A gothic masterpiece.

We meet Marta, who is in mourning after the death of her grandmere. Scourned by her aunt and deemed undesireable by the family of the man she loves, Marta is placed at Fyneshade as governess to Grace.  

What starts as a familiar storyline with a character you’d expect to be sympathetic towards soon twists as governess, Marta reveals a real nasty side. Arrogant and selfish, she is quick to make enemies and instead of nurturing young Grace, she under-estimates and manipulates her to suit Marta’s scheming plans. An anti-heroine twist in what is generally a classic Victorian gothic setting. I was so curious to see how Marta’s cunning plan to rise above her station unfold.

A lonely mansion house, secret passage ways, witchy folklore, forbidden love affairs. This was a slow burner but the secrets and the gothic atmosphere made this a compelling read.  The pace picked up half way through, drawing all the elements together for an explosive ending that had me rereading it several times to come to terms with it all.

A gloriously gothic and creepy novel. A must read for fans of Jane Eyre and The Turn of the Screw.

Wow! What a spine chilling, edge of the seat, twisty gothic thriller this is!
Following the death of her grandmother, orphaned young woman Marta finds herself sent to be a governess at the mysterious Fyneshade Hall. It quickly becomes apparent that all is not quite as it should be, from young Grace, her pupil, to the women who staff the house. Marta is sure her destiny has brought her to Fyneshade and that her future success is here, however dark secrets await her along with ghosts of the past. Can Marta use the dark skills her grandmother taught her to realise her destiny?
Marta is a wonderfully wicked character, full of guile and determination, a true force to be reckoned with. Grace, her pupil, is brilliantly drawn as despite her obvious disability, she is full of surprises and a real feisty little girl. Mrs Gurney, the housekeeper, also plays a terrific role: fiercely protective of Grace and yet full of mettle. As for Vaughan, gosh he was a bad boy charmer! Even house was utterly atmospheric and a character in itself.
This story had me turning the pages late into the night and kept me on my toes with all its twists and turns. I’m now totally intrigued to read Henry James, The Turn of the Screw.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Viper Books, for an e-arc in exchange for a review.

Marta has lived with her grandmother for as long as she can remember, & the old woman has educated her in the ways of using magic. Following her grandmother's death, Marta discovers that she is to be sent away to be a governess at Fyneshade Hall, & she suspects that this is a plot cooked up between her aunt & the mother of Marta's lover, Nathaniel. When Marta arrives at Fyneshade she discovers that her charge, Grace, has developmental & learning delays (the description seems to suggest Down Syndrome).

The house & its environment is distinctly odd: not only is the Master (Sir William Pritchard) never at home, but all of the maids & staff are homely & 99% are female. Not only that, but one of the few males, young Master Vaughan Pritchard is forbidden to enter the house whilst his father lives. This is not a pleasing situation for Marta but she uses her time to learn about the secrets of those around her & how best to use them to her advantage. Marta believes she is destined for something much greater than being just the governess but her conceit might be her undoing.

This is a dark gothic read, a genre which I love. Usually the audience empathises with the main character & wants to see them succeed, but here the main character, Marta, is easy to dislike. She's manipulative, cunning, physically abusive to Grace, mercenary, & what we would now term fatphobic with how she describes others. She thinks herself above everyone else, so what kept me reading above it being an engrossing tale, was hoping to see she gets her comeuppance. The author has crafted Marta so convincingly that the character raises antipathy from most readers judging by the reviews. That's not quite the end of the story though, & there's a nod to Henry James in the final scenes. Verdict: liked it but not sure I'd re-read it due to the main character. If you like books by authors such as Laura Purcell, you'd probably enjoy this one too.

TWs: witchcraft, sexual content, murder, abortion.

My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Serpent's Tail / Viper / Profile Books, for the opportunity to read an ARC.

