3.75⭐️

1928, Boston: Twenty-six-year-old Millicent Foxboro quits her job at a bookshop in Boston to accept a position to assist widowed Professor Callum Hughes in his research, a position that would require her to move to his estate in Willowfield. Millicent lives with a big gap in her memories. She remembers her traumatic childhood and the tragic episode that destroyed her own family but is unable to recall the events of the years preceding her being admitted to the hospital. With this new assignment, she hopes to earn enough money to turn her life around. But after a somewhat cold reception and the strange behavior of the staff, Millicent begins to suspect that Willowfield and her new employer harbor deep secrets, the eerie occurrences and the journal of her employer’s late wife only adding to her fear and unease. Is the estate haunted or is she being targeted? Who would want to harm her and why?

Though the premise or the major plot points won’t strike you as anything you haven’t read before, as a whole I did find The Cruel Dark by Bea Northwick to be an engaging read. The intriguing premise, the atmospheric setting, well-developed characters and the Gothic elements paired with a few surprising revelations (among the more predictable ones) kept me interested in the plot as it progressed. I loved the sections on Celtic mythology and appreciated how the same was incorporated into the narrative. The ending was exciting and overall satisfying, though I was left with a few questions. Overall, this was a well-written, absorbing novel. Fans of Gothic romance (with a healthy dose of spice) and mystery would definitely enjoy this one.

This is definitely a promising debut and I look forward to reading more from this author.

I paired my reading with the audiobook narrated by Madison Mitts and Theodore Zephyr, which made for an engaging immersion reading experience.

Many thanks to Northwick Books for the digital review copy Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ALC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The novel was published on Oct 31, 2023 and the audiobook was released on Apr 22, 2024

This murder mystery gave me the chills and kept me on my toes with all the suspense! I did enjoy the audio version better but the narrator for Callum was a huge no as he made Callum seem like such an old man compared to Millie and so that kinda made things off when it came to their chemistry.

3.5/5

Professor/student romance set in a gothic house? Yes, absolutely! This is exactly the kind of story I devour in two sittings. Thank you for the treat, Bea!

Summary:

Millicent Foxboro doesn’t have the memory for several years of her life. Doctors at the ward said she had traumatic amnesia but she doesn’t remember what traumatic event took place. Millie after leaving the ward starts working with a doctor. His friend, Professor Callum Hughes needs an assistant to help in his library. Millie accepts the position. Callum is grieving the loss of his wife and has become a recluse. Williowfield, his estate, is said to be haunted.

Is it really haunted or is something else happening?


My thoughts:

This to me appears to be a Gothic or Horror retelling of Beauty and the Beast. It is also the first horror I’ve ever read. I wasn’t necessarily scared by the voices, people she was seeing, or sounds she was here; however, I spent the whole novel carefully following to see if I could figure out what was happening. Spoiler: I was completely wrong. I like it when I can’t figure things out because I see it as a well written story.

The Cruel Dark was really enjoyable and I’m glad I read it.

I really did not like this book. It squeezed every gothic trope into one book, but not in a new or interesting way. The twists at the end were silly. Why did Callum and the Doctor think it was a good idea to pretend that nobody knew Millie? How was that supposed to heal her amnesia? Why was Callum acting like such a creep the whole time? This was really not for me, and I will not be reading more from this author.

This book was provided by the author via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Millicent Foxboro is haunted. Not by ghosts, but by the anguish of her past and the uncertainty of her future. In this book we follow Millie's journey after a traumatic time in her life, she spends some time in a sanitorium before the story begins but she has no memory of the the last 4 years, she gains employment on a whim with a wealthy, widowed Professor and things start to happen which lead to a life altering realisation.

This wouldn't be my usual genre to read but I have to admit I was hooked. The intensity of some scenes whilst reading late at night had me keeping a light on, checking my doorways and any little noise, I had to investigate. It's unusual for a book to have this much of an effect on me and I kind of loved it! Towards the end my anxiety was put at ease as we learn the reality of what caused Millie's haunting.

Although the writing was very descriptive and made things easy to imagine, sometimes there was unneccersary detail that wasn't needed, in my opinion. It didn't add much to the story and didn't heighten any senses in the way I'm sure it was intended to. I would have appreciated a few smaller chapters to add some suspense when we got to the more tense scenes, I think this would have created a cliff hanger of sorts inbetween breaks from the book.

I loved the character progression and the mystery of all of the characters, it was great to have questions about each character in the small group which were present throughout the whole story and all my theories were wrong at the end. It was refreshing to be completely caught off guard.

Overall I think this was a brilliant story for a debut romance novel, please keep writing because this has definitely made me want to read more gothic romance books going forward.

