What do you think?
The Lost Brontë
A spellbinding tale of hidden desires, whispered secrets, and a darkness that lingers behind every locked door.
Yorkshire, 1898.
When twenty-one-year-old Lilianne Loxley is sent to Lord Bexton's isolated estate to work off her uncle's debts, she expects drudgery—not danger. With her gift for mimicry, she becomes Bexton's secretary—and his reluctant forger. Soon she's trapped in a scheme to create a "lost" novel by Emily Brontë, a deception that could make—or destroy—fortunes.
The house is full of footsteps echo in empty corridors, lemon-scented ghosts haunt her sleepless nights, and a portrait seems to watch her every move. Yet it's the living who unsettle her most—especially Wren McAllister, the sharp-tongued maid whose defiance hides a tender heart. Drawn together by loss and longing, Lily and Wren risk everything for a freedom neither has ever known.
As the line between truth and invention blurs, Lily uncovers a shocking connection to the Brontë family—and to Bexton himself—that will force her to choose between love, loyalty, and the dangerous power of her own pen.
Yorkshire, 1898.
When twenty-one-year-old Lilianne Loxley is sent to Lord Bexton's isolated estate to work off her uncle's debts, she expects drudgery—not danger. With her gift for mimicry, she becomes Bexton's secretary—and his reluctant forger. Soon she's trapped in a scheme to create a "lost" novel by Emily Brontë, a deception that could make—or destroy—fortunes.
The house is full of footsteps echo in empty corridors, lemon-scented ghosts haunt her sleepless nights, and a portrait seems to watch her every move. Yet it's the living who unsettle her most—especially Wren McAllister, the sharp-tongued maid whose defiance hides a tender heart. Drawn together by loss and longing, Lily and Wren risk everything for a freedom neither has ever known.
As the line between truth and invention blurs, Lily uncovers a shocking connection to the Brontë family—and to Bexton himself—that will force her to choose between love, loyalty, and the dangerous power of her own pen.
Audible Audio
Published August 18, 2026
About the author
Catherine Friend
36 books171 followersCatherine Friend had what she calls a "boring" childhood, but she says that boring was just fine -- because it gave her more time to read. She read so much her parents had to set a "no-reading-at-the dinner-table" rule. She was slightly shy as a child, but enjoyed playing Beauty Parlor with her sister, taking family trips, and watching STAR TREK and TIME TUNNEL.
She studied Economics, but because of her love for books and stories, she eventually found herself drawn to writing. Since then, the author has written six children's books, including THE PERFECT NEST, a hilarious read-aloud illustrated by John Manders; and two books in Candlewick’s Brand New Readers series. She is also the author of the acclaimed adult memoir, HIT BY A FARM: HOW I LEARNED TO STOP WORRYING AND LOVE THE BARN. When it comes to her writing, Catherine Friend likes to try new things and seek new challenges -- but she always likes to write stories that make her laugh.
Catherine Friend lives on a small farm in southeastern Minnesota -- which inspired both THE PERFECT NEST and HIT BY A FARM. There, she raises sheep, goats, and llamas, and has an energetic border collie named Robin.
She studied Economics, but because of her love for books and stories, she eventually found herself drawn to writing. Since then, the author has written six children's books, including THE PERFECT NEST, a hilarious read-aloud illustrated by John Manders; and two books in Candlewick’s Brand New Readers series. She is also the author of the acclaimed adult memoir, HIT BY A FARM: HOW I LEARNED TO STOP WORRYING AND LOVE THE BARN. When it comes to her writing, Catherine Friend likes to try new things and seek new challenges -- but she always likes to write stories that make her laugh.
Catherine Friend lives on a small farm in southeastern Minnesota -- which inspired both THE PERFECT NEST and HIT BY A FARM. There, she raises sheep, goats, and llamas, and has an energetic border collie named Robin.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 1, 2026
Catherine Friend’s The Lost Brontë pulls off something rare. Gothic suspense, literary forgery, historical detail, and romance all come together so naturally that they never feel like they’re competing for attention. The plot is twisty yet carefully constructed, and that is the key to its success. Set in Yorkshire in 1898, the novel follows twenty-one-year-old Lilianne Loxley, who is sent to Lord Bexton’s isolated estate to work off her uncle’s debts. Her talent for mimicry draws her into a scheme involving a supposedly lost Emily Brontë manuscript, but the forgery uncannily ends up uncovering a myriad of eerie secrets. Footsteps in empty corridors, a portrait that seems to watch Lily, and an unexplained scent of lemon keep both Lily and the reader questioning what is real and what is imagined. Friend establishes that uncertainty early and uses it to create a story in which truth, invention, and memory continually overlap.
The Brontë manuscript does more than supply an intriguing premise. It becomes the center for the novel’s larger questions about authenticity, identity, integrity, and the stories people choose to believe—not only about others but about themselves. Lily wrestles with all these questions as she navigates life at Bexton Estate. She can imitate almost anyone’s handwriting, capturing the nuances that make each person’s script recognizable and unique. Yet she struggles to assert her own voice. That paradox gives the Brontë storyline its real weight: Lily forges words and builds fortunes for others even as those same people work to silence her. Because of this, the Brontë material never feels like entertaining fluff. It is inextricably tied to Lily’s struggle to understand who she is—and what she is willing to become.
The Gothic elements are just as effective. Friend trusts atmosphere rather than explaining everything away. Locked doors, unexplained sounds, the recurring scent of lemon, and a house that seems to have a personality of its own create a growing sense of unease. Is Lily experiencing something supernatural? Is someone trying to frighten her? Could exhaustion be affecting what she sees and hears? Friend keeps those possibilities open long enough for the uncertainty to become part of the story’s appeal. The ghosts are not simply there to add suspense. They work to connect the novel’s deeper concerns: buried truth and family history.
The mystery itself is carefully constructed. Friend makes the revelations feel earned rather than manufactured. Clues surface early and may seem insignificant at first, only to take on greater meaning as the story unfolds. She allows those details to gain significance naturally, making the eventual revelations all the more satisfying. When the pieces finally come together, the reader thinks, Of course. It was there the whole time. This is the mark of a good mystery. Here, the deception raises questions that go beyond the whodunit: Who benefits from the deception? How far will people go to manufacture the truth? When does truth matter more than survival? And what will exposing it cost Lily? Lord Bexton is a genuinely unsettling antagonist, not simply because he is cruel, but because his control over Lily’s life and her family’s future is disguised as generosity. His ability to make exploitation look like opportunity, all while presenting himself as a sophisticated patron of literature, makes him a particularly despicable character.
That same tension shapes Lily’s character arc, and Friend wields it masterfully, giving the story much of its emotional core. Lily’s talent for mimicry and forgery initially provides her with a means of survival. Yet with each letter she pens, she becomes increasingly entangled in Bexton’s deception. Before long, that deception begins to weigh on her conscience and sense of self. Friend never allows this conflict to become a convenient plot device though. Instead, she uses it to push Lily’s development forward, forcing her to confront what she is willing to sacrifice to survive. Her growing awareness that survival and integrity can come into conflict gives the novel one of its most compelling questions: When doing the right thing means risking everything, what else is there to do? Ultimately, Lily’s choices set the course of her journey. She must decide who she wants to be when survival, loyalty, and truth pull her in different directions.
Lily’s relationship with Wren McAllister grows naturally from that same conflict. It never feels like a romantic story running alongside the mystery. Instead, it develops through trust, vulnerability, intellectual connection, mutual protection, and genuine affection, despite the class differences between them. Their relationship changes the direction of the story and deepens both characters; it doesn’t just provide a romantic subplot. Furthermore, the historical setting strengthens all of this. Friend uses class, employment, economic dependence, reputation, inheritance, sexuality, and access to power to shape the choices available to Lily and Wren. These forces create the boundaries the women are trying to push beyond, making their desire for freedom feel both personal and profound.
Final remarks…
Well written and captivatingly told, The Lost Brontë is a thoughtful exploration of truth, invention, integrity, and the extraordinary power that comes from finally claiming the right to own your voice and your story. Friend brings these threads together with a cohesion that elevates the novel beyond the conventions of a typical historical romantic mystery, offering readers something more than simple entertainment. Brontë enthusiasts, no doubt, will find something special here. For me, this is a clear thumbs-up.
