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The Frangitelli Mirror
In 1915 a book was stolen, a crow appeared, and fate dealt its hand.
Rose Carbonelli sees ghosts.
She doesn’t sleep.
She watches every corner, studies every shadow, listens to the screams that no one else hears.
Rose Carbonelli is terrified.
Her father hasn’t been heard from since he volunteered to go to war in 1915.
The money ran out a year ago, her mother, Edith, is fading away.
Rose needs a job to save them both, and an excuse to flee the ghosts of her home.
When Rutherford House advertises for a lady’s maid, Rose seizes the opportunity.
A wage to save her mother, food to fill her belly, and an escape from the dead that occupy the shadows…
It seems just so perfect.
But is it the escape Rose has been dreaming of?
Is there truth to the rumours about Rutherford House? What lurks within the bones of it? Why has the Lady Mary Rutherford not been seen in over a decade?
Is this the perfect escape, or is it another nightmare Rose could never have imagined?
Rose Carbonelli sees ghosts.
She doesn’t sleep.
She watches every corner, studies every shadow, listens to the screams that no one else hears.
Rose Carbonelli is terrified.
Her father hasn’t been heard from since he volunteered to go to war in 1915.
The money ran out a year ago, her mother, Edith, is fading away.
Rose needs a job to save them both, and an excuse to flee the ghosts of her home.
When Rutherford House advertises for a lady’s maid, Rose seizes the opportunity.
A wage to save her mother, food to fill her belly, and an escape from the dead that occupy the shadows…
It seems just so perfect.
But is it the escape Rose has been dreaming of?
Is there truth to the rumours about Rutherford House? What lurks within the bones of it? Why has the Lady Mary Rutherford not been seen in over a decade?
Is this the perfect escape, or is it another nightmare Rose could never have imagined?
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First published July 1, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
June 20, 2023
What an alluring cover image for fans of horror. It is just that perfect mix of intrigue and a shudder thru the body kind of image that fans of horror are forced to pick up and YES, author G R Thomas delivers big time.
The Rutherford House cannot get any more gothicky than this. The dimly lit passageways, the closed rooms, the echoing halls, and to top it all, the weirdest room filled with mirrors all around, the atmosphere captured by the author oozes terror. The Frangitelli Mirror is brilliant in its conceptualization starting with a slow pace introducing the hard conditions faced by Rose and her mother and the paucity of necessities due to the war that forces Rose to seek any form of employment. Being haunted by the dead all around her, she finds life at her home extremely difficult, and spending sleepless nights afraid to see her dead brother or other shadows she longs for an escape. But the escape that arrives may be more a curse rather than a blessing.
There is an insidious quality to the writing by the author as Rose reaches Rutherford House. Until about three-quarters into the book, there is just that feeling that something menacing is out there. The incompassionate housekeeper Martha and the presence of crows following her from her home offer no respite to her only wish to be free of the supernatural. I loved how the author keeps piling on that tension with snippets and Rose herself doubting her sanity and wondering if he has imagined most of what she sees in the dead of the night. The little threads of something scuttling on the ceiling, Rose’s glasses reappearing at different places, and the reflections of the mirrors raise chills in the reader’s mind. And honestly, by the time the end chapters are reached, the terrifying events rise to a resounding boom. The romance between Eric and Rose adds to the drama as Rose initially refuses to listen to her heart and holds her heart wrapped in pride and anger.
The secondary characters including Borgia and Mary have also been wonderfully fleshed out by the author. In fact, Mary evokes equal parts sadness and admiration for her strength in dealing with her demons.
Get ready to feel the chills!
Many thanks to BookSirens and the author for a chance to read and review this book. All opinions are expressed voluntarily.
This review is published in my blog Rain'n'Books, ##Goodreads, ##Amazon India, ##Book Bub, ##Medium.com, ##Facebook, ##Twitter.
The Rutherford House cannot get any more gothicky than this. The dimly lit passageways, the closed rooms, the echoing halls, and to top it all, the weirdest room filled with mirrors all around, the atmosphere captured by the author oozes terror. The Frangitelli Mirror is brilliant in its conceptualization starting with a slow pace introducing the hard conditions faced by Rose and her mother and the paucity of necessities due to the war that forces Rose to seek any form of employment. Being haunted by the dead all around her, she finds life at her home extremely difficult, and spending sleepless nights afraid to see her dead brother or other shadows she longs for an escape. But the escape that arrives may be more a curse rather than a blessing.
There is an insidious quality to the writing by the author as Rose reaches Rutherford House. Until about three-quarters into the book, there is just that feeling that something menacing is out there. The incompassionate housekeeper Martha and the presence of crows following her from her home offer no respite to her only wish to be free of the supernatural. I loved how the author keeps piling on that tension with snippets and Rose herself doubting her sanity and wondering if he has imagined most of what she sees in the dead of the night. The little threads of something scuttling on the ceiling, Rose’s glasses reappearing at different places, and the reflections of the mirrors raise chills in the reader’s mind. And honestly, by the time the end chapters are reached, the terrifying events rise to a resounding boom. The romance between Eric and Rose adds to the drama as Rose initially refuses to listen to her heart and holds her heart wrapped in pride and anger.
The secondary characters including Borgia and Mary have also been wonderfully fleshed out by the author. In fact, Mary evokes equal parts sadness and admiration for her strength in dealing with her demons.
Get ready to feel the chills!
Many thanks to BookSirens and the author for a chance to read and review this book. All opinions are expressed voluntarily.
This review is published in my blog Rain'n'Books, ##Goodreads, ##Amazon India, ##Book Bub, ##Medium.com, ##Facebook, ##Twitter.
