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Alardyce #1
The Missing Girls of Alardyce House
Edinburgh 1880. When Amy Osbourne’s parents are lost at sea, she is forced to leave her London home and is sent to live with her aunt and uncle at the opposite end of the country.
Alardyce House is depressing and dreary, her aunt haughty and cruel. Amy strikes up a friendship with her cousin Edward but his older brother Henry is just as conceited as his mother, and a mutual loathing develops between him and Amy.
As her weeks of mourning pass, the realisation begins to dawn on Amy that her aunt has designs on her inheritance and the candidate she favours to be her neice’s husband fills Amy with horror. Struggling in this strange, unwelcoming environment, Amy begins to suspect that something isn’t right at Alardyce House.
There are rumours below stairs of a monster on the loose, local women are being brutally attacked and her cousin Henry is the prime suspect. Alardyce House is full of dark secrets and Amy isn’t sure who she can trust…
Alardyce House is depressing and dreary, her aunt haughty and cruel. Amy strikes up a friendship with her cousin Edward but his older brother Henry is just as conceited as his mother, and a mutual loathing develops between him and Amy.
As her weeks of mourning pass, the realisation begins to dawn on Amy that her aunt has designs on her inheritance and the candidate she favours to be her neice’s husband fills Amy with horror. Struggling in this strange, unwelcoming environment, Amy begins to suspect that something isn’t right at Alardyce House.
There are rumours below stairs of a monster on the loose, local women are being brutally attacked and her cousin Henry is the prime suspect. Alardyce House is full of dark secrets and Amy isn’t sure who she can trust…
392 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 28, 2015
298 people are currently reading
366 people want to read
About the author
Heather Atkinson
111 books176 followers**MY NEXT TRADITIONALLY PUBLISHED BOOK, A SAVAGE INHERITANCE (SAVAGE SISTERS SERIES #4) IS NOW AVAILABLE TO PRE-ORDER ON AMAZON PRICED £2.84. RELEASE DATE 7TH OCTOBER 2024**
**MY NEXT SELF PUBLISHED BOOK, DEADLY GAMES (BLAGGER'S CODE SERIES #6) WILL BE RELEASED ON 29TH SEPTEMBER 2024 ONLY ON AMAZON KINDLE**
Author of over seventy books so far. Living on the beautiful west coast of Scotland with my husband, twin daughters and a cat called Mavis, although I am originally from Lancashire in the north of England.
My tastes in all things are eclectic, which extends to my writing. Although I primarily write crime books - especially gangland thrillers - I also write gothic historical romance and fantasy. I publish on Amazon Kindle and some of my novels are available in paperback too. I also have a traditional publishing contract with Boldwood Books.
When I'm not writing - which isn't very often - I enjoy reading Daphne Du Maurier, Edgar Allan Poe, Shirley Jackson, MR James and the Brontes, among many others. I also enjoy swimming, walking and spending time with my family.
**MY NEXT SELF PUBLISHED BOOK, DEADLY GAMES (BLAGGER'S CODE SERIES #6) WILL BE RELEASED ON 29TH SEPTEMBER 2024 ONLY ON AMAZON KINDLE**
Author of over seventy books so far. Living on the beautiful west coast of Scotland with my husband, twin daughters and a cat called Mavis, although I am originally from Lancashire in the north of England.
My tastes in all things are eclectic, which extends to my writing. Although I primarily write crime books - especially gangland thrillers - I also write gothic historical romance and fantasy. I publish on Amazon Kindle and some of my novels are available in paperback too. I also have a traditional publishing contract with Boldwood Books.
When I'm not writing - which isn't very often - I enjoy reading Daphne Du Maurier, Edgar Allan Poe, Shirley Jackson, MR James and the Brontes, among many others. I also enjoy swimming, walking and spending time with my family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
October 22, 2022
What a delightfully dark historical thriller THE MISSING GIRLS OF ALARDYCE HOUSE is. I really didn't know what to expect, having never read the author before, but the premise was incredibly intriguing. As soon as I started I had the sense of it being an atmospheric gothic tale in the wilds of Scotland. Ok, so Edinburgh is not exactly "the wild Highlands", but the setting of Alardyce House elicits a sense of isolation and malevolence with decidedly creepy undertones. Definitely atmospheric.
Beginning in 1878, Amy Osbourne is sent to live with her maternal uncle and his family at Alardyce House in Edinburgh, until she is of age or has found a husband, after the death of her parents at sea. She warms to her uncle Alfred but finds her aunt Lenora cold and haughty and their oldest son Henry as aloof as his mother. Alardyce House itself, whilst a commanding presence, is dreary and depressing and ruled by her aunt with an iron fist. Her only saving grace is her friendship with the youngest son Edward who is something of a black sheep to the family, with his predilections that he soon confides in Amy, and her maid Nettie. Both of whom warn her of the dangers of getting too close to Henry.
Soon after her arrival, her aunt Lenora decides to marry the girl off quickly so that she could be her husband's problem and no longer their's, and proceeds to host dinner parties in order to parade her for eligible bachelors as if she were a show pony. Amy doesn't appreciate being ambushed but realises she must play along and relent to her aunt's ministrations if not for the sake of peace. After all, she is still in mourning and cannot marry until after her period of mourning is over. When two possible suitors are inevitably found neither of them are deemed worthy and therefore a new plan must be hatched. And that is when aunt Lenora devises her most evil and cunning scheme.
However unbeknownst to the family Amy has had her eye caught by one of the footman, Matthew, who pursues her arduously. And it is here that Amy goes all Lady Chatterley for a time until their secret tryst is discovered. And aunt Lenora inflicts her worst. It is then that Amy's fate has been decided - she is to marry the oldest son and heir to the Alardyce estate, Henry. Amy is horrified. After all that she knows about the unsavoury character and his depraved proclivities, Henry is the last person she wishes to be wedded to. She couldn't think of anything worse. And so, along with Nettie and Edward as her allies, she devises and plan to escape.
Ten years later it's 1888 and Amy is now working as a governess in England having lost her fortune to her uncle of which he was the trustee. She has been highly recommended by a family who are relocating to France to a Esther Huntington who is in need of a governess for her niece Jane, of whom she is responsible for after the deaths of her dear sister and husband. The two women form a friendship almost immediately and Jane flourishes under Amy's guiding hand. Life is good for Amy now and she is happy once again. And then Esther's husband returns...and Amy couldn't be more shocked. How could this be? Will he reveal her true identity? Or has she unwittingly put herself and all she loves at risk?
Amy thought life had improved since her escape from Alardyce House but now she finds that her past has caught up with her and nothing is at all what she had thought. And the lovely family she had been working for turns out to be anything but. But try and try as she might, she cannot escape the clutches that terrorise her now. Is this to be her fate? Is she being punished for her sins? She has but one friend she can run to, if she can make her escape, but is he really?
THE MISSING GIRLS OF ALARDYCE HOUSE, while a little far-fetched at times, was a thoroughly entertaining historical thriller that was atmospheric, sinister and very very dark. The horrors within was something akin to a present day thriller but then again, this was set in the times of Jack the Ripper who was just as depraved as the malevolent characters penned here and even gained a mention in passing as if to emphasise the fact. It most definitely is not for the faint-hearted with some of the descriptions and elements of torture together with the brief albeit vivid depiction of violence.
