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The Secret of the Lantern Keepers
Not yet published
Expected 10 Jul 26‘A beautiful, heartbreaking, magical work of exquisite storytelling’ Shari Low, No.1 bestselling author ✨✨✨
A BRAND NEW spellbinding historical novel from the BESTSELLING author of No 23. Burlington Square, Jenni Keer. Praise for Jenni
‘I absolutely LOVE Jenni Keer's writing. What an incredible imagination. Every book I've read of hers is such a page-turner. The House of Lost Whispers is captivating, romantic, mysterious and simply brilliant. I was already hooked by the premise and became completely mesmerised as this incredible story unfolded. Cannot recommend it enough.’ Jessica Redland, bestselling author
‘Keer’s writing had me believing the impossible. A compelling tale of fate, courage and love.’ Gillian Harvey, bestselling author
‘To sum this book up in one word... Absobloodymazing!!!… I am in love with the way [the author] writes historical fiction, timeslips, mysteries and romance all in one book. She really is clever, the way she hides her clues throughout the book and gives her readers so many ‘aha’ moments throughout. The sheer amount of twists leaves you feeling seasick in the best possible way.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review
‘A fantastic read!… The puzzle, once solved, is staggering… I’d recommend this to anyone who loves historical fiction with a mystery and a dash of the unexplainable thrown in. Brilliant imagination!!!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review
‘Wow! I loved this! It’s such a clever book, beautifully written with such wonderful detail and amazing characters. I give this a very rare 10 out of 10 and will be adding Jenni Keer to my list of authors I must read everything they ever write. Superb!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review
‘Wow!!… It’s like no other book that I have read, it’s unique and clever and I enjoyed every single page!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review
‘Creative, unusual and brilliant! This book is nothing like anything else I’ve read and I loved it!… Wonderful!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review
‘I was hooked from the first page… It seemed to get into my head and when I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about it. Highly recommend.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review
A BRAND NEW spellbinding historical novel from the BESTSELLING author of No 23. Burlington Square, Jenni Keer. Praise for Jenni
‘I absolutely LOVE Jenni Keer's writing. What an incredible imagination. Every book I've read of hers is such a page-turner. The House of Lost Whispers is captivating, romantic, mysterious and simply brilliant. I was already hooked by the premise and became completely mesmerised as this incredible story unfolded. Cannot recommend it enough.’ Jessica Redland, bestselling author
‘Keer’s writing had me believing the impossible. A compelling tale of fate, courage and love.’ Gillian Harvey, bestselling author
‘To sum this book up in one word... Absobloodymazing!!!… I am in love with the way [the author] writes historical fiction, timeslips, mysteries and romance all in one book. She really is clever, the way she hides her clues throughout the book and gives her readers so many ‘aha’ moments throughout. The sheer amount of twists leaves you feeling seasick in the best possible way.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review
‘A fantastic read!… The puzzle, once solved, is staggering… I’d recommend this to anyone who loves historical fiction with a mystery and a dash of the unexplainable thrown in. Brilliant imagination!!!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review
‘Wow! I loved this! It’s such a clever book, beautifully written with such wonderful detail and amazing characters. I give this a very rare 10 out of 10 and will be adding Jenni Keer to my list of authors I must read everything they ever write. Superb!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review
‘Wow!!… It’s like no other book that I have read, it’s unique and clever and I enjoyed every single page!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review
‘Creative, unusual and brilliant! This book is nothing like anything else I’ve read and I loved it!… Wonderful!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review
‘I was hooked from the first page… It seemed to get into my head and when I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about it. Highly recommend.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review
368 pages, Paperback
Expected publication July 10, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
2.5* --> 3*
Edith and her two sisters have lived a very sheltered life, away from everyone and everything. It was their father's way of protecting them from a society who wouldn't understand their special gifts. But near the end of his life, he wondered if he'd done the right thing. So when the time came to write his will, he decided that the three sisters should spend a year away from their home and each other, and solve a crime along the way. Perfectly reasonable, surely. It's the only way they'll be allowed to inherit the family home. For Edith, that means solving the brutal murder of Dr Hawkins who was found dead on the Cornish moors seven years ago.
