Gothic suspense at its finest. I am a huge fan of gothic mysteries. This one checks all the boxes for me - the scary aspect is more suspense than terror, the romance is sweet with no graphic details, and the mystery is of the supernatural variety.
I really enjoyed this read. The beginning is so fast and so unusual, it sounds like the beginning of a cautionary fairy tale. Then the fairy tale quickly turns dark and strange, and our heroine finds herself stuck (literally!) in the middle of a mystery that won't unravel...
Sophie's character is the perfect gothic heroine - she is sweet, innocent and trusting, but once pushed too far, she finds her determination, and gears up for battle.
I loved Northwood - every gothic horror story needs a sprawling creepy house with strange goings-on. The details in the story created the perfect picture of the ornate maze of a mansion.
The story is perfectly paced, the mystery intriguing and the ending chilling. I'm delighted to see it appears to be first in a series!
This was my first book by Ms. Coates, but I will certainly read more!

Finally!! Told ya I'm going to read the first book and I did! Wow it was better than the second book and creepy af!

So yeah finally I found out why Joseph married Sophie lol Kinda selfish because he knows the creature going to hurt her once she become Argenton's (then I found out the real reason why he married her and I'm kinda mad tskkk) and wth it took him too long to tell her everything. Btw it's kinda weird when Sophie fall in love with Joseph eventho she barely knows him.

Thank you Netgalley for House of Shadows ARC!

Joseph Argenton is looking for a wife. His family's lives depend on it. Sophie Hemlock is attending an opera at the theatre with her Uncle Phillip. A tall black-haired man commands Sophie's attention. Her Uncle seems to be acquainted with this gentleman and makes the introductions. Sophie finds herself drawn to this intense man and is surprised when he informs them he wishes to visit Sophie's father the next day.

Sophie has every intention of being absent when Mr Argenton visits but is surprised when he arrives two hours earlier than expected and more surprised when her Father later informs Sophie that a business investment deal had gone wrong and they would be left virtually penniless but that Mr Argenton wished to marry her and that Mr Argenton would offer assistance in exchange for her hand in marriage.

Within a short space of time, Sophie finds herself married and on her way to Mr Argenton's home in Northwood. Upon her arrival Sophie is quickly ensconced in a life of terror and no way of escape, especially from Joseph's Aunt Rose, who appears at every turn Sophie takes.

Rooms are filled with mystery and corridors appear to be mirrored and thereby confusing. Joseph's cousin Elise seems very distracted and unwell, not the sort of welcome and family Sophie was expecting.

Joseph is hardly at home and Sophie must find ways to entertain herself but with the bad feelings surrounding the house she is tentative to really leave her room and when Joseph returns after hunting, Sophie is horrified to find he has been attacked and evasive as to what actually happened.

After finally voicing her fears of what is going on in the house, Sophie must finally accept that there are ghostly beings haunting the house and it is only a matter of time before these beings kill the family.

A fast paced intriguing read that is a real page turner. Thoroughly enjoyed this book by Darcy Coates and look forward to reading House of Secrets.

Thanks to Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.

House of Shadows is the first book in the Ghosts and Shadows series written by Darcy Coates. It is a gothic novel that tells the story of Sophie and Joseph at the Northwood mansion. It has supernatural elements, romance and action in a dark and very well developed plot, which asks to be read at night and in the dark, if the reader dares!

This is the first book in a series. If you are looking for a creepy haunted house story then this is the book for you. The atmosphere is set through vivid descriptions and you are transferred to times past with only the descriptions to lead your mind to that conclusion. Plenty of suspense with foreshadowing thrown in which lead my mind down some false paths but I loved every minute of it. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book via NetGalley and the Poisoned Pen Press Publishers.

**A big thank you to Darcy Coates, Poisoned Pen Press and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.**

After Sophie's family suffers a financially devastating business deal, the dark and mysterious Mr Argenton swoops in with a marriage proposal that solves all of their problems. Mr Argenton lives in Northwood and little is known about his family and right away Sophie begins to notice something isn't right. As Sophie gets to know her new family the history of Northwood begins to unfold and all the family secrets come to light.

House of Shadows is a very quick paced story and an easy read. This gothic styled romance was exactly what I needed to pull me out of a reading slump. I enjoyed that this book kept me turning the page and wanting to know what Sophie's story would be. I'm giving this book a rating of 4 stars because of how engaging this book felt.

