Under Glass And Stone Box Set: The Complete Gothic Mystery Duology

Byrne House #1-2

by A.N. Willis

Includes both books of the bestselling Byrne House duology: Under Glass and Stone and Doors of Gold and Rust.

Two disappearances, over a century apart...The truth waits inside Byrne House.

For five generations, Evelyn's family has lived in the same small brick house, shadowed by the mansion across the street. Her Nana filled her childhood with stories about Byrne House: tales of missing children, of lovers gone mad. The mansion loomed every night in her dreams. Even now, at seventeen, Evelyn watches the sprawling Victorian from her second-floor bedroom, unable to explain her obsession with a house she's never been inside.

Then one of the boys in Evelyn's senior class disappears. Evelyn is the last person to see him--just a pale face in Byrne House's tower window.

The police don't believe her. Even her friends think she just imagined the face in the window. Only Alex--a handsome newcomer with his own ties to Byrne House--shares her suspicions. Alex believes that this latest disappearance is tied to the mansion's long-buried past. But there's more that Alex isn't telling her. Evelyn has no idea how far she'll have to go to find the answers. Or what she'll have to remember.

Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Mystery

812 pages, ebook

Published August 4, 2021

About the author

A.N. Willis writes gripping mysteries and paranormal suspense where the past never stays buried.

Reviews

[Rainz ❤️rainnbooks❤️(on a break) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Under Glass and Stone had such an exciting blurb that I couldn’t stop myself from requesting an ARC and thankfully, the book delivers big time!

The boxed set of Under Glass and Stone has both the books; Book #1 Under Glass and Stone and Book #2 Doors of Gold and Rust, and I have to say this the boxed set cover image is superb and attractive.

I am reviewing both the books separately and the links are provided below:

Under Glass And Stone

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Doors Of Gold And Rust

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Many thanks to Booksirens and the author for a chance to read and review this book. All opinions are expressed voluntarily.

This review is published in my blog https://rainnbooks.com/, Goodreads, Amazon India, Medium.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

[Littlefoot Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title: Under Sea & Stone (boxed set)
Author: A.N. Willis
Genre: YA Gothic/Paranormal/Mystery
Rating: 3/5
Trigger warnings: abuse, violence, death.

Favorite Quote/Excerpt: “…her heart had thrown itself right off the cliff. And there she was, standing amidst the wreckage. It hurt so damn much.”

I received a copy from Book Sirens for free in exchange for honest review - Thank you!!

Summary:
The story follows Evelyn, Alex (and a WHOLE host of minor characters), as they try to solve the mystery of Byrne House. The problem is, Evelyn has seen things that can’t be explained and no one believes her. Is it just her imagination? Or a result of trauma from her childhood? Only Alex believes her, but holds secrets of his own. How far will Evelyn have to go to find her answers?

Thoughts:
First off, as this is a duology in one, it is hard to rate as both books were very different in writing style, character development, and overall plot.
I settled on 3 stars. I will insert a disclaimer here that YA Mystery is an unfamiliar genre for me. That being said, overall, this was a quick, easy, and mostly enjoyable read. I’m dividing my review into two parts; Book 1 (Under Sea and Stone), and Book 2 (Doors of Gold and Rust)

Book 1:
This one was agonizingly slow. While it does set up the history of the characters, the town, and the dual timelines, to me, I feel there is quite a bit that could have been cut from this one and still accomplish the goal of setting the stage for book 2. Still, the writing was successful in providing the suspense that kept you wanting to read more.
I enjoyed the characters mostly. It held true to teenage angst and self-absorption. Some parts were a bit cringy, however, I chalk that up to being an adult reading a YA novel. The emotions and actions were believable and fit well within the age group.
Overall, this book individually would be a 3-star rating. Again, due to the pacing and some of the character interactions.

Book 2:
I enjoyed the mystery more in this book, I didn’t see as much of Darren as I was hoping or expecting.
The characters were still true to their age and expected emotions, however, I could not wrap my head around the romance.
The only negative I really have for the second book was I felt the teenage drama and angst seemed to overshadow the mystery.

Conclusion:

Overall, I enjoyed this story, the characters, and the historical aspect. While I may complain of the teenage angst, again, it was realistic and expected. The mysteries in both books were written in a way that encouraged you to keep reading and solve the mystery. The writing was atmospheric, the scenery well described. I could have done with less angst and complaining from Evelyn – but overall an enjoyable read. If you enjoy dual timelines, love triangles, and mysteries, this is right up your alley.

[Angel (Bookn.All.Night) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick and enjoyable read. It's hard to rate this as it's two books in one. The first book is a little slower as it's setting up the history, characters and setting. There are mysteries in both books to solve but the mystery in the second was better, IMO. So I went with 4 stars for the Duology as a whole as that's how I read it.

In the first book we are learning why the Byrne House is so important and why Evelyn has such strong emotions with it. She's been obsessed with it ever since she was a little girl. We also learn the history of Byrne House and why that history ties into Evelyn's present. I really enjoyed the historical portion of this book.

In book two, another mystery pops up that again relates to Evelyn and her family. Even though I enjoyed the mystery better in this one, the characters gave me heartburn. It felt like they backtracked a little in the maturity department but then it could just be me as the love triangle between Evelyn, Alex and Jake was in play.

I really loved the paranormal/science fiction portion of these books the best. Ghosts, mirrors that can see the past, flashes of aura and emotions...awesome.

Overall, a well done YA Gothic Mystery and one I think would be good to tackle during the Halloween season. It won't scare your socks off but it has just the right amount of mystery and semi-creepy to start it off.

I sincerely appreciate the publisher and Book Sirens for providing me with an E-Copy. All opinions expressed herein are mine and mine alone.

[Marie-Lyne (Gonewithflynn) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first YA horror/mystery and I'm glad to say it was pretty good! The first book had a lot more set up and thus was a bit slow but ultimately, still super intriguing and managed to give me goosebumps more than once! 🙈 Overall, I do have to say I wish some characters/relationships were a bit more fleshed out, especially when it came to Evelyn's friends- involving them more would have made the story better in my opinion. Moreover, some characters, like Evelyn's dad, just felt introduced for the sake of drama. At least, the teen characters are true to their age, that is they are self-absorbed, still immature in certain aspects and full of angst. 😂 I do have to admit, that while I preferred the mystery of book 2, I didn't care for the love triangle. It made me cringe, the trope felt overused since book 1 also contains a love triangle and the drama going on in Evelyn's life overshadowed the mystery. Nevertheless, if you're a fan of dual timelines, love triangles and creepy mysteries, I think you'd enjoy this one!