This is the first time I struggled with a Jenni Keer novel. I found the initial premise rather bonkers, to be honest. What kind of father would send his daughter, who knows nothing of the real world, to a lunatic asylum (to use the old term appropriate to the period, don't come at me) to solve a murder that took place years ago. It’s not like she could tell him about the outcome since he’s dead and all. That said, it never truly feels as if Edith might be in any danger and the entire story is totally missing the level of creepiness that I was most definitely expecting. An institution like this lends itself perfectly to a haunting or two, ghosts wandering the hallways, or other sinister and unsettling events, but the story never really reached that level.
While there are some mysteries to solve, like who the lantern keepers are and who killed Dr Hawkins, the emphasis seems more on Edith discovering the world beyond the sheltered life she was used to with her sisters. From having a job of sorts, to etiquette, to forming friendships, and obviously to a will-they/will-they-not-it’s-complicated-Facebook-status dash of romance. All this made the story drag for me, unfortunately. It took ages for Edith to actually start making any kind of move in figuring out this murder, seemingly perfectly content to stay at the asylum for months on end. As for the lantern keepers’ identity or purpose, I didn’t know what they were about but once it was revealed I was rather disappointed.
There is much to be said about the circumstances most of the patients back in those days found themselves in. Many had no reason to be committed at all. Some were merely inconvenient and dumped by not-so-caring husbands or family members. The higher classes especially had no qualms in making people disappear to protect their status in society. Unfortunately, some places didn’t exactly offer the kind of help these patients needed. Many were experimented upon and suffered horribly at the hands of those who swore never to do any harm. Was Green Briar such a place of horrors?
To my surprise, not my favourite Keer, I’m sorry to say. I never really became invested in the story or the characters. Some of it felt a tad repetitive, the supernatural angle fell a bit flat for me, and I personally found there to be too little mystery and more emphasis on the romance level. And while I understand that Edith’s father might have considered his eldest daughter to be competent in whichever endeavour, I could never quite shake off the thought that this was an idiotic idea. On a positive note, though, I didn't at all figure out who killed Dr Hawkins or why. I had someone in mind but was entirely on the wrong track.
This is the first part of a trilogy, in case you didn't know. The next two books will deal with Edith's sisters who have also been dropped off goodness knows where to solve a crime their father was never able to figure out. While 'The Secrets of the Lantern Keepers' and I didn't quite get along, I am going to call this a temporary blip and I will probably still pick up the next instalment, which is apparently set in a Scottish castle.
Edith and her two sisters have lived a very sheltered life, away from everyone and everything. It was their father's way of protecting them from a society who wouldn't understand their special gifts. But near the end of his life, he wondered if he'd done the right thing. So when the time came to write his will, he decided that the three sisters should spend a year away from their home and each other, and solve a crime along the way. Perfectly reasonable, surely. It's the only way they'll be allowed to inherit the family home. For Edith, that means solving the brutal murder of Dr Hawkins who was found dead on the Cornish moors seven years ago.
This is the first time I struggled with a Jenni Keer novel. I found the initial premise rather bonkers, to be honest. What kind of father would send his daughter, who knows nothing of the real world, to a lunatic asylum (to use the old term appropriate to the period, don't come at me) to solve a murder that took place years ago. It’s not like she could tell him about the outcome since he’s dead and all. That said, it never truly feels as if Edith might be in any danger and the entire story is totally missing the level of creepiness that I was most definitely expecting. An institution like this lends itself perfectly to a haunting or two, ghosts wandering the hallways, or other sinister and unsettling events, but the story never really reached that level.
While there are some mysteries to solve, like who the lantern keepers are and who killed Dr Hawkins, the emphasis seems more on Edith discovering the world beyond the sheltered life she was used to with her sisters. From having a job of sorts, to etiquette, to forming friendships, and obviously to a will-they/will-they-not-it’s-complicated-Facebook-status dash of romance. All this made the story drag for me, unfortunately. It took ages for Edith to actually start making any kind of move in figuring out this murder, seemingly perfectly content to stay at the asylum for months on end. As for the lantern keepers’ identity or purpose, I didn’t know what they were about but once it was revealed I was rather disappointed.
