winterbourne, an architectural masterpiece on a remote island off the west coast of Scotland. Surrounded by an awe-inspiring landscape, the library is magnificent, with priceless first editions, a librarian's dream.
However, Anne's early weeks in her new job are beset by obstacles - no internet, a house plunged into darkness every night and unexplained mysteries on the island. After weeks of isolation, upon meeting the mysterious owner Lucien Broussard, Anne is puzzled. Eloquent and well-travelled, his reclusive nature seems uncharacteristic. But after finding a cryptic clue within the pages of a book, Anne discovers that Broussard's collection includes everything from the mundane to the books no one should ever open . . .
Get swept up in Elisabeth Wolf's chilling and unpredictable mystery.
'Unnerving and windswept with a wild, Gothic heart.' Jody Cooksley, author of The Small Museum
'Compelling contemporary gothic, skin-creepingly good.' Elaine Thomson, author of Hawthorn
Within the walls of Winterbourne dwells a secret room, with an unspeakable collection of books.
Librarian Anne Adams has found the perfect a job cataloguing the library of Winterbourne, an architectural masterpiece on a remote island off the west coast of Scotland. Surrounded by an awe-inspiring landscape, the library is magnificent, with priceless first editions, a librarian's dream.
However, Anne's early weeks in her new job are beset by obstacles - no internet, a house plunged into darkness every night and unexplained mysteries on the island. After weeks of isolation, upon meeting the mysterious owner Lucien Broussard, Anne is puzzled. Eloquent and well-travelled, his reclusive nature seems uncharacteristic. But after finding a cryptic clue within the pages of a book, Anne discovers that Broussard's collection includes everything from the mundane to the books no one should ever open . . .
Get swept up in Elisabeth Wolf's chilling and unpredictable mystery.
289 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 22, 2026
11 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 6, 2026
2 Stars (outliner)
One Liner: Great atmosphere, but with a half-baked plot
Anne Adams, a librarian recovering from a car crash that killed her brother, steps onto the grounds of Winterbourne on a Scottish island. The reclusive Lucien Broussard owns the entire island and has only a handful of people. Anne loves the magnificent library in the vast home, but her new job comes with strange occurrences and near-fatal accidents. The discovery of a secret room in the library filled with banned books and the diary of a missing librarian terrifies Anne. Can she escape alive from the island?
The story comes in Anne’s first-person POV.
My Thoughts
Well, the book started with a bang, and I was hooked. The FMC’s pain, grief, trauma, and everything made me empathize with her. However, once she stepped on the island, it seemed like she left her brain in the city.
For someone recovering from a fatal injury, the amount of risks she took and the things she did is just too much for me to accept. Being in the mid-20s cannot be a reason. And since we don’t know much about who she was before the accident, many of the actions feel like a way to advance the plot rather than give the FMC a proper arc.
The setting and the atmosphere are wonderful, though. They are the best part of the book. NGL, I continued to read only for these descriptions.
It has strong Jane Eyre vibes at one point, but the MMC doesn’t click. We don’t know anything about him to decide what to feel. Also, the attempt at attraction was poorly done. Even with the reveal in the second half, it doesn’t do much to add to his arc.
I did find the Coopers and Loki (the dog) interesting to an extent, though there is barely any detail about them. They made it better since reading the FMC’s first-person POV wasn’t easy with the number of poor decisions she seemed to make.
At one point, she thinks she is quite and sensible to a degree (like other librarians), and I laughed out loud. I mean, if she were sensible, the book would have been totally different.
The last quarter is also a series of bad decisions, random plot twists, and dramatic scenes. By then, I was just waiting for the book to end. I don’t know if the ending is set of a sequel that is not needed or an attempt to leave readers in suspense. Neither was required, but honestly, I wasn’t surprised either.
The discovery of the secret room in the library doesn’t happen until the second half, and when it does, I wasn’t particularly worried about the contents.
I right away recognized the tattoo design mentioned in the book and was truly surprised when it was later equated to
Sorry to say, but except for the setting and the gothic house, nothing else worked for me. The plot elements aren’t connected properly, and some developments don’t feel cohesive.
To summarize, Winterbourne started on a high note but spiraled down as the plot progressed, and sadly, nothing could break the fall. I see many glowing reviews on NetGalley, so do check them out before you decide.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bonnier (Black & White Publishing), for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #Winterbourne
One Liner: Great atmosphere, but with a half-baked plot
Anne Adams, a librarian recovering from a car crash that killed her brother, steps onto the grounds of Winterbourne on a Scottish island. The reclusive Lucien Broussard owns the entire island and has only a handful of people. Anne loves the magnificent library in the vast home, but her new job comes with strange occurrences and near-fatal accidents. The discovery of a secret room in the library filled with banned books and the diary of a missing librarian terrifies Anne. Can she escape alive from the island?
