The Secret of the Lantern Keepers

by Jenni Keer

Set in a gothic Victorian asylum on a bleak Cornish moor, this is the first novel in a gripping historical trilogy – about three Victorian sisters, each with an extraordinary gift that allows them to investigate unsolved crimes. An unmissable read for fans of Lucinda Riley and Kate Morton.

When Edith Averly is sent to Green Briar Lunatic Asylum, a dark, rambling gothic institution on the edge of the Cornish moors, it is not as a patient. Or at least, not at first…

Several weeks before her arrival, her beloved father’s will was read, devastating Edith and her triplet sisters, Edith and Lavinia. For they had lived reclusively their whole lives, as their father had seemed determined to protect them from exploitation – not just for being rare surviving triplets. But also for their special, secret, other-worldly abilities.

But now he’s stipulated his three beloved, strangely-gifted daughters must live apart from each other for a whole year in order to retain their family home. As a further condition of their inheritance, he’s assigned them each a crime to solve, one that he was unable to during his recent years of armchair detecting.

The eldest sister, Edith, has the gift of being able to see echoes of violent events from the past. So when she is sent to Green Briar asylum – where the brutal murder of Dr Hawkins took place seven years ago – she fears she’ll be overwhelmed.

But she knows that she must honour her father’s final wish. Even knowing that – to infiltrate the asylum – she will have to pretend to be mad herself. In a place where she could be in the gravest danger. A place that asks more questions than it answers. Such as, why is the darkly-handsome new doctor in charge unable to meet her eye? Where do patients keep disappearing to? And who are the Lantern Keepers and what are the secrets they keep?

Only Edith can find out… if Dr Hawkins’ killer doesn’t find her first.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Gothic, Mystery, Paranormal, Historical, Crime

368 pages, Paperback

Published July 10, 2026

Reviews

[Shelley's Book Nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

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⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Secret of the Lantern Keepers
(The Averly Sisters #1)
Jenni Keer
Publication Date: July 10th, 2026
Boldwood Books
368 Pages
Amazon | Bookshop.org
Genre: General Fiction | Historical Fiction | Women's Fiction

In a word, haunting. Keer writes very atmospheric historical fiction with some mystery so well. I loved the Gothic vibes here too, and I mustn’t forget to mention the paranormal aspect as well. Usually, this wouldn't work for me, but Keer’s writing style keeps me engaged. This is the first book in what I believe will be a trilogy, as there are three sisters and each will have her story.

To get an inheritance, each sister must solve a case their father couldn't. Edith commits herself to Green Briar, which is an asylum, to solve the mystery of a doctor murdered seven years ago. Edith can see what are called "echoes" of past events, which were very violent. The Cornish Moors were an excellent choice for a location, especially for a Victorian asylum. Edith being able to see past traumas added a little extra something to make this more than just a detective story.

There is a bit of a slow-burn romance with a doctor (who has his own secrets) that didn't work for me, but other than that, I can say I enjoyed this one. Keer’s impeccable research is on full display, and the way she describes the asylum made it feel like a character itself. I liked Edith well enough; she doesn't suffer fools and is very determined, but she has led a sheltered life and she grows while inside Green Briar.

The mystery was well done, and the author leaves clues along the way, but they're very subtle so you may miss them. The pacing was a bit on the slow side, but I believe it was done purposely to add to the tension, and it worked for the most part because of the descriptive details. There is also much emotion in the story, and its extremely creative premise makes up for it. The best thing I can say is I look forward to book two, as I love atmospheric stories, especially ones that can mix genres so well.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

[Mary-Lisa Russo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Secret of the Lantern Keepers by Jenni Keer is the perfect read for mystery lovers.

Keer's genius storytelling mind is on full display here. As expected, my imagination soared. I expected a dark horror story and was pleasantly surprised to learn it's an intriguing mix of crime fiction, slow burn romance, and historical fiction peppered with paranormal elements that tied together brilliantly.

The character of Edith Averly (tasked with uncovering who killed Dr. Hawkins at Green Briars Asylum located in the Cornish moors) conveyed a vulnerability and determination that gave her a human, relatable energy I appreciated as her journey unfolded. She has the special ability to see ghostly remnants. As you can imagine, this ability added spicy intrigue to this tale. 

I found myself putting on my imaginary detective hat while reading this book! I transformed into a super sleuth! Hahaha! Definitely an engaging read! Keer's narrative is highly detailed, so I naturally got swallowed up in the plot and visual depictions. Victorian England came alive. The Cornish moors and the asylum whispered their own haunting melody, providing the perfect backdrop to the nail-biting investigation unfolding.

