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The Ghosts of Peppernell Manor
The USA Today–bestselling author crafts a haunting Southern tale of a house that harbors centuries-old sorrows and a family fraught with lies.
“Do you know what stories Sarah could tell you about the things that happened in these little cabins? They’d curl that pretty red hair of yours.”
Outside of Charleston, South Carolina, beyond hanging curtains of Spanish moss, at the end of a shaded tunnel of overarching oaks, stands the antebellum mansion of Peppernell Manor in all its faded grandeur. At the request of her friend Evie Peppernell, recently divorced Carleigh Warner and her young daughter Lucy have come to the plantation house to refurbish the interior. But the tall white columns and black shutters hide a dark history of slavery, violence, and greed. The ghost of a former slave is said to haunt the home, and Carleigh is told she disapproves of her restoration efforts. And beneath the polite hospitality of the Peppernell family lie simmering resentments and poisonous secrets that culminate in murder—and place Carleigh and her child in grave danger . . .
“If you’re a fan of Gothic Romantic Suspense novels by Phyllis A. Whitney, Victoria Holt, and Barbara Michaels, you’re going to love The Ghosts of Peppernell Manor.” —Jane Reads
“Do you know what stories Sarah could tell you about the things that happened in these little cabins? They’d curl that pretty red hair of yours.”
Outside of Charleston, South Carolina, beyond hanging curtains of Spanish moss, at the end of a shaded tunnel of overarching oaks, stands the antebellum mansion of Peppernell Manor in all its faded grandeur. At the request of her friend Evie Peppernell, recently divorced Carleigh Warner and her young daughter Lucy have come to the plantation house to refurbish the interior. But the tall white columns and black shutters hide a dark history of slavery, violence, and greed. The ghost of a former slave is said to haunt the home, and Carleigh is told she disapproves of her restoration efforts. And beneath the polite hospitality of the Peppernell family lie simmering resentments and poisonous secrets that culminate in murder—and place Carleigh and her child in grave danger . . .
“If you’re a fan of Gothic Romantic Suspense novels by Phyllis A. Whitney, Victoria Holt, and Barbara Michaels, you’re going to love The Ghosts of Peppernell Manor.” —Jane Reads
- GenresMystery
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 27, 2015
116 people are currently reading
261 people want to read
About the author
Amy M. Reade
20 books251 followersAmy M. Reade is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling mystery author who practiced law until she realized it was way more fun writing fiction.
She writes cozy and Gothic mysteries under the name Amy M. Reade and historical mysteries under the name A.M. Reade. She lives in New Jersey with her family and loves reading, cooking, traveling, playing with the dog, quilling, counted cross-stitch, chocolate, wine, and cheese, though not necessarily in that order.
If you're looking for her and she's not in her office, check the kitchen. If she's not there, she's definitely in the laundry room.
To find out when her next book is coming out and to grab some fun freebies, sign up for her mailing list at www.amymreade.com.
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She writes cozy and Gothic mysteries under the name Amy M. Reade and historical mysteries under the name A.M. Reade. She lives in New Jersey with her family and loves reading, cooking, traveling, playing with the dog, quilling, counted cross-stitch, chocolate, wine, and cheese, though not necessarily in that order.
If you're looking for her and she's not in her office, check the kitchen. If she's not there, she's definitely in the laundry room.
To find out when her next book is coming out and to grab some fun freebies, sign up for her mailing list at www.amymreade.com.
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/amy-m...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amreadeauthor
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/readeandwrite
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/amreade
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amymreade
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
April 28, 2015
A special thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
THE GHOSTS OF PEPPERNELL MANOR, by Amy Reade is a light contemporary mystery suspense with a mix of historic flair, design, and heavy southern family drama.
As the novel opens, readers get a quick glimpse in the prologue of Sarah a fifteen year old slave, requested to stay late in order to take care of Philip and Gertie (owner’s children) during a party held in the grand ballroom at the main house, hosted by mistress of the manor, Mrs. Violet Peppernell- The Peppernell Manor Plantation, outside Charleston, SC. Sarah wanted to go home to see her daddy, who would be leaving the following day. After the kids are put to bed, she began wondering what was happening at home in the slave cabins adjacent to the manor. She was going to miss her daddy—he would be sold off at an auction as a slave the following day. However, he never makes it to the next day, committing suicide just minutes prior to Sarah’s arrival.
Next we flash to the present, as Carleigh Warner, and her young daughter, Lucy are driving from Chicago to Charleston on the back roads admiring the beautiful Spanish moss and the Lowcountry, as they make their way to Peppernell Manor. A college friend Evie, and her family has owned the manor for generations. Having visited there many times during her college years —Carleigh always loved the antebellum mansion.
She jumped at the chance when the Peppernells decided to offer her the renovation job, as the owner of a successful restoration firm in Chicago. As a lover of art, Carleigh appreciated the property’s graceful architecture and its romance; however, as a history major, she was more interested in the home’s past as a plantation house. She was returning for the first time with her daughter. At the time Carleigh was not sure she could leave her business of Warner Restorations, nor was she sure her ex-husband, Brad would allow her to bring Lucy along for this job in SC. However he agreed with the promise of frequent visits.
They arrive at the stunning manor house, of Federalist architecture with a large veranda and years of neglect. Evie her old college friend is there with her grandmother Cora-Camille Chadwick-Peppernell -- all of her sweet Southern drawl, southern foods, and hospitality.
As the book moves on we meet the family: Evie’s parents, Graydon and Vivian, her twin brothers, Heath and Harlan, her aunt Ruby (Cora-Camille’s daughter) who suffers from anxiety issues and takes care of the baking, and Phyllis, house manager who takes care of the rest of the cooking. Evie (does not add anything to the novel) lives in Atlanta and her boyfriend has business out of the country, so she plans on working remotely here at the manor, to spend time with her college friend. Phyllis is the (5 great) granddaughter of Sarah, one of the slaves who worked on the plantation years ago. She also talks to Sarah (a ghost daily), however we never hear the actual conversations.
As they toured the grounds, Carleigh remembered Peppernell Manor had been home to slaves before the Civil War; however, seeing the cabins, made it more real. She would love to restore the cabins and their historic nature; however, Phyllis disagrees.
There is much controversy surrounding the renovation and its future. Harlan the son, a real estate developer would like for a group of investors to finance the renovation and make the home a tourist destination for SC, demolish the slave cabins and build a gift shop. His mother Vivian (not a nice person) agrees. However, Cora wants to keep the home in the family, and wants to use her own money for the renovation in order to restore the old home place to its original grand splendor, before she dies.
Grayndon, Heath, Ruby, Evie, and Carleigh are pretty much on the same side as want to renovate and keep in the family to please the grandmother. There are many secondary characters, and disruptions, such as Brad, (Carleigh’s) ex-husband from Chicago, and Ophelia (Health’s crazy ex-wife), Carleigh’s parents in Florida, a stray dog named Addie, an alligator, and a hurricane.
Carleigh is busy with the renovation and falling for the brother, while receiving threatening phone calls and someone running her off the road, telling her to leave, plus someone is vandalizing her design work in the main house. She is afraid for her daughter’s life and herself. In addition, the grandmother dies of heart failure and they find out she was poisoned, causing her sickness. Oh, and three murders total before the book ends. (the police visit so many times they probably think this place is nuts).
Summary: Having viewed different reviews of the novel, I will have to agree, this is not a ghost book. In fact we never hear from a ghost, nor see one, so unsure why the title, which is misleading. Phyllis mentions Sarah which is a former slave but nothing more.
A native of the Carolinas, and lover of its history and architecture, I was all set for a good southern historic mystery with a design twist. Yes, I enjoyed the mentions of Charleston, as have spent much time there, with a few hotel clients in Charleston, so very familiar with all the landmarks and city. However, with the opening pages of Sarah the slave, would have been a nice tie in to revisit Sarah, the past, and connect the two storylines between Phyllis and Sarah for a powerful story. Never happened.
The novel was more of a chicklit, southern family drama, and a romance. The story did not reference anything in the past, it was all present. Yes, there was mention of the slaves and Sarah, but this was about the extent. Some aspects of mystery, with a "whodunit" of three family murders. However, with three family members dead, they did not seem to mourn or grieve, just worried about how to decorate for a party, or design the house???