A ghost story. A gothic one - drenched rich in atmosphere and mood, it's a finely crafted drama perfect for fans of the classics, there's a final reveal for this one that Griffin takes delight in dropping on the reader. As befitting of a gothic book set in a location; Fyneshade itself almost feels like a character - living and breathing as much as Marta, its protagonist. Each character has their own story to tell, their own secrets - and Fyneshade revels in that.

I really like how Griffin makes you doubt your need to get behind the lead character of Marta, she's just a complex creation that is brought to life brilliantly. Three-dimensional and then some, the unlikability of her character is key to giving this much of an edge that separates it from the rest of the genre - usually the protagonist is likeable, not so here. The addition of Vaughan Pritchard to the book really presents him as a fascinating counterpart to Marta, too - and spinning the narrative from the place being the main antagonist in gothic fiction, it almost feels like the character is - and positioning her in the lead role; gives the book a crueller, darker edge that it needs.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5507126813

Fyneshade is the first stand-alone novel by British author, Kate Griffin. When her beloved Grandmere dies, Marta is sent to be a governess at Fyneshade in Derbyshire. It’s an imposing place, but she is well-equipped with Grandmere’s teaching about herbs and remedies, knowledge that saw her referred to as a witch.

When she meets her ten-year-old charge, Marta is surprised at Grace’s appearance (she has encountered the moonface features before) and that she is virtually non-verbal. She’s meant to teach this girl French, to transform her into a lady? Marta, it turns out, is not what the housekeeper, Mrs Gurney expected either: young and attractive is a concern.

It’s quickly clear that the staff at Fyneshade all love and care for Grace, that she’s a talented sketch artist, wilful, definitely not dumb, and possessed of a certain guile. And she knows every inch of the house like the back of her hand.

But Fyneshade is filled with mysteries: the master, Sir William Pritchard, seems to be absent; excepting the groom, all the staff are freakishly unattractive women whose dislike of Marta is soon plain; and the north wing is kept locked.

To Mrs Gurney’s consternation, Marta accidentally encounters Grace’s older brother Vaughan and his hawk. Marta realises that the housekeeper had acted to avoid this, and she now warns Marta off: Vaughan Pritchard may be the heir to Fyneshade, but he is barred from the house, and Marta should not trust him, he is a devil. Marta has her own ideas about that…

As she gets to know Fyneshade and its people better, Marta realises that deceit typifies every encounter, that everyone has secrets and none of what is said can be trusted. But Marta, too, is practiced at deception and coercion, and protecting her own interests above all.

Griffin gives the reader an enthralling gothic horror tale that might just be a prequel to a certain Henry James novella. If the reader is initially sympathetic of Marta’s plight, her emerging nastiness and cruelty might alter that a little, but by then it’s hard to look away. Clever, twisty and quite dark.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Serpent’s Tail/Viper.

I love gothic stories, so new I was going to love it. Full of tense atmospheric descriptions, a dark mysterious house, hidden passages and sinister secrets, I felt it was gothic writing at its best. A delicious sense of dread permeates throughout the whole book with sinister intent, with a morally grey FMC, who really isn't as she seems. I don't want to spoil the ending, it left me shocked and fearful, as I new what was coming next IYKYK

I loved this beautifully written book which felt like a gloomy Gothic Moll Flanders. The plot is not intriguing per se but the author is great at conveying tension, you're always on the edge of your seat, dreading that something terrible is about to happen. Marta is a charming (creepy) character and a wonderfully unreliable narrator. I only wish there was a sequel... [Well, actually there is one but not from the same author - no spoilers - but, Kate, if you read this, please consider writing about Marta's adventures, if we want to call them like that with an understatement, at her new working venue!]

From a very young age, Marta was raised by her grandmother. She was taught things, although nothing as ordinary as cooking, baking or knitting, but somewhat darker - and also icky - stuff. This meant Marta was looked upon rather suspiciously by the villagers. When her grandmother passes away, Marta finds she is no longer protected and her aunt sends her away to become the governess at Fyneshade Hall to the daughter of William Pritchard. Marta is not that bothered. She was outgrowing this village anyway and she is convinced she is destined for a far grander life.