The characters were very well portrayed, drawn with just enough detail for ambiguity or purpose. Amy was nothing at all like women of the Victorian era should behave, which did give her an air of unlikeability. She was promiscuous from an early age and didn't hide the fact believing it to be quite normal behaviour. That being said it had tarnished her reputation lending her aunt to conniving up ways to rid herself of what she saw as a problem whilst gaining something out of it in the process. Hoisting up her skirts and going all Lady Chatterley with a footman was a decidedly stupid move but Amy showed no real care at the time, that one had to wonder if she brought a lot of her misfortune on herself. But then, the violence that was to come further into the story, she did not. However, Amy certainly didn't do herself any favours with her carry on in her early days at Alardyce House. As for the other stalwart characters in the tale, each had their parts to play and they did so very well.
The twist, when it came, was stealthily done and an even bigger one towards the end turned everything on its head! I was fist-pumping the air because it was as I suspected in the very beginning and then forgot about it...until I didn't. I wasn't surprised but I was still shocked particularly at the lengths of depravity.
A clever well-plotted story that had be intrigued from the start, THE MISSING GIRLS OF ALARDYCE HOUSE is a thoroughly enjoyable gothic tale of secrets and deception that is both atmospheric and deliciously dark. It is also depraved and disturbing. But very addictive. With a fantastically chilling ending that clearly paves the way for the second book.
This is a very difficult book to review because there is so much I want to say but can't! I do recommend you read it yourself. It may be your thing, it may not be. But it is an addictive ride just the same.
I would like to thank #HeatherAtkinson, #Netgalley, #BoldwoodBooks and #RachelsRandomResources for an ARC of #TheMissingGirlsOfAlardyceHouse in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
Beginning in 1878, Amy Osbourne is sent to live with her maternal uncle and his family at Alardyce House in Edinburgh, until she is of age or has found a husband, after the death of her parents at sea. She warms to her uncle Alfred but finds her aunt Lenora cold and haughty and their oldest son Henry as aloof as his mother. Alardyce House itself, whilst a commanding presence, is dreary and depressing and ruled by her aunt with an iron fist. Her only saving grace is her friendship with the youngest son Edward who is something of a black sheep to the family, with his predilections that he soon confides in Amy, and her maid Nettie. Both of whom warn her of the dangers of getting too close to Henry.
Soon after her arrival, her aunt Lenora decides to marry the girl off quickly so that she could be her husband's problem and no longer their's, and proceeds to host dinner parties in order to parade her for eligible bachelors as if she were a show pony. Amy doesn't appreciate being ambushed but realises she must play along and relent to her aunt's ministrations if not for the sake of peace. After all, she is still in mourning and cannot marry until after her period of mourning is over. When two possible suitors are inevitably found neither of them are deemed worthy and therefore a new plan must be hatched. And that is when aunt Lenora devises her most evil and cunning scheme.
However unbeknownst to the family Amy has had her eye caught by one of the footman, Matthew, who pursues her arduously. And it is here that Amy goes all Lady Chatterley for a time until their secret tryst is discovered. And aunt Lenora inflicts her worst. It is then that Amy's fate has been decided - she is to marry the oldest son and heir to the Alardyce estate, Henry. Amy is horrified. After all that she knows about the unsavoury character and his depraved proclivities, Henry is the last person she wishes to be wedded to. She couldn't think of anything worse. And so, along with Nettie and Edward as her allies, she devises and plan to escape.
Ten years later it's 1888 and Amy is now working as a governess in England having lost her fortune to her uncle of which he was the trustee. She has been highly recommended by a family who are relocating to France to a Esther Huntington who is in need of a governess for her niece Jane, of whom she is responsible for after the deaths of her dear sister and husband. The two women form a friendship almost immediately and Jane flourishes under Amy's guiding hand. Life is good for Amy now and she is happy once again. And then Esther's husband returns...and Amy couldn't be more shocked. How could this be? Will he reveal her true identity? Or has she unwittingly put herself and all she loves at risk?
Amy thought life had improved since her escape from Alardyce House but now she finds that her past has caught up with her and nothing is at all what she had thought. And the lovely family she had been working for turns out to be anything but. But try and try as she might, she cannot escape the clutches that terrorise her now. Is this to be her fate? Is she being punished for her sins? She has but one friend she can run to, if she can make her escape, but is he really?
THE MISSING GIRLS OF ALARDYCE HOUSE, while a little far-fetched at times, was a thoroughly entertaining historical thriller that was atmospheric, sinister and very very dark. The horrors within was something akin to a present day thriller but then again, this was set in the times of Jack the Ripper who was just as depraved as the malevolent characters penned here and even gained a mention in passing as if to emphasise the fact. It most definitely is not for the faint-hearted with some of the descriptions and elements of torture together with the brief albeit vivid depiction of violence.
The characters were very well portrayed, drawn with just enough detail for ambiguity or purpose. Amy was nothing at all like women of the Victorian era should behave, which did give her an air of unlikeability. She was promiscuous from an early age and didn't hide the fact believing it to be quite normal behaviour. That being said it had tarnished her reputation lending her aunt to conniving up ways to rid herself of what she saw as a problem whilst gaining something out of it in the process. Hoisting up her skirts and going all Lady Chatterley with a footman was a decidedly stupid move but Amy showed no real care at the time, that one had to wonder if she brought a lot of her misfortune on herself. But then, the violence that was to come further into the story, she did not. However, Amy certainly didn't do herself any favours with her carry on in her early days at Alardyce House. As for the other stalwart characters in the tale, each had their parts to play and they did so very well.
The twist, when it came, was stealthily done and an even bigger one towards the end turned everything on its head! I was fist-pumping the air because it was as I suspected in the very beginning and then forgot about it...until I didn't. I wasn't surprised but I was still shocked particularly at the lengths of depravity.
A clever well-plotted story that had be intrigued from the start, THE MISSING GIRLS OF ALARDYCE HOUSE is a thoroughly enjoyable gothic tale of secrets and deception that is both atmospheric and deliciously dark. It is also depraved and disturbing. But very addictive. With a fantastically chilling ending that clearly paves the way for the second book.
This is a very difficult book to review because there is so much I want to say but can't! I do recommend you read it yourself. It may be your thing, it may not be. But it is an addictive ride just the same.
I would like to thank #HeatherAtkinson, #Netgalley, #BoldwoodBooks and #RachelsRandomResources for an ARC of #TheMissingGirlsOfAlardyceHouse in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
May 23, 2022
Amy Osbourne goes to stay with her maternal uncle and his family at Alardyce House after the death of her parents. Her aunt runs the house with an iron fist and immediately hates Amy due to her compromised status. Her cousin Edward is friendly and becomes a fast friend, while her other cousin, Henry, is cool and aloof. Amy is miserable at Alardyce House and becomes frightened when she learns that young women in and around the house are being assaulted by Henry according to Edward. When her aunt decides Amy is to wed Henry, Amy decides she must escape what will be a most unacceptable marriage.
This one gets two stars because I actually finished it. I was surprised at how epically long this first installment was. It spans decades and multiple locations. It follows Amy from when she first encounters Alardyce House and the family that resides there. Then the story fast forwards 10 years after she runs from a marriage from Henry. Then she's a governess with what seems to be a lovely family that turns out to be anything but. Then she runs to one her only friends, but is he a friend? THEN it follows the trial of the person responsible for the assaults. And then it follow even more. It was toooooo much. The writing was simplistic and seemed to be on par with a 5th grade reading level. Not complex or nuanced at all. Amy's character is ridiculous. She's been having sex with her father's friend for years and doesn't see anything wrong with it after she's found out. She readily shares this information with her cousin Edward when she firsts meets him. She then starts sleeping with a servant. This was not the behavior of women at this time. And if it was, it was certainly not celebrated or discussed so openly or flippantly. The characters were flat and and annoying. I found myself skimming pages. Just not a page turner for me. Wouldn't recommend.
