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Regency Mysteries #4
Twilight at Moorington Cross
An inheritance could provide her with financial freedom, a rare accomplishment for a woman in the Regency era; she only has to marry one of two men to gain it. But what if her heart belongs to a third?
Brushed cruelly aside by the only father figure she’s ever known and then hospitalized by her arranged husband months before his death, Amelia Pembroke means to take control of her future at last, one way or another. Yet she knows all too well she faces an uphill battle, considering her transient sleeping spells are only getting worse.
Cluett’s Mesmeric Hospital has been something of a refuge for Amelia over the past year, even if it didn’t exactly improve her condition. But when her doctor is murdered and her name surprisingly turns up in his will, her options take a drastic turn. She has thirty days to marry one of two named gentlemen—strangers to her—and she will inherit everything from her friend and doctor, Mr. Cluett. One simple decision and all her financial troubles are at an end. The only problem is it’s not a simple decision anymore. Not when she’s falling in love with another man.
Ewan Hawkins has received his first assignment as an apprenticed solicitor: to update a man’s will. Finally, a chance to prove to society that possessing a disfigurement won’t hold him back. Thus, he means to do his job well. Of course, he never could have anticipated a murder, nor the strange clause added to the will—nor, most importantly, the charming widow who has found a way to capture his heart.
Brushed cruelly aside by the only father figure she’s ever known and then hospitalized by her arranged husband months before his death, Amelia Pembroke means to take control of her future at last, one way or another. Yet she knows all too well she faces an uphill battle, considering her transient sleeping spells are only getting worse.
Cluett’s Mesmeric Hospital has been something of a refuge for Amelia over the past year, even if it didn’t exactly improve her condition. But when her doctor is murdered and her name surprisingly turns up in his will, her options take a drastic turn. She has thirty days to marry one of two named gentlemen—strangers to her—and she will inherit everything from her friend and doctor, Mr. Cluett. One simple decision and all her financial troubles are at an end. The only problem is it’s not a simple decision anymore. Not when she’s falling in love with another man.
Ewan Hawkins has received his first assignment as an apprenticed solicitor: to update a man’s will. Finally, a chance to prove to society that possessing a disfigurement won’t hold him back. Thus, he means to do his job well. Of course, he never could have anticipated a murder, nor the strange clause added to the will—nor, most importantly, the charming widow who has found a way to capture his heart.
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2022
88 people are currently reading
4456 people want to read
About the author
Abigail Wilson
6 books950 followersAbigail Wilson combines her passion for Regency England with intrigue and adventure to pen historical mysteries with a heart. A Registered Nurse, chai tea addict, and mother of two crazy kids, Abigail fills her spare time hiking the National Parks, attending her daughter’s diving meets, and curling up with a great book. In 2017, Abigail won WisRWA’s Fab Five contest and in 2016, ACFW’s First Impressions contest as well as placing as a 2017 finalist in the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. She is a cum laude graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and currently lives in Dripping Springs, Texas, with her husband and children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 295 reviews
August 28, 2021
From my endorsement:
Shimmering with atmosphere and suspense, Twilight at Moorington Cross weaves classic Regency romance with threads of gothic mystery to page-turning effect. An absolute pleasure to read
Shimmering with atmosphere and suspense, Twilight at Moorington Cross weaves classic Regency romance with threads of gothic mystery to page-turning effect. An absolute pleasure to read
July 29, 2022
A delightfully creepy story in which the heroine quickly learns there's no one to trust. No one to confide in, because the only people around her can't be trusted for various reasons. She has less than a month to decide between two men courting her, to solve a sudden death, and to decide if she will take or refuse an inheritance.
I loved the atmospheric feel of the story and the many secrets to uncover, from motivations to secret rooms and passages. And why'd Mr Cluett ask her to court such unsuitable men? What secrets did he have?
Outstanding story and definitely a keeper for my shelf.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.
I loved the atmospheric feel of the story and the many secrets to uncover, from motivations to secret rooms and passages. And why'd Mr Cluett ask her to court such unsuitable men? What secrets did he have?
Outstanding story and definitely a keeper for my shelf.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.
September 8, 2021
An enigmatic illness, a mysterious manor, an unforeseen inheritance, and a suspicious death all add up to a maelstrom of misfortune for Wilson’s stouthearted and winsome heroine, especially when she’s falling in love with the ‘wrong’ man. Twilight at Moorington Cross has all of the atmospheric trappings of a classic Regency Gothic along with a sweet and stirring romance. Perfect for fans of Julie Klassen and Kristi Ann Hunter.
January 11, 2022
I really enjoy a good Regency and this story is a page turner that kept me involved from beginning to the end. With a cast of interesting characters in an unusual setting, everyone is not as they appear and there are many surprises throughout while the story unfolds. The setting is in a hospital in a private estate and the owner is a doctor of Mesmeric medicine, where he uses magnetism to help patients with ailments. Three patients are currently living in the hospital, including widow Amelia Pembroke, who suffers with a sleep disorder and freezing of muscles brought on by severe emotions, and an older lady and gentleman. The doctor stuns Amelia and others when she is included in his will with some strange stipulations. She has a choice of two gentlemen that she has to choose between and agree to marry one within thirty days of the doctor's death with other demands. The gentlemen are there when he reveals his will to all with the help of his solicitor, Ewan Hawkins. Then the doctor is murdered. With a house of possible suspects. Amelia finds herself in a mess as she does not see that either man will suit. Surprises abound with the reveal of their true identity and then why Amelia was chosen to be a recipient. There are lots of mysteries and suspense in this intriguing and entertaining story. I highly recommend this book for those who enjoy a great mystery in the historical and/or Regency period.
I received a complimentary ARC from Thomas Nelson and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
I received a complimentary ARC from Thomas Nelson and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
January 11, 2022
1819 Kent, England
The best thing about reading a mystery is being surprised by the details when they are revealed. Twilight at Moorington Cross definitely delivered on that front! So many pieces to the puzzle that this reader didn't see until the unveiling.
Abigail Wilson does a great job with time period details and creating a cast of characters that are enjoyable to immerse in.
And an October release is coming! Great news!
My gratitude to publisher Thomas Nelson for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
The best thing about reading a mystery is being surprised by the details when they are revealed. Twilight at Moorington Cross definitely delivered on that front! So many pieces to the puzzle that this reader didn't see until the unveiling.
Abigail Wilson does a great job with time period details and creating a cast of characters that are enjoyable to immerse in.
And an October release is coming! Great news!
My gratitude to publisher Thomas Nelson for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
June 3, 2024
This was an enjoyable and pleasant read....I could tell how the eventual romance would play out between two characters of course as anyone would but still lovely:) I was curious with regards to the most unusual and so called "choice" between two men that our main character Amelia would need to decide upon and who was actually behind all the strange stipulations and murder etc.
A scattered bit of spiritual/faith elements here and there as mentions of offering to read the Bible as that's all one would expect, if that much even, with Thomas Nelson being the publisher, but never the less, it was quite wholesome. A few references to the book of Solomon, a prayer etc.