There is much to be said about the circumstances most of the patients back in those days found themselves in. Many had no reason to be committed at all. Some were merely inconvenient and dumped by not-so-caring husbands or family members. The higher classes especially had no qualms in making people disappear to protect their status in society. Unfortunately, some places didn’t exactly offer the kind of help these patients needed. Many were experimented upon and suffered horribly at the hands of those who swore never to do any harm. Was Green Briar such a place of horrors?
To my surprise, not my favourite Keer, I’m sorry to say. I never really became invested in the story or the characters. Some of it felt a tad repetitive, the supernatural angle fell a bit flat for me, and I personally found there to be too little mystery and more emphasis on the romance level. And while I understand that Edith’s father might have considered his eldest daughter to be competent in whichever endeavour, I could never quite shake off the thought that this was an idiotic idea. On a positive note, though, I didn't at all figure out who killed Dr Hawkins or why. I had someone in mind but was entirely on the wrong track.
This is the first part of a trilogy, in case you didn't know. The next two books will deal with Edith's sisters who have also been dropped off goodness knows where to solve a crime their father was never able to figure out. While 'The Secrets of the Lantern Keepers' and I didn't quite get along, I am going to call this a temporary blip and I will probably still pick up the next instalment, which is apparently set in a Scottish castle.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I’ll start by echoing what a few others have said in their reviews. From the blurb, I was expecting a dark, creepy gothic horror but the book is more of a cosy crime/romance novel. I struggled with the slow burn start and almost decided it wasn’t for me. Once the plot ramped up though something snapped into place and I was hooked.
Jenni Keer delivers an atmospheric mystery. Set against the backdrop of the Cornish moors, the book has a little bit of historical crime fiction, the supernatural and a slow burn romance.
The story follows Edith Averly, the eldest of three equally gifted triplet sisters. On the passing of their father, the sisters are left their childhood home as part of his will. However, to successfully claim their inheritance, they are forced to separate for a year and are each given a cold case to solve. Edith’s assignment takes her to Green Briars Lunatic Asylum to investigate the murder of the old superintendent, Dr. Hawkins. To gain entry to the asylum, Edith must fake her own madness to investigate from the inside. Due to her ability to see echoes of the violent past, she quickly finds herself overwhelmed by the asylum’s dark history, the elusive Lantern Keepers, and the brooding Dr. Lambert who seems to be hiding secrets of his own.
Edith is a fantastic lead, although, for someone who has supposedly led a sheltered upbringing she doesn’t seem to struggle with the massive change to her circumstances. Her vulnerability regarding her sanity and her determination to solve the mystery despite some terrifying visions makes her incredibly easy to root for.
The supporting characters are equally as charming and Keer is authentic with the language that would have been used at the time to describe people who were institutionalised. This is done in a totally empathetic way and is never offensive.
The beginning and middle of the novel starts off very slow and humdrum with the author spending too much time describing the inner workings of the asylum making the plot drag. It did take quite a while for me to become invested in Edith’s investigation. However, once the mystery starts to unravel, I was hooked. I am not usually a romance novel type of reader so I was pleasantly surprised that this was not overdone and, despite some frustrations, I found myself willing the two protagonists to end up together. I also did not guess who the culprit was in the end – the reveal was very Christie-esque which is never a bad thing.
Overall, The Secrets of the Lantern Keepers is a beautifully written, twisty tale of fate and secrets. The ending is left on just the right cliffhanger creating the perfect set up for the next of the sisters’ tale to be told. I will most definitely pick up the next two books in the trilogy to see what the other two Averly sisters discovered during their year of separation.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
I’ll start by echoing what a few others have said in their reviews. From the blurb, I was expecting a dark, creepy gothic horror but the book is more of a cosy crime/romance novel. I struggled with the slow burn start and almost decided it wasn’t for me. Once the plot ramped up though something snapped into place and I was hooked.
Jenni Keer delivers an atmospheric mystery. Set against the backdrop of the Cornish moors, the book has a little bit of historical crime fiction, the supernatural and a slow burn romance.