That being said there are a few things I didn't like. The first thing that stood out to me is the beginning of the story seems out of place. It feels like we stepped into a random part of Sophie's life and have very little background. The story is portrayed as Sophie having a strong family connection but it doesn't feel like we saw enough of the family to understand why Sophie made the decisions she did.

The other thing I didn't love about the book is Sophie's lack of characteristics. Sophie is left as kind of a blank canvas. I just personally didn't feel like there was a distinguishable trait or personality for Sophie. For me it really made me feel a disconnect with Sophie when I'm sure it was supposed to be easier for me to envision myself as Sophie.

Overall great YA styled gothic romance.

The House of Shadows. A Gothic tour de force filled with atmosphere, secrets, twists, death, deception, and, of course, romance.

Joseph Argenton meets sweet Sophie by chance. Shortly thereafter he is asking for her hand in marriage. It is no coincidence that this offer comes directly after Sophie's father loses the family fortune. A caveat: Joseph will restore the family fortune if Miss Sophie will give him her hand.

Within the week, Sophie and Joseph are wed and Sophie is leaving her father's home to become the new mistress of Northwood. Sophie knows this marriage is advantageous for her family; her husband has made well on his offer of restoring their family's financial position.

What Sophie doesnt know is that this union is very important to Joseph. There is a specific reason he has chosen to marry so quickly. His family is cursed and Sophie will play her part.

Sophie and Joseph will transform before you. From beginning to end, their relationship flows. From one obstacle to the next, they begin to merge, in love and war. The monster, the madness, Northwood will fall. Or will it?

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and Darcy Coates for an ARC of this title in return for an honest review

Wonderful and fun Gothic,Horror And Romance Story!

The book centers around Sophie, a young, innocent beauty who meets the very wealthy, eccentric and brooding Joseph Argenton the night she went to the opera with her uncle. The next day Joseph asks her father for her hand in marriage and since her family has fallen into devastating debt, Joseph made an offer to solve all their financial worries and make them whole again so Sophie feels she must do the right thing and she accepts the marriage proposal. Fifteen days later she is who she is whisked off to her new home called Northwood a four hundred year old monstrosity of a mansion deep within the woods and hours away by carriage from the nearest neighbor or town. Upon arriving, Sophie feels very unwelcome by the three relatives who also reside in Northwood and realizes too late that she may have made a grave mistake. There are shadows everywhere, she hears whispers from the woods and then coming from behind locked doors is it her imagination of us there something sinister and very wrong with Northwood and why does she feel that everyone is lying to her about what she is seeing and hearing. Is there a sinister reason that Sophie has been brought to Northwood?

This was a very enjoyable gothic/romance for me. Darcy Coates is a very clever and stylized writer who completely captured the ambiance and atmosphere of what a gothic story should be. The detailed descriptions of Northwood ( think the old movie and book "Drangonwyck" ) such a gloomy, cold and foreboding fortress. There are noises and shadows everywhere and the feeling of a inhuman presence wandering the halls and rooms. Plenty of shivers and chills to keep my complete attention and subtle romance as well. This is a great book for anyone who enjoys gothic style books or just a wonderful dark, creepy and atmospheric story.

I want to thank the publisher "Poisoned Pen Press" and Netgalley for this advance reading copy and any opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!I

I highly recommend this terrific book and have given a rating of 4 Foreboding 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Stars!!

House of Shadows kept me up all night reading it! It was so Gothic and creepy and I really enjoyed the characters as well as the relationship between Sophie and Joseph. No, it wasn't an conventional marriage or love affair but we see it grow and blossom thru-out the story and it was just so beautiful. It tugged at my heart because here are two people who get thrown together in a marriage of convenience and still find their way to love in extraordinary circumstances.

I was so enthralled in the story, especially the parts with all the whispers and bumps Sophie experienced, had somebody touched me I would have jumped out of my skin! I totally wouldn't have been as brave as her! Sophie endures alot at Northwood during her stay there and some of it could have well been deterred had Joseph just been honest with her from the start but after reading the whole story I understand his motives.

House of Shadows is just an "GOOD" old fashioned Gothic styled love story entwined with bits of paranormal and madness!

