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The Shroud: A Victorian Gothic Mystery
A fraudulent medium. A house that keeps its secrets. And a murderer who won't let go of either.
London, 1868. Madame Theda talks to the dead for money. She has never heard a single one of them answer.
The con-man she married cost her everything: fortune, family, good name. Now she wants revenge on the society that cast her out, by conning it one séance at a time.
At isolated Blackheath House, a young widow is tormented each night by a presence that seems to threaten her and her child. This case could make Theda the medium every drawing room in London wants, if she can bring herself to deceive a terrified mother.
One wing of Blackheath has been sealed for decades, and the servants refuse to stay past dark. Then a member of the household is found dead, and Theda realizes someone will kill to keep the past buried.
For a woman who fakes the supernatural for a living, the one thing she cannot afford is for any of it to be real.
Book one of The Making of Madame Theda delivers atmospheric suspense and a gothic supernatural mystery for readers who love haunted-house stories such as Laura Purcell’s The Silent Companions and Rebecca Netley’s The Whistling.
London, 1868. Madame Theda talks to the dead for money. She has never heard a single one of them answer.
The con-man she married cost her everything: fortune, family, good name. Now she wants revenge on the society that cast her out, by conning it one séance at a time.
At isolated Blackheath House, a young widow is tormented each night by a presence that seems to threaten her and her child. This case could make Theda the medium every drawing room in London wants, if she can bring herself to deceive a terrified mother.
One wing of Blackheath has been sealed for decades, and the servants refuse to stay past dark. Then a member of the household is found dead, and Theda realizes someone will kill to keep the past buried.
For a woman who fakes the supernatural for a living, the one thing she cannot afford is for any of it to be real.
Book one of The Making of Madame Theda delivers atmospheric suspense and a gothic supernatural mystery for readers who love haunted-house stories such as Laura Purcell’s The Silent Companions and Rebecca Netley’s The Whistling.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 10, 2026
About the author
Ava Monegan
1 book2 followersAva Monegan writes atmospheric Gothic mysteries inspired by haunted pasts and lingering ghosts. Her work blends historical fiction, subtle horror, and supernatural ambiguity, drawing on classic Gothic traditions, Victorian-era influences, and a lifelong love of mystery and ghost stories.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 27, 2026
I love the cover to this! Very gothic, atmospheric and full of mystery! Love that Madame Theda is a fraudulent medium, makes it somewhat different to other mediums who do their trade truthfully. A fraudulent one gives way to mischief.
When she gets asked to do a séance at Blackheath House, what she finds out uncovers more questions than answers.
The inhabitants are shocked to find a m*rder has occurred in one of the rooms and Theda has a task to find out the who and why.
A fun debut, will keep an eye out for the next two as the ending has kept me interested. This is different to what I was expecting but loved the gothic suspense, murder mystery thrown in and Theda and her tricks.
When she gets asked to do a séance at Blackheath House, what she finds out uncovers more questions than answers.
The inhabitants are shocked to find a m*rder has occurred in one of the rooms and Theda has a task to find out the who and why.
A fun debut, will keep an eye out for the next two as the ending has kept me interested. This is different to what I was expecting but loved the gothic suspense, murder mystery thrown in and Theda and her tricks.
October 10, 2026
This book was a classic Gothic haunted-house story, with misinheritance, a vengeful family, the possibility of ghosts, and a dark and foggy atmosphere.
When Madame Theda, a medium, and her assistant Hannah are brought to Blackheath House to discover whether the supernatural was to blame for the disturbing happenings in the house, they are met by the skeptical Mr. Eastscott, who has also been brought in to determine if there is a scientific explanation. After a theatrical séance, Mr. Eastscott and Theda join forces to find out what's really behind the hauntings.
I loved that this book did not rely on supernatural explanations and took us step by step through the history of the family lore. While this book ended leaving room for a second book, I'm not mad about how it ended. I suspect that the next book will be a gripping tale!
Thank you to the author and Love Books for taking me along on this tour.
When Madame Theda, a medium, and her assistant Hannah are brought to Blackheath House to discover whether the supernatural was to blame for the disturbing happenings in the house, they are met by the skeptical Mr. Eastscott, who has also been brought in to determine if there is a scientific explanation. After a theatrical séance, Mr. Eastscott and Theda join forces to find out what's really behind the hauntings.
I loved that this book did not rely on supernatural explanations and took us step by step through the history of the family lore. While this book ended leaving room for a second book, I'm not mad about how it ended. I suspect that the next book will be a gripping tale!
Thank you to the author and Love Books for taking me along on this tour.
October 21, 2026
Ever since I first laid my eyes on this gorgeous cover, Blackheath House mesmerized me completely. It invited me on an unforgettable and mysterious journey which I accepted the invitation with pure excitement in my heart. And wow, what a mysterious tale ᴛʜᴇ sʜʀᴏᴜᴅ was. I couldn't put down this brilliant novel, it was clever and so unique. I absolutely loved the characters and the writing style.
I wholeheartedly recommend checking out this book to everyone looking for a mysterious read for spooky season! ♡
✨ ᴍʏ ғᴀᴠᴏʀɪᴛᴇ ǫᴜᴏᴛᴇs ✨
"ɪᴛ ᴄᴀɴ ʙᴇ ᴠᴇʀʏ ʜᴀʀᴅ ɴᴏᴛ ᴛᴏ ʙᴇʟɪᴇᴠᴇ ɪɴ ᴡʜᴀᴛ ᴡᴇ sᴇᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ʜᴇᴀʀ ᴡʜᴇɴ ᴏᴜʀ sᴜʀʀᴏᴜɴᴅɪɴɢs ᴇɴɢɪɴᴇᴇʀ ᴀ ᴅɪғғᴇʀᴇɴᴛ ᴋɪɴᴅ ᴏғ ᴛʀᴜᴛʜ."