May 8, 2023
To start this review I have to say thank you to G.R. Thomas for sending me an arc copy of her new novel, The Frangitelli Mirror.
This has taken me a few days to fully process and write my review but it’s finally here.
I think G.R. Thomas has always gripped me into her stories almost right away. Her writing style is unique and very beautifully written I adore it. The Frangitelli Mirror is no different in all honesty it has been my favourite book from her so far. This gothic horror had me gripped from the start.
I hadn’t read a gothic horror before but I always loved paranormal and horror so I guess this was perfect. It had all I could want in a horror novel with the mysterious creepy vibes throughout the story then the revelation near the end.
The plot was very well thought out and never had me bored. As for the characters, I loved them. Not only did Rose have an interesting and well thought out backstory but so did all the side characters. That is one thing I love about books, when the characters feel real, and G.R. Thomas has done that once again.
I will also add that the smidge of romance in the novel was amazing I really enjoyed it.
Overall I have to say that this has quickly become one of my favourites and I can’t wait to have a physical copy when the book is released. It hasn’t left my mind for days and put me in a slump (in a good way).
G.R. Thomas has been one of my top authors for years now, I love everything she puts out and can’t wait to read whatever it is she writes next.
This has taken me a few days to fully process and write my review but it’s finally here.
I think G.R. Thomas has always gripped me into her stories almost right away. Her writing style is unique and very beautifully written I adore it. The Frangitelli Mirror is no different in all honesty it has been my favourite book from her so far. This gothic horror had me gripped from the start.
I hadn’t read a gothic horror before but I always loved paranormal and horror so I guess this was perfect. It had all I could want in a horror novel with the mysterious creepy vibes throughout the story then the revelation near the end.
The plot was very well thought out and never had me bored. As for the characters, I loved them. Not only did Rose have an interesting and well thought out backstory but so did all the side characters. That is one thing I love about books, when the characters feel real, and G.R. Thomas has done that once again.
I will also add that the smidge of romance in the novel was amazing I really enjoyed it.
Overall I have to say that this has quickly become one of my favourites and I can’t wait to have a physical copy when the book is released. It hasn’t left my mind for days and put me in a slump (in a good way).
G.R. Thomas has been one of my top authors for years now, I love everything she puts out and can’t wait to read whatever it is she writes next.
August 10, 2023
3.5 *
I really enjoyed the first half of this story. It had a great slow build up with pleanty of detail. It set the scene for a great gothic horror. The main character rose is someone you want to keep reading about and look forward to the character progression.
Sadly just after half way though it didnt work for me as much. It seemed to loose its origional feel. It seemed a little predictable and the other characters didnt really appeal after this point. Also there was far to much mention about Rose and her womanly monthlies. This bordered on weird and a bit too gross for my liking.
The imagery produced througout was a decent gothic horror style and i loved this. Grim and eerie. This featured throughout the whole book till the end.
I will try another story from this author regardless. I hope others love this!
Many thanks to the Author and publisher through Booksirens for an ARC.
Review written 9/8/23
I really enjoyed the first half of this story. It had a great slow build up with pleanty of detail. It set the scene for a great gothic horror. The main character rose is someone you want to keep reading about and look forward to the character progression.
Sadly just after half way though it didnt work for me as much. It seemed to loose its origional feel. It seemed a little predictable and the other characters didnt really appeal after this point. Also there was far to much mention about Rose and her womanly monthlies. This bordered on weird and a bit too gross for my liking.
The imagery produced througout was a decent gothic horror style and i loved this. Grim and eerie. This featured throughout the whole book till the end.
I will try another story from this author regardless. I hope others love this!
Many thanks to the Author and publisher through Booksirens for an ARC.
Review written 9/8/23
July 25, 2023
I really enjoy this gothic horror novel. Set during World War 1 in Australia, the first half really sets the scene for the poverty and hardships the women and children left behind have to endure. This is a slow paced novel, with the Frangitelli Mirror not making an appearance until about 40% through and all the action taking part in the last 25% or so. This did not detract from enjoying all the delicious creepiness that built up to the final showdown that involves much more drama and horror than the main character seeing ghosts.
I received a free review copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest unedited feedback.
Thank you to Book Sirens and the author.
I received a free review copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest unedited feedback.
Thank you to Book Sirens and the author.
July 6, 2023
Oh boy did this book scare me!!! I lost some sleep over chapter 37! The book blurb really doesn't do this book justice at all; it is so much more than Rose seeing ghosts! This novel is creepy, suspenseful, SCARY and would make a fantastic horror movie!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to Booksirens and G.R. Thomas.
I am giving it 4 stars as I found it too slow to take off. Essentially nothing happens for the first 20% of the book: the reader finds out that Rose is poor, the reason why she sees ghosts and a lot of ghost sightings. The relationship building with her mother is almost irrelevant and I remember thinking "why are there so many adjectives?". However, once Rose gets to the Rutherford House... then it's good!!! The author gives you little tidbits of information that confuses your brain... and then chapter 37 terrifies you yet you can’t stop reading! It was a rollercoaster of suspense and information from that point on and it was fantastic!
I feel like not much tweaking would be required to make this a 5-star read. The first 10 chapters could be shortened to 5 and the reader would still get the same reading experience without the monotony of it all. The author could limit her use of the sentence "her nail bit into her palm (or something else)". I believe more information about Rose's father or even more relationship building between certain characters would've added more depth to the story.
I will not be reading this again as it was too scary... but I shall recommend it to everyone!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to Booksirens and G.R. Thomas.