While I enjoyed the story and found the premise very interesting, this just isn't for me. I found the author was a little too wordy with her descriptions. The book could've lost 1/3 of the pages and still got the point across. While one of the twists shocked me, the main twist I saw coming a mile away.

"The Cruel Dark" by Bea Northwick is a riveting tale that plunges readers into a world filled with mystery and intrigue. The distressed heroine at the center of the story grapples with inner demons while unraveling dark secrets that threaten to consume her. As preternatural occurrences unfold, the line between reality and the supernatural blurs, adding an eerie and captivating element to the narrative. Amidst the turmoil, a sinister love interest emerges, shrouded in shadows and ambiguity. The complex dynamics between the heroine and this enigmatic figure create a palpable tension that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. As the story unfolds, unexpected twists and turns reveal the true nature of their relationship, adding depth and complexity to the unfolding plot. Bea Northwick skillfully weaves together a tapestry of emotions and desires, punctuated by spicy scenes that ignite the pages with passion and intensity. The chemistry between characters crackles with electricity, drawing readers deeper into the tumultuous world of "The Cruel Dark." This novel is a slow burn read, gradually building suspense and anticipation with each turn of the page. The intricate plot unfolds at a measured pace, allowing readers to savor every moment of the heroine's journey as she navigates a treacherous path fraught with danger and desire. In "The Cruel Dark," Bea Northwick masterfully combines elements of romance, suspense, and the supernatural to craft a captivating tale that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned. With its richly drawn characters, evocative prose, and thrilling plot twists, this novel is sure to captivate readers who crave a dark and compelling story.

I’m a sucker for Gothic books with a very atmospheric environments that suck me in. All of the characters were believable and then entire book was just a joy.

Thank you to Netgalley the Publisher, of Northwick Books, and the author Bea Northwick for providing and allowing me to review this book. Which, I'm giving my honest and sincere review.


"Reading 'The Cruel Dark' by Bea Northwick was like stepping into a time machine, whisking me away to the enigmatic world of Millicent Foxboro in the year 1928. Millicent's haunting past and uncertain future immediately drew me in, setting the stage for a mesmerizing tale of secrets and shadows.

Millicent, haunted not by ghosts but by the anguish of her own history, seizes an opportunity for stability when she lands an assistantship to the reclusive Professor Callum Hughes. Little did she know, the once-magnificent estate of Willowfield, with its crumbling beginning and bitter memories, would become her new reality.

As Millicent delved deeper into the mysteries surrounding Professor Hughes and his world of flowers and folklore, I found myself captivated by the palpable tension between them. The professor's grim demeanor and hungry eyes ignited dormant passions within Millicent, while the secrets lurking within Willowfield threatened to unravel her own.

Bea Northwick's evocative prose transported me to a bygone era, where romance, mystery, and intrigue intertwine amidst the fading grandeur of a once-glorious estate. With each twist and turn, 'The Cruel Dark' kept me on the edge of my seat, eagerly unraveling the threads of its spellbinding narrative.

This book not only captured my imagination but also left me yearning for more. I eagerly await the next installment in Millicent's journey, eager to uncover the secrets that lie hidden in the shadows of Willowfield."

This was an interesting read. I liked the complexity of the characters and how mesmerizing they were along with the storyline and the plot. The world building had me captivated from the very beginning and the suspense of the story along with the darker elements went along so well!

I loved the Gothic Vibes of this book. I was so excited for the one and it did not disappoint! I can't wait until Book 2 comes out!

The story follows Millicent Foxboro, a woman who’s spent two months in a mental ward for traumatic amnesia.

An unlikely opportunity arises to go and work for a Professor of Mythology Callum Hughes and help as his research assistant. He's intense and mysterious, and not all is what it seems at the Willowfield estate.

The book was perfectly spooky and haunting, just the right amount of mystery and Slow Burn 🔥 the twists in this book honestly had me gasping and the ending was perfection.

The epitome of a gothic romance! My jaw is on the floor! I loved this book! This is an absolutely fantastic debut for the author. The characters are complex and the writing is fantastic. I did not expect the twists and turns to turn out the way they did. Or I simply overlooked them with how enthralled in the story I was. I cried, I laughed, and I fell in love with these characters. 5 star read for me!

Prepare yourselves because this was... I N C R E D I B L E

Millicent Foxboro is haunted by her past, it's 1928, and at 26 years old, she's determined to make a new future for herself, far from her tragic past. So when she's recruited for an assistantship to reclusive, bookish, and broody widowed Professor Hughes, she feels herself finally going up in the world, using her vast knowledge and fascination for mythology to her advantage. However, Professor Hughes is unpredictable, severe and passionate, and Millie is unsure quite how to take him, and his erratic, volatile moods, but even more bizarre is the once magnificent mansion he resides in. Willowfield once thrived, consistently full of people, parties and joy, now however, it's decrepit and run down, the manor has become a ghost of what it once was. Rumours have been circulating that it's haunted, and Millie finds herself thrust into a place overflowing with memories and secrets, with a perpetually eerie vibe that burrows it's claws deep into her very being.