"ᴠᴇɴᴛᴜʀɪɴɢ ɪɴᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇ ʜᴏᴜsᴇ ᴇǫᴜᴀʟʟᴇᴅ ᴀɴ ᴏʙᴛʀᴜsɪᴠᴇ ᴀᴅᴠᴀɴᴄᴇ ɪɴᴛᴏ ᴀ ᴘᴇʀsᴏɴ's ᴍɪɴᴅ - ᴏɴᴇ ᴡʜᴏ ᴛʀɪᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ʜɪᴅᴇ ᴛʜᴇɪʀ ᴡᴏʀsᴛ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛs ғʀᴏᴍ ʏᴏᴜ."
I wholeheartedly recommend checking out this book to everyone looking for a mysterious read for spooky season! ♡
✨ ᴍʏ ғᴀᴠᴏʀɪᴛᴇ ǫᴜᴏᴛᴇs ✨
"ɪᴛ ᴄᴀɴ ʙᴇ ᴠᴇʀʏ ʜᴀʀᴅ ɴᴏᴛ ᴛᴏ ʙᴇʟɪᴇᴠᴇ ɪɴ ᴡʜᴀᴛ ᴡᴇ sᴇᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ʜᴇᴀʀ ᴡʜᴇɴ ᴏᴜʀ sᴜʀʀᴏᴜɴᴅɪɴɢs ᴇɴɢɪɴᴇᴇʀ ᴀ ᴅɪғғᴇʀᴇɴᴛ ᴋɪɴᴅ ᴏғ ᴛʀᴜᴛʜ."
"ᴠᴇɴᴛᴜʀɪɴɢ ɪɴᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇ ʜᴏᴜsᴇ ᴇǫᴜᴀʟʟᴇᴅ ᴀɴ ᴏʙᴛʀᴜsɪᴠᴇ ᴀᴅᴠᴀɴᴄᴇ ɪɴᴛᴏ ᴀ ᴘᴇʀsᴏɴ's ᴍɪɴᴅ - ᴏɴᴇ ᴡʜᴏ ᴛʀɪᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ʜɪᴅᴇ ᴛʜᴇɪʀ ᴡᴏʀsᴛ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛs ғʀᴏᴍ ʏᴏᴜ."
September 30, 2026
[I received an ARC copy of this book via BookSprout, and I am leaving a review voluntarily. Thank you to the author for this copy!]
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[3.75⭐️]
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This book started off really strong, but I found that it did drag a little in some places, especially in the middle of the book. Once I got into the story however, I loved it.
I was suspicious of Nicholas since he first appeared, although I did assume that he was the ghost behind everything at first, so I was shocked when the reveal came about and we found out who he truly was.
As for the other characters, I found Theda & Mr Eastscott to be very likeable and I loved the two of them working together to figure out what was happening with the tunnels. I didn’t see enough of Cecelia to form a full opinion on her, but I liked how we found out about her past and the decision she made through Miss Fitzgerald’s stories, and learnt more about her character even after her death.
One thing I would’ve loved to see more of is Olivia’s past with her husband and/or family. I got a quick look into Olivia’s POV from the authors short story ‘ The Widow of Blackheath House’, but I would’ve liked to see how her home dynamic was before all of this too. As this is a trilogy, I assume the next two books may have some deeper backstory on Olivia and Charles’ relationship, and I am excited to read them when they are released.
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[3.75⭐️]
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This book started off really strong, but I found that it did drag a little in some places, especially in the middle of the book. Once I got into the story however, I loved it.
I was suspicious of Nicholas since he first appeared, although I did assume that he was the ghost behind everything at first, so I was shocked when the reveal came about and we found out who he truly was.
As for the other characters, I found Theda & Mr Eastscott to be very likeable and I loved the two of them working together to figure out what was happening with the tunnels. I didn’t see enough of Cecelia to form a full opinion on her, but I liked how we found out about her past and the decision she made through Miss Fitzgerald’s stories, and learnt more about her character even after her death.
One thing I would’ve loved to see more of is Olivia’s past with her husband and/or family. I got a quick look into Olivia’s POV from the authors short story ‘ The Widow of Blackheath House’, but I would’ve liked to see how her home dynamic was before all of this too. As this is a trilogy, I assume the next two books may have some deeper backstory on Olivia and Charles’ relationship, and I am excited to read them when they are released.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2026
Honestly, this book i a good one. If you like paranormal stories, this book is made for you. Madame Theda is a fraud, she talks to the dead for money and has never heard a single one of them speak.
She is hired to investigate a haunted hause, Blackheath House.
She sees her chance to become London’s next great medium.
What she doesn’t know, is that her life is in danger, when she is in place, a murder happens and she réalise that Blackheath House’s secrets are very much alive, it is a riddled house with secret passages, a wing sealed for decades and servants who won’t speak.
The surnatural and the real stat to blur.
I really liked this book, in the beginnng it was a little bit slow but when she finally enters in Blackheath, the real story begins.
The fact that we don’t know if what happens is real or not makes it better.
I liked the writing style, I found it really addictive. The characters where great.
I found a plot before the end, but what was also great is that it is so much plot twists at the end that what I thought was only the beginning.
She is hired to investigate a haunted hause, Blackheath House.
She sees her chance to become London’s next great medium.
What she doesn’t know, is that her life is in danger, when she is in place, a murder happens and she réalise that Blackheath House’s secrets are very much alive, it is a riddled house with secret passages, a wing sealed for decades and servants who won’t speak.
