The Ruby Locket

The Belrose Abbey Mystery Series, Book 1

By: Anita Higman, Hillary McMullen

Narrated by: Michelle Babb

Length: 3 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

When Anne's mother agrees to marry a wealthy, mysterious man, she expects a nice mansion in the hills. But their new home, Belrose Abbey, is more like a castle - imposing, cold, and full of shadows. The more Anne explores the corridors and vacant rooms and dusty crannies, the more she discovers about the abbey's master - her soon-to-be stepfather - Ivan Helsburg. As her mother's wedding draws closer, Anne begins to harbor a creeping suspicion that all is not well at Belrose Abbey.

©2016 Anita Higman (P)2017 Anita Higman

The Ruby Locket by Anita Higman and Hillary McMullan

I received this audio book at no charge in exchange for an honest review.
The book is about a women and her daughter who end up at a creepy Abby. Mother is to marry the rich owner and the daughter gets real worries about all the strange happenings leading up to the wedding. Interesting young man who has lost his mother who had also married the owner. Now dead. Creepy catacombs and secret passages.
I enjoyed the book, want to know what happens now in the second book of the Melrose Abbey Mystery Series- The Bloodstone Vial. Narration by Michelle Babb was good, making the story easy to follow.

A fun, if short, mystery.

Had a fun time with it, but it lacks suspense in some parts where it is trying to give you that feeling. Nice read for an afternoon.

Didn't see that coming

Have you listened to any of Michelle Babb’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes and she is one of my favorite narrators. If I see she has narrated the book, I will definitely be listening. I love her style and how she brings the characters to life, I just crawl inside the book and sad when it's over.

Any additional comments?

My original review disappeared. I loved the start of this series and I'm very eager for the next in line. Hurry up already, haha. I thought I had this book all figured out but the end was a complete surprise which I loved! Parts of the story are sad and other parts got to me, I won't give anything away. Lets just say you will crawl into this book. This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBoom

A GREAT START TO A SERIES! I WANT MORE!!!

I didn't think I'd like this book at first because it felt like something for a younger generation. I was wrong. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to see what will be the next adventure at the Belrose Abbey. I love the dark mystery of it all and crave more exploration of the Belrose Abbey by Anne, her mother and Wyatt. I recommend this book and can't wait for book 2 for myself. As in any audio book a narrator is key. Michelle Babb was the perfect narrator for this book bringing it to life.

"I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher."

Captivating story, great narrator

This is a cute little gothic story about Anne and her mom, who, after having lost her husband, finds love in Ivan Helsburg. Ivan seems, at first, charming and caring, but the moment Anne and her mom move into Belrose Abbey, something seems off. Which secrets lie behind these old walls?

Michelle Babb did a great job narrating this multi-aPOV story.

Ending was a surprise. Great narration

An interesting start to the series. I am wondering what will happen in book 2. A good 3.5 hour listen. You can read the details about the story below but I am sure the ending will be a surprise.

Michelle Babb is one of my favorite narrators. She did not disappoint in the reading of this book.

I received this audtio book at my request and have left tis review voluntarily.

The Ruby Locket

The Ruby Locket: The Belrose Abbey Mystery Series:
Anita Higman, Hillary McMullen

A gothic romance set in modern time at an abbey of a wealthy man engaged to a widow with a teen daughter. Lots of dark spooky places, strange characters, and enough suspense to keep the listener involved. I look forward to the next book in the series.


The narration was well done.The characters were well portrayed. Michelle Babb's performance gives the story just enough of a creep factor without scaring the listener to death.


"I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator."

Entertaining Story

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this audiobook to a friend. It was fast-paced and had me wondering what was going to happen next.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked the daughter's strengths.

Which scene was your favorite?

When two trapped characters work to escape.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, and I did finish it rather quickly.

Any additional comments?

This is an enjoyable gothic-feel mystery that teens and adults can both enjoy.

Good story - great narration

This is the first story I’ve listen to written by Anita Higman. I selected this book because I’m familiar with Michelle Babb, the narrator who I’m a big fan of!

The plot was certainly different - in a good way - and that fact along with the wonderful narration, made the overall experience greatly enjoyable.

I anticipate the seeing how the story plays out in the coming books.

Needed more

It started of great. It was creepy, the building, the staff and all characters. The mystery build up was good. I kept expecting something really horrible to happen, but the ending was a bit of a let down. I wanted more.