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Brontë Sisters Mystery #2
Une enquête des soeurs Brontë, T2 : Les Os du diable
"Move over, Jane Austen, for the latest literary ladies who snoop in this... lively series debut."--Kirkus Reviews on The Vanished Bride
Haworth Parsonage, February 1846: The Bront� sisters-- Anne, Emily, and Charlotte--are busy with their literary pursuits. As they query publishers for their poetry, each sister hopes to write a full-length novel that will thrill the reading public. They're also hoping for a new case for their fledgling detecting enterprise, Bell Brothers and Company solicitors. On a bitterly cold February evening, their housekeeper Tabby tells them of a grim discovery at Scar Top House, an old farmhouse belonging to the Bradshaw family. A set of bones has been found bricked up in a chimney breast inside the ancient home.
Tabby says it's bad doings, and dark omens for all of them. The rattled housekeeper gives them a warning, telling the sisters of a chilling rumour attached to the family. The villagers believe that, on the verge of bankruptcy, Clifton Bradshaw sold his soul to the devil in return for great riches. Does this have anything to do with the bones found in the Bradshaw house? The sisters are intrigued by the story and feel compelled to investigate. But Anne, Emily, and Charlotte soon learn that true evil has set a murderous trap and they've been lured right into it...
Haworth Parsonage, February 1846: The Bront� sisters-- Anne, Emily, and Charlotte--are busy with their literary pursuits. As they query publishers for their poetry, each sister hopes to write a full-length novel that will thrill the reading public. They're also hoping for a new case for their fledgling detecting enterprise, Bell Brothers and Company solicitors. On a bitterly cold February evening, their housekeeper Tabby tells them of a grim discovery at Scar Top House, an old farmhouse belonging to the Bradshaw family. A set of bones has been found bricked up in a chimney breast inside the ancient home.
Tabby says it's bad doings, and dark omens for all of them. The rattled housekeeper gives them a warning, telling the sisters of a chilling rumour attached to the family. The villagers believe that, on the verge of bankruptcy, Clifton Bradshaw sold his soul to the devil in return for great riches. Does this have anything to do with the bones found in the Bradshaw house? The sisters are intrigued by the story and feel compelled to investigate. But Anne, Emily, and Charlotte soon learn that true evil has set a murderous trap and they've been lured right into it...
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 8, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 302 reviews
October 9, 2020
We return to Haworth Parsonage for the much anticipated second book in this series featuring the Bronte sisters. It’s December 1845, extremely cold, there’s snow, ice, frost and wind, it’s chill gripping like a vice on the moors. At Top Withins Hall, after hearing some blood curdling screams, father and son Clifton and Liston Bradshaw make a diabolical discovery in the chimney of a room that has been closed for thirteen years since the death of Mary Bradshaw. The Bronte sisters don their detecting bonnets, wrap themselves in their cloaks and apply their skills in this chilling Gothic Mystery of high quality.
There is much to praise in this book but in my opinion it’s the depiction of the Bronte family which is its greatest strength. They are brought to life and it feels so natural and authentic with their individual personalities perfectly captured. I have an especial liking for Emily whose more straightforward, feisty personality appeals to me!! The whole book is full of atmosphere created by the characters, the cold weather is used very effectively, the unsettling and disturbing events and settings with the Parsonage at its epicentre. The novel is extremely well written and evokes the area and times with accuracy. Particularly moving is the inclusion in the storytelling of the life of poverty and subsequent malnutrition of large sections of the population and the treatment of the Irish is heartbreaking but sadly all too accurate and of course, where Patrick Bronte is from. The story flows and the plot is intriguing with an abundance of strange and mysterious happenings, a feeling of malevolence and the unmasking of a monster. This is not a huge surprise as there are some warning signs but other parts are surprising which I like. There is much darkness in the story as it is revealed. Finally, I really like that the author includes Emily at the end thinking of a new and shocking novel. I wonder what that will be called??!!!
Overall, this is another very good historical mystery, it’s enthralling, full of atmosphere and suspense. The way that it’s written is prefect for a gothic tale featuring these three famous great authors and is an excellent reflection of the times. If you are a Bronte fan you may love this book too and also if you are a fan of historical fiction.
With thanks to NetGalley and Hodder and Stoughton for the much appreciated ARC for an honest review.
There is much to praise in this book but in my opinion it’s the depiction of the Bronte family which is its greatest strength. They are brought to life and it feels so natural and authentic with their individual personalities perfectly captured. I have an especial liking for Emily whose more straightforward, feisty personality appeals to me!! The whole book is full of atmosphere created by the characters, the cold weather is used very effectively, the unsettling and disturbing events and settings with the Parsonage at its epicentre. The novel is extremely well written and evokes the area and times with accuracy. Particularly moving is the inclusion in the storytelling of the life of poverty and subsequent malnutrition of large sections of the population and the treatment of the Irish is heartbreaking but sadly all too accurate and of course, where Patrick Bronte is from. The story flows and the plot is intriguing with an abundance of strange and mysterious happenings, a feeling of malevolence and the unmasking of a monster. This is not a huge surprise as there are some warning signs but other parts are surprising which I like. There is much darkness in the story as it is revealed. Finally, I really like that the author includes Emily at the end thinking of a new and shocking novel. I wonder what that will be called??!!!
Overall, this is another very good historical mystery, it’s enthralling, full of atmosphere and suspense. The way that it’s written is prefect for a gothic tale featuring these three famous great authors and is an excellent reflection of the times. If you are a Bronte fan you may love this book too and also if you are a fan of historical fiction.
With thanks to NetGalley and Hodder and Stoughton for the much appreciated ARC for an honest review.
October 9, 2020
Second book in the Bronte sister's mystery series and this is equally as good as the first. Having just read the afterword the author has once again wound fact and fiction seamlessly and her love for this family flows on the page.
I guessed the 'whodunit' early on in the book but it was the why and how that really interested me so my enjoyment wasn't ruined by this.
This is very slow paced and therefore more mystery than mystery thriller so bare that in mind before diving in, this is a real Sunday afternoon with a cup of tea and a biscuit book.
Overall really enjoyed being back with the Bronte's and putting my detector cap back on.
I guessed the 'whodunit' early on in the book but it was the why and how that really interested me so my enjoyment wasn't ruined by this.
This is very slow paced and therefore more mystery than mystery thriller so bare that in mind before diving in, this is a real Sunday afternoon with a cup of tea and a biscuit book.
Overall really enjoyed being back with the Bronte's and putting my detector cap back on.
October 21, 2020
Having enjoyed, “The Vanished Bride,” the first in this series, I was really looking forward to the sequel and I delighted to say it is every bit as good as the first.
It is December, 1845, and Yorkshire is in the grip of winter. One of the excellent things about this series, is not only how well the Bronte family are depicted so realistically, but the period and place are also vividly portrayed. In the isolated Top Withins Hall, the bones of a boy are discovered hidden in a room locked once the mistress of the house had died. Hearing that the master of the house is refusing to hand over the bones, the Bronte sisters march through the chill to confront him.
Having decided they could be ‘detectors,’ the Bronte sisters are now determined to give the bones a burial and a name. In doing so, they visit Celia, a character from the previous novel, as well as making new acquaintances.
Again, there are hints of inspiration for Bronte novels, as well as the considerable issue of Branwell; still languishing in self-pity and drink. The novel also explores issues from that period, including the treatment of the Irish (both the Brontes and myself share an Irish heritage), mob justice and the way orphaned children were misused for labour.
In true Bronte fashion, this is not a light-hearted mystery, but you feel the dark, glowering clouds, the poverty, the isolation and the desolation of the moors. There is humour too, as well as the poignancy of the sisters situation. Knowing they needed to provide for themselves and ever aware of their father’s growing frailty and Branwell’s inability to care for himself, let alone them. An excellent, well written mystery, and a real delight for lovers of the Brontes.
It is December, 1845, and Yorkshire is in the grip of winter. One of the excellent things about this series, is not only how well the Bronte family are depicted so realistically, but the period and place are also vividly portrayed. In the isolated Top Withins Hall, the bones of a boy are discovered hidden in a room locked once the mistress of the house had died. Hearing that the master of the house is refusing to hand over the bones, the Bronte sisters march through the chill to confront him.
Having decided they could be ‘detectors,’ the Bronte sisters are now determined to give the bones a burial and a name. In doing so, they visit Celia, a character from the previous novel, as well as making new acquaintances.
Again, there are hints of inspiration for Bronte novels, as well as the considerable issue of Branwell; still languishing in self-pity and drink. The novel also explores issues from that period, including the treatment of the Irish (both the Brontes and myself share an Irish heritage), mob justice and the way orphaned children were misused for labour.
In true Bronte fashion, this is not a light-hearted mystery, but you feel the dark, glowering clouds, the poverty, the isolation and the desolation of the moors. There is humour too, as well as the poignancy of the sisters situation. Knowing they needed to provide for themselves and ever aware of their father’s growing frailty and Branwell’s inability to care for himself, let alone them. An excellent, well written mystery, and a real delight for lovers of the Brontes.