Otherwise; no problem with recommending this for anyone who is drawn to the Regency England era and life as it was then with the customs for a curl up and read time.:)
A scattered bit of spiritual/faith elements here and there as mentions of offering to read the Bible as that's all one would expect, if that much even, with Thomas Nelson being the publisher, but never the less, it was quite wholesome. A few references to the book of Solomon, a prayer etc.
Otherwise; no problem with recommending this for anyone who is drawn to the Regency England era and life as it was then with the customs for a curl up and read time.:)
October 21, 2024
Twilight at Moorington Cross by Abigail Wilson
4 Stars
Blog Post with Review Graphic: https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/...
Another great read by Abigail Wilson! My third book by her and I am looking forward to more! This is a very captivating regency-era mystery that blends romance, intrigue and a gothic setting that is very atmospheric in England. Fans of historical fiction, especially those who love a dash of suspense and twists, will enjoy this one.
This book is about Amelia Pembroke, who has a health condition and is constantly at Cluett's Mesmeric Hospital. When her doctor is murdered and her name turns up in his will, this take a turn. She receives an unexpected inheritance - a crumbling estate known as Moorington Cross. But to claim it, she has to marry 1 of 2 possible men. And then the guy that is helping her....ends up being the one she would rather be interested in, as things would have it. :) Ewan Hawkins is supposed to help her but they get to know one another and the rest is history.
I loved the slow burn to the romance in this one - they found common ground and truly cared for one another no matter what. Highly recommend! This makes me want to finish the other books I own by Abigail now!
No content warnings on my end, romance was clean :)
4 Stars
Blog Post with Review Graphic: https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/...
Another great read by Abigail Wilson! My third book by her and I am looking forward to more! This is a very captivating regency-era mystery that blends romance, intrigue and a gothic setting that is very atmospheric in England. Fans of historical fiction, especially those who love a dash of suspense and twists, will enjoy this one.
This book is about Amelia Pembroke, who has a health condition and is constantly at Cluett's Mesmeric Hospital. When her doctor is murdered and her name turns up in his will, this take a turn. She receives an unexpected inheritance - a crumbling estate known as Moorington Cross. But to claim it, she has to marry 1 of 2 possible men. And then the guy that is helping her....ends up being the one she would rather be interested in, as things would have it. :) Ewan Hawkins is supposed to help her but they get to know one another and the rest is history.
I loved the slow burn to the romance in this one - they found common ground and truly cared for one another no matter what. Highly recommend! This makes me want to finish the other books I own by Abigail now!
No content warnings on my end, romance was clean :)
October 18, 2021
Abigail Wilson has become a compulsory must-read author for me! I loooove the mood of her books, including this one...it's as mysterious and romantic as her others and as usual, the voice and writing are just spot-on. It took me a sec to place Mr. Hawkins as a character from a previous book, but as soon as I did, I loved that connection! (You don't have to have read the previous book...but it's a fun connection, if you have.) And I was super intrigued by the mesmeric hospital setting. An all-around perfect read for autumn...or anytime. :)
September 15, 2021
Absolutely a delightful book - will be sharing more about it closer to the release date of January 11, 2022. I was privileged to receive an early copy, and asked to share an endorsement if I liked this book. Guess what? I'm totally endorsing it! This is a fantastic Regency full of suspense and intrigue. ;-)
January 16, 2022
Richly layered with a complex plot and host of characters. The twists came right through the final pages. Those who love Regency romance with a deep mystery will enjoy every page of Abigail Wilson's latest novel.
February 14, 2022
Atmospheric and mysterious and deliciously intriguing. I mean, there are mysteries you don't even know are mysteries until they're solved! And the revelations keep coming right up to the very end.
Love the obscure historical details Wilson brings to light in this novel. I actually googled mesmeric to get a better understanding of the kind of treatments Amelia is undergoing. Mind boggling, that's all I'm going to say about that! And what an interesting affliction to place upon a Regency heroine. Amelia's life has been difficult, she's been judged and found wanting and eventually tucked away out of sight. She's thankful for finding a safe place to land under the compassionate (if misguided!) care of Dr. Cluett...until his outlandish proposal for securing her future.
Married to a stranger?! No worries, Amelia, the good doctor has chosen two unlikely candidates and you get to choose! So I'm settling in to enjoy all that lovely emotional turmoil (and the welcome distraction of a certain charming solictor) when her benefactor's sudden and suspicious death throws the whole household into turmoil.
Giddy shiver. Moortington Cross is delightfully creepy and mysterious. It seems that every one has a secret to hide, including the house itself (!) and Amelia's determined to discover them all so she can make a sensible decision about her future. And she has a whole month to do so! No pressure there at all.
Compelling read from start to finish!
Love the obscure historical details Wilson brings to light in this novel. I actually googled mesmeric to get a better understanding of the kind of treatments Amelia is undergoing. Mind boggling, that's all I'm going to say about that! And what an interesting affliction to place upon a Regency heroine. Amelia's life has been difficult, she's been judged and found wanting and eventually tucked away out of sight. She's thankful for finding a safe place to land under the compassionate (if misguided!) care of Dr. Cluett...until his outlandish proposal for securing her future.
Married to a stranger?! No worries, Amelia, the good doctor has chosen two unlikely candidates and you get to choose! So I'm settling in to enjoy all that lovely emotional turmoil (and the welcome distraction of a certain charming solictor) when her benefactor's sudden and suspicious death throws the whole household into turmoil.
Giddy shiver. Moortington Cross is delightfully creepy and mysterious. It seems that every one has a secret to hide, including the house itself (!) and Amelia's determined to discover them all so she can make a sensible decision about her future. And she has a whole month to do so! No pressure there at all.
Compelling read from start to finish!
February 3, 2022
3.5 stars
"Mr. Cluett has made your inheritance conditional upon your marriage to one of two named gentlemen . . . . you must wed one of them within thirty days of his death."
What a conundrum, especially when the good doctor's demise came sooner rather than later . . . far too soon it seemed, leaving the widowed Mrs. Amelia Pembroke left with no one to rely on but the solicitor, Mr. Hawkins, who had drawn up the curious will. Amelia's years at Cluett's Mesmeric Hospital had been some of the most peaceful in her still young life, and now? To lose it all? Or to gain it all . . . along with a virtual stranger whom she never wanted to choose as a husband. Amelia's first marriage had been disastrous, especially after her husband eye-witnessed her rather bizarre sleeping disorder. Who could be trusted to guide her through the next thirty days; is Ewan Hawkins up to the task, or will he betray her too, for the inheritance represented a considerable amount of money and property, enough to kill for as a matter of fact. Amelia would do well to watch her back.
"I simply cannot walk away from Moorington Cross knowing I didn't exhaust every possible hope . . "
This story compares to playing a game of CLUE, with every character and every room holding tight to their secrets until the very end. Enjoy the quest!
"Mr. Cluett has made your inheritance conditional upon your marriage to one of two named gentlemen . . . . you must wed one of them within thirty days of his death."
