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Newbourne Park
From the USA Today bestselling author of Diavola comes a darkly funny, blood-soaked horror novel about the terrifying seduction of unlimited power.
After years of caring for her dying mother, Martha Shaw feels empty, exhausted, and far older than her twenty-six years. So when her brother invites her to a weekend getaway at the opulent, two-hundred-acre country estate where his friend works, Martha reluctantly agrees. After all, what’s the harm? The owners and all their staff will be gone. Security cameras will be off. The house will be theirs. For the first time in years, Martha might actually have fun.
And it is fun, taking advantage of the historic mega-mansion and its vast grounds. Martha begins to feel human again. But when night falls, the rightful master of Newbourne Park returns—and she’s not alone. Suddenly, being caught trespassing is the least of their worries, because what steps out into the moonlight is something vicious. And hungry.
What began as a lark becomes a bloody battle for survival, where greed and morality collide—and a woman must choose to bow, break, or bite back.
After years of caring for her dying mother, Martha Shaw feels empty, exhausted, and far older than her twenty-six years. So when her brother invites her to a weekend getaway at the opulent, two-hundred-acre country estate where his friend works, Martha reluctantly agrees. After all, what’s the harm? The owners and all their staff will be gone. Security cameras will be off. The house will be theirs. For the first time in years, Martha might actually have fun.
And it is fun, taking advantage of the historic mega-mansion and its vast grounds. Martha begins to feel human again. But when night falls, the rightful master of Newbourne Park returns—and she’s not alone. Suddenly, being caught trespassing is the least of their worries, because what steps out into the moonlight is something vicious. And hungry.
What began as a lark becomes a bloody battle for survival, where greed and morality collide—and a woman must choose to bow, break, or bite back.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published September 29, 2026
About the author
Jennifer Marie Thorne
14 books1,338 followersJennifer Thorne is the British-American author of Lute and Diavola (a USA Today bestseller), published by Tor/Nightfire, and the forthcoming Newbourne Park (Putnam). With Lee Kelly, she is co-author of The Antiquity Affair (2023), The Starlets (2024), and My Fair Frauds (2025) published by HarperMuse, as well as The Midnight Show (2026) published by Crown. As Jenn Marie Thorne, she is the author of the YA novels The Wrong Side of Right, The Inside of Out, and Night Music. Her short fiction has appeared in horror anthology One Bad Night and Other Stories and YA anthology Battle of the Bands. She is also the author of the picture book Construction Zoo. She currently lives in Gloucestershire, England with her husband and two sons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was definitely an interesting one for me. I really liked the premise of this book and the creepy atmosphere surrounding Newbourne Park. Martha Shaw has spent years caring for her dying mother, leaving her completely exhausted and feeling much older than her twenty-six years. So when her brother invites her to spend a weekend at a massive, luxurious country estate, she decides to go. The owners and staff are supposed to be gone, the security cameras are turned off, and for once Martha gets the chance to forget about everything and just have some fun.
And honestly, I loved that setup. There was something so unsettling about having this huge, beautiful estate completely empty and knowing that they probably shouldn't be there. At first, Martha and her brother are simply enjoying everything the property has to offer, taking advantage of a place that isn't theirs and finally getting a taste of freedom. But, of course, things don't stay peaceful for long.
When night falls and the rightful master of Newbourne Park returns, Martha quickly realizes that getting caught trespassing is the least of their problems. What comes back to the estate is vicious, hungry, and definitely not something they can reason with. From there, the story turns into a bloody fight for survival.
I really enjoyed the way the story explored greed, power, and morality. Martha is forced into a situation where she has to decide just how far she's willing to go to survive. I liked watching her go from someone who has spent so much of her life caring for someone else to someone who has to finally fight for herself. The idea of having to choose whether to bow, break, or bite back was one of my favorite aspects of the story.
There were definitely some creepy and bloody moments that worked for me, and I loved the feeling that something was seriously wrong with this beautiful estate. The contrast between the luxury of Newbourne Park and the horror unfolding inside it made for some great moments.
That being said, I think I was expecting a little more from the story. There were parts that really grabbed my attention, but other parts didn't hit quite as hard for me. I liked the overall concept more than I loved the execution, and I found myself wishing certain things had been explored a little further.
Overall, this was a solid 4-star read for me. I loved the dark premise, the mansion setting, the bloodshed, and the themes surrounding power and greed. It had some genuinely creepy moments and an interesting story underneath all the chaos. While it didn't completely blow me away, I still had a good time with it and I'm glad I gave it a chance.
And honestly, I loved that setup. There was something so unsettling about having this huge, beautiful estate completely empty and knowing that they probably shouldn't be there. At first, Martha and her brother are simply enjoying everything the property has to offer, taking advantage of a place that isn't theirs and finally getting a taste of freedom. But, of course, things don't stay peaceful for long.
When night falls and the rightful master of Newbourne Park returns, Martha quickly realizes that getting caught trespassing is the least of their problems. What comes back to the estate is vicious, hungry, and definitely not something they can reason with. From there, the story turns into a bloody fight for survival.
I really enjoyed the way the story explored greed, power, and morality. Martha is forced into a situation where she has to decide just how far she's willing to go to survive. I liked watching her go from someone who has spent so much of her life caring for someone else to someone who has to finally fight for herself. The idea of having to choose whether to bow, break, or bite back was one of my favorite aspects of the story.
There were definitely some creepy and bloody moments that worked for me, and I loved the feeling that something was seriously wrong with this beautiful estate. The contrast between the luxury of Newbourne Park and the horror unfolding inside it made for some great moments.
That being said, I think I was expecting a little more from the story. There were parts that really grabbed my attention, but other parts didn't hit quite as hard for me. I liked the overall concept more than I loved the execution, and I found myself wishing certain things had been explored a little further.
