I really enjoyed this moody story about two girls who meet in a boarding school in 1938. The story unfolds with the backdrop of WWII looming and in the present-day, and follows Gillian (Gilly) as she meets and befriends Violet and is invited to stay with Violet's family on their posh estate over the holidays, to tragic consequences. Violet is anxious and prone to "rituals" (she would probably be diagnosed with OCD and/or an anxiety disorder today), her family is all about keeping up appearances and marrying off their eldest daughter to a good family so as to not lose the family estate, which is quickly becoming too expensive for them to manage.

When a tragic accident happens over the visit, Gillian, Violet, and the two sisters all get caught up in a web of lies and cowardly decisions. Some of the twists were predictable, some were surprising, but it was well-written and the fact that the author managed to write (most) of the characters with at least some sympathy, despite the fact that they really weren't the best people says something. The real tragedy is that there were probably so many stories like this happening in real life.

Without going into spoilers, I was a little surprised at how magnanimous the most wronged person in the story was in the end, but clearly they are a better person than I am. Overall recommended especially for anyone who loves a good gothic background, even though there is nothing supernatural or uncanny in this story, just a lot of flawed human beings.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author, for an ARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
The premise of the book drew me in but once I started reading it, I just couldn’t get into it at all.
I wish the author, publisher and all those promoting the book much success and connections with the right readers.

As always, thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark for the opportunity to read this ARC!
This story was just OK for me. It was an interesting story that kept me engaged because for the most part it was was decently paced, but all of the characters except for Violet were boring and one dimensional. I was disappointed at how blatantly obvious and predictable every single plot twist was. The best part of the book happened in the very last chapter where I was laughing and saying "lets goooooo". But then at the same time, one of the people that deserved some kind of karma coming back to them the most, got to ride off into the sunset. This book had some great potential but fell flat for me overall.

I adored Critchley's novel One Puzzling Afternoon, but this book was a big miss for me. I would have DNF'd it had it not been an ARC copy. Most of the story is a flashback to some horrible events in 1938 when dishrag Gillian goes home with her quirky (read: a girl with OCD before that was really a thing) roommate Violet and meets Violet's awful older sisters. I was miserable the whole way through, hated almost all of the characters, and didn't really get the point of the story at all. Gillian never showed any spine or courage, multiple lives were just ruined without any real redemption, and I was left depressed and sad. I'm really bummed this didn't work for me, but that's how it goes sometimes. Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for a digital review copy.

Set in the 1930s this one felt like reading a mystery set in the great age of mysteries. It feel like reading a mix between a Sayers and a Christie.

I was excited to receive this as an ARC! I went in blind, and my expectations were exceeded.

Violet appears to have OCD. Her undoings are OCD compulsions that she believes will make her acceptable to her upper crust family. We are told Violet’s story through her roommate Gilly’s eyes.

Gilly is unsatisfied with her life and believes fitting in with Violet’s posh older sisters and currying their favor will make her life better. In reality, Emmeline and Laura are spoiled snotty selfish rich girls.

Without giving too much away, my jaw was on the floor from the events that take place. Things quickly go from bad to worse. These children make dumb decisions that have life long consequences.

The final chapters drop bomb shell after bomb shell that I didn’t see coming.

Review will be posted on my bookstagram, toomanyfivestarreads, closer to publication date.

I have gone round and round in my head trying to decide how I feel about this book now that I have finished. My enjoyment of this book has been... tumultuous? Big word, but I can't think of a better way to describe my rollercoaster of reading.

The first half of this book moves very slowly. This is a historical mystery/thriller, and the first 30% feels largely like setup and background establishment. This means there is little to grasp onto as far as plot that would keep you hooked. We begin in 1999 with an adult Gillian, and then quickly shift into the past, 1939, to tell the story of young Gillian and Violet. So we do see a change in timeline, and we are introduced to a mysterious feeling and begin to be suspicious of what will unfold.
By 40% the plot is thickening and I finally felt like I was beginning to understand the catalyst for how the rest of the book would unfold.

The second half picks up significantly, which is incredibly helpful in keeping my attention. However, this is where my feelings start to become... more complicated. By the midway point, I have now learned to hate every single character in this book. On purpose. I know I am supposed to hate them and the actions they are taking, but I felt so viscerally uncomfortable with some of the behavior. And yet, I trudged on, feeling confident that it would all make sense in the end. And it did. This book succeeded in making me hate everyone and everything, and I needed even more to know all of the truth.

The final 30% begins to unravel all of the knots and messes that the story has revealed so far, including moving forward in the timeline to eventually connect with the 1999 story from the start of the book. And even when I thought I knew what would come next because I always try to puzzle it out myself... boy was I proven wrong because this book had twist after twist. The pieces all fit together so well, and the way things are revealed, both through more and more trauma and manipulation and through the uncovering of secrets, was honestly brilliant.

The writing felt very poignant and beautiful. It was easy to digest and follow, especially with the way the timeline is unfolded. And some very difficult topics are brought up and addressed, and while they are agitating in the manner of which they are handled in the book, it is also quite realistic for the historical setting.