I am giving it 4 stars as I found it too slow to take off. Essentially nothing happens for the first 20% of the book: the reader finds out that Rose is poor, the reason why she sees ghosts and a lot of ghost sightings. The relationship building with her mother is almost irrelevant and I remember thinking "why are there so many adjectives?". However, once Rose gets to the Rutherford House... then it's good!!! The author gives you little tidbits of information that confuses your brain... and then chapter 37 terrifies you yet you can’t stop reading! It was a rollercoaster of suspense and information from that point on and it was fantastic!
I feel like not much tweaking would be required to make this a 5-star read. The first 10 chapters could be shortened to 5 and the reader would still get the same reading experience without the monotony of it all. The author could limit her use of the sentence "her nail bit into her palm (or something else)". I believe more information about Rose's father or even more relationship building between certain characters would've added more depth to the story.
I will not be reading this again as it was too scary... but I shall recommend it to everyone!
May 1, 2023
This book was amazing.
Once I started, I didn’t want to stop.
I have never really a read a gothic horror before but this one has me wanting to read more.
With a varied cast of characters and intense events, this book will have you gripped from the start.
I loved the dynamic between characters and the shock moments as more and more of the story was revealed.
All in all. This was a five star read!
I loved it so very much!
Once I started, I didn’t want to stop.
I have never really a read a gothic horror before but this one has me wanting to read more.
With a varied cast of characters and intense events, this book will have you gripped from the start.
I loved the dynamic between characters and the shock moments as more and more of the story was revealed.
All in all. This was a five star read!
I loved it so very much!
May 26, 2023
GR Thomas does it again!! Another brilliant read.
The Frangitelli Mirror is a gothic horror novel. Rose is our MC and becomes haunted after opening a book she found. She sees ghosts and she is terrified.
I absolutely loved reading this!!! Thankyou G.R Thomas for the opportunity to read and review this amazing book
The Frangitelli Mirror is a gothic horror novel. Rose is our MC and becomes haunted after opening a book she found. She sees ghosts and she is terrified.
I absolutely loved reading this!!! Thankyou G.R Thomas for the opportunity to read and review this amazing book
December 27, 2024
If you are into gothic historical vibes, Aussie based, ghost, demons, & witches this book is for you!!
gr thomas has written an alluring horror story based in Australia in the early 1900’s. Young girl has endured loss and poverty. Takes a job to help put food on the table but at what cost, is she escaping one horror to enter into another?
This book sucked me in. I couldn’t put it down and all I wanted to do was sit and read? This was written in a way that draws you in. The twist’s and secrets you find aren’t even what you expect!
gr thomas has written an alluring horror story based in Australia in the early 1900’s. Young girl has endured loss and poverty. Takes a job to help put food on the table but at what cost, is she escaping one horror to enter into another?
This book sucked me in. I couldn’t put it down and all I wanted to do was sit and read? This was written in a way that draws you in. The twist’s and secrets you find aren’t even what you expect!
June 18, 2023
Wow. Just...wow. First off, who knew Australian Gothic was a thing? I didn't, but if this book is any indication to a whole new genre, I'm down for it.
The Frangitelli Mirror takes place in Australia in the early 1900s. Rose and her mother Edith are struggling through severe poverty, selling anything they can do without just to make ends meet. Rose's father has gone off to war, and her mother Edith hopes ride on the idea that her husband would return any day now.
But Rose knows better. She has seen her father's ghost. He haunts the shadows of their home, along with her brother that drowned some time earlier. In fact, Rose sees ghosts everywhere, even people she doesn't know. Anywhere she goes, haunting images plague her at every turn, and she feels that she is going insane.
But Rose hasn't always been like this. It all starts when she finds a strange, hand written book that was dropped by a mysterious old woman in the market. Even though it is written in a language Rose cannot read, she keeps the book rather than return it. She feels these visions start because of her dishonesty.
Rose tries to push on with life, keeping what she sees a secret from her mother and everyone else. Who would believe her, anyway? She and her mother do their best to eek out a living taking in sewing work when they can find it, but they are not the only people desperate for work, not by far. The whole town is being hit hard by the effects of a world war.
Ignoring her ghostly visions, Rose travels through town looking for work, when she stumbles upon an add for a live in servant role at Rutherford House, an old mansion far away; a mansion and a family that carries many a rumor. What rumors those are never become completely clear, but it seems no one has anything good to say about the place.
But work is work, right? That's how Rose sees it. Plus, its a live-in position. The idea of food and an escape from the hauntings of her home and town is too much to resist. Rose interviews for the position with Mr. Borgia, the caretaker, overseer, power of attorney so to speak, and is offered the job on the spot. This catches Rose off guard due to her lack of experience, but again, leaving home and getting much needed food and money are at the forefront of her mind. Things at Rutherford House couldn't be as bad as at home...right?
Well, you're going to have to read it to find out for sure. Let's just say though, the story goes from the movie The 6th Sense type feel, then things get truly haunting, dark, and outright horrific once arriving at Rutherford House. We have ghosts, a strange old home, and one of the best 'mad woman in the attic' roles I've seen in a long time. Gothic tales tend to blur the lines between gothic and horror, but this one take a dive head first into horror in the later parts of the book that kept me flipping pages, not able to bet enough of it.
Speaking of being a page turner, let me give a fair warning for the start of the book though. For the first few chapters, it feels like it progresses pretty slow. Still, it starts out with an intriguing strangeness that I loved, but I was worried the book would end up being slow and full of useless info dumps. For example, we have foxes get into Rose and Edith's chicken coop and kill all their chickens. That takes two to three chapters. That had be pretty worried how the rest of the book would be, but trust me...get through the six or so chapters and the rest of the book makes it well worth your time.
To be fair, the slowness of the beginning could be view by some as necessary to get the reader into the mindset of the sheer poverty and starvation Rose is experiencing, and that being the drive that keeps her at Rutherford House despite all the strange goings on there. For me, it wasn't needed though. My sheer curiosity as a reader would have let me overlook her motivations.