This one gets two stars because I actually finished it. I was surprised at how epically long this first installment was. It spans decades and multiple locations. It follows Amy from when she first encounters Alardyce House and the family that resides there. Then the story fast forwards 10 years after she runs from a marriage from Henry. Then she's a governess with what seems to be a lovely family that turns out to be anything but. Then she runs to one her only friends, but is he a friend? THEN it follows the trial of the person responsible for the assaults. And then it follow even more. It was toooooo much. The writing was simplistic and seemed to be on par with a 5th grade reading level. Not complex or nuanced at all. Amy's character is ridiculous. She's been having sex with her father's friend for years and doesn't see anything wrong with it after she's found out. She readily shares this information with her cousin Edward when she firsts meets him. She then starts sleeping with a servant. This was not the behavior of women at this time. And if it was, it was certainly not celebrated or discussed so openly or flippantly. The characters were flat and and annoying. I found myself skimming pages. Just not a page turner for me. Wouldn't recommend.
April 26, 2022
I raced through this chilling story that had a mysteriously eerie feel to it. I loved it!
I felt as though I was balancing on a cliff edge the whole way through, not once knowing what Amy's fate would be... after the tragic death of her parent's, Amy is now living at Alardyce House in the hands of her evil Aunt, Uncle who daren't say boo to-a-goose and two Cousins - one who gave me goosebumps whenever he was around.
Amy needs to find herself a husband and fast, if she wants to escape this ghastly place and equally ghastly people. And that is just what her Aunt Lenora wants - she doesn't want Amy living there and couldn't be more open about it; taking great delight in inviting potential suitors to Alardyce, in the hope of palming Amy off. I really disliked this conniving, cold-hearted woman.
Amy is grieving for her parents and has just two allies who she comes to rely on and as events take place an unthinkable threat hangs over her.
My heart went out to her. How much can this poor young woman take? But halfway through the story and she hasn't experienced the worst of it!
Throughout, Amy showed nothing but courage no matter what life threw at her and I was grateful for the loyal friends that she did have.
I think that the story worked well being set during Victorian times - no mobile phones or cars etc, help wasn't easy to come by in those days and this enhanced the menacing scenes.
There are some brilliant, albeit, shocking scenes and revelations that knocked me for six and I didn't know who Amy could trust.
This is a clever, well plotted story with great characterisation and a SUPERB ending that threw me over the cliff!!
This is a new author to me, and one I won't hesitate to read again!
I felt as though I was balancing on a cliff edge the whole way through, not once knowing what Amy's fate would be... after the tragic death of her parent's, Amy is now living at Alardyce House in the hands of her evil Aunt, Uncle who daren't say boo to-a-goose and two Cousins - one who gave me goosebumps whenever he was around.
Amy needs to find herself a husband and fast, if she wants to escape this ghastly place and equally ghastly people. And that is just what her Aunt Lenora wants - she doesn't want Amy living there and couldn't be more open about it; taking great delight in inviting potential suitors to Alardyce, in the hope of palming Amy off. I really disliked this conniving, cold-hearted woman.
Amy is grieving for her parents and has just two allies who she comes to rely on and as events take place an unthinkable threat hangs over her.
My heart went out to her. How much can this poor young woman take? But halfway through the story and she hasn't experienced the worst of it!
Throughout, Amy showed nothing but courage no matter what life threw at her and I was grateful for the loyal friends that she did have.
I think that the story worked well being set during Victorian times - no mobile phones or cars etc, help wasn't easy to come by in those days and this enhanced the menacing scenes.
There are some brilliant, albeit, shocking scenes and revelations that knocked me for six and I didn't know who Amy could trust.
This is a clever, well plotted story with great characterisation and a SUPERB ending that threw me over the cliff!!
This is a new author to me, and one I won't hesitate to read again!
August 30, 2023
Crime books and thrillers with a little historical romance and fantasy mixed in makes for a perfect book for me. The Missing Girls of Alardyce House, first of a trilogy. I love trilogies so off I go to read the second book. Amy has been a very strong, determined woman and very trusting?, Need I say more, no I won’t. Seek out this author, Heather Atkinson, she has written several other books.
October 20, 2022
This was a deliciously dark historical thriller. I knew from the very beginning that this was going to be a creepy and chilling novel with haunting undertones.
Amy’s life felt like a roller coaster and I was along for the ride. After the tragic death of her parents she was sent to live with her aunt and uncle (horrible people). Her aunt is already trying to marry her off before she gets settled in. Amy is less than please with the candidate and knows there needs to exit stage left before it becomes a reality. Can she untangle herself from this situation or will she be stuck forever?
But wait, there is more! Lurking in the shows is a monster who is brutally attack local women. As secrets start to compile and rumors run wild, Amy must protect herself before she to falls prey to the monster.
Heather Atkinson really brought this story together and wrote a terrifying eerie thriller that will live in my head for a while!
A special thanks to NetGalley, Heather Atkinson and Boldwood books for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest review.
Amy’s life felt like a roller coaster and I was along for the ride. After the tragic death of her parents she was sent to live with her aunt and uncle (horrible people). Her aunt is already trying to marry her off before she gets settled in. Amy is less than please with the candidate and knows there needs to exit stage left before it becomes a reality. Can she untangle herself from this situation or will she be stuck forever?
But wait, there is more! Lurking in the shows is a monster who is brutally attack local women. As secrets start to compile and rumors run wild, Amy must protect herself before she to falls prey to the monster.
Heather Atkinson really brought this story together and wrote a terrifying eerie thriller that will live in my head for a while!
A special thanks to NetGalley, Heather Atkinson and Boldwood books for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest review.
December 7, 2022
Horrible. I'm sorry to be so blunt but that's the best way to describe this book.
The title and synopsis are very misleading which I don't appreciate. I thought I was going into a certain mysterious supernatural tale but instead I found torture, lust and a poorly written story.
This has no place among the historical fiction genre. Asides from the obvious cruelty and injustice women were subjected to, there's very little in here that would transport me back in time. The language was far too simple, there were litle to no descriptions of the different settings and some very unrealistic scenes and dialogues.
The main character started out as a proud woman and made such awful decisions that I wasn't surprised to see her in the terrible situations she was put through. I simply couldn't feel sorry for her. As for the rest of the characters, they're not loveable either.
The ending, which dragged out innecesarily, leaves the door open to more horrid things I have no interest in reading.
The only thing I'm grateful for is that it was a fast paced read. That also added to the poor execution but it meant I got to be over with it rather quickly, so I'll count it as something positive.
All that being said, I would not recommend this book to anyone
The title and synopsis are very misleading which I don't appreciate. I thought I was going into a certain mysterious supernatural tale but instead I found torture, lust and a poorly written story.
This has no place among the historical fiction genre. Asides from the obvious cruelty and injustice women were subjected to, there's very little in here that would transport me back in time. The language was far too simple, there were litle to no descriptions of the different settings and some very unrealistic scenes and dialogues.
The main character started out as a proud woman and made such awful decisions that I wasn't surprised to see her in the terrible situations she was put through. I simply couldn't feel sorry for her. As for the rest of the characters, they're not loveable either.
The ending, which dragged out innecesarily, leaves the door open to more horrid things I have no interest in reading.
The only thing I'm grateful for is that it was a fast paced read. That also added to the poor execution but it meant I got to be over with it rather quickly, so I'll count it as something positive.