An entertaining read I greatly enjoyed! I'm looking forward to the publication of book two. (A big thank you to Boldwood Books for an advanced copy.) 5/5

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

THE SECRET OF THE LANTERN KEEPERS
By Jenni Keer
Narrated by Helen Keeley

Secrets Behind Asylum Walls

3.5 stars (rounded down)
Upon the death of their father, three triplet sisters, each possessing a unique supernatural gift, must spend a year apart solving an unsolved crime in order to keep their family home. We follow Edith as she honors her father’s bizarre final request: to enter Green Briar Lunatic Asylum as a patient and investigate the murder of a doctor. Edith has the uncanny ability to see violent events from the past.

I enjoyed this gothic Victorian mystery with a few sprinkles of paranormal elements throughout, along with a subtle slow-burn romance. While I don’t usually gravitate toward romance, I thought it never overshadowed the mystery. Set in 1880 Victorian Cornwall, the eerie asylum provides the perfect backdrop for long-buried secrets and unsettling mysteries to unfold, although I was hoping for a bit more of a creepy atmosphere. As Edith’s investigation deepens, she begins to question her own sanity while also growing closer to the asylum’s enigmatic new doctor.

Overall, I found this to be a steady and enjoyable read, although the pacing slowed somewhat in the middle. I paired the ebook with the audiobook and thought Helen Keeley did an excellent job bringing the story to life. She was a new-to-me narrator, and I hope to listen to more of her work. This was also my first book by Jenni Keer, and I would definitely consider reading more of her novels.

[Cindy Spear · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this fascinating gothic Victorian mystery by Jenni Keer. The Secret of the Lantern Keepers is a stunning depiction of asylums during that period. The detail, descriptions, plot, pacing and characters are all exceptionally delivered. I was moved by the drama and sensitive handling of such a challenging topic that would have required much careful and in-depth research. Its surreal and realistic elements kept me wholly invested in the story from start to finish. I was motivated by curiosity and kept trying to guess the killer but honestly did not know who it was until close to the climax. Each person analysed had motive and potential but the reveal at the end contained a twist that certainly was surprising!

I have loved all of Jenni Keer’s books as she has a real talent for writing captivating page turners with unique mysteries that often contain paranormal elements. And The Secret of the Lantern Keepers continues in this tradition. The Averly triplets each have an extraordinary gift that allows them to investigate and solve crimes that have gone unsolved. We get to see Edith’s in this novel with the promise of the other two sisters in the next couple of books. So yes, much to my delight, this is a trilogy with each daughter sharing her own assignment and talent.

For a little background: after the triplet’s father dies, his will dictates an unusual requirement. Each daughter must fulfil a quest before taking possession of their homestead. He wants them to go out into the world, crack an unsolved crime he has selected by using their talents, with hopes it will broaden their horizons. For previously they all lived a sheltered life in the confines of their home.

The first challenge we read about is Edith’s. She is sent to investigate Green Briar Lunatic Asylum near the Cornish moors. The eerie atmosphere of the area is well created and the descriptions are so vivid, I felt I was there. Edith devises a plan to have herself committed so that she can see the inner workings of the institution. The previous superintendent Dr Hawkins was brutally murdered seven years ago and the killer was never found. Edith hopes by infiltrating the community, she can use her special skills to solve the crime. A risky undertaking for sure.

Edith’s journey through this mission has its ups and downs but she accomplishes more than she could ever have imagined. While there, she develops friendships and a bit of romance sparks in her, too. She develops new strength and appears fearless at times: becoming a woman confident in her own abilities. She also is a great organiser, plus perceptive and offers intelligent solutions to difficult problems. While she pretends to be mentally ill, and is treated by the new superintendent Dr Lambert, we not only get to see her in action but also learn about the man leading the asylum. He is not at all what she and we would expect – nor is the facility. There are many current and hidden past secrets that must be exposed. Along with Edith, we discover that things are not as they appear.

This novel shines in so many areas. One is the fact it gives a voice to the many women and other defenceless souls who were wronged in the Victorian era and beyond. It is a light or lamp in the dark night of injustices. This story took me to unexpected places that touched my heart and mind of unimaginable suffering of victims hidden behind closed doors. It also demonstrated the bravery, courage and resilience of those who fought for the rights of others. The Lantern Keepers waged war on the men in control who placed their wives, sisters, mothers, etc in asylums to get them out of the way for various reasons. Victims often were placed in institutions that were horrible and where they lost all control of their lives. But how many of these facilities offered something different? The author explores this possibility by showing us both kinds of leadership. We are encouraged, like the author, by the thought that maybe better ones existed, too.

We cannot help but feel sadness as Edith wonders how many more women were placed in these asylums, ‘merely because they were struggling with the cessation of menses, or had been labelled insane after the trauma of childbirth.’ And others with various disabilities as they were seen by relatives to be a challenge or an inconvenience. There are some very dark truths in this story. But thankfully there is as much light as darkness with beautiful uplifting moments of hope and grace.