The surnatural and the real stat to blur.
I really liked this book, in the beginnng it was a little bit slow but when she finally enters in Blackheath, the real story begins.
The fact that we don’t know if what happens is real or not makes it better.
I liked the writing style, I found it really addictive. The characters where great.
I found a plot before the end, but what was also great is that it is so much plot twists at the end that what I thought was only the beginning.
September 14, 2026
Easy mystery but the characters were very good. I liked Theda and the atmosphere of the story in the creepy house was well done. There were some scary spots, but I did spot the murderer early. Still a good story and I am looking forward to her next adventure.
September 2, 2026
The Shroud drew me in almost immediately with its Victorian setting, eerie atmosphere, and wonderfully curious heroine. Historical gothic mysteries are especially enjoyable when the period feels like part of the experience rather than simply a backdrop, and I loved how easily this transported me into a world fascinated by death, spiritualism, and the possibility of something beyond.
Madame Theda was such an interesting character to follow. There’s something incredibly entertaining about entering a haunted house alongside a medium who knows perfectly well that she’s a fraud. Her secrets and questionable choices added another layer to the story, and I found myself just as curious about her as I was about Blackheath House.
This was also a surprisingly quick read. The writing flowed effortlessly, allowing me to become completely absorbed in the secluded estate, its peculiar inhabitants, and the unsettling questions hidden within its walls. I particularly enjoyed the uncertainty surrounding what could be explained and what might actually be supernatural.
Mysterious, haunting, and rich in Victorian detail, The Shroud was a thoroughly enjoyable introduction to Madame Theda. I finished it entertained, curious, and more than ready to see where her story goes next.
Thank you to the author and BookSirens for the ARC.
Madame Theda was such an interesting character to follow. There’s something incredibly entertaining about entering a haunted house alongside a medium who knows perfectly well that she’s a fraud. Her secrets and questionable choices added another layer to the story, and I found myself just as curious about her as I was about Blackheath House.
This was also a surprisingly quick read. The writing flowed effortlessly, allowing me to become completely absorbed in the secluded estate, its peculiar inhabitants, and the unsettling questions hidden within its walls. I particularly enjoyed the uncertainty surrounding what could be explained and what might actually be supernatural.
Mysterious, haunting, and rich in Victorian detail, The Shroud was a thoroughly enjoyable introduction to Madame Theda. I finished it entertained, curious, and more than ready to see where her story goes next.
Thank you to the author and BookSirens for the ARC.
September 6, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Okay, I LOVED this one! 😍 There is just something about an old, creepy house full of secrets, strange servants, hidden passages, and a past that refuses to stay buried that completely pulls me in.
Theda was such an interesting character, especially knowing that she’s been pretending to communicate with the dead and then finding herself in a house where the supernatural might actually be real. 👀 Watching everything start to blur between what’s real and what isn’t had me hooked.
Blackheath House was honestly a character all on its own. It felt unsettling from the beginning, and every little secret made me want to know what was really going on. The atmosphere was creepy, mysterious, and perfectly gothic without feeling overdone.
And that ending?! Yeah… I NEED the next book. 😂
Five stars from me! If you like gothic mysteries, haunted houses, secrets, and a little supernatural suspense mixed in, definitely add this one to your list! 🖤📚
Okay, I LOVED this one! 😍 There is just something about an old, creepy house full of secrets, strange servants, hidden passages, and a past that refuses to stay buried that completely pulls me in.
Theda was such an interesting character, especially knowing that she’s been pretending to communicate with the dead and then finding herself in a house where the supernatural might actually be real. 👀 Watching everything start to blur between what’s real and what isn’t had me hooked.
Blackheath House was honestly a character all on its own. It felt unsettling from the beginning, and every little secret made me want to know what was really going on. The atmosphere was creepy, mysterious, and perfectly gothic without feeling overdone.
And that ending?! Yeah… I NEED the next book. 😂
Five stars from me! If you like gothic mysteries, haunted houses, secrets, and a little supernatural suspense mixed in, definitely add this one to your list! 🖤📚
September 9, 2026
The Shroud follows a woman named Theda who is a fake medium. She gets called to a manor that may be haunted. And of course, sinister things begin to happen. I really like gothic books, and I really like stories about spiritualists and mediums, so I went in to this book prepared to love it. And I did really like The Shroud. The mystery was intriguing, and the setting of Blackheath was appropriately creepy. There was some pacing issues for me, but overall I really enjoyed this book. I am excited to see what happens next. I received a free copy of this book and write this review voluntarily.
September 9, 2026
I found this gothic suspense just in time for Halloween. The characters seem real. I didn't want to set it down. The story is well plotted. This is a great beginning for book 1. I look forward to seeing what's next.
September 6, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. It has everything you want in a spooky book. An old creepy house with lots of dark secrets. It starts as though it’s a haunted house book but once someone is murdered turns into more of a who done it type of book. Set in Victorian times where a fake psychic is sent to a supposed haunted house to help settle the spirits. However they find a lot more than spirits: secret tunnels and dark secrets. This was a great introduction and I can’t wait to continue reading this trilogy.
Review of advance copy
Summary: Spiritualism and mediums are rampant in London, Theda is just another in the crowd of fakes trying to survive. When she is hired by a solicitor to help a pregnant widow who feels haunted by an evil spirit she can’t say no. With the help of a paranormal scientist who would be happy to prove Theda is a fake they begin to investigate. Soon they realize it isn’t spirits at all but a person.
Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book! Theda is a lovable character, even though her own life has been filled with hardship she generally cares about people. This was a fun mystery that bordered on being a thriller. The ending was amazing and I cannot wait to read book two.
Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book! Theda is a lovable character, even though her own life has been filled with hardship she generally cares about people. This was a fun mystery that bordered on being a thriller. The ending was amazing and I cannot wait to read book two.
September 2, 2026
It's a good mystery story.
Has good pace and i like the tiny bits of backstory.
And it's a bit drawn out but at least it's consitent.
The only problem i had was the characters. There's too many.
I mean the chart at the end was helpful but...
I kinda wish there was a glossary because it's easy to get lost in the characters and i had to reread some previous chapters before proceeding to the next.
Also the 'distant cousin' was sus the moment he was introduced lol.
Victor is such a douche XD
My favorite character is Mr. Eastscott.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Has good pace and i like the tiny bits of backstory.
And it's a bit drawn out but at least it's consitent.
The only problem i had was the characters. There's too many.
I mean the chart at the end was helpful but...
I kinda wish there was a glossary because it's easy to get lost in the characters and i had to reread some previous chapters before proceeding to the next.
Also the 'distant cousin' was sus the moment he was introduced lol.
Victor is such a douche XD
My favorite character is Mr. Eastscott.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 20, 2026
When I say I have absolutely devoured this book I truly mean it; I read this book in one day and totally loved it! If you’re a fan of isolated thrillers, gothic mysteries, haunted houses and interesting inheritances then you need to pick this book up!
The Shroud is a fast paced, gothic mystery story that had me on the edge of my seat pretty much the whole way through! I sat and read this entire book in one day and I truly couldn’t put it down. My anxious little brain and poor heart definitely paid for it but I honestly loved it!
Right from the start Ava had me hooked and invested in the main character’s story. She builds a character with so much depth and I already cannot wait to see where book 2 goes!. There were times that I loved Theda, times that I felt really sorry for her and some that I really disliked her. And I think that this is truly a testament to Monegan’s writing because experiencing so many emotions for one character in a single story where she is not necessarily the main focus is incredible. But there are so many characters in this book and the author has done a wonderful job of making each and every one of them stand out! We have a lot of the usual candidates for this type of story but they are all so well written and described that they are wholly unique. They each have their own characteristics and secrets too and I loved learning about them all.
The stunning use of description throughout definitely meant that I could picture everything in great detail. The whole book was beautifully atmospheric and really gave me everything I need from a mystery, thriller book! I can totally imagine this book being adapted for the screen and having the same amazing horror feel as The Haunting of Hill House and The Boy!
Despite being a bit of a wimp, I’m always a fan of isolated thriller and Monegan did not disappoint. The Victorian mansion with all its secrets was the perfect backdrop to this incredible mystery and I adored trying to piece together the puzzle-pieces myself. This is a story similar in many ways to a lot of others in its genre but the execution is incredible, which made it an unputdownable read for me!
I am very excited to read more from this author, especially considering this is their debut and I already know that I have a few friends who NEED this book in their life!
AD - I was sent a copy of this ebook for free in exchange for my review, but all my opinions are honest and true.
The Shroud is a fast paced, gothic mystery story that had me on the edge of my seat pretty much the whole way through! I sat and read this entire book in one day and I truly couldn’t put it down. My anxious little brain and poor heart definitely paid for it but I honestly loved it!
Right from the start Ava had me hooked and invested in the main character’s story. She builds a character with so much depth and I already cannot wait to see where book 2 goes!. There were times that I loved Theda, times that I felt really sorry for her and some that I really disliked her. And I think that this is truly a testament to Monegan’s writing because experiencing so many emotions for one character in a single story where she is not necessarily the main focus is incredible. But there are so many characters in this book and the author has done a wonderful job of making each and every one of them stand out! We have a lot of the usual candidates for this type of story but they are all so well written and described that they are wholly unique. They each have their own characteristics and secrets too and I loved learning about them all.
The stunning use of description throughout definitely meant that I could picture everything in great detail. The whole book was beautifully atmospheric and really gave me everything I need from a mystery, thriller book! I can totally imagine this book being adapted for the screen and having the same amazing horror feel as The Haunting of Hill House and The Boy!
Despite being a bit of a wimp, I’m always a fan of isolated thriller and Monegan did not disappoint. The Victorian mansion with all its secrets was the perfect backdrop to this incredible mystery and I adored trying to piece together the puzzle-pieces myself. This is a story similar in many ways to a lot of others in its genre but the execution is incredible, which made it an unputdownable read for me!
I am very excited to read more from this author, especially considering this is their debut and I already know that I have a few friends who NEED this book in their life!
AD - I was sent a copy of this ebook for free in exchange for my review, but all my opinions are honest and true.
October 16, 2026
It’s books like The Shroud that make me realise why Gothic fiction is one of my favourite genres. It’s perfect and has all the necessary elements – a spooky house in the middle of nowhere, a storm that prevents anyone from leaving, faces appearing in the mirror but there’s no-one there, hidden tunnels, crazy relatives and of course the requisite ghosts. It also has its fair share of secrets and local gossip.
Madame Theda is a medium who makes a living holding seances and speaking to the dead. Seances became very popular in Victorian Britain with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Queen Victoria (allegedly) being fans. But Theda, as with most of them (or all if you don’t believe), is a fraud and she knows it. I’m sure there were others who actually believed they could contact the spirits, but I very much doubt it.
Following a disastrous seance, Theda and her partner-in-crime Hannah are invited to go to Blackheath House, a spooky old manor on the moors, where pregnant widow Mrs Olivia Hays is being haunted by an unfriendly spirit. Her husband’s death is recent and he died in debt, meaning Olivia and her young son will lose their house. The only alternative is to move to Blackheath, the family home.