As far as the renovation, was hoping for more of a Wendy Wax (design teams), or a Karen White (southern ghost historic fiction); however, not either. Being in the design business, one girl cannot complete a design project of this size; there was no mention of design teams or a general contractor--seemed very unrealistic. All the other drama seemed disjointed.
If you are looking for a southern historic fiction, or a ghost story, this would not be the book. However, if you are looking for a light mystery whodunit, and a LOT of family drama, you may enjoy. Even though I was slightly entertained, the novel could have been so much more, as a good set up. Drama wrapped up with a tidy bow at the end; being somewhat generous with a three star rating.
JDC Must Read Books
THE GHOSTS OF PEPPERNELL MANOR, by Amy Reade is a light contemporary mystery suspense with a mix of historic flair, design, and heavy southern family drama.
As the novel opens, readers get a quick glimpse in the prologue of Sarah a fifteen year old slave, requested to stay late in order to take care of Philip and Gertie (owner’s children) during a party held in the grand ballroom at the main house, hosted by mistress of the manor, Mrs. Violet Peppernell- The Peppernell Manor Plantation, outside Charleston, SC. Sarah wanted to go home to see her daddy, who would be leaving the following day. After the kids are put to bed, she began wondering what was happening at home in the slave cabins adjacent to the manor. She was going to miss her daddy—he would be sold off at an auction as a slave the following day. However, he never makes it to the next day, committing suicide just minutes prior to Sarah’s arrival.
Next we flash to the present, as Carleigh Warner, and her young daughter, Lucy are driving from Chicago to Charleston on the back roads admiring the beautiful Spanish moss and the Lowcountry, as they make their way to Peppernell Manor. A college friend Evie, and her family has owned the manor for generations. Having visited there many times during her college years —Carleigh always loved the antebellum mansion.
She jumped at the chance when the Peppernells decided to offer her the renovation job, as the owner of a successful restoration firm in Chicago. As a lover of art, Carleigh appreciated the property’s graceful architecture and its romance; however, as a history major, she was more interested in the home’s past as a plantation house. She was returning for the first time with her daughter. At the time Carleigh was not sure she could leave her business of Warner Restorations, nor was she sure her ex-husband, Brad would allow her to bring Lucy along for this job in SC. However he agreed with the promise of frequent visits.
They arrive at the stunning manor house, of Federalist architecture with a large veranda and years of neglect. Evie her old college friend is there with her grandmother Cora-Camille Chadwick-Peppernell -- all of her sweet Southern drawl, southern foods, and hospitality.
As the book moves on we meet the family: Evie’s parents, Graydon and Vivian, her twin brothers, Heath and Harlan, her aunt Ruby (Cora-Camille’s daughter) who suffers from anxiety issues and takes care of the baking, and Phyllis, house manager who takes care of the rest of the cooking. Evie (does not add anything to the novel) lives in Atlanta and her boyfriend has business out of the country, so she plans on working remotely here at the manor, to spend time with her college friend. Phyllis is the (5 great) granddaughter of Sarah, one of the slaves who worked on the plantation years ago. She also talks to Sarah (a ghost daily), however we never hear the actual conversations.
As they toured the grounds, Carleigh remembered Peppernell Manor had been home to slaves before the Civil War; however, seeing the cabins, made it more real. She would love to restore the cabins and their historic nature; however, Phyllis disagrees.
There is much controversy surrounding the renovation and its future. Harlan the son, a real estate developer would like for a group of investors to finance the renovation and make the home a tourist destination for SC, demolish the slave cabins and build a gift shop. His mother Vivian (not a nice person) agrees. However, Cora wants to keep the home in the family, and wants to use her own money for the renovation in order to restore the old home place to its original grand splendor, before she dies.
Grayndon, Heath, Ruby, Evie, and Carleigh are pretty much on the same side as want to renovate and keep in the family to please the grandmother. There are many secondary characters, and disruptions, such as Brad, (Carleigh’s) ex-husband from Chicago, and Ophelia (Health’s crazy ex-wife), Carleigh’s parents in Florida, a stray dog named Addie, an alligator, and a hurricane.
Carleigh is busy with the renovation and falling for the brother, while receiving threatening phone calls and someone running her off the road, telling her to leave, plus someone is vandalizing her design work in the main house. She is afraid for her daughter’s life and herself. In addition, the grandmother dies of heart failure and they find out she was poisoned, causing her sickness. Oh, and three murders total before the book ends. (the police visit so many times they probably think this place is nuts).
Summary: Having viewed different reviews of the novel, I will have to agree, this is not a ghost book. In fact we never hear from a ghost, nor see one, so unsure why the title, which is misleading. Phyllis mentions Sarah which is a former slave but nothing more.
A native of the Carolinas, and lover of its history and architecture, I was all set for a good southern historic mystery with a design twist. Yes, I enjoyed the mentions of Charleston, as have spent much time there, with a few hotel clients in Charleston, so very familiar with all the landmarks and city. However, with the opening pages of Sarah the slave, would have been a nice tie in to revisit Sarah, the past, and connect the two storylines between Phyllis and Sarah for a powerful story. Never happened.
The novel was more of a chicklit, southern family drama, and a romance. The story did not reference anything in the past, it was all present. Yes, there was mention of the slaves and Sarah, but this was about the extent. Some aspects of mystery, with a "whodunit" of three family murders. However, with three family members dead, they did not seem to mourn or grieve, just worried about how to decorate for a party, or design the house???
As far as the renovation, was hoping for more of a Wendy Wax (design teams), or a Karen White (southern ghost historic fiction); however, not either. Being in the design business, one girl cannot complete a design project of this size; there was no mention of design teams or a general contractor--seemed very unrealistic. All the other drama seemed disjointed.
If you are looking for a southern historic fiction, or a ghost story, this would not be the book. However, if you are looking for a light mystery whodunit, and a LOT of family drama, you may enjoy. Even though I was slightly entertained, the novel could have been so much more, as a good set up. Drama wrapped up with a tidy bow at the end; being somewhat generous with a three star rating.
JDC Must Read Books
February 24, 2015
Read the summary provided by Goodreads above. Sounds good, right? Plenty of mystery, a little of the supernatural, and all set in my favorite city of Charleston, South Carolina. If someone writes a book with these elements, please let me know. This book did not live up to it’s summary.
1. Mystery? Not really. Yes, there are a few murders, and even some other random crimes here and there. But there is no active investigation by any of the main characters to determine who is committing these acts. Basically, people moved on from the crime, and someone would admit to the deed later on, with no warning or clues anywhere that they may have had something to do with it.
2. Supernatural? There is promise in the beginning. A former slave named Sarah still resides at the mansion. Spooky, right? No, not really. There was great potential in this storyline – I mean, we could have really delved into Sarah and her life as a slave on the plantation. Only one person sees Sarah, and we mostly just hear “Sarah doesn’t like this, Sarah won’t like that.” Sarah herself never becomes a prominent character in the story.
3. Set in Charleston, but… really could have been set any where in the south. Charleston was just a backdrop, and could have been any city with stores to aid in the mansion’s restoration, and a preschool for Carleigh’s daughter.
So what was this novel really about then? It was about Carleigh, getting a fresh start from a divorce and the restoration work she does on the mansion. I want to write more here, but really that sentence truly sums the book up. If you enjoy chick-lit or the restoration of old homes, then you will probably like this book. If you are looking for either a mystery or a ghost story, move along.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review from my book blog, Hidden Staircase.
1. Mystery? Not really. Yes, there are a few murders, and even some other random crimes here and there. But there is no active investigation by any of the main characters to determine who is committing these acts. Basically, people moved on from the crime, and someone would admit to the deed later on, with no warning or clues anywhere that they may have had something to do with it.
2. Supernatural? There is promise in the beginning. A former slave named Sarah still resides at the mansion. Spooky, right? No, not really. There was great potential in this storyline – I mean, we could have really delved into Sarah and her life as a slave on the plantation. Only one person sees Sarah, and we mostly just hear “Sarah doesn’t like this, Sarah won’t like that.” Sarah herself never becomes a prominent character in the story.
3. Set in Charleston, but… really could have been set any where in the south. Charleston was just a backdrop, and could have been any city with stores to aid in the mansion’s restoration, and a preschool for Carleigh’s daughter.
