"The Mask of Merryvale Manor" by Pete Sherlock is a captivating and atmospheric novel that delves into the complexities of family, wealth, and power. Set against the backdrop of the 1960s, the story follows fourteen-year-old Ben as he is drawn into the glamorous and opulent world of his wealthy relatives, only to find himself embroiled in a murder investigation that threatens to shatter the facade of his new life.

Sherlock's writing is evocative and richly detailed, transporting readers to the grandeur of Merryvale Manor and immersing them in its secrets and intrigues. The novel's exploration of class dynamics and the allure of wealth is compelling, as Ben grapples with his own identity and the lengths he is willing to go to fit in with his aristocratic family.

One of the novel's strengths lies in its well-drawn characters, particularly Ben, whose journey of self-discovery and moral awakening drives the narrative forward. As Ben begins to see his family in a new light, Sherlock expertly navigates the complexities of loyalty, ambition, and betrayal, keeping readers guessing until the very end.

"The Mask of Merryvale Manor" is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that will appeal to fans of historical fiction and suspense. With its engaging storyline, vividly drawn characters, and atmospheric setting, Pete Sherlock has crafted a compelling tale that will linger in the minds of readers long after the final page is turned.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an advanced copy to review for my honest opinion.

Accidentally reviewed, will submit actual review after reading once I have finished reading the book.

the story follows benjamin, who was taken under the wing of the drummonds in the merryvale manor after his mother’s untimely death. he was mesmerized by the magnificent house and glamorous lifestyle, not realizing that beneath the grandeur and aesthetics, the family is trying to hide something sinister and disturbing.

as the story progresses, benjamin notices how the family is obsessed with appearances and how they can be very manipulative. he then sees them in a terrible new perspective, as the family uses him for their own gain.

this was definitely a thrilling read. from start to finish, the author kept the story really interesting. the suspense in this book keeps getting intense as the story unfolds. i was really on the edge of my seat the whole time trying to deduce to find who’s the real culprit. the ending gave me shivers because i did not expect it at all!

overall, it was an entertaining and quick read. might even recommend it too!

the mask of merryvale manor will be out on june 25, 2024.

thank you, netgalley, fairlight books, and pete sherlock for the advanced digital reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book drew me right in with the teaser scene of the discovery, and it was interesting to go back in time from there to Ben's first experiences at Merryvale Manor. Having a sense of the destination motivated me to stick with it when the pace slowed down in the middle of the book. Clara's outsider perspective helped put the Drummonds' behavior and attitudes in context, which added some complexity as the story progressed. There was just enough information doled out to keep me guessing throughout the book, and I definitely didn't expect what happened in the final reveal.

Thank you to NetGalley & Fairlight Books for an ARC of The Mask of Merryvale Manor by Pete Sherlock in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5

This was a fun story with a mystery set in a historical setting. I especially enjoyed the beginning and the end. The writing style was not for me, but the concept was interesting. I hope it finds its audience.

This was such a captivating story and it worked with everything that I was looking for from the description. The characters were beautifully done and glad I was able to read this. It had a suspenseful feel to it and worked with the story being told. Pete Sherlock writes a strong story and worked with everything that I wanted.

We are not who we think we are, but we are condemned to to be who we think we are.

Firstly, thank you to NetGalley and Fairlight Books for providing me with an e-ARC for The Mask of Merryvale Manor.

The Mask of Merryvale Manor, as a good murder mystery should, truly kept me guessing all the way through to the final act. The characters felt very real throughout the book, and the banter and quips made me laugh many times. Enough evidence is planted throughout the book to allow the reader to have multiple suspects as the plot progresses and make their own judgement prior to the reveal of the true culprit.

I loved the inclusion of the ever looming Ooser mask, it created a horror aspect that I was not fully expecting. Even though I was not originally familiar with the folklore - there is enough context and explanation given to allow an understanding of its nature.

My only criticisms of this book is that personally I wish that the flashbacks were either broken up more or additionally flashbacks were added in-between the later chapters to give more hints to who the true culprit could be. Additionally, I would have loved if the Ooser mask was able to be more of its own supernatural entity - in line with Benjamin's dreams.

Content warnings for this book include: mentions of sexual harassment, mentions of war, mentions of animal harm

i had such a great time reading this book!! it was so fun. the characters were amazing and sweet and wonderful. it was just such a pure joy and i'm so very thankful to netgalley for letting me read this one early!!!

“The greatest wisdom is seeing through appearances.”

The Mask of Merryvalle Manor follows Benji (or Benjamin or Ben) as his life shifts and he settles into his new normal. After his mother passes, he is adopted by his aunt Eva and moves in with her family at the Merryvale Manor. Benji goes from a working-class lifestyle with his mother to a wealthy, privileged of the highest degree life with his aunt. The book kicks off about five years later when a woman’s body is found at the lake on the estate.

