Wow! This took so many unexpected turns! Gilly and Violet are besties from the start, they compliment each other in all the best ways. Until Gilly meets Laura and Emmi, Violet’s sisters. They are so sneaky and manipulative, that you don’t even see all the ways they are controlling things! The descriptions of the scenery, the war time events, and the people are so well done. I didn’t see most of the twists coming, which I loved!

The Undoing of Violet Claybourne is a Gothic novel set between the two World Wars.

Gillian (Gilly) Larking is dumped into an austere boarding school by her disinterested father. She is a lonely girl without a lot of friends until Violet Claybourne shows up. Violet is the youngest daughter of an aristocratic family, that is barely hanging onto their house and their lifestyle. Violet is a bit odd, with what appears to be some OCD tendencies, she is also socially awkward so Gilly takes her under her wing and protects her as much as she can. Gilly receives an invitation to spend Christmas at Violet’s home, Thornleigh Hall. Eager to meet Violet’s family and see how the other half lives, Gilly accepts. At Thornleigh Hall she meets Violet’s distant parents, but most intriguing of all, she meets Violet’s older sisters, Emmeline and Laura. Both sisters seem to be the epitome of sophistication. There are undercurrents with the Claybourne family that confuse Gilly. Emmeline seems to be a bit disdainful and cruel, whilst Laura is a bit manic and reckless Then an accident occurs on Boxing Day, an accident that will cause repercussions throughout the years to come. Told from the adult Gilly’s POV, we see how tragedy after tragedy compounds to the detriment of the Claybourne’s.

This was a captivating novel with Gothic undertones, sisterly rivalry, tragic endings and the mystery of Violet’s undoing that is solved at the end.

Thanks to Netgalley, Sourcebooks, and the author for the chance to read and review this ARC.

The narrator Gillian — known as Gilly — has been shipped off to the typical cold boarding school. Unhappy and lonely, she hasn’t made any friends among the cliquish girls. Then she falls in with Violet Claybourne, a girl even more ostracized than herself. If not endeared exactly, Gilly is fascinated by and protective of Violet. The two reply upon each other for companionship. As Christmas break approaches, Violet invites Gilly to come stay with her and meet her family. Gilly has heard stories about these sisters, and the manor house, and agrees.

Gilly is unprepared for the impenetrable tensions between the various family members. The Violet’s sisters barely tolerate Violet and her weird repetitive habits. They quickly begin to cannibalize her friendship with Gilly. The parents only vaguely acknowledge Violet, giving her up as a lost cause. Instead they focus on the other sisters who have any chance of landing a rich husband who can save their failing estate.

Then, early this morning we’d woken to find the park covered in a thick white blanket. The Claybournes had exchanged Christmas gifts after breakfast, mostly cashmere and crystalized fruits. There was a box of fruit for me too. Although the food had plentiful the atmosphere at lunch had been strained. Emmeline and Laura were still clearly put out about not being allowed to take part in the Boxing Day fox hunt. ~Loc. 1629

All of their careful plans are thrown into a panic when someone is shot on the day of the hunt. Coverups abound, as do false accusations. Gilly, the narrator and our guide in this strange world, will see the genteel facade fall away quickly. She will have to decide where her loyalty lies.

Set in 1938 England, the story is steeped in the very particular interwar setting, with dozens of connotations. Crucially, it’s the year Rebecca was written (and set). Like the classic Du Maurier novel, this book focuses on a shabby manor house, a young woman who struggles to fit in, and a crumbling aristocracy intent on covering up dark secrets. It also displays shades of I Capture the Castle and Atonement.

Those books have become classics because there is something imperfectly, dreadfully human about the main characters. The sisters are well-drawn and vivid, but I’m not sure Violet Claybourne quite seizes upon the aspects of its predecessors. I wasn’t yelling at them in my head, like I was with the second Mrs. de Winter. I didn’t ache for Violet like I did for Cassandra.

Still, it is a compelling narrative, well worth the reading. Critchley aptly evokes the very particular place, time, and class that these strange characters inhabit. One can imagine them in a loop, repeating their mistakes for all time in some liminal space where it is always 1938.