What a conundrum, especially when the good doctor's demise came sooner rather than later . . . far too soon it seemed, leaving the widowed Mrs. Amelia Pembroke left with no one to rely on but the solicitor, Mr. Hawkins, who had drawn up the curious will. Amelia's years at Cluett's Mesmeric Hospital had been some of the most peaceful in her still young life, and now? To lose it all? Or to gain it all . . . along with a virtual stranger whom she never wanted to choose as a husband. Amelia's first marriage had been disastrous, especially after her husband eye-witnessed her rather bizarre sleeping disorder. Who could be trusted to guide her through the next thirty days; is Ewan Hawkins up to the task, or will he betray her too, for the inheritance represented a considerable amount of money and property, enough to kill for as a matter of fact. Amelia would do well to watch her back.
"I simply cannot walk away from Moorington Cross knowing I didn't exhaust every possible hope . . "
This story compares to playing a game of CLUE, with every character and every room holding tight to their secrets until the very end. Enjoy the quest!
January 12, 2022
Regency gothic _______2.5
This story started with an intriguing proposition. The premise behind this gothic romance set in 1815 was both unusual and fascinating. Located in a sanitarium in Kent, far from London, patients attend the hospital prepared to undergo experimental and alternative methods of healing to combat their various complaints. One such client is Mrs Amelia Pembroke, the widow of a solicitor whose private face was so much darker than his public one. Mr Cluett the owner of Cluett's Mesmeric Hospital practises various aspects of mesmerism. Cluett has been attempting to cure Amelia from “sleeping” sickness. She has been in the sanitarium for two years.
Mr. Cluett is very attached to her. We’re not sure why. Maybe because she’s the guinea pig for his research looking at the patient being able to self-mesmerise.
Confusingly, Amelia is made aware that she will be the sole beneficiary in Cluett's will if she marries one of two men he determines. Once more men are attempting to order her life.
Cluett’s sudden death devolves into the possibility he might have been murdered. With his death Amelia is left trying to work out what to do, who to marry, and should she trust the solicitor sent from her husband’s firm to alter Cluett’s will just prior to his “accident.”
Truly I was all out of patience with Amelia by the time I reached near to the end. I really wanted to enjoy this but the drawn out, lack lustre resolution had me falling asleep. Yes, there’s an aura of suspense, but things sort of fell away.
I guess bullied and abused over years left Amelia unable to move forward quickly enough for me.
I so wanted to enjoy this Regency Gothic tale, but in the end I barely crossed the finish line.
A Thomas Nelson ARC via NetGalley
This story started with an intriguing proposition. The premise behind this gothic romance set in 1815 was both unusual and fascinating. Located in a sanitarium in Kent, far from London, patients attend the hospital prepared to undergo experimental and alternative methods of healing to combat their various complaints. One such client is Mrs Amelia Pembroke, the widow of a solicitor whose private face was so much darker than his public one. Mr Cluett the owner of Cluett's Mesmeric Hospital practises various aspects of mesmerism. Cluett has been attempting to cure Amelia from “sleeping” sickness. She has been in the sanitarium for two years.
Mr. Cluett is very attached to her. We’re not sure why. Maybe because she’s the guinea pig for his research looking at the patient being able to self-mesmerise.
Confusingly, Amelia is made aware that she will be the sole beneficiary in Cluett's will if she marries one of two men he determines. Once more men are attempting to order her life.
Cluett’s sudden death devolves into the possibility he might have been murdered. With his death Amelia is left trying to work out what to do, who to marry, and should she trust the solicitor sent from her husband’s firm to alter Cluett’s will just prior to his “accident.”
Truly I was all out of patience with Amelia by the time I reached near to the end. I really wanted to enjoy this but the drawn out, lack lustre resolution had me falling asleep. Yes, there’s an aura of suspense, but things sort of fell away.
I guess bullied and abused over years left Amelia unable to move forward quickly enough for me.
I so wanted to enjoy this Regency Gothic tale, but in the end I barely crossed the finish line.
A Thomas Nelson ARC via NetGalley
December 27, 2022
Twilight at Moorington Cross was an enthralling Regency mystery, set apart by its intriguing premise and endearing romance. The unique premise of this book easily pulled me in - while the mystery piqued my curiosity and kept me guessing, the forbidden love aspect to the romance left me wondering how the heroine and hero would get their HEA and just rooting for them to get there.
I absolutely adored the romance in this book! Ewan Hawkins was a kind, charming, protective, and intelligent hero. His moments of vulnerability with Amelia really just stole my heart and made me swoon. Amelia was a great heroine too - empathetic, insightful, and capable. I loved that they complemented each other very well - both in their personalities and shared experiences. I also really enjoyed the banter between the two, and the growth of their friendship into a sweet and tender love.
The mesmerism aspect in the story was definitely my least favorite part about the book and I wish it wasn't included altogether. It's essential to the plot, and I probably wouldn't have read this book if I'd known that. However, it didn't ruin the story for me.
Overall, I really enjoyed Twilight at Moorington Cross.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
I absolutely adored the romance in this book! Ewan Hawkins was a kind, charming, protective, and intelligent hero. His moments of vulnerability with Amelia really just stole my heart and made me swoon. Amelia was a great heroine too - empathetic, insightful, and capable. I loved that they complemented each other very well - both in their personalities and shared experiences. I also really enjoyed the banter between the two, and the growth of their friendship into a sweet and tender love.
The mesmerism aspect in the story was definitely my least favorite part about the book and I wish it wasn't included altogether. It's essential to the plot, and I probably wouldn't have read this book if I'd known that. However, it didn't ruin the story for me.
Overall, I really enjoyed Twilight at Moorington Cross.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
January 6, 2022
A will has left Amelia Pembroke with an impossible decision. She must marry a cad or a fop within the month. And they are both strangers! So many secrets at Moorington Cross. With the help of well-mannered Ewan Hawkins, solicitor of the late Mr. Cluett, Amelia sets out to find out mor about her suitors.
Truth tangled among the lies. Hidden passageways, secrets concealed in unused rooms and a spooky look into a precursor of hypnotism.
Ms. Wilson’s prose is stunning: “A swallow sang from somewhere in the distance. Nature’s soothing hum. The sun shook free of a blanket of clouds lit the morning dew as it glinted across the flowers like tiny diamonds at our feet.”
With engaging, mysterious characters and a thoroughly tantalizing plot, Ms. Wilson continues to captivate me with her gothic tales. Some of the best writing of today about the obscure yesterday.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
Truth tangled among the lies. Hidden passageways, secrets concealed in unused rooms and a spooky look into a precursor of hypnotism.
Ms. Wilson’s prose is stunning: “A swallow sang from somewhere in the distance. Nature’s soothing hum. The sun shook free of a blanket of clouds lit the morning dew as it glinted across the flowers like tiny diamonds at our feet.”
With engaging, mysterious characters and a thoroughly tantalizing plot, Ms. Wilson continues to captivate me with her gothic tales. Some of the best writing of today about the obscure yesterday.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
June 4, 2022
Lovely writing. Charming characters. Dialogue authentic to the period. Enjoyable!