So what was this novel really about then? It was about Carleigh, getting a fresh start from a divorce and the restoration work she does on the mansion. I want to write more here, but really that sentence truly sums the book up. If you enjoy chick-lit or the restoration of old homes, then you will probably like this book. If you are looking for either a mystery or a ghost story, move along.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review from my book blog, Hidden Staircase.
February 23, 2015
I was delighted when I was given the opportunity to read and review this book. I thought the writing style was beautiful and I enjoyed every page as the story progressed. The main female character, Carleigh is great and I really enjoyed joining her on her journey which takes place around the restoration of the historic Peppernell Manor which she has been asked to restore back to its original glory by an old school friend's family. The descriptions in the book of what the manor and its estates looked like now, and how they would have been at the time of their main use are very vivid and you do get the feeling of how they would have been. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review and was not disappointed.
April 28, 2015
Amy Reade's writing reminds me so much of Phyllis Whitney's. This story sucked me in and wouldn't let me go. Once I started, I didn't want to put it down. I enjoyed reading about Carleigh restoring Peppernell Manor to it's original glory. This book was not boring in the least. It kept my attention he whole through. I liked most of the characters, of course some of them weren't meant to be liked. It was very well written and flowed so well that you can finish it in one day. If you are looking for an entertaining, suspenseful read, then this is the book for you.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review.
April 26, 2015
Carleigh Warner and her young daughter Lucy have come to restore the plantation house to its former glory. The ghost of a former slave is said to haunt the home. And beneath the polite hospitality of the Peppernell family lie secrets that culminate in a murder.
April 29, 2015
Highly Recommend Carleigh was a restoration specialist. Evie was a friend Carleigh had in college. She'd told her grandmother about Carleigh and she'd been hired to restore Evie's grandmother's home. Carleigh had a daughter named Lucy that would be going with her to Peppernell Manor. Carleigh owned Warner Restorations and lived in Chicago. Brad was her ex-husband and Lucy's father. Cora/Camille was Evie's grandmother and her daughter was Ruby, who had anxiety issues. Evie's brother was Heath, who had a twin named Harlan. When Heath was not in Charleston, he helped his grandmother run the farm. Harlan wants investors to be brought in to pay for the restorations. Cora/Camille is against it and said she may have the state of South Carolina take over the home. Then people start turning up dead.Carleigh is a very sweet person. She's an excellent mom and hard worker. She is loyal, conscientious and protective. It was delightful to read the twists and turns of this story. I highly recommend it.
March 3, 2015
I wanted to like this so badly as it sounded errie and had potential to be spooky as heck. Instead it was more of a light read and while there were supernatural moments, it wasn't enough to engage me. I always feel with hauntings or anything mysterious, you either go full on or don't bother. I liked the setting and the restoration but this is not what I was expecting. It isn't so much a ghost story as a woman finding herself to make a better life for herself and her child. The writing is good, hence the three stars- but it isn't the ghost story I wanted.
April 5, 2015
Having read so many books about books about this very subject it was very hard to keep my interest. I didn't connect right away which it hard to want to put it down and get back to it.
May 3, 2015
I love Charleston and the South Carolina, how I wish I could visit Peppernell Manor or an old plantation house like this. This novel has been an exciting journey into the secrets of this house and its owners.
Carleigh Warner lives in Chicago, is recently divorced and is in love with her daughter, Lucy. She's a very good restorer and her Warner Restorations is a famous and respected society. She is trying to bounce back after the abandonment of her husband for a younger woman and is offered the perfect opportunity: a villa in South Carolina to take back to its former glory. An offer she can't refuse, especially since it is made by one of her closest friends in college who has not seen in time, Evie. She proposes to restructure her grandmother's house, Peppernell Manor. It's an old house, with a plantation where Evie lives with her parents, her grandmother and owns Cora-Camille, her aunt Ruby and her brother Heath, Harlan, the other brother, lives and works in Charleston. Harlan and his mother would like to get help from some investors to pay for the restructuring, in return should only leave the house open to visitors. Cora Camille however does not agree: she has enough money to pay and wants the house remains wholly owned by the family. The renovation anyway going well, Lucy is perfectly set in the new home and new school, Carleigh is happy to live with Evie and also to be able to know Heath. But a day she will start receiving threats .........
All the characters are likeable. Carleigh is a strong woman, does his job with passion and professionality and is also a perfect mother. I love Lucy, she is a sweet little girl, lively but well-educated, curious and intelligent, it is great fun to hear her speak. I'm fond immediately even to the beloved grandmother Cora-Camille, a real lady.
It 's a really fascinating story, well written: the author is very good at describing perfectly the various details of the house and its restructuring which seems really to be there to direct works with Carleigh. It's engaging, with so much mystery, some twists, a little paranormal and a bit of healthy romance. The pace is fast and exciting, perhaps the murders are a bit predictable but solving them is not at all boring or disappointing.
I have received this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Carleigh Warner lives in Chicago, is recently divorced and is in love with her daughter, Lucy. She's a very good restorer and her Warner Restorations is a famous and respected society. She is trying to bounce back after the abandonment of her husband for a younger woman and is offered the perfect opportunity: a villa in South Carolina to take back to its former glory. An offer she can't refuse, especially since it is made by one of her closest friends in college who has not seen in time, Evie. She proposes to restructure her grandmother's house, Peppernell Manor. It's an old house, with a plantation where Evie lives with her parents, her grandmother and owns Cora-Camille, her aunt Ruby and her brother Heath, Harlan, the other brother, lives and works in Charleston. Harlan and his mother would like to get help from some investors to pay for the restructuring, in return should only leave the house open to visitors. Cora Camille however does not agree: she has enough money to pay and wants the house remains wholly owned by the family. The renovation anyway going well, Lucy is perfectly set in the new home and new school, Carleigh is happy to live with Evie and also to be able to know Heath. But a day she will start receiving threats .........
All the characters are likeable. Carleigh is a strong woman, does his job with passion and professionality and is also a perfect mother. I love Lucy, she is a sweet little girl, lively but well-educated, curious and intelligent, it is great fun to hear her speak. I'm fond immediately even to the beloved grandmother Cora-Camille, a real lady.
It 's a really fascinating story, well written: the author is very good at describing perfectly the various details of the house and its restructuring which seems really to be there to direct works with Carleigh. It's engaging, with so much mystery, some twists, a little paranormal and a bit of healthy romance. The pace is fast and exciting, perhaps the murders are a bit predictable but solving them is not at all boring or disappointing.
I have received this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
April 30, 2015
Book Review origially published here: http://www.iheartreading.net/reviews/...
All right, so for some reason, I expected The Ghosts of Peppernell Manor to be a ghost story. Jeez, could it be… I don’t know, the title? Or the synopsis that focuses so much on ghosts! And with ghost story, I mean remotely creepy. It’s not. It’s a romantic mystery (with not even that much of a mystery), and only a limited amount of suspense. There is a ghost, yes, but she’s mentioned so scarcely she may as well not be mentioned at all.
We do meet the ghost, Sarah, in the prologue and sporadically throughout the novel (although we don’t see her, we just hear about her from another one of the characters) but rather than scary, she just comes across as tragic. Then we focus on the main character, Carleigh, and from that point on, the book stays stuck on her POV. Carleigh and her young daughter Lucy have come to the plantation house, Peppernell Manor, to refurbish the interior. Carleigh is glad to escape her ex and to spend some time with her college friend, Evie. The renovation is not entirely approved by all the members of Evie’s family though – some of them seem keen on selling the property to investors, while Evie’s grandmother wants to keep it in the family. With all these lies and secrets buried underneath, Carleigh finds herself in the middle of a family drama, that may end in a bad turn…
So, when leaving out the ghosts, the book is actually not all that bad. But the synopsis is so misleading! It keeps on focusing on the ghost, and then the murders, as if they’re connected somehow, which they aren’t. A lot of time is spent dealing with the renovation – seriously, I almost feel like I know how to start renovating a house now! And I wouldn’t have minded that, had the plot not been so dull and straightforward. Even the characters lack complexity. Carleigh makes some weird choices sometimes, and she’s not always likeable either.
The problem is: the plot, the writing, the characters, none of it is bad. But it’s not good either. There’s no excitement, no tension, no suspense. I’d only recommend this one if you don’t mind a slow plot, or if you want a story about house renovation.