April 5, 2024
Chillingly good! As good as the first book was, The Diabolical Bones was far more what I expected from a series centered around the Brontë sisters as criminal detectors given the era. The deeply Gothic atmosphere filled with intrigue, mystery, and premonition is a pure delight! Secrets abound, and there are witches, the aforementioned diabolical bones, red herrings, misdirects, the cold and dreary moors, and even a good deal of humor between the sisters. As much as they love each other, they are constantly sniping with each other as well, which makes for delicious fun. And their poor brother Branwell. Having five sisters of my own, I know how the man feels!
Little do most people realize—I certainly didn’t know it—but the Brontë sisters’ initial success came from them publishing under the guise of three men, the Bell brothers, the same fictional Bell Solicitors under whose imagined aegis they pursue their detector service. What sheer inspiration!
Even the author’s pen-name—Bella Ellis—is a bit of a tribute to the Brontës. Ellis Bell was the pseudonym under which Emily wrote. As such, this novel has much in common with Emily as her famous Wuthering Heights took inspiration from Top Withens, the real-life setting of the opening crime scene in this fictional novel that lay near the sisters’ home in Haworth in West Yorkshire. Again, inspired stuff that just lends a sense of realism to The Diabolical Bones.
Strangely enough, I guessed the identity of the murderer about half way through—it simply struck me out of the blue—but not the motive, and it made for great reading waiting to see how the author would bring the truth to light. I particularly enjoyed how Ms. Ellis has turned the truth on its head and made the plots and themes of the Brontë sisters’ eventual novels as inspired by their detector adventures and not their imaginations, and never more so is this evident when Emily, Anne, and Charlotte discuss it at the end of the story.
“I have been thinking of a novel,” Emily announced a little later in the dining room, after they had dressed for church, “a novel of such barbarity and infamy that the world will tremble at its pages, a novel that shows what evil and depravity men—and women—are capable of.”
“I believe that there maybe at least four novels’ worth of stories in the events of our last detection,” Charlotte said. “Now that we are to be celebrated poets, we should not waste a moment but follow up our literary success with three stories, as exciting and thrilling as we can make them.”
“But will people ever believe that we have drawn our plots from experience?” Anne asked.
“No,” Charlotte said, going to the mantel, where she retrieved four letters from behind the clock, each one containing a new case that required the services of a detector. “And God forbid that they ever should.”
Those familiar with Wuthering Heights will recognize a few borrowed names such as Earnshaw, Lockwood, and Linton in the story.
An immensely good series and highly recommended.
Five bright and well-earned 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟!!
Little do most people realize—I certainly didn’t know it—but the Brontë sisters’ initial success came from them publishing under the guise of three men, the Bell brothers, the same fictional Bell Solicitors under whose imagined aegis they pursue their detector service. What sheer inspiration!
Even the author’s pen-name—Bella Ellis—is a bit of a tribute to the Brontës. Ellis Bell was the pseudonym under which Emily wrote. As such, this novel has much in common with Emily as her famous Wuthering Heights took inspiration from Top Withens, the real-life setting of the opening crime scene in this fictional novel that lay near the sisters’ home in Haworth in West Yorkshire. Again, inspired stuff that just lends a sense of realism to The Diabolical Bones.
Strangely enough, I guessed the identity of the murderer about half way through—it simply struck me out of the blue—but not the motive, and it made for great reading waiting to see how the author would bring the truth to light. I particularly enjoyed how Ms. Ellis has turned the truth on its head and made the plots and themes of the Brontë sisters’ eventual novels as inspired by their detector adventures and not their imaginations, and never more so is this evident when Emily, Anne, and Charlotte discuss it at the end of the story.
“I have been thinking of a novel,” Emily announced a little later in the dining room, after they had dressed for church, “a novel of such barbarity and infamy that the world will tremble at its pages, a novel that shows what evil and depravity men—and women—are capable of.”
“I believe that there maybe at least four novels’ worth of stories in the events of our last detection,” Charlotte said. “Now that we are to be celebrated poets, we should not waste a moment but follow up our literary success with three stories, as exciting and thrilling as we can make them.”
“But will people ever believe that we have drawn our plots from experience?” Anne asked.
“No,” Charlotte said, going to the mantel, where she retrieved four letters from behind the clock, each one containing a new case that required the services of a detector. “And God forbid that they ever should.”
Those familiar with Wuthering Heights will recognize a few borrowed names such as Earnshaw, Lockwood, and Linton in the story.
An immensely good series and highly recommended.
Five bright and well-earned 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟!!
March 14, 2024
3.5 stars. Silly but very entertaining imagining of the Brontë sisters as ‘detectors’, trying to discover the identity of the boy whose bones are found in a chimney place at Top Withens. It’s well researched in terms of the Brontës’ lives, the local topography and local myths and tales, and it’s very well written. I’ll happily read more in this series. I know Haworth well and will be there for a week in April so I’ll look forward to visiting many of the places mentioned in this novel. Recommended if you don’t mind the silliness of it all!
November 5, 2020
Howarth Parsonage, February 1846: The Bronte sisters Anne, Emily and Charlotte are busy with their literary pursuits. They've also hoping for a new case for their fledgling detecting enterprise, Bell Brothers and Company Solicitors. Their housekeeper tells them of a grim discovery at Scar Top House, an old Farmhouse belonging to the Bradshaw family. A set of bones has been found bricked up 8n a chimney breast.
This is the second book in the Bronte sisters mysteries. They also gets omega help from their brother, Bromwell. This is quite a dark read that's full of twist and turns. This book will keep you guessing. It's a complex and sinister case.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #HodderStoughton and the author #BellaEllis for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second book in the Bronte sisters mysteries. They also gets omega help from their brother, Bromwell. This is quite a dark read that's full of twist and turns. This book will keep you guessing. It's a complex and sinister case.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #HodderStoughton and the author #BellaEllis for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 4, 2020
The Diabolical Bones is the sophomore instalment in the Brontë Mysteries series and carries on in the same dark, gritty and atmospheric vein of the opener. Haworth Parsonage, February 1846: The Brontë sisters— Anne, Emily, and Charlotte—are busy with their literary pursuits. As they query publishers for their poetry, each sister hopes to write a full-length novel that will thrill the reading public. They’re also hoping for a new case for their fledgling detecting enterprise, Bell Brothers and Company solicitors. On a bitterly cold February evening, their housekeeper Tabby tells them of a grim discovery at Scar Top House, an old farmhouse belonging to the Bradshaw family. A set of bones has been found bricked up in a chimney breast inside the ancient home. Tabby says it's bad doings, and dark omens for all of them.
The rattled housekeeper gives them a warning, telling the sisters of a chilling rumour attached to the family. The villagers believe that, on the verge of bankruptcy, Clifton Bradshaw sold his soul to the devil in return for great riches. Does this have anything to do with the bones found in the Bradshaw house? The sisters are intrigued by the story and feel compelled to investigate. But Anne, Emily, and Charlotte soon learn that true evil has set a murderous trap and they've been lured right into it... This is a richly-detailed and captivating work of historical crime novel, which evokes the sights, sounds and smells of 19th century Britain. Every bit as accomplished and engaging as The Vanished Bride, this is an entertaining and superbly written mystery. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Hodder & Stoughton for an ARC.
The rattled housekeeper gives them a warning, telling the sisters of a chilling rumour attached to the family. The villagers believe that, on the verge of bankruptcy, Clifton Bradshaw sold his soul to the devil in return for great riches. Does this have anything to do with the bones found in the Bradshaw house? The sisters are intrigued by the story and feel compelled to investigate. But Anne, Emily, and Charlotte soon learn that true evil has set a murderous trap and they've been lured right into it... This is a richly-detailed and captivating work of historical crime novel, which evokes the sights, sounds and smells of 19th century Britain. Every bit as accomplished and engaging as The Vanished Bride, this is an entertaining and superbly written mystery. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Hodder & Stoughton for an ARC.
November 8, 2020
I enjoyed the first in the series and was looking forward to this too. I very much enjoyed the interaction between the Bronte family members, and seeing where the inspiration came from for their own novels, but somehow the mystery fell a little short for me. Many thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book.
February 22, 2021
Now that this book is finally available for sale, it's time for me to share a couple of my favorite passages. It's amazing to me how such a dark mystery can have such great LOL moments. Most of them are Emily's lines. Of course. Like this one:
"I have received a request that, though on the one hand would give me great pleasure in its execution, would also require me to be...social...and nice to those I am not at all interested in. In short, other people.”
----------------------------------------
"I agreed to do as you wish, didn't I?" Emily asked.
"You did," Anne said. "And with such good grace and humour, one might have mistaken you for a great lady yourself."
"Well, greatness is something one is born with," Emily said. "I suspect I was born with rather more than most."
