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The Attic at Wilton Place
A perfect life in a perfect home – but what secrets lie beneath?
Ruth Parker is desperate for love and attention. Overlooked as a child by her cold and hostile mother, Joy, in favour of her older brother, her pain manifests in loneliness and a crippling lack of self-esteem. When her mother’s close childhood friend, glamorous actress Vanessa, shows an interest in her, Ruth basks in the blinding light of her attention – to her mother’s disapproval.
When Ruth escapes to university in London, Vanessa invites her into her stunning home in Belgravia, Wilton Place. Slowly, she begins to blossom under Vanessa’s guidance, living a perfect life in a perfect home. As Vanessa begins to mould Ruth in her own image, Ruth finds herself seduced by the hypnotic, luxurious confines of Wilton Place.
But when Ruth finds a locked attic in her new home, she discover that Vanessa and Joy are hiding the darkest of secrets from their childhood, secrets that threaten everything Ruth knew about her mother. How far will Ruth go to find the truth - and how much does she really want to know?
Ruth Parker is desperate for love and attention. Overlooked as a child by her cold and hostile mother, Joy, in favour of her older brother, her pain manifests in loneliness and a crippling lack of self-esteem. When her mother’s close childhood friend, glamorous actress Vanessa, shows an interest in her, Ruth basks in the blinding light of her attention – to her mother’s disapproval.
When Ruth escapes to university in London, Vanessa invites her into her stunning home in Belgravia, Wilton Place. Slowly, she begins to blossom under Vanessa’s guidance, living a perfect life in a perfect home. As Vanessa begins to mould Ruth in her own image, Ruth finds herself seduced by the hypnotic, luxurious confines of Wilton Place.
But when Ruth finds a locked attic in her new home, she discover that Vanessa and Joy are hiding the darkest of secrets from their childhood, secrets that threaten everything Ruth knew about her mother. How far will Ruth go to find the truth - and how much does she really want to know?
398 pages, Paperback
First published March 30, 2023
22 people are currently reading
428 people want to read
About the author
C.E. Rose
8 books38 followersC.E. Rose is the pen name of novelist Caroline England.
Born in Sheffield, Caroline studied Law at the University of Manchester and stayed over the border. Caroline was a divorce and professional indemnity lawyer. She turned to writing when she deserted the law to bring up her three lovely daughters.
Follow her on Twitter: @CazEngland
Born in Sheffield, Caroline studied Law at the University of Manchester and stayed over the border. Caroline was a divorce and professional indemnity lawyer. She turned to writing when she deserted the law to bring up her three lovely daughters.
Follow her on Twitter: @CazEngland
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
February 5, 2023
3.5 ⭐ rounded up
“The Parker family didn’t ever discuss feelings and now wasn’t the time to start.”
I don’t know about you, but I’ve always been fascinated by family secrets. Any secret is delicious, but family secrets are a special type of puzzle because there are so my complicated layers. Some members know everything and some know nothing and are kept in the dark.
This gothic-inspired thriller reveals the deep, dark underbelly of the Parker family - the ‘thing’ they want to keep hidden from the public and each other.
Torn between wanting to find the truth and not really wanting to, Ruth discovers that there’s more in the eaves of this house than an attic with cobwebs - there’s a secret. It changes everything.
My heart ached for Ruth as she struggled to be seen and validated and my eyes popped and I gasped at this chilling, twisty tale revealing the price of perfection. Ruth’s journey and her discovery of Vanessa and Joy’s dark secrets showcase how far one will go to find the truth. It also highlights sibling rivalry and how secrets have ruined the Parker family.
I felt like a teenager again, hiding under the blankets with a flashlight reading V.C. Andrews while I should have been sleeping!
I was gifted this copy by Hera Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
“The Parker family didn’t ever discuss feelings and now wasn’t the time to start.”
I don’t know about you, but I’ve always been fascinated by family secrets. Any secret is delicious, but family secrets are a special type of puzzle because there are so my complicated layers. Some members know everything and some know nothing and are kept in the dark.
This gothic-inspired thriller reveals the deep, dark underbelly of the Parker family - the ‘thing’ they want to keep hidden from the public and each other.
Torn between wanting to find the truth and not really wanting to, Ruth discovers that there’s more in the eaves of this house than an attic with cobwebs - there’s a secret. It changes everything.
My heart ached for Ruth as she struggled to be seen and validated and my eyes popped and I gasped at this chilling, twisty tale revealing the price of perfection. Ruth’s journey and her discovery of Vanessa and Joy’s dark secrets showcase how far one will go to find the truth. It also highlights sibling rivalry and how secrets have ruined the Parker family.
I felt like a teenager again, hiding under the blankets with a flashlight reading V.C. Andrews while I should have been sleeping!
I was gifted this copy by Hera Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
April 28, 2023
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the book tour hosted by C. E. Rose.
The Attic at Wilton Place is another slow burn thriller by C. E. Rose with a great plot and hashed out characters.