CW: Violence, Alcohol/Drug use, Assault.

Book 1, Under Glass and Stone: ⭐⭐⭐.25/5
Book 2, Doors of Gold and Rust:
⭐⭐⭐.75/5

A huge thank you to the author and Booksirens for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Berls · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have such mixed feelings about this duology. There's some aspects that are pretty cool - but it really dragged on SO LONG. I think I would have enjoyed it a bit more from an adult perspective too, maybe. The YA love triangles - yes, there is one for each book - weren't my favorite element. I think I just never really got to love the characters. But there was something about it that did keep me interested and I just wanted to see how it would end up.

Book 1 - Under Glass and Stone
This was the better of the two books... in fact, I think this would have been best as a stand alone, because where it ended things were resolved enough for me. The mystery surrounding the house was very interesting and the fantasy elements were pretty cool. The love triangle in this book wasn't a central or as harsh. And I enjoyed the way things were resolved - it had a bit more intensity and anxiousness. There were also these really cool letters from the ancestors of Bryne House that propelled the story and mystery forward in fascinating ways.

Book 2 - Doors of Gold and Rust
What I liked about this book was the way it didn't disregard the impact of the previous book's events on the characters. But I was not as invested in the mystery. I felt like in the first book, they was a reason for their involvement in the mystery - it was natural that they were being propelled forward and mixed up in the problems. But in this book, they were seeking out trouble. And the absence of the letters meant the story progression rested much more on the magical/fantasy elements that were less compelling for me. Also, the love triangle was harsh - from both angles - and I just didn't enjoy the angst. I wanted to see how things would end, so I didn't quit, but I think I would recommend reading the first book and stopping at that.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kirsty (BookBlogger) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Under Glass and Stone - A. N. Willis

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to BookSirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily
For five generations, Evelyn's family has lived in the same small brick house, shadowed by the mansion across the street. Her Nana filled her childhood with stories about Byrne House: tales of missing children, of lovers gone mad. The mansion loomed every night in her dreams. Even now, at seventeen, Evelyn watches the sprawling Victorian from her second-floor bedroom, unable to explain her obsession with a house she's never been inside.
In this book you get suspense, twists, atmosphere and even Supernatural goings on. A well-written YA book, that is also well suited to adults. I like how Ada's letters are used to tell the story in two different timelines.
With a fast-paced plot, this is a satisfyingly quick read. I struggled putting this book down.
Rating 4/5
Doors of Gold and Rust - A. N. Willis
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to BookSirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily
It’s been four months since Evelyn Ashwood escaped from the tunnels beneath Byrne House, and nothing about her life is the same. Alex Evans still hasn’t returned to Castle Heights. She’s spending more time with Jake—her former enemy—whose macabre sense of humor conceals a darker affliction. And she’s plagued by disturbing visions of the past that she cannot control, much less explain.
This is book two in the Byrne House series, I would recommend that you read the first book in the series before reading this book. Following on from where we left off in Under Glass and Stone, this book continues with the suspense from beginning to end.
In this fast-paced installment the reader is given much more insight into the family history, with a clear and easy to follow plot.
Rating 4/5

[Lexivore · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

This is book one and two of a series. If I had read just the first book I'd have rated it 3.5 and rounded to a 4 star rating.
Book one, I enjoyed. The characters were mostly likeable, their interactions relatable insofar as it being a bunch of high schoolers. Even the main character's insecurities were believable being a teen girl. Some of the situations were farfetched in premise. There were strange interactions between adults and teens almost as of the writer is still unsure about how adults and teenagers are supposed to interact. The story being told was interesting and I didn't skim terribly.
Book two, I liked book one enough to say okay let's go, and figured that usually some growth has occurred and so therefore lucky me sequel right here.

Nope. Book two, nuhuh no the characters all seemed to not mature but instead they're all more insecure, whiney, and annoying. Worse the adults act even more like they're not sure how to be adults with teenagers. Then there's added bonus situation of the love triangle which might be somewhat believable in a high school setting. At least the power play between two people vying for the attention of the same person. But, really? Hasn't it been done to death? The plot, the story, the characters all felt rushed and slapped together like there was a need to add a story but the idea hadn't yet been finished. Nothing was fully fleshed out things were thrown in and the story went from a sort of YA Gothic to a YA romance. I pushed through. It probably wasn't worth the hour or so I spent skimming and finishing.

I received this from Book Sirens. I appreciate the opportunity to read and review the book.

[Katya · Rating 3 out of 5]

I will say, I do appreciate both books being packaged together, as it makes continuing the duology much easier; however, I wouldn't necessarily call it a duology so much as a series. The first book works as a standalone, and the second book is a continuation, not so much the second half of the story. The second book also wavers between being a standalone and a second part, most of the time acting as its own installment but at times hearkening back to the first book with references, which I found awkward. Either you expect readers to have read the first book, in which case we don't need the references/reminders, or it's a standalone, in which case it should be able to, well, stand alone without referencing the first book. Willis seemed unable to commit to either direction here.

But anyway.

I enjoyed the first installment a lot more than the second; the mystery was better, the setup and payoff more engaging, and as a whole it felt deeper and more immersive. The second book felt more surface-level, as if the writer wanted to wrap up some loose ends and tried to weave a full plot around those loose ends that never fully materialized. The magical elements became more fantastical but were never fully explained, hovering somewhere between sorcery and science and failing to anchor fully in either camp - a seemingly reoccurring challenge for Willis.

Evelyn, as a lead, was okay; I didn't cheer for her particularly hard but I also didn't hate her. The love triangles in either book were unnecessary, and the romance was predictable and insta-love-y. The love interests were all kind of controlling and borderline abusive, but one was okay while the other was vilified. The instances of guys physically holding Evelyn back, picking her up while she "kicked her feet" (I lost count of the number of times this phrase reappeared) and otherwise manhandling her without her consent left a bad taste. There was a lot of teenage angst that, while not inaccurate, irritated me because I'm pretty far from that age myself. It would probably be more relatable for the target demographic.

