In The Third Wife of Faraday House by B.R. Myers, the ominous atmosphere of Faraday House sets the stage for a gripping gothic thriller where the wives meet untimely ends, leaving a lingering sense of unease. As Emeline Fitzpatrick navigates the treacherous waters of marriage to the enigmatic Captain Graves, she finds herself embroiled in a web of suspicion and deceit. With each page turn, tension mounts as Emeline races against time to uncover the dark secrets lurking within the house's walls while evading her own demise. Myers skillfully blends paranormal mystery with historical thriller elements, keeping readers enthralled until the very end.

Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for the ARC of this book.

I wasn’t sure what to expect since I selected this book based solely on the title and the cover art, but I was pleasantly surprised. The characters were well-developed, setting was interesting (both in time and place), and the historical feeling was present. I really enjoyed the evolution of the main character throughout the book from more of a damsel in distress to someone who solves things herself. It felt very powerful.

My only minor complaint is that the pacing definitely didn’t feel even throughout the book. All the background at the beginning felt like it could have been a bit more polished, but that’s really a minor complaint in the context of the whole story.

I’d give this a 4.5/5 rounding to 5 for Goodreads purposes. Would read more from this author.

This is a gothic novel in the style of books like Rebecca and Jane Eyre—I think the author probably likes those two novels a lot, and perhaps Persuasion, too, as there's some letter writing that reminded me of that title as well.

Emeline is a society girl living in Victorian-era Halifax, and she gets into a spot of scandal. Given the choice between getting shipped off to a convent or marrying an older sea captain who is seeking a third wife, she opts for the latter. She's promptly packed up and sent off to the captain's estate on an island.

Immediately upon her arrival she discovers the captain, the local reverend, three staff members and...the second wife. The second wife is still alive (barely) and Emeline has to more or less wait around for her to kick the bucket. The captain's already got a new marriage license drawn up and everything.

I enjoyed the pacing and setting of the novel—the way in which Emeline interacted with the dying wife was fantastic, and their interactions were by far my favorite (that sounds a lot more morbid than it is. All is not as it seems when it comes to the dying second wife!) There are some romantic subplots in the book which I actually would have done without—I found the female friendships and alliances in the book to be the strongest part.

Many thanks to William Morrow and Netgalley for the copy of this book!

If you like Gothic mysteries and you like a touch of paranormal this is definitely the book for you. There wasn't anything about this book that I didn't enjoy. The storyline, setting and characters were all wonderful and I was engaged in the book until the end.

I had never read a suspense book. But this story paralyzes you, wanting to know what is happening at Faraday house is completely exciting.
Emeline Fitzpatrick arrives in Faraday with a plan in mind but what Emeline wanted was not the same thing that fate had prepared for her.

This book is the definition of a cozy mystery. You’ll want to snuggle up with a blanket and good cup of tea while reading this one.

I was initially drawn into the book through the summary and the promise of a gothic setting. This novel truly delivered on the atmosphere; it was creepy, inviting, and mysterious all at the same time. I only wished to be exploring the island with Emeline, uncovering the secrets around.

Although I loved the setting of this book, the characters were just not my favorites. Emeline in particular felt incredibly immature throughout the novel, and I so looked forward to her character’s development. By the end, it mostly felt like she stayed stagnant in the story. Additionally, the book did feel a tad repetitive, especially in the middle.

While it isn’t my favorite mystery, I did still thoroughly enjoy reading this book. Overall, I give The Third Wife of Faraday House a 3/5 star rating! Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for this ARC.

I really enjoyed the historical thriller aspect mixed with the paranormal mystery! Really well done!

Emaline Fitzpatrick is ready to escape her guardians and marry the handsome man who has captured her heart. Unfortunately, Emaline learns the hard way that when someone keeps you a secret, they’re not actually that into you. Now that she’s the face of a scandal, she has two choices: settle into life at a convent or marry Captain Graves. Emaline finds herself in quite the pickle when she arrives at Faraday. Captain Graves described himself as a widower, but it turns out his second wife is still holding on for dear life! Now Emaline finds herself trying to save Mrs. Graves from her impending death all trying to figure out if the place is really haunted.

We follow Emaline, a young woman who was raised by a judge and his wife after being orphaned. All she wants is to escape the controlling and restricted life she has with a husband of her choosing. Instead, she finds herself wedged into a corner. Emaline is not the smartest of people, but I think she just needs everyone to give her a chance even if her first step is to fall flat on her face. While she does some pretty dumb things, she also makes some pretty good discoveries, so I think she was always told that the only thing she had was her looks. One of the things I like about the book is that we get to see her slowly find her strength along the way.

This book has mystery, ghosts, and a house full of people who are not what they seem to be. Emaline is my favorite character. She’s nice, caring, and has a heart. She’s extremely naïve and isn’t always holding the braincell, but she’s fun to follow and has some excellent character growth. There is a little bit of romance in the book, and it’s easy to tell who she will ultimately end up with right away, so I wouldn’t pick this up if you’re looking for a romance.