The story follows Edith Averly, the eldest of three equally gifted triplet sisters. On the passing of their father, the sisters are left their childhood home as part of his will. However, to successfully claim their inheritance, they are forced to separate for a year and are each given a cold case to solve. Edith’s assignment takes her to Green Briars Lunatic Asylum to investigate the murder of the old superintendent, Dr. Hawkins. To gain entry to the asylum, Edith must fake her own madness to investigate from the inside. Due to her ability to see echoes of the violent past, she quickly finds herself overwhelmed by the asylum’s dark history, the elusive Lantern Keepers, and the brooding Dr. Lambert who seems to be hiding secrets of his own.
Edith is a fantastic lead, although, for someone who has supposedly led a sheltered upbringing she doesn’t seem to struggle with the massive change to her circumstances. Her vulnerability regarding her sanity and her determination to solve the mystery despite some terrifying visions makes her incredibly easy to root for.
The supporting characters are equally as charming and Keer is authentic with the language that would have been used at the time to describe people who were institutionalised. This is done in a totally empathetic way and is never offensive.
The beginning and middle of the novel starts off very slow and humdrum with the author spending too much time describing the inner workings of the asylum making the plot drag. It did take quite a while for me to become invested in Edith’s investigation. However, once the mystery starts to unravel, I was hooked. I am not usually a romance novel type of reader so I was pleasantly surprised that this was not overdone and, despite some frustrations, I found myself willing the two protagonists to end up together. I also did not guess who the culprit was in the end – the reveal was very Christie-esque which is never a bad thing.
Overall, The Secrets of the Lantern Keepers is a beautifully written, twisty tale of fate and secrets. The ending is left on just the right cliffhanger creating the perfect set up for the next of the sisters’ tale to be told. I will most definitely pick up the next two books in the trilogy to see what the other two Averly sisters discovered during their year of separation.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Secret of the Lantern Keepers is a cozy Gothic style victorian-era murder mystery with a touch of romance and magical realism.
Brief Summary: Edith is a single women in Victorian England who has a gift of seeing visions from the past. She is tasked by her late father to investigate a murder that took place at an asylum, and must take on a false persona for admittance. While at the asylum, Edith discovers there are sections of the asylum and behind-the-scenes activity that is intentionally being hidden from the public. She joins forces with the handsome superintendent and is on a race to uncover the murderer before time runs out.
What I liked: I enjoyed learning about asylums in the 1800s and I appreciated the light this book gave to the characters with many different challenges and ailments. The main characters were likable, and the setting was beautiful. I liked how this book paved the way for follow up books about Edith's two sisters.
What I didn't like: I found the middle of the book repetitive and could have been written more tightly. The last 15% of the book had much more telling than showing, and was boring to read. I found the outcome predictable, and didn't feel fully invested in the story. The 3rd person narrative would have been more engaging as a 1st person narrative.
Bottom Line: This was a cozy novel and someone looking for a murder mystery that isn't too scary and enjoys historical fiction elements will enjoy this book.
Content: Light infrequent profanity, kissing only romance, some heavier themes related to mistreatment at an asylum and investigation of a murder.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the complementary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. My opinion is in no way influenced by the author or publisher.
Brief Summary: Edith is a single women in Victorian England who has a gift of seeing visions from the past. She is tasked by her late father to investigate a murder that took place at an asylum, and must take on a false persona for admittance. While at the asylum, Edith discovers there are sections of the asylum and behind-the-scenes activity that is intentionally being hidden from the public. She joins forces with the handsome superintendent and is on a race to uncover the murderer before time runs out.
What I liked: I enjoyed learning about asylums in the 1800s and I appreciated the light this book gave to the characters with many different challenges and ailments. The main characters were likable, and the setting was beautiful. I liked how this book paved the way for follow up books about Edith's two sisters.
What I didn't like: I found the middle of the book repetitive and could have been written more tightly. The last 15% of the book had much more telling than showing, and was boring to read. I found the outcome predictable, and didn't feel fully invested in the story. The 3rd person narrative would have been more engaging as a 1st person narrative.