If you are looking for a gothic romance, look no further. From page one this story was set up to be a page-turner that filled me with dread and delighted me all at the same time. The setting was so wonderfully dark and atmospheric that I couldn't put it down.

The horror aspects of this book were nicely done. Multiple times I found my self gasping and cringing for the plight of Sophie. Sophie was a strong-willed protagonist that only sometimes turned timid and made me shake my head in confusion. I love that she is the one who started putting the pieces together.

I will say the romance aspect of this read felt forced at the beginning. Sophie barely knew, let along, talked to her husband before she started claiming love. Trauma can lead to fast connections but that doesn't feel like it here. the romance was almost two steps ahead of where it should have been.

Overall I really enjoyed this read and love that it was left open to a part two.

This is my first book read by this author and I truly enjoyed it!! While this genre might not be my normal go to, it has all the parts I enjoy; a suspenseful component, a paranormal component, unexpected twists and turns, and well developed characters! I am really looking forward to reading her next book.

My thoughts

Rating:5

Would I recommend it ?yes

Would I read more of this series ?yes , in fact I have book 2 to read as well.

Would I read more by this author? Yes

This is the first time I've read anything by this author and I do have to make a note that I would only recommend it to others who love this types of books just as much as I do which are historical fiction but with a touch of gothic mixed with the paranormal as well as a bit of romance and horror,so if that's not your cup of tea then I wouldn't even consider this one.I do have to say that the author was spot on with the writing style for this one , because she brings to life the setting that she's writing about so much so that the way she describes the places make them seem real, its like you can literally reach out and touch them.The story its self is perfect for a dark and stormy type reading or even for an October one at that because of the feeling the setting gives you which is dark and twisted mix with a touch of creepiness.And don't forget the gothic elements : the gloomy, decaying setting, the dark and menacing feel that the atmosphere leaves you . Because of that and how well this story is written it helps plays with your imagination and once that happens it won't let go.With that said I want to thank Netgalley as well as the publishers for letting me read and review it, and I can't wait to read the next book as soon as I can

This was a fun, dark gothic horror, with creepy happenings and interesting characters. 

Marrying to save her family from an unfortunate event that lost most of their family fortune, Sophie goes to live with Mr. Argenton and his family (aunt, uncle and niece). From the stat Sophie feels uncomfortable and weird things begin to happen. Not to mention that the house itself is one big maze-like manor.

The family and staff won't tell her about anything that is happening and while she wants to leave, she finds herslef ever more drawn to her husband that she barely knows. 

I really enjoyed the ambience of the story. I'm a sucker for a dark creepy read and this was definitely it. I found the romance to be a bit rushed for two people that barely knew eachother but it was cute and the book is not terribly long.

If you want a quick gothic horror with trouble lurking around every corner, creepy family members and a mysterious man, the is the book for you.

Thank you to Netgalley and Publishers for the chance to read this title in exchange for an honest review

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC of House of Shadows by Darcy Coates.

I'm confused about this particular review because according to publishers and Netgalley, House of Shadows is to be published on May 5, 2020. But I listened to it on Audible who said it was published in 2015. Relaunch? Grand opening? Anywho...

This is probably what I would consider a gothic romance/period ghost story. Horror seems a bit too strong a word for it, but it definitely has creep factors. When a young woman gets an offer of marriage in order to save her family's fortune, she takes it, despite all of the red flags of him being older, slightly intimidating, and having only known him for a day. But things unravel quickly when she comes to her new place of residence. It's grand and beautiful, but also so haunted. Everyone knows it, yet nobody leaves.

I'm not a huge fan of the supernatural, it falls too much in the same category as fantasy and sci-fi, which I'm also not interested in. Overall this was fine, but it was also very surface level? Like, it would have made a great script for a HS play, but it doesn't go a whole much deeper than that.

There is something to be said about the technique of writing a gothic horror novel. It is an art form within itself, devoid of the slasher/gore scenes that people normally associate with the general Horror genre. Gothic Horror brings a more subtle wave of terror, that draft of cold air or the exhalation that you might have just heard, but you aren't sure because you might be imagining it. I am a firm lover of all things horror, but reading a well written Gothic Horror is one of my favorites. It leaves my skin crawling and has me jumping in my seat as the character thinks they heard, saw, felt something that isn't real. Darcy Coates does an amazing job and truly embodies gothic horror in her writing!