All that being said, I would not recommend this book to anyone
May 8, 2022
Historic fiction at it's best. A really engrossing read. A dark read with some fantastic characters.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
June 19, 2022
I have been a fan of Heather’s work for a little while now. I haven’t quite caught up with everything that she has written, which is something that I hope to rectify in the not too distant future. I read the synopsis for ‘The Missing Girls Of Alardyce House’ and it certainly sounded like the sort of book I have come to expect from Heather- a fast paced, gritty and gripping story. Well it was all that and so much more. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘The Missing Girls Of Alardyce House’ but more about that in a bit.
As with all of Heather’s books, I was drawn into the story from the synopsis alone. When I started reading the story properly, I knew that there was a fair chance that I wouldn’t be doing anything else other than reading for the rest of the day. I found that I just couldn’t put the book down. My Kindle wasn’t exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I just couldn’t bear to miss a single second of the story. The characters and the storylines intrigued me and I had to keep reading to see if the story panned out the way I thought it would or if there were a fair few twists and turns along the way. I became so wrapped up in the story that I lost all track of time and just how quickly I was getting through the book. All too quickly, I reached the end of the book and I had to say goodbye to the characters. I found ‘The Missing Girls Of Alardyce House’ to be gritty, gripping and at times rather scary.
‘The Missing Girls Of Alardyce House’ is extremely well written but then I have come to expect nothing less from Heather Atkinson. Heather has one of those writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. Heather certainly knows how to grab the reader’s attention and draw them into what proves to be one hell of a story. For me, the story hit the ground running and maintained a fast pace throughout. Reading ‘The Missing Girls Of Alardyce House’ felt like being on an at times rather scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with several twists and turns along the way. I love the way in which the author makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of the action.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘The Missing Girls Of Alardyce House’ and I would recommend this book to other readers. I will most definitely be reading much more of Heather’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
As with all of Heather’s books, I was drawn into the story from the synopsis alone. When I started reading the story properly, I knew that there was a fair chance that I wouldn’t be doing anything else other than reading for the rest of the day. I found that I just couldn’t put the book down. My Kindle wasn’t exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I just couldn’t bear to miss a single second of the story. The characters and the storylines intrigued me and I had to keep reading to see if the story panned out the way I thought it would or if there were a fair few twists and turns along the way. I became so wrapped up in the story that I lost all track of time and just how quickly I was getting through the book. All too quickly, I reached the end of the book and I had to say goodbye to the characters. I found ‘The Missing Girls Of Alardyce House’ to be gritty, gripping and at times rather scary.
‘The Missing Girls Of Alardyce House’ is extremely well written but then I have come to expect nothing less from Heather Atkinson. Heather has one of those writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. Heather certainly knows how to grab the reader’s attention and draw them into what proves to be one hell of a story. For me, the story hit the ground running and maintained a fast pace throughout. Reading ‘The Missing Girls Of Alardyce House’ felt like being on an at times rather scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with several twists and turns along the way. I love the way in which the author makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of the action.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘The Missing Girls Of Alardyce House’ and I would recommend this book to other readers. I will most definitely be reading much more of Heather’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
dnf
June 14, 2022I'm going to have to DNF this one & as I've only read about 15% I'm not rating it either.
It's predictable in that I guessed the bad guy from the start, checked the ending, & confirmed I was right. Predictability is not always a deal-breaker but the main character is not engaging enough to warrant continuing, in fact I found her downright annoying.
Trigger warnings: graphic sexual violence, sadism, & torture.
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Boldwood Books, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
It's predictable in that I guessed the bad guy from the start, checked the ending, & confirmed I was right. Predictability is not always a deal-breaker but the main character is not engaging enough to warrant continuing, in fact I found her downright annoying.
Trigger warnings: graphic sexual violence, sadism, & torture.
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Boldwood Books, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
March 3, 2015
One word gripping this book is brilliant. I love all of Heathers book and this one did not disappoint. Could not put it down. Would give it 10 stars if i could cant wait for the next book in this series
July 12, 2022
First half of the book was good but the last half really kicked it up a notch so I gave it a four-star rating.
December 4, 2022
A Monster👹 in Genteman's Clothing
ADULT Victorian Thriller and Romance💕 with Murder💀 Mysteries . Horror💀 and Paranormal👻 Elements.
This is a long novel of misplaced trust🔪 and an ill fated romance💔. Cruel and mean relatives also figure into the story. Graphic scenes of torture.
ADULT scenes throughout since the main character is a hoyden.
The book also ends in a cliffhanger which I really dislike. Loss of a 🌟star for the cliffhanger.
I got this ebook from Amazon📚 with KU
ADULT Victorian Thriller and Romance💕 with Murder💀 Mysteries . Horror💀 and Paranormal👻 Elements.
This is a long novel of misplaced trust🔪 and an ill fated romance💔. Cruel and mean relatives also figure into the story. Graphic scenes of torture.
ADULT scenes throughout since the main character is a hoyden.
The book also ends in a cliffhanger which I really dislike. Loss of a 🌟star for the cliffhanger.
I got this ebook from Amazon📚 with KU
June 22, 2022
The Missing Girls of Alardyce House is not my first read from Heather Atkinson, so I expected to really enjoy this, but I don’t think I really knew what I was getting into. This book was so compelling. It is a fast-paced, gritty, historical thriller.
When I pick up a book by Heather Atkinson, I know I won’t be doing anything except finishing the book. And that’s exactly what I did with this. The writing is captivating. I had to know what was happening. There are many twists and turns, and I was surprised around every corner.
The story is a bit far-fetched at time, but honestly, what story isn’t? The characters are well developed, especially main character, Amy. I thoroughly enjoyed my time reading this story and it was very difficult to set down.
If you like historical thrillers, give this one a read!
Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for the free review copy and tour invite. All opinions are my own and unbiased.
When I pick up a book by Heather Atkinson, I know I won’t be doing anything except finishing the book. And that’s exactly what I did with this. The writing is captivating. I had to know what was happening. There are many twists and turns, and I was surprised around every corner.
The story is a bit far-fetched at time, but honestly, what story isn’t? The characters are well developed, especially main character, Amy. I thoroughly enjoyed my time reading this story and it was very difficult to set down.
If you like historical thrillers, give this one a read!
Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for the free review copy and tour invite. All opinions are my own and unbiased.
ugh
November 9, 2023If I could give this book negative stars, I would give it -100. Did not finish because it was ultra-stupid.
Read
April 5, 2023DNF @6%. In the first couple pages the MC's large breasts are mentioned multiple times... Seemed very strange.
October 22, 2024
NMG — too much sex not enough plot to keep interest.
May 2, 2022
This book was…..weird. And not in a good way.
Amy Osbourne’s parents are lost at sea prompting her to move from London to Edinbugh to live with her aunt and uncle at Alardyce House. The house is depressing and her aunt has mega control issues along with her son, Henry, who is a failed attempt at a broody Mr Darcy only meaner. Amy does get along with her uncle and the other son, Edward. Both men seem amiable and reasonable. Also, for added fun, there’s rumors of a serial killer on the loose with a taste for local, young girls and it would seem, has eyes on Amy for their next victim.
Intrigued? I sure was.
Set in Edinburgh in the 1880s, this story spans about 10 years, making both the story and book longer than it should have been. I usually like my stories to start with a jolt and then settle into the story - sort of like an espresso before my coffee kicks in. Unfortunately, there was no espresso and no coffee. Just lots of watered down tea.
And lots of missed opportunities for trigger warnings. So let me include those here. This book deals with lots of torture, mental illness issues, rape, BDSM and sexual addictions. I’m sure I’m missing a couple.