Bottom Line: This was a cozy novel and someone looking for a murder mystery that isn't too scary and enjoys historical fiction elements will enjoy this book.
Content: Light infrequent profanity, kissing only romance, some heavier themes related to mistreatment at an asylum and investigation of a murder.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the complementary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. My opinion is in no way influenced by the author or publisher.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I'll openly admit that after a couple of chapters into this book I wasn't convinced it was for me. It didn't immediately grab me but I'd previously read The House of Lost Whispers and loved it, so persevered a few more chapters... I am so incredibly happy that I did because once it did grab me, I was utterly enthralled. Also, to know that this is the first in a trilogy is even more exciting.
Edith is the eldest of triplets. Herself and her two sisters all have special gifts which can sometimes feel like a curse but their beloved father had always treated them exceedingly well, lavishing them with enough love of both parents after losing his wife in childbirth, and wanted them to trust their gifts, not hide from them.
On his death he set the three daughters a challenge, leave the family home separately for a year, each with their own task to fulfil or never return.
Edith is set the task to find out who killed Dr Hawkins at Green Briars Asylum in the Cornish moors. To do so, Edith has to enter the asylum as a patient and to do so she has to present as mad, herself.
The asylum is not what she expected it to be and her gift of seeing echoes of violent pasts soon start to overwhelm her.
Set in Victorian England, this was a tale that's descriptive narrative was perfectly written, the author was compassionate with their historically accurate wording and that came across wonderfully.
The characters were extremely well executed and so easy to visualise, as was the somewhat gothic and sometimes bleak setting.
I honestly cannot wait for book #2 and to see where the triplets take us next!
Huge thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC.
Edith is the eldest of triplets. Herself and her two sisters all have special gifts which can sometimes feel like a curse but their beloved father had always treated them exceedingly well, lavishing them with enough love of both parents after losing his wife in childbirth, and wanted them to trust their gifts, not hide from them.
On his death he set the three daughters a challenge, leave the family home separately for a year, each with their own task to fulfil or never return.
Edith is set the task to find out who killed Dr Hawkins at Green Briars Asylum in the Cornish moors. To do so, Edith has to enter the asylum as a patient and to do so she has to present as mad, herself.
The asylum is not what she expected it to be and her gift of seeing echoes of violent pasts soon start to overwhelm her.
Set in Victorian England, this was a tale that's descriptive narrative was perfectly written, the author was compassionate with their historically accurate wording and that came across wonderfully.
The characters were extremely well executed and so easy to visualise, as was the somewhat gothic and sometimes bleak setting.
I honestly cannot wait for book #2 and to see where the triplets take us next!
Huge thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Secret of the Lantern Keepers is a wonderfully atmospheric gothic mystery that pulls you in from the moment Edith Averly steps onto the windswept Cornish moors. The setting is everything you want in a story like this — brooding landscapes, a sprawling asylum full of whispers, and a sense of dread that builds with every chapter. It’s the perfect backdrop for a heroine whose own gift blurs the line between the living and the echoes of the past.
Edith is instantly compelling: intelligent, determined, and quietly vulnerable as she’s forced to feign madness to infiltrate Green Briar Lunatic Asylum. Her visions add a haunting layer to the investigation, making her both the perfect person to uncover the truth and the one most at risk of being consumed by it. The asylum itself is a character — unsettling, secretive, and full of locked doors both literal and metaphorical.
The mystery surrounding Dr Hawkins’ murder is richly woven, with a cast of suspects who each bring their own shadows: the aloof new doctor, the troubled staff, the patients who vanish without explanation, and the enigmatic Lantern Keepers whose very name hints at hidden truths. Every answer seems to open another question, and the tension builds beautifully as Edith’s sanity — and safety — begin to fray.
This is a gripping, immersive gothic tale full of secrets, danger, and a heroine you can’t help rooting for. Perfect for readers who love atmospheric mysteries with a supernatural edge and a strong, emotionally resonant lead.