My thanks to Sourcebooks for the review copy. Read via NetGalley

Publisher: ‎Sourcebooks Landmark (March 4, 2025)
Language: ‎English
Paperback: ‎400 pages
ISBN-10: ‎1728287197

Gothic vibes ooze out of The Undoing of Violet Claybourne. We meet shy, quiet Gillian as a schoolgirl at a boarding school whose life turns upside down after meeting her new roommate, Violet Claybourne. Violet’s life with her three older sisters on a sprawling country estate is vastly different from Gillian’s lonely upbringing after her mother’s death and her father sending her off to boarding school. It’s easy for Gillian to get swept up in romanticizing her new friend’s life and wishing it was her own.

When Gillian gets the chance to visit Thornleigh House for the holidays, her life will never be the same. She is enchanted by the family’s lifestyle and doesn’t immediately see the cracks beneath the surface. The Claybournes’ world is rapidly declining in the interwar years, yet they act as though nothing has changed. They continue shopping in town without paying their tabs, and we hear murmurs from various members about how life “isn’t what it used to be” when it comes to maintaining staff and social status. Gillian, however, remains blind to the strained familial relationships, at one point thinking that if she had what Violet did with her sisters, she would cherish it. Her naivety makes for an interesting contrast with the reader’s growing awareness that something is deeply wrong at Thornleigh House.

Thornleigh House itself is Gothic incarnate—complete with a mysteriously burned wing, leaking ceilings, and a sprawling estate with a lake and dark woods. The relationships between the family, the staff, and the reclusive man who lives in the gate cottage all collide after a Boxing Day hunt changes everything. The novel embraces so many perfect Gothic tropes, yet they don’t feel forced or overwhelming. Instead, they weave together seamlessly, creating a richly atmospheric mystery that kept me turning pages. I devoured this book in two sittings!

Thank you to @emily.critchley and @bookmarked for the #gifted book!

This book took me completely by surprise in the best way possible.

Set against the backdrop of 1938, we meet Gillian, a lonely girl who forms an intriguing bond with Violet at boarding school. Captivated by Violet's eccentric family, Gilly eagerly accepts an invitation to spend winter break with them, only to uncover unsettling truths that challenge her initial perceptions. A devastating tragedy transforms the lives of the girls in ways they could never have anticipated.

What unfolds is a gripping family drama that exposes the hypocrisy of social class and the stark neglect of mental health during the 1930s. The characters are intricately crafted, each one defining loneliness, vulnerability, and deep-seated trauma. As secrets are unveiled throughout the narrative, the story powerfully illustrates the saying that appearances can be deceiving. The Claybourne family is dysfunctional to the core, yet I found myself irresistibly drawn into their world. Each unexpected twist offers deep insight into the characters’ behaviors, making the experience all the more immersive. The author’s lyrical writing style captivated me from start to finish.

This novel masterfully blends dual timelines, largely set in the past, as it weaves the events that shape the characters’ lives. I was taken on a wild rollercoaster ride of emotions—feeling sadness, astonishment, disgust, and shock as I turned each page.

If you’re in search of a hauntingly beautiful historical thriller with a gothic feel, intricate layers and psychological depth that keeps you fascinated, this book is an absolute must-read.

So I definitely requested this based on the cover vibes alone and thought I was going to be getting a historical fiction but didn't realize it would also be a mystery/suspense. What a great surprise for me though!

I have to say, as I first started reading I was wondering if it was going to give Saltburn (complimentary). It both did and did not give Saltburn (also complimentary). I was very compelled to keep reading page after page because I wanted to see how it was all going to end. I agree with some other reviewers that the characters aren't necessarily likable, but I don't think every story needs that. In fact, I find this story more realistic that way. The setting was truly perfect though.

I think anyone who loves and is looking for a gothic, historical fiction, mystery/suspense/thriller would get into this as much as I did.