As soon as Theda and Hannah arrive they know something is amiss. Mr Eastcott is the other ‘guest’ but he is a scientist and is there to find a rational answer to the mysterious goings on. And unmask Theda as the fraud she really is. And it’s not long before they realise they could all be in danger.
I loved this so much. It’s the first in a series called The Making of Madame Theda and I can’t wait to read book two. There is a also a short story called The Widow of Blackheath House, downloadable free from Ava’s website https://avamonegan.com/ about Olivia which I read straight after. More Theda please!
Many thanks to @lovebookstours for inviting me to be part of #TheShroud blog tour.
Madame Theda is a medium who makes a living holding seances and speaking to the dead. Seances became very popular in Victorian Britain with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Queen Victoria (allegedly) being fans. But Theda, as with most of them (or all if you don’t believe), is a fraud and she knows it. I’m sure there were others who actually believed they could contact the spirits, but I very much doubt it.
Following a disastrous seance, Theda and her partner-in-crime Hannah are invited to go to Blackheath House, a spooky old manor on the moors, where pregnant widow Mrs Olivia Hays is being haunted by an unfriendly spirit. Her husband’s death is recent and he died in debt, meaning Olivia and her young son will lose their house. The only alternative is to move to Blackheath, the family home.
As soon as Theda and Hannah arrive they know something is amiss. Mr Eastcott is the other ‘guest’ but he is a scientist and is there to find a rational answer to the mysterious goings on. And unmask Theda as the fraud she really is. And it’s not long before they realise they could all be in danger.
I loved this so much. It’s the first in a series called The Making of Madame Theda and I can’t wait to read book two. There is a also a short story called The Widow of Blackheath House, downloadable free from Ava’s website https://avamonegan.com/ about Olivia which I read straight after. More Theda please!
Many thanks to @lovebookstours for inviting me to be part of #TheShroud blog tour.
October 19, 2026
Thank you to LBT for having me on this book review tour and for my gifted copy of this epub.
So I have to say I absolutely loved the cover of this book. I mean it just draws you in and really makes you want to pick it up and read it. I know that’s what it did for me. I couldn’t wait to jump into this book.
Ok so I am so incredibly interested in this book that has so much spiritual content. I love that kinda stuff. Medium’s tarot card reads all of that I fully believe in that kinda stuff.
So this book follows Theda and she was quite the character I mean she really was. She is pretending to be a medium and talking to the dead I mean kinda messed up. I know people do this a lot more than we know but still it’s not cool. I mean u would love to be able to talk to my mom on the other side but I dunno if I trust anyone!!!
Anyways sorry back to the story. So Theda gets paid to do this job and yeah hasn’t heard a word from anyone dead but she is hired to go to a house that might be haunted it’s called Blackhearth house I mean just the name sounds creepy but Theda wants to the next great medium. I mean even though she is a fraud in her head she wants to be the best.
This book has a lot of twists and turns and I really had no idea what was real and what wasn’t. Made me think of my house growing up. It was totally haunted and I could never know what the ghost was and what my parents were that would move stuff.
I really loved the writing of this book it had me hooked from the very beginning!!!
I really can’t wait to see what happens next !!
So I have to say I absolutely loved the cover of this book. I mean it just draws you in and really makes you want to pick it up and read it. I know that’s what it did for me. I couldn’t wait to jump into this book.
Ok so I am so incredibly interested in this book that has so much spiritual content. I love that kinda stuff. Medium’s tarot card reads all of that I fully believe in that kinda stuff.
So this book follows Theda and she was quite the character I mean she really was. She is pretending to be a medium and talking to the dead I mean kinda messed up. I know people do this a lot more than we know but still it’s not cool. I mean u would love to be able to talk to my mom on the other side but I dunno if I trust anyone!!!
Anyways sorry back to the story. So Theda gets paid to do this job and yeah hasn’t heard a word from anyone dead but she is hired to go to a house that might be haunted it’s called Blackhearth house I mean just the name sounds creepy but Theda wants to the next great medium. I mean even though she is a fraud in her head she wants to be the best.
This book has a lot of twists and turns and I really had no idea what was real and what wasn’t. Made me think of my house growing up. It was totally haunted and I could never know what the ghost was and what my parents were that would move stuff.
I really loved the writing of this book it had me hooked from the very beginning!!!
I really can’t wait to see what happens next !!
October 27, 2026
If there's one thing I love in a spooky season read, it's a creepy house full of secrets, suspicious characters, and a mystery that keeps me guessing until the end. 👀🕯️
Set in London in 1868, The Shroud pulled me in with its wonderfully gothic atmosphere. Blackheath House was such a fantastic setting! There was something so wonderfully eerie about the house and its secrets, and I loved how the story kept me questioning what was really going on.
One of my favorite aspects was Madame Theda herself. A fraudulent medium investigating a potentially haunted house? SUCH a good premise! I loved the idea of someone who doesn't actually believe in the very thing she claims to do for a living finding herself in a situation where the supernatural might actually be real. 👻
And the mystery? I was genuinely trying to piece everything together as I read, but I didn't guess the twist! I also found myself suspicious of practically EVERYONE. 😂 I never quite knew who I could trust, which made uncovering the secrets of Blackheath House all the more enjoyable. 🔥
Overall, this was such an atmospheric, engaging read with a mystery that kept me hooked and guessing. The Victorian setting was a refreshing change for me, and the gothic vibes made it an absolutely perfect pick for spooky season. I'm definitely interested in seeing where the story goes next! 😍
🕯️ If you love: Gothic mysteries, haunted houses, Victorian settings, suspicious characters, and atmospheric spooky reads, this one is worth checking out!