All right, so for some reason, I expected The Ghosts of Peppernell Manor to be a ghost story. Jeez, could it be… I don’t know, the title? Or the synopsis that focuses so much on ghosts! And with ghost story, I mean remotely creepy. It’s not. It’s a romantic mystery (with not even that much of a mystery), and only a limited amount of suspense. There is a ghost, yes, but she’s mentioned so scarcely she may as well not be mentioned at all.
We do meet the ghost, Sarah, in the prologue and sporadically throughout the novel (although we don’t see her, we just hear about her from another one of the characters) but rather than scary, she just comes across as tragic. Then we focus on the main character, Carleigh, and from that point on, the book stays stuck on her POV. Carleigh and her young daughter Lucy have come to the plantation house, Peppernell Manor, to refurbish the interior. Carleigh is glad to escape her ex and to spend some time with her college friend, Evie. The renovation is not entirely approved by all the members of Evie’s family though – some of them seem keen on selling the property to investors, while Evie’s grandmother wants to keep it in the family. With all these lies and secrets buried underneath, Carleigh finds herself in the middle of a family drama, that may end in a bad turn…
So, when leaving out the ghosts, the book is actually not all that bad. But the synopsis is so misleading! It keeps on focusing on the ghost, and then the murders, as if they’re connected somehow, which they aren’t. A lot of time is spent dealing with the renovation – seriously, I almost feel like I know how to start renovating a house now! And I wouldn’t have minded that, had the plot not been so dull and straightforward. Even the characters lack complexity. Carleigh makes some weird choices sometimes, and she’s not always likeable either.
The problem is: the plot, the writing, the characters, none of it is bad. But it’s not good either. There’s no excitement, no tension, no suspense. I’d only recommend this one if you don’t mind a slow plot, or if you want a story about house renovation.
January 5, 2017
I purchased several of this author's book to read over the Christmas break and this purchase was one of the better book purchases I've made in months. I dearly loved the Ghosts of Peppernell Manor. I'm a daughter of the south and I joyed the setting, just outside of Charleston in the deep South. The attention architectural detail was appreciated as was the reality of the fear of hurricane's in coastal towns. The story was well-constructed and the author clearly knows her craft. There's a little big of everything in this novel.... ghosts, history, architecture, family values, mystery and romance. Give it a read. Highly recommended.
October 3, 2015
Another good read by Ms. Reade. Carleigh is hired by her college friend to renovate the old family home near Charleston,(a place I love). A good plot, plenty of interesting characters and I really enjoyed learning about renovating historic homes. Too many bodies to be believable, but still an enjoyable read and I recommend Ms. Reade's books.
September 20, 2015
Too sedately written
I read the first nine chapters then skimmed to the end. boring characters. sorry, I found all the renovations too detailed and dull.
I read the first nine chapters then skimmed to the end. boring characters. sorry, I found all the renovations too detailed and dull.
January 5, 2023
The Ghosts of Peppernell Manor is the first book I’ve read by author Amy M. Reade. It’s an older title published several years ago, but it didn’t disappoint.
I’ll preface this review by saying if you’re expecting ghostly encounters, don’t. While there is a ghost mentioned, the lead character does not have first-hand interaction with her.
Recently divorced Carleigh Warner is hired by the family of her friend, Evie Peppernell to restore the family’s mansion near Charleston, South Carolina. She and her three-year-old daughter Lucy make the long drive from Chicago and prepare to stay in the area for several months.
Carleigh meets Evie’s family—her grandmother Cora Camille, her parents, two brothers Harlan and Heath, an aunt, and a long-time family employee, Phyllis. Not long after Evie begins the restorative work, things begin happening. Family matriarch Cora-Camille becomes ill. Evie receives a threatening phone call. Someone tries to run her over with their car.
Not everyone in the family agrees on the plans for the manor. Evie’s brother Harlan and her mother Vivian are in favor of allowing a group of investors to pay for the restoration, then turn the house and grounds into a bed and breakfast/venue/tourist attraction. Cora Camille considers leaving the property to the state of South Carolina with the provision the family is allowed to live in the main manor.
Phyllis, whose ancestor Sarah was a slave at the manor, often talks with her apparition. She informs Carleigh that Sarah is not in favor of the restoration, especially when Carleigh wants to restore the property’s old slave cabins. Phyllis is also superstitious. After a stray dog shows up at Heath’s home on the estate, she claims it’s bad luck and bad things will continue to happen until the dog is gone.
For a while, it appears Phyllis is right. Cora Camille dies of natural causes, but the coroner also finds traces of thallium in her system. Harlan is murdered. Carleigh’s ex-husband is mauled by an alligator during a hurricane after he snuck onto the property to spy on her. And someone sets out to sabotage Carleigh’s work. Who is responsible?
The author kept me guessing. I questioned several family members’ motives. In the end, I was totally surprised as to the murderer’s identity.
There’s also a burgeoning romance between Carleigh and Heath. I also liked the historical aspects of the book. While much of history is dark, I think it’s important that we don’t try to change or hide it but learn so that we won’t repeat the same mistakes.
Overall, this was an enjoyable four-star read.
I’ll preface this review by saying if you’re expecting ghostly encounters, don’t. While there is a ghost mentioned, the lead character does not have first-hand interaction with her.
Recently divorced Carleigh Warner is hired by the family of her friend, Evie Peppernell to restore the family’s mansion near Charleston, South Carolina. She and her three-year-old daughter Lucy make the long drive from Chicago and prepare to stay in the area for several months.
Carleigh meets Evie’s family—her grandmother Cora Camille, her parents, two brothers Harlan and Heath, an aunt, and a long-time family employee, Phyllis. Not long after Evie begins the restorative work, things begin happening. Family matriarch Cora-Camille becomes ill. Evie receives a threatening phone call. Someone tries to run her over with their car.
Not everyone in the family agrees on the plans for the manor. Evie’s brother Harlan and her mother Vivian are in favor of allowing a group of investors to pay for the restoration, then turn the house and grounds into a bed and breakfast/venue/tourist attraction. Cora Camille considers leaving the property to the state of South Carolina with the provision the family is allowed to live in the main manor.
Phyllis, whose ancestor Sarah was a slave at the manor, often talks with her apparition. She informs Carleigh that Sarah is not in favor of the restoration, especially when Carleigh wants to restore the property’s old slave cabins. Phyllis is also superstitious. After a stray dog shows up at Heath’s home on the estate, she claims it’s bad luck and bad things will continue to happen until the dog is gone.
For a while, it appears Phyllis is right. Cora Camille dies of natural causes, but the coroner also finds traces of thallium in her system. Harlan is murdered. Carleigh’s ex-husband is mauled by an alligator during a hurricane after he snuck onto the property to spy on her. And someone sets out to sabotage Carleigh’s work. Who is responsible?
The author kept me guessing. I questioned several family members’ motives. In the end, I was totally surprised as to the murderer’s identity.
There’s also a burgeoning romance between Carleigh and Heath. I also liked the historical aspects of the book. While much of history is dark, I think it’s important that we don’t try to change or hide it but learn so that we won’t repeat the same mistakes.
Overall, this was an enjoyable four-star read.
January 26, 2018
An intriguing read.
Someone does not want Carleigh Warner to restore Peppernell Manor to its former glory. Just who that person is turns out to be a more complicated question than the reader initially supposes.
Set in an antebellum mansion outside of Charleston, surrounded by old money, old blood and old memories, Peppernell Manor is full of mystery and intrigue that develop steadily as the story progresses. The reader does feel as though they are transported to the south, and as though the house and characters take shape before them as they read. Some of the minor characters are somewhat underdeveloped, but that doesn’t detract from the story too much, but rather adds to the plot in the sense that the reader continues to be suspicious of them and their motives as the plot thickens.
I started this book expecting it to be more about haunting and less of a contemporary mystery, and although that wasn’t quite the case, I was neither disappointed by the story nor by how it worked out.
Someone does not want Carleigh Warner to restore Peppernell Manor to its former glory. Just who that person is turns out to be a more complicated question than the reader initially supposes.
Set in an antebellum mansion outside of Charleston, surrounded by old money, old blood and old memories, Peppernell Manor is full of mystery and intrigue that develop steadily as the story progresses. The reader does feel as though they are transported to the south, and as though the house and characters take shape before them as they read. Some of the minor characters are somewhat underdeveloped, but that doesn’t detract from the story too much, but rather adds to the plot in the sense that the reader continues to be suspicious of them and their motives as the plot thickens.