Once we as readers arrive at Rutherford house, we're in for a wild ride. Then its a slow acclimation to the new surroundings, then a headfirst surge into craziness, only to pull you back to wonder what is happening before throwing you head first back into the fray. If you're looking for a classic ghost story or haunted mansion gothic tale, you're fresh out of luck here. This tale gets really dark, and everything cliché short of the mansion itself gets thrown out the window. This was a crazy original idea, at least for me, and I loved every minute of it.
Our main character Rose was crafted wonderfully. She's in her late teen years, on the cusp of womanhood for the timeframe of the story. The bleakness of the economy of her town and their situation works really well, and you find yourself caring for and worrying about Rose early on. Rose's thoughts constantly conflict with each other, and you truly get the feeling that she's on the verge of a mental breakdown. Even though you can pretty much guess things at Rutherford House isn't going to be exactly what Rose is hoping for, you still find yourself hoping it all works out for her...or either screaming at the book "Don't do it!" That's what drew me in early and got me through the slower parts I mention before. I love a character driven story, and the writer makes you care about Rose way early on, so I had to stick around to find out what happened.
Mr. Borgia, the man in charge of things at Rutherford House, is a strange one, and if you are looking for it, his strangeness becomes apparent at his and Rose's first meeting. Its obvious there something about him, hiding right behind the surface. Rose senses it too, but again, the poor girl is starving.
Rose is barely able to survive the job duties at Rutherford House, and would have failed early on if not for Martha, the cook and basically the only other servant at the place. The house seems to run off hired help as quick as it can bring it in, but Martha is too hardened and crabby to let it affect her. Still, there is a silent affection in some of her dealings with Rose that can't be overlooked.
Mary Rutherford, the lady of the house, is probably the most damaged, mysterious, out right crazy characters I've even encountered in a gothic tale. At first, she's the cliché 'mad woman in the attic' character, but the obsession with constant light and mirrors takes it to the next level. That, coupled with her bizarre obsession with a handmade porcelain doll and the fact that she stays completely veiled keeps you digging through the book to find out more.
The book contains a perfectly dark atmosphere and completely fed my need for gothic ambiance, and the climax of the story throws in enough horror and gore that I was completely caught off guard. This was a five star read easily. It is one I'm definitely recommending to anyone that loves gothic, horror, and dark tales.
I've been on a bit of a reading slump the last few weeks, and The Frangitelli Mirror easily broke that streak. This should be a book on every gothic lover's to-be read list.
The Frangitelli Mirror takes place in Australia in the early 1900s. Rose and her mother Edith are struggling through severe poverty, selling anything they can do without just to make ends meet. Rose's father has gone off to war, and her mother Edith hopes ride on the idea that her husband would return any day now.
But Rose knows better. She has seen her father's ghost. He haunts the shadows of their home, along with her brother that drowned some time earlier. In fact, Rose sees ghosts everywhere, even people she doesn't know. Anywhere she goes, haunting images plague her at every turn, and she feels that she is going insane.
But Rose hasn't always been like this. It all starts when she finds a strange, hand written book that was dropped by a mysterious old woman in the market. Even though it is written in a language Rose cannot read, she keeps the book rather than return it. She feels these visions start because of her dishonesty.
Rose tries to push on with life, keeping what she sees a secret from her mother and everyone else. Who would believe her, anyway? She and her mother do their best to eek out a living taking in sewing work when they can find it, but they are not the only people desperate for work, not by far. The whole town is being hit hard by the effects of a world war.
Ignoring her ghostly visions, Rose travels through town looking for work, when she stumbles upon an add for a live in servant role at Rutherford House, an old mansion far away; a mansion and a family that carries many a rumor. What rumors those are never become completely clear, but it seems no one has anything good to say about the place.
But work is work, right? That's how Rose sees it. Plus, its a live-in position. The idea of food and an escape from the hauntings of her home and town is too much to resist. Rose interviews for the position with Mr. Borgia, the caretaker, overseer, power of attorney so to speak, and is offered the job on the spot. This catches Rose off guard due to her lack of experience, but again, leaving home and getting much needed food and money are at the forefront of her mind. Things at Rutherford House couldn't be as bad as at home...right?
Well, you're going to have to read it to find out for sure. Let's just say though, the story goes from the movie The 6th Sense type feel, then things get truly haunting, dark, and outright horrific once arriving at Rutherford House. We have ghosts, a strange old home, and one of the best 'mad woman in the attic' roles I've seen in a long time. Gothic tales tend to blur the lines between gothic and horror, but this one take a dive head first into horror in the later parts of the book that kept me flipping pages, not able to bet enough of it.
Speaking of being a page turner, let me give a fair warning for the start of the book though. For the first few chapters, it feels like it progresses pretty slow. Still, it starts out with an intriguing strangeness that I loved, but I was worried the book would end up being slow and full of useless info dumps. For example, we have foxes get into Rose and Edith's chicken coop and kill all their chickens. That takes two to three chapters. That had be pretty worried how the rest of the book would be, but trust me...get through the six or so chapters and the rest of the book makes it well worth your time.
To be fair, the slowness of the beginning could be view by some as necessary to get the reader into the mindset of the sheer poverty and starvation Rose is experiencing, and that being the drive that keeps her at Rutherford House despite all the strange goings on there. For me, it wasn't needed though. My sheer curiosity as a reader would have let me overlook her motivations.
Once we as readers arrive at Rutherford house, we're in for a wild ride. Then its a slow acclimation to the new surroundings, then a headfirst surge into craziness, only to pull you back to wonder what is happening before throwing you head first back into the fray. If you're looking for a classic ghost story or haunted mansion gothic tale, you're fresh out of luck here. This tale gets really dark, and everything cliché short of the mansion itself gets thrown out the window. This was a crazy original idea, at least for me, and I loved every minute of it.