The story comes in Anne’s first-person POV.
My Thoughts
Well, the book started with a bang, and I was hooked. The FMC’s pain, grief, trauma, and everything made me empathize with her. However, once she stepped on the island, it seemed like she left her brain in the city.
For someone recovering from a fatal injury, the amount of risks she took and the things she did is just too much for me to accept. Being in the mid-20s cannot be a reason. And since we don’t know much about who she was before the accident, many of the actions feel like a way to advance the plot rather than give the FMC a proper arc.
The setting and the atmosphere are wonderful, though. They are the best part of the book. NGL, I continued to read only for these descriptions.
It has strong Jane Eyre vibes at one point, but the MMC doesn’t click. We don’t know anything about him to decide what to feel. Also, the attempt at attraction was poorly done. Even with the reveal in the second half, it doesn’t do much to add to his arc.
I did find the Coopers and Loki (the dog) interesting to an extent, though there is barely any detail about them. They made it better since reading the FMC’s first-person POV wasn’t easy with the number of poor decisions she seemed to make.
At one point, she thinks she is quite and sensible to a degree (like other librarians), and I laughed out loud. I mean, if she were sensible, the book would have been totally different.
The last quarter is also a series of bad decisions, random plot twists, and dramatic scenes. By then, I was just waiting for the book to end. I don’t know if the ending is set of a sequel that is not needed or an attempt to leave readers in suspense. Neither was required, but honestly, I wasn’t surprised either.
The discovery of the secret room in the library doesn’t happen until the second half, and when it does, I wasn’t particularly worried about the contents.
I right away recognized the tattoo design mentioned in the book and was truly surprised when it was later equated to
Sorry to say, but except for the setting and the gothic house, nothing else worked for me. The plot elements aren’t connected properly, and some developments don’t feel cohesive.
To summarize, Winterbourne started on a high note but spiraled down as the plot progressed, and sadly, nothing could break the fall. I see many glowing reviews on NetGalley, so do check them out before you decide.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bonnier (Black & White Publishing), for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #Winterbourne
January 30, 2026
3.5 stars
This was an intriguing gothic story set on an isolated Irish island but my god the protagonist annoyed me to no end. She made some truly frustrating decisions and came across as painfully naive and I never quite managed to get on board with her. Still, because the story took a slightly different approach than a typical modern gothic, I found myself curious about where it was heading, even when I could see the direction coming.
The climax felt a bit rushed, but I really enjoyed the reveal and how everything ultimately came together. There were a few elements I wish the story had focused on more, as they could have made the overall narrative much stronger. In the end, the second half of the book is where it really found its footing and it left me feeling more satisfied than the slow burn of the first half.
This was an intriguing gothic story set on an isolated Irish island but my god the protagonist annoyed me to no end. She made some truly frustrating decisions and came across as painfully naive and I never quite managed to get on board with her. Still, because the story took a slightly different approach than a typical modern gothic, I found myself curious about where it was heading, even when I could see the direction coming.
The climax felt a bit rushed, but I really enjoyed the reveal and how everything ultimately came together. There were a few elements I wish the story had focused on more, as they could have made the overall narrative much stronger. In the end, the second half of the book is where it really found its footing and it left me feeling more satisfied than the slow burn of the first half.
January 20, 2026
A modern Gothic tale that draws on many familiar stories, while also offering something of a twist. Captivating, and I’m grateful to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review it before publication.
The cover looks enticing, and the suggestion of an unspeakable secret doesn’t come close to the horrors unleashed as the story progresses.
Our main character, Anne, is a librarian. Reserved and rather solitary, her life is upended when her beloved brother is killed in a car accident. Anne is seriously injured, but because her mother blames her for the accident Anne is cut off and left to face her grief alone. Desperate to escape her oppressive home environment, Anne is thrilled when she is offered a job.
Her destination is Winterbourne, the home of the wealthy Broussard family. Nestled on a remote Scottish island, Anne is entranced by the house on her arrival. Though her only companions are the taciturn Cooper brother and sister, Anne loves the freedom she has to work on Lucien’s extensive collection of books. It is everything she dreamed of.
There are strange noises, hints of mysterious stories and the rumours of a tragic death befalling the previous librarian. At first Anne ignores these. But as she uncovers more of the collection and discovers more about the man she’s working for, she realises that she may have to do something drastic to be able to leave.
A wonderful setting. I loved the characters and how they are depicted. My only issue was the ending and how it linked to what we already know.
The cover looks enticing, and the suggestion of an unspeakable secret doesn’t come close to the horrors unleashed as the story progresses.
Our main character, Anne, is a librarian. Reserved and rather solitary, her life is upended when her beloved brother is killed in a car accident. Anne is seriously injured, but because her mother blames her for the accident Anne is cut off and left to face her grief alone. Desperate to escape her oppressive home environment, Anne is thrilled when she is offered a job.