Thanks again to Emily Critchley, SOURCEBOOKS Landmark, and NetGalley for eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this author’s previous novel, One Puzzling Afternoon, so was very happy to receive an e-ARC of her latest.

The Undoing of Violet Claybourne is an interesting look at how far people are willing to go for acceptance and belonging. I enjoyed that mental illness was a key focus and driver of the story and the OCD descriptions were very realistic. The characters were for the most part not very likeable except for Violet. Gilly, Violet’s classmate at boarding school, was a nuanced character whose good and bad parts were in constant internal battle.

The story is quite dark with death, references to abuse, gaslighting, mental illness, classism, toxic sisters, and rich people behaving badly. It was a good read with a very satisfying ending.I also enjoyed the unexpected reveals and twists.

While I didn’t like this one quite as much as One Puzzling Afternoon, it was a well-written, interesting read about the price one is willing to pay to get the life they want.

Thanks to the publisher for this complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

The Undoing of Violet Clayborne was a unique historical fiction filled with themes of mental
Health, betrayal, obsession, and reputation. How far will a schoolgirl go to fit in with a wealthy family?

I loved the characters in this book, even as I wanted to scream at them I was still rooting for them. The intrigue and setting of this book reminded me a lot of Kate Morton and would be perfect for her fans. I highly recommend this book!

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT2xhhq9S/

This slowburn gothic mystery drew me in right away. I love the friendship between Gillian and Violet so it was really hard to read when Gillian chose to side with the other sisters rather than stick up for her own best friend, just because she was enamored by them and wanted to “belong”. I hated most of the characters — I thought they were all selfish, self-serving and treated Violet poorly! Talk about gaslighting galore! I really appreciated how mental health issues were front and center in the story — you will be shocked by how the doctors treated the patients back then. The final chapter was quite unexpected, but I loved it! It was the perfect comeback after all they did to poor Violet! Read this if you enjoy atmospheric historical fiction with lots of family drama and secrets!

Gothic thriller is not my normal cup of tea, but The Undoing of Violet Claybourne was an emotional roller coaster of fun. Giving this a 4 out of 5. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

It's rare I read a story where I genuinely do not like any of the characters, but each of the characters here nailed morally grey on the head. Each is written in such a way that you can understand their motivations behind their less than savory life decisions, but many of these motivations are slowly revealed over time as the story festers along.

The story does do a pretty accurate representation of society's treatment of individuals with mental health issues and how many folks, especially those in the upper echelons of society, want to brush them under the rug and ignore them. This particular aspect of the story made it difficult for me to read at times.

Emily Chritchley is a totally new author for me. This is her second book and proved to be a very engrossing read.

Description:
To become a Claybourne girl, she'll have to betray one first.

1938. Gillian Larking, lonely and away at boarding school, is used to going unnoticed. But then she meets Violet Claybourne, her vibrant roommate who takes Gilly under her wing. Violet is unlike anyone Gilly has ever met, and she regales Gilly with tales of her grand family estate and her two elegant sisters. Gilly is soon entranced by stories of the Claybournes, so when Violet invites Gilly to meet her family at Thornleigh Hall, she can't believe her luck.

But Gilly soon finds that behind the grand façade of Thornleigh Hall, darkness lurks.

Dazzled by the crumbling manor and Violet's enigmatic sisters, Gilly settles into the estate. But when a horrible accident strikes on the grounds, she is ensnared in a web of the sisters' making, forced to make a choice that will change the course of her life forever. Because the Claybournes girls know how to keep secrets, even at the cost of one of their own.

My Thoughts:
Themes of mental health, class distinction, and friendship. The book is well written and engrossing with a dramatic plot. The secrets kept were impactful to many lives. This is a tragic tale and sad in many ways. There is mystery and suspense as well. My heart broke for Violet - she was so troubled and trying so hard to deal with life. I found the Claybourne family offensive. Gillian was just a victim of circumstance it seemed. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys mysteries would enjoy this.

Thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark through Netgalley for an advance copy.

I loved the gothic elements to this book and the universe of the book is beautiful, The story was well written and the twists were surprising.