Ruth has always had trouble fitting in with those around her, most especially her family. Ruths mother, Joy, favours her eldest child, Tim (Ruth's older brother). It was so sad reading about how Ruth was cast aside and both criticised and ignored by her mother. When Ruth's aunt Vanessa, her mother's childhood friend, comes into her life, Ruth bonds with her like no one else and agrees to be her bridesmaid in France. Vanessa becomes the mother figure that Ruth has been longing for, but is everything as innocent as it seems. The gothic elements in this story when Ruth is at Vanessa's mansion were fantastic, and I couldn't read the final part of the book quickly enough. As the truth unravels for Ruth about her mother and Vanessa and their secrets, I was shocked with an ending I didn't expect.
If you love slow, suspenseful reads with clever twists, you really need to give this author a try!
The Attic at Wilton Place is another slow burn thriller by C. E. Rose with a great plot and hashed out characters.
Ruth has always had trouble fitting in with those around her, most especially her family. Ruths mother, Joy, favours her eldest child, Tim (Ruth's older brother). It was so sad reading about how Ruth was cast aside and both criticised and ignored by her mother. When Ruth's aunt Vanessa, her mother's childhood friend, comes into her life, Ruth bonds with her like no one else and agrees to be her bridesmaid in France. Vanessa becomes the mother figure that Ruth has been longing for, but is everything as innocent as it seems. The gothic elements in this story when Ruth is at Vanessa's mansion were fantastic, and I couldn't read the final part of the book quickly enough. As the truth unravels for Ruth about her mother and Vanessa and their secrets, I was shocked with an ending I didn't expect.
If you love slow, suspenseful reads with clever twists, you really need to give this author a try!
March 12, 2023
This was a bit slow as it was fluffed with a lot of unnecessary descriptions but boy, was it mysterious. I kept reading because I was dying to know the end. I kept guessing, new reveals changing my suspicions. A solid three-star read.
March 2, 2023
2.5 stars rounded up.
Ruth Parker is desperate for love and attention. Overlooked as a child by her cold and horrible mother, Joy, in favour of her older brother, her pain manifests in loneliness and a crippling lack of self-esteem. When her mother's close childhood friend, glamorous actress Vanessa shows an interest in her, Ruth basks in the blinding light of her attention - to her mother's disapproval.
This story showed so much potential but sadly, it fell short somewhere along the way. We follow Ruth through jer teenage years, college and her infatuation with her mother's friend. This is a character driven story that also covers mental health and self-inflicted harm. O did not like any of the characters. There are some secrets to be revealed. I'm sure there will be many other readers who will enjoy this book more than I did.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HeraBooks and the author #CERose for my ARC of #TheAtticAtWiltonPlace in exchange for an honest review.
Ruth Parker is desperate for love and attention. Overlooked as a child by her cold and horrible mother, Joy, in favour of her older brother, her pain manifests in loneliness and a crippling lack of self-esteem. When her mother's close childhood friend, glamorous actress Vanessa shows an interest in her, Ruth basks in the blinding light of her attention - to her mother's disapproval.
This story showed so much potential but sadly, it fell short somewhere along the way. We follow Ruth through jer teenage years, college and her infatuation with her mother's friend. This is a character driven story that also covers mental health and self-inflicted harm. O did not like any of the characters. There are some secrets to be revealed. I'm sure there will be many other readers who will enjoy this book more than I did.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HeraBooks and the author #CERose for my ARC of #TheAtticAtWiltonPlace in exchange for an honest review.
February 13, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book was easily one of the best I’ve read in the last few years. The dynamic between Ruth and her Mother Joy was, at times, utterly heartbreaking. Clearly not the favourite child of the family, she is criticised and ignored in comparisons to her older brother Tim. Whilst their Father Clive tried at times to extend a financial olive branch and ensure Ruth feels happy at home, he offers little emotional support, leaving Ruth feeling like the black sheep of the family and increasingly dependent upon her “Aunt” Vanessa’s seemingly unconditional positive regard for her.
I enjoyed the writing style of this book; thoughtful and elaborate, but tense and foreboding - the story kept me hooked and there were a fair few occasions I struggled to put it down and lost a fair few hours sleep (though it was well worth it). Admittedly the first half was quite slow, however it was also immediately interesting and set the scene well for the second half where the plot thickens. The characters were well also developed, realistic, and show development as the book progresses in a way I hadn’t initially expected from a thriller.
Vanessa and Ruth’s relationship is synonymous with an abusive relationship; love bombing, gaslighting, emotional blackmail and guilt tripping are key themes at times - but when in a good mood Vanessa is the perfect doting relative and exactly what Ruth feels she needs to escape her otherwise ordinary existence. The twist at the end where her motives are revealed were not what I was expecting at all. Although I hadn’t heard of the author prior to reading this book, I will definitely be following her on Goodreads and looking to read some of her other work in the near future. I also think this would make a really good movie due to its originality and gripping plot. 5 stars from me!