Overall, this was a solid 4-star read for me. I loved the dark premise, the mansion setting, the bloodshed, and the themes surrounding power and greed. It had some genuinely creepy moments and an interesting story underneath all the chaos. While it didn't completely blow me away, I still had a good time with it and I'm glad I gave it a chance.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
"[The] small painting appeared at first glance to be a simple still life, fruit arrayed on a table, until you noticed the skull barely visible behind it and the decay beginning to bruise and soften the fruit.
A memento mori. Remember that you will die." p.19
This is the third ARC I have read by Jennifer Thorne prior to publication, and--oh man, wow, by golly gee--she never disappoints!!!
I found myself riveted by the author's carefully measured hints of foreboding, dotting every page yet so innocently placed into settings, symbols and dialogues that readers will almost wonder if they are simply looking too closely into the text. The effect is almost like the shadow of a predator growing darker and larger upon approach. By the time readers are well and truly creeped all the way out, it's really too late to stop reading. Yes, this one will keep you up until 3am, and if you're like me, you'll be needing a nightlight. So start it on a weekend or be prepared to sleepwalk through your next day.
_______________
Basic Premise (brief & spoiler-free):
Martha has spent her recent years caring for her mother who slowly lost her battle with cancer. Her older brother, Ian, out of concern but also out of guilt for not helping more with their mother, invites Martha on a mini-break to go to a grand estate where his friend Tommy has been working on staff. Tommy has claimed that everyone, both owners and staff, will be gone for the week. The mansion will be empty. The security cameras will be off--Tommy explains that they are turned off and rebooted once a month. Thus, Ian and his girlfriend Lucy, Tommy, and Martha can covertly use the house and grounds and no one need know. Unfortunately, this bit of harmless freeloading rapidly turns into a crisis. The owners return early, and they are not alone.
Soon Martha's very reality shifts as she finds herself dealing with an unimaginable illness, a whole new set of friends/would-be found family members, and an ever present sense that something is not quite right and that her life may indeed be in danger. Even more troubling, Martha herself seems to be awakening into a whole new sense of self, and even she is not quite certain that this change is for the better.
_______________
Commentary: (POV, dramatic irony, foreshadowing)
Martha, the protagonist whose first person perspective readers see through, opens Newbourne Park by claiming:
"This is not a confession. Not in the usual sense. I'm not pacing the halls of Newbourne Park scratching pustules of guilt. [...] I'm the one who made the decision to come to Newbourne, again and again. To flee when useful. To attack. Seduce. Inflict pain and feel it wrack me. To taste this life and then tear it open with my teeth. No, this isn't a confession. It's a boast."
All first person narrators are unreliable and thus somewhat dramatically ironic, but once readers truly get to know Martha--lovable, practical, mild mannered, caregiver to her mother, bookish, quiet, dependable Martha--recalling this opening saturates readers with rising curiosity as we try to make sense of such a dooming bit of foreshadowing. The chapter titles do much the same as Martha lists them, naming each one for "her sins." But what sins could this woman possibly be carrying? Readers obviously know something is going to have to happen to Martha for her to make such a drastic change in temperament. We just don't know what event could possibly bring about such a true 180. Slowly, subtly, Ms. Thorne continues throughout the novel to develop the motif of "change" in all of its many facets, from birth to death.
--Very Minor Spoiler Ahead--
Many professional reviewers mention how carefully Thorne executes her style and structure. This is one of those rare thrillers that readers can reread multiple times and still find layers they've missed. Absolutely every conversation Martha recounts is symbolically foreshadowing or thematically underscoring a motif. For example, Lucy makes a light and offhanded comment to Martha about the royal family and their ilk and how much they all love to hunt. The idea of hunting prey is echoed again and again. The first time the four trespassers see a delivery car arriving at the estate, they tuck themselves down in the tall grass as an antelope might hide from a lion. This would be a fantastic bit of writing to teach in a creative writing classroom because every element is crafted to enhance the reader's sense of rapidly growing danger even while the sun is still up, so to speak.
--End Spoiler--
Further Thoughts:
It is difficult to discuss what I have come to think of as the second part of the book. Essentially, there is Martha's life before (insert big event I don't want to spoil) and Martha's life after (big event). What I can say is that this novel's momentum is propulsive. Despite a very busy week, I just did not want to stop reading.
Thorne's characters, all of them, are so colorful and believable--you feel like these are people you may run into at the local grocery. Martha reminded me a bit of Thorne's protagonist in Diavola in the sense that both women have to deal with some truly manipulative people, but she's certainly an individual in her own right too.
Ultimately, Thorne's sense of justice for her female protagonists in all her novels is just a beautiful thing--I absolutely loved the ending of this one!
A memento mori. Remember that you will die." p.19
This is the third ARC I have read by Jennifer Thorne prior to publication, and--oh man, wow, by golly gee--she never disappoints!!!
I found myself riveted by the author's carefully measured hints of foreboding, dotting every page yet so innocently placed into settings, symbols and dialogues that readers will almost wonder if they are simply looking too closely into the text. The effect is almost like the shadow of a predator growing darker and larger upon approach. By the time readers are well and truly creeped all the way out, it's really too late to stop reading. Yes, this one will keep you up until 3am, and if you're like me, you'll be needing a nightlight. So start it on a weekend or be prepared to sleepwalk through your next day.
_______________
Basic Premise (brief & spoiler-free):
Martha has spent her recent years caring for her mother who slowly lost her battle with cancer. Her older brother, Ian, out of concern but also out of guilt for not helping more with their mother, invites Martha on a mini-break to go to a grand estate where his friend Tommy has been working on staff. Tommy has claimed that everyone, both owners and staff, will be gone for the week. The mansion will be empty. The security cameras will be off--Tommy explains that they are turned off and rebooted once a month. Thus, Ian and his girlfriend Lucy, Tommy, and Martha can covertly use the house and grounds and no one need know. Unfortunately, this bit of harmless freeloading rapidly turns into a crisis. The owners return early, and they are not alone.