3/3.5 ⭐️ I haven’t read a historical gothic fiction in a while and I did enjoy this one. However, I found it difficult to connect with some of the main characters. Violet already had some difficult fitting in and had her ticks and then to exploit that by gaslighting her, it just felt so mean and “middle school.”

Thank you Net Galley, the publisher, and Emily Critchley for this ARC!

Emily Critchley has produced an excellent historical mystery that hits all the familiar Gothic notes without making the characters, or their pathways, predictable. Her style and pacing draw you in, you think you know what each character will choose, and then there is an unexpected twist. The mystery is only solved over many years and by piecing together many stories, but the ending is still a surprise.

In 1938, Gillian Larking is a lonely, ‘quiet and bookish’ young teenager at Hampstead Academy, a strict and colourless girls’ boarding school in London where most of the girls are her social superiors, and where she longs to ‘fit in.’ Her mother died in Egypt when she was an infant, and her father, still employed there, is focussed on his new wife and baby son. Aunt Ada, stern but not uncaring, is the spinster aunt in charge of her upbringing.

Enter a catalyst in the form of Violet Claybourne, youngest daughter of an aristocratic family long past its golden years. Their finances have suffered, they have fewer servants and groundskeepers every year, and they are barely able to sustain the family estate, the cherished but ‘foreboding’ Thornleigh Hall.

Violet becomes Gillian’s roommate, and they instantly get into a scrape that nearly ends her stay before it begins. Despite Violet’s ‘quirks’ — she suffers from an anxiety that manifests in what today would be diagnosed as obsessive-compulsive disorder-the otherwise friendless girls quickly form a bond. Gillian is thrilled when Violet invites her home for Christmas, sparing her a stay with Aunt Ada.

The Claybournes, despite their aristocratic demeanour, constitute a dysfunctional family. Their mother is cold, brittle, and imperious. Their father is kind but undermined by his Great War injuries and memories. The two older sisters, Emmeline and Lucy, are beautiful, self-absorbed, and narcissistic. They also drink and smoke too much, often in secret.
In the week between Christmas and New Year’s, during which Gillian had hoped to become closer to Violet, she is inexorably drawn into the older sisters’ force field, especially the manipulative Emmeline. A tragic accident leads to a pact that ultimately places Violet outside the sisterly circle. Now ‘cousin Gilly,’ Gillian makes her desperate choice. She follows Emmeline’s every command, presented to her as the only way to ‘protect’ them all from exposure and ruined lives. Gillian willingly conspires to do exactly the opposite for Violet.

This is a beautifully written novel, most of the action taking place just before and during the Second World War, with only a few weeks among the Claybournes at Thornleigh. But the events unscrolling from that visit affect everyone who had any part in the festivities for the rest of their lives. And the reconciliation, although appropriate, also comes at a heavy price.

My thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for a free ARC, which I’m voluntarily reviewing.

This was a very suspenseful historical fiction book that made me think of the movie Gaslight. The writing style sucked me in right away. The characters are all young adults, and none of them are very likable. Our titular character suffers from OCD as she practices what she calls undoings. She also suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, and her sisters and best friend use it against her to their advantage.

The story is told from the perspective of Violet's best friend, Gillian. It is really a tale of the haves and the have-nots and wanting to fit in. The writing was beautiful if you can say such a thing about such a sad story. We get Violet's background story as well as Gillian's and it sets them both on a trajectory neither can ultimately handle. There are lots of dark Academia vibes, and the book is very atmospheric.

The four girls all have faults, and this is what happens when the upper class desperately want to keep their secrets at any cost and the have-nots infiltrate and help them do so. I really enjoyed this story, so much so that I now want to read the author's first book, One Puzzling Afternoon.