Our main character Rose was crafted wonderfully. She's in her late teen years, on the cusp of womanhood for the timeframe of the story. The bleakness of the economy of her town and their situation works really well, and you find yourself caring for and worrying about Rose early on. Rose's thoughts constantly conflict with each other, and you truly get the feeling that she's on the verge of a mental breakdown. Even though you can pretty much guess things at Rutherford House isn't going to be exactly what Rose is hoping for, you still find yourself hoping it all works out for her...or either screaming at the book "Don't do it!" That's what drew me in early and got me through the slower parts I mention before. I love a character driven story, and the writer makes you care about Rose way early on, so I had to stick around to find out what happened.
Mr. Borgia, the man in charge of things at Rutherford House, is a strange one, and if you are looking for it, his strangeness becomes apparent at his and Rose's first meeting. Its obvious there something about him, hiding right behind the surface. Rose senses it too, but again, the poor girl is starving.
Rose is barely able to survive the job duties at Rutherford House, and would have failed early on if not for Martha, the cook and basically the only other servant at the place. The house seems to run off hired help as quick as it can bring it in, but Martha is too hardened and crabby to let it affect her. Still, there is a silent affection in some of her dealings with Rose that can't be overlooked.
Mary Rutherford, the lady of the house, is probably the most damaged, mysterious, out right crazy characters I've even encountered in a gothic tale. At first, she's the cliché 'mad woman in the attic' character, but the obsession with constant light and mirrors takes it to the next level. That, coupled with her bizarre obsession with a handmade porcelain doll and the fact that she stays completely veiled keeps you digging through the book to find out more.
The book contains a perfectly dark atmosphere and completely fed my need for gothic ambiance, and the climax of the story throws in enough horror and gore that I was completely caught off guard. This was a five star read easily. It is one I'm definitely recommending to anyone that loves gothic, horror, and dark tales.
I've been on a bit of a reading slump the last few weeks, and The Frangitelli Mirror easily broke that streak. This should be a book on every gothic lover's to-be read list.
July 9, 2023
Thank you so much for the ARC. Wow wow wow I loved this book, G.R. Thomas is a fantastic writer. This book has you gripped as soon as you start reading, full of suspense.
Gothic Horror book so please check your trigger warnings before reading.
This book was so well written, story line was fantastic and getting to know the background of each characters.
This book has fate; loss; love, suspense, scary scenes, has it all. This is my first Gothic Horror book I have read and I’m hooked. I definitely need a copy of this book to put on my shelf.
I’m going to recommend this book to everyone. I would re read this book it was that good and will be on my mind for a very long time. . ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Again thank you G.R. Thomas for an adventure , keep writing more books.
Gothic Horror book so please check your trigger warnings before reading.
This book was so well written, story line was fantastic and getting to know the background of each characters.
This book has fate; loss; love, suspense, scary scenes, has it all. This is my first Gothic Horror book I have read and I’m hooked. I definitely need a copy of this book to put on my shelf.
I’m going to recommend this book to everyone. I would re read this book it was that good and will be on my mind for a very long time. . ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Again thank you G.R. Thomas for an adventure , keep writing more books.
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July 9, 2024Such a wonderfully unique plot!
The twists and turns in this gothic YA horror had me turning pages rapidly.
An enjoyable read.
The twists and turns in this gothic YA horror had me turning pages rapidly.
An enjoyable read.
April 26, 2023
Overall ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
I have received this book as an ARC, and my thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book is absolutely fantastic. From the first chapter, the world building is written so well that I felt like I was right there with our FMC Rose.
G.R. Thomas has a true gift of writing emotions so that the reader feels them right alongside their characters.
Please do heed the trigger warnings ⚠️. For me, it wasn't bad at all, but everyone has different triggers. If anything to do with the death of a baby triggers you, then please take caution or do not read.
I love how Rose had an attitude but knew when to reign it in but still was so independent even through the loss she still wanted to help! How Rose reacted to everything is very much, I feel how everyone, or how most would react, which I think is fantastic.
This book does have paranormal elements in it, so if you are easily frightened by these elements, please read this book with the light on. I even found myself turning my book light on, so I wasn't reading it in the dark, haha.
This is definitely a beautiful written book, and I am so glad that I got the chance to read this as an ARC.
I highly recommend this book!
I have received this book as an ARC, and my thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book is absolutely fantastic. From the first chapter, the world building is written so well that I felt like I was right there with our FMC Rose.
G.R. Thomas has a true gift of writing emotions so that the reader feels them right alongside their characters.
Please do heed the trigger warnings ⚠️. For me, it wasn't bad at all, but everyone has different triggers. If anything to do with the death of a baby triggers you, then please take caution or do not read.
I love how Rose had an attitude but knew when to reign it in but still was so independent even through the loss she still wanted to help! How Rose reacted to everything is very much, I feel how everyone, or how most would react, which I think is fantastic.
This book does have paranormal elements in it, so if you are easily frightened by these elements, please read this book with the light on. I even found myself turning my book light on, so I wasn't reading it in the dark, haha.
This is definitely a beautiful written book, and I am so glad that I got the chance to read this as an ARC.
I highly recommend this book!
May 20, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Wow! It's been a long time since a book gave me goosebumps while reading and that exactly what this book did!
From the start, I was slowly sucked into to book, the bam, I couldn't put it down. It was gothic, dark and rich, the writing was beautiful and I really felt the characters, the story got more and more spooky as I went on to the point I even had to turn my main light on!