Soon Martha's very reality shifts as she finds herself dealing with an unimaginable illness, a whole new set of friends/would-be found family members, and an ever present sense that something is not quite right and that her life may indeed be in danger. Even more troubling, Martha herself seems to be awakening into a whole new sense of self, and even she is not quite certain that this change is for the better.
_______________
Commentary: (POV, dramatic irony, foreshadowing)
Martha, the protagonist whose first person perspective readers see through, opens Newbourne Park by claiming:
"This is not a confession. Not in the usual sense. I'm not pacing the halls of Newbourne Park scratching pustules of guilt. [...] I'm the one who made the decision to come to Newbourne, again and again. To flee when useful. To attack. Seduce. Inflict pain and feel it wrack me. To taste this life and then tear it open with my teeth. No, this isn't a confession. It's a boast."
All first person narrators are unreliable and thus somewhat dramatically ironic, but once readers truly get to know Martha--lovable, practical, mild mannered, caregiver to her mother, bookish, quiet, dependable Martha--recalling this opening saturates readers with rising curiosity as we try to make sense of such a dooming bit of foreshadowing. The chapter titles do much the same as Martha lists them, naming each one for "her sins." But what sins could this woman possibly be carrying? Readers obviously know something is going to have to happen to Martha for her to make such a drastic change in temperament. We just don't know what event could possibly bring about such a true 180. Slowly, subtly, Ms. Thorne continues throughout the novel to develop the motif of "change" in all of its many facets, from birth to death.
--Very Minor Spoiler Ahead--
Many professional reviewers mention how carefully Thorne executes her style and structure. This is one of those rare thrillers that readers can reread multiple times and still find layers they've missed. Absolutely every conversation Martha recounts is symbolically foreshadowing or thematically underscoring a motif. For example, Lucy makes a light and offhanded comment to Martha about the royal family and their ilk and how much they all love to hunt. The idea of hunting prey is echoed again and again. The first time the four trespassers see a delivery car arriving at the estate, they tuck themselves down in the tall grass as an antelope might hide from a lion. This would be a fantastic bit of writing to teach in a creative writing classroom because every element is crafted to enhance the reader's sense of rapidly growing danger even while the sun is still up, so to speak.
--End Spoiler--
Further Thoughts:
It is difficult to discuss what I have come to think of as the second part of the book. Essentially, there is Martha's life before (insert big event I don't want to spoil) and Martha's life after (big event). What I can say is that this novel's momentum is propulsive. Despite a very busy week, I just did not want to stop reading.
Thorne's characters, all of them, are so colorful and believable--you feel like these are people you may run into at the local grocery. Martha reminded me a bit of Thorne's protagonist in Diavola in the sense that both women have to deal with some truly manipulative people, but she's certainly an individual in her own right too.
Ultimately, Thorne's sense of justice for her female protagonists in all her novels is just a beautiful thing--I absolutely loved the ending of this one!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Woohoo!!! Jennifer Thorne has delivered another chilling, thrilling, entertaining, eerie and hard to put down book! Newbourne Park was equal parts addictive, fun, original, snarky, and horrific! This is the third book I have read by Jennifer Thorne, and I can't wait to read what she writes next. The previous books which I have read by this author are Diavola and Lute. I recommend not only this book, Newbourne Park but those books as well.
When Martha Shaw's brother invites her for a weekend away at an opulent country estate where his friend is employed, she agrees. She could use a little fun after years of caring for their dying mother. Initially things are fun, but when night falls the fun turns into a nightmare!!!!!!
I had no idea where this book was going in the beginning and enjoyed the wild ride. I loved the plot, the cast of characters, the twists, and the development of Martha's character. She is a little unsure at the beginning of the book, a reluctant partygoer but as the book progresses, she gets stronger and more confident.
As with Jennifer Thorne's other books, I found Newbourne Park to be wonderfully written, well thought out, and entertaining. Her books quickly grab my attention and never let go. This was such a fun and entertaining book. It is also horrific but not scary. It is also original, intriguing, and hard to put down! If you have not read one of her books, do yourself a favor and sink your teeth into this one!
Thank you to G.P. Putnam's Sons and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
When Martha Shaw's brother invites her for a weekend away at an opulent country estate where his friend is employed, she agrees. She could use a little fun after years of caring for their dying mother. Initially things are fun, but when night falls the fun turns into a nightmare!!!!!!
I had no idea where this book was going in the beginning and enjoyed the wild ride. I loved the plot, the cast of characters, the twists, and the development of Martha's character. She is a little unsure at the beginning of the book, a reluctant partygoer but as the book progresses, she gets stronger and more confident.
As with Jennifer Thorne's other books, I found Newbourne Park to be wonderfully written, well thought out, and entertaining. Her books quickly grab my attention and never let go. This was such a fun and entertaining book. It is also horrific but not scary. It is also original, intriguing, and hard to put down! If you have not read one of her books, do yourself a favor and sink your teeth into this one!
Thank you to G.P. Putnam's Sons and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Disclaimer: I'm only 2/3 of the way through first pass pages, but I'm gonna go ahead and give it five stars.
TWs:
TWs:
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This was a unique and modern rendition of the werewolf tale featuring dark humor and a fabulous manor house in the country. Classism is a major theme, as is the idea that humans are more monstrous than any beast.
July 15, 2026
Oooo this was such a strange and fun little horror gem. I have enjoyed both of this author’s previous releases, and almost immediately when reading Newbourne Park knew I would really enjoy my time with this one as well.
I honestly think readers are doing themselves a massive disservice by viewing this book through a Diavola lens, and it’s never sat quite right with me when the only reason a new release is rated lower was because it wasn’t exactly like the last book they loved by this author. That is coming from someone who absolutely loved Diavola and is an all-time horror favorite of mine.
If you enjoyed this author’s previous work I think you’re in for a delicious treat with this one! While it so did not go where I expected about 40% in I still really enjoyed my time with this story all the same, and greatly look forward to Thorne’s next release.
