Ruby Vaughn is back with her employer Mr. Owen in the second book of Ruby Vaughn). In this book Ruby is talked into going to a Scottish Castle to hear a seance of the three fates. Later on that evening after the seance one of the fates is found murdered, Ruby is believed to be one of the primary suspects by people who seem to want her to take the blame. Then are favorite pillar Ruan Kivell shows up to help Ruby solve the mystery before she ends up being railroaded.
I was really excited for this second installment, and I really enjoyed Ruby and Ryan’s chemistry.
I recommend for lovers of gothic mysteries and fiction.
Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to review this book.

Compelling story kept my attention from start to finish. I enjoyed the classic who-done-it plot with plenty of characters as potential suspects. Although this book works as a standalone, I wished I had read the first for clarity and also because it sounded like a good story. Being set in 1922 lent a nice atmosphere for a séance as people were earnestly delving into the occult at that time. Spooky things happen. Ruby is interesting, hard-headed, tenacious and sometimes foolhardy. My con is her constant deflection, in her effort to keep her secrets to herself she's rude sometimes. I wished someone would have called her on it instead of keeping a stiff upper lip and letting it go. I believe in good manners, but I guess I'm too American not to call her out. The book blurb gives away about as much as I feel can be revealed without spoiling the experience for someone else.

#NetGalley #TheSecretoftheThreeFates #JessArmstrong #RubyVaughnmystery #MinotaurBooks #mystery

Ruby Vaughn returns in another historical mystery this time in Scotland where past spirits are doing their best to send a message that she isn’t welcome to come meddling.

After dealing with curses while in Cornwall, Ruby is once again faced with the occult this time in the form of seances. Ruby, ever the pragmatist is not a fan, and is determined to figure out what is really going on. The three mediums, aka the three fates gather to perform the ritual, Ruby discovers a hosts of secrets buried in Scotland. With the help of pellar Ruan, she discovers more than one nefarious character and more than she bargained for about her employer Mr. Owen.

Though I like this story better than the first in the series, it still a little frustrating for me. For such an independent Victorian woman, I find a lot of Ruby’s actions and choices silly rather than empowering. It seems contradictory to have a protagonist who makes so many mistakes, a few furthers the plot, the amount she commits make her seem trite, which I am sure is not the intent of the author. Armstrong does do a great job of setting a mystical and paranormal scene in her descriptions, but the story itself could have used a little more editing.

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and author Jess Armstrong for the advanced copy of the book. The Secret of the Three Fates is out now! All opinions are my own.

I adored Jess Armstrong’s delicious debut novel, and I was hoping it would be the start of a sequel. And it was! Disgraced American heiress Ruby Vaugh is back, and this time she travels with her beloved friend and boss, Mr. Owen, from her new home in Exeter to Scotland. Mr. Owen gets her there on false pretenses for a séance, one held by three mediums working in tandem. To tell anything more would ruin this wonderful mystery.

For those who read The Curse of Penryth Hall, Ruby will encounter two people from her previous adventure in Cornwall. However, those new to the series will still love this sequel. I don’t know how I can wait for the next in the series!

In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review.

The Secret of the Three Fates by Jess Armstrong is the kind of book you pick up for "a quick read" and then stay up until 3 a.m. finishing because it's that good. Greek mythology, a little romance, and a generous dose of whodunnit crash together into the perfect mystery. It's smart, unique, and has just the right amount of "what the heck is happening?" to keep you hooked. Jess Armstrong -- please write the next one in the Ruby Vaugn series quickly!!

Can you be frequently confused by a story and still find it an entertaining page turner? If you’re me, then the answer is YES!

In Jess Armstrong’s second book in the Ruby Vaughn historical mystery series The Secret of the Fates, Ruby, our headstrong, independent assistant to octogenarian employer Mr. Owen, follows him under false pretext to gothic Manhurst Castle in Scotland. Soon after arrival, they and a houseful of other invitees attend a seance led by three mediums called The Fates, where one of them, seemingly possessed by a spirit delivers this ominous message:

“There’s nowhere on earth you can hide from the dead. We have not forgotten … we shall not forgive. The dead know what you’ve done.”

Who is this message for?

When a murder occurs shortly after the conclusion of the chaotic event and Mr. Owen’s connection to this place and long-held secrets from the past cast suspicion on him, Ruby must get to the bottom of things before this man, who’s the nearest thing she has to a father, is taken from her. Luckily, she finds unexpected help from someone else Mr. Owen invited without her knowledge: Ruan Kivell, the Cornish folk healer/Pellar from the previous book with whom she shares a strange psychic connection and some pesky unwanted attraction!