This book was easily one of the best I’ve read in the last few years. The dynamic between Ruth and her Mother Joy was, at times, utterly heartbreaking. Clearly not the favourite child of the family, she is criticised and ignored in comparisons to her older brother Tim. Whilst their Father Clive tried at times to extend a financial olive branch and ensure Ruth feels happy at home, he offers little emotional support, leaving Ruth feeling like the black sheep of the family and increasingly dependent upon her “Aunt” Vanessa’s seemingly unconditional positive regard for her.
I enjoyed the writing style of this book; thoughtful and elaborate, but tense and foreboding - the story kept me hooked and there were a fair few occasions I struggled to put it down and lost a fair few hours sleep (though it was well worth it). Admittedly the first half was quite slow, however it was also immediately interesting and set the scene well for the second half where the plot thickens. The characters were well also developed, realistic, and show development as the book progresses in a way I hadn’t initially expected from a thriller.
Vanessa and Ruth’s relationship is synonymous with an abusive relationship; love bombing, gaslighting, emotional blackmail and guilt tripping are key themes at times - but when in a good mood Vanessa is the perfect doting relative and exactly what Ruth feels she needs to escape her otherwise ordinary existence. The twist at the end where her motives are revealed were not what I was expecting at all. Although I hadn’t heard of the author prior to reading this book, I will definitely be following her on Goodreads and looking to read some of her other work in the near future. I also think this would make a really good movie due to its originality and gripping plot. 5 stars from me!
April 1, 2023
I loved The Attic at Wilton Place by C E Rose. If you love a slow burner with well-developed characters, this is definitely a novel for you. We meet Ruth Parker, who has always struggled with fitting in with her family. Her mother, Joy, gives all of her attention to Ruth’s older brother, and Ruth resents her mother for this. But then Ruth meets the beautiful and alluring Vanessa, her mother’s childhood friend, who soon takes Ruth under her wing. But as Ruth’s bond with Vanessa develops, she has no idea how much this will change her life.
There are so many fascinating characters in this book. I really felt for Ruth, especially as it seemed that her own mother paid her little or no attention, and I could see how much Ruth was craving to be loved. She has a close bond with her father, but there is a distance between her and Joy and I wanted to know what the reasons were behind this. Why did her mother appear to favour her brother? How could Joy do this to her daughter?
We then meet Vanessa, who asks Ruth to be a bridesmaid for her wedding in France. As the two get to know each other, I could see how fascinating Ruth was to Vanessa, and I felt as though Ruth had finally gained a mother figure in her life that would look out for her. When Ruth starts university, things really begin to change for her, as Vanessa welcomes her into her luxury address in Belgravia, London. Here Ruth has everything she could ever want and people to cater for her. And there is also Vanessa’s mysterious husband, Sergio.
For me this is where the story got really interesting. I wanted to know why Vanessa had taken such a keen interest in Ruth and in Ruth’s development. I suspected that there was something more going on here behind the scenes. There is a mysterious atmosphere in the scenes when Ruth is at Vanessa’s mansion. And as their relationship grows, Ruth begins to discover dark secrets her mother and Vanessa have kept since their childhood years, and once she knows the truth, things will never be the same.
C E Rose is a writer who knows how to bring her character’s to life on the page. I was desperate to know what was going to happen between Ruth and Vanessa, especially when things get a little messier, than perhaps Ruth first intended. The Attic at Wilton Place is an excellent read.
There are so many fascinating characters in this book. I really felt for Ruth, especially as it seemed that her own mother paid her little or no attention, and I could see how much Ruth was craving to be loved. She has a close bond with her father, but there is a distance between her and Joy and I wanted to know what the reasons were behind this. Why did her mother appear to favour her brother? How could Joy do this to her daughter?
We then meet Vanessa, who asks Ruth to be a bridesmaid for her wedding in France. As the two get to know each other, I could see how fascinating Ruth was to Vanessa, and I felt as though Ruth had finally gained a mother figure in her life that would look out for her. When Ruth starts university, things really begin to change for her, as Vanessa welcomes her into her luxury address in Belgravia, London. Here Ruth has everything she could ever want and people to cater for her. And there is also Vanessa’s mysterious husband, Sergio.
For me this is where the story got really interesting. I wanted to know why Vanessa had taken such a keen interest in Ruth and in Ruth’s development. I suspected that there was something more going on here behind the scenes. There is a mysterious atmosphere in the scenes when Ruth is at Vanessa’s mansion. And as their relationship grows, Ruth begins to discover dark secrets her mother and Vanessa have kept since their childhood years, and once she knows the truth, things will never be the same.
C E Rose is a writer who knows how to bring her character’s to life on the page. I was desperate to know what was going to happen between Ruth and Vanessa, especially when things get a little messier, than perhaps Ruth first intended. The Attic at Wilton Place is an excellent read.