I thoroughly enjoyed Critchley's previous novel, One Puzzling Afternoon, so jumped to read this one. The Undoing of Violet Claybourne was just as clever and twisty but much darker than I was expecting. That's not a bad thing! I was definitely surprised by Emmeline's ruthless behavior after tragedy struck. Hearing the tale unfold from different perspectives, years later, was fascinating. The writing was fantastic and the story had me not wanting to put it down! This is a win for anyone who loves a good, gothic tale.

What can I say about The Undoing of Violet Claybourne, only wow, what an experience! This novel is a compelling blend of historical, gothic, and mystery genres that grips you right from the start. The title couldn't be more fitting, as it perfectly encapsulates the chaotic unraveling of Violet's life amidst a whirlwind of drama and horror.

A shocking and unthinkable event unfolds in the story that propels the characters down a dark, and twisted path. The atmosphere is thick with suspense, and the psychological turmoil of the flawed and naïve characters keeps you on the edge of your seat. The manipulations and betrayals among the cast create a palpable tension that had me racing through the pages!

Would I recommend this book? Yes! It is a must-read for those who enjoy beautifully written, dark, and twisty tales. I loved every moment!

If you're a fan of books like The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters and The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield, you'll find this novel to be a delightful gem in your reading list!

This book was an earc from @netgalley and @bookmarked in return for a review. Thank you to @emilycritch for writing such an captivating novel.

This started off well but then this turned into a bit of a rage read. Which in my book, if a story makes me feel something (whether that be anger) then it’s a good book.

We follow Gillian in her lonely life in boarding school. She gets a new roommate Violet Claybourne. Violets a little odd, she has many quirks and pushes Gillian outside of her comfort zone. Gillian gets invited back to Violets home for a Christmas break, and a Christmas break she will never forget.

Gillian does a lot to impress Violets older sisters, even when that’s making fun of Violet and making her feel left out. Gilly makes a lot of very poor decisions and poor choice in friends. And she is down right awful to Violet towards the end. Honestly none of the characters are really likable.

This is a bit of a suspense mystery but the kind you know what’s going on most of the time. It was good, but I was pissed off the majority of the time.

Gillian is a private school student whose new roommate, Violet Claybourne, is a quirky breath of fresh air. Gillian falls in love with Violet’s home called Thornleigh where she visits during Christmas break. Gillian feels Violet takes for granted her home and her family, particularly her older sisters, Emmeline and Laura. Gillian is desperate for the sister’s approval even if she is uncomfortable with what they ask of her. Violet feels betrayed by her friend. Gillian returns to school, forever changed by her visit to the Claybourne family. The story continues for decades. I didn’t know what to expect from this book but it was FABULOUS! The imagery was exquisite without being overpowering. The language was simple to understand. Not all characters are fully developed but enough is written to get a good sense of their being. Not all characters are likeable. The story is woven in a way to keep you engaged, wondering how it will be resolved. Highly recommend! This book will be much talked about.

I received a free advanced reading copy from NetGalley. I leave this review voluntarily..

"For fans of Sarah Penner and The Foundling comes a slow-burn Gothic mystery following Gillian, a young girl enthralled by the enigmatic Claybourne sisters, their house at Thornleigh Hall, and the tragedy that binds them together for good.

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.

With ensnaring prose and layers of friendship, privilege, mental health, and more, The Undoing of Violet Claybourne is a poignant book club read with characters you won't soon forget."

Hmm... I wonder if I could get my book club to read this...

I unfortunately had a really hard time getting into this book because it was pretty slow and for me the writing was a little weird and hard to get into.

Okay, so like, I totally need to talk about this book. The whole vibe of it is so dark and intense, and honestly, it was such a rollercoaster! Imagine a grand old manor that's, like, totally falling apart, but still holding onto its faded glamour. The characters? Let’s just say they're all kinds of messed up in a way that you can't help but want to know more. It’s, like, equal parts intriguing and twisted—especially when you get into the whole web of secrets and lies that the family is hiding.

Gilly is a super quiet girl, right? She’s just trying to fit in and not be totally invisible, and then Violet shows up. Violet’s, like, full of life and energy but also has these weird little quirks, and at first, Gilly’s, like, obsessed with being part of her world. But when she goes to Violet's crumbling family mansion, everything starts to unravel. There’s this tragic accident, and Gilly finds herself caught up in this huge mess where everyone's trying to protect themselves at any cost. Spoiler: it doesn't end well for anyone.

The whole thing has this gothic vibe, with all the creepy stuff that comes with old estates and, like, dark family secrets. The writing is actually so gripping—each twist and turn kept me hooked, even though most of the characters are, like, kinda unlikable. It’s one of those books where you're not really rooting for anyone, but you're still like, "What’s gonna happen next?"

Definitely a page-turner, with a lot of betrayal, manipulation, and mental health stuff that hits hard. It’s got that historical suspense feel, and the ending? Let’s just say it’s a lot to take in.

Thanks so much to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!