If you enjoy a historical mystery that has an intriguing cast of characters, secrets galore, a touch of romance, a LOT of misdirections and potential suspects, and danger around every turn, this is a fun one. I enjoyed finding out much more about Mr. Owen’s past and watching Ruby and Ruan dance around their feelings, though Ruan is way more in touch with his! I’ll take him if Ruby doesn’t want him. Swoon. One of my favorite things about these books is how they can “hear” each other's thoughts, which presents problems when Ruby’s trying SO hard to suppress the not-so-ladylike ones she has about him!

I don’t want to give the impression that this is a romance, though, because that’s a minor aspect of the story. At its heart, it’s still a mystery and a good one at that, though I docked a half star simply because the plot got a little too convoluted for me to easily follow at times. Having said that, I’d rather have a complicated one than a no-brainer that’s easy to figure out!

I highly recommend this book and its predecessor The Curse of Penryth Hall for those who enjoy Victorian-era historical mysteries with a strong female MC. Ruby is no shrinking violet and it was fun to see her grapple with the societal and gender expectations of her time. I liked this even more than the first book, and I’ll definitely be back for more when the next one comes!

★★★★ ½

THE SECRET OF THE THREE FATES by Jess Armstrong (The Curse of Penryth Hall) is yet another mystery featuring orphaned Ruby Vaughn and her elderly employer, Mr. Owen. Here, they have traveled to Manhurst Castle, Scotland and Ruby is tricked into attending a séance held by the title characters. It's a disturbing evening and ends tragically for one of these women. Ruby (assisted by Ruan Kivell, the Pellar, or healer, introduced in the first book) sets out to prove her employer's innocence and find the real killer. There is plenty of danger and intrigue, some hints of romance, and more than one death all within an atmospheric gothic setting. THE SECRET OF THE THREE FATES received a starred review from Library Journal ("[readers] will appreciate this haunting, intriguing novel"). I also listened to the audiobook which is narrated by Emma Love. Honestly, I found it somewhat difficult to follow although that might just be related to the Scottish accents and my limited ability (or patience) to decipher them. Mysterious and entertaining overall.

I just love Ruby. This is literally the perfect cozy mystery. I cannot wait for the third book. Also, I listened to the audio 10/10!

The Three Fates, at Manhurst Castle for one night only. Join them to commune with the dead.

After reading The Curse of Penryth Hall, I was chomping at the bit to see American heiress Ruby Vaughn and Cornish Pellar Ruan Kivell's story continue. I would suggest reading the first in the series as it would greatly improve your knowledge of character relationships and foundations. We left off with the murder solved in Cornwall and Ruby going back to live with Mr. Owens and things left uncertain with Ruan. The first introduced us to some magical elements, Ruan's Pellar status (a sort of witch) where he has healing powers and can hear Ruby's thoughts. It was hinted at that Ruby has her own status, Morvoren, but she's left not knowing what that really means. This starts off a couple weeks after the first in 1922 London. This time her friend, mentor, father figure, Mr. Owens, has maneuvered her to going with him to Scotland.

“Murderer!” he shouted again, waggling a bony finger at Mr. Owen.

The new setting of Scotland delivers much the same from the first, magical elements, séance and possibly ghostly activities, and, once again, a murder. Besides, Ruby, Mr. Owens, and Ruan who later shows up, it's a whole new cast of red-herrings. One of my favorite aspects of this was the atmosphere, it's spooky and descriptive. However, that new cast of characters, it got a bit overwhelming. In an effort to always keep the reader guessing, characters are delved into enough to tease just enough focus for finger pointing but the more sedate pace this had, made it tough to stay focused and remember all the reveals and connections.

There is nowhere on earth you can hide from the dead…

We get a good deal more on Mr. Owens' background here, his family life and how messy and fraught it was and is, it's mostly his drama that has created the mystery plot thread, along with a past shrouded gentleman's club. Ruby has her own background mess come up with a character from her past showing up but it was more about Ruby trying to solve the murder to keep an Inspector from blaming her and to save Mr. Owens. I was a little disappointed in how this seemed to be less Ruby figuring out clues and more-so overhearing what she needed to, to lead her to the guilty. I just think things could have moved at a quicker place in the later middle half as too many familial, friendship, and past relationship ties piled on. I also thought it was a bit ridiculous how Ruby questioned Mr. Owens' and Ruan's intentions, people she's very close with and knows way better, especially Mr. Owens, instead of solidly looking at who they were pointing at. Benefit of doubt and all but it felt more like dragging out the red-herring aspects.