I honestly think readers are doing themselves a massive disservice by viewing this book through a Diavola lens, and it’s never sat quite right with me when the only reason a new release is rated lower was because it wasn’t exactly like the last book they loved by this author. That is coming from someone who absolutely loved Diavola and is an all-time horror favorite of mine.
If you enjoyed this author’s previous work I think you’re in for a delicious treat with this one! While it so did not go where I expected about 40% in I still really enjoyed my time with this story all the same, and greatly look forward to Thorne’s next release.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When Martha is invited by her brother and his friends to the empty estate home Newbourne Park she accepts, feeling the adrenaline that comes from being somewhere she knows she shouldn't be. Even though assured by her brother's friend Tommy that the owner and staff are all away, there is an unsettling feeling that at any moment they could be caught and face the consequences that befall uninvited guests. It is only days into their stay when they realize the owner has returned, along with a sizable group of companions. Martha quickly learns that she has more to fear than simply facing a charge of trespassing. She will soon be faced with a hunger for things that make her question her own decisions and whether she is content with her life as it has been. How far is she willing to go to get the things she wants and how high a price is she willing to pay?
This book is for those who enjoy a slow burning mystery mixed with blood, gore and a dash of betrayal.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance reading copy.
This book is for those who enjoy a slow burning mystery mixed with blood, gore and a dash of betrayal.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance reading copy.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Jennifer Thorne is incredibly good at composing a narrative where a supernatural horror blends with the horror of the mundane, and incredibly good at crafting a very good evil woman. I hope everyone intrigued by that blurb gives this a shot this month. I think this author is perhaps crafting books that are formulated specifically for me to enjoy, but if you're anything like me, you will love this. (A longer review will come post-publication.)
A huge thank you to Putnam for providing me with this arc after my very positive review of Diavola. This was my first physical arc in years, but I promise that didn't bias my review :)
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A huge thank you to Putnam for providing me with this arc after my very positive review of Diavola. This was my first physical arc in years, but I promise that didn't bias my review :)
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October 9, 2026
Okay, so the synopsis is not the synopsis. That's my spoiler. And I LOVE this little twist.
That said, this was such a fun read. Completely different from Diavola, and I'm okay with that.
First off, holy character development, Martha??? The woman practically did a 180, and somehow it didn't feel forced. Easily the best part of the book for me. I loved watching her change, especially because she's not exactly someone you immediately root for.
Now, I'm taking off 0.75 stars (ha!) because as much as I enjoyed this, I do think some parts were underdeveloped. There were interesting ideas and plot points that felt like they were introduced just to be left hanging. Not everything needs an elaborate explanation, but some things deserved more attention than they got.
Overall, a great read. Just missing a bit of bite.
That said, this was such a fun read. Completely different from Diavola, and I'm okay with that.
First off, holy character development, Martha??? The woman practically did a 180, and somehow it didn't feel forced. Easily the best part of the book for me. I loved watching her change, especially because she's not exactly someone you immediately root for.
Now, I'm taking off 0.75 stars (ha!) because as much as I enjoyed this, I do think some parts were underdeveloped. There were interesting ideas and plot points that felt like they were introduced just to be left hanging. Not everything needs an elaborate explanation, but some things deserved more attention than they got.
Overall, a great read. Just missing a bit of bite.
October 6, 2026
A country house, a group of friends, and a full moon....
A clever modern take on the werewolf legend that takes you through the perils of life after the bite...
Witty and dark! Perfect for October.
A clever modern take on the werewolf legend that takes you through the perils of life after the bite...
Witty and dark! Perfect for October.
September 29, 2026
Official comments: "Terrifying, ruthless, and unforgettable, Newbourne Park is a wild, nail-biting thrill fest. You will devour this novel in one go. Thorne's best yet!"
Unofficial: this was a RIDE. So much fun and brutal and just razor sharp- want to see it on the screen!! 🐺😍
Unofficial: this was a RIDE. So much fun and brutal and just razor sharp- want to see it on the screen!! 🐺😍
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I DEVOURED this book!!! That’s the review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I didn't have a good time with this novel.
Diavola hit hard, thoroughly won me, so I was gutted to find that ‘Newbourne Park’ doesn't quite hold water.
Details of my grumbles? Well, principally, Martha's thought processes aren't convincing, which makes her quite unrelatable. Secondly, Thorne’s affected device where each part of the novel is one of her set of 'sins' completely turned me off, it's so contrived. Generally, though, there's just not much to grab and hold a discerning reader.
Jennifer Thorne’s writing here is clunky – not at all like ‘Diavola’ – and feels lax in many places. The prose is drably half-hearted; describing the look of someone, she writes:
To me, I couldn’t help feeling that this was more a sketch of a novel than a finished piece.
So please, please read Such Sharp Teeth by Rachel Harrison if you want to see this idea executed in all the right ways.
My thanks are due to Titan books for the eARC through NetGalley.
Diavola hit hard, thoroughly won me, so I was gutted to find that ‘Newbourne Park’ doesn't quite hold water.
Details of my grumbles? Well, principally, Martha's thought processes aren't convincing, which makes her quite unrelatable. Secondly, Thorne’s affected device where each part of the novel is one of her set of 'sins' completely turned me off, it's so contrived. Generally, though, there's just not much to grab and hold a discerning reader.
Jennifer Thorne’s writing here is clunky – not at all like ‘Diavola’ – and feels lax in many places. The prose is drably half-hearted; describing the look of someone, she writes:
'The overall effect was that of someone cosplaying a pedophile for Halloween.'Cosplaying a pedophile?! What? Maybe the author really inhabits another world than I do, and this'll speak profoundly to some randomers who aren't bummed-out by it.
To me, I couldn’t help feeling that this was more a sketch of a novel than a finished piece.
So please, please read Such Sharp Teeth by Rachel Harrison if you want to see this idea executed in all the right ways.
My thanks are due to Titan books for the eARC through NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Oh, I enjoyed Martha!