The book gives very much murder mystery, whodunit vibes with some interesting southwestern English folklore. While the mystery of who the woman is, how she was murdered, and her connection to the family (if there is one) is being explored, Benji is torn between staying true to his morality and doing what’s best for the family. The book also does a good job of exploring the lengths we are willing to go to not be alone and how we sometimes knowingly ignore obvious red flags for family and closeness.

I loved the folklore element of the Dorset Ooser mask and thought it was an amazing addition to the story and how things unfold in the book. If you read this book in an old English accent, I promise it will make your reading experience that much better LOL. The dialogue between the family members at times was a chef’s kiss! Tom was hands down my favorite character. Pure unfiltered, chaos LOL. The family as a whole was just pure, unfiltered, chaos which was amusing. The ending was surprising (in a good way) BUT it made complete sense after thinking back on some hints throughout the book.

The book was super fun to read, engaging, and reflective. If you want to get cozy and vibe with a fun (and funny at times) engaging murder mystery, whodunit, type book, then definitely give this book a shot!

Thank you so much to Fairlight Books, Pete Sherlock, and Netgalley for the ARC!!!

Recently orphaned Ben moves into his Aunt and Uncle’s ancestral home, Merryvale Manor. There, he becomes close with his twin cousins, and particularly Natasha. This book explores his being thrown into an extremely privileged lifestyle as a boy, and how some of the events of their teenage years become relevant when a body is discovered on the night of Natasha’s wedding on the Manor grounds.

This reads as a blend of dysfunctional rich people similar to the film Saltburn, with a quintessentially english atmosphere and characters. The author absolutely nails the atmosphere of England in the 1960s, and weaving in elements from folk traditions (the Ooser mask) gave it an interesting edge.

My greatest struggle with the book, is that I was so invested in chapter 1 when they find human remains, and we glimpse a bit of this family’s dysfunction - but then we slip back in time to Ben’s arrival to Merryvale for the next 20%, which was tricky because it did slow the pacing. However, I did enjoy the atmosphere and characters introduced along the way.

I think this might appeal to readers who enjoy Lucy Foley or Donna Tartt, and are looking for a mystery with rich interpersonal drama.

I would like to express my gratitude to NetGalley and the publisher and author Pete Sherlock for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

I was completely engrossed by this gripping and immersive story from beginning to end.
The fascinating characters leaped off the pages, pulling me into their mysterious and sinister world.
Being a lover of historical fiction, I was drawn in by the summary and the intriguing twist of a murder investigation, which left me excited to delve into the narrative.
In summary, it was a captivating read.

I would like to express my gratitude to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this advance reader copy in exchange for my unbiased review.

This is definitely a historical fiction and murder mystery. The writing is good and characters were mysterious. The setting was kind of atmospheric. The plot encapsulates in five acts. There were twists and turns.

Benjamin, a fourteen year old boy moves in with his Aunt and uncle in their ancestral home after his mother’s death. The Manor is nothing like he has ever imagined in his life. He has never seen such a wealth but getting used to a chaotic life. Natasha is Benjamin’s cousin but they form an unbreakable bond. The author shares about the family and Benjamin and then after five years, Natasha is getting married and on the day of her wedding, they find a body of a woman on the estate. Then the police investigates the case but a memory of the summer unveils the secret, Benjamin must make a choice.

Many Thanks to the Author, Publisher and Netgalley.

Following the death of his mother fourteen year old Ben moves into Merryvale Manor in the late 1950s; it’s the ancestral home of his aunt and uncle Ava and Rupert Drummond and he is awestruck by their wealth. His cousins Tom and Natasha teach him how to live a life of luxury.

Five years later a woman’s body is found on the estate and things begin to fall apart. The family is at the center of the investigation. What happened?

I thought this would be a cozy mystery but it most definitely is not. Well-drawn characters throughout. Well-done. I quite enjoyed it.

The mask of Merryvale Manor is a historical fiction, murder mystery, set amongst the elite and wealthy.

The story follows Benjamin, a young boy whose mother recently passed away. He is taken to live with his Aunt, Uncle and twin cousins in their upscale manor, he has never known such wealth before and finds himself adjusting to the chaotic lifestyle.

I enjoyed Natasha’s character, she has a lot of charm and charisma and doesn’t take herself too seriously despite growing up with a silver spoon. Her and Benjamin become fast friends and he finds himself infatuated with her despite her being his cousin.

Fast forward 5 years later and it is Natasha’s wedding day, events unfold and a body is found putting that family under the spotlight of investigation.

Overall I found the pompous nature of the family to be quite amusing, it is somewhat surprising they weren’t involved in a public scandal much earlier on.

Historical fiction is not my typical go to genre however the synopsis sounded interesting combined with the murder mystery aspect so I decided to give it a shot. For the most part it was an entertaining story and I’m sure people who enjoy the dialogue and nature of historical fictions would enjoy it even more.

Thank you to Fairlight books, Pete Sherlock and Netgally for an ARC.