“You terrify me. I do not know what lives between us. I have seen more things in this world than I care to admit but I cannot explain what this is.”

Ruby and Ruan shippers will like the pretty strong romantic element here, their obvious strong connection gets explored more and important discussions are had. Ruby still has her fear of her feelings and will probably make readers upset towards the end but a month later epilogue gives hope for these two and another adventure on the horizon (Howard Carter's discovery has just happened and Mr. Owens has gotten a call). Family drama, murder mystery, supernatural elements coming out to play, and romance, all lead to an atmospheric ride in Scotland this time.

Obsessed doesn’t even begin to describe how I’m feeling after finishing “The Secret of the Three Fates” by Jess Armstrong! 🤩

With the events of this book happening shortly after the events of the first book in the series, I felt like I jumped right where I left off with Ruby! I appreciated how we really got to know her better in this book, and even learned something interesting about her that I’m sure we’ll learn more about in the next book 👀

I felt like this mystery was so well written, and it kept me guessing until the very end! What I didn’t expect was how spooky some of the scenes would be.

Finally, I couldn’t write this review without mentioning Ruan 💛 I was so glad we get to meet back up with him as well. Honestly if you read this book and aren’t absolutely smitten with Ruan, I’d be convinced you read a different book 🤭

Ultimately, if you like a good murder-mystery, an independent and head-strong FMC, suspicious side characters, a really good romance sub-plot, seances, and ghosts, you should definitely give this book a try. Just be sure to start with “The Curse of Penryth Hall”!

Overall Rating | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Big thank you to NetGalley, Jess Armstrong (the author), and Minotaur Books for making this ARC copy available to me in exchange for an honest review 💜

Jess Armstrong has brought back Ruby to clear a new mystery before the potential loss of life for those who she holds dear. Rather murky, but within a home of secrets what really happened. thank you Netgalley for inviting me in.

This is the second book in this delightful series.

I have thoroughly enjoyed both books in this series because:
1) Ruby Vaughn is a smart and thought independent heroine.
2) I love the contast in the backgrounds of her (1930s American heiress) and her love interest Ruan (Who is a Pellar which is kind of an English healer/witch). The tension between them is palpable.
3) great mystery- in this case a locked room mystery, involving a seance in a Scottish estate

I highly recommend this anyone who enjoys gothic mysteries with a dash of sexual tension.

Thank you to Netgalley and St, Martins Press for providing me an eARC of this book to read and review.

After having read this one and just now realizing it is the second in a series, I probably should have read the first one first. While this one does work as a stand alone, I still think reading the first would have helped with the history. The locked door elements of this one were great and I did not see the culprit coming. I felt like there were some pretty liberal mental jumps made without explanation that got confusing but I just went along for the ride and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The haunting/ seance elements were so good and I loved the ending! Can't wait to go read book 1!

When a séance goes wrong and a medium turns up dead, American heiress Ruby and her employer must clear their names. Their investigation leads them down a path of long-buried secrets and a desperate attempt to contact the dead, forcing Ruby to confront her own past and the occult forces at play.

This spooky, fun, atmospheric novel will appeal to readers of gothic and cozy mysteries alike. I love the characters, especially Ruby and Ruan. I liked how Mr. Owen was brought in as a more important character in this novel, compared to the first in the series. Who knew he harbored so many secrets?

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

I love these characters. They are an absolute joy and I cannot wait to see their future adventures. I am invested in this slow burn romance between Ruby and Ruan soooo hey Book 3 when will you be released? My only complaint is I did get a bit confused at the end with the timing of the death of Mr Owen’s first wife and how that came to be. Overall great read and very entertaining.

I didn't know about Ruby Vaughn when I decided to read this, so I missed the first book. I want to go back and read it because I loved this book!! The characters, the mystery, the atmosphere, everything. I will say that the author did an excellent job of letting you know enough about the history from the previous book without diminishing the desire to read it. It's a rare thing these days. The excellent writing and the flow of the story and the character's relationships was perfect. I can't wait for the third book and see what mystery awaits Mr. Owen, Ruby, and Ruan. I also want to see what will happen between Ruby and Ruan.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for providing an eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