March 10, 2023
A slow burn novel as I’ve come to expect from Caroline’s writing. With some gothic elements I’m not sure I liked anyone involved but I think that’s what was meant to happen. A great read 4.5* from me
April 15, 2023
The Attic at Wilton Place is a brilliant read. One that kept me guessing and wondering about it when I wasn’t reading it. I couldn’t wait for bedtime to see what would happen next.
Ruth is an interesting character. I still can’t make my mind up if I liked her or not but as her story progressed, I certainly came to understand her better. Ruth has a lovely Dad, but she has an odd relationship with her mother. Her mother is a hard character, difficult to relate to, but I knew there must be some reason behind her behaviour towards her daughter. This kept me intrigued. It also made it easier to understand Ruth’s adoration of her Aunt Vanessa and why she puts up with her on/off attention. I did feel quite sorry for Ruth.
Again, I knew Vanessa must have her reasons for her flaky behaviour, but she does come across as though she only wants to spend time with Ruth when it suits her. This made me feel sorry for Ruth even more. The poor girl doesn’t seem to know where she belongs. Her visits to the big posh house sound idyllic, but she still seems extremely lonely. She never seems to have her aunt’s undivided attention for very long.
I wish I could talk more about this book without giving anything away.
Quite a sad story really and one with an underlying tension throughout. It made me feel a bit on edge as I read it. As truths are revealed I came to understand why.
If you love a book with fascinating characters and complicated relationships full of dark secrets, you will love this book. It certainly kept me glued to my kindle.
**Many thanks to Caroline England for my review copy**
http://chataboutbooks.blog/2023/04/07...
Ruth is an interesting character. I still can’t make my mind up if I liked her or not but as her story progressed, I certainly came to understand her better. Ruth has a lovely Dad, but she has an odd relationship with her mother. Her mother is a hard character, difficult to relate to, but I knew there must be some reason behind her behaviour towards her daughter. This kept me intrigued. It also made it easier to understand Ruth’s adoration of her Aunt Vanessa and why she puts up with her on/off attention. I did feel quite sorry for Ruth.
Again, I knew Vanessa must have her reasons for her flaky behaviour, but she does come across as though she only wants to spend time with Ruth when it suits her. This made me feel sorry for Ruth even more. The poor girl doesn’t seem to know where she belongs. Her visits to the big posh house sound idyllic, but she still seems extremely lonely. She never seems to have her aunt’s undivided attention for very long.
I wish I could talk more about this book without giving anything away.
Quite a sad story really and one with an underlying tension throughout. It made me feel a bit on edge as I read it. As truths are revealed I came to understand why.
If you love a book with fascinating characters and complicated relationships full of dark secrets, you will love this book. It certainly kept me glued to my kindle.
**Many thanks to Caroline England for my review copy**
http://chataboutbooks.blog/2023/04/07...
August 31, 2023
Good, but let down by lax proofreading, sadly.
April 19, 2023
I couldn't wait to get started on C.E. Rose's new novel, The Attic at Wilton Place, because I loved all her previous novels and reviewed them as ARCs, with Caroline herself sending out the advance review copy every time.
I first heard of The Attic at Wilton Place when Caroline invited me onto the cover reveal. I couldn't resist the dark and mysterious cover, and said yes. I was eagerly awaiting the blog tour too and am so glad I got onto it.
I was immediately gripped by the atmospheric prologue. This set the tone for the book really well and I was soon immersed in it. Ruth's backstory as well as Joy's, Clive's and Tim's was well woven into the story. There was a clever contrast between Joy and Clive in how they interacted with Ruth: Joy's dismissal versus Clive trying to offer financial help and want Ruth to be happy.
I immediately sympathized with Ruth and so wanted her to be somewhere better. Joy was manipulative. I was sorry that Tim was the favourite in the family and
I had hopes for her when she met Vanessa.
The book was so twisty, yet real and very dark. It was very gripping.
C.E. Rose has an excellent gift for immersive thriller writing, and she is a go-to favourite author of mine for the genre.
Thanks to C.E. Rose for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
5 stars
I first heard of The Attic at Wilton Place when Caroline invited me onto the cover reveal. I couldn't resist the dark and mysterious cover, and said yes. I was eagerly awaiting the blog tour too and am so glad I got onto it.
I was immediately gripped by the atmospheric prologue. This set the tone for the book really well and I was soon immersed in it. Ruth's backstory as well as Joy's, Clive's and Tim's was well woven into the story. There was a clever contrast between Joy and Clive in how they interacted with Ruth: Joy's dismissal versus Clive trying to offer financial help and want Ruth to be happy.
I immediately sympathized with Ruth and so wanted her to be somewhere better. Joy was manipulative. I was sorry that Tim was the favourite in the family and
I had hopes for her when she met Vanessa.
The book was so twisty, yet real and very dark. It was very gripping.
C.E. Rose has an excellent gift for immersive thriller writing, and she is a go-to favourite author of mine for the genre.
Thanks to C.E. Rose for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
5 stars
April 13, 2023
*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from the author.
