A fun and exciting historical gosthic novel. I loved Jess' characterization of the cast, and their relationships with one another! The supernatural elements were a nice touch. I wish they spent more time on character development and it felt rushed at times, but I couldn't stop reading it!

I highly recommend this book. The moment I started reading it, I was interested in the story. I like the author's writing style and the way the story unfolded. Ruby Vaughn has spunk and a sense of humor. I thought for sure I knew who did it, but there was a twist in the story. I was surprised.

The ending indicates that there will be more Ruby Vaughn, and I look forward to reading the series.

Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Minotaur Books for a chance to review this book.

Link to Amazon review: https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R39RDJUQO86U6T?ref=pf_ov_at_pdctrvw_srp

3.5 stars for this atmospheric mystery. Ruby is an excellent heroine/sleuth, and I enjoyed her relationships with the secondary characters, especially Mr. Owen and Ruan. These characters were all interesting and well-drawn, and the folklore/supernatural element added to the mystery. I found Ruby and Tamsyn's relationship lacking--and much of the novel hinges on it, so that stuck out for me and impacted the reading experience.

Solidly entertaining historical gothic novel with a protagonist made for lovers of Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries. I did find that Ruby’s arch flapper voice and the attempted atmosphere of unease clashed sometimes, but the plot rolls along at a steady pace and keeps you intrigued.

American heiress Ruby Vaughn has spent her life rebuilding after big losses. But some wounds are too deep to heal and a job that takes her to the one place she'd sworn to never revisit and the person she couldn't forget will force her to face the past even as she's trying to stay alive.
I enjoyed reading one because it has the high stakes of a period mystery where the first murder is only the beginning but somehow still manages to feel like a cozy stroll through the English countryside. Ruby's personality hits all the right notes of confidence, caution, and emotion that make for excellent reading as we follow along with her as she slowly uncovers the truth of Penryth Hall. Adding the slightly supernatural element of a mysterious woman and the abilities that Ruan has helps it stand out a bit more from the usual fare.
I did feel like it was a little too easy to figure out the big reveal that leads to unmasking the killer way before the book actually got to it, so that's why it's not getting the full 5-star review. That said, it's still an enjoyable mystery that's full of interesting details and characters that left me wanting more.

Very happy thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the engaging read!

I loved everything about this book! It had all the elements that hook me on a story; A strong, rebellious heroine who won't stay within the bounds of society, a creepy mansion, a hint of the supernatural, rumours of a deadly curse, and a sexy love interest or two. This book had it all for me and I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed Ruby so much and I'm hoping we will see more of her in the future. Sequel please!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books for providing an ARC via Net Galley for review.

This book reminded me of a younger Phryne Fisher with a touch of the supernatural.
Same sort of premise if you're a Phyrne Fisher fan - young woman, high spirited, independently wealthy, took care of the wounded during The War, too curious to let a mystery go. And although the book is not tagged as LGBTQ, you quickly see that Ruby's past relationship with Tamsyn clearly went beyond friendship. But, the book also references Ruby having multiple male partners, and there is clear attraction between Ruby and Ruan. That being said, there are no explicit details about any of the relationships. There are relationship aspects to the story, but that isn't the main focus. The mystery is the main focus.
I really enjoyed the touch of supernatural with Ruan the Pellar having the mysterious powers as Seventh Son of a Seventh Son. I'd never heard of a Pellar and it was a neat aspect to learn about. And ultimately, it's kind of a mystery unsolved. He knows he can do things others can't, but he also feels the locals exaggerate his uncanny abilities and attribute power to him that he's not even sure about himself. I really hope that is carried forward and developed as part of the series.
Overall, I always love a good 1920s/1930s mystery, and feel like Armstrong's characters and writing stand out in the genre. It's not your average cozy mystery. I will definitely watch for more of Ruby and other books from Jess Armstrong.

I wanted more from this gothic murder mystery! There are several very dark scenes here, but I never felt particularly connected to the narrative and thought the story was shallow. This will be a DNF series for me.

<I>Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

I LOVE a good gothic style novel. It sped through some character development and things seemed to be a bit contrite at times but it was still enjoyable.


Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.

This was an atmospheric read that hit notes of humour while giving a touch of the macabre, tension, danger, Gothic mystery, and a good whodunit. Captured my interest and turned into a lazy day indulgence that I read in one go..

-historical fiction
-gothic
-murder mystery
-UK setting

I loved the historical aspect and gothic setting of this book. Something was lacking for me with the characters and plot itself. I enjoyed the murder mystery but it was so slow paced that by the reveal, I was much less invested. If it were a faster pace then I think it would have been 4 stars instead of 3.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books for providing me a digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Weirdly interesting. I couldn't really anticipate what was going to happen next, refreshing. The characters had interesting things to say, and did things I didn't expect them to do, so *hats off to you*.

American heiress Ruby Vaughn is content to leave the past behind her and focus on her life in Exeter working in a bookstore. But the past isn’t done with her yet. Ruby is tasked with delivering a package to the Cornish countryside—a place that she has sworn never to return after things with her once dearest friend Tamsyn fell apart. The past may have drawn her back in, but Ruby is the one who makes the decision to let it fester. When Tamsyn’s husband is found dead and the bells of Penryth Hall toll for the first time in thirty years, Ruby finds herself working alongside Ruan Kivell, the person whose package Ruby came to town to deliver, to find out what happened that night and prevent the supposed curse of Penryth Hall from claiming its next victim: Tamsyn.