----------------------------------------
"Missus!" Hattie yelled into the house, her eyes still fixed on Branwell and Charlotte. "That small lady from Haworth is here to see you, and she has a sort of man with her."
"My name is Miss Charlotte Bronte--" But Charlotte was cut off before she could introduce Branwell.
"Miss Charlotte Bronte, she says!" Hattie yelled at the top of her voice.
"And my brother, Mr. Branwell Bronte." Charlotte couldn't help but finish her introduction, even though she knew what was coming next.
"And this other feller is her brother!" Hattie shouted.
There followed a short and intensely awkward silence as Hattie remained exactly where she was, staring at Branwell and Charlotte in turn as they waited for a response from within the house.
Great scene :D
-------------------------------------------------
Original review follows:
"Chilling" and "addictive" sum it up perfectly. This second entry in the Bronte Mysteries series is one thrill after another. Bella Ellis deftly weaves biographical details and larger than life personalities in the midst of a truly spine-tingling plot.
There's so much to enjoy here, from the thoughtful portrayal of all three Bronte sisters (and their brother), to the well crafted atmosphere of secrecy and tension on the Yorkshire moors. Although many readers may quickly pick up on which character they shouldn't trust, the speedy pace and well written sense of peril ensure they'll be glued all the way to the last page.
The characterizations were delightful, and I found myself highlighting passages again and again. Emily is my favorite, with her staunch outsider status and utter disregard for subtlety. I find myself laughing out loud at some of the things she says, and wondering whether she means to be funny or not. At times like those it was easy to forget that an author is putting words in her mouth.
There's something about the Brontes' lives that lends itself to this type of book, that makes it not ridiculous. Their short, difficult lives somehow combine believably with the dire situations that the author gives them to unravel, and the fact that the reader knows where their lives are headed adds gravitas to the story.
Content note: Heavy references to superstition, paganism, and ritual.
Thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this advance review copy.
"I have received a request that, though on the one hand would give me great pleasure in its execution, would also require me to be...social...and nice to those I am not at all interested in. In short, other people.”
----------------------------------------
"I agreed to do as you wish, didn't I?" Emily asked.
"You did," Anne said. "And with such good grace and humour, one might have mistaken you for a great lady yourself."
"Well, greatness is something one is born with," Emily said. "I suspect I was born with rather more than most."
----------------------------------------
"Missus!" Hattie yelled into the house, her eyes still fixed on Branwell and Charlotte. "That small lady from Haworth is here to see you, and she has a sort of man with her."
"My name is Miss Charlotte Bronte--" But Charlotte was cut off before she could introduce Branwell.
"Miss Charlotte Bronte, she says!" Hattie yelled at the top of her voice.
"And my brother, Mr. Branwell Bronte." Charlotte couldn't help but finish her introduction, even though she knew what was coming next.
"And this other feller is her brother!" Hattie shouted.
There followed a short and intensely awkward silence as Hattie remained exactly where she was, staring at Branwell and Charlotte in turn as they waited for a response from within the house.
Great scene :D
-------------------------------------------------
Original review follows:
"Chilling" and "addictive" sum it up perfectly. This second entry in the Bronte Mysteries series is one thrill after another. Bella Ellis deftly weaves biographical details and larger than life personalities in the midst of a truly spine-tingling plot.
There's so much to enjoy here, from the thoughtful portrayal of all three Bronte sisters (and their brother), to the well crafted atmosphere of secrecy and tension on the Yorkshire moors. Although many readers may quickly pick up on which character they shouldn't trust, the speedy pace and well written sense of peril ensure they'll be glued all the way to the last page.
The characterizations were delightful, and I found myself highlighting passages again and again. Emily is my favorite, with her staunch outsider status and utter disregard for subtlety. I find myself laughing out loud at some of the things she says, and wondering whether she means to be funny or not. At times like those it was easy to forget that an author is putting words in her mouth.
There's something about the Brontes' lives that lends itself to this type of book, that makes it not ridiculous. Their short, difficult lives somehow combine believably with the dire situations that the author gives them to unravel, and the fact that the reader knows where their lives are headed adds gravitas to the story.
Content note: Heavy references to superstition, paganism, and ritual.
Thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this advance review copy.
November 16, 2020
4.5 of 5 stars
https://lynns-books.com/2020/11/16/th...
My Five Word TL:DR Review : A thoroughly enjoyable period mystery.
I simply couldn’t resist requesting a copy of the Diabolical Bones – the Bronte sisters turn detective – and I’m so happy that I was approved because this was just the book I needed. A real pick me up or tonic to get me out of a reading funk. Just to be clear though – this is a murder mystery so although very gentle, charming even, there is a body – in fact a skeleton, uncovered behind a chimney breast and talk of a man who sold his soul to the devil.
For this particular review I’m not going to overly discuss the plot but instead talk about all the other elements that I enjoyed so much. The plot itself starts with the discovery of a child’s bones within the chimney breast of Scartop House, a farm belonging to the Bradshaws and from there it becomes a sinister tale with the sisters seeking counsel from ‘seers’, spinsters and a poorly run orphanage.
Firstly, the period and setting. Ellis has managed to easily portray the village and home where the Brontes live with the moors on their very doorstep. I love books set during the Victorian period and this is no exception. The author manages to write in a style that is reminiscent of the era and the sensibilities of the period whilst at the same time giving the story a more modern and accessible feel. The setting itself is bursting at the seams with gothic delight and the winter setting and furious cold of the moors only adds to this.
Secondly, the family itself. I loved the way the author depicts the Bronte family. Their love and care for each other is apparent, even if they have small differences, their affection is still very prominent. The girls were well educated and brimming over with imagination and enthusiasm for the literary world. Charlotte seemed to be the driving force behind their publication, Emily seemed to be almost indifferent to success and Anne seemed to fulfill the role of the glue that holds them together. Bradwell also plays a role here although he seems to be already suffering from despair and a reliance on alcohol. What comes across abundantly is the author’s love for this family and their literary works.
The story is really well drawn. Obviously, given the period the three sisters are inhibited by certain protocols but they often get around such inconveniences by having their brother accompany them on their missions. On top of that the plot is suitably macabre, there is considerable fear on the part of the sisters, particularly Charlotte, who fears what they’re getting themselves into, and also there’s the brutality of certain suspects. Always, there’s the atmosphere surrounding the places visited during the girl’s investigations. The places are well described, often barren or remote, cold or harsh with little by way of comfort. Times were hard and this comes across well here and the tone is reflective of the sisters’ own works.
The other thing that I absolutely loved were the references to the Bronte’s work – and by that, I don’t mean that the author directly references their stories because of course at the time depicted they weren’t published – more that she uses this story to show some of the inspiration that they drew upon with their own writing, and of course whilst this is a fictional account it comes across as plausible which adds a certain gravitas to the book. I would add though, for clarity, I don’t think you need to have read the Brontes to enjoy this novel (although I obviously recommend you do so). I think this would still read very well without any prior knowledge.
In terms of criticism. Well, much like the Brontes, Ellis has gone for a dramatic, almost over the top style with a villain that is suitably disturbed and perhaps a little easy to spot. I don’t particularly see this as a problem as there are red herrings along the way to muddy the waters. Other than that I have nothing more to add.
I really enjoyed this and I would love to read more adventures from the Bronte sisters and their family. This is very light on fantasy and more falling on the side of murder mystery but there are some rather creepy visits to the Haworth cemetery and a ghostly visitation.
I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publishers, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
https://lynns-books.com/2020/11/16/th...
My Five Word TL:DR Review : A thoroughly enjoyable period mystery.
I simply couldn’t resist requesting a copy of the Diabolical Bones – the Bronte sisters turn detective – and I’m so happy that I was approved because this was just the book I needed. A real pick me up or tonic to get me out of a reading funk. Just to be clear though – this is a murder mystery so although very gentle, charming even, there is a body – in fact a skeleton, uncovered behind a chimney breast and talk of a man who sold his soul to the devil.
For this particular review I’m not going to overly discuss the plot but instead talk about all the other elements that I enjoyed so much. The plot itself starts with the discovery of a child’s bones within the chimney breast of Scartop House, a farm belonging to the Bradshaws and from there it becomes a sinister tale with the sisters seeking counsel from ‘seers’, spinsters and a poorly run orphanage.
Firstly, the period and setting. Ellis has managed to easily portray the village and home where the Brontes live with the moors on their very doorstep. I love books set during the Victorian period and this is no exception. The author manages to write in a style that is reminiscent of the era and the sensibilities of the period whilst at the same time giving the story a more modern and accessible feel. The setting itself is bursting at the seams with gothic delight and the winter setting and furious cold of the moors only adds to this.