She's not nice. She's not warm and fuzzy. And if Martha and I were both running away from a grizzly bear, while she wouldn't push me in front of the bear, she also wouldn't do a damn thing to help me and I'd be bear chow.
This book is bitey in all the best ways. Teeth rend and tear and destroy, both literally and figuratively, and I was so there for it. The author gives us all the vices and makes them both horrifying and compelling all at once.
It's a monster book...but there are so many different kinds of monsters out there.
Excellent read!
She's not nice. She's not warm and fuzzy. And if Martha and I were both running away from a grizzly bear, while she wouldn't push me in front of the bear, she also wouldn't do a damn thing to help me and I'd be bear chow.
This book is bitey in all the best ways. Teeth rend and tear and destroy, both literally and figuratively, and I was so there for it. The author gives us all the vices and makes them both horrifying and compelling all at once.
It's a monster book...but there are so many different kinds of monsters out there.
Excellent read!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Loved it almost as much as I loved Diavola. A must-read for horror fans.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I went into this book blind. Yes, I'd read the blurb, but for some reason the Very Strong Plot Hints hadn't entered my mind, so I wasn't quite sure what I was getting here. A big house. Illicit visitors. Bad times happen for all concerned. That was about it.
And I'd recommend you go in just the same. Because the reveal of just what's going on is that much more delicious if you don't quite know it's coming. No spoilers here!
Even so, if you're quicker on the uptake than I was, that doesn't spoil the story at all. This is an absolute diamond of a book, glistening (sometimes messily) from every angle as we follow protagonist Martha through twists and turns of some very unforeseen life changes.
I enjoyed the subtle parallels between the main action and Martha's off-book history of having to give up her life plans to look after her ailing mother. The contrast between the family in the house and the 'everyday folk' of the villages was fun too, especially as I've known such places in my life and can see how the tiniest tweak could make this situation very real indeed. What goes on behind those big gates stays there... doesn't it?
And I admit, even though it may not be the correct choice, I found myself cheering at the conclusion, which absolutely sticks the landing.
Clever, thoughtful and very unafraid to go into dark places, this is a beast of a book. Hugely recommended.
I was kindly sent an early copy of this book by the publisher, but the above opinions are entirely my own.
And I'd recommend you go in just the same. Because the reveal of just what's going on is that much more delicious if you don't quite know it's coming. No spoilers here!
Even so, if you're quicker on the uptake than I was, that doesn't spoil the story at all. This is an absolute diamond of a book, glistening (sometimes messily) from every angle as we follow protagonist Martha through twists and turns of some very unforeseen life changes.
I enjoyed the subtle parallels between the main action and Martha's off-book history of having to give up her life plans to look after her ailing mother. The contrast between the family in the house and the 'everyday folk' of the villages was fun too, especially as I've known such places in my life and can see how the tiniest tweak could make this situation very real indeed. What goes on behind those big gates stays there... doesn't it?
And I admit, even though it may not be the correct choice, I found myself cheering at the conclusion, which absolutely sticks the landing.
Clever, thoughtful and very unafraid to go into dark places, this is a beast of a book. Hugely recommended.
I was kindly sent an early copy of this book by the publisher, but the above opinions are entirely my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Sadly, Newbourne Park just wasn't for me. I felt like the synopsis was a bit misleading because what is described there happens in the very beginning of the book, and the rest of the book is about how Martha deals with the aftermath. It just wasn't what I expected. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
June 17, 2026
Newbourne Park is delicious. The characters are wonderfully complex, and layer after layer is slowly revealed as the story progresses. Martha, our protagonist, is your average girl. A tragic set of circumstances finds her leaving her pedestrian lifestyle for Newbourne Park, the grand home of a family listed among Debrett’s peerages. Newbourne Park is beautifully luxurious - and the home of Lady Lambert’s monthly “gathering”, a diverse set of individuals with one thing in common: lycanthropy. Martha quickly realizes the dark secret the group is hiding and finds herself coming face to face with her true self. Newbourne Park is a blend of social commentary, feminine rage, and the need to create a semblance of control in the face of chaos. Jennifer Thorne has earned her place among my “automatic order” authors, and other horror lovers - especially those who treasure vibes over gore - should too. Recommend!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2026
This one definitely grew on me as it went on. The atmosphere is great throughout, but it did take a bit for it to hit its stride for me, and I will tell you why: it feels a little like two separate books. I really enjoyed both parts, but I was bummed when Part 1 ended and I knew that none of the things I liked about it would be in the rest of the book. I am being vague, yes, because spoilers. But it took a bit of the enjoyment out of the book for me, for a time.
But! It got back into its (different, but not bad) groove, and I was once again invested in the story. And it definitely took some pretty wild turns! I think a lot of paranormal horror fans will be glad for the direction it took, and I still definitely enjoyed it, but from a strictly character perspective, I missed the direction of Part 1. And it absolutely fits the story, so I can’t be mad. And the character progression was absolutely fabulous.
Bottom Line: Don't break into rich people mansions, kids!
But! It got back into its (different, but not bad) groove, and I was once again invested in the story. And it definitely took some pretty wild turns! I think a lot of paranormal horror fans will be glad for the direction it took, and I still definitely enjoyed it, but from a strictly character perspective, I missed the direction of Part 1. And it absolutely fits the story, so I can’t be mad. And the character progression was absolutely fabulous.
Bottom Line: Don't break into rich people mansions, kids!
October 2, 2026
Thank you Putnam for my free copy of Newbourne Park by Jennifer Thorne — out now!
» READ IF YOU «
🏰 love when a sprawling, ancient estate has beaucoup secrets
🌙 want to go in blind and let the story surprise you
🖤 are into dark, funny horror with great female leads
» SYNOPSIS «
Martha's spent years caring for her dying mother, and now she's finally free. A free weekend away at a sprawling country estate sounds like exactly what she needs to reset. (It's not). Trust me on this one pleeeeeease and go in blind!