It is such a moving story that I could easily rave on but being a mystery, I don’t want to give anything away. For even revealing more about the excellent characters (who are either delightful or disturbing) I could create spoilers. It is a terrific tale that gave me such a lift – beautifully written, perfect in every way. One of the best, if not the most outstanding gothic Victorian mystery of 2026! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the ARC.

[Devon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Secret of the Lantern Keepers by Jenni Keer is the first of a series—I hadn’t known that but immediately felt that the premise was good enough the author could spin it off and have three books, so good on her for doing just that! With this one, however, triplet sisters in 1880 have just found out their father’s death has not left them with quite the inheritance they anticipated. To keep their home and gain all of his wealth, each sister must leave for a year and investigate a murder he could not solve, not knowing ahead of time what the murder will be and being unaware of each sibling’s location, unable to contact one another. Each sister has a special ability—hearing whispers, seeing the strong emotion people are feeling, and witnessing echoes of violence or jubilation. Edith Averly has the last power, and she heads to an asylum to uncover who killed the last doctor in charge, by all accounts a kind and philanthropic man.

Mixed thought:

~I didn’t mind that the asylum wasn’t the traditional place one would expect, but it does change the mood of the book. People will be frustrated that Edith isn’t in grave danger and constantly under the threat of abuse.

Positive thoughts:

+I could believe Edith and Dr. Lambert getting closer, although it would have been nicer to have a little more on page and fewer months passing at a time.

+I liked the mystery. I knew right off the bat at least part of it (I won’t go into details), but I definitely didn’t figure everything out before the end. It was engaging and had me turning everything over in my head, which is precisely what I ask for in a mystery.

+The villain was sympathetic. Their motive was clear and even if what they did was wrong, I understand their reasoning behind it.

+Lambert’s stoicism and Edith’s outright frustration at him hardly batting an eye even in intense situations was very funny and served to inject some levity in the more serious moments of the text.

I will happily continue this series and hope to get more of Brewer in the future, which it seems hinted that he will continue to feature. This author has always put out stories I’ve enjoyed, and I might have liked this one best that I’ve read so far.

Recommended for: people who like strong heroines and a good mystery set in the Victorian Era.

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Grace Power · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book held my attention from the first chapter.
The Averly triplets father has passed away and to receive their inheritance they must separate for a year and also solve a crime.
This is Edith’s book and she allows herself to be incarcerated in a lunatic asylum with surprising results.
An edge of your seat read as I kept turning the pages long after my bedtime.
Can’t wait to read book 2.

[Yvonne (It's All About Books) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finished reading: June 30th 2026

"Her father had always considered the memory echoes that she'd experienced since her childhood as a gift, whereas she was starting to wonder if they might, in truth, be evidence of madness. Perhaps a lunatic asylum was the best place for her."

*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Boldwood Books in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***

REVIEW

WARNING: it's another unpopular opinion!!

This is another author I've been meaning to try for quite some time, although I confess that I had a different title lined up instead. When I came across The Secret Of The Lantern Keepers on Netgalley though, I couldn't pass up on this newest story and decided to turn this into my first Jenni Keer read. I loved the sound of that 19th century asylum setting and the promise of a gothic tale of murder and secrets... But in the end this story sadly ended up being quite underwhelming instead. I'll try to explain below what did and didn't work for me personally.

First of all, I have to say that I still love the premise behind The Secret Of The Lantern Keepers. I mean, it has SO much potential! The 19th century asylum setting alone could have truly elevated this story... If it had been used to its fullest that is. With such a creepy setting and the fact that the main character has a paranormal gift, you expect this book to have a proper ominous and gothic atmosphere, but instead there was never any real danger or proper tension... And this story felt more cozy mystery than gothic. Nothing wrong with that, but it's not what I had signed up for and I couldn't help but feeling disappointed.

Can we also talk about the premise, and the fact that it is madness that Edith's father would send their daughters to investigate murders after his death?! I get him wanting the girls to fly the nest and explore the world, but there are different ways of achieving this. Edith being sent to a lunatic asylum (historical term) to investigate the brutal murder of a doctor that happened seven! years ago is insane... It makes you wonder if he should have been locked up there instead to be honest. The fact that Edith willingly committed herself to the asylum and then happily lived there for months wasn't exactly credible either (and again madness!).

That said, for a story that mainly takes place inside said asylum, the whole journey was surprisingly dull and repetitive most of the time. Edith's situation and that of the other patients was repeated over and over again, and this not only slowed down the pace considerably, but also took out any urgency from the plot. Sure, the final chapters were more engaging and I didn't guess the identity of the killer, but it was all too little, too late for me. The romance itself was a miss for me as well, as it distracted too much from the rest of the plot and I'm never fan of a forbidden romance/love triangle vibe.