Her destination is Winterbourne, the home of the wealthy Broussard family. Nestled on a remote Scottish island, Anne is entranced by the house on her arrival. Though her only companions are the taciturn Cooper brother and sister, Anne loves the freedom she has to work on Lucien’s extensive collection of books. It is everything she dreamed of.
There are strange noises, hints of mysterious stories and the rumours of a tragic death befalling the previous librarian. At first Anne ignores these. But as she uncovers more of the collection and discovers more about the man she’s working for, she realises that she may have to do something drastic to be able to leave.
A wonderful setting. I loved the characters and how they are depicted. My only issue was the ending and how it linked to what we already know.
January 29, 2026
I absolutely loved this book and think I may already have a strong contender for my top read of 2026. If you enjoy gothic novels set around atmospheric old houses, I can’t recommend this highly enough. It definitely gave me Rebecca and Wuthering Heights vibes.
The story is narrated by Anne Adams, who, following a personal tragedy, leaves her former life behind to travel to Winterbourne, a remote house on the Scottish island of Craigsea Rock. A former librarian, Anne has been hired to catalogue the vast library within the house. From the moment she arrives, Winterbourne is steeped in mystery: there’s no internet, no power after midnight, and she is completely reliant on a housekeeper and her brother who are cold, unfriendly, and deeply unsettling. It soon becomes clear that leaving the island is far from straightforward. Who is the reclusive owner, Lucien Broussard, and what really happened to the previous woman who was hired to catalogue the books?
I adored the chilling atmosphere of Winterbourne House and the surrounding island; the setting was so vividly described that I could picture it perfectly. The story kept me guessing throughout, and I was completely drawn in by the secrets surrounding the house, its owner, and its past.
This was a mesmerising gothic tale that I simply couldn’t put down. The tension builds beautifully, culminating in a brilliant and unexpected twist at the end. I’m truly hoping this isn’t the last we see of this character and that a second book might follow. If you enjoy dark, unsettling reads with a rich gothic atmosphere, I would highly recommend this one.
The story is narrated by Anne Adams, who, following a personal tragedy, leaves her former life behind to travel to Winterbourne, a remote house on the Scottish island of Craigsea Rock. A former librarian, Anne has been hired to catalogue the vast library within the house. From the moment she arrives, Winterbourne is steeped in mystery: there’s no internet, no power after midnight, and she is completely reliant on a housekeeper and her brother who are cold, unfriendly, and deeply unsettling. It soon becomes clear that leaving the island is far from straightforward. Who is the reclusive owner, Lucien Broussard, and what really happened to the previous woman who was hired to catalogue the books?
I adored the chilling atmosphere of Winterbourne House and the surrounding island; the setting was so vividly described that I could picture it perfectly. The story kept me guessing throughout, and I was completely drawn in by the secrets surrounding the house, its owner, and its past.
This was a mesmerising gothic tale that I simply couldn’t put down. The tension builds beautifully, culminating in a brilliant and unexpected twist at the end. I’m truly hoping this isn’t the last we see of this character and that a second book might follow. If you enjoy dark, unsettling reads with a rich gothic atmosphere, I would highly recommend this one.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for my honest review.
It’s not often I read books in the thriller/mystery/horror genre, but this time I’m glad I did. Due to national pride, if a book mentions anything Scottish, then I must read it. I wish Goodreads did fractions of stars so I should mention this is 3.5 stars rounded up to 4. Rounded UP because the book is worth more than just 3 stars.
‘Winterbourne’ by Elisabeth Wolf focuses on Anne Adams, a librarian who has recently been through an extremely traumatic accident that resulted in the loss of her twin brother. Seeking space to grieve and recover, she applies for a job on a remote Scottish island, cataloguing the massive literary collection of the great Winterbourn House. The island is isolated, and with only the house’s two strange caretakers for company, Anne begins to notice something is… off. Footsteps with no source, random creaking and rustling: Anne gets the feeling she is not completely alone.
When she comes face to face with Winterbourn’s absent owner, Lucian Broussand, Anne is torn. She did not expect someone so charming. Lucian is charismatic and well spoken, his personality completely at odds with that of the house’s caretakers. However, Anne’s brief respite is ruined when the odd occurrences begin to escalate. She starts seeing an apparition around the island: a pale, frightened woman. But who could she be?
Deduction leads Anne to investigate her predecessor, Francis Sparrow, who left the position after only a brief stint on the island. There is a mystery here to be solved, and Anne Adams becomes the reluctant detective.
Anne feels very relatable and human as we watch her recover from her accident. Watching her struggle to cope with the death of her brother, the emotional isolation from her family—who blame her—and the physical isolation of Craigsea Rock is genuinely affecting. Poor Anne is really going through the wringer.