» REVIEW «
I HIGHLY recommend going into this book knowing as little as possible, because I did, and I had such a good time just letting the story carry me to its main little surprise. And after that, hot damn was it hard to put down! I finished it in one evening because I just had to keep going. Diavola was one of my favorites the year it came out, and I'm so happy that this story was just as fun.
Martha's journey was the heart of this book for me. I may not have agreed with everything she was doing, but she was such a compelling FMC to follow! I really enjoyed watching her change over the course of the story. And Olivia?! What a character. I loved her. Newbourne itself as a setting was also a delight. It's atmospheric, palatial, and just the right amount of creepy.
Thorne is such a reliably good time, and this one was no exception. I will follow her anywhere! Even to Newbourne Park!
» RATING «
🌙 I'm Entranced 🌙
» READ-A-LIKES «
• Diavola by Jennifer Thorne
• House of Hunger by Alexis Henderson
• A House with Good Bones by T. Kingfisher
• Saltburn (2023 film)
» READ IF YOU «
🏰 love when a sprawling, ancient estate has beaucoup secrets
🌙 want to go in blind and let the story surprise you
🖤 are into dark, funny horror with great female leads
» SYNOPSIS «
Martha's spent years caring for her dying mother, and now she's finally free. A free weekend away at a sprawling country estate sounds like exactly what she needs to reset. (It's not). Trust me on this one pleeeeeease and go in blind!
» REVIEW «
I HIGHLY recommend going into this book knowing as little as possible, because I did, and I had such a good time just letting the story carry me to its main little surprise. And after that, hot damn was it hard to put down! I finished it in one evening because I just had to keep going. Diavola was one of my favorites the year it came out, and I'm so happy that this story was just as fun.
Martha's journey was the heart of this book for me. I may not have agreed with everything she was doing, but she was such a compelling FMC to follow! I really enjoyed watching her change over the course of the story. And Olivia?! What a character. I loved her. Newbourne itself as a setting was also a delight. It's atmospheric, palatial, and just the right amount of creepy.
Thorne is such a reliably good time, and this one was no exception. I will follow her anywhere! Even to Newbourne Park!
» RATING «
🌙 I'm Entranced 🌙
» READ-A-LIKES «
• Diavola by Jennifer Thorne
• House of Hunger by Alexis Henderson
• A House with Good Bones by T. Kingfisher
• Saltburn (2023 film)
October 8, 2026
About 90 pages in I was like “what else could possibly happen in this book?!” The answer is a lot, and it’s all very fun and bloody and gross. A solid spooky season read.
Read
October 4, 2026Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.
RTC!
RTC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I fully admit that when this book started, despite me loving the synopsis, I wasn't sure if I was going to finish. It starts off somewhat slow and I found myself wondering if I would DNF, but I plodded along and behold, I ended up really enjoying this story. This book turned out to be more than I had originally anticipated and I rather enjoyed the read.
Thank you NetGalley and Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Pub Date: 9/29/26
Thank you NetGalley and Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Pub Date: 9/29/26
June 29, 2026
THIS REVIEW WILL HAVE SPOILERS!
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Diavola was one of my favorite horror books the year that I read it and I've been itching for a new horror book from this author so Newbourne Park immediately went to the top of my TBR as soon as it hit my kindle. Unfortunately, it didn't quite live up to my expectations.
Here's the thing, I absolutely LOVED the first 30% of this book, Newbourne mansion was the perfect setting and the atmosphere was on point. I loved seeing the group arrive and quickly realize something isn't right. I loved seeing the night of carnage but all of that ending by the 30% mark and the rest was our FMC trying to figure out her new life after being bit, which is where I struggled. I honestly think I would've enjoyed this a bit more had the first 30% been more of the book and less about her in the aftermath.
This wasn't a bad book by any means, I just preferred the first third of the book and my attention waned after that.
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Diavola was one of my favorite horror books the year that I read it and I've been itching for a new horror book from this author so Newbourne Park immediately went to the top of my TBR as soon as it hit my kindle. Unfortunately, it didn't quite live up to my expectations.
Here's the thing, I absolutely LOVED the first 30% of this book, Newbourne mansion was the perfect setting and the atmosphere was on point. I loved seeing the group arrive and quickly realize something isn't right. I loved seeing the night of carnage but all of that ending by the 30% mark and the rest was our FMC trying to figure out her new life after being bit, which is where I struggled. I honestly think I would've enjoyed this a bit more had the first 30% been more of the book and less about her in the aftermath.
This wasn't a bad book by any means, I just preferred the first third of the book and my attention waned after that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This review is for an ARC copy received from the publisher through NetGalley.
Still mourning the loss of her mother, Martha Shaw reluctantly agrees to accompany her brother and fiancee to the grand estate where his friend works. With the owners away on holiday, it seems like the perfect opportunity to enjoy themselves in the lap of luxury. But when the owners return unexpectedly, Martha finds that some monsters are real and her life is forever changed by the encounter.
Newbourne Park definitely put a new spin on an old horror trope, turning it on its head by telling the story from an inside perspective. The plot had plenty of surprises, and had a number of secrets it kept hidden, only revealing them a little at a time.
Still mourning the loss of her mother, Martha Shaw reluctantly agrees to accompany her brother and fiancee to the grand estate where his friend works. With the owners away on holiday, it seems like the perfect opportunity to enjoy themselves in the lap of luxury. But when the owners return unexpectedly, Martha finds that some monsters are real and her life is forever changed by the encounter.
Newbourne Park definitely put a new spin on an old horror trope, turning it on its head by telling the story from an inside perspective. The plot had plenty of surprises, and had a number of secrets it kept hidden, only revealing them a little at a time.
August 12, 2026
2.5
Book was good in the beginning then kind of fell flat. I feel like the horror element was there for a glimpse and then gone. I think if the beginning was the first half of the book it would have made it more enjoyable. After a while I just didn’t care.