If you like your stories gothic and disquieting, then you need to add this to your tbr.. right now!

Millicent Foxboro has desperately tried to escape her past, losing both her parents, and forever feeling like a burden, after spending two months in a psychiatric ward for traumatic amnesia, she's more determined than ever to create a better future for herself. Millie is a beautiful, intelligent, and fierce young woman, who is not easily spooked, and perpetually curious, I adored her sharp tongue, and her unwavering bravery.

Callum Hughes is the definition of tall, dark, broody and handsome. A bookish, impassioned, and intense man, whose struggling with his own grief. He has a hidden passionate, and deliciously dark side to him that was utterly GIDDYING to watch unfold, especially when it came to Millie, he had me shook to my core, and a puddle on the floor.

The angst and tension was intoxicating, and had me kicking my feet, and squealing. The chemistry build up was written exceptionally, the relationship felt organic, and real. I live for their bickering, battling each other with not only their wits but the lust they feel that drives them together time and time again, it's honestly one of the best romances I've ever read.

'The Cruel Dark' is a gothic, eerie, and thoroughly compelling story that had me glued to the pages. It gave major Haunting of Bly Manor vibes, and I'm HERE. FOR. IT. . The plot was twisty and enthralling, and the tension between the main characters was electrifying, and completely thrilling. You're never quite sure where the plot will take you next, my jaw was on the floor near the end, it switched up so quickly, I was flabbergasted...

If you're looking for your next gothic fantasy obsession, that's gorgeously crafted, seamlessly immersive, with sinister undertones, and explores some poignant themes including grief, and mental health, in a beautiful, empathetic way, then look no further. I can't recommend this book enough, it completely blew me away.

If you took different aspects of The Haunting of Hill House, Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier, and the movie Crimson Peak, mixed them in a blender- you would get this book. And I was absolutely here for it!!! This may be the best read I have had all year. And it had a happy ending that I did not expect! It was so creepy and atmospheric, but hopeful and romantic at the same time. I literally read it in one sitting.

Millicent Foxboro, also called Millie, is our female protagonist. She is plagued by memories of family trauma and is missing several years of her life in memories. She takes an assignment, for the enigmatic Professor Callum, as his assistant. Her job is to organize notes for the book that he has been writing on Celtic folklore. Callum is a mysterious dude, who runs hot and cold. Millie is simultaneously drawn to him, and annoyed by him. The slow burn between them is everything and the tension is chef's kiss👌.

The setting is also very integral to the story and was perfect. Willowfield is a crumbling, sprawling, manor. Strange phenomena start to appear to Mille. The creepy "ghost" who looked exactly like her, scuttling around like a crab, really got me. The inclusion of Celtic folklore really added another dimension to the story. I also really liked the time period and dress of the characters. Very glam- 1928. This was a 5 star read for me, and should definitely be added to you TBR if you are a fan of historical gothic romance.

I didnt get a chance to leave a full review before the publication date, however I did read this one and gave it 3 stars

What an intoxicating gothic mystery! Every moment will have your head spinning in every which way from the ghost to the whirl wind romance. Definitely recommend for romance readers who love a little bit of a spooky vibe with enchanting prose.

UM. WOW!!!!!

The tension and the smut OH MY GODS🥵😍

I wasn't sure what I was getting into reading this one as such as I don't really read blurbs so I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed this! It was a fantastic book, it was extremely well written and the plot had me HOOKED! I did NOT expect the twist that came whatsoever, it completely blew me away!!

Highly recommend this one!

The Cruel Dark by Bea Northwick is a historical gothic romance filled with secrets, ghosts, and unexpected twists. Set in the 1920s, the story follows Millie, who finds herself working for the wealthy and mysterious Professor Callum in a spooky mansion. As she uncovers the dark history of the house, secrets unravel, and the line between reality and myth blurs.

Northwick's storytelling is atmospheric and immersive, drawing readers into a world of suspense and mystery. The relationship between Millie and Callum is complex and adds depth to the narrative, keeping readers engaged until the final page.

While the pacing may feel slow at times, and some parts of the plot may be predictable, the novel's rich historical setting and compelling characters make it a captivating read for fans of gothic romance.

Overall, The Cruel Dark is a haunting and atmospheric novel that will appeal to readers who enjoy a blend of historical fiction, mystery, and romance.