If you haven’t guessed it yet, I did not like this book. I’d never heard of this author before but, as this book was labeled as historical fiction and mystery, it never occurred to me there would be so much sex in it. Not a fan at all. Nevertheless, as I skimmed over those very unnecessary scenes, I found this story really wasn’t all that mysterious.
I gave it two stars for the writing style. The descriptions of the era and time were well done and nicely researched. I didn’t get lost in the language so while it was appropriate for the times, it was easy to read. The book also held a nice pace, for the most part. No lagging or sagging anywhere.
POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD - YE HAVE BEEN WARNED!!
For the characters, I couldn’t really find one with any redeeming qualities. Amy never really grew on me. I had a hard time seeing her as a heroine of any kind. Edward and Matthew turned out to be less than stellar men (and that’s putting it mildly), Lenore was a total witch, Arthur was a wet mop of a man and Henry really was so noodly that I couldn’t believe him at all as a hero.
Ok, for the story itself, much of it was predictable. Like, the quarterback-letting-everyone-know-the-play-before-he-ever-throws-the-ball predictable. For example, the second Amy mentioned being nervous about getting pregnant, I knew she would wind up pregnant. I also knew who the killer was before the killer was ever revealed so no surprise there.
What I wasn’t prepared for, outside of the all the sex, was the torture. It went beyond the extremes of human suffering and the level of detail was unnecessary. I had to skim over those parts as well as it was too disturbing.
As for the storyline itself, I couldn’t really understand what story was being told. The whole idea of a serial killer really was more of a backstory than a major part. Until the killer was revealed, which was half-way through the book, it really was more about Amy and how she was going to escape. So not a lot of mystery at all.
I also wasn’t a fan of how it ended. I would say more but it’s completely unbelievable to me that it could possibly end on the cliffhanger that it did. Unfortunately, as this was the first in a trilogy, I won’t be reading on to see what actually happens.
Overall, I felt like this has all the ingredients of great mystery and even a good ghost story but too many triggering elements plus all the sex and torture ruined it for me.
Amy Osbourne’s parents are lost at sea prompting her to move from London to Edinbugh to live with her aunt and uncle at Alardyce House. The house is depressing and her aunt has mega control issues along with her son, Henry, who is a failed attempt at a broody Mr Darcy only meaner. Amy does get along with her uncle and the other son, Edward. Both men seem amiable and reasonable. Also, for added fun, there’s rumors of a serial killer on the loose with a taste for local, young girls and it would seem, has eyes on Amy for their next victim.
Intrigued? I sure was.
Set in Edinburgh in the 1880s, this story spans about 10 years, making both the story and book longer than it should have been. I usually like my stories to start with a jolt and then settle into the story - sort of like an espresso before my coffee kicks in. Unfortunately, there was no espresso and no coffee. Just lots of watered down tea.
And lots of missed opportunities for trigger warnings. So let me include those here. This book deals with lots of torture, mental illness issues, rape, BDSM and sexual addictions. I’m sure I’m missing a couple.
If you haven’t guessed it yet, I did not like this book. I’d never heard of this author before but, as this book was labeled as historical fiction and mystery, it never occurred to me there would be so much sex in it. Not a fan at all. Nevertheless, as I skimmed over those very unnecessary scenes, I found this story really wasn’t all that mysterious.
I gave it two stars for the writing style. The descriptions of the era and time were well done and nicely researched. I didn’t get lost in the language so while it was appropriate for the times, it was easy to read. The book also held a nice pace, for the most part. No lagging or sagging anywhere.
POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD - YE HAVE BEEN WARNED!!
For the characters, I couldn’t really find one with any redeeming qualities. Amy never really grew on me. I had a hard time seeing her as a heroine of any kind. Edward and Matthew turned out to be less than stellar men (and that’s putting it mildly), Lenore was a total witch, Arthur was a wet mop of a man and Henry really was so noodly that I couldn’t believe him at all as a hero.
Ok, for the story itself, much of it was predictable. Like, the quarterback-letting-everyone-know-the-play-before-he-ever-throws-the-ball predictable. For example, the second Amy mentioned being nervous about getting pregnant, I knew she would wind up pregnant. I also knew who the killer was before the killer was ever revealed so no surprise there.
What I wasn’t prepared for, outside of the all the sex, was the torture. It went beyond the extremes of human suffering and the level of detail was unnecessary. I had to skim over those parts as well as it was too disturbing.
As for the storyline itself, I couldn’t really understand what story was being told. The whole idea of a serial killer really was more of a backstory than a major part. Until the killer was revealed, which was half-way through the book, it really was more about Amy and how she was going to escape. So not a lot of mystery at all.
I also wasn’t a fan of how it ended. I would say more but it’s completely unbelievable to me that it could possibly end on the cliffhanger that it did. Unfortunately, as this was the first in a trilogy, I won’t be reading on to see what actually happens.
Overall, I felt like this has all the ingredients of great mystery and even a good ghost story but too many triggering elements plus all the sex and torture ruined it for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2022
Heather Atkinson’s The Missing Girls of Alardyce House is a spine-tingling Gothic chiller set in 19th Century Edinburgh that will make readers jump out of their skin.
The bottom falls out of Amy Osbourne’s world when her parents are lost at sea and she is forced to leave her London home behind to go and live with her aunt and uncle in Edinburgh, who do not exactly welcome her with open arms. Alardyce House is cold, dreary and unwelcoming. Her aunt is a cruel woman who takes particular pleasure in making her niece’s life hell. Although Amy strikes up a friendship with her cousin Edward, her other conceited cousin Henry vows to do whatever it takes to tear the two of them apart. But there are further horrors in store for Amy when she realizes that her aunt wants to get her greedy little hands on her inheritance and has found the perfect candidate for Amy to marry – a choice that fills her with dread, horror and fear. Can Amy manage to untangle herself from this arrangement? Or will she end up with no other choice but to do her aunt’s bidding?
Meanwhile, the rumour mill goes into overdrive below stairs at Alardyce House. Local women are being brutally attacked and the finger of suspicion is pointing squarely at Cousin Henry. With the corridors of Alardyce House echoing with dark and dangerous secrets, Amy needs to tread carefully because one false move and one error of judgement is all that it will take for her to end up the local monster’s next victim.
Will Amy ever manage to unshackle herself from Alardyce House? Or will she end up paying the ultimate price for ever crossing the threshold of this forbidding house?
Brilliantly atmospheric, creepy and deliciously readable, Heather Atkinson’s Victorian chiller is one that will keep readers engrossed all through the night and terrified of switching the lights off. The Missing Girls of Alardyce House is a nerve-twisting tale of secrets and lies that draws readers in from the first page and keeps them on the edge of their seats and desperate to find out what is going to happen next.
The Missing Girls of Alardyce House is a departure for Heather Atkinson, who is better known for her Scottish gangland thrillers, but she hits all the right notes with this complex, unpredictable and terrifying Victorian gothic.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The bottom falls out of Amy Osbourne’s world when her parents are lost at sea and she is forced to leave her London home behind to go and live with her aunt and uncle in Edinburgh, who do not exactly welcome her with open arms. Alardyce House is cold, dreary and unwelcoming. Her aunt is a cruel woman who takes particular pleasure in making her niece’s life hell. Although Amy strikes up a friendship with her cousin Edward, her other conceited cousin Henry vows to do whatever it takes to tear the two of them apart. But there are further horrors in store for Amy when she realizes that her aunt wants to get her greedy little hands on her inheritance and has found the perfect candidate for Amy to marry – a choice that fills her with dread, horror and fear. Can Amy manage to untangle herself from this arrangement? Or will she end up with no other choice but to do her aunt’s bidding?