Thank you NetGalley for the advance copy!
Book was good in the beginning then kind of fell flat. I feel like the horror element was there for a glimpse and then gone. I think if the beginning was the first half of the book it would have made it more enjoyable. After a while I just didn’t care.
Thank you NetGalley for the advance copy!
September 28, 2026
It's like.... rags to riches... but at what cost?
Martha Shaw is someone that is deserving of pity, but really does not want it. She left her dreams of studying medicine behind when her mother became ill, and cared for her until the very end. Hey, at least she gained some experience, right?
Her brother Ian, who was absent through their mother's illness, has taken it upon himself out of guilt, a sudden sense of responsibility for her happiness, or something else entirely, to make sure that Martha has a social life after the loss of their mother. For longer than anyone should have to experience, caring for her mother was all she knew.
So when Ian finds out that his best friend Tony is planning to sneak onto the grounds of the mansion where he's been working as a butler for a short time to feign living in the lap of luxury for a few days, he decides to invite Martha to join them, along with Ian's long term girlfriend, Lucy.
Tony says that the place is supposed to be clear of all owners, staff, the security cameras were to be off, and they would have the place to themselves. It all seems a little too good to be true, but Martha tries not to remain so on edge - she doesn't want to be the wet blanket among them.
They imbibe with alcohol, and other illicit substances. Their guard is dropped. And then someone comes home to Newbourne Park.
So what I've described only accounts for the first maybe 30% of this book. If I go any further into detail, you won't get the same delightfully shocking experience I had, so lets just get into what I enjoyed about this book.
Martha as a character has a very strong and steady development in this story. She starts out as this meek, inexperienced, and depressed woman, who has quite literally lost everything. But as things progress, she shows her true colors, her agility in the art of manipulation. But her moral compass is all over the place, and I kind of loved that about her.
The narrative on social standing and power struggle was ridiculously strong in this one. The way that Martha navigates being in a position of submissive 'yes-woman' to being in a position of pseudo power was really well thought out and well executed. She was constantly walking on eggshells, but the ways in which she schemed to earn her place was chefs kiss.
But all throughout this story, the constant theme was never to get to a happy ending. It was about survival, and secrets, and protecting what you've built, no matter the cost.
Overall, while the most exciting part of this book is at the beginning, I found that it pulled everything together in the end very effectively.
Martha Shaw is someone that is deserving of pity, but really does not want it. She left her dreams of studying medicine behind when her mother became ill, and cared for her until the very end. Hey, at least she gained some experience, right?
Her brother Ian, who was absent through their mother's illness, has taken it upon himself out of guilt, a sudden sense of responsibility for her happiness, or something else entirely, to make sure that Martha has a social life after the loss of their mother. For longer than anyone should have to experience, caring for her mother was all she knew.
So when Ian finds out that his best friend Tony is planning to sneak onto the grounds of the mansion where he's been working as a butler for a short time to feign living in the lap of luxury for a few days, he decides to invite Martha to join them, along with Ian's long term girlfriend, Lucy.
Tony says that the place is supposed to be clear of all owners, staff, the security cameras were to be off, and they would have the place to themselves. It all seems a little too good to be true, but Martha tries not to remain so on edge - she doesn't want to be the wet blanket among them.
They imbibe with alcohol, and other illicit substances. Their guard is dropped. And then someone comes home to Newbourne Park.
So what I've described only accounts for the first maybe 30% of this book. If I go any further into detail, you won't get the same delightfully shocking experience I had, so lets just get into what I enjoyed about this book.
Martha as a character has a very strong and steady development in this story. She starts out as this meek, inexperienced, and depressed woman, who has quite literally lost everything. But as things progress, she shows her true colors, her agility in the art of manipulation. But her moral compass is all over the place, and I kind of loved that about her.
The narrative on social standing and power struggle was ridiculously strong in this one. The way that Martha navigates being in a position of submissive 'yes-woman' to being in a position of pseudo power was really well thought out and well executed. She was constantly walking on eggshells, but the ways in which she schemed to earn her place was chefs kiss.
But all throughout this story, the constant theme was never to get to a happy ending. It was about survival, and secrets, and protecting what you've built, no matter the cost.
Overall, while the most exciting part of this book is at the beginning, I found that it pulled everything together in the end very effectively.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Jennifer Thorne is an instant-buy author for me, so I went into Newbourne Park completely blind and I’ll read whatever she writes.
The story follows Martha as she joins her brother and friends for a weekend getaway at a fancy countryside estate. The owners and staff are supposed to be away on vacation, leaving the entire place empty for them to enjoy. However, their plans are shattered as night falls and the owners return, bringing something hungry and bloody with them. Thorne takes this typical werewolf premise and seamlessly combines it with deeper themes of power, privilege, grief, and reclaiming your life.
The first 30% of the book was a wild ride. It didn't take long for everything to get started, and the initial action was intense and pulse-pounding. I can say I was legitimately scared and on edge for all of the characters as their vacation plans were horrifically interrupted. The imagery and descriptions throughout this section really set the stage for everything happening.
However after that is when the pacing started to feel a bit off to me as the story shifts a bit. The next 30% slowed down significantly as our main character had to take time to grasp her new life and deal with the immediate aftermath. The final 30% shifted focus toward complex family dynamics, power, and privilege.
I really enjoyed this book, though the best part by far was that intense beginning. I do wish more of that initial momentum had been carried throughout, as the pace drastically slowed down after the opening act. However, I’m someone who really appreciates the social commentary and themes this book covers, so I still had a great time reading it. Jennifer Thorne continues to prove why she’s an auto-read author for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for the advanced reader copy. All thoughts are my own.
The story follows Martha as she joins her brother and friends for a weekend getaway at a fancy countryside estate. The owners and staff are supposed to be away on vacation, leaving the entire place empty for them to enjoy. However, their plans are shattered as night falls and the owners return, bringing something hungry and bloody with them. Thorne takes this typical werewolf premise and seamlessly combines it with deeper themes of power, privilege, grief, and reclaiming your life.