Strengths…
Well-written and Engaging
Compelling Exploration of Authenticity and Identity
Evocative Story World
Strong Character Development
The Brontë manuscript does more than supply an intriguing premise. It becomes the center for the novel’s larger questions about authenticity, identity, integrity, and the stories people choose to believe—not only about others but about themselves. Lily wrestles with all these questions as she navigates life at Bexton Estate. She can imitate almost anyone’s handwriting, capturing the nuances that make each person’s script recognizable and unique. Yet she struggles to assert her own voice. That paradox gives the Brontë storyline its real weight: Lily forges words and builds fortunes for others even as those same people work to silence her. Because of this, the Brontë material never feels like entertaining fluff. It is inextricably tied to Lily’s struggle to understand who she is—and what she is willing to become.
The Gothic elements are just as effective. Friend trusts atmosphere rather than explaining everything away. Locked doors, unexplained sounds, the recurring scent of lemon, and a house that seems to have a personality of its own create a growing sense of unease. Is Lily experiencing something supernatural? Is someone trying to frighten her? Could exhaustion be affecting what she sees and hears? Friend keeps those possibilities open long enough for the uncertainty to become part of the story’s appeal. The ghosts are not simply there to add suspense. They work to connect the novel’s deeper concerns: buried truth and family history.
The mystery itself is carefully constructed. Friend makes the revelations feel earned rather than manufactured. Clues surface early and may seem insignificant at first, only to take on greater meaning as the story unfolds. She allows those details to gain significance naturally, making the eventual revelations all the more satisfying. When the pieces finally come together, the reader thinks, Of course. It was there the whole time. This is the mark of a good mystery. Here, the deception raises questions that go beyond the whodunit: Who benefits from the deception? How far will people go to manufacture the truth? When does truth matter more than survival? And what will exposing it cost Lily? Lord Bexton is a genuinely unsettling antagonist, not simply because he is cruel, but because his control over Lily’s life and her family’s future is disguised as generosity. His ability to make exploitation look like opportunity, all while presenting himself as a sophisticated patron of literature, makes him a particularly despicable character.
That same tension shapes Lily’s character arc, and Friend wields it masterfully, giving the story much of its emotional core. Lily’s talent for mimicry and forgery initially provides her with a means of survival. Yet with each letter she pens, she becomes increasingly entangled in Bexton’s deception. Before long, that deception begins to weigh on her conscience and sense of self. Friend never allows this conflict to become a convenient plot device though. Instead, she uses it to push Lily’s development forward, forcing her to confront what she is willing to sacrifice to survive. Her growing awareness that survival and integrity can come into conflict gives the novel one of its most compelling questions: When doing the right thing means risking everything, what else is there to do? Ultimately, Lily’s choices set the course of her journey. She must decide who she wants to be when survival, loyalty, and truth pull her in different directions.
Lily’s relationship with Wren McAllister grows naturally from that same conflict. It never feels like a romantic story running alongside the mystery. Instead, it develops through trust, vulnerability, intellectual connection, mutual protection, and genuine affection, despite the class differences between them. Their relationship changes the direction of the story and deepens both characters; it doesn’t just provide a romantic subplot. Furthermore, the historical setting strengthens all of this. Friend uses class, employment, economic dependence, reputation, inheritance, sexuality, and access to power to shape the choices available to Lily and Wren. These forces create the boundaries the women are trying to push beyond, making their desire for freedom feel both personal and profound.
Final remarks…
Well written and captivatingly told, The Lost Brontë is a thoughtful exploration of truth, invention, integrity, and the extraordinary power that comes from finally claiming the right to own your voice and your story. Friend brings these threads together with a cohesion that elevates the novel beyond the conventions of a typical historical romantic mystery, offering readers something more than simple entertainment. Brontë enthusiasts, no doubt, will find something special here. For me, this is a clear thumbs-up.
Strengths…
Well-written and Engaging
Compelling Exploration of Authenticity and Identity
Evocative Story World
Strong Character Development
August 14, 2026
This advance review copy received from NetGalley.
Thank you NetGalley and Tantor Media for this advance reader’s audiobook of Catherine Friend’s novel The Last Brontë in exchange for an honest review. My words are my own.
This is a phenomenal piece of queer historical fiction that everyone should experience. It emphasizes female agency, realizes a classical queer world, sharpens communal standards, and forwards a literary narrative yet to be imagined in our excavations of the past. Catherine Friend is on par with the early work of Sarah Waters and other imaginative British writers that created powerful, innovative, singular masterpieces; she is writing queer historical realities with vivid imagery translatable to cinema.
Rather than tapping into a preexisting fount of historical knowledge (i.e. WWII), Catherine Friend did what I think takes true talent - wrote an entire novel based on two completely disparate, minute historical rumors: that there may have been a lost manuscript of Emily Brontë’s and that someone successfully falsified Shakespeare’s documents (briefly). Her main character, Lillian Loxley is a gifted scriptologist who lives in Skipton, Yorkshire with her uncle in 1791. He has amassed great debts, many of which are owed to the powerful Lord Bexton, who agrees to forgive some of them if Lily becomes his personal scribe. Lily’s uncle sends her to Lord Bexton’s country estate, Crag Thorn Manor, where she soon realizes not only is he a dictator but that he uses his influence to coerce all those in his sphere. Once he discovers Lily’s innate talents with scriptology and her passion for Emily Brontë, he begins forcing her to forge letters written in Emily Brontë‘s hand. A detailed, expansive plot ensues with a diverse ensemble of characters, the most prominent being Wren McAllister with whom Lily falls in love. Layers of familial secrets at Crag Thorn unspool slowly in an intricate web that involves not only Lily herself but the Brontës as well.
The author takes many of the ingredients of the gothic genre - female danger, mysterious deaths, haunted country estates, evil co-conspirators, a great love affair, a ghost story, eerie house staff - and blows them out of the water. She subtly pulls from not only literature of the era but other historical influences, while giving nods to classic Brontë works we are all familiar with. This book is in a genre all its own. It is not simply gothic, a queer romance, or historical fiction; this is literature that situates queer people central in the type of canonical literature where we rarely exist.
I listened to the audiobook version and I couldn’t have been more pleased with the narrator. Quinn Riley was an excellent vocalist - her accent was appropriate to time period, the character’s social class and region - which is something that often irks me. She had perfect annunciation and a lovely vocal rhythm. She had a very lilting musical voice early on in the piece, with pauses in between phrases in a natural, organic way. Riley almost puts the reader into a trance-like state; I was truly enveloped in the story. I was equally impressed at how, as the plot escalated, she dramatically changed her tempo and vocalization to match the tone. I felt genuinely frightened when the characters were in danger and relieved when they were safe. This is a great example of how storytelling can be powerful, why it’s calming to listen to a parent read at night, and exciting listening to scary stories around a campfire. The storyteller is what brings the tale alive and Quinn Riley absolutely did that here.
I realize that personal anecdotes aren’t something we normally share in professional reviews, but this book reminded me of my 18-year-old queer self when Sarah Water’s Fingersmith came out and I read a piece of actual literature for the first time that featured lesbians. At a time when memoirs about female love were the only things available, and as a voracious young reader I had only ever seen heterosexual expressions of romance in classical work, it was life altering for me to read a piece of historical fiction that centered two women. I remember being brave enough to go to my first book club, sitting with other queer women who also loved books and being completely shocked that a world existed in which queer love was normative. In my universe of books, which was the place I had sought refuge my whole life, I finally saw myself. Reading this book reminded me of that moment - of how important it is for writers to crack open history and insert queer narratives where they absolutely were, but where their voices haven’t been heard.
I am still trying to figure out how this writer isn’t more widely known. There is even a film trailer of the novel on this author’s instagram page that I doubt many have seen. I can’t stress enough how engaging, explorative and well developed this novel was. There is an enormous audience out there that would be lit on fire by this piece, and I am certainly one of them.
Thank you NetGalley and Tantor Media for this advance reader’s audiobook of Catherine Friend’s novel The Last Brontë in exchange for an honest review. My words are my own.
This is a phenomenal piece of queer historical fiction that everyone should experience. It emphasizes female agency, realizes a classical queer world, sharpens communal standards, and forwards a literary narrative yet to be imagined in our excavations of the past. Catherine Friend is on par with the early work of Sarah Waters and other imaginative British writers that created powerful, innovative, singular masterpieces; she is writing queer historical realities with vivid imagery translatable to cinema.