Meanwhile, the rumour mill goes into overdrive below stairs at Alardyce House. Local women are being brutally attacked and the finger of suspicion is pointing squarely at Cousin Henry. With the corridors of Alardyce House echoing with dark and dangerous secrets, Amy needs to tread carefully because one false move and one error of judgement is all that it will take for her to end up the local monster’s next victim.
Will Amy ever manage to unshackle herself from Alardyce House? Or will she end up paying the ultimate price for ever crossing the threshold of this forbidding house?
Brilliantly atmospheric, creepy and deliciously readable, Heather Atkinson’s Victorian chiller is one that will keep readers engrossed all through the night and terrified of switching the lights off. The Missing Girls of Alardyce House is a nerve-twisting tale of secrets and lies that draws readers in from the first page and keeps them on the edge of their seats and desperate to find out what is going to happen next.
The Missing Girls of Alardyce House is a departure for Heather Atkinson, who is better known for her Scottish gangland thrillers, but she hits all the right notes with this complex, unpredictable and terrifying Victorian gothic.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 16, 2022
The Missing Girls of Alardyce House, by Heather Atkinson. Mercy me. Pump the breaks! Pump the breaks and listen to this story. I am always in aww and extremely elated when a book from a talented writer passes through my hands.
The story of our beautiful heroine, Amy was one of determination, faith, rage, heartache, love and the will to survive. I was cheering Amy on from one treacherous agony to the next, but I found myself happily cheering her on when she rightfully took control of her happiness. While reading her journey among the the hate that oozed from the cold and callous bodies that spied her every move, I kept asking myself and trying to figure out, how will she get out of this? How will she survive? Because of all the many triumphs and tragedies that transpired in the book I can not elaborate on the characters to much.
I will say this though. You will love the mystery and suspense that darkens the Alardyce House. I was very invested in the book from the sounds that went bump in the night and Lenora who you will come to get to know, once you have read the book. I absolutely was on pins and needles and cringing to know how the writer would pull the story together in the end. I have to tell you it was better then what I have imagined.
It was like reading a very good Jackie Collins novel or watching a very dramatic Danielle Steel movie. So many things helped this book read so well. For instance, the writer did a splendid job of creating characters whose background stories was so in-tuned with the plot, that it made the book even better. Not only did the story plot make the book believable, but the characters and their dialogue as well. How the characters moved through the book and the descriptive details as to how they looked, how they felt, was marvelously written.
The telling of their emotions was so intense and very believable. If you love a good movie to curl up to, then this book is for you. I love the power and the strength that this book brings. I think that the writer did an absolutely wonderful job with writing this story, as well as providing me with some great entertainment. I give this book two snaps and a, “yes mummy dearest”.
Until next time my fellow readers… read on!
The story of our beautiful heroine, Amy was one of determination, faith, rage, heartache, love and the will to survive. I was cheering Amy on from one treacherous agony to the next, but I found myself happily cheering her on when she rightfully took control of her happiness. While reading her journey among the the hate that oozed from the cold and callous bodies that spied her every move, I kept asking myself and trying to figure out, how will she get out of this? How will she survive? Because of all the many triumphs and tragedies that transpired in the book I can not elaborate on the characters to much.
I will say this though. You will love the mystery and suspense that darkens the Alardyce House. I was very invested in the book from the sounds that went bump in the night and Lenora who you will come to get to know, once you have read the book. I absolutely was on pins and needles and cringing to know how the writer would pull the story together in the end. I have to tell you it was better then what I have imagined.
It was like reading a very good Jackie Collins novel or watching a very dramatic Danielle Steel movie. So many things helped this book read so well. For instance, the writer did a splendid job of creating characters whose background stories was so in-tuned with the plot, that it made the book even better. Not only did the story plot make the book believable, but the characters and their dialogue as well. How the characters moved through the book and the descriptive details as to how they looked, how they felt, was marvelously written.
The telling of their emotions was so intense and very believable. If you love a good movie to curl up to, then this book is for you. I love the power and the strength that this book brings. I think that the writer did an absolutely wonderful job with writing this story, as well as providing me with some great entertainment. I give this book two snaps and a, “yes mummy dearest”.
Until next time my fellow readers… read on!
September 16, 2022
The Missing girls are Alardyce house was underwhelming, predictable asf & chaotic story telling.
The title & synopsis were not even the main plot of this book… I found them both to be a more side plot. A lot of what happens in the book isn’t mentioned even briefly in the synopsis. The story was awfully predictable so chaotically written. The ‘plot twist’ I saw it coming straight away. What annoyed me also was the rushed time changes… Details & build ups were missing. The first half mainly was far too rushed and then it all kicked off in the second half.. it honestly felt like this wasn’t planned … almost like the author just added things in when she felt like it. It could of been such a good story but it didn’t flow for me… i think it would of been better if the book had been split into two.. I think the story would of flowed better. It lacked a lot of detail & this bugged me.
Ugh the characters … I couldn’t say I liked any of them. I will mention one thing because it really p!ssed me off. At the beginning of the book it’s mentioned that Amy has a big chest & a lot of the male characters in this book objectify her.Amy said herself she hates being objectified. What really really annoyed was that she objectified the men (along with another character) & thought it was ok to do so… the utter hypocrisy in that is very annoying & unacceptable. It’s not ok to objectify anyone.
The only thing I liked was Amy’s Aunt and Uncle were interestingly written. We weren’t told they were utter hypocrites but we were shown by their words, actions etc
Overall I think this could of been a brilliant story but the execution was poor. Some of it I thought to be quite childishly written and some of the dialogue was just flat & lacked originality not to mention to modern.
I really hate it when I don’t like a book & I really don’t like posting bad reviews but I want to be honest. A lot of people are raving about this book (I personally don’t get it) but the things that annoyed me might not someone else.
The title & synopsis were not even the main plot of this book… I found them both to be a more side plot. A lot of what happens in the book isn’t mentioned even briefly in the synopsis. The story was awfully predictable so chaotically written. The ‘plot twist’ I saw it coming straight away. What annoyed me also was the rushed time changes… Details & build ups were missing. The first half mainly was far too rushed and then it all kicked off in the second half.. it honestly felt like this wasn’t planned … almost like the author just added things in when she felt like it. It could of been such a good story but it didn’t flow for me… i think it would of been better if the book had been split into two.. I think the story would of flowed better. It lacked a lot of detail & this bugged me.
Ugh the characters … I couldn’t say I liked any of them. I will mention one thing because it really p!ssed me off. At the beginning of the book it’s mentioned that Amy has a big chest & a lot of the male characters in this book objectify her.Amy said herself she hates being objectified. What really really annoyed was that she objectified the men (along with another character) & thought it was ok to do so… the utter hypocrisy in that is very annoying & unacceptable. It’s not ok to objectify anyone.
The only thing I liked was Amy’s Aunt and Uncle were interestingly written. We weren’t told they were utter hypocrites but we were shown by their words, actions etc
Overall I think this could of been a brilliant story but the execution was poor. Some of it I thought to be quite childishly written and some of the dialogue was just flat & lacked originality not to mention to modern.
I really hate it when I don’t like a book & I really don’t like posting bad reviews but I want to be honest. A lot of people are raving about this book (I personally don’t get it) but the things that annoyed me might not someone else.
December 5, 2023
That ... certainly was a book.
Characters were a bit wooden, some motives didn't make sense , and there was a lot more violence than I expected. Some of the male characters were TERRIFYING because I knew they were Bad News but it could also be a little cartoon villain-y.