The first 30% of the book was a wild ride. It didn't take long for everything to get started, and the initial action was intense and pulse-pounding. I can say I was legitimately scared and on edge for all of the characters as their vacation plans were horrifically interrupted. The imagery and descriptions throughout this section really set the stage for everything happening.
However after that is when the pacing started to feel a bit off to me as the story shifts a bit. The next 30% slowed down significantly as our main character had to take time to grasp her new life and deal with the immediate aftermath. The final 30% shifted focus toward complex family dynamics, power, and privilege.
I really enjoyed this book, though the best part by far was that intense beginning. I do wish more of that initial momentum had been carried throughout, as the pace drastically slowed down after the opening act. However, I’m someone who really appreciates the social commentary and themes this book covers, so I still had a great time reading it. Jennifer Thorne continues to prove why she’s an auto-read author for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for the advanced reader copy. All thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Newbourne Park does a really good job of stringing you along and making you need to know what happens next. Almost immediately, you’re thrown into the action, introduced to this cast of characters, and then something happens so early that I genuinely thought it we’re already doing THIS in the first 25%, what the hell is the rest of this book going to be about?
I ate that up. Even once I started to figure out where things were going, I was still interested enough to keep reading because I wanted to see exactly how everything would play out.
The side characters felt surprisingly multifaceted, and I became more attached to some of them than I thought I would. I also really enjoyed the storytelling format and the feeling that Martha is actively telling us this story rather than us simply watching everything happen to her.
Where this lost me was the ending. Not because I didn’t understand it or felt like I needed more explanation, I just really didn’t like the direction it took Martha’s character. There’s a noticeable shift in her empathy throughout the story, and while I can understand that transformation within the context of everything that happens, by the end she felt almost apathetic in a way that was difficult for me to reconcile with the person we met at the beginning. I think there were certain components to the last bit that felt unsatisfying for me.
Overall, though, I enjoyed the majority of this. It’s weird, darkly funny, engaging, and incredibly easy to visualize. Even when I had a pretty good idea of where the story was headed, I still wanted to see exactly how it would get there.
I’d definitely recommend if you’re in the mood for a darkly comedic & very cinematic horror.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.
I ate that up. Even once I started to figure out where things were going, I was still interested enough to keep reading because I wanted to see exactly how everything would play out.
The side characters felt surprisingly multifaceted, and I became more attached to some of them than I thought I would. I also really enjoyed the storytelling format and the feeling that Martha is actively telling us this story rather than us simply watching everything happen to her.
Where this lost me was the ending. Not because I didn’t understand it or felt like I needed more explanation, I just really didn’t like the direction it took Martha’s character. There’s a noticeable shift in her empathy throughout the story, and while I can understand that transformation within the context of everything that happens, by the end she felt almost apathetic in a way that was difficult for me to reconcile with the person we met at the beginning. I think there were certain components to the last bit that felt unsatisfying for me.
Overall, though, I enjoyed the majority of this. It’s weird, darkly funny, engaging, and incredibly easy to visualize. Even when I had a pretty good idea of where the story was headed, I still wanted to see exactly how it would get there.
I’d definitely recommend if you’re in the mood for a darkly comedic & very cinematic horror.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.
October 5, 2026
I went into this one pretty much blind and it served me really well. There are some things you don't want to know going in, so blind is best.
FMC Martha is exhausted. She is only in her mid-20s but years of caring for her dying mother have left her exhausted and drained. After her mother's death, she takes a weekend trip with her brother and a couple of friends to Newbourne Park, a ridiculously lavish estate where they definitely are NOT supposed to be. What starts out as a little trespassing and partying quickly turns into something much more sinister.
This is a strange one to categorize. It's definitely horror, but it's also a story about grief, female rage, privilege, and what happens when someone who has spent her entire life taking care of everyone else finally starts putting herself first. There is plenty of blood and violence, but I found the character and thematic elements just as interesting as the horror itself. The author gives you the big twist right at the beginning of the book, which I worried might slow things down but that didn't happen for me. It did change the vibe of things from a thriller with dark humor to a deeper exploration of Martha and her journey to finding herself. The second half of the book is very different from the first, which may be a problem for some readers...especially if you are looking for a more straightforward horror story.
Overall, I enjoyed the weirdness of it and especially Martha's transformation throughout the story. It's definitely not going to be for everyone, but if you like horror with some social commentary and a little bit of "women finally decide they've had enough" energy, this is worth checking out. I think if you enjoyed Mary by Nat Cassidy or September House by Carissa Orlando, you will want to try this one. A great October read. 4 stars
FMC Martha is exhausted. She is only in her mid-20s but years of caring for her dying mother have left her exhausted and drained. After her mother's death, she takes a weekend trip with her brother and a couple of friends to Newbourne Park, a ridiculously lavish estate where they definitely are NOT supposed to be. What starts out as a little trespassing and partying quickly turns into something much more sinister.
This is a strange one to categorize. It's definitely horror, but it's also a story about grief, female rage, privilege, and what happens when someone who has spent her entire life taking care of everyone else finally starts putting herself first. There is plenty of blood and violence, but I found the character and thematic elements just as interesting as the horror itself. The author gives you the big twist right at the beginning of the book, which I worried might slow things down but that didn't happen for me. It did change the vibe of things from a thriller with dark humor to a deeper exploration of Martha and her journey to finding herself. The second half of the book is very different from the first, which may be a problem for some readers...especially if you are looking for a more straightforward horror story.
Overall, I enjoyed the weirdness of it and especially Martha's transformation throughout the story. It's definitely not going to be for everyone, but if you like horror with some social commentary and a little bit of "women finally decide they've had enough" energy, this is worth checking out. I think if you enjoyed Mary by Nat Cassidy or September House by Carissa Orlando, you will want to try this one. A great October read. 4 stars
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