Secondly, the family itself. I loved the way the author depicts the Bronte family. Their love and care for each other is apparent, even if they have small differences, their affection is still very prominent. The girls were well educated and brimming over with imagination and enthusiasm for the literary world. Charlotte seemed to be the driving force behind their publication, Emily seemed to be almost indifferent to success and Anne seemed to fulfill the role of the glue that holds them together. Bradwell also plays a role here although he seems to be already suffering from despair and a reliance on alcohol. What comes across abundantly is the author’s love for this family and their literary works.
The story is really well drawn. Obviously, given the period the three sisters are inhibited by certain protocols but they often get around such inconveniences by having their brother accompany them on their missions. On top of that the plot is suitably macabre, there is considerable fear on the part of the sisters, particularly Charlotte, who fears what they’re getting themselves into, and also there’s the brutality of certain suspects. Always, there’s the atmosphere surrounding the places visited during the girl’s investigations. The places are well described, often barren or remote, cold or harsh with little by way of comfort. Times were hard and this comes across well here and the tone is reflective of the sisters’ own works.
The other thing that I absolutely loved were the references to the Bronte’s work – and by that, I don’t mean that the author directly references their stories because of course at the time depicted they weren’t published – more that she uses this story to show some of the inspiration that they drew upon with their own writing, and of course whilst this is a fictional account it comes across as plausible which adds a certain gravitas to the book. I would add though, for clarity, I don’t think you need to have read the Brontes to enjoy this novel (although I obviously recommend you do so). I think this would still read very well without any prior knowledge.
In terms of criticism. Well, much like the Brontes, Ellis has gone for a dramatic, almost over the top style with a villain that is suitably disturbed and perhaps a little easy to spot. I don’t particularly see this as a problem as there are red herrings along the way to muddy the waters. Other than that I have nothing more to add.
I really enjoyed this and I would love to read more adventures from the Bronte sisters and their family. This is very light on fantasy and more falling on the side of murder mystery but there are some rather creepy visits to the Haworth cemetery and a ghostly visitation.
I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publishers, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
December 19, 2020
As with the first book in the series The Vanished Bride, the prologue to The Diabolical Bones sees Charlotte, now the last surviving member of the Brontë family, looking back on her and her sisters’ lives before they became famous authors. It underlines how tragically short those lives were, Emily having died in 1848 and Anne in 1849. Charlotte herself was to die in 1855.
The book reprises the inventive premise of its predecessor, namely that the Brontë sisters were enterprising ‘detectors’ before they were novelists – with the assistance, from time to time of their brother, Branwell. The Diabolical Bones represents their second case, undertaken in 1846, (before the publication of Wuthering Heights in 1847, the relevance of which will become apparent).
The narrative alternates between the point of view of the three sisters, allowing the reader to appreciate their different strengths when it comes to the art of ‘detecting’. Together they make a formidable team. As Anne observes: “Charlotte, you have a gift for reading people and drawing them out of themselves. Emily, you see connections and clues that a mind inferior to yours would simply not be able to fathom… As for myself, I keep our minds focused on the reasons behind it all: the human reasons… Branwell allows us access into rooms where lone women might not otherwise go, and sometimes provides a fairly adequate distraction. When we are together, we are stronger and we are safer.”
They may be stronger together but are they safer? It soon becomes evident they are hunting an individual so convinced of their own superiority they are prepared to engage the sisters in ‘a battle of wits’, even leaving clues for them to find. Throughout the story there’s a sense of the Gothic from the ‘dense and sorrowful atmosphere’ of the Bradshaw house to local talk of evil stalking the neighbourhood when the moon is dark. The sisters’ investigation even includes a visit to a witch, although this does involve crossing the border from their beloved Yorkshire into Lancashire. “Oh well,” Emily said. “Needs must.”
The battle of wits eventually becomes a battle of a more deadly kind requiring the Brontës to draw on all their courage and ingenuity as they pit themselves against a formidable foe, whilst all the time the clock is ticking until the monster strikes again.
Admirers of the Brontës will enjoy the references to events in their lives and have fun spotting places said to have inspired locations in their novels. Indeed, returning from a visit to the house where the bones were discovered, Emily enthuses, “I had a vision of a story, and I wanted to write it all down before I forgot it. It is a marvellous, ferocious storm of a story. I shall set it at Top Withens…” The author also gives some of the secondary characters names reminiscent of those in the Brontë sisters’ novels. I spotted Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall but there may be more.
Readers who enjoyed the first Brontë mystery will be delighted to see the sisters return for a second foray into ‘detecting’. But you don’t need to be a fan of the Brontës to enjoy this skillfully crafted historical mystery. As Bella Ellis notes in her Acknowledgements, ‘We all need a good story in our lives now, more than ever.’ Amen to that.
The book reprises the inventive premise of its predecessor, namely that the Brontë sisters were enterprising ‘detectors’ before they were novelists – with the assistance, from time to time of their brother, Branwell. The Diabolical Bones represents their second case, undertaken in 1846, (before the publication of Wuthering Heights in 1847, the relevance of which will become apparent).
The narrative alternates between the point of view of the three sisters, allowing the reader to appreciate their different strengths when it comes to the art of ‘detecting’. Together they make a formidable team. As Anne observes: “Charlotte, you have a gift for reading people and drawing them out of themselves. Emily, you see connections and clues that a mind inferior to yours would simply not be able to fathom… As for myself, I keep our minds focused on the reasons behind it all: the human reasons… Branwell allows us access into rooms where lone women might not otherwise go, and sometimes provides a fairly adequate distraction. When we are together, we are stronger and we are safer.”
They may be stronger together but are they safer? It soon becomes evident they are hunting an individual so convinced of their own superiority they are prepared to engage the sisters in ‘a battle of wits’, even leaving clues for them to find. Throughout the story there’s a sense of the Gothic from the ‘dense and sorrowful atmosphere’ of the Bradshaw house to local talk of evil stalking the neighbourhood when the moon is dark. The sisters’ investigation even includes a visit to a witch, although this does involve crossing the border from their beloved Yorkshire into Lancashire. “Oh well,” Emily said. “Needs must.”
The battle of wits eventually becomes a battle of a more deadly kind requiring the Brontës to draw on all their courage and ingenuity as they pit themselves against a formidable foe, whilst all the time the clock is ticking until the monster strikes again.
Admirers of the Brontës will enjoy the references to events in their lives and have fun spotting places said to have inspired locations in their novels. Indeed, returning from a visit to the house where the bones were discovered, Emily enthuses, “I had a vision of a story, and I wanted to write it all down before I forgot it. It is a marvellous, ferocious storm of a story. I shall set it at Top Withens…” The author also gives some of the secondary characters names reminiscent of those in the Brontë sisters’ novels. I spotted Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall but there may be more.
Readers who enjoyed the first Brontë mystery will be delighted to see the sisters return for a second foray into ‘detecting’. But you don’t need to be a fan of the Brontës to enjoy this skillfully crafted historical mystery. As Bella Ellis notes in her Acknowledgements, ‘We all need a good story in our lives now, more than ever.’ Amen to that.
September 23, 2024
what a gloriously twisty mystery!
RTC
RTC
February 20, 2021
I enjoyed the first book a lot better. The mystery in this book didn’t hold my attention like the other one did. This was just ok but I don’t think I’ll remember what happened by next week.
September 28, 2020
But just as they were about to go out again, there was a knock at the front door. ‘ You stop where you are,’ Tabby ordered them. ‘If that’s fancy people at the door, you can deal with them. I can’t be doing with fancy people on a Wednesday.’
‘Isn’t it a Thursday?’ Emily muttered.
The Diabolical Bones is full of this sort of very funny little scenes, which made me laugh out loud several times. Even for someone who’s never heard of the Brontë sisters or never read any of their books, it must be clear that the author did a great job in giving each sister her own voice – and we get to know brother Branwell a little better too.
What can I say? It is almost Christmas, so it’s dark and cold, very cold. Despite that, the book has a lot of warmth, the warmth of the love between the three sisters who go out on a new adventure. This story leans heavily on the fact that people in those days were more religious than nowadays, and it is up to Charlotte, Anne and Emily to distinguish between beliefs and real events.
Reading this book was an absolute delight, for lovers of the Brontë sisters or just lovers of historical crimes and I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
Thanks to Netgalley for this digital review copy.
‘Isn’t it a Thursday?’ Emily muttered.
The Diabolical Bones is full of this sort of very funny little scenes, which made me laugh out loud several times. Even for someone who’s never heard of the Brontë sisters or never read any of their books, it must be clear that the author did a great job in giving each sister her own voice – and we get to know brother Branwell a little better too.
What can I say? It is almost Christmas, so it’s dark and cold, very cold. Despite that, the book has a lot of warmth, the warmth of the love between the three sisters who go out on a new adventure. This story leans heavily on the fact that people in those days were more religious than nowadays, and it is up to Charlotte, Anne and Emily to distinguish between beliefs and real events.
Reading this book was an absolute delight, for lovers of the Brontë sisters or just lovers of historical crimes and I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
Thanks to Netgalley for this digital review copy.