The characters were strongly written, with development and personality. I grew to absolutely loathe Aunt Rose, and found myself growing fond of Joseph with Sophie as the story progressed. I love the idea of a family curse spanning the generations of a very old, wealthy family. This plot line just never gets old for me, as there are so many directions you can take it. The house and land took on a character of it's own, and that is proof of some genius writing skill. Not many readers will take too much notice of the setting if the characters are strong enough, but Darcy writes the house to be it's own character and it just sets your mind to wondering, and wandering. Which, I will strongly advise that you don't wander blindly through the halls of this house.

I highly recommend House of Shadows to anyone who loves Gothic Horror, and who has read The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell or The House in the Dark of the Woods by Laird Hunt. It's a scary story, but not one that will leave you too terrified to go to sleep. I would encourage those who don't normally read horror because you scare easily to give this a try if you're willing!

To save her family from a financial crisis, Sophie agrees to marry the tall,dark and broody Mr.Argenton. Now she's the mistress of Northwood, a mansion whose secrets lurk in everywhere. These are malicious and Sophie is scared. And it doesn't help when Mr.Argenton is knowingly keeping secrets from his wife.

As the mansion dark secrets turns Sophie's life upside down, her sanity is loosing it's grip as well. What happens when the mystery is finally revealed?

I had an amazing time reading this book. The dark and Gothic atmosphere is well-done and I cannot help but love it even more when all the creepiness started. Sophie was a marvelous character and her dilemma whether or not to trust Mr.Argenton was completely justifiable. The male protagonist, Mr. Argenton..... I don't know how to say... He intrigued and infuriated me at the same time. He was equal part charming and secretive. A dangerous combination for a swoon-worthy crush. There were so many scenes with bone-chilling moments. The book had a smooth beginning and I'm so glad it didn't explain the history or begin some random scene. Such an incredible book with unexpected twists and turns.

The author definitely pushed the horror aspect up a notch in this Gothic Romance and if you are picking this up for your next read(which I highly recommend you to do), be ready to have the living daylights scared out of you. It will grip you from the very first page and won't let go.


Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.

A marriage of convenience borne of necessity places a young woman in her husband's ancestry home where she must scramble to fit into her new family while assuming mistress of the house responsibilities. The house and surrounding grounds would fit directly into any gothic horror movie while the home's residents do not fit any definition of a close family group. Just when you thought this was a straight out horror story, it is made much more interesting by the addition of our young bride actually realizing that she has come to care for her husband. As they move closer together, the background story comes to a head....what happens??? I'll never tell, you'll just have to read the book!

I started this book knowing absolutely nothing about it. It began as a typical gothic romance yet quickly delved into horror. Was it the most well written example of the genre- no- but I devoured it in one sitting with no desire to stop. Sophie and Joseph were a great couple. Aunt Rose was incredibly creepy. The house was a gothic monstrosity and a character in it’s own right. It was highly entertaining and I look forward to the sequel! Thank you to #netgalley for the advanced reader copy.

As a youngster one of the subgenres on which I "cut my literary teeth " was the then-popular "Gothic Suspense," with gloomy covers featuring brooding mansions in the moonlight and frightened heroines in full escape. I devoured those, both the historical and contemporary settings. Probably reading so deeply in this type helped formulate some of my concepts of life: independence vs. Dependence on others, poverty vs. Wealth, romance vs. "Convenience."


HOUSE OF SHADOWS and its sequel HOUSE OF SECRETS hearken back to those halcyon days of Gothic Suspense. Its Victorian Era setting, the family home so intensely isolated, the oddly-behaving kinfolk, and the Supernatural events that dog the Argenton lineage creates a suspenseful read.

Sophie suddenly has to marry Joseph Argenton due to her families financial windfall. Joseph is rich and takes her to Northwood, where his family lives.

She arrives and is told to stay away from the red door and to not wander in woods because of the wolves. His family is a bit weird, but that’s normal, right?

Sophie sees mysterious things and Joseph’s niece draws odd and disturbing pictures. Is there something else going on?

This book was fun! A lot of mysterious twists and turns along the way. It was a great mix of gothic romance and ghost story.