There’s also a really interesting cast of characters. They all have their secrets. The only difference is we know what Emaline’s secrets are, so we have to watch her slowly discover everyone else’s. I think there’s only two characters who are pretty straight forward. The rest are two-faced to different degrees and everyone has a different motive. It was really interesting to see how the characters slowly reveal what they’ve really been up to.

All in all, this was an excellent read. I was fully absorbed in the story from the moment I opened the page and was actually shocked by the way a few things played out. I’m excited to read some of the author’s other books because this was truly excellent from beginning to end. I do have a few questions about the ending because Emaline’s guardians are suddenly loving saints and everyone is besties, but I think those are the only things that just appeared out of nowhere.

The Third Wife of Faraday House
by B.R. Myers
Pub Date: 20 Aug 2024
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

One amazing gothic romance with so many twist that will keep on your toes !!


'Til death do us part...

November 1816: Restless but naïve Emeline Fitzpatrick is desperate to escape her stifling life in foggy Halifax. Her guardian is lining up repugnant suitors, but Emeline has her eyes set on a handsome lieutenant in the British navy. She just needs to persuade him to propose, or her one chance at happiness will be gone forever.

But when Emeline’s hopes end in scandal, she finds herself with only one suitor left: the wealthy and enigmatic Captain Graves. Having already lost two wives to tragic circumstances, the unfortunate widower is seeking a new companion in his cloistered seaside manor, Faraday House. Or at least that is what Emeline had been told, because when she arrives, she is horrified to discover that the second Mrs. Graves, Georgina, has not yet died.

Emeline is only certain of two things: something ghastly is afoot at Faraday House, and no one is going to save her. She will have to rely on her own courage, her burgeoning bond with the ill but strong-willed Georgina, and the aid of a handsome reverend with a mysterious past to unravel the secrets at the heart of the manor and forge her own destiny.

I loved this book so much! As I turned the final page of The Third Wife of Faraday House, I was left spellbound. This Edgar Award–winning master storyteller weaves an intricate web of mystery, romance, and spine-tingling thrills. Let me tell you why this book has etched itself into my heart.

From the fog-shrouded streets of Halifax to the cloistered seaside manor of Faraday House, the author transports us to a world where secrets whisper through the walls and love blooms amidst spectral shadows. Emeline Fitzpatrick, our spirited heroine, yearns for escape from her stifling life. Her pursuit of happiness leads her to Captain Graves, a wealthy widower with a tragic past. But as Emeline steps into Faraday House, she discovers that the ghostly secrets within its crumbling walls are far more chilling than she ever imagined.

The author’s skill lies in keeping readers guessing at every turn. Just when I thought I had unraveled the truth, another layer of mystery unfurled. The tension builds steadily, like the crashing waves against the rocky cliffs. And oh, that ending! A twist so unexpected, yet profoundly satisfying—it left me breathless.

Emeline’s courage, Georgina’s resilience, and the enigmatic reverend’s presence—all converge in a dance of fate and destiny. As they unravel the threads of the past, they forge their own futures. The bond between these characters is palpable, their struggles achingly real.

The Third Wife of Faraday House is more than a Gothic romance; it’s a love letter to the genre itself. If you crave eerie atmospheres, heart-pounding suspense, and characters who linger long after the final page, this book is your sanctuary. I devoured it, lost in its haunting beauty, and emerged with a renewed appreciation for the power of storytelling.

Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow publishing for allowing me to read this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow Paperbacks for the chance to read an advanced copy of The Third Wife of Faraday House.

I feel speechless. Anything I say about this incredible novel will fall short. It was all consuming in the best ways. The writing was sharp and somehow the narrator was reliable, but I never saw the twists coming.

The setting was so creepy, and yet I wanted to be there. Emeline is a beautifully developed character.

I drift toward contemporary romance most often but this opened my eyes to a new author and genre, I deeply enjoyed. Pick this up if you love suspense and honest relationship development with a dash of macabre.

I enjoyed reading The Third Wife of Faraday House by B.R. Myers. It's an intriguing, fictional, gothic, mystery novel with a coming-of-age theme protagonist set in a spooky mansion on an island. There are several seemly characters in spooky mind-teasing scenarios. I enjoyed the chapter cliff hangers and the mysterious twists throughout the book. Emeline is a likable character who grows as the story progresses. I'm intentionally being vague as I don't want to give the story details away. Part of the fun of the novel is wondering what's next! Romance is a theme but not the main event. Special bonus character for dog lovers!

I couldn't put down this atmospheric read by B.R. Myers. The wives always die young at Faraday House, but how? And why is the second wife, whom Emeline has come to replace, still alive? This delightfully suspenseful book pulled me in quickly and didn't let me go until the last page. An excellent read, perfect as a captivating beach read or when you're tucked into the cozy evenings of fall.

If I had one critique, it would be that everything wrapped up a little too neatly at the end. But still, a great read. Will be looking for more books by this author.

