4.5 stars.

American heiress, Ruby Vaughn, and her employer Mr. Owen make the journey to Manhurst Castle on the Scottish borders. Mr. Owen claims the visit is solely to acquire illuminated manuscript for their bookshop, but when Ruby is unable to locate said manuscripts, she becomes suspicious.

Truth be told, Mr. Owen has brought her there to attend a séance, at which he desperately hopes to speak with his son. The séance, hosted by a trio of mediums claiming to be The Three Fates goes awry and Mr. Owen’s secrets come to light.

Ruby finds one of the Fates murdered the night of the séance. She and Mr. Owen become the prime suspects in the case. In order to clear their names, Ruby enlists the help of Ruan, the Pellar in Cornwall, who has helped her in the past. Ruby and Ruan quickly realize that someone is determined to prevent them from uncovering the truth about the deceased medium and Mr. Owen’s past by any means possible.

Read if you like:
- locked-room mystery
- supernatural elements
- suspense

Ruby, Ruan, and Mr. Owen are at it again in this must read sequel to The Curse of Penryth Hall. I absolutely adore these characters and this world. This book has a little bit of everything. The mystery was intriguing and kept me on the edge of my seat up until the end. Ruby and Ruan’s slow burn of a relationship continues, but with many more secret touches and *kissing* which we love. I also loved finding out more of Mr. Owen’s backstory, as well as a little bit more of Ruby’s past.

I highly recommend this series and am looking forward to the next book!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press / Minotaur Books for a free digital copy of this book. This is my honest review. Publication date: December 3, 2024.

The second book in this series.
I enjoyed the audio much better than the actual book. Both were good but the narrator, Emma Love, was great. Made this book feel much more realistic or in the actual time setting it is told in. The descriptions were great. I enjoyed listening to it.

While I actually have not loved this series I did enjoy this one more than the first. Both had a lot going on and this one seemed to flow even better than the first book.

Ruby Vaughn is resilient. Not one to be brushed off easily. She's a strong force.

I think this was a pretty good book. Read it.

4 stars and a thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.

Ruby Vaughn, an American heiress, has travelled to Scotland with her elderly employer Mr. Owen to examine some rare illuminated manuscripts. Ruby quickly discovers there are no illuminated manuscripts and she has been roped into attending a seance. She’s not happy about that, then things quickly go south as spirits seem to join them and one of the mediums is murdered.

Author Jess Armstrong has delivered a strong second outing for Ruby Vaughn and a cast of supporting characters who are keeping more secrets than a teenage girl’s diary. Even Ruby has secrets that she isn’t sharing. Some of those secrets are dangled before the reader, others are still closely held. This is one of the intriguing things about this series. There is a perfect blend of letting the reader know more, but keeping the juiciest parts for later. I am enjoying this series and can’t wait for the next book.

This book is great for readers who enjoy historical mysteries and historical mysteries with a bit of the paranormal.

I received an advance review copy for free from Netgalley and Minotaur Books, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This was my first book by this author and I really enjoyed her writing. I liked the characters in this book, they were a fun bunch. I didn’t realize this was a series, but I think I might want to continue reading it! I liked how there were some supernatural bits weaved into the story. There was a little romance in the story between Ruby and Ruan that was unexpected and I didn’t mind it. I liked their relationship, it was a bit forbidden (he’s kind of a witch that can read her mind). I don’t think I could be in a relationship with someone who could read my mind..

I didn’t read the first book in the series so I was a little confused by Ruby’s relationship between Ruan and Mr. Owen, I wasn’t quite sure how she met them. It didn’t change my enjoyment of the story, but I wish I knew some backstory.

If you are looking for a fun mystery novel,with a little paranormal aspect then I suggest picking up this book!

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I love these characters. After reading The Secret of the Three Fates, I would happily read another dozen books with Ruby, Ruan, and Mr. Owen. The fabulously crafted mysteries; the glimpses of the supernatural that may or may not be real and influencing everything; the way that Armstrong gives you enough insight into Ruby's thoughts, feelings, and motivations that you completely understand and sympathize with, while also being able to objectively see that she's making a dangerous or wrong decision...I love all of it and can't wait to read the next instalment in the series.