February 5, 2022
Now this is the type of book I expected from all I’d heard of Abigail Wilson’s stories. This one was a spectacularly mysterious Gothic-Regency novel that had me hooked and intrigued from the first chapter. Even if it hadn’t been due the next morning, I would have guzzled the audio in a single evening.
The premise was so interesting, and the plot twists willed it out beautifully. I can hardly wait to get a paperback copy to savor this story all over again at a slower pace. I’m sure I’ll catch even more details the second time around.
One thing I didn’t understand was why the surrogate father figure would choose two completely lecherous men for Amelia to choose from in order to gain her inheritance. If he truly adored her as a daughter, wouldn’t he have wanted to secure a better man for her, one that had her best interests at heart instead of the number of zeroes in her bank account?
The sleep disorder that Amelia had was such a great feature. I hadn’t seen this in a leading lady before, and I must say, it quite intrigued me.
The guinea pig! Chauncey was so adorable.
Narrator Laura Kirman’s voice reminded me of actress Kate Winslet. Mrs. Kirman did a fantastic job of bringing this story to life in a believable and engaging way. This was my first audiobook with this narrator, but I would be glad to find additional ones.
Content: suicide mentioned
The premise was so interesting, and the plot twists willed it out beautifully. I can hardly wait to get a paperback copy to savor this story all over again at a slower pace. I’m sure I’ll catch even more details the second time around.
One thing I didn’t understand was why the surrogate father figure would choose two completely lecherous men for Amelia to choose from in order to gain her inheritance. If he truly adored her as a daughter, wouldn’t he have wanted to secure a better man for her, one that had her best interests at heart instead of the number of zeroes in her bank account?
The sleep disorder that Amelia had was such a great feature. I hadn’t seen this in a leading lady before, and I must say, it quite intrigued me.
The guinea pig! Chauncey was so adorable.
Narrator Laura Kirman’s voice reminded me of actress Kate Winslet. Mrs. Kirman did a fantastic job of bringing this story to life in a believable and engaging way. This was my first audiobook with this narrator, but I would be glad to find additional ones.
Content: suicide mentioned
January 10, 2022
I received an advanced copy of #Twilightatmooringtoncross via #Netgalley and have provided my honest opinion.
From the précis of the story I thought I was going to be reading a regency historical fiction novel however although the setting may be in that time period, there are no similarities to other romantic historical fiction books that I enjoy.
The book had a very eerie feel to it. The setting is a mesmeric hospital which I had and still have no knowledge of. It appears to be an unusual method of treatment involving ionic water and iron rods. Amelia has been a patient there since her husband admitted her for sleep episodes that have plagued her since childhood although they only appear to bother her a handful of times throughout the plot. She is written into the will of the owner Mr Cluett and stands to inherit the hospital as long as she marries one of 2 men within 28 days.
Following the announcement of the contents of the will to the other patients and the 2 named gentlemen and in the presence of the solicitor Ewan Hawkins, Mr Cluett dies in unusual circumstances.
The rest of the book is about unravelling the murder, Amelia pretending to get to know the 2 men (but not really spending time with them) and her actually falling in love with the solicitor.
I found a lot of the plot disjointed and the book wasn’t really what I expected. It was also a slow process getting through it with a lot of the action and random information being revealed in the last 5% of the story. I found it difficult to relate to any of the characters and I wasn’t invested in them.
For those of you that enjoy gothic elements and murder mystery type stories, then this may be for you however for me, this one did not deliver what I was expecting.
From the précis of the story I thought I was going to be reading a regency historical fiction novel however although the setting may be in that time period, there are no similarities to other romantic historical fiction books that I enjoy.
The book had a very eerie feel to it. The setting is a mesmeric hospital which I had and still have no knowledge of. It appears to be an unusual method of treatment involving ionic water and iron rods. Amelia has been a patient there since her husband admitted her for sleep episodes that have plagued her since childhood although they only appear to bother her a handful of times throughout the plot. She is written into the will of the owner Mr Cluett and stands to inherit the hospital as long as she marries one of 2 men within 28 days.
Following the announcement of the contents of the will to the other patients and the 2 named gentlemen and in the presence of the solicitor Ewan Hawkins, Mr Cluett dies in unusual circumstances.
The rest of the book is about unravelling the murder, Amelia pretending to get to know the 2 men (but not really spending time with them) and her actually falling in love with the solicitor.
I found a lot of the plot disjointed and the book wasn’t really what I expected. It was also a slow process getting through it with a lot of the action and random information being revealed in the last 5% of the story. I found it difficult to relate to any of the characters and I wasn’t invested in them.
For those of you that enjoy gothic elements and murder mystery type stories, then this may be for you however for me, this one did not deliver what I was expecting.
April 14, 2022
4.25⭐️
Narrator - Laura Kirman - VERY good
1819, Kent, England
Characters
Amelia Pembroke - Heiress to Moorington Cross
Mr. Cluett - Upon his death Amelia would inherit his estate/mesmeric hospital
Ewan Hawkins - Lawyer seeing to Amelia's inheritance
Mr. Lemington and Mr. Montague - The options given for Amelia to marry in order to inherit
I rather liked this book, but it was a complete surprise. I had no idea that it would be such a mystery, and far more complicated than most Regency Era books are. I would call it more of a mystery than a romance novel, although there was romance in it.
Poor Amelia was given an inheritance, but the stipulation was she had to choose between two specific men to marry within one month of Mr. Cluet's death. The lawyer who oversaw this stipulation stayed in the mansion/hospital, along with Amelia, several servants, two patients, and the two men chosen by Mr. Cluet to court her. The male main characters were all very different.
The lawyer, Ewan Cluett, was straight laced as well as kind.
The "suitors":
Mr Lemington was somewhat boring and distracted.
Mr. Montague had the reputation of an arrogant womanizer.
(Mind you, I was listening to this, rather than reading it, so I'm guessing at the name spellings)
Most of the way through the book the reader doesn’t know who had good motives, or evil intent. Their true-selves were a mystery, and one of the residents was a murderer.
The last few chapters were a bit of a muddle to me. Suddenly characters' names changed because who they said they were was false. Then new characters' names were brought in, and honestly, I had a hard time keeping track of them all in my mind. This is where a hard copy or even a Kindle copy would have helped so I could look the characters up again. Hard to do in an audiobook.
I wouldn’t call this book specifically Christian fiction, however scripture and prayer were mentioned occasionally.
All in all, it was a page-turner and very good.
Narrator - Laura Kirman - VERY good
1819, Kent, England
Characters
Amelia Pembroke - Heiress to Moorington Cross
Mr. Cluett - Upon his death Amelia would inherit his estate/mesmeric hospital
Ewan Hawkins - Lawyer seeing to Amelia's inheritance
Mr. Lemington and Mr. Montague - The options given for Amelia to marry in order to inherit
I rather liked this book, but it was a complete surprise. I had no idea that it would be such a mystery, and far more complicated than most Regency Era books are. I would call it more of a mystery than a romance novel, although there was romance in it.