I did appreciate the familiar relationship between Evelyn and Vivian (?), her mother - at first strained, they come to understand each other by the end of the books, which so rarely happens in YA literature where the parent is either a villain or conveniently absent. This was a rare instance of a parental relationship healing and growing and felt satisfying.

The mystery itself was, as I said, better in the first installment. Ada's story was more compelling than Sam's (? I keep forgetting the adults' names) and the second installment veered very much into the realm of the fantastical that didn't work for me because the setup wasn't solid enough to support it. As I mentioned before, I would have liked the properties of the crystals to be better outlined and explained, including limitations on its power. Without limits, it turned into a bit of a free-for-all in the second installment that was less gothic mystery and more steampunk adventure that felt plucked from a different book.

Ultimately, it's a quick read and the first book does nail the Gothic mood quite well. The writing is atmospheric and Willis is skilled at painting a picture with their words. If you don't mind a bit of teenage angst and are willing to overlook some unnecessary love triangles, it's a worthwhile read.

Thanks to the author and BookSires for the digital copy!

[Melissa’s Bookshelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Under Glass and Stone is a compelling YA mystery with some paranormal aspects. The setting is a small former mining town called Castle Heights, Colorado. At the heart of the novel is Byrne House, a creepy gothic Victorian mansion owned by distant cousins. The mystery takes place in two different time periods, modern day and the 1890’s. The story is told mainly from Evelyn’s perspective, a 17 year old girl who has been obsessed with the Byrne mansion and its history since she was a little girl.

This was a difficult book to rate. The main reason is because it’s a duology. The two books are somewhat different in style. For this review, I’ll discuss what I liked and what I didn’t for each book separately.

What I liked about the first book:

1. First, the book cover and synopsis really drew me in. I felt like the first chapter was a really good hook and made me want to read more.

2. The letters from Ada were interesting if a little overly detailed. They kept me engaged in the story and wondering what happened to her and what made her so afraid.

3. The friendships between the teens. I felt like though Evelyn is really selfish, I enjoyed the interactions she had with Alex as well as the other characters in the story.

What I didn’t like:

1. The writing through the first few chapters was a lot of “tell” and not “show.” I felt like the author didn’t have enough faith in the reader to figure it out. In one of Ada’s letters, the author literally says “You my elder sister.” The writing did get better as time went on.

2. I didn’t like the relationship between mother and daughter. I felt like I had whiplash as a reader with Evelyn’s character because one minute she seemed sweet and kind to her friends and would then flip out at her mother for no good reason. Also, in what world does the mother get mad at her daughter for disrespecting her and then turn around and give her back her cell phone. As a mom, this just didn’t ring true.

3. Evelyn’s character was unsympathetic to me. She seems selfish, at times unreasonable, and honestly immature for 17. She doesn’t have a job, nor does she have real responsibility. I just couldn’t like her and wondered what Alex saw in her.

4. Teenage drama. I think teens may like the drama, but I especially didn’t like the alcohol use and the almost sex scene in the book.

5. Romantic relationship between cousins. Though there is a mention that they are distant cousins, the family relationship is never really explained. It seems odd that the direct descendants of the Byrnes would have to share ownership with distant cousins. I can’t remember any time where an explanation is given either of family relationship or why the house ownership is split this way.

The second book in the series picks up 3 months after the first book. It’s hard to say much without giving away too many spoilers, but in this book, Alex has gone back to school in New York and Evelyn is turning more to Jake whom she bonded with in the first book. Daniella, one of the Byrne descendants has offered Evelyn a deal. She will get Evelyn what she wants most (Alex) in exchange for help in finding a second invention of Walter Byrne. There is also the mystery of what happened to Evelyn’s Uncle Sammy who disappeared when she was a child.

What I liked:

1. I felt like the writing was much better in this book.

2. I liked the mystery of the second invention. There’s a twist with the invention at the end that I didn’t see coming and I liked that it was unpredictable.

What I didn’t like:

1. I didn’t like the suggestion of teenage sex. Even though this fades to black and no details are given, I felt like this was unnecessary.

2. Teenage drinking. I get why the author included this scene, but I kept wondering where the parents were in all of this, especially since the kids were all around 17 years old.

3. The predictability of who murdered Sammy and why.

4 The unrealistic paranormal event at the end. Though it was a nice twist, I think it would have been better without the paranormal aspect.

5. Evelyn’s character! She is selfish, hides things unnecessarily, is annoying, and again unsympathetic. I felt like many of her decisions were really immature for an almost 18 year old.

Overall, this was a pretty good mystery that kept me turning the pages. I definitely think the author has talent and I thought the plot was creative.

I would give the duology overall, 2 1/2 stars. I rounded it up to 3 because it did keep my attention. I wouldn’t recommend this book to teens under 16 for the following content reasons:

Sexual Content: moderate (clothing removal in the first book with sex interrupted, clothing removal in the second book with implied sex.)

Language: mild swearing

Violence: moderate (character shot in the eye, character stabbed in the neck, physical fighting, etc.)

Alcohol/Drug Use: Moderate+ (underage drinking, underage drug use)

I received an advance review copy from Book Sirens for my honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not required to give a positive review.

[Billie-Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is refreshing to read a duology from the point of view of a strong female lead who stands up to the stereotypical patriarchy we find in many gothic, fantastical mysteries.

Evelyn is young, forced to mature very quickly and taken on a journey not only of uncovering the truth behind local mystery, but also uncovering the parts of herself she never knew before. I sometimes feel disconnected from a younger protagonist but Evelyn was a lovely person to follow along with. I believe she made the mistakes someone of her age would make, but this didn't slow the plot down and enhanced the verisimilitude which makes this duology so interesting. At times it could be frustrating, but a character's mistakes are what make them all the more real.

It is a conglomeration of mystery, fantasy, and the gothic which, in summary, makes for a very compelling read. I was invested in the story, in the steady drip feeding of information and the experiences Evelyn goes through. The detail in the history of Byrne House, and the complicated backstory didn't become overwhelming and I loved discovering things as Evelyn did.