A darkly atmospheric mystery, THE ATTIC AT WILTON PLACE by C.E. Rose drew me in from the very beginning and held me captive until the end.
My heart broke for Ruth's character as she struggled deeply with her relationship with her mother, Joy, who is always critical and unloving towards Ruth, bestowing all of her kindness on Ruth's brother. This deeply affects Ruth who is desperate to belong and to be loved. So when her mother's childhood friend, Aunt Vanessa, showers Ruth with positive energy and caring, Ruth basks in her attention. And when Ruth has the opportunity to live with Vanessa while attending university, she jumps at the chance. But all is not quite what it seems in Vanessa's sumptuous Belgravia home, and when Ruth starts poking around in the attic, Ruth will find a lot more than she bargained for, as secrets from the past can no longer stay buried.
THE ATTIC AT WILTON PLACE is not a fast-paced story but rather a slower unfurling of mysterious secrets that suits the setting and the characters themselves. There is a gothic vibe to this story which I really enjoyed, and as always, I enjoyed putting on my detective hat and playing with my own theories about what was waiting in the attic, ready to change the Parker family's lives forever.
THE ATTIC AT WILTON PLACE by C.E. Rose is sure to please mystery and psychological thriller fans alike, and well worth reading. I look forward to more from C.E. Rose.
A darkly atmospheric mystery, THE ATTIC AT WILTON PLACE by C.E. Rose drew me in from the very beginning and held me captive until the end.
My heart broke for Ruth's character as she struggled deeply with her relationship with her mother, Joy, who is always critical and unloving towards Ruth, bestowing all of her kindness on Ruth's brother. This deeply affects Ruth who is desperate to belong and to be loved. So when her mother's childhood friend, Aunt Vanessa, showers Ruth with positive energy and caring, Ruth basks in her attention. And when Ruth has the opportunity to live with Vanessa while attending university, she jumps at the chance. But all is not quite what it seems in Vanessa's sumptuous Belgravia home, and when Ruth starts poking around in the attic, Ruth will find a lot more than she bargained for, as secrets from the past can no longer stay buried.
THE ATTIC AT WILTON PLACE is not a fast-paced story but rather a slower unfurling of mysterious secrets that suits the setting and the characters themselves. There is a gothic vibe to this story which I really enjoyed, and as always, I enjoyed putting on my detective hat and playing with my own theories about what was waiting in the attic, ready to change the Parker family's lives forever.
THE ATTIC AT WILTON PLACE by C.E. Rose is sure to please mystery and psychological thriller fans alike, and well worth reading. I look forward to more from C.E. Rose.
March 30, 2023
The Attic at Wilton Place, just the title makes you wonder what hidden secrets will be revealed. I really enjoyed how the author leads us through the younger years of Ruth Parker, a fractured relationship with her Mother who never has a kind word to say., the total adoration Ruth has for her Mother’s childhood friend ‘Aunt Vanessa’ who leads a busy glamorous life, but has a huge influence over an easily impressionable Ruth.
CE Rose has a great style of writing, slowly laying the foundation of each characters, letting us in on small snippets from their past, and with enough intrigue and mystery to keep your interest alive as the suspense slowly burns in a crescendo bringing all the threads together. This is a story of family life, the experiences we go through and the impact they have on our present day life. What has gone on behind closed doors, or should I say, what hides behind the Attic door?.
CE Rose has a great style of writing, slowly laying the foundation of each characters, letting us in on small snippets from their past, and with enough intrigue and mystery to keep your interest alive as the suspense slowly burns in a crescendo bringing all the threads together. This is a story of family life, the experiences we go through and the impact they have on our present day life. What has gone on behind closed doors, or should I say, what hides behind the Attic door?.
February 5, 2023
One sentence sums up the dynamic between Ruth and mother, Joy: 'It isn't easy to have a low opinion of yourself, then have your mother reinforce it'.
That's pretty much how the book starts, with Ruth being a teenager, having a rather outspoken mother when it comes to her daughter's shortcomings. The book takes us on Ruth's journey growing up, starting Uni and beginning a new life in London. Her elusive, intriguing 'aunt' Vanessa pops up every now and then throughout the book but is constantly on Ruth's mind, who idolises her. Bit by bit the reader can see changes in Ruth, transforming her into a version of her aunt.
I did enjoy the book for the most part. It's a general novel but somehow I kept getting the feeling, this is going nowhere and it felt a bit dragged out with just over 400 pages.
That's pretty much how the book starts, with Ruth being a teenager, having a rather outspoken mother when it comes to her daughter's shortcomings. The book takes us on Ruth's journey growing up, starting Uni and beginning a new life in London. Her elusive, intriguing 'aunt' Vanessa pops up every now and then throughout the book but is constantly on Ruth's mind, who idolises her. Bit by bit the reader can see changes in Ruth, transforming her into a version of her aunt.
I did enjoy the book for the most part. It's a general novel but somehow I kept getting the feeling, this is going nowhere and it felt a bit dragged out with just over 400 pages.