With thanks to Jenni Keer, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Edith is instantly compelling: intelligent, determined, and quietly vulnerable as she’s forced to feign madness to infiltrate Green Briar Lunatic Asylum. Her visions add a haunting layer to the investigation, making her both the perfect person to uncover the truth and the one most at risk of being consumed by it. The asylum itself is a character — unsettling, secretive, and full of locked doors both literal and metaphorical.
The mystery surrounding Dr Hawkins’ murder is richly woven, with a cast of suspects who each bring their own shadows: the aloof new doctor, the troubled staff, the patients who vanish without explanation, and the enigmatic Lantern Keepers whose very name hints at hidden truths. Every answer seems to open another question, and the tension builds beautifully as Edith’s sanity — and safety — begin to fray.
This is a gripping, immersive gothic tale full of secrets, danger, and a heroine you can’t help rooting for. Perfect for readers who love atmospheric mysteries with a supernatural edge and a strong, emotionally resonant lead.
With thanks to Jenni Keer, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really really loved reading this book. Edith who goes looking into the murder of a Dr at an asylum which her father was investigating prior to his death. The three sisters must embark on three separate cases to solve them so they can get to stay at their family home. Having lived a very sheltered life due to their abilities it’s a real awakening for Edith which this book is about.
We follow Edith’s journey to solve the case which results in her being committed to the asylum. Edith is very inquisitive which puts her under the watch of Dr Lambert who is in charge. We see their relationship start to blossom, even if it is frustrating to see. Matron also develops a close relationship with Edith who at this stage is still undercover as Mrs Brewer. Edith has these visions of violent acts that have occurred in different locations and uses this to solve the case.
This was a real twist and turns book and about 3/4 the way through I was waiting for the other two sisters stories to commence, but I was super excited to read at the end that their stories will be told separately and still to come. Soooooo can’t wait for them to be released. I will definitely purchase the next books in the series.
A big thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Jenni Keer for the opportunity to read this book for an honest review. Please do yourself a favour and grab a copy when it’s released, it’s a great read
We follow Edith’s journey to solve the case which results in her being committed to the asylum. Edith is very inquisitive which puts her under the watch of Dr Lambert who is in charge. We see their relationship start to blossom, even if it is frustrating to see. Matron also develops a close relationship with Edith who at this stage is still undercover as Mrs Brewer. Edith has these visions of violent acts that have occurred in different locations and uses this to solve the case.
This was a real twist and turns book and about 3/4 the way through I was waiting for the other two sisters stories to commence, but I was super excited to read at the end that their stories will be told separately and still to come. Soooooo can’t wait for them to be released. I will definitely purchase the next books in the series.
A big thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Jenni Keer for the opportunity to read this book for an honest review. Please do yourself a favour and grab a copy when it’s released, it’s a great read
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5⭐️
This book was so many things that I love.
I love a psychiatric hospital setting (ok this was more of a lunatic asylum but same difference, right!)
I love magical realism and secret powers, and this book did that really well.
I love a book series which focuses on different members of the same family, with an underlying plot line that will be resolved after all their individual stories have been told. Especially when I start to really care about the characters, and I’m already completely invested in these three sisters.
I love a strong and independent female main character who is given the chance to grow and develop, becoming more her true self by the end of the book.
I love a repressed, tightly controlled, (in this case, definitely slightly autistic) male main character who is flawed and who yearns.
I really enjoyed this book, and I cannot wait to wait read the next two and meet the other Averly sisters.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publishers and to Jenni Keer for this gifted eARC.
This book was so many things that I love.
I love a psychiatric hospital setting (ok this was more of a lunatic asylum but same difference, right!)
I love magical realism and secret powers, and this book did that really well.
I love a book series which focuses on different members of the same family, with an underlying plot line that will be resolved after all their individual stories have been told. Especially when I start to really care about the characters, and I’m already completely invested in these three sisters.
I love a strong and independent female main character who is given the chance to grow and develop, becoming more her true self by the end of the book.
I love a repressed, tightly controlled, (in this case, definitely slightly autistic) male main character who is flawed and who yearns.
I really enjoyed this book, and I cannot wait to wait read the next two and meet the other Averly sisters.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publishers and to Jenni Keer for this gifted eARC.