The characters, even the smaller ones, have their own depth and history which gives them a solid place within the plot and makes them all the more memorable and the plot all the more enriching. I also absolutely loved that the fantasy elements of this story have scientific background and is based on realism.

Evelyn's strength is admirable, and in the moments where the plot could have easily veered towards the stereotypical 'male comes in and saves the day', Evelynn is given the space to grow as a person and choose her own direction.

Whilst I enjoyed it very much, and would wholeheartedly read it again, there were just a few things holding me back from giving it five stars.

At times, and this may just be personal, the references to "Tumblr and SnapChat" or any form of technology and social media felt forced, unnecessary, and almost appeared a stilted desire to connect with a younger audience. Whilst the inclusion of technology is natural in more contemporary books, I felt it was a little too stark and took me away from the plot, but these were just a few very small occasions.

I forgot at times how small the timeframe of this book is set in, and when I ponder on it, some things appeared to move very fast. I won't give any spoilers and perhaps sound rather cynical when I say it, but I found it hard to believe their romantic connection could be so strong from one incident many years ago when they were so young, and the short time they've known each other. I understand the notion of 'meant to be', but considering how young they still are, sometimes I felt it got a little too emotionally serious too quickly. However, perhaps that is me having too critical of an afterthought. There is a lot packed into this duology, and at times I felt it definitely could have been longer to allow for more depth.

There were moments when I couldn't put this collection down, and it is definitely one of those fast paced, engrossing reads which takes you on a journey almost involuntarily. I'm so pleased I found this duology and am thankful that it pulled me out of a very frustrating reading rut. I will certainly be returning to Byrne House in the future and would recommend it to anyone looking for an absorbing, quick read with mystery, magical realism, and gothic darkness.

Please check trigger warnings! It does get rather dark in places.

I'd also like to add that I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. However, I have not been endorsed to say anything particular and all opinions are my own.

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet gothic fantasy duology....

This was the box set that I had the pleasure to read as this is a duology consisting of two books, the first 'Under Glass and Stone' and the second 'Doors of Gold and Rust'. Both books can be read as the box set or as separate novels.

Overall, I award a 4 star review. However. I did feel the second book was not as good as the first. As a result, I feel the first book was a 4 whereas the second was more of a 3 star review.

Both books were enjoyable to read, yet I did feel the second one was weaker and more or a rehash of the first book. Perhaps, it may have been better if it was one book that may have been slightly longer incorporating some of the elements of the second book. At points in both books, and more so in the second, I felt I was experiencing, sadly, a bit of groundhog day. The same events and happenings felt like they were repeating themselves quite a bit.

Firstly, the first book really appealed to me and was a really sweet gothic fantasy that is a lovely introduction to the genre, especially for teenagers and young adult readers alike. The book blurb was drew me initially to wanting to read the books as it promised an air of a haunted house mystery coupled with a disappearance.

The first book is set in the USA in a small town called Castle Heights and begins with the disappearance of Milo Foster. His best friend Evelyn lives next door to the mansion where he was last seen and follows her journey and adventures of discovering what happened. Along the way, she meets Alex, a handsome and mysterious young boy who has ties to the mansion.

The second book, on the other hand, is also set in Castle Heights and this time surrounds a murder mystery at the mansion. Evelyn's and Alex's relationship is also further explored with a few twists of trust and loyalty along the way.

As both books progressed, I struggled to connect with the characters. I quite liked Evelyn and in the first book especially. I felt I got to know her a little and her feelings, emotions and especially her relationship with her mum felt very well done and convincing. I was not sure whether I liked Alex in either book and wanted to have more of a relationship develop with her friends Milo and Silvia. I felt they could of been involved more in the action.

I also felt the plot was rather complex, and in particular in the second book, to be hard to comprehend and made to feel believable. I also struggled at points to visualise the location and the setting. Throughout the two books, I liked the feeling of mystery, but did feel there could of been a more imaginative or unexpected fantasy element to it. I particularly liked in the first novel though, the use of the letters connecting events and Evelyn to the past and the present.

Overall, both books were an interesting read, although I preferred the first book. And as mentioned above, the first book could have elements of the second, helping to strengthen and deepen the plot of the first.

Thank you to the author, A.N. Wills for letting me read this duology and will look forward to reading some other books. I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Aisha Rowbottom-Isaacs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love when a book ticks off all my boxes. I normally don't need much, but if a book can make me excited and make it so that I don't, well, more like can't put it down, it's a win. 𝘜𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘎𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘯𝘦 took me completely by storm. It was such a joy to read. It's so satisfying when a book hits just right and this book delivers on all fronts.

My love for historical fiction stems wholly from my unabashed obsession with Kate Morton and everything she writes. But more so, I love period pieces (which explains why I was so taken with the Bridgerton books) and story lines from the early nineteenth and twentieth century and how events from the past intertwine with present day (time which the book is set) events. It really gets me going. Although, the 𝘜𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘎𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘯𝘦 duology was far more fantastical and on the supernatural side than what I'm used to and if I'm being completely honest, than what I prefer, it still managed to stir something within me.

It had the type of plotline that had me hooked immediately. I loved how the protagonist, Evelyn's, connection to Byrne House was interconnected with her eventual love interest, Alex. I also like how Willis sneaked in a YA love story, giving the storyline some added grit. It reminds the reader that these are just kids trying to solve these mysteries and kids are going to do what kids do, develop crushes. It didn't, however, need the love triangle. That just seemed like unnecessary scandal and drama, especially since there were much bigger things at play, like solving the big mystery.

Even though the suspense was laid on pretty thick and I found myself both eager to read the end but simultaneously sad for the book to end, I did feel the ending fell sort of flat. But much of that has to do with the second book and it's all tied together in that one, I guess. As the events unfold in Doors of Gold and Rust, the ending to the first one starts to make a lot more sense. That said, I didn't think there was any need for a second book at first. It was giving me sort of 𝘔𝘦 𝘉𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘠𝘰𝘶, wondering why Jojo Moyes ever thought writing 𝘈𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘠𝘰𝘶 was a good idea-vibes but then I read the second book and realised hey, this works. And it did work. Doors of Gold and Rust helps elevate the conclusion in the first book but at the same time spins a story of its own that really worked. The second book tended toward the boring side and conjured another love triangle that it just didn't need (like Evelyn doesn’t have enough issues) but it held its own.