I did appreciate how the author highlighted the awful treatment of women in the 19th century, being sent away to asylums when their family/husband starts seeing them as a burden. Again, this could get repetitive in points, but it doesn't take away from the importance of this topic. I loved the idea of the paranormal element as well, so that's probably why I was quite disappointed that it hardly played a role in the plot. I mean, with Edith being in an asylum, you would expect way more memory echoes and ghosts popping up to be honest.

All in all I ended up having mixed reactions to The Secret Of The Lantern Keepers, and I can't say that it was the best first experience with Jenni Keer's writing. I don't think I will be continuing this series for now, but I do want to pick up one of her backlist titles at some point.

[Eva · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Amy Appleby · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Mystica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has got a lot to keep you going. A Victorian institute, run on almost feudal lines, an asylum according to its description. Many of the patients conveniently despatched there. An unwanted wife, a child with mental defects. A wife suffering from what was so wrongly called as hysteria. Never visited by family but the present management, within boundaries doing the best they can.

Edith, her father recently passed away with stipulations for his triplet daughters. Carry out the assignation given to them or forfeit the family home. For Edith and her sisters, homeschooled and who have not known the outside world this was a punishment but there was no choice. Edith entered the asylum as Mrs Brewer, tge lawyers clerk fictitiously acting as her husband. She entered as a woman abused violently by her husband. Her task set by her father to find out how the former superintendent Hawkins died. Her father’s hobby of pursuing cold cases was his passion, and he felt that this case needed enquiry. Edith had her own special gift which was to see memory clips and hear events, especially violent events and her father felt that she would be able to solve this unsolved violent murder. That he put his daughter’s life at stake obviously did not cross his mind, because the murderer could very well be around still - a member of staff or a patient perhaps.

Edith gradually gets involved with the workings of the asylum, begins to have warmer feelings towards the present superintendent Lambert but of course as an inmate and a married woman there was nothing further to be done. Edith takes on more responsibilities and becomes aware of a secret confined to very few senior staff. A group called the Lantern Keepers who are a vigilante group, finding means to find the weaknesses and faults of those responsible to putting hapless people without a voice into the asylum. The blackmail and even their eventual deaths helps to keep Green Briars in funds and run in an efficient way with solid staff, very unlikely hospitals and asylums of tge time.

The story was full of a lifestyle of the day which made it almost a piece of history - the power of men over their wives and children was absolute. Rebellion of any kind was not permitted, women were restricted in every field and however clever one was, you were confined within clearly marked boundaries. The standards set for asylums and for the care of anyone in a mental institution was stark and brutal as seen in the past in this institution. Very few were of the calibre of staff found here, and this was in part because they carried their own trauma.

Apart from this the description of the Cornish countryside in different seasons was very good reading too. The characters were varied and added so many layers to the story. An excellent book.

[Linda Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edith Averly’s father has set her an unusual task in his will.

What a brilliant book! The Secret of the Lantern Keepers is part historical fiction, part slow burn romance, part crime fiction, part paranormal narrative and part murder mystery so that there truly is something for everyone between its pages. Any of these aspects individually make it a cracking read, but together they are far greater than the sum of their parts. I found The Secret of the Lantern Keepers gripping, insightful and fascinating.

Grounded in meticulous historical research of so-called lunatic asylums in the 1880s the narrative is shocking, feminist and all too believable. Jenni Keer plunges the reader right in the heart of social history. I thought the name of the asylum was inspired, because once Edit arrives she is ensnared much like a briar in clothing. Add in the dramatic plot and this book would make a fabulous series for television. I loved the visual quality of the descriptions because I could picture the settings, the clothing and the food so readily. Equally engaging is the sense of menace and uncertainty Edith discovers as she integrates into asylum life, especially as this is balanced by warmth and humour too.

Edith is a carefully crafted character who is utterly convincing. With an uneasy gift of being able to ‘see’ moments of heightened emotion from the past she is set the task to discover the brutal murder of Dr Hawkins in a remote Cornish asylum. Remarkably well organised and determined, she has simultaneously led a sheltered life with her sisters. This means that the reader is plunged into her new environment with her, making for an immersive reading experience. The gradual development of her relationship with Dr Lambert is a real joy.

The plot of The Secret of the Lantern Keepers is completely absorbing. It’s fast paced, highly cleverly constructed and so unpredictable that I found myself totally taken aback on several occasions. I thought the writing was so skilful because I had no idea what might happen next or who the murderer might be.

However, underneath the wonderful entertainment of the narrative are some important themes that have unsettling resonance in today’s society, every bit as much as in Edith’s era. Mental health, masculine dominance, social care, corruption, family bonds and responsibilities all swirl through the story, making it one that feels highly relevant.