March 31, 2023
Isolated Ruth Parker is overlooked by her mother and is taken under her aunt’s wing, who guides and moulds through her teenage and university years. But when Ruth finds a locked room in the attic of her aunt’s house, it opens a whole can of worms.
I found this gothic inspired family drama quite a slow burner but enjoyable nevertheless. It draws you in gradually, the tension builds up gently and it ends with a dramatic finish. I loved the style of writing, it has an insidious almost sinister atmosphere to it. A sort of Daphne du Maurier meets Diane Setterfield type of feel. I thought the characters were well drawn, I could picture them easily. I liked Ruth even if she did make some rather rash decisions sometimes An engaging and compelling read about secrets and how they can reverberate through the years and then come back to haunt you!
I found this gothic inspired family drama quite a slow burner but enjoyable nevertheless. It draws you in gradually, the tension builds up gently and it ends with a dramatic finish. I loved the style of writing, it has an insidious almost sinister atmosphere to it. A sort of Daphne du Maurier meets Diane Setterfield type of feel. I thought the characters were well drawn, I could picture them easily. I liked Ruth even if she did make some rather rash decisions sometimes An engaging and compelling read about secrets and how they can reverberate through the years and then come back to haunt you!
April 12, 2023
I'm not sure where to begin reviewing this.
A dark study of secrets and lies, between friends, between families.
Ruth is desperate for her mothers love. All she ever receives is snarky comments or disapproving looks, while the golden child gets everything and more.
This is something Caroline has absolutely nailed. The relationship between mother and child is often difficult, particularly through the teenage years, but the comments, the looks and the desperation for one kind word hit close. I wish more mothers realised just how much impact their words and actions have on their children. Even into adulthood. One of the questions at the end for book clubs was whether I felt any sympathy for Joy after discovering the truth. The short and simple answer is no. Not in the least.
Vanessa was a complex character and I could see how easily Ruth could be drawn in.
I liked the relationship between Ruth and her brother and the expectation and pressure from being the perfect child was also perfectly explored.
The story is a slow burn and the truths revealed in the final part, I didn't expect any of them. Caroline certainly nails characterisation and relationships within her novels and her words somehow perfectly convey scenarios being lived every day across the world.
A dark study of secrets and lies, between friends, between families.
Ruth is desperate for her mothers love. All she ever receives is snarky comments or disapproving looks, while the golden child gets everything and more.
This is something Caroline has absolutely nailed. The relationship between mother and child is often difficult, particularly through the teenage years, but the comments, the looks and the desperation for one kind word hit close. I wish more mothers realised just how much impact their words and actions have on their children. Even into adulthood. One of the questions at the end for book clubs was whether I felt any sympathy for Joy after discovering the truth. The short and simple answer is no. Not in the least.
Vanessa was a complex character and I could see how easily Ruth could be drawn in.
I liked the relationship between Ruth and her brother and the expectation and pressure from being the perfect child was also perfectly explored.
The story is a slow burn and the truths revealed in the final part, I didn't expect any of them. Caroline certainly nails characterisation and relationships within her novels and her words somehow perfectly convey scenarios being lived every day across the world.
January 23, 2023
Ruth is the younger of two children. Her mother favours Ruth's older brother, he gets all the compliments, and shiny new items, and Ruth feels somewhat left out and unwanted.
Her father is a weak man who never chides his wife for her attitude towards her daughter, but behind her back comforts Ruth, making excuses for Joy's hurtful behaviour.
Joy's best friend is an actress who lives a glamorous life travelling the world.
She treats Ruth like a beloved daughter. Ruth thrives on the compliments that are showered upon her, and is chosen to be bridesmaid at Vanessa's wedding in France.
She never becomes the bridesmaid, instead, she and her brother end up in hospital.
Ruth grows up and leaves home for University and spends weekends at Vanessa's luxury home, and she discovers a locked room in the attic, and slowly discovers secrets that have been hidden for decades by Vanessa and Joy.
Another suspense filled book by C E Rose. I literally could not put it down, falling asleep with my kindle in my hand, and just 14% of the book to read. Definitely a page turner, and the chapters are short, which I like, probably because of the 'just one more chapter before I.......'.
I can definitely recommend this book, with it's Gothic feel.
Honestly cannot wait for the next book from C E Rose!
Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Her father is a weak man who never chides his wife for her attitude towards her daughter, but behind her back comforts Ruth, making excuses for Joy's hurtful behaviour.
Joy's best friend is an actress who lives a glamorous life travelling the world.
She treats Ruth like a beloved daughter. Ruth thrives on the compliments that are showered upon her, and is chosen to be bridesmaid at Vanessa's wedding in France.
She never becomes the bridesmaid, instead, she and her brother end up in hospital.
Ruth grows up and leaves home for University and spends weekends at Vanessa's luxury home, and she discovers a locked room in the attic, and slowly discovers secrets that have been hidden for decades by Vanessa and Joy.