I don't think "The Missing Girls of Alardyce House" was a good title for this book, in part because a good portion of it takes place WELL OUTSIDE Alardyce House. If it had all been insular, that would've worked a bit better, but ... eh. I'm not sure what a better title might've been (maybe The Monster Within?? might've been a bit more thematically appropriate, idk) but it sounds like it's going one way and it goes another. As it stands, I thought there would be a lot more active disappearances that we saw (like we get to know someone and then poof they're gone) but so much of that happens off-screen/is merely described through dialogue so it just didn't work.
Finally I think this book should've been told exclusively from Amy's POV, as there are a couple times when it hops around to other characters and explores their emotions. It kind of cuts the tension rather than heightening it, especially when it's like "this is how Leonora felt!" because, uh, she sucks, it's obvious she sucks, and she's broadcasting it pretty effectively. I don't want to know how she actually felt, I wanted to know how it came across to AMY because she's the protagonist and that creates more fear, imagining worse fates rather than having them directly spelled out.
This book is the beginning of a trilogy which is frankly wild to me. Ending was kind of a neat cliffhanger but like ... AUGH. I feel like I'll remember this for a bit because of how weird it was and it definitely kept me reading into the night but I don't know if I can actually recommend it.
Characters were a bit wooden, some motives didn't make sense , and there was a lot more violence than I expected. Some of the male characters were TERRIFYING because I knew they were Bad News but it could also be a little cartoon villain-y.
I don't think "The Missing Girls of Alardyce House" was a good title for this book, in part because a good portion of it takes place WELL OUTSIDE Alardyce House. If it had all been insular, that would've worked a bit better, but ... eh. I'm not sure what a better title might've been (maybe The Monster Within?? might've been a bit more thematically appropriate, idk) but it sounds like it's going one way and it goes another. As it stands, I thought there would be a lot more active disappearances that we saw (like we get to know someone and then poof they're gone) but so much of that happens off-screen/is merely described through dialogue so it just didn't work.
Finally I think this book should've been told exclusively from Amy's POV, as there are a couple times when it hops around to other characters and explores their emotions. It kind of cuts the tension rather than heightening it, especially when it's like "this is how Leonora felt!" because, uh, she sucks, it's obvious she sucks, and she's broadcasting it pretty effectively. I don't want to know how she actually felt, I wanted to know how it came across to AMY because she's the protagonist and that creates more fear, imagining worse fates rather than having them directly spelled out.
This book is the beginning of a trilogy which is frankly wild to me. Ending was kind of a neat cliffhanger but like ... AUGH. I feel like I'll remember this for a bit because of how weird it was and it definitely kept me reading into the night but I don't know if I can actually recommend it.
November 4, 2022
This started out like a perfect gothic mystery with wonderfully atmospheric descriptions and an orphaned heiress thrust into miserable, if not downright dangerous, living situation. Better yet, I was listening to the audio version, which was rich with luscious Scottish accents.
Then it got annoying. Amy, the heroine, quickly showed herself to be a bit of a knucklehead. OK, it's a gothic. I could have forgiven that trope if Amy wasn't already getting on my nerves.
Between all that, my motivation to keep reading the story has flagged. I may go back to it at some point, but for now, it's a DNF. :(
Then it got annoying. Amy, the heroine, quickly showed herself to be a bit of a knucklehead. OK, it's a gothic. I could have forgiven that trope if Amy wasn't already getting on my nerves.
Between all that, my motivation to keep reading the story has flagged. I may go back to it at some point, but for now, it's a DNF. :(
August 4, 2022
In 1880 Amy Osbourne is orphaned and sent to live with her aunt and uncle in Edinburgh. She has a colourful past and her relatives are keen to marry her off quickly. But her reputation and even her life could be in danger from her dangerous cousin Henry...
The Missing Girls of Alardyce House is an historical novel full of passion and drama.
Amy is quite a modern woman and finds the strict moral code of the Victorian era difficult to abide by. She wants to marry for love but with a scandal in her past she is relying on her fortune to take precedence over virginity. I loved her character for her strength and passion whilst also being shocked by her behaviour in light of the Victorian mindset.
Amy finds an immediate affinity with her younger cousin Edward as he does not conform either. But it is her relationship with her older cousin Henry that causes concern. His chilling behaviour sends her in a panic to escape but the past has a habit of catching up with her!
There is a dark atmosphere to the book and I had a sense of foreboding from the start. Violence does occur but I found it relevant to the plot and that it was appropriate to the narrative style. The social conventions of the time especially the attitudes to women felt authentic. There are some sex scenes which take on extra significance when considering the era the book is set in.
The Missing Girls of Alardyce House is a dark but fascinating novel.
The Missing Girls of Alardyce House is an historical novel full of passion and drama.
Amy is quite a modern woman and finds the strict moral code of the Victorian era difficult to abide by. She wants to marry for love but with a scandal in her past she is relying on her fortune to take precedence over virginity. I loved her character for her strength and passion whilst also being shocked by her behaviour in light of the Victorian mindset.
Amy finds an immediate affinity with her younger cousin Edward as he does not conform either. But it is her relationship with her older cousin Henry that causes concern. His chilling behaviour sends her in a panic to escape but the past has a habit of catching up with her!
There is a dark atmosphere to the book and I had a sense of foreboding from the start. Violence does occur but I found it relevant to the plot and that it was appropriate to the narrative style. The social conventions of the time especially the attitudes to women felt authentic. There are some sex scenes which take on extra significance when considering the era the book is set in.
The Missing Girls of Alardyce House is a dark but fascinating novel.
October 22, 2025
This started out as a very interesting 1880’s story about Amy who lost both parents and goes to live with an aunt, uncle and two cousins in a very grand estate with maids, butlers, footmen and so on. I love period pieces.
The uncle was brother to her mother and kind. The jealous aunt Lenora hates her. The older brother, Henry wants to marry her. The younger brother, Edward becomes her best friend. Servant girls are brutally attacked and Henry is the prime suspect.
This becomes a gripping story of abuse, torture, imprisonment, fleeing, giving in and fighting back. It is a horrific story and I needed to know what comes of it all. So I listened to all 10 hours and 25 minutes and I do not regret it.
I was on the edge of my seat praying it would all end, either in a quick death or getting out soon.
The characters were well thought out and likeable or so convincingly vile that I loved hating them. Their flaws and cruelty were so skillfully written. That takes real talent.
It feels weird to say its a good story because it’s awful but it was well written and I was invested in the welfare of the characters.
For that, I give The Missing Girls of Alardyce House 5 out of 5 inheritances!
The uncle was brother to her mother and kind. The jealous aunt Lenora hates her. The older brother, Henry wants to marry her. The younger brother, Edward becomes her best friend. Servant girls are brutally attacked and Henry is the prime suspect.
This becomes a gripping story of abuse, torture, imprisonment, fleeing, giving in and fighting back. It is a horrific story and I needed to know what comes of it all. So I listened to all 10 hours and 25 minutes and I do not regret it.
I was on the edge of my seat praying it would all end, either in a quick death or getting out soon.
The characters were well thought out and likeable or so convincingly vile that I loved hating them. Their flaws and cruelty were so skillfully written. That takes real talent.
It feels weird to say its a good story because it’s awful but it was well written and I was invested in the welfare of the characters.
For that, I give The Missing Girls of Alardyce House 5 out of 5 inheritances!