I had no real idea what to expect from this story, but I thought The Secret of the Lantern Keepers was brilliant. Authentic, fresh and innovative, it held me rapt. I thoroughly, thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it completely. Not to be missed – though it has now made me determined to catch up with Jenni Keer’s other books!

[Annette Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Secret of the Lantern Keepers is the first in a trilogy of books by Jenni Keer focusing on a set of triplet sisters, each with some degree of magical abilities. Born at a time when triplets were unlikely to survive, Edith as the oldest sister has always felt protective of her sisters, especially since their mother died in childbirth, and the triplets have lived a quiet and isolated life with their father, but when he passes away she is shocked to learn of the strange conditions he has attached to his will. The sisters must separate and each solve one of the unsolved murders that their father had studied, only if they successfully complete this mission will they inherit the only home they have ever known.
This is how Edith finds herself going undercover as a patient at Green Briar Lunatic Asylum to investigate the murder of a doctor years before, hoping that her unusual ability to see echoes of violent acts will help her to uncover the identity of the killer. Voluntarily entering such an institution as a woman at that time was very dangerous but especially for Edith given her unique abilities, but no matter the danger she is determined to uncover the truth and get back to her beloved sisters. What she does uncover surprised me, as I really did not expect the direction this book took and it was a pleasantly refreshing surprise.
I love the idea of a trilogy of books about these sisters, what a clever concept. Edith was quite the interesting character, prim and polite as would have been expected of a woman of her class at that time but also strong and determined and very brave. The deliciously slow burn romantic relationship between Edith and Dr Lambert was a lot of fun, especially since the reader knows that despite her cover story Edith is not married.
I did struggle a little because this was not exactly the book I was expecting, I thought it was going to be something a lot darker and more gothic, but that I think is more down to the cover and the marketing blurb etc. The actual secret of the Lantern Keepers was definitely not something I was expecting, and I did not manage to guess the killer until the very end of the book so I have to say the author did a good job of keeping me guessing. This is important because overall the book is actually something of a slow burn, and I understand that as the first in a trilogy there was some need to set up the story but it really felt like the actual story did not start until 40% in, which some readers might not find to their liking.
That being said once the story got going I did enjoy it, and I look forward to continuing the series.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: The Secret of the Lantern Keepers by Jenni Keer

Rating: 4 Stars

I recently finished The Secret of the Lantern Keepers by Jenni Keer, and it was a thoroughly enjoyable read that earned a solid four stars from me. The story is set against the eerie backdrop of a Victorian asylum nestled on the windswept moors of Cornwall, immediately pulling you into its gothic atmosphere.

The novel follows Edith Averly, one of three sisters who each possess unique, almost supernatural talents. When Edith is sent undercover to Green Briar Lunatic Asylum to investigate a brutal murder that happened years earlier, she must pretend to be insane herself — a daunting challenge that adds real tension to the story. This is all part of a strange stipulation left by their late father: for them to inherit the family estate, the sisters must spend a year apart and solve separate cold cases he couldn’t crack.

Edith’s gift allows her to see echoes of past violence, and as she delves deeper into the mystery surrounding Dr Hawkins’ murder, she finds herself confronting not only chilling visions but also suspicious characters, disappearing patients, and cryptic references to the enigmatic "Lantern Keepers." The plot kept me guessing throughout, weaving together mystery, suspense, and even a tender romance that added warmth to the darker moments.

What really stood out for me was the immersive setting — the moorland asylum felt hauntingly real, and the gothic tone was perfectly balanced with well-drawn characters and a compelling storyline. The writing is strong without being overly complex, making it an accessible yet richly atmospheric read. Plus, I have to mention the cover — it’s absolutely gorgeous and really captures the mood of the book.

All in all, The Secret of the Lantern Keepers is a captivating start to what promises to be an intriguing trilogy. If you’re a fan of historical mysteries with a touch of the supernatural, this one should definitely be on your radar. I’m already looking forward to diving into the next installment!

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Secret of the Lantern Keepers by Jenni Keer is a beautifully crafted historical novel that blends mystery, romance, and family secrets into an engaging and emotional read.

One of the things I enjoyed most was the dual timeline. Jenni Keer seamlessly moves between the past and present, gradually revealing how the two stories are connected. Each chapter uncovered another piece of the puzzle, and I found myself equally invested in both narratives, eager to discover the truth hidden across generations.

The setting is wonderfully atmospheric. Whether describing the rugged coastline or the history surrounding the lantern keepers, Keer creates such a vivid sense of place that it was easy to become completely immersed in the story. The historical details feel well researched without ever overwhelming the plot, adding richness and authenticity to the novel.

The characters are another strong point. I especially enjoyed watching the protagonist uncover long-buried family secrets while also navigating her own personal journey. The emotional themes of love, sacrifice, loss, and forgiveness are woven naturally throughout the story, making the revelations feel meaningful rather than simply surprising.