Rather than tapping into a preexisting fount of historical knowledge (i.e. WWII), Catherine Friend did what I think takes true talent - wrote an entire novel based on two completely disparate, minute historical rumors: that there may have been a lost manuscript of Emily Brontë’s and that someone successfully falsified Shakespeare’s documents (briefly). Her main character, Lillian Loxley is a gifted scriptologist who lives in Skipton, Yorkshire with her uncle in 1791. He has amassed great debts, many of which are owed to the powerful Lord Bexton, who agrees to forgive some of them if Lily becomes his personal scribe. Lily’s uncle sends her to Lord Bexton’s country estate, Crag Thorn Manor, where she soon realizes not only is he a dictator but that he uses his influence to coerce all those in his sphere. Once he discovers Lily’s innate talents with scriptology and her passion for Emily Brontë, he begins forcing her to forge letters written in Emily Brontë‘s hand. A detailed, expansive plot ensues with a diverse ensemble of characters, the most prominent being Wren McAllister with whom Lily falls in love. Layers of familial secrets at Crag Thorn unspool slowly in an intricate web that involves not only Lily herself but the Brontës as well.
The author takes many of the ingredients of the gothic genre - female danger, mysterious deaths, haunted country estates, evil co-conspirators, a great love affair, a ghost story, eerie house staff - and blows them out of the water. She subtly pulls from not only literature of the era but other historical influences, while giving nods to classic Brontë works we are all familiar with. This book is in a genre all its own. It is not simply gothic, a queer romance, or historical fiction; this is literature that situates queer people central in the type of canonical literature where we rarely exist.
I listened to the audiobook version and I couldn’t have been more pleased with the narrator. Quinn Riley was an excellent vocalist - her accent was appropriate to time period, the character’s social class and region - which is something that often irks me. She had perfect annunciation and a lovely vocal rhythm. She had a very lilting musical voice early on in the piece, with pauses in between phrases in a natural, organic way. Riley almost puts the reader into a trance-like state; I was truly enveloped in the story. I was equally impressed at how, as the plot escalated, she dramatically changed her tempo and vocalization to match the tone. I felt genuinely frightened when the characters were in danger and relieved when they were safe. This is a great example of how storytelling can be powerful, why it’s calming to listen to a parent read at night, and exciting listening to scary stories around a campfire. The storyteller is what brings the tale alive and Quinn Riley absolutely did that here.
I realize that personal anecdotes aren’t something we normally share in professional reviews, but this book reminded me of my 18-year-old queer self when Sarah Water’s Fingersmith came out and I read a piece of actual literature for the first time that featured lesbians. At a time when memoirs about female love were the only things available, and as a voracious young reader I had only ever seen heterosexual expressions of romance in classical work, it was life altering for me to read a piece of historical fiction that centered two women. I remember being brave enough to go to my first book club, sitting with other queer women who also loved books and being completely shocked that a world existed in which queer love was normative. In my universe of books, which was the place I had sought refuge my whole life, I finally saw myself. Reading this book reminded me of that moment - of how important it is for writers to crack open history and insert queer narratives where they absolutely were, but where their voices haven’t been heard.
I am still trying to figure out how this writer isn’t more widely known. There is even a film trailer of the novel on this author’s instagram page that I doubt many have seen. I can’t stress enough how engaging, explorative and well developed this novel was. There is an enormous audience out there that would be lit on fire by this piece, and I am certainly one of them.
August 18, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 stars)
Thank you to NetGalley and Tantor Media for providing an audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Story & Narrative
The Lost Brontë delivers an unapologetically atmospheric and deeply satisfying story that hits every classic Gothic note right off the bat. As a MASSIVE fan of the Brontës, I absolutely loved how strong that atmospheric vibe was throughout, from an orphaned heroine taken in by her relatives and facing financial ruin, to travelling to a new house as a servant, complete with hostile household dynamics and a ghost.
Catherine Friend weaves multiple plot lines together seamlessly, balancing mystery, blackmail, and ghost stories without losing momentum. The story integrates real-world literary history brilliant, particularly the William Henry Ireland Shakespeare forgeries and the fascinating legend of Emily Brontë's lost second novel. Everything is laid out so deliberately that the forgery plot feels completely earned.
The pacing is delightfully propulsive, packing in high-impact twists (especially the reveal at the two-thirds mark between Lily and Bexton) and an over-the-top, mustache-twirling villain in Bexton that fits the melodrama perfectly. Accusations of insanity, threats of the asylum, and being locked in the attic hit peak Gothic tropes, yet none of it feels stilted or forced. It remains grounded, authentic, and deeply engaging all the way to a beautifully melodramatic climax with unexpected legal surprises.
My only minor critique is that the sapphic love story felt somewhat underdeveloped and got a bit lost amidst the competing plot lines; however, given how much ground the narrative covers, dedicating more time to it likely would have overloaded an already packed plot.
Production & Narration
The audiobook performance by the narrator is fantastic. Gothic storytelling requires a high degree of theatricality and emotional range to land properly without sliding into self-parody, and the narrator hits those emotional peaks at precisely the right moments. The performance truly enhances the dramatic tension and brings the eerie atmosphere of the story to life.
Final Thoughts & Verdict
The Lost Brontë is a brilliant, twisty, and deeply fun love letter to classical Gothic fiction that keeps you hooked from chapter one to the final resolution. A must-listen for Brontë enthusiasts, fans of literary mysteries, and anyone who loves a richly atmospheric Gothic story executed with modern narrative pacing. Highly recommended in audio format!
Thank you to NetGalley and Tantor Media for providing an audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Story & Narrative
The Lost Brontë delivers an unapologetically atmospheric and deeply satisfying story that hits every classic Gothic note right off the bat. As a MASSIVE fan of the Brontës, I absolutely loved how strong that atmospheric vibe was throughout, from an orphaned heroine taken in by her relatives and facing financial ruin, to travelling to a new house as a servant, complete with hostile household dynamics and a ghost.
Catherine Friend weaves multiple plot lines together seamlessly, balancing mystery, blackmail, and ghost stories without losing momentum. The story integrates real-world literary history brilliant, particularly the William Henry Ireland Shakespeare forgeries and the fascinating legend of Emily Brontë's lost second novel. Everything is laid out so deliberately that the forgery plot feels completely earned.
The pacing is delightfully propulsive, packing in high-impact twists (especially the reveal at the two-thirds mark between Lily and Bexton) and an over-the-top, mustache-twirling villain in Bexton that fits the melodrama perfectly. Accusations of insanity, threats of the asylum, and being locked in the attic hit peak Gothic tropes, yet none of it feels stilted or forced. It remains grounded, authentic, and deeply engaging all the way to a beautifully melodramatic climax with unexpected legal surprises.
My only minor critique is that the sapphic love story felt somewhat underdeveloped and got a bit lost amidst the competing plot lines; however, given how much ground the narrative covers, dedicating more time to it likely would have overloaded an already packed plot.
Production & Narration
The audiobook performance by the narrator is fantastic. Gothic storytelling requires a high degree of theatricality and emotional range to land properly without sliding into self-parody, and the narrator hits those emotional peaks at precisely the right moments. The performance truly enhances the dramatic tension and brings the eerie atmosphere of the story to life.
Final Thoughts & Verdict
The Lost Brontë is a brilliant, twisty, and deeply fun love letter to classical Gothic fiction that keeps you hooked from chapter one to the final resolution. A must-listen for Brontë enthusiasts, fans of literary mysteries, and anyone who loves a richly atmospheric Gothic story executed with modern narrative pacing. Highly recommended in audio format!
August 7, 2026
The Lost Brontë completely pulled me in.
This is a richly layered historical novel that blends literary mystery, Gothic atmosphere, romance and character development while exploring much bigger questions about truth, authorship, power and identity.
Lillianne is an immediately compelling protagonist. Intelligent, imaginative and quietly resilient, she begins the novel as a young woman whose future is shaped almost entirely by the financial decisions and expectations of the men around her. Watching her gradually reclaim agency over her own life became the emotional heart of the story for me.