Set in London in 1868, The Shroud pulled me in with its wonderfully gothic atmosphere. Blackheath House was such a fantastic setting! There was something so wonderfully eerie about the house and its secrets, and I loved how the story kept me questioning what was really going on.
One of my favorite aspects was Madame Theda herself. A fraudulent medium investigating a potentially haunted house? SUCH a good premise! I loved the idea of someone who doesn't actually believe in the very thing she claims to do for a living finding herself in a situation where the supernatural might actually be real. 👻
And the mystery? I was genuinely trying to piece everything together as I read, but I didn't guess the twist! I also found myself suspicious of practically EVERYONE. 😂 I never quite knew who I could trust, which made uncovering the secrets of Blackheath House all the more enjoyable. 🔥
Overall, this was such an atmospheric, engaging read with a mystery that kept me hooked and guessing. The Victorian setting was a refreshing change for me, and the gothic vibes made it an absolutely perfect pick for spooky season. I'm definitely interested in seeing where the story goes next! 😍
🕯️ If you love: Gothic mysteries, haunted houses, Victorian settings, suspicious characters, and atmospheric spooky reads, this one is worth checking out!
October 15, 2026
I really enjoyed the book!
This the 1st book in 'The Making of Madame Theda' trilogy and all 3 books have stunning covers! Very in keeping with the gothic, atmospheric and mystery mood of the book, however, i did find it slightly along the lines of a cozy mystery but dark - there wasn't heavy gore or anything too freighting. I found Madame Theda and her accomplishes Hannah, Joesph and Cathy a delight to follow! MFC Theda is a medium in London during 1868 and holds seances which are rigged!
One day Theda and her assistant Hannah are approached by a lawyer, Mr Henessy, asking if they could go to a property that is famously haunted to get rid of the spirits/investigate strange activity there as his client Olivier Hays, a widow, has recently had to move in following her husband's death. Olivier is heavily pregnant and has an 8yr old son (who has inherited the house). They have no where else to go but Blackheath House the house in question. Once Theda and Hannah settle into the house, a storm breaks out and the heavy rains cut them off from the outside world which creates an isolated setting! The house has kitchen staff, housekeeper etc plus a scientist Mr Eastscott who is there to disprove the existence of ghosts at the house 👻.
After reading this I'm keen to read the next books in this series! A must for historical, atmospheric, murder mystery lovers!
I received a free advanced reader copy and am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
This the 1st book in 'The Making of Madame Theda' trilogy and all 3 books have stunning covers! Very in keeping with the gothic, atmospheric and mystery mood of the book, however, i did find it slightly along the lines of a cozy mystery but dark - there wasn't heavy gore or anything too freighting. I found Madame Theda and her accomplishes Hannah, Joesph and Cathy a delight to follow! MFC Theda is a medium in London during 1868 and holds seances which are rigged!
One day Theda and her assistant Hannah are approached by a lawyer, Mr Henessy, asking if they could go to a property that is famously haunted to get rid of the spirits/investigate strange activity there as his client Olivier Hays, a widow, has recently had to move in following her husband's death. Olivier is heavily pregnant and has an 8yr old son (who has inherited the house). They have no where else to go but Blackheath House the house in question. Once Theda and Hannah settle into the house, a storm breaks out and the heavy rains cut them off from the outside world which creates an isolated setting! The house has kitchen staff, housekeeper etc plus a scientist Mr Eastscott who is there to disprove the existence of ghosts at the house 👻.
After reading this I'm keen to read the next books in this series! A must for historical, atmospheric, murder mystery lovers!
I received a free advanced reader copy and am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
October 18, 2026
This was my first book by Ava and I was immediately transported back into London 1968, into the world of mystery and ghost stories.
I’m not going to lie what made me apply for this tour was the cover design, I couldn’t help it. The layering, depth and darkness to the cover just screamed to me. Little did I know how much the cover design would link to the book, liking to the hidden secrets of the characters.
Madame Theda, a medium, a fraud of a medium is enrolled to go to Blackheath House on the English moors to investigate a haunting. Little did she know she was going to discover layers of secrets, deceit and hidden truths within the halls of Blackheath House with the past playing a part in uncovering what’s really going on inside. The deeper you look, the more there is to discover, and not everything is quite as it first seems. Ava kept me guessing throughout the book about what was exactly going to happen next and what was really happening.
The novel also explores the idea of belonging and the desire to feel wanted, both within a family and a friendship group. There were moments when I really felt for Theda, as you could see how much she wanted to feel connected and needed. Whether that was through looking after Olivia, making Hannah happy or seeking a connection with Mr Eastscott, you could really feel her desire to find her place and feel valued.
I’m not going to lie what made me apply for this tour was the cover design, I couldn’t help it. The layering, depth and darkness to the cover just screamed to me. Little did I know how much the cover design would link to the book, liking to the hidden secrets of the characters.
Madame Theda, a medium, a fraud of a medium is enrolled to go to Blackheath House on the English moors to investigate a haunting. Little did she know she was going to discover layers of secrets, deceit and hidden truths within the halls of Blackheath House with the past playing a part in uncovering what’s really going on inside. The deeper you look, the more there is to discover, and not everything is quite as it first seems. Ava kept me guessing throughout the book about what was exactly going to happen next and what was really happening.
The novel also explores the idea of belonging and the desire to feel wanted, both within a family and a friendship group. There were moments when I really felt for Theda, as you could see how much she wanted to feel connected and needed. Whether that was through looking after Olivia, making Hannah happy or seeking a connection with Mr Eastscott, you could really feel her desire to find her place and feel valued.