We follow rose, who in a time of war is desperate to earn some money to save herself and her mum, she gets a job at Rutherford house as a maid, but the house holds a secret and so does rose!
I start of the book is a nice slow pace, letting you get to know rose, then once she arrives at the house, things start to happen, it was this point on the book where I physically had hair stand on end and legitimately felt creeped out, the way this book is written, really makes you keep turning page after page, it had suspense, twists and turns, sadness and love.
So yes, I absolutely loved this story, i haven't been able to stop thinking about it since I finished! If you are a fan of dark, gothic and mysterious stories then this one is definitely one to read!
Thank you so much for letting me read this amazing book!
Wow! It's been a long time since a book gave me goosebumps while reading and that exactly what this book did!
From the start, I was slowly sucked into to book, the bam, I couldn't put it down. It was gothic, dark and rich, the writing was beautiful and I really felt the characters, the story got more and more spooky as I went on to the point I even had to turn my main light on!
We follow rose, who in a time of war is desperate to earn some money to save herself and her mum, she gets a job at Rutherford house as a maid, but the house holds a secret and so does rose!
I start of the book is a nice slow pace, letting you get to know rose, then once she arrives at the house, things start to happen, it was this point on the book where I physically had hair stand on end and legitimately felt creeped out, the way this book is written, really makes you keep turning page after page, it had suspense, twists and turns, sadness and love.
So yes, I absolutely loved this story, i haven't been able to stop thinking about it since I finished! If you are a fan of dark, gothic and mysterious stories then this one is definitely one to read!
Thank you so much for letting me read this amazing book!
July 5, 2023
I really wanted to like this book; the premise sounded really cool, but unfortunately it was a slog for me. The language the author uses is beautiful, but unfortunately most of the time it is too overwrought, to the detriment of advancing the plot. The entire first two chapters do nothing but describe the main character finding chickens dead in a chicken coop! It took half the book just to get to the main location and the heart of the story, over half the book before the title item was even mentioned. Rose also felt like a very inconsistent character to me, not fully fleshed out. And once the supernatural element and Rose's true identity were introduced, it felt like both Rose and the reader were dropped in with very little explanation and I felt very confused as to what was going on and the "rules" of this world most of the time. I would have loved to see more worldbuilding here - the reader needs a deeper understanding of the magical and supernatural elements to fully understand and invest in the story. I did like the way the author wrote about Rutherford House - a very atmospheric setting! Sadly, the story itself just lacked the depth that I think it needs.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 29, 2023
This is one of the creepiest books I have ever read. I was hooked from very early on and rooted to the spot until the end! Haunted mansion, noises in the night, forbidden rooms, and there is an excellent mystery story waiting to be unearthed.
Our main character, Rose is a strong, independent young woman who would do anything to change her and her mother's life for a better one. That's include taking a live-in position in a rumoured haunted mansion. It was engaging to follow her especially when she has the ability to see dead people.
The plot is well thought-out and fully developed. It is so very atmospheric with spooky feel to it that I was immediately drawn into the world. It reminds me a lot of Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights – in regards to madness of women.
I could easily have read this in one sitting. It builds up the tension, and does not disappointed at the end.
I received an advance review copy through Booksirens in exchange for my honest review
Received date: 25/05/2023
Date started:27/05/2023
Date finished:29/05/2023
Our main character, Rose is a strong, independent young woman who would do anything to change her and her mother's life for a better one. That's include taking a live-in position in a rumoured haunted mansion. It was engaging to follow her especially when she has the ability to see dead people.
The plot is well thought-out and fully developed. It is so very atmospheric with spooky feel to it that I was immediately drawn into the world. It reminds me a lot of Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights – in regards to madness of women.
I could easily have read this in one sitting. It builds up the tension, and does not disappointed at the end.
I received an advance review copy through Booksirens in exchange for my honest review
Received date: 25/05/2023
Date started:27/05/2023
Date finished:29/05/2023
May 23, 2023
This was a decadent gothic horror read. I could not stop reading it from start to finish. It's beautifully written and the characters are well formed.
The main character Rose is angry and traumatized and reacts accordingly. She is vibrant and human in her needs and wants.
However I didn't entirely enjoy the last section of the story for minor gripes.
The dialogue seemed a little off but I did chuckle at how many times Rose's glasses featured. The pacing and Rose's behaviour drove me a little mad. I may re-read it again at a later date to see if I still feel that way.
There was just the right amount of romance in it and plenty of horror, gore and sadness.
I'm glad there was a trigger warning. One of my favourite characters was the one carrying the most sadness and strength.
Overall a very enjoyable read from beginning to end.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The main character Rose is angry and traumatized and reacts accordingly. She is vibrant and human in her needs and wants.
However I didn't entirely enjoy the last section of the story for minor gripes.
The dialogue seemed a little off but I did chuckle at how many times Rose's glasses featured. The pacing and Rose's behaviour drove me a little mad. I may re-read it again at a later date to see if I still feel that way.
There was just the right amount of romance in it and plenty of horror, gore and sadness.
I'm glad there was a trigger warning. One of my favourite characters was the one carrying the most sadness and strength.
Overall a very enjoyable read from beginning to end.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 26, 2023
First let me start off I got this book off of BookSirens for free and I am leaving this review of The Frangitelli Mirror by GR Thomas voluntarily.
This book truly was very descriptive. It made me feel like I was watching a movie with each passing page. And it was a nice little spooky book where I thought I could figure out the ending but things would change up and make me second guess it all. The main character is trying her best to make sure she and her mother has money with the war going on, she could not get any job, well that was until she got offered a job as a lady's live in maid. I cannot say I fault her from upping her roots and going to work at the mansion. I would do the same in that situation. But things are truly not what they seem and everything starts happening faster and faster to the point she has no idea if its in her heard or actually happening. It did bring me back to my love of House on Haunting Hill and the show that was based off of that. So if you do enjoy either of those, give this book a shot. It was a fun read.