What impressed me most was how carefully constructed the novel is. Details that initially seem to establish character or atmosphere later gain greater significance. The story rewards close attention, and I found myself slowing the audiobook down because so much was being revealed through seemingly small moments.
The literary elements are woven beautifully throughout. The Brontë references never feel decorative; instead, they enrich the novel’s exploration of reputation, hidden histories, confinement and women’s voices. There are echoes of both Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre, but the story remains entirely its own.
I also loved how the novel explores the relationship between money, gender and power. Lillianne is repeatedly placed in situations where other people attempt to control not only her circumstances but the story told about her. This creates a thoughtful examination of coercion, integrity and the moral compromises people can be forced into when power is profoundly unequal.
The mystery itself is genuinely surprising and deeply satisfying. Rather than relying on shock for its own sake, the novel allows earlier details to take on new meaning as the story unfolds. It is the kind of plotting that makes you look back and realise how carefully everything was placed.
Most importantly, the emotional resolution is every bit as satisfying as the mystery. By the end, Lillianne’s journey feels like one of genuine transformation: reconnecting with herself, her history and her ability to decide what her own life will become.
Rich characters, intelligent plotting, Gothic atmosphere and a wonderfully satisfying conclusion.
This is a richly layered historical novel that blends literary mystery, Gothic atmosphere, romance and character development while exploring much bigger questions about truth, authorship, power and identity.
Lillianne is an immediately compelling protagonist. Intelligent, imaginative and quietly resilient, she begins the novel as a young woman whose future is shaped almost entirely by the financial decisions and expectations of the men around her. Watching her gradually reclaim agency over her own life became the emotional heart of the story for me.
What impressed me most was how carefully constructed the novel is. Details that initially seem to establish character or atmosphere later gain greater significance. The story rewards close attention, and I found myself slowing the audiobook down because so much was being revealed through seemingly small moments.
The literary elements are woven beautifully throughout. The Brontë references never feel decorative; instead, they enrich the novel’s exploration of reputation, hidden histories, confinement and women’s voices. There are echoes of both Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre, but the story remains entirely its own.
I also loved how the novel explores the relationship between money, gender and power. Lillianne is repeatedly placed in situations where other people attempt to control not only her circumstances but the story told about her. This creates a thoughtful examination of coercion, integrity and the moral compromises people can be forced into when power is profoundly unequal.
The mystery itself is genuinely surprising and deeply satisfying. Rather than relying on shock for its own sake, the novel allows earlier details to take on new meaning as the story unfolds. It is the kind of plotting that makes you look back and realise how carefully everything was placed.
Most importantly, the emotional resolution is every bit as satisfying as the mystery. By the end, Lillianne’s journey feels like one of genuine transformation: reconnecting with herself, her history and her ability to decide what her own life will become.
Rich characters, intelligent plotting, Gothic atmosphere and a wonderfully satisfying conclusion.
August 21, 2026
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC audio!
What a beautifully researched piece of queer history. I did not know the rumors of a potential lost manuscript from Emily Bronte and now my wheels are turning about if this could be true! What an enchanting tale.
I loved the strong feminist nods throughout the entire novel and the position that women were in at that time with no real choices, especially with little or no means. It is beautiful, the way it comes full circle at the end where she is able to chart her own journey and make her own decisions by the end of the novel.
I was immersed in this novel from start to finish. I think I would have very much preferred to read this vs listening as the narrator was very problematic. She started off with an Irish accent yet they were in England? Then she ricocheted between English and Irish accents so terribly it totally put me off! It became a little hard for me to focus on the story because I was so disturbed by the inconsistencies in her accent. Disappointed in the author for choosing this narrator and allowing the inconsistencies that really ruined the experience. That is the only reason I gave this novel four stars.
What a beautifully researched piece of queer history. I did not know the rumors of a potential lost manuscript from Emily Bronte and now my wheels are turning about if this could be true! What an enchanting tale.
I loved the strong feminist nods throughout the entire novel and the position that women were in at that time with no real choices, especially with little or no means. It is beautiful, the way it comes full circle at the end where she is able to chart her own journey and make her own decisions by the end of the novel.
I was immersed in this novel from start to finish. I think I would have very much preferred to read this vs listening as the narrator was very problematic. She started off with an Irish accent yet they were in England? Then she ricocheted between English and Irish accents so terribly it totally put me off! It became a little hard for me to focus on the story because I was so disturbed by the inconsistencies in her accent. Disappointed in the author for choosing this narrator and allowing the inconsistencies that really ruined the experience. That is the only reason I gave this novel four stars.
August 12, 2026
Great premise, poorly executed. Most of the plot was predictable within the first few chapters. When something wasn’t predictable, it was usually because what happened was so unrealistically convenient that it wasn’t something I would have ever assumed was going to happen.There were so many convenient coincidences that I never felt fully immersed in the story.
The narration also took me out of the story. There were constant inconsistencies with the accents, and the FMC inexplicably had a Scottish lilt despite being English, while seemingly everyone else in the novel was also English. It was distracting enough that I found myself noticing the narration rather than getting lost in the story.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
The narration also took me out of the story. There were constant inconsistencies with the accents, and the FMC inexplicably had a Scottish lilt despite being English, while seemingly everyone else in the novel was also English. It was distracting enough that I found myself noticing the narration rather than getting lost in the story.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
September 7, 2026
4 stars. Atmospheric, well researched and lushly written. I’m pretty sure this was the first book that I’ve read by this author but I have a few other ones by her on my kindle that I’m super excited to get to. This was really good. I thought Lilianne was a captivating lead. She’s resilient, intelligent and I enjoyed how she challenged everything and everyone. Her romance with Wren is really sweet, definitely not a major thing but what we do get of it I enjoyed it. I loved the gothic vibes of this and it was clear that Friend is passionate about Brontë which was intriguing. I don’t know too much about any of the Brontë’s so this was fascinating. I liked it a lot.
Content Warning:
Content Warning:
September 20, 2026
Looking for a gothic read? Looking for ghosts? (Not scary though)- looking for a bit of adventure and a bit of romance? This is the book you're looking for! Absolutely loved this one. I listened to it on audiobook and it was narrated perfectly.
If only all books were this engaging. I will revisit this title again in the future, I am sure.
If only all books were this engaging. I will revisit this title again in the future, I am sure.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Read the ebook then listened to the audiobook version (both are reviewed below)
Review for the audiobook:
Quinn Riley's perfect for telling this story; best listened to at regular speed
I was fortunate to read Catherine Friend's The Lost Bronte in ebook format before listening to the audio version. One thing that came to mind frequently when reading the ebook was how great this story would be to listen to, have it read to me. I also wanted to know if there were breadcrumbs and clues that I'd missed while reading that hinted at plot twists and other surprises, so listening provided that opportunity. My review for the story itself is below but here I'll be focusing on narrator Quinn Riley's performance of the story. Bottom line is that she does an excellent job of voicing the many characters and conveying social class and personality for them in her inflections while also heightening moments of tension and suspense in her delivery of the text, both narration and dialogue. I've listened to Riley narrate other lesfic books, though not many of them, and kept forgetting her real (presumably American) accent while listening as she performs this book in a British accent but announces the chapters in her normal accent. It was a bit jarring but each time it didn't take long to get pulled back into the story thanks to her skillful delivery. I presume the British accent is Yorkshire given the story's setting but am not familiar enough with it to comment on its accuracy. I can say however that I fully believed in the characters and narrator being British and felt the atmosphere of mystery in her vocal choices, restraint and longing in the romance, and raged along with main character Lilianne at the often odious behavior of some other characters, although Lilianne is the more naive of the two of us. I'll be watching for Quinn Riley to read me more stories in the future knowing I'm going to be entertained. Do yourself a favor and listen to this at regular speed or 1.25x maximum to really immerse in the period romance and mystery rather than speeding thru any of it or you'll cheat yourself of the full emotional experience of the story and story narrator Quinn Riley. And if you like a good mystery as bedtime reading try listening to this at day's end before, or in, bed, or on a dark and stormy night to add to the mood of some scenes. Quinn Riley was a great choice for performing this book. Five stars for her.