I started this book expecting it to be more about haunting and less of a contemporary mystery, and although that wasn’t quite the case, I was neither disappointed by the story nor by how it worked out.
December 15, 2025
Carleigh and her three-year-old daughter journey from Chicago to South Carolina, where they arrive at Peppernell Manor—an aging mansion deeply rooted in the history of slavery. Carleigh, who has been close friends with the owner’s granddaughter since their college years, is hired to oversee the restoration of the estate.
Sinister events unfold—murders, stalking, and vandalism plague the manor. As a hurricane looms over Charleston, the storm’s fury brings with it a chilling revelation: the truth finally comes to light.
Amy M. Reade possesses a remarkable gift for storytelling and is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. With skill and grace, she intertwines history, romance, and mystery to create captivating narratives.
5⭐️
Sinister events unfold—murders, stalking, and vandalism plague the manor. As a hurricane looms over Charleston, the storm’s fury brings with it a chilling revelation: the truth finally comes to light.
Amy M. Reade possesses a remarkable gift for storytelling and is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. With skill and grace, she intertwines history, romance, and mystery to create captivating narratives.
5⭐️
November 5, 2017
Almost like a cozy mystery.. enjoyed it. Read like an adult Trixie Belden story. I love ❤️ Trixie Belden.
January 17, 2020
I loved the ambiance and the mystery suited it beautifully.
April 8, 2023
Good
MS Reade wrote a good story. I thought I had it figured out half way through the book. I had no idea .....was involved until the very end.
MS Reade wrote a good story. I thought I had it figured out half way through the book. I had no idea .....was involved until the very end.
December 29, 2023
Great read
Suspenseful, and very good. You don't see the end coming along as it plays out. Grab a book and read it.
Suspenseful, and very good. You don't see the end coming along as it plays out. Grab a book and read it.
August 27, 2024
It was a good story. Some weird things happen, including vandalism and deaths, and it might be the work of a ghost.
October 17, 2018
now i am hooked. This was such a great, easy and creative book. i was hooked after the first page.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
April 29, 2015
The Ghosts of Peppernell Manor by Amy Reade is a story of mystery. I thought that this story would have ghosts, but it did not really (I have to admit I was a little disappointed). Carleigh restores old homes. Her friend, Evie (a friend from college) has asked her to come to Charleston and restores their family home, Peppernell Manor. Peppernell Manor is from the 1800’s and even has the old outbuildings. Carleigh agrees to the job. So Carleigh and her daughter, Lucy head from Chicago to Charleston, North Carolina.
Peppernell Manor is the home to Cora-Camille, the matriarch of the clan. Her son and author, Graydon; daughter-in-law, Vivian; daughter, Ruby; grandson, Heath lives in the carriage house; her granddaughter, Evie. Phyllis is the housekeeper and lives in an apartment over the old outdoor kitchen. Now Phyllis says she talks to the ghost of her great times five grandmother (she was slave in the house and her life was not pleasant but we never have any proof of an actual ghost). Her other grandson, Harlan (and Heath’s twin) lives in town.
Carleigh is eager to start the job. She is glad to be away from Chicago and her ex-husband, Brad. Brad said she was not spontaneous enough and left her for a younger woman. Shortly after Carleigh arrives she receives a late night phone call. It is threatening and tells her to leave. Carleigh manages to get over that and starts work on the ceilings on the first floor. One night they are out walking on a road near the estate. They are heading in when little Lucy remembers she left Cottontail, her bunny, by some flowers. The others head in with Lucy while Carleigh goes to look for Cottontail. She finds the bunny as a car comes down the lane. As the car gets close, it speeds up and tries to run her over. Carleigh gets into the ditch as the car stops, turns around and tries again. Carleigh makes it to the main gates as the car makes another pass. Carleigh is now frightened, but thinks maybe it was just teenagers playing a prank (really?).
There is conflict within the family at Peppernell Manor. Vivian and Harlan was to bring in a group of investors. The investors would pay for the renovation and would get rewards from tours of the refinished home. Cora-Camille does not agree. She has more than enough money to finance the renovations. She wants to keep the house in the family. She talks of leaving the home to the state in her will (where the family lives in the house, but the state manages tours and such). Before long Cora-Camille is ill (you just know what is going to happen). Sure enough, one morning, Cora-Camille is found dead one morning. It is first written off to a heart attack until further tests prove she was poisoned.
Carleigh sends Lucy off to Florida to stay with her Grandparents to keep her safe. As the police investigate, the family plans the funeral. Soon, though, Harlan is found shot to death in the garage. Things are not going well for the people of Peppernell Manor. Someone is also sabotaging Carleigh’s work. Who killed Cora-Camille and Harlan? Who is threatening Carleigh? There are some bright spots though. Carleigh starts to get to know Heath and romance blooms. Evie and her boyfriend, Boone are getting closer and it looks like there might be an engagement!
I thoroughly enjoyed The Ghosts of Peppernell Manor. I give The Ghosts of Peppernell Manor 5 out of 5 stars. There are a lot of turns and twists in this story. I was hooked on this book right from the start. The various mysteries are fairly easy to solve, but I still loved the story.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from NetGalley (and publisher) in exchange for an honest review.
Peppernell Manor is the home to Cora-Camille, the matriarch of the clan. Her son and author, Graydon; daughter-in-law, Vivian; daughter, Ruby; grandson, Heath lives in the carriage house; her granddaughter, Evie. Phyllis is the housekeeper and lives in an apartment over the old outdoor kitchen. Now Phyllis says she talks to the ghost of her great times five grandmother (she was slave in the house and her life was not pleasant but we never have any proof of an actual ghost). Her other grandson, Harlan (and Heath’s twin) lives in town.
Carleigh is eager to start the job. She is glad to be away from Chicago and her ex-husband, Brad. Brad said she was not spontaneous enough and left her for a younger woman. Shortly after Carleigh arrives she receives a late night phone call. It is threatening and tells her to leave. Carleigh manages to get over that and starts work on the ceilings on the first floor. One night they are out walking on a road near the estate. They are heading in when little Lucy remembers she left Cottontail, her bunny, by some flowers. The others head in with Lucy while Carleigh goes to look for Cottontail. She finds the bunny as a car comes down the lane. As the car gets close, it speeds up and tries to run her over. Carleigh gets into the ditch as the car stops, turns around and tries again. Carleigh makes it to the main gates as the car makes another pass. Carleigh is now frightened, but thinks maybe it was just teenagers playing a prank (really?).
There is conflict within the family at Peppernell Manor. Vivian and Harlan was to bring in a group of investors. The investors would pay for the renovation and would get rewards from tours of the refinished home. Cora-Camille does not agree. She has more than enough money to finance the renovations. She wants to keep the house in the family. She talks of leaving the home to the state in her will (where the family lives in the house, but the state manages tours and such). Before long Cora-Camille is ill (you just know what is going to happen). Sure enough, one morning, Cora-Camille is found dead one morning. It is first written off to a heart attack until further tests prove she was poisoned.
Carleigh sends Lucy off to Florida to stay with her Grandparents to keep her safe. As the police investigate, the family plans the funeral. Soon, though, Harlan is found shot to death in the garage. Things are not going well for the people of Peppernell Manor. Someone is also sabotaging Carleigh’s work. Who killed Cora-Camille and Harlan? Who is threatening Carleigh? There are some bright spots though. Carleigh starts to get to know Heath and romance blooms. Evie and her boyfriend, Boone are getting closer and it looks like there might be an engagement!
I thoroughly enjoyed The Ghosts of Peppernell Manor. I give The Ghosts of Peppernell Manor 5 out of 5 stars. There are a lot of turns and twists in this story. I was hooked on this book right from the start. The various mysteries are fairly easy to solve, but I still loved the story.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from NetGalley (and publisher) in exchange for an honest review.
March 22, 2016
Carleigh Warner is hired to restore an old Southern Plantation house near Charleston, SC. In college, she was friends with the Peppernell's daughter, Evie, so it feels like coming home to be in the house again and to meet all the family members once more. As soon as she starts restoring the home though, Peppernell family members begin dying. Two unexplained deaths, threatening phone calls and vandalism soon have Carleigh thinking something sinister is going on at Peppernell Manor.
This story had great potential, and almost acheived it. I say "almost'' for several reasons.