I thoroughly enjoyed this duology. It was thrilling and packed just the right amount of suspense that when the ending fell flat, you didn't feel that cheated. It got so dark and creepy at times that I was tempted to sleep with a night light. Like, your girl nearly peed herself. It was well written and the characters didn't make me want to stab myself with a fork in the eye. As an avid rereader, I would definitely read this book again. And would recommend it to anyone who doesn't mind sitting on the edge of their seat, relishes in past colliding with present and is not affronted by supernatural, gothic themes.

Thank you to Booksiren for gifting me this ARC. Super glad to have read it.

[Chevy · Rating 2 out of 5]

*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. **I reserve 5 star ratings to books I’d reread, own, or highly recommend/push onto a friend.

Under glass and stone Book 1:
I feel like there was too much going on in this book; the mystery of Byrne house and the teenage drama. AND it was altogether too long. I think this story could have been written without so much talk of Evelyn’s “obsession” and all the potential underlying trauma. I also think the relationship between Alex and Evelyn was unnecessary and really helped drag this story out. Honestly his whole family could have been eliminated from this book without repercussions; just have Daniella and Darren’s reasoning altered a little and just have the neighborhood kids investigating the mystery.

There were also way too many minor characters: Ms. Foster, housekeepers, absent dads that were still brought up, etc.

I’m disappointed this left the story unfinished. I honestly don’t care about the relationship but the part about Byrne house and Darren/Daniella has much more story left in it.

I gave it 3 stars because it did keep me engaged and there was enough suspense to keep the pages turning although again there were several repetitive points that I found tedious. 3 to me is “good enough” and neutral. Books I don’t love or hate and almost assuredly forgot after reading.

Doors of gold and dust Book 2:
DNF-this book was absolute crap!

I got halfway through and quite at the house party. Honestly I’m not knocking this book for being “unbelievable” because we’re talking haunted house ghost phenomenon shit here but seriously all the side teenage drama killed it for me; high schoolers having a house party with hard liquor past 3 AM in a supposed smallish town?! And this AFTER the unnecessary mom/dad conflict, the awkward post long distance relationship between Evelyn and Alex, and a marriage proposal. This is the Byrne House box set not the Evelyn and Alex drama box set! Halfway through and there are HUGE gaps between “flashes” and teenage drama. William and Daniella are but mere mentions so far.
The book started off fine with a dead uncle revelation and a possible mystery to solve using new sight superpowers but now NOTHING is happening…get on with it already. I am so irritated with this book for so many reasons and I’m sure you can read it in this review. This books is so unnecessary; if they had just cut the crap out of the first book like I mentioned in that review they could have added whatever Uncle Sam and conclusion to the visions/dust serum/whatever and just end the story. I honestly hate the love story and feel any mention of the parents is all so unnecessary; just distracting page fillers that take away from the story completely.

[Scuffed Granny · Rating 4 out of 5]

A.N. Willis has written a very entertaining suspense novel in Under Glass and Stone, which is the first in the Byrne House books. Set in the fictional town of Castle Heights in Colorado, the story follows Evelyn and her insatiable curiosity with Byrne House. When her friend, Milo goes missing and is last seen close to Byrne House, recently empty after the death of its owner, Evelyn is sure that she saw Milo’s pale face in the tower and is convinced that he is in there somewhere. But how to find him?

There is nothing quite like a gothic style mansion to entice suspense and the advent of horror, and A.N. Willis does this really well. The story is told in the third person but we follow Evelyn and her discoveries. Willis has a created a cast of solid supporting characters who are Evelyn’s friends and also manages to have love interest in the story and addresses the conflicts that can arise from being an uncertain teenager.

The gothic theme continues beyond that with tunnels and secret doors as well as experimentation, all with a nod to classic literary precursors like Frankenstein and Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.

The way that the story develops is always at a good pace and believable and I was never in a position where it felt contrived. Willis is a competent and controlled writer who knows how a story should evolve with just enough revealed to keep you guessing and reading but not too little to frustrate. I think that it is sometimes difficult to find this balance but Willis has achieved it. I found it difficult to predict where the story was going and of whom to feel the most suspicious.

This is also true of the second book in the Byrne House box set, Doors of Gold and Rust. Continuing where Under Glass and Stone left off, this book follows Evelyn once more as she delves further into the history of Byrne House. This includes different characters who have been mentioned in Book One and expands on some of the discoveries that Evelyn and her friends have made to date. Some of the relationships created in the first book are developed and extra tensions added. Again, the book evolves well although I felt like it was not quite as well-paced as Under Glass and Stone. That said, I was keen to finish it and find out where A.N. Willis was headed with it, the secrets of Byrne House being sufficiently mysterious and magical to pique my interest.

A.N. Willis has created well-plotted novels with just enough horror to make you shiver but not enough to openly repulse. Added to the plots are credible dialogue, family tensions and budding romance and they all combine to make a great read suitable for adults and young adults alike.

I was privileged to receive an advance review copy of this book for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lori S. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Seventeen-year-old Evelyn has lived across the road from Byrne House her entire life and she's a bit obsessed about the place even though she's never been in it. Her Nana used to tell all sorts of stories about Byrne House but her mother was against any such discussions. For the most part, it's a house she spends a lot of time watching even though not much happens. That is until her friend Milo disappears one day and she's the last person to see him, in the window of Byrne House. She tries to tell the police but they aren't listening. Then Alex turns up and he believes her and tries to help. But Alex has a connection to the house himself. And so the mystery begins.

This is actually a duology with what amounts to two connected stories centering on the mystery of Byrne House. I discovered when reading this that I'd already read the first book last year. The second book does recap a fair bit so I was reminded of what happened in the first book.

This book was a quick and easy read in many aspects and the story helped that along. But I found it got a bit messy as the telling continues and the further I got in the book, the less believable it was and the less sense it made. There's also a fair bit of teenaged angst in there, with a budding romance between characters and some antagonism with others.

