The Secrets of Hartwood Hall

A Novel

De: Katie Lumsden

Narrado por: Olivia Vinall

A gripping and atmospheric debut that is at once a chilling gothic mystery and a love letter to Victorian fiction.

Nobody ever goes to Hartwood Hall. Folks say it’s cursed…

It’s 1852 and Margaret Lennox, a young widow, attempts to escape the shadows of her past by taking a position as governess to an only child, Louis, at an isolated country house in the west of England.

But Margaret soon starts to feel that something isn’t quite right. There are strange figures in the dark, tensions between servants, and an abandoned east wing. Even stranger is the local gossip surrounding Mrs. Eversham, Louis’s widowed mother, who is deeply distrusted in the village.

Lonely and unsure whom to trust, Margaret finds distraction in a forbidden relationship with the gardener, Paul. But as Margaret’s history threatens to catch up with her, it isn’t long before she learns the truth behind the secrets of Hartwood Hall.

Reseñas de la Crítica

A SheReads Favorite Historical Gothic Mystery

"Who doesn’t love a cursed manor house in the remote English countryside, especially one with an entire abandoned wing? I’m looking forward to diving into this modern gothic that also promises some Lady Chatterly’s Lover action (there is a handsome gardener!)."
—CrimeReads

"[A] captivating debut. . . . Assured prose propels this well-crafted tale of family, friendship, and the cost of personal freedom. Fans of the great Victorian novels, in particular Jane Eyre, will have fun."
—Publishers Weekly

“Debut author Lumsden masterfully creates a believable atmosphere of the age, where science and logic are served side by side with the supernatural in everyday life.”
—Booklist

“In her atmospheric debut, The Secrets of Hartwood Hall, Katie Lumsden enthralls us with a quintessential manor-home mystery. Fans of gothic literature will savor the peculiar characters, the abandoned corridors, the deceptions and twists behind every door... Ultimately a story about women and the haunting secrets they keep, Lumsden's debut reminds us never to trust first appearances. A mesmerizing debut!”
—Sarah Penner, New York Times bestselling author of The Lost Apothecary

“The Secrets of Hartwood Hall is exactly the book you want on a cold, stormy night when the wind is sneaking in the cracks. A thoroughly impressive debut with fantastically timed surprises throughout.”
—Lyndsay Faye, author of The King of Inifinite Space and Jane Steele

“I loved this fresh take on the gothic genre. Vivid, haunting, surprising.”
—Stacey Halls, author of The Familiars

"A full-blooded Gothic mystery with bite, great characterization and heaps of atmosphere. What a debut."
—Emma Stonex, author of The Lamplighters

“This book delivers HUGE Jane Eyre vibes, gothic and mysterious Victoriana. I LOVED it.”
—Sophie Irwin, author of A Lady's Guide to Fortune-Hunting

"Incredibly rich prose in this absorbing, deeply atmospheric story of governess, Margaret Lennox. A brilliant love letter to classic Victorian fiction and a standout debut."
—Hazel Gaynor, New York Times bestselling author

"The Secrets of Hartwood Hall is an easy book to read. It is fun to dive into the details of life in 1852."
—Mystery and Suspense Magazine

"We have all the classic ingredients for a gothic and romantic mystery.... Full marks for the narrative drive and absorbing plot...a very capable and entertaining debut."
—Historical Novel Society

Great mystery, great characters

I was worried when the story has a sick boy and the author loves Dombey. But that would have been a twist too far. The mystery was well worked out and I got hooked. Just one flaw: whist is not a two person game.

What a tray that was?!

I am following the writer on YouTube and I love her videos. Exactly as I loved this book! The characters were consistent and with depth, the story had several picks and the narrator was only adding to the overall experience. I was waiting for this book for more than I year and now I want more!!!

I loved this book, like i loved Jane Eyre!

I loved the story of Jane Eyre and I wanted this story to be in the same vein as it.
I was not disappointed! I really loved this book. I listened to it in 3 days, which means that whenever i had any downtime whatsoever, it played. I'm kind of sad now that its over. If you like Victorian-spooky-governess-love stories then this is the book for you.

Compelling story

The narrator did a great job and the story kept me interested. Not outstanding but definitely a good listen! Unusual twist at the end.

The storytelling and unfolding character development

This Victorian gothic style novel keeps you guessing with wonderful turns of mystery and horror.