First of all, the title of the book and summary made it sound like this would be a mystery or ghost story. The ghost of Sarah, a former slave and direct relative of the current house manager, was even mentioned....but never appeared. Sarah's backstory is told at the beginning of the book and the house manager, Phyllis, talks about what the ghost wants and thinks all through the book, but the ghost never materializes. Also, the deaths of two family members warrant almost no investigation or serious questioning by family members. The police are called in, some questions are asked, and then the investigations are seemingly dropped and renovations of the house continue like nothing happened. I think a household with two members dying mysteriously within days of each other would be more disrupted than just a little crying for a day or two. And the police would have been actively investigating for more than a few hours. What at first seemed to be a mystery/ghost story turned into more chick-lit/light fiction, in reality. The spooky angle was never really there. And the murder mystery was never developed. It was like "Oh he's dead in the garage? Someone killed him? Ok.....let's refinish the floor in the ballroom. It has to be done before Christmas.''
The portrayal of Carleigh's ex-husband as a jealous, controlling, questionable person was weak at best. Carleigh seemed angry that her husband wanted to maintain a relationship with his daughter, and at one point, she even said "Do you promise to stay away from me? And from Lucy as well?'' What? The child is his daughter, after all. Why would he have to stay away from his own daughter? Surely, these characters could have been portrayed as being supportive of their young daughter by getting along for her sake and acting as adults rather than vindictive, jealous, self-centered, immature idiots. The constant negative portrayal of the ex-husband and father in this story really got to be annoying for me. Bad dialog and situations between the parents and melodramatic behavior just verged on the ridiculous.
That said....I did enjoy reading the story. The characters, although not deeply developed, were mostly likable and the plot was engaging enough to keep me reading. I just wish it had actually developed into something more than a weak romance novel. It was interesting to read about how Carleigh was refinishing the different rooms in the house, although very few specifics on renovations of old, historic homes were ever discussed. And, it did seem ridiculous that she appeared to be doing the work without a crew or assistance of any kind in a very short amount of time. Surely she would have hired at least a worker or two to help her, in addition to the experts mentioned in the story line that assisted with some plaster repair and the woodwork.
This book was just "ok'' for me. The plot is poorly developed, and the characters are undeveloped stereotypes for the most part. Rather disappointing.
My rating: 4/10
Ages 10+
This story had great potential, and almost acheived it. I say "almost'' for several reasons.
First of all, the title of the book and summary made it sound like this would be a mystery or ghost story. The ghost of Sarah, a former slave and direct relative of the current house manager, was even mentioned....but never appeared. Sarah's backstory is told at the beginning of the book and the house manager, Phyllis, talks about what the ghost wants and thinks all through the book, but the ghost never materializes. Also, the deaths of two family members warrant almost no investigation or serious questioning by family members. The police are called in, some questions are asked, and then the investigations are seemingly dropped and renovations of the house continue like nothing happened. I think a household with two members dying mysteriously within days of each other would be more disrupted than just a little crying for a day or two. And the police would have been actively investigating for more than a few hours. What at first seemed to be a mystery/ghost story turned into more chick-lit/light fiction, in reality. The spooky angle was never really there. And the murder mystery was never developed. It was like "Oh he's dead in the garage? Someone killed him? Ok.....let's refinish the floor in the ballroom. It has to be done before Christmas.''
The portrayal of Carleigh's ex-husband as a jealous, controlling, questionable person was weak at best. Carleigh seemed angry that her husband wanted to maintain a relationship with his daughter, and at one point, she even said "Do you promise to stay away from me? And from Lucy as well?'' What? The child is his daughter, after all. Why would he have to stay away from his own daughter? Surely, these characters could have been portrayed as being supportive of their young daughter by getting along for her sake and acting as adults rather than vindictive, jealous, self-centered, immature idiots. The constant negative portrayal of the ex-husband and father in this story really got to be annoying for me. Bad dialog and situations between the parents and melodramatic behavior just verged on the ridiculous.
That said....I did enjoy reading the story. The characters, although not deeply developed, were mostly likable and the plot was engaging enough to keep me reading. I just wish it had actually developed into something more than a weak romance novel. It was interesting to read about how Carleigh was refinishing the different rooms in the house, although very few specifics on renovations of old, historic homes were ever discussed. And, it did seem ridiculous that she appeared to be doing the work without a crew or assistance of any kind in a very short amount of time. Surely she would have hired at least a worker or two to help her, in addition to the experts mentioned in the story line that assisted with some plaster repair and the woodwork.
This book was just "ok'' for me. The plot is poorly developed, and the characters are undeveloped stereotypes for the most part. Rather disappointing.
My rating: 4/10
Ages 10+
September 26, 2018
I read a really good book recently, y'all — The Ghosts of Peppernell Manor by Amy M. Reade. Let me tell you a little about this Gothic Romantic Suspense novel.
The main character is Carleigh Warner, a restoration specialist who, with her three-year-old daughter Lucy, has come from Chicago to restore Peppernell Manor, the antebellum plantation house of a friend from college. Carleigh, the narrator, is a loyal friend to Evie and a loving and patient mother to Lucy, with a good sense of humor. Lucy is cute, adorable, and well-mannered, and often a scene-stealer whenever she is present.
The Peppernell family consists of matriarch Cora-Camille, her daughter Ruby, her son Graydon and his family — wife Vivian, twin sons Harlan and Heath, and daughter Evie. The Peppernells are all fully developed characters, some more likable than others. The Peppernells' house manager, Phyllis Hinton, is "a direct descendant of one of the slave families that worked this plantation." Phyllis adds a lot to the Gothic atmosphere of the novel.
The worldbuilding in The Ghosts of Peppernell Manor is done well. The fictional Peppernell Manor is located along the Ashley River in South Carolina, near Charleston. Author Amy M. Reade has painted such evocative word pictures that Peppernell Manor seems as genuine to me as the real Ashley River plantations of Middleton Place, Magnolia Plantation, and Drayton Hall. Amy's fictional additions to Charleston, such as Heath's and Harlan's offices and Vivian's antique gallery, blend seamlessly with actual Charleston landmarks such as Rainbow Row, St Michael's, and White Point Gardens. Amy describes these landmarks so vividly that one would suspect she is a resident of Charleston herself.
I enjoyed the fast pace of The Ghosts of Peppernell Manor, with twists and turns in the plot. The action is appropriately suspenseful and thrilling, with more than one perpetrator of evil deeds. For example, "Good. I didn't want him to die, but I certainly didn't want to ever see him around here again." Who said that? And about whom? READ THE BOOK to find out!
The weather even plays a role in The Ghosts of Peppernell Manor. The book is very educational also; I learned a lot about restoring old buildings. The climactic ending is very exciting. I was surprised to learn whodunnit. I liked how all of the plot threads were tied up, with no loose ends.
To sum it up, this is a really good book, y'all! If you're a fan of Gothic Romantic Suspense novels by Phyllis A. Whitney, Victoria Holt, and Barbara Michaels, you're going to love The Ghosts of Peppernell Manor by Amy M. Reade.
Note: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of The Ghosts of Peppernell Manor.
Originally published on my blog Jane Reads.
The main character is Carleigh Warner, a restoration specialist who, with her three-year-old daughter Lucy, has come from Chicago to restore Peppernell Manor, the antebellum plantation house of a friend from college. Carleigh, the narrator, is a loyal friend to Evie and a loving and patient mother to Lucy, with a good sense of humor. Lucy is cute, adorable, and well-mannered, and often a scene-stealer whenever she is present.
The Peppernell family consists of matriarch Cora-Camille, her daughter Ruby, her son Graydon and his family — wife Vivian, twin sons Harlan and Heath, and daughter Evie. The Peppernells are all fully developed characters, some more likable than others. The Peppernells' house manager, Phyllis Hinton, is "a direct descendant of one of the slave families that worked this plantation." Phyllis adds a lot to the Gothic atmosphere of the novel.
The worldbuilding in The Ghosts of Peppernell Manor is done well. The fictional Peppernell Manor is located along the Ashley River in South Carolina, near Charleston. Author Amy M. Reade has painted such evocative word pictures that Peppernell Manor seems as genuine to me as the real Ashley River plantations of Middleton Place, Magnolia Plantation, and Drayton Hall. Amy's fictional additions to Charleston, such as Heath's and Harlan's offices and Vivian's antique gallery, blend seamlessly with actual Charleston landmarks such as Rainbow Row, St Michael's, and White Point Gardens. Amy describes these landmarks so vividly that one would suspect she is a resident of Charleston herself.