June 3, 2023
Multiple trigger warnings - BEWARE
Do not even open this book if you have suffered trauma, too many types to list. I am astonished at the number of five star ratings and glowing reviews. I'm no prude, have a very varied taste in fiction in particular forensic procedurals, and have even researched and written that subject myself. But this is just downright twisted. Torture, rape, sexual imprisonment are only some of it. And to add insult it is poorly written. I found the commentary simplistic and without depth. The characters were unconvincingly manipulated with little development, and placed in unbelievable situations. This was a total disappointment and sad to say its a few hours of my life I'll never get back (even though after about 10% I started skimming pages of lurid detail looking for something of value worth reading). I downloaded the first few of this series, thinking I'd struck gold after reading the reviews but the rest of them are all going back unread. Horrible, tacky, wooden, and borderline fetishist. Bleuch. They say there's a niche market for anything but this is definitely not one I want to know about.
Do not even open this book if you have suffered trauma, too many types to list. I am astonished at the number of five star ratings and glowing reviews. I'm no prude, have a very varied taste in fiction in particular forensic procedurals, and have even researched and written that subject myself. But this is just downright twisted. Torture, rape, sexual imprisonment are only some of it. And to add insult it is poorly written. I found the commentary simplistic and without depth. The characters were unconvincingly manipulated with little development, and placed in unbelievable situations. This was a total disappointment and sad to say its a few hours of my life I'll never get back (even though after about 10% I started skimming pages of lurid detail looking for something of value worth reading). I downloaded the first few of this series, thinking I'd struck gold after reading the reviews but the rest of them are all going back unread. Horrible, tacky, wooden, and borderline fetishist. Bleuch. They say there's a niche market for anything but this is definitely not one I want to know about.
September 20, 2023
I picked this up as I'm trying to read my local libraries 'Book of the Month' titles to add some variety.
This book is not subtle. I think it's been mislabeled as historical fiction in many ways. Yes the setting is historical but the author could have taken the whole story and put it anywhere in time. It lacks attention to detail in culture, attitudes and basic etiquette.
As for the story itself it was utterly predictable. The murderer was in plain sight from the first conversation, the villains are caricatures and the main character is insipid. Amy is a fool running around like a headless chicken and getting herself into more and more preposterous situations.
The graphic sex and torture scenes add nothing to the story. I wondered several times iif this was a fanfic turned into a novel?
The final 'twist' was laugh out loud funny. Is it supposed to be? I'll never know. I didn't realise it was a trilogy when I started. I have no intention of reading any more. I give it two stars because I finished it.
This book is not subtle. I think it's been mislabeled as historical fiction in many ways. Yes the setting is historical but the author could have taken the whole story and put it anywhere in time. It lacks attention to detail in culture, attitudes and basic etiquette.
As for the story itself it was utterly predictable. The murderer was in plain sight from the first conversation, the villains are caricatures and the main character is insipid. Amy is a fool running around like a headless chicken and getting herself into more and more preposterous situations.
The graphic sex and torture scenes add nothing to the story. I wondered several times iif this was a fanfic turned into a novel?
The final 'twist' was laugh out loud funny. Is it supposed to be? I'll never know. I didn't realise it was a trilogy when I started. I have no intention of reading any more. I give it two stars because I finished it.
July 13, 2022
TW: Explicit Sexual Acts and very very violent torture and masochism
Seventeen year old Lady Amy is suddenly an orphan. As it is 1878, she cannot be an independent woman despite her inheritance. She has to go live with her Uncle, Aunt and two Cousins. Alardyce House is a dreary place due to her creepy cousin and horrid Aunt.
Amy is not an ordinary young lady. She is educated and has already a reputation due to an unscrupulous gentleman. She soon finds out her Aunt will do anything to get her niece married and out of the house or do worse. She also realizes there is something or someone causing a fearful and dark atmosphere. Desperately lonely, she begins an illicit affair that will change her life forever.
This book caught me unawares. I thought it would be a simple book of a strong orphan battling and winning the outdated societal expectations. It is nothing of the sort. It is a story with so many twists and turns and "WHHAAAT's that made me finish it in 3 days.
Seventeen year old Lady Amy is suddenly an orphan. As it is 1878, she cannot be an independent woman despite her inheritance. She has to go live with her Uncle, Aunt and two Cousins. Alardyce House is a dreary place due to her creepy cousin and horrid Aunt.
Amy is not an ordinary young lady. She is educated and has already a reputation due to an unscrupulous gentleman. She soon finds out her Aunt will do anything to get her niece married and out of the house or do worse. She also realizes there is something or someone causing a fearful and dark atmosphere. Desperately lonely, she begins an illicit affair that will change her life forever.
This book caught me unawares. I thought it would be a simple book of a strong orphan battling and winning the outdated societal expectations. It is nothing of the sort. It is a story with so many twists and turns and "WHHAAAT's that made me finish it in 3 days.
March 30, 2024
Hmm. I am torn here, for the plot was interesting and intriguing, but I also had some issues with the book.
The story was a lot more explicitly violent than I expected in terms of the portrayal of violence. At times, I was incredibly frustrated with the female main character for feeling sexual tension and arousal even though she had been mentally and physically abused by Matthew only mere moments ago. It gave the impression that the heroine is so sex-driven that she just throws logic over board and acts quite foolishly, even though she was supposed to be a clever female character. I did not really like her and cringed at several of her decisions.
I might give the second book a try, but am torn.
Definitely needs trigger warnings: sexual abuse, sadism, graphic violence.
It's not a book I'd buy the physical copy of after listening to the audio version, though, and I'll probably not re-read it.
The story was a lot more explicitly violent than I expected in terms of the portrayal of violence. At times, I was incredibly frustrated with the female main character for feeling sexual tension and arousal even though she had been mentally and physically abused by Matthew only mere moments ago. It gave the impression that the heroine is so sex-driven that she just throws logic over board and acts quite foolishly, even though she was supposed to be a clever female character. I did not really like her and cringed at several of her decisions.
I might give the second book a try, but am torn.
Definitely needs trigger warnings: sexual abuse, sadism, graphic violence.
It's not a book I'd buy the physical copy of after listening to the audio version, though, and I'll probably not re-read it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2022
Multiple triggers, explicit torture and sexual abuse.
A promiscuous young woman. The book contains multiple violent sex acts. There are explicit scenes of bondage, abuse and sexual torture.
I always tried to leave a review good or bad. I was prepared and the initial stages to find something redeeming in the story. It held much potential to be a very good story but it contains so much sexual violence and explicit abuse and torture that it became impossible.
To top it off it leads to an ending that appears to be a happy ending only to turn into a continuation of violence.
A promiscuous young woman. The book contains multiple violent sex acts. There are explicit scenes of bondage, abuse and sexual torture.
I always tried to leave a review good or bad. I was prepared and the initial stages to find something redeeming in the story. It held much potential to be a very good story but it contains so much sexual violence and explicit abuse and torture that it became impossible.
To top it off it leads to an ending that appears to be a happy ending only to turn into a continuation of violence.
March 25, 2025
The most melodramatic of Victorian melodramas so full of Cliches from threats of being sent to an asylum to being robbed of a family fortune to characters behaving not as we first suspect. I half expected a top hatted villain turning complete with handle bar moustache to tie our heroine, Amy to railway tracks.
The title of the book was a little mis-leading as the missing girls aspect seemed to be an after thought.
The pace of the book fairly skipped along and although not the best written book I just had to know what happened to various characters.
Some scenes were very graphic and a bit over the top so that may put some readers off
The title of the book was a little mis-leading as the missing girls aspect seemed to be an after thought.
The pace of the book fairly skipped along and although not the best written book I just had to know what happened to various characters.
Some scenes were very graphic and a bit over the top so that may put some readers off
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