Poor Amelia was given an inheritance, but the stipulation was she had to choose between two specific men to marry within one month of Mr. Cluet's death. The lawyer who oversaw this stipulation stayed in the mansion/hospital, along with Amelia, several servants, two patients, and the two men chosen by Mr. Cluet to court her. The male main characters were all very different.
The lawyer, Ewan Cluett, was straight laced as well as kind.
The "suitors":
Mr Lemington was somewhat boring and distracted.
Mr. Montague had the reputation of an arrogant womanizer.
(Mind you, I was listening to this, rather than reading it, so I'm guessing at the name spellings)
Most of the way through the book the reader doesn’t know who had good motives, or evil intent. Their true-selves were a mystery, and one of the residents was a murderer.
The last few chapters were a bit of a muddle to me. Suddenly characters' names changed because who they said they were was false. Then new characters' names were brought in, and honestly, I had a hard time keeping track of them all in my mind. This is where a hard copy or even a Kindle copy would have helped so I could look the characters up again. Hard to do in an audiobook.
I wouldn’t call this book specifically Christian fiction, however scripture and prayer were mentioned occasionally.
All in all, it was a page-turner and very good.
July 16, 2022
Really enjoyed this book… almost as much as Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey but that one is still my favorite. I think the setting of the book—the home being a facility for patients with medical conditions, took away from the enjoyment of the story for me—it was a little depressing and felt sad—but that’s just me; I’m too sensitive sometimes.
The romance was very sweet and, as I’ve come to expect from Abigail, the mystery was excellent! I loved the way the story concluded too. Very unexpected.
One of the main characters from this book was someone from Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey so it was great to read this story right after that one—but you don’t have to to enjoy this.
I really loved that both main characters had a disability/medical condition, it made you really root for their romance all the more. I didn’t really connect with Amelia, the heroine. It seems Abigail’s heroines do a lot of thinking but not a lot of communicating with their heroes…I feel like the heroes give so much in communicating and the women don’t say a lot in return (the guys don’t seem to care though.) This seems to just be Abigail’s way of writing—the books are written in first person so that might be why.
The romance was very sweet and, as I’ve come to expect from Abigail, the mystery was excellent! I loved the way the story concluded too. Very unexpected.
One of the main characters from this book was someone from Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey so it was great to read this story right after that one—but you don’t have to to enjoy this.
I really loved that both main characters had a disability/medical condition, it made you really root for their romance all the more. I didn’t really connect with Amelia, the heroine. It seems Abigail’s heroines do a lot of thinking but not a lot of communicating with their heroes…I feel like the heroes give so much in communicating and the women don’t say a lot in return (the guys don’t seem to care though.) This seems to just be Abigail’s way of writing—the books are written in first person so that might be why.
July 21, 2022
Oh this book had many great twists and turns in it! I knew from reading this author's previous works that I was in for a good mystery and that there would be unexpected moments throughout the book. And she didn't disappoint.
Amelia is trying to understand her sleeping spells and has tried to receive treatment for it but unfortunately she's no closer to getting answers than when she was a little girl. She's had a lot of trauma in her life since she was little and just wishes for freedom in her choices. Boy is she in for a big surprise!!! Mr. Cluett who has become like a father figure to her has a plan to keep her safe and cared for, for years. Maybe. Because it doesn't keep him safe. In fact, he ends up dead.
Thus begins a rather interesting cat and mouse game as well as Amelia forced to pick to marry between two men of Mr. Cluett's choosing within 30 days of his death. Yikes! No pressure at all.
Of course the little clues start coming in while everything is unfolding and as the reader we have to try to discern which are true and which are just bread crumbs trying to lead us off the scent.
Then we also get to see a character from one of her previous books. Ewan Hawkins, who is Mr. Cluett's solicitor and somewhat now Amelia's guardian.
A murderer walking around at large, patients suffering from lack of treatments, a nurse who is hiding secrets, two gentlemen suitors who are something else, a handsome solicitor whom Amelia is trying to guard her heart from but can't seem to avoid him, more hidden secrets, and lots of twists and turns.
I was thinking I had it all figured out and bam, something else would happen and I'd be like, "No way! I did not see that coming!!!" Hahaha! It kept me turning the pages very quickly and guessing at every turn.
I'm looking forward to what else this author has in store for us readers! She's got a fan in me!!!
Content: Clean. This does deal with suspense and murder but is written very well and not overly graphic. I'd let my teens read it.
I received a copy from the publisher, Thomas Nelson--Fiction, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
Amelia is trying to understand her sleeping spells and has tried to receive treatment for it but unfortunately she's no closer to getting answers than when she was a little girl. She's had a lot of trauma in her life since she was little and just wishes for freedom in her choices. Boy is she in for a big surprise!!! Mr. Cluett who has become like a father figure to her has a plan to keep her safe and cared for, for years. Maybe. Because it doesn't keep him safe. In fact, he ends up dead.
Thus begins a rather interesting cat and mouse game as well as Amelia forced to pick to marry between two men of Mr. Cluett's choosing within 30 days of his death. Yikes! No pressure at all.
Of course the little clues start coming in while everything is unfolding and as the reader we have to try to discern which are true and which are just bread crumbs trying to lead us off the scent.
Then we also get to see a character from one of her previous books. Ewan Hawkins, who is Mr. Cluett's solicitor and somewhat now Amelia's guardian.
A murderer walking around at large, patients suffering from lack of treatments, a nurse who is hiding secrets, two gentlemen suitors who are something else, a handsome solicitor whom Amelia is trying to guard her heart from but can't seem to avoid him, more hidden secrets, and lots of twists and turns.
I was thinking I had it all figured out and bam, something else would happen and I'd be like, "No way! I did not see that coming!!!" Hahaha! It kept me turning the pages very quickly and guessing at every turn.
I'm looking forward to what else this author has in store for us readers! She's got a fan in me!!!
Content: Clean. This does deal with suspense and murder but is written very well and not overly graphic. I'd let my teens read it.
I received a copy from the publisher, Thomas Nelson--Fiction, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
January 11, 2022
Twilight at Moorington Cross was such a delight to read. It was quite a ride. The hero was awesome. I loved Ewan. Wow! He was intelligent, witty, and protective of Amelia.
The heroine, Amelia was wonderful. She was also intelligent, witty, and cared for others. The book had suspense, mystery and romance. Things I love in a book.
*I received a copy of this book by Thomas Nelson Publishers and this is my honest opinion.
4.5 stars
The heroine, Amelia was wonderful. She was also intelligent, witty, and cared for others. The book had suspense, mystery and romance. Things I love in a book.
*I received a copy of this book by Thomas Nelson Publishers and this is my honest opinion.
4.5 stars
December 20, 2021
Barbara’s rating: 3 of 5 Stars
Series: Standalone
Publication Date: 1/11/22
Period: Regency
Number of Pages: 320
I was really looking forward to reading Twilight at Moorington Cross because I had read and enjoyed other books from this author. This book, however, didn’t live up to its predecessors.
