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.

Disappointing ending

I agree with the other reviews that express the total letdown of the ending, as well as the character change in Margaret. Suddenly she’s an independent feminist ? It didn’t fit with the first 2/3 of the story. Excellent narration.

What a wild ride!

this was the first book I've ever read that took place in this specific time frame and I think it was written beautifully. I liked learning so much about how people conducted themselves back in this era. I think the main character was written insanely well. her backstory and how she acted and what decisions she made really make for a well-rounded character. the resolve of the mystery was done very well, it wasn't info dumpy and everything made sense. I was not able to figure out the mystery. this book had so many underlying story lines that were fascinating and I think they were all weaved together to produce something really moving.

I agree with some other reviews (slight spoilers ahead)

the story itself was pretty good, but the big bad wasn't revealed until maybe an hour and a half left into the story. I didnt like Paul throughout most of it, and im glad she doesn't go with him. even if it was a stark change to how she felt of him throughout 95% of the book. overall a well written book. though I do think our main girl deserved a good love, even if she doesn't want to remarry.

Creepy and atmospheric!

I really enjoyed this historical novel from the Victorian period. It felt, to me, like a love letter to ‘Jane Eyre’ and other Victorian classics. Many secrets, slowly revealed throughout, will have you listening well into the night. The narration was absolutely brilliant and I’m already looking forward to the author’s next novel! Give this one a try; you won’t be sorry!

Heart pounding climax

What a debut novel! Katie has filled her story with twists, turns and a heart pounding climax. Hartwood Hall has multiple secrets that keep you guessing throughout. Looking forward to Ms. Lumsden’s next novel.