May 31, 2021
For any reader who admires the Bronte Sisters, a loving homage to their life and work.
Z - Secondary Character - Zerubbabel Barraclough
Z - Secondary Character - Zerubbabel Barraclough
March 10, 2022
3,5 ⭐
Ein bisschen cozy crime,ein bisschen gothic und ganz viel Brontë...
Ein bisschen cozy crime,ein bisschen gothic und ganz viel Brontë...
November 22, 2022
Haworth Parsonage. Yorkshire, England. December 1845. Bella Ellis’ The Diabolical Bones (Brontë Sisters Mystery, #2) presents the Brontë sisters: Charlotte, Emily, and Anne - continuing their writing while, also, pursing or at least, wishing to pursue a “new case” for their Bell Brothers and Company ‘detecting’ agency. Having submitted their book of poetry to their publisher, and now having to wait to hear if it has been accepted to be published, detecting would alleviate much of the stress being experienced by the three sisters when Tabby, the housekeeper, appears with news of a discovery at Top Withens Hall of bones, human bones. This mystery enabled me to understand the sisters’ personalities. Emily acts impulsively but strongly. Charlotte shows her shyness and her fear while Anne wants to have an adventure in between acting as a calming agent when her sisters would disagree on how to handle this new case - the whys and wherefores of these newly discovered child’s bones. Branwell, the only brother, is somewhat a wastrel because of a broken love affair, but upon discovery of his sisters’ poetry book, he acts like a child. Anne attempts to sooth him, but Emily stops her.”Whatever we write has equal merit, equal worth to any words written by any man. Don’t make yourself less to make him feel better.” On this I agree absolutely! Could not put this book down! Excellent!! 5 stars.
November 5, 2020
I read and reviewed the first book in The Bronte Mysteries; The Vanished Bride, in November last year. I loved that first book and really didn't think it could be bettered. I was wrong, I adored The Diabolical Bones - every single beautiful word of it. This author's absolute passion for the Brontes, and Haworth shines though in this novel, it is absolute escapism and perfect for the troubled times that we find ourselves in.
The novel opens in April 1852 as Charlotte Bronte reflects upon her surroundings; the beauty of Haworth and the surrounding moors. She also thinks lovingly of her siblings and it's a poignant and reflective narrative. Charlotte looks over at Top Withens. a large house on the outskirts of the village and thinks back to what happened there in December 1845.
The reader is then taken to that cold, harsh winter on the Yorkshire Moors. Charlotte, Anne and Emily Bronte are waiting to hear if their poetry has been accepted for publication. Their brother Branwell is still drowning his sorrows, aided by various other substances and is morose and solitary. Their father is almost blind now but is still respected and is still the Parson of Haworth.
The sisters are not only talented, if undiscovered authors, they've also shown that they are clever detectives, having been involved in solving the mystery of a disappearing woman. When they hear that the remains of a small child has been discovered in a bricked-up chimney over at Top Withens and master of the house, Clifton Bradshaw is refusing to allow a religious burial, the sisters are determined to act.
What follows is a wonderfully written story of intrigue and mystery, that uncovers dark secrets that have been well hidden for many years. This is not a 'cosy' crime mystery by any means. The author deals with issues of the day that are still relevant in 2020. The discrimination against 'incomers', in this case, the Irish; the ill treatment of youngsters in the workplace, poverty and substance abuse.
What makes this novel really stand out, and makes it so special is the absolute sense of place. Taking place during a bitterly cold, snowy December, the reader is transported to the snow covered moors, I was chilled to bone whilst reading it.
Whilst Ellis' characters are not of her own creation, she has expanded them and given them distinct and vibrant personalities. Charlotte, Anne, Emily and Branwell are individually perfect and as a team they are incredibly strong.
The Diabolical Bones is a lively, well-written mystery, filled with wit and wisdom and intrigue. It is an absolute delight to read. Bella Ellis is an incredible talent. Bring on book three!
The novel opens in April 1852 as Charlotte Bronte reflects upon her surroundings; the beauty of Haworth and the surrounding moors. She also thinks lovingly of her siblings and it's a poignant and reflective narrative. Charlotte looks over at Top Withens. a large house on the outskirts of the village and thinks back to what happened there in December 1845.
The reader is then taken to that cold, harsh winter on the Yorkshire Moors. Charlotte, Anne and Emily Bronte are waiting to hear if their poetry has been accepted for publication. Their brother Branwell is still drowning his sorrows, aided by various other substances and is morose and solitary. Their father is almost blind now but is still respected and is still the Parson of Haworth.
The sisters are not only talented, if undiscovered authors, they've also shown that they are clever detectives, having been involved in solving the mystery of a disappearing woman. When they hear that the remains of a small child has been discovered in a bricked-up chimney over at Top Withens and master of the house, Clifton Bradshaw is refusing to allow a religious burial, the sisters are determined to act.
What follows is a wonderfully written story of intrigue and mystery, that uncovers dark secrets that have been well hidden for many years. This is not a 'cosy' crime mystery by any means. The author deals with issues of the day that are still relevant in 2020. The discrimination against 'incomers', in this case, the Irish; the ill treatment of youngsters in the workplace, poverty and substance abuse.
What makes this novel really stand out, and makes it so special is the absolute sense of place. Taking place during a bitterly cold, snowy December, the reader is transported to the snow covered moors, I was chilled to bone whilst reading it.
Whilst Ellis' characters are not of her own creation, she has expanded them and given them distinct and vibrant personalities. Charlotte, Anne, Emily and Branwell are individually perfect and as a team they are incredibly strong.
The Diabolical Bones is a lively, well-written mystery, filled with wit and wisdom and intrigue. It is an absolute delight to read. Bella Ellis is an incredible talent. Bring on book three!
May 4, 2021
For my full review: https://girlwithherheadinabook.co.uk/...
I was looking forward to this sequel from more or less the moment I finished The Vanished Bride. It's a testament to the author's skill that rather than struggling to suspend my disbelief over the idea of the Brontë sisters as private detectives, my reaction was to wonder why nobody had tried to do this before. A second instalment was inevitable but less certain was whether it could maintain the same standard. To my great delight, it definitely has. Set in 1846, the sisters once again find themselves with a case to solve. There's been a grim discovery up at Top Withens. A set of bones have been found bricked up in a chimney breast, in a room that nobody has been in for years. And dark rumours swirl about the house's owner, Clifton Bradshaw, who is rumoured to have sold his soul to the Devil. Can the Brontës crack the case?
While Vanished Bride established the franchise, The Diabolical Bones feels like the series hitting its stride. The sisters have embraced their interest in detecting and have only been seeking an appropriate case. Having rejected various possibilities further from home, they are pleased to discover a mystery right on their doorstep. But with the murky reputation of the Bradshaws, there are those who would say it is not a suitable or safe business for them to be sticking their noses in. Among the loudest voices of dissent is the Brontës own housekeeper Tabby. Is it possible that there are occult forces at work?
As a Brontëphile, I find this series to be such an absolute treat. Rowan Coleman, the writer behind the pen-name Bella Ellis, really knows her stuff and has clearly done her research. She has managed in both books to weave in her own mystery very closely to the known events of the Brontë family's lives. And strangely, while I am aware that it is fairly preposterous that the sisters ever fought crime, Ellis' depiction of the trio is still one of the most convincing versions that I can ever remember reading. Charlotte is neurotic and seeking advancement, Anne is compassionate and has integrity and Emily ... well. She just steals the show with her every blunt utterance.
It's fascinating how Ellis has taken the little we know of the Brontë sisters' true characters and refashioned these traits to become useful in the art of detection. Anne's passion for social justice gives her a drive to seek the truth, Charlotte's desire to make friends in high places adds in twists and turns to the narrative and Emily's bland detachment from social norms gives her an insight that others miss. When they examine the scene where the bones were found, Anne notices various crow skulls in the chimney-breast. Emily flatly responds that this is a sign that the birds were attracted by carrion so the body was not put in the chimney as a skeleton. It's CSI: Haworth edition.
I also loved how the sisters' lives as writers bubble away in the background. Anne remarks that she finds someone frightening because 'his voice creaks like an open coffin' and Emily comments, 'Oh that's good. I'm having that'. Ellis does an excellent job at balancing the literary with the mystery. As with the previous book, there are obvious points of 'inspiration' for the sisters' later writings as well as a heavy helping of social context such as the inhumane treatment of Irish labours. As an added background, we see Branwell slowly slumping into his alcoholism and pining for Mrs Robinson. The contrast could hardly be more pronounced between Diabolical Bones and Brontë's Mistress. Where Mistress was bafflingly plotted with unconvincing characters who were all consistently unpleasant, Bones is witty, fun and has an engaging cast and compelling plot.