Another suspense filled book by C E Rose. I literally could not put it down, falling asleep with my kindle in my hand, and just 14% of the book to read. Definitely a page turner, and the chapters are short, which I like, probably because of the 'just one more chapter before I.......'.
I can definitely recommend this book, with it's Gothic feel.
Honestly cannot wait for the next book from C E Rose!
Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 18, 2023
Well.....
This book was good.....but about 100 pages too long. There was just a little too much story and it dragged a bit too long, and then the ending felt rushed - and that's where the good stuff was.
Ruth was a sad lead character and watching her change was interesting but again, there were quick character changes that felt a bit too drastic. I understand being fascinated with someone, but come on.
I think there was a ton of potential for this story but again.....this could have used some editing.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review.
This book was good.....but about 100 pages too long. There was just a little too much story and it dragged a bit too long, and then the ending felt rushed - and that's where the good stuff was.
Ruth was a sad lead character and watching her change was interesting but again, there were quick character changes that felt a bit too drastic. I understand being fascinated with someone, but come on.
I think there was a ton of potential for this story but again.....this could have used some editing.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review.
April 7, 2023
Thank you to #NetGalley, Hera Books and C. E. Rose for the opportunity to read an advance copy of THE ATTIC AT WILTON PLACE, to be published 30 March 2023. Wow! Vanessa was really something! She was the main “character” despite Ruth’s presence. Vanessa was all encompassing and a delight to behold. This novel was a sorrowful tale of a faulty mother-daughter relationship with an aunt who came to the rescue, albeit somewhat avant-garde. It was a great read and I would recommend it to anyone who has a mother. #NetGalley. #HeraBooks. #C.E.Rose. #TheAtticatWiltonPlace
March 31, 2023
The attic at wilton place by C.E Rose.
A perfect life in a perfect home – but what secrets lie beneath?
Really good read. Little slow but I had to find out what happened. Wasn't what I expected. 4*.
A perfect life in a perfect home – but what secrets lie beneath?
Really good read. Little slow but I had to find out what happened. Wasn't what I expected. 4*.
February 17, 2024
Well, that was a bit disappointing. Great writing and suspense but just didn't enjoy the build up.
March 29, 2023
Ruth has grown up having a difficult relationship with her mother. When she goes to university in London she begins to spend time with her mother's old friend, Vanessa, who introduces Ruth to her luxurious home, Wilton Place. However it soon becomes clear that all is not as it seems when Ruth makes a discovery in the attic of the grand house that reveals secrets from her mother's past.
A brilliantly immersive story that will get to your very core.
The Attic at Wilton Place has a gripping plot that you won't be able to stop thinking about. I am a massive fan of books with dark secrets and I absolutely loved tearing through this to find out the hidden truth.
The best thing about this book is the characters. They are well-written and give the story so much depth. Ruth in particular came across as genuine and relatable. There are some serious topics covered and I found that CE Rose handled them really well. I always find it amazing when an author can make a building or place feel like a character, and the house in The Attic at Wilton Place is no exception.
I highly recommend this if you enjoy shocking twists that keep you on the edge of your seat!
Thank you NetGalley and Hera Books for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
A brilliantly immersive story that will get to your very core.
The Attic at Wilton Place has a gripping plot that you won't be able to stop thinking about. I am a massive fan of books with dark secrets and I absolutely loved tearing through this to find out the hidden truth.
The best thing about this book is the characters. They are well-written and give the story so much depth. Ruth in particular came across as genuine and relatable. There are some serious topics covered and I found that CE Rose handled them really well. I always find it amazing when an author can make a building or place feel like a character, and the house in The Attic at Wilton Place is no exception.
I highly recommend this if you enjoy shocking twists that keep you on the edge of your seat!
Thank you NetGalley and Hera Books for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
April 12, 2023
This novel moved at a slightly slower paced than some of the author’s other books, but still a great, mysterious novel with new revelations round every corner.
I disliked Ruth’s family right from the start, her awful mother, weak father and selfish brother. And then when she finally escape them, she finds everything but peace.
It’s a great book, with mystery and great characters and if you like all of the above – this book is certainly for you.
I disliked Ruth’s family right from the start, her awful mother, weak father and selfish brother. And then when she finally escape them, she finds everything but peace.
It’s a great book, with mystery and great characters and if you like all of the above – this book is certainly for you.
March 26, 2023
Thank you to The Book Club for a reader review copy.
We meet Ruth as a young introverted, anxious, unhappy child craving her mothers love and attention. With a difficult relationship with her mother compared to her brother, Ruth wonders if her mum's past could hold the key.
In sweeps 'Aunt Vanessa'. Mum's mysterious, extrovert, glamorous actress best friend. When Aunt Vanessa starts to take an interest in Ruth she finally starts to accept herself and let her confidence grow. However an incident at a family wedding thwarts Ruth's attempt at growing and she disappears further into herself.