This is the second book in the Ruby Vaughn series. Ruby is in her late 20’s and a disgraced American debutant. When she was 16, a wealthy (and secretly married) businessman compromised her in a very public way. The powerful man influences the press to make Ruby out as a temptress and he was a victim. Ruby’s family whisked her away to Britain to save them all embarrassment and the family’s place in society. Ruby drifts, serves as an ambulance driver during WWI and falls deeply in love with her friend Tamsyn who breaks Ruby’s heart by marring an Earl (See book #1 The Curse if Penrith Hall) and lives a very carefree life outside the boundaries of “polite society”. In this book, Ruby is, once again, unwittingly brought into a mystery by Mr. Owen’s who’s owns the antiquarian book store in Exeter where Ruby works and has become a father figure to her. Ruby believes that they are called to Manhurst Castle in Scotland to appraise some manuscripts but Mr. Owens know that they really are going to Scotland to see his former sister-in-law and attend a séance to hear from the spirit of his long disappeared first wife. A secret sex club, missing and possibly dead women, a man complicit in Ruby’s disgrace as a teenager shows up and a monstrous and powerful man is thwarted. There and MANY secrets in this book….some are explained and answered but most about the ongoing characters are not. Witches, unknown powers, who Ruby really is and will her very slow burn relationship with Ruan happen permeate the book and are hopefully answered in the next book in the series.

Another occult mystery with Ruan and Ruby this time to protect Owen. This book was as exciting as book 1 with plenty of red herrings and an unexpected villian, The romance moves along quite a bit but still ends in kind of a cliffhanger. Cannot wait to read book 3.

She’s a magnet for danger

Ruby Vaughn is not your typical American heiress abroad. She was sent to Britain by her family when her reputation was ruined by the man she thought, as a naive and sheltered young lady can, she loved. When the next person to whom she gave her heart rejected her and her whole family perished aboard the Lusitania she was devastated and alone, but began to heal when she met and was brought under the wing of the odd Mr. Owen. He shared his home with her, gave her a job seeking out the unique books which interest him and became a fatherly figure to her. Since many of the books which Mr. Owen pursues have a touch of the occult about them, Ruby is never sure into what circumstances her forays might bring her….the last, covered in the the preceding book in this series The Curse of Penryth Hall, brought her to a small village in Cornwall where Ruby became entangled with a rural healer named Ruan Kivell, reestablished contact with the old friend who rejected her, crossed paths with the local witch and found herself surrounded by fearsome legends and murder. Now Mr. Owen has brought her to a castle in the Scottish Borders, supposedly to examine and possibly purchase some manuscripts. Instead she finds that they will be attending a séance conducted by a trio of mediums. Mr. Owen is acting erratically, the owner of the castle bears an uncanny resemblance to a major figure in her earlier disgrace, both Ruan and the White Witch appear, and mediums start dying….and the local police consider Ruby their prime suspect. Ruby is a sensible young woman of the 1920’s and absolutely does not believe in ghosts or in people who claim they can summon the dead….but she may need to rethink those positions. She will also need to combine forces with Ruan and the White Witch among others to find out why Mr. Owen and the other guests were summoned to this gathering, what is happening to the mediums, and why….and come to terms both with painful aspects of her past and the lies told to her by people whom she thought she could trust. If, that is, she can live long enough to unravel the mystery.
As heroines go Ruby is clever but impulsive, loyal to those she calls friend but fearful of allowing people too close to her, and not afraid to live life on her own terms. Her reputation as a virtuous woman was long ago shredded (albeit unfairly), and as she has sufficient financial means to create a life for herself outside the norms she acts in ways that some find exasperating and others just find scandalous. In this second book in the series, Ruby discovers that Mr. Owen has not been completely forthcoming with her about his past. She also struggles with the unusual bond that binds her to Ruan and their attraction to one another (upon which she feels it is unwise to act), and she finds herself having to face a part of her past that she has been unwilling to confront. Ruan, for his part, is equally attracted to and infuriated by the headstrong Ruby, who exposes herself to unnecessary risks and rebuffs his attempts to protect her. A Christie-esque mystery interwoven with elements of gothic stories and the supernatural keeps the reader guessing for quite a while, with plenty of possible villains in both the mortal and supernatural realms, and there are plot twists along the way to keep the game afoot. Readers of the first Ruby Vaughn novel as well as those of authors like Celeste Connally, Julia Kelly and Michelle Chouinard will enjoy this tale of past sins, heartbreak, loss and loyalty. My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books for allowing me early access to this engaging read.

Ruby Vaughn is back, and this time she finds herself
entangled in a murder seances, witches, secret societies and the reappearance of people from the past. Ruby will do anything for Mr. Owen - often to her detriment- but this time he may have gone too far. Forcing Ruby to attend a mysterious seance that seems all too really for her liking, thrusts Ruby into the heart of a murder investigation when one of the mediums ends up dead. With the help of Ryan Kivell, the pellar secrets are revealed and Ruby may not live to solve the crime.