As a further point, having found the Mistress depiction of Anne Brontë to be rather cruel, I was particularly pleased by Ellis' more nuanced and effective portrayal of Anne's character. When asked to speak to a potential suspect on the grounds that she is the 'nice' sister, Anne wryly observes that 'nicest of the Brontës' is likely to be her epitaph. It is so easy to dismiss Anne as merely 'nice'. Ellis' defence of Anne is underlined by another conversation between Emily and Anne where the former tells the latter:
Why wouldn't your honest and true reflections have merit equal to any words ever written by anyone?' Emily asked, 'What greater merit is there than the communication of the experience of one human soul to another? In this world of men, the literary types seek to elevate themselves above the ordinary. Their thoughts must be superior, their feelings more important than yours or mine. It's all artifice, Anne. Your thoughts, your feelings, your sentiment, as you put it, will ring true with those who read it. They will see honesty and integrity, and though you may never know their names, you and they will be connected somehow, not only now but for all of time. Besides, if I am honest, it is you who have the greatest courage of us all, you who speaks the truth and will not flinch from it.'
This passage made me want to punch the air in celebration - finally, someone else saw it too! I was so appalled by the snide remark in Mistress that Anne Brontë lacked courage in her writing and for that she deserved to be forgotten. Anne's courage was that she wrote novels that attacked the very foundations of the patriarchy. In Agnes Grey, she argued that as a governess, she was not so far beneath her charges as society would have her believe. She portrayed incredibly vividly what it is like to try to teach children who have been brought up to despise education. In Tenant, she argued that a wife might have a moral duty to leave her husband to protect her children - blasphemy for the era. She did not write Gothic fiction because she was more interested in the dramas of real life. Thank you, Bella Ellis, it is so good to see Anne given the credit she deserves.
Of course, the book is not without its minor faults. I spotted the wrong 'un early in the novel because they were the only 'friend' character who I did not recognise from any of the biographies that I have read - reading a book like this as a long-term Brontëphile is a double-edged sword. As with the previous book, I found the actual mystery to be the weakest part of the novel. It's definitely a book that is more about character than plot. Despite this however, I finished it thinking excitedly that Ellis can surely slot in at least one and maybe two more mysteries into the family timeline before things get a bit depressing with all the consumption and death.
Ellis noted in her afterword that recent global events have left us all in greater need than ever of a good story. This is a statement which I strongly agree with - a combination of fiction and my own stand-up comedian of a toddler have got me through the pandemic - but yet the Brontë feel like unusual protagonists in this piece of warm-hearted 'cosy crime'. But in many ways that's why it works. We are so used to seeing the Brontës as tragic. Their lives were short, their works unfinished, their promise not quite fulfilled. But because of that, there is a particular joy in seeing that narrative flipped - to read a version where rather than wasting away on the sofa, they instead kick up their heels and head off an adventure. Written with overwhelming affection and the greatest respect, The Brontë Mysteries series feels destined to run and run.
I was looking forward to this sequel from more or less the moment I finished The Vanished Bride. It's a testament to the author's skill that rather than struggling to suspend my disbelief over the idea of the Brontë sisters as private detectives, my reaction was to wonder why nobody had tried to do this before. A second instalment was inevitable but less certain was whether it could maintain the same standard. To my great delight, it definitely has. Set in 1846, the sisters once again find themselves with a case to solve. There's been a grim discovery up at Top Withens. A set of bones have been found bricked up in a chimney breast, in a room that nobody has been in for years. And dark rumours swirl about the house's owner, Clifton Bradshaw, who is rumoured to have sold his soul to the Devil. Can the Brontës crack the case?
While Vanished Bride established the franchise, The Diabolical Bones feels like the series hitting its stride. The sisters have embraced their interest in detecting and have only been seeking an appropriate case. Having rejected various possibilities further from home, they are pleased to discover a mystery right on their doorstep. But with the murky reputation of the Bradshaws, there are those who would say it is not a suitable or safe business for them to be sticking their noses in. Among the loudest voices of dissent is the Brontës own housekeeper Tabby. Is it possible that there are occult forces at work?
As a Brontëphile, I find this series to be such an absolute treat. Rowan Coleman, the writer behind the pen-name Bella Ellis, really knows her stuff and has clearly done her research. She has managed in both books to weave in her own mystery very closely to the known events of the Brontë family's lives. And strangely, while I am aware that it is fairly preposterous that the sisters ever fought crime, Ellis' depiction of the trio is still one of the most convincing versions that I can ever remember reading. Charlotte is neurotic and seeking advancement, Anne is compassionate and has integrity and Emily ... well. She just steals the show with her every blunt utterance.
It's fascinating how Ellis has taken the little we know of the Brontë sisters' true characters and refashioned these traits to become useful in the art of detection. Anne's passion for social justice gives her a drive to seek the truth, Charlotte's desire to make friends in high places adds in twists and turns to the narrative and Emily's bland detachment from social norms gives her an insight that others miss. When they examine the scene where the bones were found, Anne notices various crow skulls in the chimney-breast. Emily flatly responds that this is a sign that the birds were attracted by carrion so the body was not put in the chimney as a skeleton. It's CSI: Haworth edition.
I also loved how the sisters' lives as writers bubble away in the background. Anne remarks that she finds someone frightening because 'his voice creaks like an open coffin' and Emily comments, 'Oh that's good. I'm having that'. Ellis does an excellent job at balancing the literary with the mystery. As with the previous book, there are obvious points of 'inspiration' for the sisters' later writings as well as a heavy helping of social context such as the inhumane treatment of Irish labours. As an added background, we see Branwell slowly slumping into his alcoholism and pining for Mrs Robinson. The contrast could hardly be more pronounced between Diabolical Bones and Brontë's Mistress. Where Mistress was bafflingly plotted with unconvincing characters who were all consistently unpleasant, Bones is witty, fun and has an engaging cast and compelling plot.
As a further point, having found the Mistress depiction of Anne Brontë to be rather cruel, I was particularly pleased by Ellis' more nuanced and effective portrayal of Anne's character. When asked to speak to a potential suspect on the grounds that she is the 'nice' sister, Anne wryly observes that 'nicest of the Brontës' is likely to be her epitaph. It is so easy to dismiss Anne as merely 'nice'. Ellis' defence of Anne is underlined by another conversation between Emily and Anne where the former tells the latter:
Why wouldn't your honest and true reflections have merit equal to any words ever written by anyone?' Emily asked, 'What greater merit is there than the communication of the experience of one human soul to another? In this world of men, the literary types seek to elevate themselves above the ordinary. Their thoughts must be superior, their feelings more important than yours or mine. It's all artifice, Anne. Your thoughts, your feelings, your sentiment, as you put it, will ring true with those who read it. They will see honesty and integrity, and though you may never know their names, you and they will be connected somehow, not only now but for all of time. Besides, if I am honest, it is you who have the greatest courage of us all, you who speaks the truth and will not flinch from it.'
This passage made me want to punch the air in celebration - finally, someone else saw it too! I was so appalled by the snide remark in Mistress that Anne Brontë lacked courage in her writing and for that she deserved to be forgotten. Anne's courage was that she wrote novels that attacked the very foundations of the patriarchy. In Agnes Grey, she argued that as a governess, she was not so far beneath her charges as society would have her believe. She portrayed incredibly vividly what it is like to try to teach children who have been brought up to despise education. In Tenant, she argued that a wife might have a moral duty to leave her husband to protect her children - blasphemy for the era. She did not write Gothic fiction because she was more interested in the dramas of real life. Thank you, Bella Ellis, it is so good to see Anne given the credit she deserves.
Of course, the book is not without its minor faults. I spotted the wrong 'un early in the novel because they were the only 'friend' character who I did not recognise from any of the biographies that I have read - reading a book like this as a long-term Brontëphile is a double-edged sword. As with the previous book, I found the actual mystery to be the weakest part of the novel. It's definitely a book that is more about character than plot. Despite this however, I finished it thinking excitedly that Ellis can surely slot in at least one and maybe two more mysteries into the family timeline before things get a bit depressing with all the consumption and death.
Ellis noted in her afterword that recent global events have left us all in greater need than ever of a good story. This is a statement which I strongly agree with - a combination of fiction and my own stand-up comedian of a toddler have got me through the pandemic - but yet the Brontë feel like unusual protagonists in this piece of warm-hearted 'cosy crime'. But in many ways that's why it works. We are so used to seeing the Brontës as tragic. Their lives were short, their works unfinished, their promise not quite fulfilled. But because of that, there is a particular joy in seeing that narrative flipped - to read a version where rather than wasting away on the sofa, they instead kick up their heels and head off an adventure. Written with overwhelming affection and the greatest respect, The Brontë Mysteries series feels destined to run and run.