But things at Fyneshade Hall are not what they seem. Where is this elusive William Pritchard, the mysterious "P" upon which Marta's fate depends? Why is a whole section of the house locked up tightly? Why is Wiliam's son banned from the house? Marta realises she's not being told everything. Someone is keeping secrets but why?

I had high expectations of 'Fyneshade' but it turned out to be a book of two halves for me. I found the first half moved a little too slowly for me and I struggled to get into the story. This wasn't at all helped by the fact that I absolutely loathed Marta, although in the latter stages I began to think I wasn't supposed to like her. Marta is devious, vile, despicable, and extremely cunning. She is dead-set on fulfilling her destiny, which seems to be one of immense wealth and nothing much more than that. She will do whatever it takes to make that happen, and in doing so she is blinded to things I thought were rather obvious. To be fair, she's one of those characters that will have you desperately hoping karma will catch up with them in the end.

The second half of this gothic tale picked up for me and I started to enjoy the story a bit more. However, this is also where events turned out to be pretty predictable. Sometimes I find I don't care, this time I did. I suspect that might have been heavily influenced by my immense dislike of Marta. All I could think of was wanting her to get her comeuppance sooner rather than later.

I did feel for Grace, William Pritchard's young daughter. Locked in in her own little world, she is unknowingly being manipulated at every turn by those she loves and trusts. I adored the two members of staff who took such excellent care of her when others wouldn't even acknowledge her existence. They were doing the best they could for very little reward, and they were the characters to get behind and wish good things for.

Lies and secrets abound at Fyneshade Hall. This is a very dark and disturbing gothic tale, mostly about greed and about how far someone would go to get what they feel they deserve. As much as I absolutely abhorred Marta, I do realise she is probably one of the most unforgettable and memorable characters I will ever come across. The setting is atmospheric, the writing is fabulous and the descriptions wonderfully immersive. You can almost hear the creaking of the stairs, feel a breeze that will make the hairs on your neck stand up or even hear a sole note on a harp.

Don't you just love it when a novel leaves you completely conflicted? The notes I made right after finishing the book mentioned that I didn't enjoy 'Fyneshade' as much as I thought I would, but I didn't dislike it either. Yet, while writing this review a day later and reflecting on things, I find I enjoyed it far more than I originally thought. Maybe it's because I was able to distance myself from things a bit, see the bigger picture, put that dislike for Marta in perspective. Who knows.

I have no doubt this will appeal to many fans of historical gothic fiction. After all, it is an engrossing tale with a formidable main character. Despite my initial misgivings, I would actually still quite happily recommend 'Fyneshade' and I very much look forward to whatever is next from Kate Griffin.

This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year. Both the cover and the premise were so enticing and gothic novels are my favourite so I couldn't wait for this!
I also love stories set around ruined mansion houses with secret passages and unpredictable characters! This book has all of these in abundance along with a chilling atmospheric setting.

The story starts when Marta is sent to be governess to a young girl at Fyneshade, following the death of her Grandmere. When she arrives there is no sign of the master of the house and only a limited number of servants. Much of the house is closed off and Marta soon realises she will be more of a companion than a teacher as her pupil has severe learning difficulties.

This is not the typical story of a governess however and Martha is not the innocent girl she would lead you to believe! Both Marta and the people within the house have their own secrets and hidden agendas and there are few likeable characters written within the pages! Each are strong and brilliantly written however and despite their flaws I couldn't put this down. I needed to know their fate and find out how the mystery was going to unravel.

This was an atmospheric, creepy story full of suspense and a touch of the supernatural. It is inspired by The Turn of the Screw which I definitely need to read! I would highly recommend!

Oh my giddy aunt, what a glorious GLORIOUS story! Seriously, I’m having a hard time convincing myself Fyneshade was not in fact written just for me, it’s just so up my street it’s pretty much on my doorstep with one foot already inside.

Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier is my favourite classic, and when it comes to gothic literature, for me it’s the one to beat. In terms of atmosphere and vibe, Fyneshade is definitely its equal. I kid you not, Fyneshade is the Manderley of the 21st century. Trust me, I’ve read my way through a boatload of books in recent years, searching for exactly this type of gothic literature, and I felt let down on multiple occasions, but Kate Griffin 100% nailed it. Actually, though, it was another classic that inspired this magnificently brooding little tale, one I’ve been meaning to read for ages and have now put at the top of my list: The Turn of the Screw.

Besides the setting and the vibe, I also adored Marta, the protagonist and the type of morally grey character that you can’t help but simultaneously admire and loathe to a certain degree. Marta is tough as nails, self-assured and witchy in a wicked sort of way, which is just so much fun. She acts demurely in the presence of some and quite audaciously in the company of others. But she’s also manipulative and, frankly, a bit of a selfish cow, and I didn’t appreciate how she sometimes handles her charge, young Grace, who, I would assume, has Down Syndrome. Ah but don’t I just love it when characters keep me on my toes!

Fyneshade is absolute gothic perfection and I gobbled it up like a woman starving. I preordered the hardcover the second I finished reading the ARC. I can already see the hype coming, and while I feel some books are so overhyped they’re set up for failure, this one can’t be overhyped, as far as I’m concerned. I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys gothic historical fiction.

Fyneshade is out in hardcover, digital formats and audio on 18 May, with the paperback to follow next year.

Massive thanks to Viper Books and NetGalley for the eARC. All opinions are my own.

Oh how I loved this novel. I am an avid reader of many books but do tend to stick to very similar genres, but the cover of this novel and the blurb really drew me in. I was so glad when I got accepted by NetGalley and I could not put this book down.

This is my first experience of reading a gothic novel and will not be the last. We meet Marta who's grandmother has just died and she is sent to be a governess at Fyneshade, which is a big, dark and overpowering hall. Marta's charge is not the typical child one would expect to be a governess to and the master of the house is never there either.

This novel basically pulled me and did not let me go until I reached the end, which I am sorely disappointed about. I would go as far to say that this is probably one of my all time favourite books. The way Kate Griffin paints the picture of Fyneshade and makes the reader feel like they are actually there and part of the story is incredible.

Thanks to Kate Griffin, Netgalley and the publishers for allowing me a copy of this incredible novel.

Thank you Netgalley and Viper for this eCopy to review

I love gothic novels and Fynshade did not disappoint. It is deliciously dark and a compulsive read. Que a crumbling remote mansion, limited staff, naïve governess, locked rooms and secret passageways and plenty of secrets and twists to keep me up late racing to get to the end!

Ambitious Marta is sent away to be a governess after her grandmother dies. She considers herself to be better than all the other servants and thanks to her witchcraft skills passed down to her from her grandma she believes that she will marry the master of house.

Despite Marta not being a very nice person and very manipulative of those around her, I still found myself rooting for her and could not believe how she ended up being manipulated by her charge (Grace) and Vaughan Pritchard (Grace's brother).

Spoiler alert
I did not realise that Marta is Miss Jessel from The Turn of the Screw as you only find out her surname at the end of the story nor that this was a prequel so it was a complete surprise for me

Henry James fans unite! I read a previous review that this was a prequel to "The Turn of the Screw" so between that, the time period, and the gorgeous symbolic cover, it piqued my interest. I devoured Henry James' work in college, and I clearly need to return to reread his work because I definitely missed a few references in "Fyneshade!"

In the novel's atmosphere, lovers of spooky old manor homes will not be disappointed. Kate Griffin beautifully wrote this novel, but be prepared to not like any of the characters. Normally that would become a DNF for me, however, the anti-hero vibe came across as the author's intention, and I was expecting it before reading. The whole cast of characters is very human, but they take manipulation and deviousness to other levels which got a little tiring, especially with Marta. "This just won't end well" was on repeat in my brain for the entire read. My reaction is likely my current state of mind just not needing any more chaos in the world. I read to escape, and I'm a bit over thoughtlessly selfish humans at the moment. Insert a mass influx of fluffy kittens for post-book recovery here.