I enjoyed the fast pace of The Ghosts of Peppernell Manor, with twists and turns in the plot. The action is appropriately suspenseful and thrilling, with more than one perpetrator of evil deeds. For example, "Good. I didn't want him to die, but I certainly didn't want to ever see him around here again." Who said that? And about whom? READ THE BOOK to find out!
The weather even plays a role in The Ghosts of Peppernell Manor. The book is very educational also; I learned a lot about restoring old buildings. The climactic ending is very exciting. I was surprised to learn whodunnit. I liked how all of the plot threads were tied up, with no loose ends.
To sum it up, this is a really good book, y'all! If you're a fan of Gothic Romantic Suspense novels by Phyllis A. Whitney, Victoria Holt, and Barbara Michaels, you're going to love The Ghosts of Peppernell Manor by Amy M. Reade.
Note: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of The Ghosts of Peppernell Manor.
Originally published on my blog Jane Reads.
April 26, 2015
My copy of this book was received via Netgalley for an open and honest review.
This story had potential and in places did become a page turner. But overall I just couldn’t enjoy it. I found it rather two dimensional… as if the writer knew the story really well, but was only sharing notes about it and so if you didn’t know it that well, it was rather flat.
I also found the mother/ daughter parts of this story more smothering than mothering. Sorry, but I have three kids and one has had issues since birth that would give me the right to be a helicopter parent, and yet I’d still never wrap them as tightly in cotton wool to suffocation point as the child in the book was at times. I’m surprised she was ever let out of her mother’s sight from the massive control freak outs that happened over the smallest things. It didn’t add colour or depth or even background to the story, it just annoyed me.
And I’m sorry, but eggs left in a fridge with no power for 7 hours might suddenly be bad so let’s not eat them? Wow! No wonder the child is going to have a sheltered life if that’s the opinion of the adults around her. That bit really stuck with me as being way too OTT for me!
I found the whole book really just skimmed over the majority of the story and sometimes actually stopped to give the occasional bit of a good read. But, as I’ve said, there was really no depth to any of it and despite the plot being very well thought out there was next to nothing holding it together than constant vague descriptions of life. It almost came across as if the author thought these situations and careers and lifestyles sounded interesting, but had no real understanding or experience of it to add more colour and life to the tale. If that makes sense?
I also found the ending rather abrupt. One of those stories where the author realises they’ve made their required word count so it’s time to just stop writing and suddenly it’s all okay and we lived happily ever after.
I feel I need to apologise for not liking this book as it really has a lot of potential. Maybe that’s why it frustrated me so much? It wasn’t as good as it really could have been?
Add to this that, on the Kindle version I read, the family tree images didn’t work… nor did I see a need for them in the story. Plus there are points in the book where the paragraphing is all wrong and new paragraphs start mid-sentence in something someone is saying, or two people’s speaking parts appear on the same line. This is not the author’s fault but is still an issue that would need to be sorted out if the book is planning to be sold as a Kindle ebook. Personally, I wouldn’t buy it with such poor layout even before I started reading it. However, I DID read an ARC version and so hope the final product has a more professional look.
This story had potential and in places did become a page turner. But overall I just couldn’t enjoy it. I found it rather two dimensional… as if the writer knew the story really well, but was only sharing notes about it and so if you didn’t know it that well, it was rather flat.
I also found the mother/ daughter parts of this story more smothering than mothering. Sorry, but I have three kids and one has had issues since birth that would give me the right to be a helicopter parent, and yet I’d still never wrap them as tightly in cotton wool to suffocation point as the child in the book was at times. I’m surprised she was ever let out of her mother’s sight from the massive control freak outs that happened over the smallest things. It didn’t add colour or depth or even background to the story, it just annoyed me.
And I’m sorry, but eggs left in a fridge with no power for 7 hours might suddenly be bad so let’s not eat them? Wow! No wonder the child is going to have a sheltered life if that’s the opinion of the adults around her. That bit really stuck with me as being way too OTT for me!
I found the whole book really just skimmed over the majority of the story and sometimes actually stopped to give the occasional bit of a good read. But, as I’ve said, there was really no depth to any of it and despite the plot being very well thought out there was next to nothing holding it together than constant vague descriptions of life. It almost came across as if the author thought these situations and careers and lifestyles sounded interesting, but had no real understanding or experience of it to add more colour and life to the tale. If that makes sense?
I also found the ending rather abrupt. One of those stories where the author realises they’ve made their required word count so it’s time to just stop writing and suddenly it’s all okay and we lived happily ever after.
I feel I need to apologise for not liking this book as it really has a lot of potential. Maybe that’s why it frustrated me so much? It wasn’t as good as it really could have been?
Add to this that, on the Kindle version I read, the family tree images didn’t work… nor did I see a need for them in the story. Plus there are points in the book where the paragraphing is all wrong and new paragraphs start mid-sentence in something someone is saying, or two people’s speaking parts appear on the same line. This is not the author’s fault but is still an issue that would need to be sorted out if the book is planning to be sold as a Kindle ebook. Personally, I wouldn’t buy it with such poor layout even before I started reading it. However, I DID read an ARC version and so hope the final product has a more professional look.
July 11, 2015
Synopsis:
"Do you know what stories Sarah could tell you about the things that happened in these little cabins? They’d curl that pretty red hair of yours."
Outside of Charleston, South Carolina, beyond hanging curtains of Spanish moss, at the end of a shaded tunnel of overarching oaks, stands the antebellum mansion of Peppernell Manor in all its faded grandeur. At the request of her friend Evie Peppernell, recently divorced Carleigh Warner and her young daughter Lucy have come to the plantation house to refurbish the interior. But the tall white columns and black shutters hide a dark history of slavery, violence, and greed. The ghost of a former slave is said to haunt the home, and Carleigh is told she disapproves of her restoration efforts. And beneath the polite hospitality of the Peppernell family lie simmering resentments and poisonous secrets that culminate in murder—and place Carleigh and her child in grave danger… (Goodreads)
Review:
With the title The Ghost of Peppernell Manor I was expecting a ghost story. The fact that it was taking place in an old manor had me thinking it would be an eerie ghost story. But unfortunately for me, I was mistaken. We hear people talk about the ghost a few times throughout the story, but we never get to meet her and spend any amount of time with her. This was rather disappointing to me.
This book was much more a story of a woman trying to make a better life for herself, with a little mystery and romance mixed in. The author is talented and uses her words to write vivid descriptions and details. When it came to the house restoration, I felt there was a little too much description and detail. I found myself skimming pages when this was the topic, it just did not hold my interest all that much. I did enjoy reading the book but there were some aspects that I did not enjoy as much. But that may just be me, another reader may love everything about the book.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well told story of one woman’s struggle with self improvement. If you enjoy women’s contemporary, you will like this book. If you are interested in home restoration, you will like this book. If you are looking for a great ghost story, you may be a bit disappointed.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. i would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington for the opportunity to read this book.
"Do you know what stories Sarah could tell you about the things that happened in these little cabins? They’d curl that pretty red hair of yours."
Outside of Charleston, South Carolina, beyond hanging curtains of Spanish moss, at the end of a shaded tunnel of overarching oaks, stands the antebellum mansion of Peppernell Manor in all its faded grandeur. At the request of her friend Evie Peppernell, recently divorced Carleigh Warner and her young daughter Lucy have come to the plantation house to refurbish the interior. But the tall white columns and black shutters hide a dark history of slavery, violence, and greed. The ghost of a former slave is said to haunt the home, and Carleigh is told she disapproves of her restoration efforts. And beneath the polite hospitality of the Peppernell family lie simmering resentments and poisonous secrets that culminate in murder—and place Carleigh and her child in grave danger… (Goodreads)
Review:
With the title The Ghost of Peppernell Manor I was expecting a ghost story. The fact that it was taking place in an old manor had me thinking it would be an eerie ghost story. But unfortunately for me, I was mistaken. We hear people talk about the ghost a few times throughout the story, but we never get to meet her and spend any amount of time with her. This was rather disappointing to me.