The second book in the Ruby Vaughn series was just as charming as the first! This series does a great job of balancing the fantasy and mystery elements. While the witches and magic are very real (even if Ruby tries her hardest to ignore that it’s true), the murder mystery is very natural, with non-magical means, motives, and opportunities. But there is also a magical mystery in who Ruby is and why she had a strong (and tension filled) connection with Ruan. The mystery kept me on my toes, the romance was so good, and the relationship between Mr. Owen and Ruby was so sweet! I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait for the next one in the series!

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Jess Armstrong's "The Secret of the Three Fates" is a mesmerizing follow-up that surpasses its predecessor, plunging readers into a world where mystery and the supernatural collide. Set in a haunting castle on the Scottish borders, the atmospheric setting, complete with séances, creates an irresistible ambiance that will enchant fans of gothic suspense.

At the heart of this gripping tale is Ruby Vaughn, whose character blossoms under Armstrong's skilled pen. As Ruby grapples with solving a present-day murder linked to a past crime, readers are treated to tantalizing glimpses of her history and potential future. The unraveling of family secrets adds depth to Ruby's relationship with her patron, Mr. Owen, while her budding romance with Ruan introduces a tender counterpoint to the chilling narrative.

Armstrong's writing is immersive, propelling the story forward with each page turn. The author expertly weaves red herrings throughout the plot, keeping readers guessing until the very end. The intricate mystery, coupled with the touching exploration of relationships, creates a multifaceted reading experience that is both thrilling and emotionally satisfying.

For audiobook enthusiasts, narrator Emma Love breathes life into Ruby's character, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the story and making it a perfect companion to the ebook.

"The Secret of the Three Fates" is a triumphant sequel that will leave readers eagerly anticipating Ruby's next adventure. With its perfect blend of historical atmosphere, supernatural elements, and classic whodunit intrigue, this book is a must-read for mystery enthusiasts and fans of atmospheric fiction alike.

Thank you, NetGalley and Minotaur Books, for my free books for review.

This is the second Ruby Vaughn mystery. There are supernatural elements that Ruby struggles to believe in. The book opens with Ruby and Mr. Owen attending a seance after being summoned to Scotland. Of course things aren’t going to be as simple as just getting a message from the dead.. Soon after one of the three mediums is dead and Ruby is in danger of being arrested for the murder. This is a well written atmospheric gothic mystery that exposes secrets, murder, both past and present, and intriguing foreshadowing about what ‘gifts’ Ruby might possess that bond her to Ruan Kivell.

A thrilling story, The Secret of the Three Fates by Jess Armstrong is an intriguing blend of adventure, mythology, and mystery. It follows three teens as they uncover an ancient secret tied to the Fates themselves.

I really enjoyed this moody atmospheric novel. I probably should have re-read The Curse of Penryth Hall before reading this one but I still enjoyed this book in the series. I would continue the series if more books are planned.

The second mystery in the Ruby Vaughn series does not disappoint. This time, Ruby sets off to Scotland with Mr. Owen. He has received a mysterious missive from Lucy Campbell, aka one of the 3 Fates, a group of psychics that are more real than Ruby would like. Of course, misadventure finds it's way to Ruby when she discovers the body of Lucy in the pond at the estate they are visiting. Ruby, with Mr. Owen's help, must figure out who killed Lucy before she herself is arrested for the crime. It definitely doesn't help that Mr. Owen has been keeping secrets and even a viscount title under wraps. Thank goodness Ruan Kivell has come to help as well.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for this e-arc.*

The Secret of the Three Fates, by Jess Armstrong is the second book in a wonderful new series. I mean, who doesn't love a good gothic mystery with a side of supernatural? I definitely do, because I stayed up all night reading it. Very entertaining.

This is book two in this series and I think it’s better than the first one. It has a bit of a gothic feel to it. It’s full of secrets and surprises. I liked Hattie and her strong will and determination. I can’t wait to see what happens in book three.

I love Ruby Vaughn!

These books remind me of Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries: a daring heroine who goes against the societal proprieties of the time to take control of her life. We learn more about her exile from America and how she ended up in England as well as some excellent foreshadowing into what could possibly be in store for her ✨magically✨.

And as much as I love Ruby Vaughn, I love Ruan Kivell even more.

