The Torment of Cassandra

Thornehaven #3

by Renee Ross

Cassandra Powell is a young woman used to getting her way. When she falls in love with Jeremy Thorne - a man in need of an heir - she keeps her infertility a secret.

Not until she's living in the family's ancestral castle on the cliff, does she learn its horrifying history and about the room at the top of the stairs she's forbidden to enter.

Her defiance sets off a fresh wave of tragic events that pushes their fragile relationship to the brink. After nearly two years with no baby on the way, Jeremy grows darker and more distant than ever.

When Cassandra intercepts a letter from her husband's recent dalliance who's found herself with child, she's devastated by his betrayal. However, she has no intention of simply accepting her fate.

Cassandra seizes the opportunity of manipulating the unfortunate circumstances to her advantage. Only this time, the price of getting her way is so high, death would be more merciful.

230 pages, Paperback

Published July 2, 2018

About the author

Step into a world of windswept cliffs, candlelit corridors, and secrets that echo through the ages. Renee Ross is the author of fourteen vintage-inspired gothic romances and mysteries, weaving tales where heroines face danger, desire, and dark family secrets in crumbling mansions and haunted estates.

A lifelong lover of classic gothic paperbacks, Renee revives the moody suspense and romantic intrigue that captivated generations. Her stories are perfect for readers who remember the thrill of vintage gothic novels—and for anyone discovering the genre’s spellbinding allure for the first time.

When she’s not writing, Renee curates daily gothic book features on Instagram, connecting with fellow lovers of all things mysterious and moody. Each week, she offers one of her books free on Amazon, inviting new readers to lose themselves in a world where every shadow holds a secret.

Connect with Renee on Instagram @reneerossbooks and Facebook for vintage book nostalgia, gothic vibes, and exclusive giveaways.

Reviews

[London Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a fan of original Gothic fiction--the kind that made the genre famous--then you will love this novel. Excellent characterization, vivid setting, and perfectly placed suspense make this a page-turning and fascinating journey. The character of Cassandra is both sympathetic and unreliable (in the best possible sense). Her plight of infertility coupled with the hardship of a merciless husband may lull the reader into a false sense of pity, but Cassandra is no shrinking violet. Her actions may surprise you (they certainly shocked me). Like all good Gothic novels, the mysterious elements, twists and turns, and chilling plot points culminate in an engaging and eerie story that will transport you to another time and place--one that harkens back to mysterious mansions, distressed damsels, and dissonant family relationships. You do not need to have read the first two books in the Thornehaven series to enjoy this one, but if you read this novel, you'll WANT to read the rest of the series.

[Peter Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute delight! This is by far one of the best books I have read in a good long while. It was highly engrossing with an unpredictable plot-line and a surprise ending. I loved every second of this Gothic horror novel and highly recommend it to everyone. The characters were described in great detail, believable, and the reader could really emphasize with the main character's reactions to chilling events surrounding the acursed castle. This book has all of the classic troupes of Gothic horror, and yet, the author goes far beyond the stereotypes to create a truly memorable story. Hand's down a five star read!

[Sandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the things I like about this series is that each book, which focuses on different generations of the Thorne family, are individually unique stories, yet all tie-in neatly together. Ms. Ross' characters are full of depth and you find yourself easily drawn into their thoughts and experiences. She has a talent for taking control of your feelings for her characters and twisting them around whether you love or loathe them. As in all of her books this one is filled with unexpected surprises, keeping you guessing throughout the entire story. With just the perfect amount of creepiness to guarantee chills, making it a hard book to put down until you reach the very end. A fast-paced read that truly entertains.

[Ann Town · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book. I would highly recommend it. I am looking forward to the next book In this series.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two thoughts come to my mind when reading this: Jezebel, and you reap what you sow. I always enjoy reading this author's books. Once I start reading them, I don't want to put them down until I'm finished.

[Tiffany Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put it down

This one is dark and twisted. More so than the others. I still had to keep going to find out how it was going to end.