June 20, 2026
I have read a couple of books by this author and found them both to be easy enjoyable reads. Loved the idea of a mystery set in a Victorian asylum in Cornwall and the three sisters, all whom have special gifts, which will help them solve the mysteries. Therefore, I was disappointed to find that this book only covers one sister, and the other two will be covered in following books.
Unfortunately, at about 50%, I started to lose interest as it was just far too slow and repetitive. I did enjoy the asylum facts, and clearly the author had researched this, but I totally lost interest in the crime that was being investigated. I skim read to the end as it was a review copy, but will not read the other two in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley for the review copy.
Unfortunately, at about 50%, I started to lose interest as it was just far too slow and repetitive. I did enjoy the asylum facts, and clearly the author had researched this, but I totally lost interest in the crime that was being investigated. I skim read to the end as it was a review copy, but will not read the other two in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley for the review copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 ⭐
Enjoyable tale of a sheltered daughter basically forced out into the world, where she has no choice but to use her own brain to survive.
I found the characters likeable. It was the setting that drew me in though, I do like an asylum!
Oh, and I'd previously enjoyed the authors work.
I did find the whole thing quite unbelievable, and very predictable.
That didn't hamper my enjoyment, and so many times throughout the book I hoped we would have a story for the other two sisters.
Glad to read they're on the way.
A very easy read, and a nice slice of cosy crime I'd say.
Thanks to netgalley for the free digital copy
Enjoyable tale of a sheltered daughter basically forced out into the world, where she has no choice but to use her own brain to survive.
I found the characters likeable. It was the setting that drew me in though, I do like an asylum!
Oh, and I'd previously enjoyed the authors work.
I did find the whole thing quite unbelievable, and very predictable.
That didn't hamper my enjoyment, and so many times throughout the book I hoped we would have a story for the other two sisters.
Glad to read they're on the way.
A very easy read, and a nice slice of cosy crime I'd say.
Thanks to netgalley for the free digital copy
June 23, 2026
ARC review via NetGalley 👀
Book 1/3
Blurb- ‘When Edith Averly is sent to investigate a murder at Green Briar Lunatic Asylum, a rambling gothic institution on the edge of the Cornish moors, she’s horrified to realise that in order to infiltrate the asylum, she’ll have to pretend to be mad herself…’
A cosy murder mystery with a twist, that kickstarts from the off 🧐😍
Jenny has such a vivid imagination & I really felt it throughout this tale; it was like I was right there with Edith the whole time!
I absolutely adored this book in its entirety and cannot wait to read the whole series when it’s released 🏆
Book 1/3
Blurb- ‘When Edith Averly is sent to investigate a murder at Green Briar Lunatic Asylum, a rambling gothic institution on the edge of the Cornish moors, she’s horrified to realise that in order to infiltrate the asylum, she’ll have to pretend to be mad herself…’
A cosy murder mystery with a twist, that kickstarts from the off 🧐😍
Jenny has such a vivid imagination & I really felt it throughout this tale; it was like I was right there with Edith the whole time!
I absolutely adored this book in its entirety and cannot wait to read the whole series when it’s released 🏆
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.25⭐️
I really enjoyed the setting and story, having spent some time in modern psych wards myself. The writing was also accessible and easy to read (that’s a compliment in this day and age - lots of writing now tries to be complex and flowery when much simpler sentences could be used). The characters were a bit distance, but that may be more due to the third person perspective. But, overall, an enjoyable read
I really enjoyed the setting and story, having spent some time in modern psych wards myself. The writing was also accessible and easy to read (that’s a compliment in this day and age - lots of writing now tries to be complex and flowery when much simpler sentences could be used). The characters were a bit distance, but that may be more due to the third person perspective. But, overall, an enjoyable read
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review coming shortly.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
While this was not the book I expected to read, this was _so good_; I literally read it in one go because I couldn't put it down. As an explanation, this book's description reads like you're about to read a story filled with gothy horror and darkness. However, it instead feels like a very gentle/cozy book: one about healing, hope, found family and love. (Oddly, it kind of reminded me of Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst.) It's also clearly the start of a trilogy and I really want the next book now! Recommended.
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