January 2, 2022
Da ich im November/ Dezember 2021 in eine Leseflaute zu rutschen drohte (zwei Bücher abgebrochen, 2 Bücher mit einigen Kritikpunkten und 1 Buch, wo ich das meiste schon nach wenigen Wochen wieder vergessen hatte), musste das nächste Buch mit Bedacht ausgesucht werden. Ich war mir relativ sicher, dass mich Bella Ellis mit „Der namenlose Tote“, dem zweiten Fall für die ermittelnden Brontẽ-Schwestern aus der Leseflaute rausreißen würde, weil das Zurückkehren zu Figuren, die ich liebgewonnen habe, mir in der Regel ein Gefühl des „Heimkommens“ bescheren. Da ich allerdings den Kopf nicht richtig frei hatte, hat es nahezu bis zur Hälfte des Buches gedauert, bis ich in der Geschichte angekommen bin.
Ich hatte im Vorfeld erfahren, dass das Buch im Winter spielen sollte, deshalb hätte es eigentlich perfekt in die Zeit rund um Weihnachten passen müssen, in der ich es gelesen habe, nur irgendwie ist diese Winterstimmung nicht richtig bei mir angekommen, auch wenn es im Buch geschneit hat und kalt war. Auch den Fall an sich fand ich deutlich konstruierter als in Band 1 und leider war auch die Auflösung für mich nicht wirklich eine Überraschung. Zudem hatte ich auch meinen Struggle mit dem Aberglauben/ Mystik-Aspekt des Buches. Das wurde zwar wunderbar gelöst, war in sich logisch und passt auch zu der Atmosphäre, den Figuren und zu der Zeit in der das Buch spielt, aber es ist halt nicht zwingend mein Ding und hier wurde mir zu viel darauf herumgeritten.
Ab Mitte des Buches wurde das Buch für mich aber deutlich besser. Da nahm die Geschichte an Fahrt auf und spannende Figuren betreten die Bühne. Ich fand diese eine Figur so spannend, dass ich hoffe, dass sie auch in folgenden Bänden noch einen Gastauftritt haben wird.
Womit mich Bella Ellis wieder begeistern konnte, war die Sprache, das Setting (ich liebe das Pfarrhaus der Brontẽs in Haworth) und die grundsätzliche Idee, die Brontẽ-Schwestern zu Ermittlerinnen zu machen. Die Sprache passt so perfekt, es ist atmosphärisch und ruhig erzählt auch die Figuren für uns moderne Menschen des 21. Jahrhunderts vielleicht das ein oder andere Mal etwas übertrieben reagieren. Aber diese Übertreibungen passten in die Stimmung und in Zeit in der das Buch spielt, bzw. in meine Vorstellung dieser Zeit, die aber zugegebenermaßen ein wenig von Jane Austens Protagonistinnen geprägt ist. Und dabei wirkt die Sprache in keiner Weise antiquiert aber auch nicht zu modern. Die Familie und ihre Bediensteten habe ich wirklich liebgewonnen und ich freue mich, dass es auf jeden Fall einen dritten Fall für Charlotte, Anne und Emily geben wird, wenn nicht sogar noch ein wenig mehr, zumindest lässt das Ende darauf hoffen.
Ich hatte im Vorfeld erfahren, dass das Buch im Winter spielen sollte, deshalb hätte es eigentlich perfekt in die Zeit rund um Weihnachten passen müssen, in der ich es gelesen habe, nur irgendwie ist diese Winterstimmung nicht richtig bei mir angekommen, auch wenn es im Buch geschneit hat und kalt war. Auch den Fall an sich fand ich deutlich konstruierter als in Band 1 und leider war auch die Auflösung für mich nicht wirklich eine Überraschung. Zudem hatte ich auch meinen Struggle mit dem Aberglauben/ Mystik-Aspekt des Buches. Das wurde zwar wunderbar gelöst, war in sich logisch und passt auch zu der Atmosphäre, den Figuren und zu der Zeit in der das Buch spielt, aber es ist halt nicht zwingend mein Ding und hier wurde mir zu viel darauf herumgeritten.
Ab Mitte des Buches wurde das Buch für mich aber deutlich besser. Da nahm die Geschichte an Fahrt auf und spannende Figuren betreten die Bühne. Ich fand diese eine Figur so spannend, dass ich hoffe, dass sie auch in folgenden Bänden noch einen Gastauftritt haben wird.
Womit mich Bella Ellis wieder begeistern konnte, war die Sprache, das Setting (ich liebe das Pfarrhaus der Brontẽs in Haworth) und die grundsätzliche Idee, die Brontẽ-Schwestern zu Ermittlerinnen zu machen. Die Sprache passt so perfekt, es ist atmosphärisch und ruhig erzählt auch die Figuren für uns moderne Menschen des 21. Jahrhunderts vielleicht das ein oder andere Mal etwas übertrieben reagieren. Aber diese Übertreibungen passten in die Stimmung und in Zeit in der das Buch spielt, bzw. in meine Vorstellung dieser Zeit, die aber zugegebenermaßen ein wenig von Jane Austens Protagonistinnen geprägt ist. Und dabei wirkt die Sprache in keiner Weise antiquiert aber auch nicht zu modern. Die Familie und ihre Bediensteten habe ich wirklich liebgewonnen und ich freue mich, dass es auf jeden Fall einen dritten Fall für Charlotte, Anne und Emily geben wird, wenn nicht sogar noch ein wenig mehr, zumindest lässt das Ende darauf hoffen.
September 4, 2022
Bella Ellis regényeinek egyik legnagyszerűbb vonása, hogy a Brontë lányokat igazi hús-vér emberekké teszi és úgy ír róluk, hogy abszolút közel érezzük magunkat hozzájuk. Láthatóan nagyon ismeri a környezetet a történelmi kort és a főszereplőket: a regényben még úgy is felfedeztem egy csomó rejtett csemegét, hogy nem ismerem annyira alaposan Charlotte, Emily és Anne életét. Az biztos, hogy mind a hárman hatalmas fantáziával és művészi energiával vannak telítve, s ezeket megpróbálják valamilyen mederbe terelni. Míg arra várnak, hogy egy kiadó meghozza a döntést, vajon nyomtatásra méltónak találja-e verseiket, tornáztatniuk kell az elméjüket. S mi se lenne erre jobb alkalom mint az új, izgalmas foglalkozás a deketíveskedés. S ez az új ügy kimondottan jó arra, hogy elfoglalja őket, ráadásul az egyre több fordulat és érdekes nyom az itt-ott megjelenő gótikus fordulatok feledtetni tudják a mindennapi gondokat is. Sőt, még inspirációt is kapnak. Ráadásul Ellis még a három testvér közötti dinamikát is tovább színezi: Charlotte és Emily gyakran piszkálják egymást, Anne pedig egyre határozottabban mond véleményt és megingathatatlan erkölcsi iránytűvel rendelkezik. Párbeszédeik nagyon is valóságosnak tűnnek és ettől lesz annyira élettel teli a könyv, elhisszük, hogy ezek az irodalomtörténetben ikonokká merevedett nők alig különbözhettek tőlünk: ugyanúgy vitatkoztak, széthúztak és összetartottak mint bármely modern nővértrió.
Részletesen: http://olvasonaplo.net/olvasonaplo/20...
Részletesen: http://olvasonaplo.net/olvasonaplo/20...
April 18, 2022
Quel plaisir de retrouver les soeurs Brontë dans une nouvelle enquête qui nous apportera un peu de fantastique, de facétie et de rebondissements. Une fois de plus, nous allons douter de tout le monde et tenter de mettre la main sur le responsable de cet acte ignoble.
je ne vous en dis pas plus mais je me suis régalée. Il faudra attendre septembre prochain pour retrouver une nouvelle enquête avec le monarque rouge. J'aime toujours autant le fait que Bella Ellis allie faits réels et fictions et nous offre un récit palpitant dont on a hâte de connaître le dénouement.
Avis complet à lire sur: https://thelovelyteacheraddictions.bl...
je ne vous en dis pas plus mais je me suis régalée. Il faudra attendre septembre prochain pour retrouver une nouvelle enquête avec le monarque rouge. J'aime toujours autant le fait que Bella Ellis allie faits réels et fictions et nous offre un récit palpitant dont on a hâte de connaître le dénouement.
Avis complet à lire sur: https://thelovelyteacheraddictions.bl...
December 22, 2021
4,5 ⭐
Eine fantastische Reihe! Der zweite Band rund um die Ermittlungen Bronte-Geschwister hat mir tatsächlich nochmal ein wenig mehr gefallen als sein Vorgänger "Die verschwundene Braut".
Der neue Fall, den es zu ermitteln gilt, hat nämlich etwas okkultes, mystisches an sich. Dies, gepaart mit der kalten, winterlichen Landschaft in der wir und befinden, hat eine unheimlich spannende Atmosphäre geschaffen!❄️
Eine fantastische Reihe! Der zweite Band rund um die Ermittlungen Bronte-Geschwister hat mir tatsächlich nochmal ein wenig mehr gefallen als sein Vorgänger "Die verschwundene Braut".