My review for the ebook:
Atmospheric mystery romance that'll glue you to your reading chair (4.5 stars)
From main character Lilianne's stunningly terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day in the opening chapters, the reader is transported to late nineteenth century England for a wild adventure filled with drama, angst, romance, suspense and mystery. There are ghosts and plots twists and evil doers to keep you emotionally charged, invested and turning pages to find out what happens next; more than once I reached the end of a chapter I had intended to be my last in a reading session only to continue on for a few more chapters in an attempt to satisfy my curiosity. I've heard of the Brontës, never read their work, but there's plenty about the family peppered into this story for Brontë fans to nerd out on. I loved the story for the full sensory experience and atmosphere it conjured even when some characters' behavior was abhorrent. Heads up for characters who treat others in appalling ways, sexism and classism that are woven into the story if those things bother you. I found myself alternately rooting for Lilianne and shaking my head (maybe 'advising' her under my breath several times) at her naïveté, frequently wondering how she would get out of seemingly impossible situations, unscathed or at all. She is put thru the wringer in the course of the story to say the least. I anticipated some events in the plotline ahead of time but more than once was caught by total surprise at a reveal when it happened; for me that's the best kind of mystery, lulling the reader into believing they know exactly what's going on before a rug pull in the storyline says otherwise. There is a lot packed into this book in terms of the cast of characters, numerous shenanigans and goings on, plot twists and so on with a climax that is shocking, dramatic, amusing, potentially controversial and fodder for debate. I had many questions while reading this book and nearly all were answered. The ending satisfies the feels despite an element in the lead up to it that my mind is still wrestling with.
Whether you're a Brontë fan or not, if you love a good ghost story or mystery, or just want a period piece romance that stimulates your brain while teasing at your heart, The Lost Brontë is one to read and then re-read to see what clues you missed the first time around, then again a year or so later to go on the adventure all over again when story details have receded sufficiently in your memory. Curl up with your favorite beverage, coziest blanket in your comfiest chair and get lost in this story any time of the year. Highly recommended.
Review for the audiobook:
Quinn Riley's perfect for telling this story; best listened to at regular speed
I was fortunate to read Catherine Friend's The Lost Bronte in ebook format before listening to the audio version. One thing that came to mind frequently when reading the ebook was how great this story would be to listen to, have it read to me. I also wanted to know if there were breadcrumbs and clues that I'd missed while reading that hinted at plot twists and other surprises, so listening provided that opportunity. My review for the story itself is below but here I'll be focusing on narrator Quinn Riley's performance of the story. Bottom line is that she does an excellent job of voicing the many characters and conveying social class and personality for them in her inflections while also heightening moments of tension and suspense in her delivery of the text, both narration and dialogue. I've listened to Riley narrate other lesfic books, though not many of them, and kept forgetting her real (presumably American) accent while listening as she performs this book in a British accent but announces the chapters in her normal accent. It was a bit jarring but each time it didn't take long to get pulled back into the story thanks to her skillful delivery. I presume the British accent is Yorkshire given the story's setting but am not familiar enough with it to comment on its accuracy. I can say however that I fully believed in the characters and narrator being British and felt the atmosphere of mystery in her vocal choices, restraint and longing in the romance, and raged along with main character Lilianne at the often odious behavior of some other characters, although Lilianne is the more naive of the two of us. I'll be watching for Quinn Riley to read me more stories in the future knowing I'm going to be entertained. Do yourself a favor and listen to this at regular speed or 1.25x maximum to really immerse in the period romance and mystery rather than speeding thru any of it or you'll cheat yourself of the full emotional experience of the story and story narrator Quinn Riley. And if you like a good mystery as bedtime reading try listening to this at day's end before, or in, bed, or on a dark and stormy night to add to the mood of some scenes. Quinn Riley was a great choice for performing this book. Five stars for her.
My review for the ebook:
Atmospheric mystery romance that'll glue you to your reading chair (4.5 stars)
From main character Lilianne's stunningly terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day in the opening chapters, the reader is transported to late nineteenth century England for a wild adventure filled with drama, angst, romance, suspense and mystery. There are ghosts and plots twists and evil doers to keep you emotionally charged, invested and turning pages to find out what happens next; more than once I reached the end of a chapter I had intended to be my last in a reading session only to continue on for a few more chapters in an attempt to satisfy my curiosity. I've heard of the Brontës, never read their work, but there's plenty about the family peppered into this story for Brontë fans to nerd out on. I loved the story for the full sensory experience and atmosphere it conjured even when some characters' behavior was abhorrent. Heads up for characters who treat others in appalling ways, sexism and classism that are woven into the story if those things bother you. I found myself alternately rooting for Lilianne and shaking my head (maybe 'advising' her under my breath several times) at her naïveté, frequently wondering how she would get out of seemingly impossible situations, unscathed or at all. She is put thru the wringer in the course of the story to say the least. I anticipated some events in the plotline ahead of time but more than once was caught by total surprise at a reveal when it happened; for me that's the best kind of mystery, lulling the reader into believing they know exactly what's going on before a rug pull in the storyline says otherwise. There is a lot packed into this book in terms of the cast of characters, numerous shenanigans and goings on, plot twists and so on with a climax that is shocking, dramatic, amusing, potentially controversial and fodder for debate. I had many questions while reading this book and nearly all were answered. The ending satisfies the feels despite an element in the lead up to it that my mind is still wrestling with.
Whether you're a Brontë fan or not, if you love a good ghost story or mystery, or just want a period piece romance that stimulates your brain while teasing at your heart, The Lost Brontë is one to read and then re-read to see what clues you missed the first time around, then again a year or so later to go on the adventure all over again when story details have receded sufficiently in your memory. Curl up with your favorite beverage, coziest blanket in your comfiest chair and get lost in this story any time of the year. Highly recommended.
August 20, 2026
A lush, sapphic gothic that feels like it could have slipped off the Brontës' own desks, only this time the queer heart of the story is front and centre, not hidden in the margins.
Set in Yorkshire, 1898, the novel follows 21-year-old Lilianne "Lily" Loxley, sent to Lord Bexton's isolated estate to work off her uncle's debts. She becomes Bexton's secretary and his reluctant accomplice. The house is steeped in unease: footsteps in empty corridors, lemon-scented ghosts, a portrait that seems to watch. But it's the living who unsettle Lily most, especially the sharp-tongued maid Wren McAllister, whose defiance hides a tender heart.
Friend writes Lily as almost a conduit for the house's ghosts, as much as a heroine who'd sit perfectly in a Brontë novel: sensitive to atmosphere and haunted by what the house won't say out loud. The pacing is perfectly pitched: it never feels slow, yet there's a slow-burn dread building to a climax that's shocking, dramatic, and yes, a little controversial in the best way. There are twists I half anticipated and then a proper rug pull that still had me rethinking motives after the final chapter.
What makes this truly sing on audio is Quinn Riley's narration. Her accent fits the period, class and region; her enunciation is crisp; and her rhythm is almost musical early on, with natural pauses that lull you into a trance. It's a masterclass in how a storyteller can make language feel like wind on the moors and a hand on your shoulder at the same time.
Friend takes the classic gothic ingredients, female peril, mysterious deaths, haunted estates, eerie staff, a great love affair, and reframes them so queer lives sit at the centre of a literary tradition in which we've so often been pushed to the margins. The sapphic romance between Lily and Wren is handled with sensitivity and feels entirely rooted in its time; it feels real, not pasted on. The book also leans into female agency, class constraints, and the power of authorship: who gets to write, who gets to be remembered, and what happens when a woman seizes the pen.
There's a lot packed in: characters, schemes, literary deception, ghostly hints, and while I had questions, nearly all were answered. The ending satisfies emotionally, even if one late-stage element still has my brain doing laps. If you love Brontë-adjacent atmosphere, gothic mystery, or period romance with something more going on beneath the corsets and candlelight, this is a read (and re-read) that rewards attention to detail. Get cosy in your favourite reading chair and let the moors take you.
Perfect for Brontë obsessives, lovers of sapphic historical fiction, and anyone who wants a Brontë-flavoured ghost story with queer joy at its core.
Huge thanks to Libro.fm & RB Media for the ALC. Pudsey Highly Recommends #pudseyrecommends
Set in Yorkshire, 1898, the novel follows 21-year-old Lilianne "Lily" Loxley, sent to Lord Bexton's isolated estate to work off her uncle's debts. She becomes Bexton's secretary and his reluctant accomplice. The house is steeped in unease: footsteps in empty corridors, lemon-scented ghosts, a portrait that seems to watch. But it's the living who unsettle Lily most, especially the sharp-tongued maid Wren McAllister, whose defiance hides a tender heart.