THE UNDOING OF VIOLET CLAYBOURNE - EMILY CRITCHLEY

Historical fiction remains one of my favourite genres, and The Undoing of Violet Claybourne is a must-read for fellow fans. Unlike many other historical fiction novels, which follow a dual narrative set within two different time periods, the bulk of this story is set within the past with only short visits to the present at the beginning and end.

I loved this, because I felt like I could get fully immersed along with the main character, Gilly, as she visits the very opulent and addictive world at Thornleigh Hall. At its heart, I would say that this is a historical fiction mystery novel, just as the title itself suggests. From the beginning, there are questions to answer. Who is Violet? How is she 'undone'? These mysteries keep the pace going, where secrets are revealed up to the very last page. I struggled to put this book down!

This isn't a wide-reaching treatment of the UK during the 1930s. Instead, this book is about how one moment in time - and one decision - can have far-reaching effects on so many people for their entire lives.

I found this so interesting and, if I'm honest, devastating, as I became truly invested in Gilly and the other characters. If you love characters that fall within the shades of grey category, you'll really enjoy this book. There's also a hefty helping of hidden agendas, peer pressure, deception, betrayal, treatment of the servant class vs the 'landed' class, grief, guilt and so, so much more.

For a historical fiction novel that'll have you simultaneously hooked and have you reading with a growing feeling of utter despair for the characters, I thoroughly recommend The Undoing of Violet Claybourne.

Review score: 4/5

Release date: 4 March 2025 (US)

Trigger warnings: Violence, d*ath, injury detail, postnatal depression, mental health, alcoholism

darkly atmospheric and just generally dark book about a bunch of characters, many of which are quite unlikeable. would recommend. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

4/5 stars. A dark yet entertaining read with highly unlikeable characters all around. Most of it is set in 1938, first at an all-girls boarding school in England where shy, lonely, and not-so-rich Gilly rooms with daughter of Lord and Lady Claybourne, the outgoing and quirky Violet (who most certainly has undiagnosed OCD).

Most of the story takes place at Violet's family estate, Thornleigh Hall, where Gilly gets wrapped up in the lives of Violet's two older sisters and something terrible happens that changes all of the girls' lives forever. It was so hard to read about what the girls did to Violet and I hated how weak Gilly was, unable to stand up for anything she knew was right. Recommend for fans of historical mystery-esque, setting-forward books (a snowy Thornleigh Hall at Christmas was so easy to imagine) with flawed characters and a gothic vibe. But look up trigger warnings if you need to - this book pretty much has them all.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

Loved the premise and the writing, but the pacing was on the slow side and ultimately the story was a bit bleak. I think I would have enjoyed it a bit more had I read it during a week in which I wasn't in a funk. I think that is coloring my review slightly.

The Undoing of Violet Claybourne by Emily Critchley ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Sourcebooks Landmark
Pub Date: 3-4-25

Thank you @netgalley, @bookmarked, and @emily.critchley for this eARC.

"If I am to remember, to truly remember, I must go back to the very beginning. I must remember not only the glamour, the decadence, and the sense of wanting so desperately to belong that I felt in the company of the Claybourne sisters, but also the darker side of our story, what really happened during that winter break, and the events that led me to flee my life as I knew it. Only then will I know what to do with the letter."

During the Christmas holidays of 1938, events unfold that set in motion a series of choices that will alter the lives of Gillian and the Claybourne sisters—Violet, Laura, and Emmeline—forever.

As I followed their journeys, I found myself wishing they would make different decisions, constantly hoping they would consider the consequences their actions would have on others.

The atmospheric setting added depth to the story, and the surprises revealed throughout kept me hooked, unable to put the book down until the full weight of the characters’ decisions became clear - reverberating for more than sixty years and impacting multiple generations.

Gillian Larkin has always been a loner. She's an only child who was sent away to school when her father remarried. She's been at school for years, and she finally has a friend the year she is 16. Violet Claybourne is a spirited girl with odd tendencies. The youngest of three sisters, she's adventurous and different from all the other girls at school. When Violet invites Gillian to Thornleigh Hall, her family home, for the holidays, she's eager to see how a family works, especially the sisters.

Thornleigh Hall was once a dazzling home, but now it is crumbling and has sections blocked off due to a fire. Gilly is quickly drawn in by Violet's older sisters, which quickly leads to tragedy—for the family, for the sisters, and mostly for Violet.

This is a family full of secrets, who have no qualms about blackmailing each other or thinking only of themselves. Gilly is suddenly part of it all, and she's torn between the two sisters, who treat her as one of their own, and her friend Violet, the strange girl with strange habits.
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It's hard to be a woman in gothic novels. There are limitations to what is acceptable by society. There are easy ways to get what you want if you have enough money. The Claybourne sisters are no different from other gothic novels' classic heroines. While the timeline of this story is post-WW1, leading directly into World War 2, this story can be placed in any timeline. It's about family, sisters, truth, and honor. It's about friendship, sisterhood, and how far secrets can go. This is the sad story of the Claybourne sisters.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.