Der neue Fall, den es zu ermitteln gilt, hat nämlich etwas okkultes, mystisches an sich. Dies, gepaart mit der kalten, winterlichen Landschaft in der wir und befinden, hat eine unheimlich spannende Atmosphäre geschaffen!❄️
December 11, 2022
3.5/5!! the mystery was much more exciting this time around!
March 3, 2023
3.75🌟
November 5, 2020
1846 - Anne, Emily, and Charlotte Bronte are hopeful that their collection of poems will be published, but they don't intend to give up their 'detecting' just yet. Also, they can't help but be concerned that their beloved father is losing his sight, and their brother, Branwell, is slowly sinking into depression after his disastrous love affair with a married woman. Their latest case involves the bones of a young child which are found in the chimney space of a disused room at Top Withens Hall. The room was shut up years before when the lady of the house died and hasn't been entered since. The Bradshaw family who live there claim the skeleton is nothing to do with them, in fact along with the mystery writing found etched on stones nearby, the case could be one of the darkest the Brontes will ever deal with.
I absolutely love this series. The author writes the characters of the Brontes so well, they are brought to life before your eyes. The plot is engrossing and, although some readers may find it rather slow paced, I delighted in the historical detail and world-building. I found myself noting the names and places that would eventually become immortalised in the sisters' most famous works. Can't wait for the next one.
Thanks to NetGalley and publishers, Hodder & Stoughton, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
I absolutely love this series. The author writes the characters of the Brontes so well, they are brought to life before your eyes. The plot is engrossing and, although some readers may find it rather slow paced, I delighted in the historical detail and world-building. I found myself noting the names and places that would eventually become immortalised in the sisters' most famous works. Can't wait for the next one.
Thanks to NetGalley and publishers, Hodder & Stoughton, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
October 1, 2020
After reading The Vanished bride the first in the book in The Bronte sisters’ mystery. I was looking forward to reading The Diabolical Bones and after reading it I think it is better than the first one.
When a child bones are unearthed, hidden in a chimney breast in Clifton Bradshaw’s late wife’s room at Top Withens hall with a medallion with the date of their demise etched on it. The Bronte sisters decide to put their detecting skills to work again and find out who the poor soul is and what happened to him to end up there. With the occasional help from their brother Branwell, the girls end up meeting a whole eclectic bunch of characters along the way to find out what happened.
This is another thrilling, atmospheric mystery set in Victorian times. Which I found quite creepy at times. The author portrayed the Bronte sisters well. It was professionally researched and yet again a great unique storyline with the mix of their real lives and the detective skills. 5 stars from me.
When a child bones are unearthed, hidden in a chimney breast in Clifton Bradshaw’s late wife’s room at Top Withens hall with a medallion with the date of their demise etched on it. The Bronte sisters decide to put their detecting skills to work again and find out who the poor soul is and what happened to him to end up there. With the occasional help from their brother Branwell, the girls end up meeting a whole eclectic bunch of characters along the way to find out what happened.
This is another thrilling, atmospheric mystery set in Victorian times. Which I found quite creepy at times. The author portrayed the Bronte sisters well. It was professionally researched and yet again a great unique storyline with the mix of their real lives and the detective skills. 5 stars from me.
January 12, 2024
*DNF
I couldn't get into this book, especially after just having read "Into the Water" by Paula Hawkins. This fell short in comparison. It even felt mediocre.
The Bronte sisters felt like they were one character, even though Bella Ellis tried to distinguish them with bickering, etc. But it was poor character building.
The mystery was boring as I kind of guessed it from the beginning. And despite the positive reviews, I found the writing to be ridiculous. The conversations between the sisters were cringy, all leading back to the same outcome. I also did not like the forced religious element.
The book came across as the author trying too hard to sound classic and historical. But it all fell short.
I'm very disappointed, as I quite enjoyed the first book, "The Vanished Bride," although the writing was also weak.
Overall, I do not recommend this one. There are many mystery books out there that will satisfy your spooky minds, this one won't.
I couldn't get into this book, especially after just having read "Into the Water" by Paula Hawkins. This fell short in comparison. It even felt mediocre.
The Bronte sisters felt like they were one character, even though Bella Ellis tried to distinguish them with bickering, etc. But it was poor character building.
The mystery was boring as I kind of guessed it from the beginning. And despite the positive reviews, I found the writing to be ridiculous. The conversations between the sisters were cringy, all leading back to the same outcome. I also did not like the forced religious element.
The book came across as the author trying too hard to sound classic and historical. But it all fell short.
I'm very disappointed, as I quite enjoyed the first book, "The Vanished Bride," although the writing was also weak.
Overall, I do not recommend this one. There are many mystery books out there that will satisfy your spooky minds, this one won't.
April 16, 2024
🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼😍😍😍😍
Having thoroughly enjoyed every page of ‘The Vanished Bride’ I couldn’t wait to red the second book in the series and thankfully, it did not disappoint one bit!
During the prologue, we met Charlotte, glad to be at home, recovering from a long illness. Her blessing was she had nothing but time and freedom to write…doesn’t this remind you of a book I recently reviewed by Virgina Woolf - A room of one’s own…
Anyhow, we are then shot back in time 7 years prior to the winter of 1845. For during this time a new mystery awaits them…when contained within a desiccated cloth was the skull and bones of a child…
This time the girls were treated with nothing but disrespect : “ You foolish, silly girls, with all your books and learning and yet you’ve brought a curse down on all our heads this night. No good will come from this. You mark my words. No good at all.”
Had they stumbled on a sacrifice and unleashed a curse?…This book was much more filled with old magic, superstitions and old folk mysteries as thick as fog, than the previous book. However, Emily’s wittiness and dark sense of humour remained and I loved her for it. She is certainly a very bold and interesting character.
Despite loving Emily’s character, I believe the three sisters balance each other out perfectly and as they said “When we are together, we are stronger and we are safer”, which proves to be true, especially as the book wears on…
At many points throughout this adventure, the sisters, particularly Anne, at fearful but “we shall persist, shall we not? For that is what we Brontes do.” And as they persist it may get worse before it gets better. It certainly was a page turner at its finest! Even more so I would say than the first book in the series!
The three sisters also received fantastic, moral boosting, news that their poetry had been published for all the world to see. Charlotte was particularly excited by the thought of “holding a printed, bound book with our words in it”. However poor Branwell didn’t take it so well; as usual he felt useless and forgotten about. But if this novel proves anything, it is that they need all four corners of the family to stand strong together.
In the end it becomes a race against time…will they find the boy and one of the sisters in time…or will all their efforts be wasted…there wasn’t a moment to lose!
By the final chapter, Charlotte noted they had at least enough material for 4 novels, or at very least a novel each. What a story they could write, but would the world know it all came from true life experience…”no…and God forbid that they ever should.”
November 9, 2020
I was a huge fan of the first book in this series so I was incredibly excited to read the next installment. Once again the author has written an intriguing and absorbing read which will be great to curl up with on a cold night.
Firstly I know from social media that this author is a huge fan of the Brontë Sisters and this is very much in evidence throughout this book. I love that each sister has been given their own personality which makes them seem very realistic. They are all so different to each other and they all bringing different skills to the investigation which I thought was very clever.
The actual investigation was very interesting and I enjoyed trying to solve the case alongside the sisters. I’m a huge fan of big old houses hiding lots of secrets so this book instantly appears to me. The plot unfolds at a great pace and I liked that all the discoveries seemed natural rather than forced.
The author manages to set the scene in this novel perfectly and I loved all the bleak descriptions of the famous moors. Some of the Victorian attitudes about class, sex, religion and politics were also included into the plot too making me feel transported to Victorian Britain. It was quite sad to see these attitudes at times and I often felt quite emotional whilst reading.
Overall I really enjoyed this well written, fun and intriguing book. It was fantastic to follow the Brontë Sisters on their investigation and I now can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Huge thanks to Steven from Hodder books for my copy of this book and for inviting me onto the blog tour. More Brontë Mysteries please!
Firstly I know from social media that this author is a huge fan of the Brontë Sisters and this is very much in evidence throughout this book. I love that each sister has been given their own personality which makes them seem very realistic. They are all so different to each other and they all bringing different skills to the investigation which I thought was very clever.
The actual investigation was very interesting and I enjoyed trying to solve the case alongside the sisters. I’m a huge fan of big old houses hiding lots of secrets so this book instantly appears to me. The plot unfolds at a great pace and I liked that all the discoveries seemed natural rather than forced.
The author manages to set the scene in this novel perfectly and I loved all the bleak descriptions of the famous moors. Some of the Victorian attitudes about class, sex, religion and politics were also included into the plot too making me feel transported to Victorian Britain. It was quite sad to see these attitudes at times and I often felt quite emotional whilst reading.
Overall I really enjoyed this well written, fun and intriguing book. It was fantastic to follow the Brontë Sisters on their investigation and I now can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Huge thanks to Steven from Hodder books for my copy of this book and for inviting me onto the blog tour. More Brontë Mysteries please!
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