Mrs. Amelia Pembroke has had a difficult life. We didn’t learn anything of her parents, how they met their deaths, or how they came to leave their young daughter’s future so unplanned. We do know that she was in the hands of a guardian by the age of five, and that guardian was a loving and caring one. Although not loving and caring enough to assure she was protected – he left for France and left her in the care of yet another guardian. She was passed from uncaring guardian to uncaring guardian until she was old enough to marry and then she was foisted off on an unsuspecting bridegroom. You see, Amelia has a sleeping disorder (narcolepsy I assume) and is apt to fall asleep at the most inopportune times. In times of severe stress, her entire body locks, and she falls – totally paralyzed. None of her guardians could deal with that – nor could the bridegroom who knew nothing of the disorder when he married her. They were only married a week before he placed her in the Cluett Mesmeric Hospital where she has been for the last two years. Though she is now a widow, she is still in residence at the hospital.
Ethan Hawkins has been summoned to the Cluett Mesmeric Hospital to formalize Mr. Cluett’s will. It is definitely a strange will, but it isn’t his job to judge – it is only his job to assure that the will is legal and binding. He is amazed when Mr. Cluett decides to share the contents of the will with the beneficiaries as soon as it is finalized. However, Mr. Cluett wants all who will be affected to be aware of the clauses in the will and what it will mean to them. You see, Mr. Cluett is leaving his considerable fortune and property to Amelia – as long as she marries one of two gentlemen he has named. Should she choose not to honor that clause in the will, the ENTIRE fortune and property will be awarded to the mesmeric school in France.
Later that same evening, Mr. Cluett is found dead in his bath. Accident or murder? The bumbling magistrate rules it an accident, but Ethan and Amelia are sure it was murder. Everyone in the home was accounted for at the time of death, so it couldn’t be one of them. Or could it? The house was locked up for the evening, so it couldn’t have been anyone from the outside. Or could it?
The characters were almost cardboard and I just couldn’t find any affinity with them, and the mystery was so very slow – and – well – boring – until you got to the end and then all sorts of weird and unexpected things just came out of the woodwork. Almost the entire book has Amelia vacillating between the two possible suitors – but she really prefers Ethan – but she really has to choose one of the other two men – but she really prefers Ethan - and on and on. It was very tiresome and really didn’t move the story along. I will certainly try another book by this author, but I cannot recommend this one.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Series: Standalone
Publication Date: 1/11/22
Period: Regency
Number of Pages: 320
I was really looking forward to reading Twilight at Moorington Cross because I had read and enjoyed other books from this author. This book, however, didn’t live up to its predecessors.
Mrs. Amelia Pembroke has had a difficult life. We didn’t learn anything of her parents, how they met their deaths, or how they came to leave their young daughter’s future so unplanned. We do know that she was in the hands of a guardian by the age of five, and that guardian was a loving and caring one. Although not loving and caring enough to assure she was protected – he left for France and left her in the care of yet another guardian. She was passed from uncaring guardian to uncaring guardian until she was old enough to marry and then she was foisted off on an unsuspecting bridegroom. You see, Amelia has a sleeping disorder (narcolepsy I assume) and is apt to fall asleep at the most inopportune times. In times of severe stress, her entire body locks, and she falls – totally paralyzed. None of her guardians could deal with that – nor could the bridegroom who knew nothing of the disorder when he married her. They were only married a week before he placed her in the Cluett Mesmeric Hospital where she has been for the last two years. Though she is now a widow, she is still in residence at the hospital.
Ethan Hawkins has been summoned to the Cluett Mesmeric Hospital to formalize Mr. Cluett’s will. It is definitely a strange will, but it isn’t his job to judge – it is only his job to assure that the will is legal and binding. He is amazed when Mr. Cluett decides to share the contents of the will with the beneficiaries as soon as it is finalized. However, Mr. Cluett wants all who will be affected to be aware of the clauses in the will and what it will mean to them. You see, Mr. Cluett is leaving his considerable fortune and property to Amelia – as long as she marries one of two gentlemen he has named. Should she choose not to honor that clause in the will, the ENTIRE fortune and property will be awarded to the mesmeric school in France.
Later that same evening, Mr. Cluett is found dead in his bath. Accident or murder? The bumbling magistrate rules it an accident, but Ethan and Amelia are sure it was murder. Everyone in the home was accounted for at the time of death, so it couldn’t be one of them. Or could it? The house was locked up for the evening, so it couldn’t have been anyone from the outside. Or could it?
The characters were almost cardboard and I just couldn’t find any affinity with them, and the mystery was so very slow – and – well – boring – until you got to the end and then all sorts of weird and unexpected things just came out of the woodwork. Almost the entire book has Amelia vacillating between the two possible suitors – but she really prefers Ethan – but she really has to choose one of the other two men – but she really prefers Ethan - and on and on. It was very tiresome and really didn’t move the story along. I will certainly try another book by this author, but I cannot recommend this one.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 11, 2022
I have enjoyed past books from Abigail Wilson and this one was quite good as well. A manor house, a strange will requesting a young widow marry one of two prechosen men, skeptical medical procedures, a murder, a mystery, a bevy of suspects......all the ingredients for a great story!
Quite like reading a mystery by Agatha Christie, Wilson populates her story with good characters (even the not so nice ones) and manages to confuse the reader so that we never guess what is happening. I loved it! An old manor house, with a wing that nobody ever visits and is crumbling, was the perfect setting for this one. I confess, I never once figured out what she was going to do with this. She gives us more than one twist and then ties it all up rather neatly and happily. Well done!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishing through Net Galley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Quite like reading a mystery by Agatha Christie, Wilson populates her story with good characters (even the not so nice ones) and manages to confuse the reader so that we never guess what is happening. I loved it! An old manor house, with a wing that nobody ever visits and is crumbling, was the perfect setting for this one. I confess, I never once figured out what she was going to do with this. She gives us more than one twist and then ties it all up rather neatly and happily. Well done!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishing through Net Galley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
April 14, 2023
This was a cute mystery, with turns at every corner. I enjoyed the characters as well as the light romance. It's definitely a lighter mystery. I especially enjoyed when Ewin and Abigail explored the east wing for the first time. It enjoyed that little adventure element.
It was clean. Although there was mention of books of the bible and scripture, the faith based element was very light.
The very ending pushed it from a three to a four for me. I thought the ending was well thought out and well written. Everything was pieced together and tied together nicely at the end.
It was clean. Although there was mention of books of the bible and scripture, the faith based element was very light.
The very ending pushed it from a three to a four for me. I thought the ending was well thought out and well written. Everything was pieced together and tied together nicely at the end.
February 2, 2022
1819 Kent, England: Amelia is a widow and a patient at Cluett’s Mesmeric Hospital suffering from a disorder that causes her to fall asleep without warning. In a strange turn of events, she learns that her doctor, Mr. Cluett, has altered his will naming her his primary beneficiary and heiress to his estate. However, to inherit, she has to marry one of two specific men, neither of whom she knows. She has thirty days to decide, even though she is attracted to someone else entirely. Not long after informing her of this, Mr. Cluett passes away. Amelia is determined to investigate the sudden death of her benefactor while at the same time trying to choose from two possible husbands.