For me, the most interesting angle was the descriptions of witchcraft and how it was woven into this Victorian gothic tale. I would have loved to know more about Grandmere and how Mrs. Gurney's mother might have shared beliefs, particularly since they are mentioned often.

The author also introduces how history dealt with physical and mental disabilities in children, but expands more on the character Grace herself. There is thoughtful writer's care present, but I'm still trying to work through my emotional thoughts on how Grace is portrayed and manipulated, especially by Vaughan and Marta.

While 75% of the story has you wondering where this is going, the last 25% definitely gives you a tumble-down-a-hill-in-the-rain kind of lesson in how an okay book turns into a really good one.

// Thank you so much to Netgalley and Serpent's Tail for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review! //

An extraordinary prequel to Henry James The turn of the screw. The story explaining how Miss Jessel became the way she did. An engrossing story that draws you in. You know how things are going to turn out with the relationship but really hope that it does not . A beautifully written gothic soon to be classic.

This was a gothic, haunting and atmospheric story that I couldn’t put down. It was gripping and engaging the whole way through with a level of suspense and unpredictability that added an extra layer to the storytelling. It was a chilling read that has stayed with me since I read it.

The E-Book could be improved and more user-friendly, such as links to the chapters, and no significant gaps between words and a cover for the book would be better. It is very document-like instead of a book. A star has been deducted because of this.

This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and I would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you very much to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

What an exceptionally beautifully written book. Wow. Just wow.
And that last word at the end (I must have missed something at the front of the book).

It read through the night. as I simply could not put the book down and kept reading until the end.
The power, emotion and intensity of this novel, where all the classic elements of a gothic novel are present, are overwhelming; : Fyneshade, the remote manor where Marta is appointed as governess to her pupil Grace, the supernatural elements (the influence of the moon, 'moon spells', rituals), the weather and environment, isolation (the nearest inn is 6 miles away, and due to the heavy snowfall, the residents of Fyneshade are trapped in the old, chilly manor ).
The north side of the manor has long been closed off, although Marta occasionally sees a servant entering a room. On enquiry, she encounters silence, though she eventually strikes up something of a friendship with the housekeeper, Mrs Gurney.
The pupil Marta has to teach turns out to be 'different'. Grace is a treasure, and she can draw beautifully, albeit Marta will not be able to contribute much to teach Grace anything. As a reward for ‘good behaviour’, Grace is taken to a room where there is an automaton of a monkey. The girl is completely mesmerised by it.

Marta experiences the house as a ‘maze of stone; the house exudes an unusually hushed, and suffocating atmosphere. Everywhere are crows, hawks, hares ( the hare was believed to have mystical links with the female cycle and with the moon that ruled her. Mamy of the animals mentioned are referring to magic, the moon, or the supernatural).
Marta’days are brightened by the arrival of Vaughan Pritchard the heir to Fyneshade, who spends his days as a falconer until his inheritance is released.

The author keeps the reader hooked for a long time, working agonisingly slowly towards the climax of the story, the viscous tension is really wonderful and should be digested just slowly.
Apparently, I read over the book's motto, which for a while made me think I had entered Brönte 'territory'.
The Brönte sisters were one of the reasons I went to study English, and to this day Jane Eyre is among one of my favourite books.
This gothic novel is also about a governess who ends up having a questionable relationship with the heir to a large house. At first I thought I was reading a remake of Jane Eyre - until....