The Coopers come across as deeply strange. Robert Cooper is gruff and unfriendly, always the one sent after Anne when she is not where she’s supposed to be. Mrs Cooper appears a little… unstable, showing kindness to Anne one moment before turning standoffish the next. Lucian’s vibes are off from the start. He’s too nice, too normal; not the eccentric owner you’d expect of a remote, grand house with a sprawling library.
I found the pacing of the first half to be a little slow. It focuses heavily on Anne’s exploration of her new home, finding her feet (almost literally) after an accident that nearly killed her, while also discovering the island of Craigsea Rock. But once the mystery ramps up, it RAMPS UP.
The ending was good. There is a shocking twist in the final chapter that I did *not* see coming. I was genuinely shook. It left me staring at a blank wall, processing everything I’d learned and felt in the last fifty pages. That said, the ending does include a book trope I didn’t enjoy. It’s nothing bad and doesn’t change how I feel about the book, it just made me wrinkle my nose in distaste. Purely personal preference.
The conclusion wraps the story up nicely while also leaving the door open for a sequel, or at least another book in a similar vein.
Would I reread it? Yes, and soon. I need to analyse it more. Are moments in the book cast in a new light now that I know what I do?
Will I buy a physical copy? Yes
It’s not often I read books in the thriller/mystery/horror genre, but this time I’m glad I did. Due to national pride, if a book mentions anything Scottish, then I must read it. I wish Goodreads did fractions of stars so I should mention this is 3.5 stars rounded up to 4. Rounded UP because the book is worth more than just 3 stars.
‘Winterbourne’ by Elisabeth Wolf focuses on Anne Adams, a librarian who has recently been through an extremely traumatic accident that resulted in the loss of her twin brother. Seeking space to grieve and recover, she applies for a job on a remote Scottish island, cataloguing the massive literary collection of the great Winterbourn House. The island is isolated, and with only the house’s two strange caretakers for company, Anne begins to notice something is… off. Footsteps with no source, random creaking and rustling: Anne gets the feeling she is not completely alone.
When she comes face to face with Winterbourn’s absent owner, Lucian Broussand, Anne is torn. She did not expect someone so charming. Lucian is charismatic and well spoken, his personality completely at odds with that of the house’s caretakers. However, Anne’s brief respite is ruined when the odd occurrences begin to escalate. She starts seeing an apparition around the island: a pale, frightened woman. But who could she be?
Deduction leads Anne to investigate her predecessor, Francis Sparrow, who left the position after only a brief stint on the island. There is a mystery here to be solved, and Anne Adams becomes the reluctant detective.
Anne feels very relatable and human as we watch her recover from her accident. Watching her struggle to cope with the death of her brother, the emotional isolation from her family—who blame her—and the physical isolation of Craigsea Rock is genuinely affecting. Poor Anne is really going through the wringer.
The Coopers come across as deeply strange. Robert Cooper is gruff and unfriendly, always the one sent after Anne when she is not where she’s supposed to be. Mrs Cooper appears a little… unstable, showing kindness to Anne one moment before turning standoffish the next. Lucian’s vibes are off from the start. He’s too nice, too normal; not the eccentric owner you’d expect of a remote, grand house with a sprawling library.
I found the pacing of the first half to be a little slow. It focuses heavily on Anne’s exploration of her new home, finding her feet (almost literally) after an accident that nearly killed her, while also discovering the island of Craigsea Rock. But once the mystery ramps up, it RAMPS UP.
The ending was good. There is a shocking twist in the final chapter that I did *not* see coming. I was genuinely shook. It left me staring at a blank wall, processing everything I’d learned and felt in the last fifty pages. That said, the ending does include a book trope I didn’t enjoy. It’s nothing bad and doesn’t change how I feel about the book, it just made me wrinkle my nose in distaste. Purely personal preference.
The conclusion wraps the story up nicely while also leaving the door open for a sequel, or at least another book in a similar vein.
Would I reread it? Yes, and soon. I need to analyse it more. Are moments in the book cast in a new light now that I know what I do?
Will I buy a physical copy? Yes
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Winterbourne by Elisabeth Wolf is a modern gothic novel that disturbed me more than I was expecting, especially given the cute and cosy vibes suggested by the charming cover.
When Anne lands a job cataloguing the contents of a private library in an old mansion house on a remote Scottish island it seems like the perfect escape from the grief and guilt that haunts her following the death of her brother in an accident where she was driving.
The isolation sounded ideal in theory but the practicalities of living in a hose with no internet and limited electricity soon start to grate, especially when strange and terrifying incidents make her question not only her safety but also her sanity. Meeting the owner of the house, the charming Lucien Broussard does little to assuage her fears, and when she uncovers a hidden room with books that should never be opened it seems like her fears are well founded.