The romance is understated but heartfelt, complementing the mystery without taking center stage. It added warmth to the story while allowing the family drama and historical mystery to remain the primary focus.

The pacing is steady, though it starts as more of a slow burn while the characters and timelines are established. Once the connections between the past and present began to emerge, I found it difficult to put the book down.

Overall, The Secret of the Lantern Keepers is a compelling and heartfelt novel filled with history, mystery, and emotional depth. It's a wonderful choice for readers who enjoy dual-timeline historical fiction, family secrets, and stories that remind us how the past continues to shape the present.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

An utterly captivating start to what promises to be a wonderful trilogy

From the moment I read the blurb, I had a feeling this story was destined to become a trilogy, and that thought alone delighted me because I can never seem to get enough of Jenni Keer's books. Happily, this first instalment more than lived up to my expectations. I read it in about a day because once I started, I simply couldn't put it down.

The story follows one of three triplets, each seemingly destined for their own journey before an inheritance can finally be claimed. It's a brilliant premise that leaves me eagerly anticipating the next books. I loved watching the protagonist, Edith discover who she truly was while remaining authentic to herself throughout. Her journey felt both believable and deeply satisfying.

Although there is a gentle paranormal thread running through the story, it never overshadows the historical fiction. Instead, it adds just enough intrigue to complement the central mystery. As always, Jenni Keer balances romance, mystery and history beautifully. The relationship between the two main characters felt wonderfully natural, the sense of community was warm and engaging, and the mystery itself unfolded with enough twists to keep me completely absorbed.

I also appreciated the historical detail. The author's note explaining that era appropriate language would be used was thoughtful, and I found the exploration of historical attitudes towards mental health both fascinating and moving. The secret at the heart of the asylum was one of my favourite parts of the novel. It offered a hopeful vision of what compassionate care could have been, even if it had to remain hidden.

Another outstanding novel from Jenni Keer. I already cannot wait to discover where the next triplet's story leads.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Lindsay Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Debra · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Edith's father dies, he leaves behind an interesting will - his daughter must live apart for a year to keep their family home. As if that is not enough, they each must solve a crime that he was unable to solve before his death! That's a lot to ask of his grieving, reclusive, and uniquely gifted daughters. Edith is tasked with solving the murder of Dr Hawkins that took place years ago at Green Briar, a remote Cornish asylum. Edith gets herself committed and is placed under the care of Dr Lambert at Green Briar.

Welp! I thought this would be a slam dunk for me! A mystery that needs to be solved at a remote asylum in the 1800's sounded right up my alley. This book was more of a cozy mystery than a dark, gothic, mystery thriller which I was hoping for. I wanted a glimpse into the happenings of an asylum during that time. There is a bit of that, but the plot does veer off into the lantern keepers and who and what they are - hence the title.

This book does have a big character list, and I found myself wondering where this book was going. The pacing was slow but steady but around the middle I found myself turning to other books. I was never fully invested in this book. This book does have some tension, twists, turns, and a reveal which may or may not shock readers. As I mentioned, this is more of a cozy mystery/historical fiction book with romance thrown into the mix. I tend to enjoy gritty, faster moving mystery thrillers.

I have read a previous book by Jenni Keer, The Ravenswood Witch and enjoyed it and had high hopes for this book. I did enjoy parts of this book and feel that readers who enjoy lighter and cozier mysteries will enjoy this one. I will be reading more of this author's books as I enjoyed the other book I mentioned.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Ashley Cohoon · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5 stars)

The Secret of the Lantern Keepers by Jenni Keer was such an atmospheric and intriguing historical mystery. It combines Victorian England, a remote asylum, a murder investigation, and just enough of a paranormal element to make the story feel even more unique.

After their father’s death, Edith Averly and her sisters learn that they must each solve one of his unfinished cases before they can receive their inheritance. Edith’s assignment takes her to Green Briar Asylum, where she has herself committed in order to investigate the unsolved murder of a former doctor. Edith also has the ability to see echoes of intense moments from the past, which adds another layer to the mystery without completely taking over the story.

I really liked Edith as a main character. She was intelligent, determined, and willing to take some serious risks, but she also had room to grow after living such a sheltered life. The asylum setting was eerie and vivid, and I appreciated that the story explored the mistreatment of women and other vulnerable people during that time without making every part of the book completely hopeless.

The mystery kept me interested, and while I guessed a few pieces along the way, I didn’t figure everything out before the reveal. The pacing was occasionally a little slow, and I could have used more development in the romance, but the detailed setting and overall atmosphere made up for it.

This was a haunting, creative, and well-researched start to the series. I especially liked the idea of each sister having her own unusual ability and separate case to solve, and I’m definitely interested in seeing where the next book goes.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[janine · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Ann-Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

1873: Dr Hawkins, the medical Superintendent of Green Briar Lunatic Asylum in Cornwall, is murdered.