Friend writes Lily as almost a conduit for the house's ghosts, as much as a heroine who'd sit perfectly in a Brontë novel: sensitive to atmosphere and haunted by what the house won't say out loud. The pacing is perfectly pitched: it never feels slow, yet there's a slow-burn dread building to a climax that's shocking, dramatic, and yes, a little controversial in the best way. There are twists I half anticipated and then a proper rug pull that still had me rethinking motives after the final chapter.
What makes this truly sing on audio is Quinn Riley's narration. Her accent fits the period, class and region; her enunciation is crisp; and her rhythm is almost musical early on, with natural pauses that lull you into a trance. It's a masterclass in how a storyteller can make language feel like wind on the moors and a hand on your shoulder at the same time.
Friend takes the classic gothic ingredients, female peril, mysterious deaths, haunted estates, eerie staff, a great love affair, and reframes them so queer lives sit at the centre of a literary tradition in which we've so often been pushed to the margins. The sapphic romance between Lily and Wren is handled with sensitivity and feels entirely rooted in its time; it feels real, not pasted on. The book also leans into female agency, class constraints, and the power of authorship: who gets to write, who gets to be remembered, and what happens when a woman seizes the pen.
There's a lot packed in: characters, schemes, literary deception, ghostly hints, and while I had questions, nearly all were answered. The ending satisfies emotionally, even if one late-stage element still has my brain doing laps. If you love Brontë-adjacent atmosphere, gothic mystery, or period romance with something more going on beneath the corsets and candlelight, this is a read (and re-read) that rewards attention to detail. Get cosy in your favourite reading chair and let the moors take you.
Perfect for Brontë obsessives, lovers of sapphic historical fiction, and anyone who wants a Brontë-flavoured ghost story with queer joy at its core.
Huge thanks to Libro.fm & RB Media for the ALC. Pudsey Highly Recommends #pudseyrecommends
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I’ve found that it’s difficult to read books from this era because of the style and dated language, but this book was only about that era and I found it an addictive reading experience that left me wanting to know more about the Brontë sisters, especially Emily. This fictional story included love, mysterious happenings, a ghost with the scent of lemon, intrigue, intimidating threats, and finding the truth.
Lilianne (Lilly) Loxley was orphaned when her parents died in a carriage accident. She was taken in by her uncle and cared for by two servants whom she loved, Mrs. B. and Martha. She loved to read about travel and longed for love and enough money to visit the places she’d read about.
Lily also had a passion for Emily Brontë. Anything Brontë-related was very valuable and in much demand, so when Emily’s desk was up for auction she and her uncle hoped to acquire it, but her uncle was too deeply in debt to even bid on it. In fact, her uncle was in so much debt that he fired his employees and sent Lilianne to live with Lord Bexton at Crag Thorn, someone he was deeply in debt with. She would work for him and her salary would apply towards partial payment of her uncle’s debt.
Emily’s uncle knew of her gift of mimicry and she soon found herself blackmailed into forgery, the main target being supposed things written by Emily which the greedy, unethical man auctioned off to people obsessed with anything Brontë.
When her mimicries were not questioned by authenticators, Brexton had another scheme to suddenly produce the supposedly lost novel by Emily Brontë. Lily put her foot down, refusing to agree, saying she could imitate writing, but she didn’t have the skill to write something that could pass as the real Emily. Locked up, imprisoned in a room, she was powerless to his threats involving her uncle and his debts. Her only friend was Wren McAllister, her lady’s maid who shared a mutual attraction with her. They shared their dreams of being together.
What followed was a clever, headstrong woman determined to find the truth about what she was discovering. Other dwellers at Crag Thorn were aware of a ghost with the scent of lemon, Lilianne was guided by this ghost who knocked over books on the shelves and she came to know it as well as the ghost of Victoria Bexton and her dog, Keeper. There were hidden stairs, a portrait, a secret room, strange keys, the quest to find something hidden, plans to escape and secretive help from those who put their jobs in danger. All in all it was difficult to put this book down because I was enjoying it so much and anticipating what could happen next.
My admiration goes out to Catherine Friend for her skill in writing this amazing book. My thanks to her and Bywater Books for the arc in exchange for my review. I would also like to thank Tantor Media for the ALC for the audiobook narrated by Quinn Riley. I liked her narration, feeling that her English accent was well-done and sounded natural rather than exaggerated. Riley did a great job of conveying the emotions.
Lilianne (Lilly) Loxley was orphaned when her parents died in a carriage accident. She was taken in by her uncle and cared for by two servants whom she loved, Mrs. B. and Martha. She loved to read about travel and longed for love and enough money to visit the places she’d read about.
Lily also had a passion for Emily Brontë. Anything Brontë-related was very valuable and in much demand, so when Emily’s desk was up for auction she and her uncle hoped to acquire it, but her uncle was too deeply in debt to even bid on it. In fact, her uncle was in so much debt that he fired his employees and sent Lilianne to live with Lord Bexton at Crag Thorn, someone he was deeply in debt with. She would work for him and her salary would apply towards partial payment of her uncle’s debt.
Emily’s uncle knew of her gift of mimicry and she soon found herself blackmailed into forgery, the main target being supposed things written by Emily which the greedy, unethical man auctioned off to people obsessed with anything Brontë.
When her mimicries were not questioned by authenticators, Brexton had another scheme to suddenly produce the supposedly lost novel by Emily Brontë. Lily put her foot down, refusing to agree, saying she could imitate writing, but she didn’t have the skill to write something that could pass as the real Emily. Locked up, imprisoned in a room, she was powerless to his threats involving her uncle and his debts. Her only friend was Wren McAllister, her lady’s maid who shared a mutual attraction with her. They shared their dreams of being together.
What followed was a clever, headstrong woman determined to find the truth about what she was discovering. Other dwellers at Crag Thorn were aware of a ghost with the scent of lemon, Lilianne was guided by this ghost who knocked over books on the shelves and she came to know it as well as the ghost of Victoria Bexton and her dog, Keeper. There were hidden stairs, a portrait, a secret room, strange keys, the quest to find something hidden, plans to escape and secretive help from those who put their jobs in danger. All in all it was difficult to put this book down because I was enjoying it so much and anticipating what could happen next.
My admiration goes out to Catherine Friend for her skill in writing this amazing book. My thanks to her and Bywater Books for the arc in exchange for my review. I would also like to thank Tantor Media for the ALC for the audiobook narrated by Quinn Riley. I liked her narration, feeling that her English accent was well-done and sounded natural rather than exaggerated. Riley did a great job of conveying the emotions.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
🎧4.25-4.5⭐️
I had the audiobook of this historical fiction read by Quinn Riley who is excellent, a pleasure to listen to with her various accents ( I have no idea on authenticity) and character voices, she really added to my enjoyment of the book as she instils emotion and tension.
This book has so much going for it, the detail and language really gives a great feel for the era as well as being beautifully written while still being easy reading, a gothic atmosphere, a mystery, romance (no spice), a wealth of Emily Bronte knowledge which was fascinating and integral to the plot which was intricately woven, it even manages to squeeze in an action scene. It maintains a good pace and bags of interest throughout. There’s characters to both love and hate, the main female character is strong and resilient, although she’s spent years learning how to appear pliable to fit in with expectations. I enjoyed seeing her eventually managing to take control of her life in a time where women had no control. I really gelled with Lilianne (Lily), she’s kind,caring and very likeable.
I would recommend this book especially if you enjoy historical fiction or the Brontes.
I had this book from NetGalley
I had the audiobook of this historical fiction read by Quinn Riley who is excellent, a pleasure to listen to with her various accents ( I have no idea on authenticity) and character voices, she really added to my enjoyment of the book as she instils emotion and tension.
This book has so much going for it, the detail and language really gives a great feel for the era as well as being beautifully written while still being easy reading, a gothic atmosphere, a mystery, romance (no spice), a wealth of Emily Bronte knowledge which was fascinating and integral to the plot which was intricately woven, it even manages to squeeze in an action scene. It maintains a good pace and bags of interest throughout. There’s characters to both love and hate, the main female character is strong and resilient, although she’s spent years learning how to appear pliable to fit in with expectations. I enjoyed seeing her eventually managing to take control of her life in a time where women had no control. I really gelled with Lilianne (Lily), she’s kind,caring and very likeable.