I read this on a dark and stormy winter's night and it could not have been a more perfect atmosphere for this dark and disturbed tale with an ending that gave me chills. The book definitely veers further into horror territory than I would have expected but as someone who enjoys a good scary story from time to time I did not mind that at all, though I can see that it might deter some readers if they were not prepared.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.
When Anne lands a job cataloguing the contents of a private library in an old mansion house on a remote Scottish island it seems like the perfect escape from the grief and guilt that haunts her following the death of her brother in an accident where she was driving.
The isolation sounded ideal in theory but the practicalities of living in a hose with no internet and limited electricity soon start to grate, especially when strange and terrifying incidents make her question not only her safety but also her sanity. Meeting the owner of the house, the charming Lucien Broussard does little to assuage her fears, and when she uncovers a hidden room with books that should never be opened it seems like her fears are well founded.
I read this on a dark and stormy winter's night and it could not have been a more perfect atmosphere for this dark and disturbed tale with an ending that gave me chills. The book definitely veers further into horror territory than I would have expected but as someone who enjoys a good scary story from time to time I did not mind that at all, though I can see that it might deter some readers if they were not prepared.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.
December 6, 2025
Winterbourne follows Anne Adams, a librarian seeking a fresh start after personal upheaval. When she accepts a job cataloguing the vast library of a remote Scottish island estate, she imagines quiet work surrounded by rare books and dramatic landscapes. Instead, Anne finds a a mansion that plunges into darkness each night, mysterious noises, and a secretive owner.
I loved how atmospheric this novel is. From the very first chapters, Wolf creates a windswept gothic landscape that feels deeply reminiscent of Jane Eyre and Rebecca, both of which are indeed referenced within the story. Anne makes for a compelling protagonist, and limiting the novel to her perspective heightens the claustrophobia and uncertainty. We only ever know as much as she does and her growing paranoia is contagious in the best gothic way.
The only part I struggled with was the twist ending. Without giving any spoilers, it takes the plot in an unexpected direction that, to me, moved away from the trends the book had established. Some readers may love the bold shift, but for me, it felt like stepping into a different genre entirely.
A recommended read for fans of Jane Eyre, Rebecca, and classic gothic fiction.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bonnier Books UK for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I loved how atmospheric this novel is. From the very first chapters, Wolf creates a windswept gothic landscape that feels deeply reminiscent of Jane Eyre and Rebecca, both of which are indeed referenced within the story. Anne makes for a compelling protagonist, and limiting the novel to her perspective heightens the claustrophobia and uncertainty. We only ever know as much as she does and her growing paranoia is contagious in the best gothic way.
The only part I struggled with was the twist ending. Without giving any spoilers, it takes the plot in an unexpected direction that, to me, moved away from the trends the book had established. Some readers may love the bold shift, but for me, it felt like stepping into a different genre entirely.
A recommended read for fans of Jane Eyre, Rebecca, and classic gothic fiction.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bonnier Books UK for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 26, 2026
This is a truly atmospheric novel and as soon as I started reading it, I just couldn’t put it down.
Escaping a recent personal tragedy, librarian Anne Adam longs for solitude and decides to take up a post on the remote island of Craigsea Rock to catalogue a huge private book collection owned by the mysterious Lucien Broussard. On arriving, Anne is mesmerised both by the beauty of Winterbourne and the island itself, not to mention the magnificent library with its many signed first editions.
However, it isn’t long before Anne is questioning whether everything is truly as it seems. Without any internet or phone signal and a darkness at night like she’s never known, she feels completely cut off from the world. Is it just the weeks of this isolation that is causing her mind to play tricks or is there more to Winterbourne than Anne is led to believe? When she discovers a clue left by the person who started cataloguing the collection before her, Anne makes a shocking discovery.
I raced through this book and loved it so much that even before I finished it, I bought and gifted a copy of it to a friend - a brave thing to do when you don’t know the ending yet. If you enjoy a novel with a haunting, gothic feel then this one is for you!
Escaping a recent personal tragedy, librarian Anne Adam longs for solitude and decides to take up a post on the remote island of Craigsea Rock to catalogue a huge private book collection owned by the mysterious Lucien Broussard. On arriving, Anne is mesmerised both by the beauty of Winterbourne and the island itself, not to mention the magnificent library with its many signed first editions.
However, it isn’t long before Anne is questioning whether everything is truly as it seems. Without any internet or phone signal and a darkness at night like she’s never known, she feels completely cut off from the world. Is it just the weeks of this isolation that is causing her mind to play tricks or is there more to Winterbourne than Anne is led to believe? When she discovers a clue left by the person who started cataloguing the collection before her, Anne makes a shocking discovery.