October 16, 2026
I couldn’t put this book down! It did take me a little longer to finish, but I just didn’t want to leave this world. This is my first read from this author, and now I’m eagerly waiting for book two—and anything else she writes.
The story had me on the edge of my seat from the start, especially with that ending. I absolutely love books set in 1868 London and England; they’re my favorite, and this one had some wonderfully spooky vibes. I’ll be staying in my book world for a while.
I felt so bad for Theda—everything she went through in her marriage and how her family treated her. I can’t wait for book two (no spoilers!). I had a bit of a love-hate relationship with Hannah; I get that she’s doing what she thinks is best.
When the two take a job in the middle of nowhere, I suspected some of the people speaking to Theda at Blackheath House might be ghosts. But the author added twists that made everything so unpredictable. I loved how Theda questioned the hauntings and wondered if there were other explanations for what Mrs. Hays was experiencing.
Again, I loved this book and highly recommend it. Just a heads-up: there’s talk of death and murder.
Thank you, Lovebooktours, and the author for the chance to read and discover a new author!
The story had me on the edge of my seat from the start, especially with that ending. I absolutely love books set in 1868 London and England; they’re my favorite, and this one had some wonderfully spooky vibes. I’ll be staying in my book world for a while.
I felt so bad for Theda—everything she went through in her marriage and how her family treated her. I can’t wait for book two (no spoilers!). I had a bit of a love-hate relationship with Hannah; I get that she’s doing what she thinks is best.
When the two take a job in the middle of nowhere, I suspected some of the people speaking to Theda at Blackheath House might be ghosts. But the author added twists that made everything so unpredictable. I loved how Theda questioned the hauntings and wondered if there were other explanations for what Mrs. Hays was experiencing.
Again, I loved this book and highly recommend it. Just a heads-up: there’s talk of death and murder.
Thank you, Lovebooktours, and the author for the chance to read and discover a new author!
November 3, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed The Shroud which is a combination of Gothic horror and locked room murder mystery.
Theda is posing as a spiritualist in order to escape her troubled past and she accepts an invitation to the creepy Blackheath House to help a frightened young widow who thinks the house might be haunted. Also staying at the house is Mr Eastscott, who wants to investigate what's going on using scienctific methods. Theda is torn between deceiving her client to advance her own career and genuinely trying to help her. We also discover Theda's own backstory through a series of flashbacks.
This kept me guessing all the way through about whether there was really something supernatural going on, and I enjoyed the depiction of the clash between Victorian spiritualism and scientific advancement. The setting was really atmospheric and creepy and there were some interesting characters too - I was especially interested in the relationship between Theda and her mentor Hannah. I was pleased to see that this is the first in a trilogy and can't wait to see what comes next!
Recommended for fans of historical fiction and Victorian Gothic novels.
Theda is posing as a spiritualist in order to escape her troubled past and she accepts an invitation to the creepy Blackheath House to help a frightened young widow who thinks the house might be haunted. Also staying at the house is Mr Eastscott, who wants to investigate what's going on using scienctific methods. Theda is torn between deceiving her client to advance her own career and genuinely trying to help her. We also discover Theda's own backstory through a series of flashbacks.
This kept me guessing all the way through about whether there was really something supernatural going on, and I enjoyed the depiction of the clash between Victorian spiritualism and scientific advancement. The setting was really atmospheric and creepy and there were some interesting characters too - I was especially interested in the relationship between Theda and her mentor Hannah. I was pleased to see that this is the first in a trilogy and can't wait to see what comes next!
Recommended for fans of historical fiction and Victorian Gothic novels.
October 17, 2026
I really enjoyed the gothic atmosphere of The Shroud, especially its setting in a mansion on the English moors. The eerie surroundings and isolated mansion added so much to the mysterious feel of the story.
One of my favourite aspects was the sense of the unknown. You’re never quite sure whether to believe in ghosts or suspect that there’s a human explanation behind everything. That uncertainty kept me intrigued and added a lovely touch of suspense.
The female main character, Theda, was also a highlight for me. She was kind, but there was something very intriguing about her that made me want to know more. I particularly liked how the story moved between her past and the present, gradually revealing more about her character and history.
Overall, this was an atmospheric and enjoyable read with just the right amount of gothic mystery.
🕯️ I’d recommend it if you enjoy a lighter gothic novel with an eerie atmosphere, a mysterious mansion, and a hint of the supernatural!
I’m looking forward to seeing what the rest of this trilogy has in store! 🖤
October 14, 2026
Gothic historical fiction fans who enjoy a bit of the paranormal and mystery, this one's a great pick for spooky season!
We follow Madame Theda, a fraudulent medium hired at a creepy, isolated Victorian mansion called Blackheath House. Think secret corridors, family curses, terrified servants, and a murder mystery.
The atmosphere is immaculate and incredibly spooky. Theda is a fascinating main character because she’s trying to maintain her con while running from her own dark past, all while realizing the supernatural threats might actually be real. The setting and atmosphere were exactly what I was hoping for. It’s the perfect moody, atmospheric mystery to binge over a weekend.
💜 Thank you to Ava Monegan and Love Books Tours for the #gifted copy and the opportunity to share my thoughts on The Shroud book tour.
We follow Madame Theda, a fraudulent medium hired at a creepy, isolated Victorian mansion called Blackheath House. Think secret corridors, family curses, terrified servants, and a murder mystery.