In the second book, the initial mystery has been solved and characters have moved in and out of Evelyn's sphere in ways that complicate relationships. Then a new mystery is there to be solved but it's rather overshadowed by more teenaged angst. Also, Evelyn is experiencing symptoms connected with experiences earlier and they seem to be getting worse. There are quite a few other stories thrown in there and I think that's where the problem lies. Too many stories are being told and they are not tied together well. To be honest, I feel this might have done better as a longer single volume, wrapping up some of the earlier stories there instead of adding this book.

In the end, I didn't totally dislike it but I found it a bit maddening to read at times. I'm giving this 2.5 stars. I would like to thank Booksirens for providing a free advanced reader copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Diana Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Under Glass and Stone Box Set: The Complete Gothic Mystery Duology (Byrne House) Kindle Edition

by A.N. Willis  (Author) 

Thank you to the author, the publisher and Booksirens for the complimentary review copy. I'm choosing to leave a fair and honest review.
From the opening line that not only sinks the reader's mind into the world of fairy tales and folklore, it creates a world the reader the reader must know.
Two times, one revealed by letters from the past, one in our time reveal the first book in the series. Most of the present time story revolves around Evelyn and her friends. The epistle portion of the book sounds as if Jane Bennett were writing them.
There is a very large cast, and at times, that works for the detriment of the story. Sometimes, the characters blend into each other without anything to truly separate them from the others. The large numbers of teenagers were daunting.. I almost needed a spreadsheet. The heroine has three speeds: grumpy teenager, horny teenager and crying. While heightened emotions are one piece of Gothic books of all sub-genres, the histrionics that Evelyn goes through at the most important moment and the storming off response by the young men are a bit overboard – even for a Gothic!
There is a definite Christopher Pike/Lois Duncan feel in this Gothic duology. The duology would also make a great CW show, filled with pretty, messed-up, young people oppressed by their parents in one way or another. Unfortunately, this series has many of the flaws of CW shows – primarily the soap opera elements, convoluted family relationships and way, way too many subplots. In fact, about 1/3 of each book could be easily excised, creating a better novel
While the story is fairly interesting, the first book in the duology takes a bit of time to pick up and then seems to have plot points connected by teenage tears, near rapes and drug-dealing. The supernatural happens were explained away with quarky science.
There is a definite Poe-Fall-of-the-House-of-Usher feel. Poe, ever the master, kept his stories short and clean.
Not a bad read but a bit of a slog with unnecessary back fill.
Fairly satisfying if a bit trapped in the younger end of YA.

3 stars out of 5
https://www.amazon.com/Under-Glass-St...

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Under Glass and Stone is a two part book series with the premise of a rich family living in a mansion with many secrets and the neighbor girl who ends up stumbling upon them.

Overall, the books are not a bad stories - I definitely liked the second book better than the first. I think the plot was more well-paced and the mystery or drive from the main character, Evelyn, felt stronger.

The first book took a bit to set the story up. I liked the theme of mirroring the love triangles within the first between Ada, Simon and Walter and Evelyn, Milo and Alex. I also liked reading Ada’s letters to her sister. Perhaps what made the book harder to read is you’re puzzlinng the story out similar to Evelyn, but that puzzling makes the plot a bit confusing. It wasn’t clear what the end goal was going to be - solve the mystery of the mansion? Figure out why Evelyn is so protected and what happened in her past? Who do you trust?

The second book’s “mystery” is much stronger - I felt the end goal of figuring out the mystery of Evelyn’s uncle, Sam, much stronger. Maybe because we don’t really have to solve Evelyn’s past along the way, too. The second book also features a love triangle in a way. Perhaps the book is also stronger because the ensemble of characters had been established and you were much more clear on who to trust (both as Evelyn and as the reader).

Final thoughts - I think Evelyn as a main character was the highlight of the books, more so than the plot itself or even finding out Walter’s inventions. I think the books showcase Evelyn developing strength of character. I give these books 3 out of 5 stars for that. I’m not sure if the books weren’t bundled together whether I would have picked up the second based on having read the first. The plot in the first took too long and meandered a bunch ij my opinion. It didn’t consistently keep me hooked. Pick up these books if you enjoy a main female protagonist, love triangles and a mystery.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I was debating on how to rate this book, as it's a box-set and I would have to combine my rating and review.

I enjoyed the first book and give it 4 stars. The tantalizing mystery that surrounded Byrne house had me on edge throughout the book. The constant twists and revelations were done well. It was enough to keep my attention, at the same time it did not come across as repetitive. Every secret that was unraveled made me feel like I was a part of the story and it was me who kept finding the clues.

The characters were well-written and realistic as teenagers. Their thought process and feelings made sense. There was some romance in the book, but it did not affect the storyline negatively. The focus was still on the mystery.

The balance between the past and present incidents was great. The mix of magic and science kept things interesting.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book.

**********

The second book, however, turned out to be tedious. The teenage drama overshadowed the main story. I liked Evelyn in the first book, but she got excessively whiny in this one. She kept secrets unnecessarily, made bad decisions, and then reacted badly when others tried to help.

The mystery was limited in this one and I would have liked it if the supporting characters had important roles to play rather than just being around temporarily.

I was also disappointed that a certain character who deserved to pay for their crime, didn't. Instead, someone else suffered because of it.

This book wasn't necessarily bad, but I feel that it could have been better if the romance aspect had been limited. Where I was sucked into the first book, here I felt like a passive spectator. I couldn't wait to get to the answers. I give this one 3 stars.

I finished this box-set within 2 days because I was eager to know how it ended. The writing style is amazing and the descriptions painted a picture in my mind. I would recommend this duology to readers who enjoy Gothic Mysteries.

[Ana Silva · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading the blurb, I was expecting a bit more from this duology.
Part of it is my fault, I tend to be overly critical with YA books, as I don’t have much patience for teenage drama. That being said, I had higher expectations for the whole gothic/mystery thing.