1880: Devoted triplets Edith, Lavinia and Harriet are shocked by the conditions in their father’s will. To benefit from the estate the sisters must live apart from each other for 12 months, with no communication between them, and each must try, to the best of their ability, to solve a cold case that their father has accumulated a great deal of information about. If they refuse, then they will only receive £100 each. Each sister has a special ability that their father believed would help them in their investigations.

The case given to Edith is that of the murder of Dr Hawkins, a popular and well-liked man in the area. Her special ability is ‘memory echoes’ - she can see ghostly remnants of actions that have taken place in the past where emotions have run high. Having tried applying for jobs at the asylum, with no success, she decides that her only way to investigate events is by having herself committed to the asylum as a patient.

A thoroughly absorbing tale – all three sisters had led very sheltered lives, so seeing Edith’s horizons expand as she grows in confidence, determined to bring the culprit to justice, was a pleasure. Her investigations lead to her to many surprising discoveries and there are lots of red herrings along the way. I really enjoyed this book, and I’m looking forward to seeing how Lavinia and Harriet get on with their investigations.

Thanks to Net Galley and Boldwood Books for an ARC for my honest review.

[Sherri · Rating 4 out of 5]

***I received an ARC from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review

Edith Averly's father stipulates in his will that his three daughters, who are each gifted with unique special abilities, must live apart from each other, while they solve a crime that he was unable to solve during his recent years of armchair detecting. Edith can see echoes of violent events, so she has the clerk overseeing the will pretend they are married, and has her commited to the remote Cornish asylum where the brutal murder of Dr Hawkins took place seven years ago. Green Briar leaves her with more questions than answers and she begins to doubt her sanity. She is determined to find out where all of the patients keep disappearing to, and what are the Lantern Keepers she overheard the ooctor mention?

I always find reading about asylums hard - they were such terrible places for women, and the way they were treated in there was disgusting. I loved how each of the three sisters had special abilities, but I thought it was weird and a little manipulative for their father to make them all leave home & solve crimes he wasn't ever able to. He was having the locks changed while they were gone and there were 3 locks, so unless all three of the women completed their tasks, they wouldn't be able to unlock the house. I did feel the story was rather anti-climatic. I guess I was expecting more suspense & horrror (in the form of the echoes she could see, because I would think they would be all over a place like that). Overall, a 3.5 rounded up to a 4.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Secret of the Lantern Keepers by Jenni Keer is the first in a trilogy of books about three sisters, and is a very clever, atmospheric mystery.

When devoted triplets Edith, Lavinia and Harriet learn their father’s will requires them to each solve a different cold case to inherit their rightful estate, it sets up a story that’s equal parts intriguing and emotional.

Edith’s thread is particularly compelling: assigned the unsolved 1873 murder of the well-liked Dr Hawkins at Cornwall’s Green Briar Lunatic Asylum, she uses her unique gift of “memory echoes”—the ability to see lingering traces of past events where strong emotions once ran high—to dig for the truth. Denied work at the asylum, she makes the bold, risky choice to have herself admitted as a patient, adding real tension and unease as she navigates the harsh, unknown world inside.

The Cornish moors setting feels vivid and immersive, and the triplets’ bond and the unfair terms pushing them apart add real heart. As the first book in a trilogy, it lays the foundations for each sister’s investigation while still delivering a satisfying mystery in its own right, and it certainly left me looking forward to discovering where Lavinia and Harriet’s stories will lead.

This is a gripping, original mystery full of atmosphere and heart that keeps you turning pages right to the end.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy in return for an honest review.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Born in the late 1800s in Cornwall, Edith and her two sisters are triplets with unusual gifts. Their mother had died years earlier and now their father has died as well. As per the conditions of his will, the girls had to go out into the world and solve a crime he wasn't able to. Edith was tasked with solving a murder at Green Briar Lunatic Asylum. To completely immerse herself, she had to obtain a fraudulent certificate stating she was mentally ill. Much of the story takes place at the asylum as she is cut off from the outside world. She gets to know staff and fellow residents and encounters the Lantern Keepers. Her memory echoes play a role in solving the crime.

My favourite aspects of the novel are the gothic atmosphere and life in the asylum which is much different from most I've read about. I could practically feel life there. Some parts, however, are a bit unrealistic such as the sudden seemingly smooth transition to living a sheltered life closely with her sisters to living with strangers in an asylum. I would have liked a greater sense of the uneasy shift. But overall, the writing and era pulled me in. I enjoyed my reading experience and look forward to the next mystery, especially the environment and the sister's personality.

My sincere thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this mesmerizing novel.