Thank you Sourcebooks for my #gifted copy of The Undoing of Violet Claybourne! #TheUndoingOfVioletClaybourne
#EmilyCritchley #sourcebooks #bookmarked

𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗩𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗲𝘁 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗯𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: 𝗘𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗹𝗲𝘆
𝗣𝘂𝗯 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲: 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟰, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱

The Undoing of Violet Claybourne is a mix of historical fiction and gothic mystery. Is is atmospheric and told the story of Gillian, who is sent away to school and finally feels like she finds someone who cares about her in her roommate. Violet Claybourne. After being invited home to spend the holidays with Violet and her family. She is quickly accepted as part of the Claybourne family, even Violet’s sisters seem to welcome her to their house. But after an accident at the house, Gilly quickly begins to understand that the two older sisters may not really be what she thought they were. For the first time in her life Gilly finally feels like she fits in, and she’s willing to do anything to continue to belong in their world.

This book has a strong focus on mental health, family secrets, and the last half or so of this book was a page turner. It really gave a better glimpse at the treatment of mental illness in the 1930s. This was a dual timeline novel, with most of the book set in 1938-1942. I thought it was very interesting and I would definitely recommend this one if you enjoy gothic mystery novels.

Posted on Goodreads on March 2, 2025: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/144922955?ref=nav_profile_l
**Posted on Instagram - Full Review- on or around March 2, 2025: http://www.instagram.com/nobookmark_noproblem
**Posted on Amazon on March 2, 2025
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The Undoing Of Violet Claybourne is a slow burn historical mystery with gothic vibes.

Set initially in 1938 the story tells of the friendship between Violet and Gilly who meet at boarding school. Gilly is invited to spend the Christmas holidays with Violet at her family's Estate, Thornleigh Hall. She is desperate to fit in with this enigmatic family, especially with Violet's older sisters. But when a tragic accident happens, Gilly soon discovers that there are dark secrets hiding behind Thornleigh's grand facade.

This is a poignant story of friendships, betrayal and regrets that encompass a lifetime of anguish. How decisions made in youth can ripple across the decades. I was engrossed in this novel from the beginning to it's dramatic and satisfying end. Exceptional storytelling.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark and Netgalley for providing me with a complimentary copy for review consideration.

I do love thrillers and family drama reads but I think the gothic aspect and the strangeness of it was not my cup of tea. I do think someone who loves this tripe will devour this book. I have sen so many amazing reviews. I just wish I had liked it more. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark and Emily Critchley for this ARC.

In 1938, Gilly is invited to spend Christmas at her roommate Violet’s grand estate—a seemingly festive and cozy holiday escape. But what unfolds is far from merry. Instead, it’s a web of secrets, betrayals, and devastation that left me completely speechless.

I don’t want to give too much away because this is one of those books where the less you know going in, the better—but trust me when I say: my mind is blown. 🤯

📖 The Pacing & Structure
The first 25% is a slow burn as Critchley takes her time building the world and fleshing out the characters. At first, it feels like you’re settling into a classic historical fiction setting—a grand house, social class tensions, and hidden motivations simmering beneath the surface.

And then… 💥

📖 The Turning Point
Once you hit Part II, buckle up because your jaw will be on the floor. Secret after gut-wrenching secret is revealed, each one more shocking than the last. There were moments when I wanted to cry, moments when I wanted to scream, and moments when I wanted to throw my book across the room. 📚💥

The twists and turns? Phenomenal.
The betrayals? Devastating.
The impact? Unforgettable.

📖 What truly stands out?
At its core, this book is a brilliant exploration of how the smallest lies and carefully guarded secrets can alter a person’s life forever. Every character is flawed, some unlikeable, and yet their choices feel painfully real. You might not love them, but you’ll be utterly captivated by them.

✨ What to Expect:
✔️ Single POV 👀
✔️ Dual timelines ⏳
✔️ Unlikeable but compelling characters 😈
✔️ Betrayal & devastating secrets 💔

⭐ Final Thoughts
If you love slow-burn mysteries mixed with historical fiction that evolve into a jaw-dropping, emotional rollercoaster, this book needs to be on your TBR. The writing is atmospheric, the twists are gut-punching, and the story lingers long after the final page.

I absolutely loved this! Un-put-downable and fun the whole time, sad I can’t read it again for the first time! It was shocking in all the best ways!