Thank you to NetGalley, Jess Armstrong, and Minotaur Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This series is fabulous! Set in the 1920s it has yearning, secrets, murder, a fearless yet vulnerable heroine, a lovable old grump, and a hot witchy hero. Yes, witchy. And the supernatural. I cannot resist these characters or the plots!

Thank you for the free ebook Minotaur Books @minotaur_books , NetGalley @netgalley and Jess Armstrong @jessl_armstrong !
“The Secret of the Three Fates” (Ruby Vaughn #2) by Jess Armstrong. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Genre: Cozy Gothic Mystery. Location: The Scottish Borders. Time: October 1922 (The Jazz Age).

THE SERIES: Expat American heiress Ruby Vaughn has a dark brown bob, and drives a Crow-Elkhart roadster. She runs a rare bookstore in Exeter with the secretive, and very Scottish Mr Owen (her 80+ year old employer/housemate), and Fiachna the black house cat. Somehow, they keep getting involved in paranormal mysteries.

THIS BOOK: Six weeks after her Lothlel Green visit (book 1), Mr Owen and Ruby journey to the possibly haunted Manhurst Castle in the Scottish Hills to acquire illuminated manuscripts for their bookshop. But they find no manuscripts, and The Three Fates mediums are holding a séance there. Ruby’s suspicious about the real reason for their visit. Mr. Owen is desperate to say goodbye to his son (killed in the Great War), but doesn’t want to face the spirits alone. When the séance goes wrong, his secrets unravel. A body is found in the lake, Ruby and Mr. Owen become prime suspects, and friend/‘Pellar’ (healer) Ruan Kivell arrives from. Cornwall to help. Someone/something is stopping them from finding the truth.

Author Armstrong has written a witty, atmospheric, very gothic mystery. It’s full of dark undercurrents that may or may not be paranormal, a jazz age heroine, a brooding healer, and many secrets. In this book, we meet Mr. Owen’s brother and nephew, and learn more about his past. Questions are raised about Ruby’s abilities, and her mother’s influence. Armstrong has a knack for using witty prose, particularly with her flawed but appealing heroine. I can’t wait for book 3 because I think I know where they’re going next! It’s 5 gothic stars from me🌵📚💁🏼‍♀️🎀 #jessarmstrong #thesecretofthethreefates

It was great to be back with Ruby Vaughn and this book was even better than the last. There's still so many questions that need answers, so I can't wait for the next book!

3.75

This is the second book in the series, and since I always recommend reading books in order, you know whether this is your type of thing. The book is a historical mystery set in the early 20s, but with a witchcraft/other-wordly baseline. That’s not really my thing, but I liked the character of Ruby and her situation, as well as her relationship with Mr. Owen and later Ruan.

I had to check back a few times to get the gist of this story at first, both to the first book and earlier parts of the second, but I eventually got it down, mostly. There is a lot happening and a challenging landscape setting, not atypical for rural Scotland, which adds to the difficulty, but also intrigue.

I liked this book, but was missing the relationship between Ruby and Ruan. Well, low and behold, who should turn up in Scotland? That may have been a bit contrived, but it still works. I liked the witchcraft/occult elements of this more than the first book. After all, Sances were in Vogue at the time, whether or not they were real. There are certainly unbelievable parts, the logistical kind and that which could not be explained away by special powers.

An enjoyable read if this is your thing or if you liked the first book anyway. I would say it’s an improvement over the first.

Thank you to Jess Armstrong, NetGalley, and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with a free advanced copy of this book for my unbiased review.

This second installment in the Ruby Vaughn series was a question-inducing, thought-provoking, fist-pumpingly wild ride! Lured to Scotland by a mysterious letter, Ruby and Mr. Owen find themselves invited to the table for a tension-filled séance. When Mr. Owen's long-dead wife is called forth and offers up some ominous information, all hell breaks loose. Suddenly there are disappearances, murder attempts, and nocturnal prowling. Suspicious characters abound, and the plot thickens when Ruan appears, summoned by Mr. Owen, to wreak havoc with Ruby's carefully controlled emotions. Highly recommend.

Excited for this one but unfortunately it just didn’t click for me. The beginning was a bit abrupt and the characters very two dimensional. It was hard to connect to story. Thanks to NetGalley for a chance to read and review this book.