Challenge Corner discussion

A genre-bending Gothic mystery with a strong LGBTQIA+ romance from beloved, award-winning author KJ Charles. As the mists descend, the gaslight flickers, and terror takes its hold, two warring lovers must reconcile in time to uncover the murderous mysteries of Lackaday House—and live to tell the tale.

5 chapters / 23%

(view spoiler)[ okay, loving it so far

I hate that Gideon is so mad but it seems like something definitely went wrong between the two of them. our mc seems a bit aloof and possibly ruined things for them both by not watching what he said

and yikes! Do you think the uncle (is he an uncle?) is trying to marry off the cousin because. . .her mother? (Grandmother?) Laura was actually HIS lover - and she lost her mind because she was pregnant with her own half brother's baby? eesh. he seems just a bit weirdly obsessed with her with all the paintings and whatnot.

the curse is an interesting twist!
I also love the idea of all these books being published that seem eerily similar to the house origins and things that could have actually happened in the house.

I wonder if ghosts are next! (hide spoiler)]

12 chapters / 49%

(view spoiler)[ well. . .I don't blame Zeb for wanting to get out of there.
I wish he could be more honest about why he doesn't want to marry her. What a terrible position he's in.

and I think there is still the question - is someone dressing up and messing about in the house or is it supernatural?
(hide spoiler)]

Trisha wrote: "5 chapters / 23%"

I'm not much farther than this! Hopefully get more time tomorrow. (view spoiler)[Also loving it! I liked Zeb so much. I think (based on the author's notes) that him not knowing when to keep quiet about things is his ADHD. I really like this though because I had undiagnosed ADHD for a long time and I keep thinking how it must've been before it was even diagnosed or recognized as an actual illness.

I have no idea what's going on but in the good mystery kinda way. I'm not confused, just loving watching the pieces all fall into place. (hide spoiler)]

Amanda wrote: "Trisha wrote: "5 chapters / 23%"

I'm not much farther than this! Hopefully get more time tomorrow.

oooh like a low impulse control kind of thing tied to the ADHD? I haven't seen it mentioned yet but that's interesting. Thx for the good info!

Trisha wrote: "Amanda wrote: "Trisha wrote: "5 chapters / 23%"

I'm not much farther than this! Hopefully get more time tomorrow.

oooh like a low impulse control kind of thing tied to the ADHD? I haven't seen it..."

Of course! I know one of the content warnings was for ableism related to ADHD so I'm assuming it's because his brother is the worst

OMG his brother?! What a terrible person!! But really his whole family is just insufferable! I don't blame him for not wanting to arrive to this!

18 chapters / 76%

holy cow (view spoiler)[
that room with all the writing. what a horrible way to live
and really, what is Wynn's end plan here?
and who is this young girl? and why is he pitting them against each other. Is it some curse where Wynn lives longer for every family member that dies? but he can't kill them?

and what was with the alter? still so . many. questions!

and I love him and Gideon together. I love that they are talking. I love that Zeb has written a book - a series no less - and that he's not going to have to trust or depend on his family. OMG and I love the beads! I didn't even realize it was a fidget until he said the rosary was just what he used! that's such a great idea - less judgement and something to spin in his fingers!

Do you think Wynn is really out of money? (hide spoiler)]

Trisha wrote: "12 chapters / 49%

Made it here!

(view spoiler)[ I feel so bad for Zeb because he can’t take himself out of the running but he’s also the only one looking out for jessamine.

It’s also a little wild how Wyn is trying to ensure Zeb “wins” and helped Gideon, most likely actually knowing what happened at their old job. I’m starting to wonder if he’s Zebs actual father??

And what is the broken promise from Bram to their father on his death bed? Did I miss that or are we still waiting on a reveal? (hide spoiler)]

Amanda wrote: "Trisha wrote: "12 chapters / 49%

Made it here!..."

the promise - more coming soon!
and oooh I never even thought (view spoiler)[ of him being Zeb's dad!!!! (hide spoiler)]

and done!

Wow (view spoiler)[ I never guessed the staff were all wronged by the family. Absolutely wild that Wynn was drugging and trying to get everyone to kill each other. I'm glad he died mostly alone as a recluse in his house

I'm so glad Zeb made it out. when he went for his brother, I was a bit worried he or Gideon were not going to make it out so I was glad when they both did! (hide spoiler)]

Trisha wrote: "18 chapters / 76%

I've finished which makes this note even better! (view spoiler)[ You totally called it that Wynn thought he would get more life by killing his relatives.

And I loved that he wrote books! Loved that he was successful but didn't brag about it and throw it in the face of every one who he rightfully could have. It made his character so true.

They're like the sweetest couple with just how open they are of their faults and how they want to support the other any way they can. Just beautiful! (hide spoiler)]

Trisha wrote: "and done!

(view spoiler)[The staff was the biggest twist!! I thought with Bram not remembering Rachel that they were just in it for money or being forced so I did not see it coming at all.

I loved the epilogue and how we got to see how everything wrapped up. It was a little shocking because I didn't expect every one to die but with the title maybe I should have. lol (hide spoiler)]

My copy is on it's way, still hoping to get to this one!

Hoping to get to this one soon! Finally able to find it

Carrie wrote: "Hoping to get to this one soon! Finally able to find it"
I have my copy, but want to get to Coffin Moon first. I'll catch up when I can!