[Perrin Larton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the trilogy of the Averly Sisters. The sisters are triplets and their mother died when they were born. Each sister has a specific 'gift'. Their recently deceased father has given them all a murder to solve. The sisters have been together since conception and his will says they must separate for a year and each daughter has her own task that must be completed independently, to be able to claim their inheritance. This book focuses on the eldest sister, Edith.

Edith feels emotions that are left after heightened altercations. The former physician in charge of the Green Briars Lunatic Asylum was murdered seven years ago. Edith's father was never able to solve the criime and now it's up to Edith. When she tries to get into the institution, she is rebuffed. Now the only way in is as a patient.

It took a bit for me to warm up to this book. I felt the first part was very slow, but, I understand that the premise of the trilogy had to be 'set'. Lots of backstory before the real story telling could begin. Once the story began to move along, and more information about the Lantern Keepers, Green Briars, and Edith's thoughts about what had happened, the story sped up.

I will absolutely pick up the next books in this series! 4 stars since the beginning was slow for me.

[Jodie Gerakelis · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Jenni Keer's books and have read most of them. This one is slightly different in that it's the first in a trilogy which she hasn't done before.
It's set mainly in an Asylum. Edith enters it voluntarily to carry out a quite bizarre edict her father has left in his will. She has two sisters and has always looked after them but this forces them apart for a time. During her incarceration she develops feelings for one of the doctors but this brings it's own problems. There's a murder to solve and plenty other secrets abound.
I found this book tough going. Up until about the fifty percent mark it dragged and nothing much happened. It has a large cast of characters but it was easy to follow them. Some of what happened seemed improbable and I got bogged down in these parts. The romance, such as it was, didn't do it for me. The male main character tried my patience at times.
However the second half really got going and I flew through it. I was certain I had the murderer early on but was completely wrong!! I love when that happens.
As I said, she's one of my favourite authors so I will definitely read the next in the series. This may have been more of a set up book. If you are a fan of hers do give it a read.

Many thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for an early copy.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always look forward to a book by Jenni Keer and I thoroughly enjoyed this first book in her new trilogy. It really wasn’t what I was expecting but I was totally engaged from page one! Edith Averly and her sisters have led a sheltered life but when their father dies he stipulates in his will that each sister must go into the world and solve a crime. Each of the sisters have a special gift and Edith’s is that she can see echoes of past violent events. Edith volunteers to be a patient at the Green Briar Lunatic Asylum to see if she can solve the murder of Dr Hawkins. However she soon finds that she has more questions than answers and finds the whole place intriguing. Gradually she gains the trust of the staff but who are the Lantern Keepers and where are patients disappearing to? More worrying though is will Dr Hawkins killer find her before she can work out who it is and unveil them? I thought that this had some very interesting characters, well described locations and I could easily picture Green Briar. There was no way of knowing how this was going to end but I must say I enjoyed the way the story developed and how the characters interacted. Very much looking forward to the next one!

[Patricia Bello · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this advance copy!


3.5 stars. I enjoyed this one. A very interesting Gothic mystery with a paranormal twist. Edith and her sisters are thrust from the only home they know upon their father’s death and will, sent out into the world, and in order to keep the house, each sister has to solve a crime, independent of each other. And Edith’s case is the murder of the chief doctor of an asylum.

Edith is brave and curious and stubborn. It isn’t easy to be a patient in an asylum and not easy to get out either. And while the story did linger a lot more on Edith’s experiences as a patient and really only got to the sleuthing when she’s somewhat settle, it’s still an engrossing read.

It’s isn’t as gothically dark and scary as I thought it would be. It’s also slow burn romance. But it is still mystery and might’ve been considered a cozy one if it wasn’t for the setting. The secret of the Lantern Keepers was revealed half way thru the story. The villain reveal was a little anticlimactic and that person’s fate was rather convenient.

The ending leads us to the next sister and story which I am planning to pick up soonest. This book is a good start to this trilogy.

[Susanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an unusual, but entertaining mystery with plenty of twists. When Edith's father passes away, his will states that each of his daughters, who are triplets, have to solve a mystery he was unable to solve before they can inherit. He was an 'armchair detective' after he was invalided following a carriage accident. Each of the triplets also has a paranormal gift. Edith's gift is seeing echoes of violent events. Her task is to investigate the murder of the superintendant of the Green Briar Lunatic Assylum 7 years ago. Her investigations take quite a few turns, including being admitted to Green Briar as a patient and finding out that it's nothing like other assylums of the time. The more she uncovers about the previous and the current superintendants, the more she realises that there's far more to the case than anyone expected. Fascinating, intriguing and suspenseful and even a little romance. Very enjoyable. I believe this is the first book in a trilogy about the sisters and I'm keen to read about how the other two sisters fared with their cases.
Thanks to Netgalley, Boldwood Books, and Jenni Keer for the free ARC. All opinions are my own.