I raced through this book and loved it so much that even before I finished it, I bought and gifted a copy of it to a friend - a brave thing to do when you don’t know the ending yet. If you enjoy a novel with a haunting, gothic feel then this one is for you!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
You can’t go wrong with a gothic novel! The themes and tropes always work so well. Winterbourne is a great example of this. I read an eARC of this book on NetGalley so thank you to the author and the publisher.
We have a main character who is in a pretty desperate situation. She’s been in a terrible car accident that’s left her injured and caused the loss of her brother. Her family blame her but she’s reliant on them while she heals. She’s in a miserable situation and when a job comes up to catalogue a library in a manor on a remote island, she takes it.
Her respite is soon tainted by the odd occurrences in the house, the apparitions she sees, the menacing behaviour of certain inhabitants and the secrets and lies she is bombarded with as she tries to recover.
This was a great, atmospheric story. The setting is perfect for the haunting tale, with the extreme isolation ramping up the sense of danger. The character’s back story explains why she’s there and how limited her alternate options are. Her injury adds another layer of challenge, as does her pervasive guilt over her brother’s death. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, it was gripping, mysterious and unnerving.
We have a main character who is in a pretty desperate situation. She’s been in a terrible car accident that’s left her injured and caused the loss of her brother. Her family blame her but she’s reliant on them while she heals. She’s in a miserable situation and when a job comes up to catalogue a library in a manor on a remote island, she takes it.
Her respite is soon tainted by the odd occurrences in the house, the apparitions she sees, the menacing behaviour of certain inhabitants and the secrets and lies she is bombarded with as she tries to recover.
This was a great, atmospheric story. The setting is perfect for the haunting tale, with the extreme isolation ramping up the sense of danger. The character’s back story explains why she’s there and how limited her alternate options are. Her injury adds another layer of challenge, as does her pervasive guilt over her brother’s death. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, it was gripping, mysterious and unnerving.
January 30, 2026
A gothic novel set on an isolated island off the Scottish coast. Anne seeks to leave her family home behind after she lost her twin brother in a tragic accident that leaves her with an injury to her leg. Her mother makes her life miserable, so when a job comes up organising a private library she jumps at the chance.
This book was enjoyable to read, the setting is so eerie and haunting. More than once it gave me the shivers, it’s quite creepy. The house is an old stately home in which our main character spends most of her time alone and the care takers and owner of the house are a little circumspect too. Beautiful nature writing in amongst the storyline, it reminded me of Shetland with cliffs by the sea and seabirds etc.
I did find the story a lot darker than expected in parts, and unfortunately the last about 50 pages didn’t really work for me. So it’s a bit of a mixed feeling from me for this one, though I would definitely recommend for you to pick it up and give it a go if it sounds like something you might enjoy!
This book was enjoyable to read, the setting is so eerie and haunting. More than once it gave me the shivers, it’s quite creepy. The house is an old stately home in which our main character spends most of her time alone and the care takers and owner of the house are a little circumspect too. Beautiful nature writing in amongst the storyline, it reminded me of Shetland with cliffs by the sea and seabirds etc.
I did find the story a lot darker than expected in parts, and unfortunately the last about 50 pages didn’t really work for me. So it’s a bit of a mixed feeling from me for this one, though I would definitely recommend for you to pick it up and give it a go if it sounds like something you might enjoy!
February 1, 2026
Thanks to the author, publishers and NetGalley for the ARC.
I loved reading this book. I rolled my eyes at several points. Anne is a great protagonist, but she has been through a lot in life which sometimes makes her point of view quite exhausting, and I found myself being exasperated by her. But Winterbourne, the place that she moves to to get away from her life, is absolutely enchanting at first, and then haunting. The best way to summarise this book is a modern, twisted Jane Eyre. Jane Eyre is one of my favourite books so this was a great read for me. I did have to stop reading it at night though because it got a bit scary, but I'm a wimp who watches horror films through her fingers.
Some of the characterisations didn't feel very believable, and the ending felt quite swift. The point at which I expected to be the ending wasn't the ending, and then when the ending happened it felt abrupt. But I was glued to the book until the very end. This novel is beautifully written and I enjoyed almost every minute of it. Definitely a book I'd re-read and buy for friends.
I loved reading this book. I rolled my eyes at several points. Anne is a great protagonist, but she has been through a lot in life which sometimes makes her point of view quite exhausting, and I found myself being exasperated by her. But Winterbourne, the place that she moves to to get away from her life, is absolutely enchanting at first, and then haunting. The best way to summarise this book is a modern, twisted Jane Eyre. Jane Eyre is one of my favourite books so this was a great read for me. I did have to stop reading it at night though because it got a bit scary, but I'm a wimp who watches horror films through her fingers.