This book truly was very descriptive. It made me feel like I was watching a movie with each passing page. And it was a nice little spooky book where I thought I could figure out the ending but things would change up and make me second guess it all. The main character is trying her best to make sure she and her mother has money with the war going on, she could not get any job, well that was until she got offered a job as a lady's live in maid. I cannot say I fault her from upping her roots and going to work at the mansion. I would do the same in that situation. But things are truly not what they seem and everything starts happening faster and faster to the point she has no idea if its in her heard or actually happening. It did bring me back to my love of House on Haunting Hill and the show that was based off of that. So if you do enjoy either of those, give this book a shot. It was a fun read.
June 28, 2023
Book Sirens eARC. Rose Carbonelli is seeing ghosts and seems to be haunted by crows. Since her father left to fight in the war things have steadily worsened for her and her mother. Now the money is gone and food and work are scarce. When Rose accepts a position as maid for Rutherford House she accepts despite the disturbing rumors about the house and its occupants. Upon arrival she finds the house strange indeed, brightly lit and lined with mirrors. Her charge Lady Mary seems to have lost touch with reality. With each passing day Rose encounters strange noises and glimpses of "other" and even begins to doubt her own sanity. This classic gothic novel starts out slow and plodding but wait for it. As the tensions build and the revelations begin Rose discovers things about herself and realizes how deadly a misstep could be. Although I found the prose disjointed at times the unique plot schemes and characters kept me turning pages.
July 14, 2023
I've just finished reading this book and I'm still trying to catch my breath!
The author has done a brilliant job crafting Rose as a character. She's real, she's human, and she's downright relatable. Her struggles hit close to home and you can't help but root for her.
The atmosphere of this book gave me goosebumps! It's filled with just the right amount of eeriness, mystery, and uncertainty. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time.
I particularly loved how the author brought the era to life. The descriptions were so vivid, it's like I was there, feeling Rose's fear, sharing her hopes, and even sensing the chill in the shadows.
All in all, this book was a heart-pounding. I couldn't put it down! If you're in for a gripping blend of mystery, suspense, and the supernatural, with a strong, relatable heroine at its heart, this is your book. Can't recommend it enough! 5 stars, hands down!
The author has done a brilliant job crafting Rose as a character. She's real, she's human, and she's downright relatable. Her struggles hit close to home and you can't help but root for her.
The atmosphere of this book gave me goosebumps! It's filled with just the right amount of eeriness, mystery, and uncertainty. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time.
I particularly loved how the author brought the era to life. The descriptions were so vivid, it's like I was there, feeling Rose's fear, sharing her hopes, and even sensing the chill in the shadows.
All in all, this book was a heart-pounding. I couldn't put it down! If you're in for a gripping blend of mystery, suspense, and the supernatural, with a strong, relatable heroine at its heart, this is your book. Can't recommend it enough! 5 stars, hands down!
September 11, 2023
I was sucked into the author's story almost immediately. Her writing style is distinctive and exquisitely crafted, and I adore it. I was completely engrossed in this gothic horror right away.
I have recently forayed into the gothic horror, supernatural and horror genre, so this was a ideal book for me. With the eerie, enigmatic sensations that pervaded the entire story and the reveal towards the conclusion, it had all I could ask for in a horror book.
I never got bored because the plot was so well thought out. I adored the characters, too. All the supporting characters had a compelling and well-developed backstory, not just Rose. When characters seem genuine, which is one aspect of literature I enjoy, G.R. I should also mention that the novel's small amount of romance was fantastic; I really loved it.
Overall, I have to say that this has swiftly risen to the top of my list of the year's best books to read.
Thanks to BookSirens for the ARC :)
I have recently forayed into the gothic horror, supernatural and horror genre, so this was a ideal book for me. With the eerie, enigmatic sensations that pervaded the entire story and the reveal towards the conclusion, it had all I could ask for in a horror book.
I never got bored because the plot was so well thought out. I adored the characters, too. All the supporting characters had a compelling and well-developed backstory, not just Rose. When characters seem genuine, which is one aspect of literature I enjoy, G.R. I should also mention that the novel's small amount of romance was fantastic; I really loved it.
Overall, I have to say that this has swiftly risen to the top of my list of the year's best books to read.
Thanks to BookSirens for the ARC :)
June 18, 2023
A vivid, dark and hauntingly beautiful Gothic horror story which outlines just how far a parent is willing to go to help their child- especially in dire circumstances.
The story is centered around 19 year old Rose Carbonelli who takes a job as a ladies maid to work in the Rutherford House in order to gain financial security for herself and her mother as well as to gain a sense of freedom from her sheltered life.
However, Rose gets more than she bargained for when she accepts the position at Rutherford House from the suave yet odd Mr. Borgia to take care of Mrs. Rutherford.
This story was quite intriguing, suspenseful and enjoyable as a whole with a twist that I didn't see coming until towards the end.
The story is centered around 19 year old Rose Carbonelli who takes a job as a ladies maid to work in the Rutherford House in order to gain financial security for herself and her mother as well as to gain a sense of freedom from her sheltered life.
However, Rose gets more than she bargained for when she accepts the position at Rutherford House from the suave yet odd Mr. Borgia to take care of Mrs. Rutherford.
This story was quite intriguing, suspenseful and enjoyable as a whole with a twist that I didn't see coming until towards the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2023
Thankyou GR Thomas for sending me the most beautiful PR Package.
Frangitelli Mirror is my First gothic Horror and it’s got me wanting more. This is my second book to read and review by this Author and she is truely amazing at what she writes.