This is a wonderful combination of mystery and romance that is sure to please fans of both genres. The premise is intriguing and includes a will, a forced marriage, a murder, and a sleep disorder. The history of mesmerism, a type of hypnosis, and its use in medical treatment is explored a bit. We are reminded of the limited rights of women in the 1800s through Amelia, whose life is controlled by guardians and then by an abusive husband. The murder mystery is well thought out and contains many twists and red herrings. It will most definitely keep the reader guessing until the end. The house itself, Moorington Cross, holds many secrets and is almost a character in the story. This is a book that is heavy on suspense and mystery in Agatha Christie style but still delivers with romance as well.
I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via Historical Novels Review Magazine. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
This is a wonderful combination of mystery and romance that is sure to please fans of both genres. The premise is intriguing and includes a will, a forced marriage, a murder, and a sleep disorder. The history of mesmerism, a type of hypnosis, and its use in medical treatment is explored a bit. We are reminded of the limited rights of women in the 1800s through Amelia, whose life is controlled by guardians and then by an abusive husband. The murder mystery is well thought out and contains many twists and red herrings. It will most definitely keep the reader guessing until the end. The house itself, Moorington Cross, holds many secrets and is almost a character in the story. This is a book that is heavy on suspense and mystery in Agatha Christie style but still delivers with romance as well.
I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via Historical Novels Review Magazine. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
December 27, 2021
If you are a fan of Regency, especially with a bit of a Gothic tone, then Abigail Wilson is the author for you! I really loved this tale that is chock full of mystery, intrigue and a dash of romance. Amelia was my favorite character - she has a life changing decision to make, and within the mysterious confines of Moorington Cross she is desperate to find out who really has her best interests at heart. There were plenty of plot twists to keep me guessing and I never in a million years would have guessed the outcome! I had been in somewhat of a reading slump, and this novel was definitely the ticket to get me totally engrossed in a wonderful story that kept the pages turning and piqued my curiosity to the very end!
I have read and thoroughly enjoyed everything that Abigail Wilson has published. This novel has a character that is a minor one in Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey, but it can easily be read as a stand-alone. Twilight at Moorington Cross has edged out my favorite title, In the Shadow of Croft Towers. Croft Towers is her debut, which I highly recommend in addition to her fabulous backlist.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
I have read and thoroughly enjoyed everything that Abigail Wilson has published. This novel has a character that is a minor one in Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey, but it can easily be read as a stand-alone. Twilight at Moorington Cross has edged out my favorite title, In the Shadow of Croft Towers. Croft Towers is her debut, which I highly recommend in addition to her fabulous backlist.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
September 15, 2021
This book missed the mark completely for me. It is so very different from this author’s other novels. The plot was bizarre and the characters were eccentric and hard to connect with as a reader. While it did offer a mysterious element that all Abigail Wilson’s books do, I wasn’t invested in the outcome. The pacing was slower and there wasn’t much going on in the plot for most of the book, and the hospital setting was oddly distracting. I simply did not understand Amelia’s character motivation at all. The fact that she was willing to entertain marriage to two horrible options because of some ill conceived notion of taking care of her friends was baffling to me. They both had other arrangements that could have been made and financial means to receive care in another capacity, so it was just irritating that she placed herself in the impossible situation. Like, just say no and walk away. I actually liked Ewan. His personality and sense of humor was engaging. The fact that the guinea pig helped crack the case wide open was a bit of an eye roll moment. There was so much smashed into the ending that I wished had been sprinkled throughout the story. It was a lot to process and I felt that the story up to that point had been a lot of repeat plot points. The ending delivered the twists and turns that I have come to expect from Abigail Wilson’s writing, however it was not enough to alter my opinion of the previous 96% of the book. This one simply didn’t click for me, however I will anxiously await the next book!
February 11, 2022
Atmospheric setting, characters with secrets, a dark shadowy deed at the heart, and a heroine who slowly begins to feel her own acute danger as she seeks to find the truth and her own road to happiness. An irresistible combo and just what I was looking for in this second outing with author Abigail Wilson’s Regency era gothic-styled romantic suspense that had me shivering with anticipation.
The Widowed Amelia Pembroke Introduced
“It was entirely possible that I spent more time lying on the floor of Cluett’s Mesmeric Hospital than standing upon it.” Loc 38
For two years, she has lived in relative peace under the treatment of kind Mr. Cluett and his taciturn nurse with two other live-in patients. They have become more than fellow sufferers, but a family of sorts.
Then, one day, Mr. Cluett shares the contents of his new will and everything changes for her. Mr. Cluett knows her fears about marriage and yet he puts a proviso in his will that if she is to inherit Moorington Cross and his wealth then she must wed one of two men Cluett has chosen as eligible and she must do it within thirty days of his death.
Enter Mr. Hawkins the solicitor who represents her deceased husband’s firm and is now her legal advisor. He irritates and attracts her at the same time. Is he truly on her side?
“I gave myself a mental shake. I’d survived one intolerable guardian after another and then a violent husband. I could certainly keep this far-too-handsome Mr. Hawkins at arm’s length. Besides, he had no intentions where I was concerned. There was no mistaking that. I was merely a problem that needed solving.” Loc 659
Death Comes Calling
After a poor first meeting with her would-be suitors, Amelia is woken by fellow patient, Mrs. Fitzroy’s screams to discover that her doctor and kind friend is dead and it might not have been natural. Death is not a stranger to Moorington Cross as she soon learns when it is whispered about the house of the Cluett family curse and there is no sense of safety within its walls.
Amelia is told to trust no one, but she has to because she needs to discover the truth even while agonizing over a cold man who maintains a distance and makes it clear that her wellbeing is not his top interest or a smarmy one who has a bad reputation in London society. She goes with her instinct about the one man she cannot choose and secretly wishes were an option.
“I couldn’t help but think how easily I had put my faith in Mr. Hawkins, even after Mrs. Fitzroy cautioned me in the same manner. Yet for some reason, doing so felt right. My muscles relaxed. There was something about him, a well-crafted believability, like worn leather –pliable yet strong. He was nothing like my late husband, who had wormed his way into my life on a life.” Loc 715
A Complex and Twisting Plot
Amelia’s focus is divided between partnering Mr. Hawkins to investigate Mr. Cluett’s murder and the mysteries at Moorington Cross and figure out which of her suitors would be the lesser of two evils, so to speak. Progress is slow on both fronts, but steadily, they learn little bits here and there that seem unrelated at first. I had several ‘why’ questions and wondered if they would ever get answered, but then, in the end, the pieces finally fit together. They learn they must be getting closer when Amelia barely avoids her own murder. The end comes in a heart-in-the throat climax and multiple shocking reveals. My small issue with this book is in just how many ‘happy’ coincidences reside in these reveals. Even the denouement provides a startling surprise, but a beautiful swoonworthy scene, too.