Some of the characterisations didn't feel very believable, and the ending felt quite swift. The point at which I expected to be the ending wasn't the ending, and then when the ending happened it felt abrupt. But I was glued to the book until the very end. This novel is beautifully written and I enjoyed almost every minute of it. Definitely a book I'd re-read and buy for friends.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
When the blurb on the cover says there's an unspeakable secret, I guess you can expect a bit of horror to be involved. How significant that is will depend on the rest. In this case, the book mostly reads as a gothic horror story although the horror aspect doesn't really ramp up until the last quarter of the book. Anne Adams is desperate to be out of her family's home after recovering from a car crash that caused the death of her brother. Her mother, particularly, blames her and life is a misery. She's surprised when her entire interview consists of a five-minute phone conversation and is soon off the isolated Winterbourne to catalogue a massive book collection. She is mostly alone in the large house but there's a housekeeper and man of all jobs who live in a nearby cottage as her main interactions. The owner, Lucien Broussard, also makes an appearance fairly early on and seems to appear unexpectedly through the story.
I enjoyed reading this book most of the way through, but I didn't feel it held together at the end. In a way, it's almost like the very end was tacked on randomly and I admit I took no satisfaction from it. It also leaves the door open for a sequel which doesn't really seem warranted by what I read. Perhaps that is the purpose of the ending though. There was a tension that slowly built up in the first half of the book that was really thrilling but it didn't really connect with the latter part in a way that works for me.
I found the most believable character to be Robert Cooper, He's unfriendly and mostly unlikeable and stays pretty consistent through the story. Mrs. Cooper is also unfriendly and not very likeable either, but I feel like there's much more room for her character and motivations. There's a scene between her and Anne towards the end of the book that really makes little sense to me. It's like a number of scenes that feel like they were added after the fact to flesh out the story but failed spectacularly. In any case, this was a scene that made no difference to the book and changed nothing. Lucien is seen in mostly fleeting glimpses, often when Anne is in a particularly ominous situation. The island is supposed to be isolated and yet he pops up unexpected quite often. Anne develops some fixation on him, along with her predecessor, a librarian who left without completing the job.
There are mysteries upon mysteries here and revelations do come but they don't feel like they tie into the full story very well. I will also point out there are supernatural elements in the story even though I wouldn't call this a supernatural story as it is. And yes there really is a horror element that is slowly built up to in much better way than anything paranormal.
I'm a bit torn as to rating this as I did enjoy reading much of the book. The ending definitely put me off and the rest just didn't work together to make a whole as one would expect. I will give this a two and a half star rating for the good parts. I would like to thank Netgalley and Bonnier Books for giving me an advanced reader copy. My review is provided on an entirely voluntary basis.
I enjoyed reading this book most of the way through, but I didn't feel it held together at the end. In a way, it's almost like the very end was tacked on randomly and I admit I took no satisfaction from it. It also leaves the door open for a sequel which doesn't really seem warranted by what I read. Perhaps that is the purpose of the ending though. There was a tension that slowly built up in the first half of the book that was really thrilling but it didn't really connect with the latter part in a way that works for me.
I found the most believable character to be Robert Cooper, He's unfriendly and mostly unlikeable and stays pretty consistent through the story. Mrs. Cooper is also unfriendly and not very likeable either, but I feel like there's much more room for her character and motivations. There's a scene between her and Anne towards the end of the book that really makes little sense to me. It's like a number of scenes that feel like they were added after the fact to flesh out the story but failed spectacularly. In any case, this was a scene that made no difference to the book and changed nothing. Lucien is seen in mostly fleeting glimpses, often when Anne is in a particularly ominous situation. The island is supposed to be isolated and yet he pops up unexpected quite often. Anne develops some fixation on him, along with her predecessor, a librarian who left without completing the job.
There are mysteries upon mysteries here and revelations do come but they don't feel like they tie into the full story very well. I will also point out there are supernatural elements in the story even though I wouldn't call this a supernatural story as it is. And yes there really is a horror element that is slowly built up to in much better way than anything paranormal.
I'm a bit torn as to rating this as I did enjoy reading much of the book. The ending definitely put me off and the rest just didn't work together to make a whole as one would expect. I will give this a two and a half star rating for the good parts. I would like to thank Netgalley and Bonnier Books for giving me an advanced reader copy. My review is provided on an entirely voluntary basis.
January 23, 2026
Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for an arc of this book.
Firstly I was drawn to the book by its charming and whimsical cover, expecting it to be a cozy read. How wrong was i !
This book is definitely a modern gothic tale. About a woman who struggles with her recent tragedy of losing her brother by a car accident she was involved in. Her parents who basically blamed her and disowned her.
Wanting to escape her life and start again she takes a job she finds in an advent.
This job is to catalogue a home library on a remote island.
Trapped and scared, things start to unravel while stuck at the house. Secrets buried, being uncovered.
This book was eerie and enchanting. I was kept on the edge of my seat the whole time wanting the story to unfold. The twist became more and more unnerving.
