The Dark Calendula

by Anna M. Rivers

A sinful priest who has lost all faith; a heartbroken artist who would do anything for love; a pragmatic detective, unaware of the evil lurking in the shadows; and a peculiar young woman with a special connection to the other world. After a close encounter with death leaves Atena Sebastian with the ability to communicate with the dead, she decides to start a new life as a grief counsellor in Edinburgh. Together with her cousin and best friends, she receives an invitation from the rich widow Faye Ferguson to spend two weeks at the luxurious albeit remote Bellemore Manor, during which they will get to drink expensive wine, eat fine cuisine and stroll through lavish gardens. The only rule? Don’t mind the neighbours’ children, who come in the night to play on these gilded corridors. But when strange sightings and vivid dreams start plaguing their idyllic vacation, igniting repressed passions and bitter rivalries, Atena quickly learns she can trust neither the mistress nor the butler of the manor. She sets out to uncover the buried secrets of Bellemore on her own, but will she be able to show her friends the truth before they turn to killing each other?

271 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication September 1, 2026

About the author

Anna Maria Rivers is the author of The Dark Calendula, a psychological horror novel set to debut on September 1, 2026 on Amazon. In the literary and cinematic spheres, she is especially interested in gothic settings, unhinged female characters, religious symbolism, characters that haunt the narrative, cannibalism as a metaphor for all-consuming love, and multigenerational stories. She is constantly moving across Europe in the noble pursuit of higher education and dreams. Her latest adventure has brought her to Stockholm, where she is currently engaged in the study of poisons (or colloquially, toxicology).

Reviews

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to start by expressing gratitude to the author for providing me with a copy of the novel.

I love the style in which the Dark Calndula is written. It perfectly complements the horror setting. The description fully immersed me in the story and the Scottish countryside. By the end, I wanted to be there.

Each character was very compelling, with their own contradictions, different belief systems, and pasts. The only thing I felt was not explored enough was their relationships, which I believe in a 3rd POV would have worked, but here in first-person POV, in the beginning, I felt like they didn’t know each other

The story was very interesting, slowly unraveling, and the pacing was perfect. Although at the end I was not sure if I understood the story as a whole and how everything connected, it could be a “me” problem.

[cris ツ · Rating 4 out of 5]

“There is no fear in love, but real love casts out fear.”

I would like to start by thanking the author for giving me the opportunity to read their work before the book’s publication.

This book was a rollercoaster from my pov and I don’t know what to feel about it to be honest. I am left with so many questions, but that would mean giving spoilers and that’s not the point of an ARC review.

Regardless, this book was really fun, made me be afraid of my house at some point, the spookiness of it all would’ve fit right in during the autumn months and I really think y’all should read it then.

The writing is pretty nice, and the whole premise made me want to read this book in the first place. You wouldn’t believe that this was a debut novel to begin with, but I highly recommend giving it a try.

I love seeing my nationality, Romanian, in book and I will forever have this deep within my heart especially because this has a Romanian author.

The author didn’t shy from creating these scenes that would make you feel like you are in that haunted manor with them and there are moments where I was so confused about what was happening, but not in a bad way, in a fun way.

The character arcs were evolved beautifully and it was supported by solid descriptions.

Even though I believe that the plotline was lost at some point, and the author got it back, but not fully. I would’ve enjoyed more spookiness, more ghosts. I wouldve enjoyed to finish this book more scared and that’s why I believe that the author played it a bit safe.

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is not the usual genre of literature I often read. Despite this, i found this book so engaging.

The characters are well developed and watching their interactions unfold throughout the book kept me turning the pages faster and faster.

The beautiful descriptive writing pulls you into the scenery of Scotland and the grandour of Bellemore Manor.

It was not infrequent that I forgot I was reading a book and instead found myself immersed in the mystery that Atena found herself in.

[Nodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly, I'd like to thank the author for giving me an advanced copy of this book.
The genre of this book is very different from what I usually read, but I must say it did not disappoint.
Starting off with the plot, it kept me hooked from the beginning. The descriptions are so well written that you can almost feel yourself being part of the book. The character development is excellent and the ending is perfect.
Highly recommend this book to readers!

[Stefani Tomova · Rating 4 out of 5]

great gothic horror with a wonderfully creepy setting and deep psychological themes. The dark history of Bellemore Manor is incredibly immersive, and the slow-burn mystery kept me hooked. While the pacing in the middle is a bit slow and the climax gets a little chaotic, it is still a solid, spine-chilling read. Highly recommended for fans of classic haunted-house stories

[Anna M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second book to be written, first to get published… words cannot explain how proud but also frightened I am. After this very selfish rating, I am leaving the stage to you — my dear readers.