TW: violence, abuse, death

Book #1 - Under Glass and Stone
I LOVED Ada's letters! I felt like that was a very clever way to show the reader what happened in the past. Her voice was refreshing, the alternating POVs added to the complexity of these mysterious disappearances and debilitating illnesses.
This book has a slow build up, and I think that is the main reason I wasn’t satisfied with what I mentioned above. I had no problems with going slowly, it’s just that the resolving of the problem felt too rushed and lacking information.
As far as the characters, I enjoyed their portrayals and the way they added to the story, but I did wish I had gotten to know some of them a little more.
I think this is a great read as a standalone.

Book #2 - Doors of Gold and Rust
The second and final book on this duology felt a lot different than the first.
It is faster paced, but it felt like every bit of information was handed over in a silver platter. I would have liked more of the dynamic of Under Glass and Stone, where we were left to guess a bit more.
The love triangle in this book wasn’t something I enjoyed. There is barely any connection between two of the involved characters. I have to say ,though, that this is explained closer to the end.
While with Ada's mystery we had a compulsive connection to it, and the MC's own free will, the mystery in Door of Gold and Rust was something smaller and the motives for the involvement were not the best.
For me, this second plot was not necessary to complete the first book.



I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ronni Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy from BookSirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Let me start by saying what a gripping duology this is.....

17 year old Evelyn lives opposite Byrne House and has done so her whole life. For some reason, she is drawn to house and things take a head when her friend, Milo disappears. Evelyn is certain that she has seen Mill's face in an upstairs window, but no-one seems to listen to, or believe her.

She is determined to find out what happened to Milo, but the mysterious Alex appears and is determined to help her in search. It turns out that Alex has his own ties to Byrne House.

There is more to Byrne House than meets the eye. As they investigate further, Evelyn and Alex find out that they have a personal history with the house itself. Evelyn is plagued with nightmares and flashes of Ada, a woman who lived at Byrne House many years prior.

There is plenty of intrigue to keep you turning the pages, and before you no are even aware of it, you have reached the end of the book.

Luckily, as this was a duology, I didn't have to wait too long to find out what happened next. The second book takes place a few months after the previous one ended, so you have a smooth transition from one to the other.

Again, without saying too much or dropping any spoilers, this books sweeps you away with the story line and there are more than a few moments that leave you breathless, desperate to turn the page to find out what happens next. If you are ever given the chance, or are looking for a book with a hint of mystery and history, you should add this to your TBR list.

[Donna Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This set contains two fabulously mysterious and haunting books.

This book has mystery, suspense, romance, young adult themes and supernatural overtones, along with some weird science and strange family history. But even with this eclectic mix of genres, it’s hard to define this book or what makes it so uniquely different. The first couple of chapters were fairly mundane and I wasn’t sure where the author was going to go with this story. But once I got into the rhythm and flow of the narrative, it was pretty much impossible to put down. I really empathized with Evelyn, as well as characters in the past, and couldn’t help but draw a corollary between a woman’s oppression and being at the mercy of a husband in the past, with a young girl’s lack of freedom in the present. This was an overall great read and I’m looking forward to reading the second book in this duology.

“Doors of Gold and Rust” by A.N. Willis is a true gothic in every sense of the word. This second book in the series was every bit as atmospheric, mysterious and intriguing as the first. You can try to write a book today that feels like the gothic genre of times past, but so often too much modernization creeps in. You have to get the right feel and emotion of a gothic, one that permeates the story without being too obvious or pretentious. This book succeeds on all levels. Although it’s set in modern times, I felt a nostalgic blast from the past as I crept along with Evelyn along the corridors of Byrne Mansion. I truly hope the author continues this story, or writes more in the same vein, because once you find a gem like this, you can’t settle for less.

[DEBLEENA PODDAR · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book contains part 1 and 2 of the series, namely UNDER GLASS
DOORS OF GOLD AND RUST.
Together they make the BYRNE HOUSE DUOLOGY

It is quite a compelling YA mystery. It is set in a small mining town of Castle Heights. We meet our main character - Evelyn who lives in a small house which is shadowed by an old mansion - the Byrne house. Evelyn grew up listening to the mysterious stories of the Byrne house which were narrated to her by her grandmother during her childhood. Suddenly things start happening. One of the boys from Evelyn's senior class goes missing and Evelyn is the last person to see him at the window of the Byrne house. No one believes her except the new boy Alex.
Evelyn surely has a lot to learn.....

The plot of the story was great but at times I felt that the writing lacked enthusiasm. But I loved the historical touch to it. The setting and the intriguing plot made me stick to it till the end. The characters were mostly teenagers who weren't only the puppets of the plot but also had their own individuality. The story always popped up with so many secrets when one least expected it. Oh my god... what an imagination did the writer have while writing it. The story had emotions attached to it.. love , despair,jealousy all tainted the story. The language of the story was quite simple. Though the start was slow but as the story progressed it kept me hooked till the end.

Rating: 4/5

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Katy The Sleepy Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you Booksirens.

I had no idea what to expect when I was offered this book. It sounded interesting enough. Evelyn lives across the street from a huge, looming house which she has an inexplicable connection to. There is so much to unpack in this book: a missing school friend, a missing uncle, rumors of ghosts and missing kids inside walls as well as a labyrinth of hidden tunnels that span the town of Castle Heights.

The story take place in the present (or at least I think it does) but there are also letters written in the late 1800's early 1900's that make the story that much richer. As I have always been fascinated with that time period, I loved reading these letters for a glimpse into the past. They also provide clues to what Evelyn is determined to uncover.

Again, I did not realize I was reading a young adult story but I absolutely loved it. The way Evelyn spoke about her love Alex reminded me all to well of how I felt of my boyfriend (now husband) when I was 17.

The pacing of this book is wonderful. The imagery was so vivid it was like watching a movie play out in my mind. I read this in three days and could not put it down. I could have read it one it was that good.

I highly recommend this book and will absolutely be looking for more from this author.

[Clarissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to BookSirens and Observatory Books for allowing me to read a free advance copy for my honest opinion.

I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was well written and the author drew the reader into this mysterious family and house. The storyline has a little romance that’s clean along with history of the town and families. The looming and mysterious house with a history of its own with secrets only kept within its walls really sets the tone for this book. I loved that this story was unique and draws the reader into the story. I felt like I cared about the characters and to see how their histories intertwined with each other.