The ending I feel was left open a little. hopefully for a 2nd book 🤞
Firstly I was drawn to the book by its charming and whimsical cover, expecting it to be a cozy read. How wrong was i !
This book is definitely a modern gothic tale. About a woman who struggles with her recent tragedy of losing her brother by a car accident she was involved in. Her parents who basically blamed her and disowned her.
Wanting to escape her life and start again she takes a job she finds in an advent.
This job is to catalogue a home library on a remote island.
Trapped and scared, things start to unravel while stuck at the house. Secrets buried, being uncovered.
This book was eerie and enchanting. I was kept on the edge of my seat the whole time wanting the story to unfold. The twist became more and more unnerving.
The ending I feel was left open a little. hopefully for a 2nd book 🤞
January 2, 2026
Gothic and tension was the name of the game and Winterbourne delivered! 😳 I thoroughly enjoyed this one and, once I settled in, I absorbed every page.
The characters are well shaped and you immediately understand who everyone is and what part they have to play (or so you think…) in this production. I loved the setting and the slow revealing of another inch of story and comprehension as a reader.
It’s a little slower in the middle but then you’re hit with waves of twists and almost literary jump scares until you finish. I struggled a bit with the end and how things were joined together, there are a few things I could have done without and the book would have remained excellent but I understand how Wolf has shaped and intended Winterbourne.
Think Rebecca, think The Haunting of Hill House, think mystery thriller on a cosy coastal outpoint 👀
Thank you Netgalley for this arc!
The characters are well shaped and you immediately understand who everyone is and what part they have to play (or so you think…) in this production. I loved the setting and the slow revealing of another inch of story and comprehension as a reader.
It’s a little slower in the middle but then you’re hit with waves of twists and almost literary jump scares until you finish. I struggled a bit with the end and how things were joined together, there are a few things I could have done without and the book would have remained excellent but I understand how Wolf has shaped and intended Winterbourne.
Think Rebecca, think The Haunting of Hill House, think mystery thriller on a cosy coastal outpoint 👀
Thank you Netgalley for this arc!
December 5, 2025
If you're looking for a gothic mystery set in a big mansion with lots of twists and mysteries unfolding, this could be the novel for you.
I thought the descriptions of the settings and landscape of the island were wonderful and felt myself getting sucked in wanting to find out more.
Unfortunately, the ending kind of ruined it for me. It's frustrating because I did enjoy all that it was leading up to until the end. Some readers might be okay with it, but I disliked the trope that cropped up.
Thanks Bonnier Books UK & NetGalley for the advanced copy.
I thought the descriptions of the settings and landscape of the island were wonderful and felt myself getting sucked in wanting to find out more.
Unfortunately, the ending kind of ruined it for me. It's frustrating because I did enjoy all that it was leading up to until the end. Some readers might be okay with it, but I disliked the trope that cropped up.
Thanks Bonnier Books UK & NetGalley for the advanced copy.
January 27, 2026
Loved the creeping tension of the first half and the Gothic tropes throughout. I am a sucker for anything set on a Scottish island, and libraries, sinister owners, and great dogs are always going to draw me in. Sense of place was excellent, as was the build up of suspense early on.
Would recommend for fans of Jane Eyre, Rebecca, and classic C18th/ 19th gothic.
Would recommend for fans of Jane Eyre, Rebecca, and classic C18th/ 19th gothic.
February 4, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ There were parts of the plot that I enjoyed, and those kept me curious, but the ending felt rushed. The main character came across as very naive which got annoying, and I didn’t feel invested in her story. I did really enjoy the setting. In my mind the setting was perfect for a gothic tale.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Actual rating 3.75
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was interesting and easy to read. Some of the stuff it contained truly shocked me, with the author coming up with something totally abhorrent for the library to be housing, which was fantastic. Exactly what you want from a Gothic novel.
I loved how isolating the island was. It truly felt like she was cut off from everything and trapped there without a single ally. It was easy to believe that there was something going on in the house too. With all the creaks and groans of the ageing mansion, it would be so easy to hide all manner of things.
There was some stuff at the end that was kind of convenient though. It definitely felt like magic plot making stuff happen without the character actually doing anything. I’ll be interested to see if there’s another book to find out what happens next.
Overall, I enjoyed it. It was just the thing to get absorbed in.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Cross-posted to thewhisperingofthepages.co.uk
I loved how isolating the island was. It truly felt like she was cut off from everything and trapped there without a single ally. It was easy to believe that there was something going on in the house too. With all the creaks and groans of the ageing mansion, it would be so easy to hide all manner of things.
There was some stuff at the end that was kind of convenient though. It definitely felt like magic plot making stuff happen without the character actually doing anything. I’ll be interested to see if there’s another book to find out what happens next.
Overall, I enjoyed it. It was just the thing to get absorbed in.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Cross-posted to thewhisperingofthepages.co.uk
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