The atmosphere is immaculate and incredibly spooky. Theda is a fascinating main character because she’s trying to maintain her con while running from her own dark past, all while realizing the supernatural threats might actually be real. The setting and atmosphere were exactly what I was hoping for. It’s the perfect moody, atmospheric mystery to binge over a weekend.
💜 Thank you to Ava Monegan and Love Books Tours for the #gifted copy and the opportunity to share my thoughts on The Shroud book tour.
October 14, 2026
Madame Theda is a medium- and a fraudulent one at that, hosting seances in the London home she shares with Hannah and her husband. When a lawyer invites them to Blackheath where strange goings on are disturbing Olivia Hays, a young pregnant widow whose 3 year old son has recently inherited the house. Theda and Hannah arrive at the darkly terrifying house after a long journey to discover scientist Mr Eastscott is also there to disprove the existence of ghosts. Theda is convinced this is the work of humans and they work together to investigate the strange and terrifying goings on. While I thought the perpetrator was obvious, it was still scary and heart in mouth stuff at the end. A worthwhile read that I thoroughly enjoyed. And I’ll be reading the next book in the series which promises more of Theda’s background.
October 20, 2026
To start off, the cover fits the story. It has such a eerie, dark, Gothic feel that just matches each chapter. The story itself was absolutely amazing. From the spooky factor to the amound of mystery throughout the book itself, giving you a who or what done it feel.
Theda and Mr. Eastscott worked so well together and I hope in the later series they find a way to work with eachother again despite such different beliefs and careers. While the other characters are likeable in their own ways, but still make you question if they are part of the 'paranormal issues' the family is having.
All in all I absolutely am ecstatic in finding out there will be more to this series and cannot wait to see the steps the author takes next.
Theda and Mr. Eastscott worked so well together and I hope in the later series they find a way to work with eachother again despite such different beliefs and careers. While the other characters are likeable in their own ways, but still make you question if they are part of the 'paranormal issues' the family is having.
All in all I absolutely am ecstatic in finding out there will be more to this series and cannot wait to see the steps the author takes next.
October 16, 2026
What a great story to start the spooky season with! It's a gothic horror story with great atmosphere and brilliant descriptive writing.
The description of Blackheath House was really well written as I could see exactly what it looked like in my head. The people, the author had gathered there were such an interesting group. The haunted, the sceptics, the fakes. As the story gathered pace, the tension rose and I just wanted answers. Was someone faking the haunting or was it all genuine?
I'm definitely going to be reading the rest of the series as I'm invested in Madame Theba and her story!
Would highly recommend this as a perfect addition to anyone's spooky tbr!
The description of Blackheath House was really well written as I could see exactly what it looked like in my head. The people, the author had gathered there were such an interesting group. The haunted, the sceptics, the fakes. As the story gathered pace, the tension rose and I just wanted answers. Was someone faking the haunting or was it all genuine?
I'm definitely going to be reading the rest of the series as I'm invested in Madame Theba and her story!
Would highly recommend this as a perfect addition to anyone's spooky tbr!
October 12, 2026
An intriguing page turner that I couldn't put down. I read it in one sitting cause it was so good. I liked the mystery, the suspense, and gothic vibes. The storyline was fantastic. The characters were lovely. And the ending was surprising but definitely needed. I wasn't disappointed with this book. In fact, I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series. Thank you to Love Books Tours and the author for a copy of this. All opinions are my own and freely expressed.
October 14, 2026
What a fun book to read this time of year! Mysterious happenings at a house hidden within the moors, making even the fake medium question her lack of belief in ghosts. There’s creepiness galore, twists and turns, and a couple of surprises, 1 of them is pretty darn good! The Shroud is the first book of a series on Madame Theda, so I’m definitely excited to read the other books!
The Shroud: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Shroud: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 20, 2026
This is the first book in The Making Of Madame Theda series and my first read by this author.
I was instantly drawn in by the front cover image which looked dark and really gave me gothic vibes with the house and graveyard visible.
I haven't read this author before but I was instantly invested from the first few pages as the foreboding atmosphere was set so perfectly.
Set back in an 1800's London we meet Theda who is trying to make a living as a medium.
Now called upon to investigate the haunting of Blackheath House where a woman and her young child are being terrified and staff refuse to remain after dark - but nobody knows that Theda is a fraud - and she hopes that what she finds in the house is also not real.
This was a perfect read to add to my spooky season tbr and I was so immersed that I couldn't stop reading and had to find out what was going to happen.
I was on edge for most of the read and stayed up far too late into the evening meaning I was then even more jumpy.
The descriptive writing transported me right into the story and I was trying to make sense of what was happening right along with the characters.
I definitely got the feeling that this could be a true haunting but really was kept guessing as the tension built and built.
This was s a great first read and I can't wait to read more from this author in the future.
I was instantly drawn in by the front cover image which looked dark and really gave me gothic vibes with the house and graveyard visible.
I haven't read this author before but I was instantly invested from the first few pages as the foreboding atmosphere was set so perfectly.
Set back in an 1800's London we meet Theda who is trying to make a living as a medium.
Now called upon to investigate the haunting of Blackheath House where a woman and her young child are being terrified and staff refuse to remain after dark - but nobody knows that Theda is a fraud - and she hopes that what she finds in the house is also not real.
This was a perfect read to add to my spooky season tbr and I was so immersed that I couldn't stop reading and had to find out what was going to happen.
I was on edge for most of the read and stayed up far too late into the evening meaning I was then even more jumpy.
The descriptive writing transported me right into the story and I was trying to make sense of what was happening right along with the characters.
I definitely got the feeling that this could be a true haunting but really was kept guessing as the tension built and built.
This was s a great first read and I can't wait to read more from this author in the future.
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