Eventually, I was regularly tossed back and forth between emotions of disgust and of admiration. Initially, I admired Marta's strength and the way she dealt with Grace, and how she managed to hold her own in that chilly, cold house with all its secrets. I thought the supernatural elements fitted perfectly into the story. Halfway through the novel, however, my attitude towards Marta changed as I noticed how evil and manipulative she acted.
She was also downright cruel towards Grace at times, who was only allowed to go to the automaton if she did what Marta wanted. From a victim, she suddenly became for me a woman with a particularly unpleasant edge, lusting after status and power, ultimately committing the ultimate act. When Marta finally finds a new appointment at Bly Manor, all the pieces of the puzzle fall into place.

The author has written a prequel to Henry James' The Turn of the Screw with this incredibly ingenious and exceptionally beautifully written gothic tale. A classic gothic horror story that lingers long after the book is closed.
Stunning cover with an even greater story inside. Highly recommended.
A wonderful read for me, 5 stars.

**Publication date: May 18, 2023**

I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for this arc. I leave this review voluntarily.

A beautifully gritty, dark gothic thriller. This is a fantastic gripping mysterious tale of magic, betrayal and intrigue.

The author has given us a firey, witty and highly intelligent protagonist, who knows what she wants and lets nothing stand in her way.
The narrative takes many twists and turns along the way. You find yourself consumed within each chapter late into the morning hours.

Brilliantly construed world with deeply captivating characters. A must for any lover of gothic and romantic thrillers.

I just reviewed Fyneshade by Kate Griffin. #Fyneshade #NetGalley

Inspired by 'The Turn of The Screw' by Henry James, this novel tell the story of Marta. She has become the new governess at Fyneshade (a gothic manor house with creepy paintings, dark corridors and many secret passageways) to Grace, a little girl who has severe learning difficulties. On the outside, she is kind and dedicated to the care the teaching of Grace but we come to learn that Marta is not as doting of a guardian to her young charge that would be expected. What I really enjoyed about this was that her bloodthirsty and manipulative personality is known only to us, the readers. It was fascinating to read how she cons the other staff at Fyneshade and I loved her inner monologue since her actions and thoughts didn't match at all.

In keeping with a typical gothic novel, there is a supernatural element that is extremely intriguing. Marta, having learnt the skills from her recently deceased 'Grandmere', is a witch - or at least something very similar. I enjoyed how her powers manifested and that they also weren't the sole focus of this story.

If you enjoy gothic novels then this is definitely one to pick up, its engrossing and the ending was brilliant. Five stars because I found it so difficult to put down!

A very satisfying, creepy gothic tale of avarice, envy and witchcraft. Marta is sent to Fyneshade to be a governess to Grace but plans instead to marry the widowed father. Events spiral out of control, Grace is a strange child, the widower is nowhere to be seen and his son and heir is weak and unlikeable. Marta plots and plans and connives and the story twists and turns along with her. Not my usual genre but this novel pulled me in and I enjoyed the ride.

The day her grandmother dies, Marta learns she is to become a governess to the daughter of William Pritchard at his estate, Fyneshade. Upon arrival, Marta is out to gain any advantages she can, looking down on her charge and sneaking around the house to try to wrench as much control as possible. Pritchard is nowhere to be found, though. Eventually his heir shows up and soon Marta is trying to wrangle her way into becoming the future mistress of the estate.

Although this begins much like many gothic novels, it is not a romance, although there is quite a bit of suspense along the way. Marta is not at all likeable, conniving her way at every turn. She's also quite curious and seeks answers to some basic questions. Where is the father and master of the estate? Why is son and heir, Vaughan,, forbidden to enter the house? Of course, she mostly wants to gain the advantage of the connection with Vaughan so that she can be set for life. This is despite the warnings from staff who know him most. We spend the entire book finding out those secrets and finding out how everyone fares in the end. It's a truly twisty tale of secrets that is sure to entertain any lover of gothic novels.

Overall, this was a very satisfying read that that turns the gothic novel on its head just a bit. I give this four solid stars. Thank you to Netgalley and Viper for this free advanced reader copy. I have provided my feedback voluntarily.