Rose is unique and can see the shadows and ghosts that no one else sees. Living with her mum and struggling while her dad is away at war and not been heard from in a long time. Rose must help support her mother and help bring in income to survive.
The characters in this book have special dynamics and there is plenty of shock twists. This book will leave you hooked from Start to Finish. Cannot wait to read even more by GR Thomas.
Frangitelli Mirror is my First gothic Horror and it’s got me wanting more. This is my second book to read and review by this Author and she is truely amazing at what she writes.
Rose is unique and can see the shadows and ghosts that no one else sees. Living with her mum and struggling while her dad is away at war and not been heard from in a long time. Rose must help support her mother and help bring in income to survive.
The characters in this book have special dynamics and there is plenty of shock twists. This book will leave you hooked from Start to Finish. Cannot wait to read even more by GR Thomas.
August 1, 2023
This was a wonderfully haunting tale that I would recommend anyone read if they're looking for something spooky this season. I greatly appreciate the gothic atmosphere that is crafted around our 19-year-old main character, so if anyone is looking for a Dark fantasy, I highly recommend trying The Frangitelli Mirror. GR. Thomas has a lovely writing style, and she uses it to leave me feeling unsettled in the dark setting. The atmosphere is perfectly crafted. The plot moves slowly, but it is captivating with the emotion that you run through on your iPhone. It is highly captivating and readable. I received it as an advanced reader's copy. But I'm leaving my honest thoughts.
June 18, 2023
This was my first dive into gothic/horror genre and this book did not disappoint.
Not only was it extremely well written it kept you questioning what was going to happen. I also loved the paranormal side to this book. From ghosts to demons and more!
As a lover of horror movies this book made me wonder why I hadn’t read more of these!
There was found family, friends to lovers (very small portion but added some romance to the book), found powers and a relatable FMC.
I also loved that this was set in Melbourne Australia!
Not only was it extremely well written it kept you questioning what was going to happen. I also loved the paranormal side to this book. From ghosts to demons and more!
As a lover of horror movies this book made me wonder why I hadn’t read more of these!
There was found family, friends to lovers (very small portion but added some romance to the book), found powers and a relatable FMC.
I also loved that this was set in Melbourne Australia!
November 16, 2023
A dark and creepy gothic tale.
Rose sees unalived people. Not in the sense of a sweet nana passed in her sleep and she’s blessing you, no, she sees people who have passed due to tragic circumstances and they appear as they left this world, distraught and gory…..and the stench.
In the hope of escaping these horrors, Rose accepts a position as a live in companion at a foreboding mansion swirling in rumours. Surely anything will be better than her current circumstances, wrong. She is thrust into a world of unimaginable evils and must face her fate.
An incredible mind spinning, goosebump inflicting story which you won’t be able to put down. Facing realities of life in the early 1900’s with an unimaginable paranormal twist and a side of romance.
Rose sees unalived people. Not in the sense of a sweet nana passed in her sleep and she’s blessing you, no, she sees people who have passed due to tragic circumstances and they appear as they left this world, distraught and gory…..and the stench.
In the hope of escaping these horrors, Rose accepts a position as a live in companion at a foreboding mansion swirling in rumours. Surely anything will be better than her current circumstances, wrong. She is thrust into a world of unimaginable evils and must face her fate.
An incredible mind spinning, goosebump inflicting story which you won’t be able to put down. Facing realities of life in the early 1900’s with an unimaginable paranormal twist and a side of romance.
May 14, 2023
This book is AMAZING easily one of the best I’ve read this year so far.
I couldn’t get enough of it and I was sad to have to put it down to tend to the children. It kept me on my toes and kept me reading to find out what would happen next.the world building is just superb. It is a gothic horror so keep that in mind.
G.R Thomas’s writing is just beautiful I could read anything she writes quite happily.
I couldn’t get enough of it and I was sad to have to put it down to tend to the children. It kept me on my toes and kept me reading to find out what would happen next.the world building is just superb. It is a gothic horror so keep that in mind.
G.R Thomas’s writing is just beautiful I could read anything she writes quite happily.
May 7, 2023
This was my first gothic horror, and I loved it! YA suitable, it has short chapters, great detail, and dynamic characters that push you to keep reading.
The story is thrilling with twists and turns, but very little wasted words.
There are triggers for this book. I was not concerned, and having read it, am still not concerned by them.
Highly recommend this book!
The story is thrilling with twists and turns, but very little wasted words.
There are triggers for this book. I was not concerned, and having read it, am still not concerned by them.
Highly recommend this book!
May 12, 2023
First off I want to say thank you for letting me read an arc.
This books was incredible.
GR Thomas is a fantastic storyteller. Her world building is incredible and really grips you from start to finish. The characters are well written and the ending was amazing. I can’t wait to read more by this author.
This books was incredible.
GR Thomas is a fantastic storyteller. Her world building is incredible and really grips you from start to finish. The characters are well written and the ending was amazing. I can’t wait to read more by this author.
June 15, 2023
The start slowly draws you in and then the second half has you sitting on the edge of your seat, flicking pages so quick just to see what happens.
Check Trigger Warnings and avoid the shadows while reading.
A paranormal horror read that will have you running to your bed very fast after flicking that light off.
Check Trigger Warnings and avoid the shadows while reading.
A paranormal horror read that will have you running to your bed very fast after flicking that light off.
June 23, 2023
I loved this book! Written in a beautiful literary style that is both evocative and immersive. A haunting tale of a young woman trying to make a life as a lady’s maid during WWI Melbourne. I love that it is based in Australia. Ghosts and intrigue set this story apart from the fast fiction currently on the shelves of bookstores. It is a truly different book that I could not put down.
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