This book was much more a story of a woman trying to make a better life for herself, with a little mystery and romance mixed in. The author is talented and uses her words to write vivid descriptions and details. When it came to the house restoration, I felt there was a little too much description and detail. I found myself skimming pages when this was the topic, it just did not hold my interest all that much. I did enjoy reading the book but there were some aspects that I did not enjoy as much. But that may just be me, another reader may love everything about the book.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well told story of one woman’s struggle with self improvement. If you enjoy women’s contemporary, you will like this book. If you are interested in home restoration, you will like this book. If you are looking for a great ghost story, you may be a bit disappointed.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. i would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington for the opportunity to read this book.
April 27, 2015
There's something about an old house being restored to it's former glory that I can't resist and Peppernell Manor did not disappoint. The house was beautiful, rich with history both good and bad, and with a number of outbuildings including the old slave quarters. I would pay serious money for a few hours to poke around the house - especially in the basement and attics. The restoration talk was fascinating and I loved learning about not only the grand ballrooms but the slave quarters as well. I enjoyed watching Carleigh try to navigate work while also finding time for her daughter and I could've reached into the book and hugged her when she took steps to get her daughter out of harms way when things started getting grim around the manor. The hurricane scene toward the end of the book was interesting.
BUT...
This wasn't quite the book I expected. From the blurb I was expecting ghosts and creepiness and atmosphere on top of atmosphere and this read as more of a light fiction. As well some of the mystery aspects felt a little rushed and didn't feel fully explained. While I understood who did what I was missing some of the reasoning - especially one of the major issues. I also had a hard time with Evie's mother Vivian. She was really said some awful things and treated people very badly but then a few pages later she and everyone else would act like nothing had happened. I had a bit of a harder time forgiving and forgetting than the other characters. Honestly, if I had been a couple of the characters she would've ended up on the body count.
Overall: If you're wanting a gothic-y read with ghosts and restoration read Barbara Michael's House of Many Shadows. If you want a book about a nice woman trying to get her on her feet after a divorce, with a nice little girl, and a fascinating business in architectural restoration than give this a try.
Full Review: http://iwishilivedinalibrary.blogspot...
BUT...
This wasn't quite the book I expected. From the blurb I was expecting ghosts and creepiness and atmosphere on top of atmosphere and this read as more of a light fiction. As well some of the mystery aspects felt a little rushed and didn't feel fully explained. While I understood who did what I was missing some of the reasoning - especially one of the major issues. I also had a hard time with Evie's mother Vivian. She was really said some awful things and treated people very badly but then a few pages later she and everyone else would act like nothing had happened. I had a bit of a harder time forgiving and forgetting than the other characters. Honestly, if I had been a couple of the characters she would've ended up on the body count.
Overall: If you're wanting a gothic-y read with ghosts and restoration read Barbara Michael's House of Many Shadows. If you want a book about a nice woman trying to get her on her feet after a divorce, with a nice little girl, and a fascinating business in architectural restoration than give this a try.
Full Review: http://iwishilivedinalibrary.blogspot...
May 11, 2017
Review: THE GHOSTS OF PEPPERNELL MANOR by Amy M. Reade.
Rated 5 out of 5 stars by Iris Chacon.
The reviewer received a complimentary download of the novel in exchange for an objective and honest review.
When Carleigh and her 3-year-old daughter, Lucy, take up residence temporarily in Peppernell Manor near Charleston, South Carolina, Carleigh thinks of it as an exciting new restoration project and a break from her jerk of an ex-husband and his stripper girlfriend back in Chicago. Carleigh never imagines that the ensuing months on the grounds of the antebellum plantation will entail not only the satisfaction of bringing the manor house and out buildings back to their historic grandeur, but also the terror of unexplained deaths, familial intrigue, and a supernatural Presence.
Author Amy M. Reade recreates the quaint, historic city of Charleston and its environs with such exquisite detail, the reader feels like a long-time resident of the area. The foods, climate, history, and even the weather become real in Ms. Reade's precise, flowing prose. The characters -- both human and ghostly -- display charm, personality, depth, and numerous surprises as one mystery after another unfolds at Peppernell Manor until all is connected and explained in the end.
Be prepared to read the entire novel in one sitting. It is a page turner that will keep you engulfed in Low-country atmosphere, romance, and suspense from the first chapter to the last.
I recommend this novel to readers from early teens to golden years as it has no offensive content and provides people and details that will interest any and every age group. If you haven't picked up a good old gothic-type mystery in a while, The Ghosts of Peppernell Manor is an excellent way to break your literary fast
Rated 5 out of 5 stars by Iris Chacon.
The reviewer received a complimentary download of the novel in exchange for an objective and honest review.
When Carleigh and her 3-year-old daughter, Lucy, take up residence temporarily in Peppernell Manor near Charleston, South Carolina, Carleigh thinks of it as an exciting new restoration project and a break from her jerk of an ex-husband and his stripper girlfriend back in Chicago. Carleigh never imagines that the ensuing months on the grounds of the antebellum plantation will entail not only the satisfaction of bringing the manor house and out buildings back to their historic grandeur, but also the terror of unexplained deaths, familial intrigue, and a supernatural Presence.
Author Amy M. Reade recreates the quaint, historic city of Charleston and its environs with such exquisite detail, the reader feels like a long-time resident of the area. The foods, climate, history, and even the weather become real in Ms. Reade's precise, flowing prose. The characters -- both human and ghostly -- display charm, personality, depth, and numerous surprises as one mystery after another unfolds at Peppernell Manor until all is connected and explained in the end.
Be prepared to read the entire novel in one sitting. It is a page turner that will keep you engulfed in Low-country atmosphere, romance, and suspense from the first chapter to the last.
I recommend this novel to readers from early teens to golden years as it has no offensive content and provides people and details that will interest any and every age group. If you haven't picked up a good old gothic-type mystery in a while, The Ghosts of Peppernell Manor is an excellent way to break your literary fast
May 15, 2017
The Ghosts of Peppernell Manor by Amy R. Reade
3.5 Stars
From the Book:
"Do you know what stories Sarah could tell you about the things that happened in these little cabins? They’d curl that pretty red hair of yours."
Outside of Charleston, South Carolina, beyond hanging curtains of Spanish moss, at the end of a shaded tunnel of overarching oaks, stands the antebellum mansion of Peppernell Manor in all its faded grandeur. At the request of her friend Evie Peppernell, recently divorced Carleigh Warner and her young daughter Lucy have come to the plantation house to refurbish the interior. But the tall white columns and black shutters hide a dark history of slavery, violence, and greed. The ghost of a former slave is said to haunt the home, and Carleigh is told she disapproves of her restoration efforts. And beneath the polite hospitality of the Peppernell family lie simmering resentments and poisonous secrets that culminate in murder—and place Carleigh and her child in grave danger.
My Views:
This is the second book by this author that I've read this month. The story was interesting and well told and the characters were likable enough to earn it 3.5 stars....but if the only reason the reader picks this book, or the last one...The House of the Hanging Jade for that matter...is the description of the story...you are going to be sorely disappointed. In this case even the title is misleading. The only "ghost" in the entire story is the one in the housekeeper's head. As for the remainder of the book's description...I think they must have copied it from some other book...and I'd like to find that one.
3.5 Stars
From the Book:
"Do you know what stories Sarah could tell you about the things that happened in these little cabins? They’d curl that pretty red hair of yours."
Outside of Charleston, South Carolina, beyond hanging curtains of Spanish moss, at the end of a shaded tunnel of overarching oaks, stands the antebellum mansion of Peppernell Manor in all its faded grandeur. At the request of her friend Evie Peppernell, recently divorced Carleigh Warner and her young daughter Lucy have come to the plantation house to refurbish the interior. But the tall white columns and black shutters hide a dark history of slavery, violence, and greed. The ghost of a former slave is said to haunt the home, and Carleigh is told she disapproves of her restoration efforts. And beneath the polite hospitality of the Peppernell family lie simmering resentments and poisonous secrets that culminate in murder—and place Carleigh and her child in grave danger.
My Views:
This is the second book by this author that I've read this month. The story was interesting and well told and the characters were likable enough to earn it 3.5 stars....but if the only reason the reader picks this book, or the last one...The House of the Hanging Jade for that matter...is the description of the story...you are going to be sorely disappointed. In this case even the title is misleading. The only "ghost" in the entire story is the one in the housekeeper's head. As for the remainder of the book's description...I think they must have copied it from some other book...and I'd like to find that one.
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