At 18 Ruth has moved to London to University. Away from her mothers constant belittling Ruth falls into the life of a student and starts to discover who she is. That is until Aunt Vanessa swoops back into her life and introduces her to the lavish Belgravia lifestyle. Wilton Place is the mysterious home of Vanessa which holds it's own secrets. Will Ruth find out what is hidden behind the walls and can Vanessa's past hold the key to finding out her mothers mystery past?
Exotic and enticing The Attic at Wilton Place is a fab book.
We meet Ruth as a young introverted, anxious, unhappy child craving her mothers love and attention. With a difficult relationship with her mother compared to her brother, Ruth wonders if her mum's past could hold the key.
In sweeps 'Aunt Vanessa'. Mum's mysterious, extrovert, glamorous actress best friend. When Aunt Vanessa starts to take an interest in Ruth she finally starts to accept herself and let her confidence grow. However an incident at a family wedding thwarts Ruth's attempt at growing and she disappears further into herself.
At 18 Ruth has moved to London to University. Away from her mothers constant belittling Ruth falls into the life of a student and starts to discover who she is. That is until Aunt Vanessa swoops back into her life and introduces her to the lavish Belgravia lifestyle. Wilton Place is the mysterious home of Vanessa which holds it's own secrets. Will Ruth find out what is hidden behind the walls and can Vanessa's past hold the key to finding out her mothers mystery past?
Exotic and enticing The Attic at Wilton Place is a fab book.
March 30, 2023
Wow - a truly great story and the writing was amazing, really captivating. It’s a cliche to say I couldn’t put a book down, but this one I couldn’t! Will be reading others by this author soon. Thanks
April 8, 2023
A interesting tale of families. The web they weave and the vibrations that run through them.
Family secrets and something just under the layers, if we could just get to it.
Sad, happy and compulsive reading.
CE Rose knows how to weave the ends together and to keep you picking until you get to the answers you want. Loved it.
Edited as book tour is on!!
Family secrets and something just under the layers, if we could just get to it.
Sad, happy and compulsive reading.
CE Rose knows how to weave the ends together and to keep you picking until you get to the answers you want. Loved it.
Edited as book tour is on!!
July 30, 2024
Boring and predictable.
March 17, 2023
As always I really enjoyed the writing style of this book and the suspense created. For me the pacing felt a bit off. There is quite a long build up and then so much happens in that last 15% of the book. If some of the earlier elements were shortened then this would have been a 5 star read for sure.
March 17, 2023
What an emotional , at times heartbreaking, story, told around the relationship between mother and daughter and how it has been damaged by a traumatic event in terms mothers childhood. I loved the strong female characters . Dark , intense and captivating. Definitely worth reading.
March 15, 2023
Ruth Parker has never felt loved by her mother, a woman who has always put her down and never encouraged or nurtured her.
When her mum’s best friend, actress Vanessa, takes an interest in Ruth, she finds an escape from her mum’s disapproval.
We follow Ruth from a young age through to university as she learns about life and dabbles in drugs. Can Vanessa steer her in to the right path?
There are secrets that have been kept hidden over the years and Ruth wants to know them.
This author is great at writing stories that have layers that need to be peeled away. A story full of mystery and secrets that kept me hooked.
Great characters, even though I found some of them were unlikable, they did eventually grow on me.
My thanks to Hera Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
When her mum’s best friend, actress Vanessa, takes an interest in Ruth, she finds an escape from her mum’s disapproval.
We follow Ruth from a young age through to university as she learns about life and dabbles in drugs. Can Vanessa steer her in to the right path?
There are secrets that have been kept hidden over the years and Ruth wants to know them.
This author is great at writing stories that have layers that need to be peeled away. A story full of mystery and secrets that kept me hooked.
Great characters, even though I found some of them were unlikable, they did eventually grow on me.
My thanks to Hera Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
March 31, 2023
When I first seen the cover and read the title of The Attic at Wilton Place, I thought it might be a scary or spooky type read, but it definitely was not! The story is about Ruth, a young girl heading towards adulthood. She has very low self-esteem all because of the way her mother treats her. She has always felt inferior to her brother, her mothers obvious favorite. It’s her mother’s childhood friend Vanessa that makes her feel loved and wanted and so Ruth ends up spending as much time as possible with her. While attending university, she even sneaks off on the weekends to be with Vanessa. But Vanessa is secretly grooming Ruth for her own selfish reasons. While at Vanessa’s, Ruth finds a locked hidden attic room that piques her curiosity. This is when you start to learn of the secrets that Vanessa and Joy (Ruth’s mother) have been keeping. They as children had both lived pretty awful childhoods and as a result they both together did an awful thing for revenge. That itself had an impact on the way they lived their adult years. This is a story of secrets and the more you read, you learn about them and understand why the women act like they do. I’d like to thank Hera Books for accepting my request and NetGalley for the arc to read and review. This was an enjoyable read and I’m giving it a 4 star rating. It was my first time reading a book by C.E. Rose and I’d be interested in reading more of her work in the future.
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