I felt like I could not stop reading when I really got into the book. There is a bit of backstory in the beginning but it is needed to know how everything fits together. Usually I can pick out what is going on pretty fast in a mystery, but with this story it took me almost to the end. This is actually two books in one, so there is a different mystery in the second book that still includes all characters in the first book.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a mystery with bits of paranormal ideas. I am looking forward to reading more by A.N. Willis.

I believe Willis did a great job creating this town, history, and connected families into a really good read.

[Jenna D Morrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evelyn lives across the street from a creepy old mansion inhabited by one old man. His family hasn’t been seen in years and the only person who ever enters is a cleaning woman who comes once a month. Evelyn has been obsessed with the house and the family who owns it since she was little. So much so that her mother has banned any mention of the house or anyone related to it, but her grandmother continued to tell her stories about its past.

One day the cleaning lady runs out screaming for help and Evelyn’s friend runs to the rescue...and disappears. Evelyn sees his face in the tower room window, but no one believes her. She can’t help but get involved and stumbles across a mystery that defies space and time.

Just when I thought it couldn’t get more exciting than the end of the first book, this one started off with a bang and threw me headlong back into the weird happenings in their neighborhood. Evelyn is smart and brave in the face of danger and I’m looking forward to more.

I love Evelyn. She is well-developed and likable. She has issues that she is dealing with that make you worried for her, but cheer her on nonetheless.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this for free.

3.5 stars on average.

Under Glass and Stone (4 stars):
I loved the setting, premise, paranormal elements and the mystery from the past. Especially Ada's letters!
It's very easily read, with short chapters. The plot arc was good, maybe a little too predictable.
But overall good YA book! At times the characters were behaving very much like teens, as they are. The mentions of Snapchat, Tumblr and WhatsApp just made me feel older, hahah. I'm sure I would have loved this book 10 years ago.

Doors of Gold and Rust (3 stars):
I liked the first book better, this one had way too much teenage drama for me, and it got very Twilight-y at times, and I felt that took over the entire plot, and the actual mystery involving the house and past is secondary. Several characters from the first book are also forgotten. Like Silvia and Milo, who seem like they have a much healthier relationship!
I also noticed that at the start this book does try to be standalone by explaining what happened in the first book, but further out it doesn't, so don't think this is standalone.
The plot arc is kinda predictable, but I think those who enjoy YA would enjoy this.

[Korinne Tande · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Under Glass and Stone. I read both books 1 and 2. The author's vivid and well written descriptions helped me visualize Byrne House as well as the characters and small town setting. These detailed descriptions of the house and the characters - most of them teenagers, along with the emotions permeating the story, helped me understand the complex nature of the storyline as it covered important events in the past and in the present. The behavior of the high school characters often demonstrated their lack of appreciating danger and their immature problem solving skills, e.g., going where they shouldn't go, girl/boy jealousy, or not obeying their parents. I also enjoyed the notion of family folklore that was a major component of the story. The stories that were told from generation to generation drove the characters to act as they did, especially Evelyn. She was often like a dog with a bone and wouldn't let things go - even when she was in danger. I thought this was a well written mystery with many characters in play - those dead and alive. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[saanvi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The complete box set includes both the first and second installments in the series. Both books were incredibly captivating and I finished both books in one sitting each.

The series centered around Evelyn Ashwood, a 17-year-old girl, who has been obsessed with Byrne House, the mansion across the street from her own home, her entire life. However, after a boy from Evelyn’s class, Milo, disappears in the mansion, she takes matters into her own hands. With no one but a newcomer named Alex believing her, they find out there is more to Byrne house than they thought.

While I absolutely loved the first book and gave it 5 stars, the second book wasn’t as great, which is why I gave it 3.5. It focused too much on the main character’s relationship rather than the mysteries of Byrne house. I also felt like it forgot characters from the first book that would have made the story a lot better. However, the book did have lots of suspense that kept me hooked till the very end.

Overall, I rated the entire series a 4, and would definitely recommend it to people interested in reading YA books.

Note: I received an advance review copy of this book for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kelsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.

Under Glass and Stone was an introduction to the mysterious house of the Byrne family, and the connection they have with our main protagonist, Evelyn Ashwood. She as far back as she can remember, Evelyn has always had a fascination with the Byrne’s without ever understanding why. That is, until her friend Milo ups and disappears. Evelyn does everything she can to find out what happened to Milo while unraveling the mystery surrounding the Byrnes and herself. Evelyn pairs up with the mysterious Alex to help solve Milo’s case, who may not be a stranger after all.

I very much enjoyed the mystery surrounding the Byrne’s and the town of Castle Heights. I was so intrigued to find out what the mystery was and how it affected the residents of the town. I loved learning about the family history and the incorporation of the science behind the Bryne’s inventions. I also rather enjoyed getting to know Alex and his connection with Evelyn. I wish their relationship was a little less PG, but it was still good.

I thought the first book was well done. It kept me engaged. However, the second, I feel was way too short, and it was almost rushed in a sense. The story as a whole was good, but broken apart, Doors of Gold and Rust was not the best. I also thought Jake’s character was beyond strange. I didn’t like who he turned into. That is just a purely personal preference.

If you like slow building stories, with a lot of punch at the end, this is definitely a series for you. It took some time to really get into, but once you’re at a certain point in book 1, you won’t be able to put the book down. It is an experience that you need to explore for yourself.

[Lynda Custer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A. N. Willis starts with a cleaning woman standing outside a house yelling for help after finding her employer dead. She then adds the strange disappearance of the young teen, Milo, who runs inside the house attempting to help. Include, Evelyn Ashland’s ignored questions by the police, the rumors of mysterious disappearances and behaviors in the original Byrne house owners told to her by her Grandmother and the reader is surrounded by a great mystery.

The story is told by Evelyn’s desires to know the truth about the puzzles surrounding the Byrne’s house. Memories with blanks of her personal experience, along with her mother’s reluctance to share information with Evelyn reveals there is much to learn. Old letters and newspaper clippings from the early 1900’s add to the mystique surrounding the house.

Ms. Willis utilizes her well developed characters to create an atmosphere of suspicion. The characters are flawed some with redeeming qualities others apparently without. But they add to the story’s intrigue.

Under Glass and Stone is an entertaining and solid read!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.