The Secret of the Three Fates

Ruby Vaughn Mysteries, Book 2

By: Jess Armstrong

Narrated by: Emma Love

Following the atmospheric and award-winning gothic historical mystery debut, The Curse of Penryth Hall, USA Today bestselling author Jess Armstrong's heroine, Ruby Vaughn, returns in The Secret of the Three Fates, where the Scottish Hills hold ghosts of the past that threaten Ruby’s present.

American heiress Ruby Vaughn still hasn't entirely forgiven her octogenarian employer and housemate Mr. Owen for bringing the occult into their lives during her recent trip to Cornwall. He claims their journey to Manhurst Castle in the Scottish Borders is simply to appraise and acquire illuminated manuscripts for their rare bookshop, however when Ruby discovers there are no manuscripts and receives news of a séance to be held that very night, she begins to grow suspicious about the true reason why they have come.

The Great War left grieving families willing to sacrifice anything for the chance to say goodbye to a lost loved one. Mr. Owen is no exception. He is desperate to speak to his son, but he doesn’t want to face the spirits alone. When the séance—hosted by a trio of mediums billing themselves as The Three Fates—goes awry, Mr. Owen’s secrets begin to unravel, threatening to reveal a history that he has been running from for half his life. Something Ruby knows all too well how to do.

When Ruby finds one of the Three Fates murdered the night of the seance, she and Mr. Owen quickly become the prime suspects. To clear their names, Ruby enlists the help of Ruan Kivell, the folk healer Pellar who helped her weeks before in Cornwall. As their investigation progresses Ruby and Ruan realize someone is determined to prevent them from uncovering the truth about what happened to the dead medium.

©2024 Jess Armstrong (P)2024 Dreamscape Media

Incredible narration of fun mystery

Emma Love did an amazing job with American, English, Cornish and Scottish accents, the mystery was engrossing and dialog witty. I enjoyed the historical elements from the time after WW1 too. Read the first book, it’s even better!

Folklore colorful story

Loved the whole story - my first time reading this author Can’t wait to read the next book

Her Strength

We once again join the headstrong, American heiress, Ruby Vaughn, through a gothic mystery. The Secret of Three Fates is the second installment in the Ruby Vaughn series written by Jess Armstrong. Jess Armstrong really wowed us when she debuted with The Curse of Penryth Hall. When I found out a sequel was coming, I couldn’t jump on it faster.

Ruby Vaughn finds herself following her employer/roommate, Mr. Owen, to Manhunts Castle, under the ruse they are seeking manuscripts for her bookshop. It is when they arrive that Ruby soon finds out they are there to attend a seance with the Three Fates. As with any mystery, things do not go as planned and one of the Three Fates has been murdered. Ruby and Mr. Owen are the prime suspects. In order to clear their names, Ruby pairs up with Ruan Kivell once again to uncover the truth.

This book is for the lovers of Victorian-era Historical Mysteries, with an other worldly element. The Secret of Three Fates will constantly keep you guessing. I feel like Armstrong purposely writes this book to make you second guess yourself, and rooting for romance. However, this is not a romance (even though there is obviously something brewing between Ruby & Ruan)

I cannot wait to read the next novel. I need to know more about Ruby’s past. What is brewing between Ruan & Ruby? Will they ever get together? Are we journeying overseas next?