I would recommend this book especially if you enjoy historical fiction or the Brontes.
I had this book from NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I received both an ARC and a ALC from Bywater Books and that was a great combo. Reading first and then listen to the amazing Quinn Riley is a perfect combo to enjoy this book that I recommend to everyone that likes a historical romance with some mystery involved, bonus with some great references to the amazing Brontë sisters.
To follow Lilianne and her journey was so interesting, her having to leave Uncle after he lost all his money and it was decided that her working for Lord Brexton as a clerk to pay off his debt. It’s however clear from the very beginning that this is just part of the reason why Lilianne is requested by Lord Brexton to come and work for him and live on his estate. The mystery is there from the very beginning.
To read about how Liliane meets a ghost that helps her and that she gets close with the lady’s maid Wren so enticing to read about. Her work for Lord Brexton messed up from the beginning and soon clear that way wore complex that I ever could have imagined. When Lilianne starts to unravel the story about her parents that she lost when she was six years old things really start to get interesting.
Overall a very enjoyable read I thoroughly recommend.
To follow Lilianne and her journey was so interesting, her having to leave Uncle after he lost all his money and it was decided that her working for Lord Brexton as a clerk to pay off his debt. It’s however clear from the very beginning that this is just part of the reason why Lilianne is requested by Lord Brexton to come and work for him and live on his estate. The mystery is there from the very beginning.
To read about how Liliane meets a ghost that helps her and that she gets close with the lady’s maid Wren so enticing to read about. Her work for Lord Brexton messed up from the beginning and soon clear that way wore complex that I ever could have imagined. When Lilianne starts to unravel the story about her parents that she lost when she was six years old things really start to get interesting.
Overall a very enjoyable read I thoroughly recommend.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley and RBmedia for early copy of the audiobook of The Lost Bronte to review.
I was excited about this book as soon as I read the blurb. I love classic, gothic literature so a historical fiction based off the works of the Bronte sisters sounded amazing to me. The story takes place in 1898 Yorkshire and our MC, Liliane Loxley is obsessed with the works of the Bronte sisters. When her Uncle who is her guardian accrues a substantial debt, Liliane must go to work for his lender as his secretary. When her new employer learns of her talent for composition mimicry, he coerces her into helping him forge Bronte documents to sell to collectors.
I appreciated that the author tried to recreate the classic gothic tropes and atmosphere that we see in the works of the Bronte sisters, at times it was successful, but didn't quite meet the depth or high level of atmosphere that a good typical, Gothic work has. The "twists" were also a bit hit or miss for me as well, there were some that I thought were clever and I didn't see coming, and others that seemed a bit too convenient.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. It was a decent historical fiction with a unique premise. It wasn't a great read, but it was a good one.
I was excited about this book as soon as I read the blurb. I love classic, gothic literature so a historical fiction based off the works of the Bronte sisters sounded amazing to me. The story takes place in 1898 Yorkshire and our MC, Liliane Loxley is obsessed with the works of the Bronte sisters. When her Uncle who is her guardian accrues a substantial debt, Liliane must go to work for his lender as his secretary. When her new employer learns of her talent for composition mimicry, he coerces her into helping him forge Bronte documents to sell to collectors.
I appreciated that the author tried to recreate the classic gothic tropes and atmosphere that we see in the works of the Bronte sisters, at times it was successful, but didn't quite meet the depth or high level of atmosphere that a good typical, Gothic work has. The "twists" were also a bit hit or miss for me as well, there were some that I thought were clever and I didn't see coming, and others that seemed a bit too convenient.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. It was a decent historical fiction with a unique premise. It wasn't a great read, but it was a good one.
August 19, 2026
This book had me on the edge of my seat and I definitely didn’t wasn’t expecting it. I don’t usually love historical books but this one blew me away. I was genuinely surprised by how exciting it was and how much I didn’t want to put it down.
My favorite part of this book was the growth that we see in Lilianne throughout the book. She starts out pretty meek but as the story progresses she finds her voice and her place in the world. I also loved her and Wren together. They felt like they would take any challenge that life threw at them as long as they were together.
Quinn Riley’s narration is impeccable! It’s not like I know anything about them but I loved her English accents for this book. She put so much emotion and drama into her performance that it felt like the characters were alive in my headphones. And as always her pacing was perfect.
I really enjoyed this book! It’s the first that I’ve read from Catherine Friend and I can’t wait to read more from her. I’d recommend this book to anyone looking for a historical romance with more than a little mystery and a dash of the supernatural. Thanks so much to Catherine Friend and Bywater books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
My favorite part of this book was the growth that we see in Lilianne throughout the book. She starts out pretty meek but as the story progresses she finds her voice and her place in the world. I also loved her and Wren together. They felt like they would take any challenge that life threw at them as long as they were together.
Quinn Riley’s narration is impeccable! It’s not like I know anything about them but I loved her English accents for this book. She put so much emotion and drama into her performance that it felt like the characters were alive in my headphones. And as always her pacing was perfect.
I really enjoyed this book! It’s the first that I’ve read from Catherine Friend and I can’t wait to read more from her. I’d recommend this book to anyone looking for a historical romance with more than a little mystery and a dash of the supernatural. Thanks so much to Catherine Friend and Bywater books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
* Thank you NetGalley and Tantor Media for the ALC and my honest review *
Ugh....
The story was so interesting and compelling. Lilianne Loxley wanted to seek out a place just for herself in the world. Unfortunately, her uncle's debt forced her to work in the Bexton home to then become a forger of a lost Brontë manuscript. There are ghosts, lost diary entries, and keys to secrets no one could have expected. While there was one "twist" I expected, there was another one that really gripped me. It was so well hidden because of the excitement of other events.
Why this became a 3 star is because I felt the ending was extended for longer than necessary. The last hour of the audiobook could have been removed and the story would've had such a strong and unique ending. Instead, I was rolling my eyes at Lily and really not liking the choices she made at the very end.
I just felt like I hit a wall so hard that I couldn't care for how it ended, though Catherine Friend was great with her descriptive language.
Absolutely no notes on the lovely Quinn Riley. Her narration is splendid and enticing.
Ugh....
The story was so interesting and compelling. Lilianne Loxley wanted to seek out a place just for herself in the world. Unfortunately, her uncle's debt forced her to work in the Bexton home to then become a forger of a lost Brontë manuscript. There are ghosts, lost diary entries, and keys to secrets no one could have expected. While there was one "twist" I expected, there was another one that really gripped me. It was so well hidden because of the excitement of other events.
Why this became a 3 star is because I felt the ending was extended for longer than necessary. The last hour of the audiobook could have been removed and the story would've had such a strong and unique ending. Instead, I was rolling my eyes at Lily and really not liking the choices she made at the very end.
I just felt like I hit a wall so hard that I couldn't care for how it ended, though Catherine Friend was great with her descriptive language.
Absolutely no notes on the lovely Quinn Riley. Her narration is splendid and enticing.
August 19, 2026
Fans of the Bronte Sisters' work will enjoy this sapphic gothic novel. It's got ghosts, romance, a little mystery, and twists and turns that actually surprised me. I loved all the nods to the source material and suddenly find myself in a mood to reread Wuthering Heights.
I really enjoyed Lily as a character and feel that her emotions and desires (and the way they change as the story progressed) will resonate well with modern women. I liked the found family aspect of this book and themes around women breaking out from under the control of powerful men.
However, I do think that the pacing was a little bit off in the romance plot line because Lily started factoring Wren into her plans and really putting too much emphasis on her before their relationship actually started to develop. I also think that the motivation for one of the ghosts was a little bit weak, though it did eventually come around.
Thank you to Tantor Media for this Advanced Listening Copy.
The audiobook was well done and the narrator's voice was a great match for Lily.
I really enjoyed Lily as a character and feel that her emotions and desires (and the way they change as the story progressed) will resonate well with modern women. I liked the found family aspect of this book and themes around women breaking out from under the control of powerful men.
However, I do think that the pacing was a little bit off in the romance plot line because Lily started factoring Wren into her plans and really putting too much emphasis on her before their relationship actually started to develop. I also think that the motivation for one of the ghosts was a little bit weak, though it did eventually come around.