Decent piece of gothic fiction that I enjoyed, but also felt could have been better. Characterization was lacking and the relationships between characters needed to be strengthened. Loved the setting of the imposing manor, accessible only with the tides. Recommend for lovers of the gothic genre. #thethirdwifeoffaradayhouse #brmyers #netgalley #goodreads

My favorite thing about this book was the creepy/ghosty/gothic manor and grounds. Oh, and the dog. The romance wasn't really that played up, but it was fine I guess.

3.5 stars, rounded up.

Kindly received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really liked this. It was a fun mystery that felt unique. Although a bit repetitive (the constant "Frederick is coming for me!") thoughts became a little much, but I enjoyed the love story and how everything came together in the end. The pacing felt right on, I didn't get bored at any point, and I liked the characters.

I'd recommend this to readers who enjoy a supernatural mystery centered around female characters.

"The Third Wife of Faraday House" by B.R. Myers is a captivating gothic mystery set in the early 1800s. Emeline Fitzpatrick finds herself entangled in scandal and intrigue when her guardians arrange an engagement to Captain Graves, a wealthy man with a mysterious past. As Emeline navigates love, scandal, and danger, she must unravel the secrets of Faraday House before it's too late.

The characters, particularly Emeline, are well-developed and relatable, with her evolution throughout the story adding depth to the narrative. While the interactions between Emeline and Captain Graves are limited, Reverend Pellerine's character provides an intriguing dynamic to the plot.

The gothic atmosphere and chilling writing style create a sense of suspense that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Myers skillfully weaves together romance, mystery, and historical fiction, resulting in a compelling and enjoyable read.

Overall, "The Third Wife of Faraday House" is a great choice for fans of gothic mysteries seeking an atmospheric and immersive tale.

In classic gothic style, The Third Wife of Faraday House was a slow-burn. Sprinkled with mystery and spooky scenes, it was hard to put down once it got started.

Emeline has recently discovered that her guardians are looking for "appropriate" suitors for her. They do have her best interests at heart for a well-cared-for life. Emeline, however, has something else in mind; the handsome naval officer Frederick Fletcher. If only he would follow through on his proposal and whisk her away to Bermuda as promised. Unfortunately, after being caught together, her only choice is to marry Captain Graves far away from the scandal. Emeline arrives at Faraday house to marry the Captain only to find out that the Captain's second wife, Georgina, isn't dead yet!

The setting is perfect for a gothic novel. Big stone house on an island, whose ocean road is only accessible during low tide. There's a widow walk, a dusty tower room, secret rooms, ghostly music, and blood dripping from the ceiling. It's creepy without needing to be gory. There's a feeling of constant danger, starting from the moment Emeline arrives on the island to be dumped by a broken carriage and left by herself while the driver goes onward to Faraday House. That feeling continues with Emeline's UNwelcome experience when finally making it to the house and throughout the novel. There's suspicion built into every moment.

If I have one complaint, Emeline is a difficult character to like. She's very naive and her constant pining for the lieutenant is annoying. If only he would sweep in and rescue her. If only she could get a letter to him telling him how awful it is and to hurry up already! In her mind, all she does is babble to look pretty and proper. Of course, it's in Emeline's best interests to keep Georgina alive, delay the marriage, and give Frederick time to come save her. As time went on and the relationship between Emeline and Georgina developed, she did grow on me.

As with the best gothic mysteries, little hints are given to the reader throughout the story. While you think you know immediately what is happening, there's a lot of redirection. Who you thought was the villain two chapters ago, suddenly seems to not be. There's not a single character that your opinion of will stay the same throughout. It's such a twisty little plotline!

The Third Wife of Faraday House is a mystery, ghost story, and romance all rolled into one that would appeal to readers of multiple genres. It's a bit light for most horror readers and Regency romance readers, but I think it contains enough elements of each to be discoverable for most mainstream readers.

**I received a free digital copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**

I enjoyed this spooky gothic romance, but, admittedly, I didn't connect very well with the main character, Emeline. There were some pretty obvious connections that she could have easily made that she completely ignored or didn't even consider. And yes, I'm well aware that with fiction, readers need to suspend their disbelief, but...at a certain point, you are left asking "how did you not get that?"

Otherwise, the rest of the characters were intriguing, and the plot was genuinely engaging. The beginning was a bit slow, but around a third of the way through, I got that "one more chapter" urge. "The Third Wife of Faraday House" is an entertaining read.

A Gothic mystery/romance (romystery? mysterance?) read. The story moves at a nice pace, the characters are okay, and the plot is fine. The cover was what drew me in and I’m glad I enjoyed reading this a lot. I found this paranormal thriller gripping and exciting, to say the least. I was kept wondering right up til the end. The mystery was decent, the romance was sweat and gentle, and I was happy that it had ghosts and the Christmas season.

Enjoyable and recommended.

Thank you to William Morris and NetGalley for the advanced copy.