Added Layers to the Characters
As I read this one, I was struck by several unique features and particularly in regard to her main characters. The author gave the heroine a sleeping disorder disability and made her an orphan and subject to the Regency’s version of the foster care system- past from unwilling and uninterested guardian to the next as well as always fearing she would be locked away in an institution like Bedlam for her issue. In the end her abusive husband, put her in the private home. With none of these does she have any control and it must have been terrifying in the extreme so that no wonder she found a private treatment hospital converted from a family estate to be a shelter and home.
Mr. Hawkins could match her with the disability of a deformed hand, abandoned by his mother to a London workhouse and known as an illegitimate baby. He has some inkling of what it is to be ostracized, but also dependent on others while forced to take care of himself when no one else is there. The turning point in the story came in an intimate moment between the pair.
“Show you?” His hand stilled as his face blanched white. “I…I won’t if you’d prefer not to see it. I’m just basking in a rather glorious revelation. You, Mrs. Pembroke, may be the first person I’ve ever met who understands me.” A smile crossed his face. “I find myself intrigued and strangely empowered by the discovery. I only thought that since I’ve seen one of your [sleeping] spells, it is only fair you see an intimate piece of me as well.” Loc 2330
Concluding Remarks
In summation, Twilight at Moorington Cross mixed Regency manners with Gothic Suspense rather well and boldly addressed social and cultural elements of the period. My second outing with Abigail Wilson’s books was a triumph and I think those who enjoy romantic historical mysteries will find this one mesmerizing.
The Widowed Amelia Pembroke Introduced
“It was entirely possible that I spent more time lying on the floor of Cluett’s Mesmeric Hospital than standing upon it.” Loc 38
For two years, she has lived in relative peace under the treatment of kind Mr. Cluett and his taciturn nurse with two other live-in patients. They have become more than fellow sufferers, but a family of sorts.
Then, one day, Mr. Cluett shares the contents of his new will and everything changes for her. Mr. Cluett knows her fears about marriage and yet he puts a proviso in his will that if she is to inherit Moorington Cross and his wealth then she must wed one of two men Cluett has chosen as eligible and she must do it within thirty days of his death.
Enter Mr. Hawkins the solicitor who represents her deceased husband’s firm and is now her legal advisor. He irritates and attracts her at the same time. Is he truly on her side?
“I gave myself a mental shake. I’d survived one intolerable guardian after another and then a violent husband. I could certainly keep this far-too-handsome Mr. Hawkins at arm’s length. Besides, he had no intentions where I was concerned. There was no mistaking that. I was merely a problem that needed solving.” Loc 659
Death Comes Calling
After a poor first meeting with her would-be suitors, Amelia is woken by fellow patient, Mrs. Fitzroy’s screams to discover that her doctor and kind friend is dead and it might not have been natural. Death is not a stranger to Moorington Cross as she soon learns when it is whispered about the house of the Cluett family curse and there is no sense of safety within its walls.
Amelia is told to trust no one, but she has to because she needs to discover the truth even while agonizing over a cold man who maintains a distance and makes it clear that her wellbeing is not his top interest or a smarmy one who has a bad reputation in London society. She goes with her instinct about the one man she cannot choose and secretly wishes were an option.
“I couldn’t help but think how easily I had put my faith in Mr. Hawkins, even after Mrs. Fitzroy cautioned me in the same manner. Yet for some reason, doing so felt right. My muscles relaxed. There was something about him, a well-crafted believability, like worn leather –pliable yet strong. He was nothing like my late husband, who had wormed his way into my life on a life.” Loc 715
A Complex and Twisting Plot
Amelia’s focus is divided between partnering Mr. Hawkins to investigate Mr. Cluett’s murder and the mysteries at Moorington Cross and figure out which of her suitors would be the lesser of two evils, so to speak. Progress is slow on both fronts, but steadily, they learn little bits here and there that seem unrelated at first. I had several ‘why’ questions and wondered if they would ever get answered, but then, in the end, the pieces finally fit together. They learn they must be getting closer when Amelia barely avoids her own murder. The end comes in a heart-in-the throat climax and multiple shocking reveals. My small issue with this book is in just how many ‘happy’ coincidences reside in these reveals. Even the denouement provides a startling surprise, but a beautiful swoonworthy scene, too.
Added Layers to the Characters
As I read this one, I was struck by several unique features and particularly in regard to her main characters. The author gave the heroine a sleeping disorder disability and made her an orphan and subject to the Regency’s version of the foster care system- past from unwilling and uninterested guardian to the next as well as always fearing she would be locked away in an institution like Bedlam for her issue. In the end her abusive husband, put her in the private home. With none of these does she have any control and it must have been terrifying in the extreme so that no wonder she found a private treatment hospital converted from a family estate to be a shelter and home.
Mr. Hawkins could match her with the disability of a deformed hand, abandoned by his mother to a London workhouse and known as an illegitimate baby. He has some inkling of what it is to be ostracized, but also dependent on others while forced to take care of himself when no one else is there. The turning point in the story came in an intimate moment between the pair.
“Show you?” His hand stilled as his face blanched white. “I…I won’t if you’d prefer not to see it. I’m just basking in a rather glorious revelation. You, Mrs. Pembroke, may be the first person I’ve ever met who understands me.” A smile crossed his face. “I find myself intrigued and strangely empowered by the discovery. I only thought that since I’ve seen one of your [sleeping] spells, it is only fair you see an intimate piece of me as well.” Loc 2330
Concluding Remarks
In summation, Twilight at Moorington Cross mixed Regency manners with Gothic Suspense rather well and boldly addressed social and cultural elements of the period. My second outing with Abigail Wilson’s books was a triumph and I think those who enjoy romantic historical mysteries will find this one mesmerizing.
February 5, 2022
AMAZING!
I just don't understand how Abigail Wilson can continue to write new novels with such varied plots and mind-boggling mysteries! I had puzzled out two major parts of the mystery about three-fourths of the way through but still didn't have all the why's behind those two things. Beyond that, I was completely astounded, even as the pieces were revealed point-blank! Abigail Wilson is truly a master at weaving together so many unforseen, intricate details of a mystery. She would make a positively stellar Sherlock Holmes with her attention to the tiniest details!
I'll admit, the mesmerism was a bit weird to me. It was essential to the plot, however, so I was able to move past my personal feelings and still be thoroughly absorbed into the story. I also love how her stories are subtly connected! I am so beyond ready to start back at In the Shadow of Croft Towers and read them all through back to back!
I just don't understand how Abigail Wilson can continue to write new novels with such varied plots and mind-boggling mysteries! I had puzzled out two major parts of the mystery about three-fourths of the way through but still didn't have all the why's behind those two things. Beyond that, I was completely astounded, even as the pieces were revealed point-blank! Abigail Wilson is truly a master at weaving together so many unforseen, intricate details of a mystery. She would make a positively stellar Sherlock Holmes with her attention to the tiniest details!
I'll admit, the mesmerism was a bit weird to me. It was essential to the plot, however, so I was able to move past my personal feelings and still be thoroughly absorbed into the story. I also love how her stories are subtly connected! I am so beyond ready to start back at In the Shadow of Croft Towers and read them all through back to back!
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