Thank you to Tantor Media for this Advanced Listening Copy.
The audiobook was well done and the narrator's voice was a great match for Lily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Lush atmospheric read that felt like I was living this tragic life and mystery alongside Lilianne!
Lilianne finds herself alone as a working on a large estate after her Uncle is caught up in financial woes. Her ability to forge script is quickly recognized and taken advantage of by her new employer.
As Lilianne gets deeper she starts to see the darkness she is trapped in. Driven by rage and refusal to submit, she forms a plan to remedy her situation and help the people she loves.
I loved this book! I listened to the audiobook with zero breaks! The narrator did a fantastic job of capturing Lilian’s essence and the emotions she was feeling.
I loved the nods to the Brontë sisters work throughout, and the discussion of classic literature!
If you are a fan of the Bronte sisters, this is a fantastic spin on their story! Highly recommend!
Spice: Kisses and yearning (sapphic)
Language: None
Lilianne finds herself alone as a working on a large estate after her Uncle is caught up in financial woes. Her ability to forge script is quickly recognized and taken advantage of by her new employer.
As Lilianne gets deeper she starts to see the darkness she is trapped in. Driven by rage and refusal to submit, she forms a plan to remedy her situation and help the people she loves.
I loved this book! I listened to the audiobook with zero breaks! The narrator did a fantastic job of capturing Lilian’s essence and the emotions she was feeling.
I loved the nods to the Brontë sisters work throughout, and the discussion of classic literature!
If you are a fan of the Bronte sisters, this is a fantastic spin on their story! Highly recommend!
Spice: Kisses and yearning (sapphic)
Language: None
September 5, 2026
There was light supernatural element to this work, which I liked pretty well. However, the book overall could have used some editing and trimming to tighten it up some. There were too many instances where it felt like the plot dragged on for no good reason. The plot also sort of went off the rails at the end, which was disappointing.
I appreciated that the author tried to keep to some classic gothic tropes and there were some times when the atmosphere was quite strong, but it wasn't consistent. There were also more twists than this book needed, and some of them relied on overly coincidental things.
I listened to the audiobook version of this work, and while the narrator was good, the accents kept swapping up or the ones used didn't make sense at times. My thanks to NetGalley and Tantor Media for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I appreciated that the author tried to keep to some classic gothic tropes and there were some times when the atmosphere was quite strong, but it wasn't consistent. There were also more twists than this book needed, and some of them relied on overly coincidental things.
I listened to the audiobook version of this work, and while the narrator was good, the accents kept swapping up or the ones used didn't make sense at times. My thanks to NetGalley and Tantor Media for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
August 19, 2026
ALC provided by NetGalley.
There was a lot about this book I really enjoyed! My favorite aspect was the strong feminism and Lilly’s character growth. She starts out as a woman who does as she is told and keeps her head down, which is appropriate for the time period that this novel takes place in. I loved watching her grow into her own person and become someone who stands up for herself. Overall I did like the story and thought the pacing of the mystery aspect was well done. I do wish the pacing for the romance had been a bit different. It started off as a slow burn (loved that) but then things really sped up out of nowhere. With that being said, I’d happily pick up another book written by this author!
There was a lot about this book I really enjoyed! My favorite aspect was the strong feminism and Lilly’s character growth. She starts out as a woman who does as she is told and keeps her head down, which is appropriate for the time period that this novel takes place in. I loved watching her grow into her own person and become someone who stands up for herself. Overall I did like the story and thought the pacing of the mystery aspect was well done. I do wish the pacing for the romance had been a bit different. It started off as a slow burn (loved that) but then things really sped up out of nowhere. With that being said, I’d happily pick up another book written by this author!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A nice story about a young woman who is blackmailed into forging the "lost" manuscript of Emily Bronte and finds herself involved in a Bronte-esque situation.
The novel is lovely written and entertaining, but I would have liked to see more atmospheric vibes, more emotional characters. I enjoyed the story overall, especially the plot twist/ revelation that I did not expect and was nicely done.
The narration is exquisite, Quinn Riley does an excellent job as always, especially with the british accent (that is not her natural but if you don't know, I don't think you'll guess)
*Thank you NetGalley and Tantor Audio for the ALC.
The novel is lovely written and entertaining, but I would have liked to see more atmospheric vibes, more emotional characters. I enjoyed the story overall, especially the plot twist/ revelation that I did not expect and was nicely done.
The narration is exquisite, Quinn Riley does an excellent job as always, especially with the british accent (that is not her natural but if you don't know, I don't think you'll guess)
*Thank you NetGalley and Tantor Audio for the ALC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Wow !! This book was such a surprise. I have never read a book by this author and just randomly saw this as an option to read and I just could not stop reading. I love anything related to the Bronte's and this was just so well done and had me on the edge of my seat. The idea of a lost Emily Bronte novel somewhere floating around out in the world is just so intriguing. The narrator really did a phenomenal job bringing this story and character's to life. I think this is a great read or listen in the fall for spooky season ! I highly recommend picking this one up.
Thank you Netgalley and Tantor Media for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you Netgalley and Tantor Media for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
iconicometer: 💅🏼💅🏼💅🏼💅🏼.5
spiceometer:
✨ 1898 men degrading, patronizing and blackmailing women and thinking they know what's best for them makes you realize that not much has changed more than a century later
✨ the lemon scent!!!
✨ every time you think you know what's going on NO YOU DON'T
✨ interlacing fingers under a locked door? lesbian yearning at its finest
✨ the most respectful ghosts you will ever meet
✨ the ending feels like a healing balm for a heart that has gotten answers it never even knew it needed
Many thanks to the publisher for providing this ARC 🧡
spiceometer:
✨ 1898 men degrading, patronizing and blackmailing women and thinking they know what's best for them makes you realize that not much has changed more than a century later
✨ the lemon scent!!!
✨ every time you think you know what's going on NO YOU DON'T
✨ interlacing fingers under a locked door? lesbian yearning at its finest
✨ the most respectful ghosts you will ever meet
✨ the ending feels like a healing balm for a heart that has gotten answers it never even knew it needed
Many thanks to the publisher for providing this ARC 🧡
September 20, 2026
Enjoyable read. I was a bit ahead of the author in some places and could predict some of what was going to happen, but there were still unexpected twists and turns. I'd have preferred the story spun without the supernatural element, but it added to the story and made things interesting.
Great story for lovers of Brontë
Great story for lovers of Brontë
October 2, 2026
I have to say this one was not my favorite! I don't mind buying into fantasy and unrealistic situations if they are made to feel real, but it didn't work for me. A number of things happened that felt too convenient, or just too ridiculous. The pacing also felt off. There were a few things I enjoyed about it, but the book ultimately just didn't come together for me.
August 31, 2026
I really loved this book. Brilliantly written. Very interesting historical references about the Brontë family. Full of angst, plot twists, and light romance. Highly recommend.
September 6, 2026
While this is not a story about the Brontë family, I do feel like you would fully appreciate it if you have some knowledge of them and their literary works - but that didn't stop me enjoying the gothic inspired story of Lilianne Loxely and her time at Lord Bexton's isolated estate on the Yorkshire Moors
The author does a good job of building and keeping the suspense throughout the story; sprinkling clues thrat may seem insignificant but come together at the end to tie all the loose pieces together. (Even if the ending did seem a little rushed for my liking)
The narrator also helps bring the story alive with her natural story telling skills; and while her accent work was good, I was first put off by the accent(s) she chose for Lilianne, as the Yorkshire brogue sometimes wandered towards Geordie and occasionally a RP-lite accent.
Thank you to Netgalley and Tantor Media for providing me with an advanced review copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily and all opinions are my own.
The author does a good job of building and keeping the suspense throughout the story; sprinkling clues thrat may seem insignificant but come together at the end to tie all the loose pieces together. (Even if the ending did seem a little rushed for my liking)
The narrator also helps bring the story alive with her natural story telling skills; and while her accent work was good, I was first put off by the accent(s) she chose for Lilianne, as the Yorkshire brogue sometimes wandered towards Geordie and occasionally a RP-lite accent.
Thank you to Netgalley and Tantor Media for providing me with an advanced review copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily and all opinions are my own.
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