If you’re looking to immerse yourself in an atmospheric gothic mystery story, Armstrong has got you covered. The world building is beautiful, utilizing prose that is reminiscent of the classics while not making me (someone who is not a huge fan of reading the classics) want to fall asleep. It was like journeying to the Cornish countryside and stoked at the embers of my wanderlust—which is both a wonderful and terrible thing.

The focus of the story is squarely on Ruby, Ruan, and Tamsyn, but Armstrong manages to flesh out even minor characters in a way that had me wanting more. The relationship dynamic between Ruby and both Ruan and Tamsyn was so lovely to watch play out, especially as the two are such different parts of Ruby's life—Tamsyn being part of her past and Ruan being part of her present. Armstrong plays with these dynamics in a way that had me completely unsure who I was rooting for in the end (because, let's be honest, I'm always rooting for some kind of romance!)

Throughout the story, I found it difficult to figure out what was going to happen next, which I absolutely loved! An added layer to the questions of what happened the night of Tamsyn's husband's death was the questioning of whether curses, magic, and the like were pieces of superstition or if Ruby has actually entered into a bit of a magical locale. And the ending! It completely threw me for a loop—not once did I see that coming! The story wraps beautifully and, in my opinion, leaves the door open for more exploration with some of these characters. I don’t know what the author has planned, but I definitely wouldn’t mind revisiting these characters—especially Ruan (insert all the heart eyes here).

Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher for free and have voluntarily written this review.

A little bit of a fantastical mystery, this book was a light read that was a bit confusing at times. I never felt a true connection to the characters. Not sure if it's because I didn't relate to them or if there wasn't enough background information. The mystery itself was good though!

The Curse of Penryth Hall is the debut novel by Jess Armstrong. I was drawn into this book by its stunning book cover!

Ruby is an American heiress, after a scandal she was sent away to the English countryside where she worked in a rare book store. Her boss sent her on a delivery to Cornwall. Since she was in the area, she decided to drop in to see her old friend/love interest Tamsyn. On the first night of Ruby's visit, Tamsyn's husband, Sir Edward is brutally killed. They call in their local pellar/healer to get answers in solving this murder.

I did enjoy this book but I did feel like it needed more character development. There were lots of twists and turns and sometimes it felt like there wasn't enough backstory and it was a bit confusing. The plot was entertaining, I just wish that there was more description to fully understand it. I would rate this book at 3.5 ⭐️ - rounding up to 4.

I have high hopes for Ruan and Ruby…I would love to see a follow up story about their future/romance!

𝕋𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝔹𝕠𝕠𝕜 ℍ𝕒𝕤:
Gothic Mystery
Cornish Folklore
Historical Fiction
Murder Mystery
Paranormal Characters
English Countryside Setting
LGBTQIA Rep
Magical Powers

Thank you to @netgalley& @minotaurbooks for the gifted copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The storyline was a little confusing but I did love the concept of the book! Thanks #NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC!

I liked the premise and the Cornish coast setting (I also love anything Gothic as a general rule), but found the pacing to be a bit of the slog and the characters on the under developed side.

// 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖 - 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥 //

Rating: ☆ ☆ ☆
Genre: Mystery

𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝑰𝒇 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝑳𝒊𝒌𝒆:
• Historical Mysteries
• Gothic Settings
• Curses

𝑶𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔
This was a little different - a mixture of mystery with a historical (post WWI) timeframe. I found the book to be a cozy historical mystery with an atmospheric estate. The presumed curse of the property adds an extra layer to the story. Ruby’s character is avoiding her past but is forced to confront it when she is sent to deliver books to a folk healer. She is very strong and independent, but also very loyal. She is a standout woman of her time. Ruby is determined to discover the truth after her estranged best friends husband is murdered. The town is determined it is the curse, but Ruby suspects foul play. The dynamic between Ruan (the healer) and Ruby was engaging and fun. There is a connection between them that isn’t quite a romance, but has the potential to become one (maybe? If there were to be a sequel?). They work together to solve the mystery despite the towns expectations of Ruan. The only relationship that was a little murky to me was the one between Ruby and Tamsyn. Ruby is very local to her - part of me understands, but the depth of history just lacked for me to fully grasp it.

I enjoyed this book. It didn’t standout among all the books I’ve read, but I would not dissuade someone from reading it. If there is a sequel Id also be interesting in following Ruby and Ruan’s story.

This was a pleasant read. Ms. Armstrong made excellent use of the red herrings. I really liked that.
I received an ARC of this book.
Thank you Net Galley, Minotaur Press and Jess Armstrong.
#NetGalley#MinotaurPress#JessArmstrong

tl;dr
A murder mystery dressed up like a gothic novel with a fun, but complicated lead.

Thoughts
Like many gothic novels, this book features a sad, willowy lady in an old mansion that may or may not be cursed. However, this sad lady is not the lead. Rather, our MC is the sad lady's bold, pragmatic friend (and ex-lover), determined to prove there's no such thing as a curse. And honestly? I'm here for it. Ruby's a fun lead, part unruly rebel, part academic thinker. She's got am messy history she'd rather not think about, but she also uses it to propel herself forward into new things. She fits into the genre, but doesn't give herself over to it, and instead we get a nice balance of gothic atmosphere and some solid mystery solving. There are clues to find, and witnesses to interview and a tangle of history to pull at. The middle slows down a bit along with the mystery, with maybe just a few too many people for me to keep track of, but the ending still clicked neatly into place. There's a light smattering of romance here, but it's secondary to the mystery. A good read, owing mostly to how interesting the main character is. It appears she'll be solving more mysteries in the future, and I look forward to reading them.