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
**-will post on designated date

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!

I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this one, but boy did I enjoy it! If you love the gothic vibes, you’ll for sure love this book! I will say there were depressing moments and your heart aches for Violet, but boy was it a good book!

Thank you Netgalley & Sourcebooks Landmark for an eARC ♥️

Set in 1938, it's a tale of friendship, family secrets, and tragedy, all wrapped up in a deliciously gothic package.
We meet Gillian, a shy and quiet girl who's sent to an English boarding school after her mom dies and her dad remarries. She's desperate to fit in, but it's not until she meets Violet, a quirky and captivating new student, that things start to look up.
Violet's family is...well, they're a piece of work. They live in this crumbling English manor house, Thornleigh Hall, which is steeped in history and secrets. Gillian is drawn into their world, and it's like she's entered a whole different universe.
The author's writing is pure magic. The way she describes the setting - the cold, grey English winter, the decaying manor house, the dark lake - so good🔥
But what really gets me is the way Emily Critchley explores the complexities of female relationships. Gillian and Violet's friendship is at the heart of the story, and it's so beautifully nuanced. They're both flawed, they both make mistakes, but they're also fiercely loyal to each other.
And then, of course, there's the family drama. Violet's family is hiding secrets, and when they finally come to light, it's like a powder keg explodes. I won't give too much away, but let's just say it's 🤪 😳

Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for the ARC of The Undoing of Violet Claybourne.

3.5 rounded down to 3.

This was such a strange story. Gillian and Violet become friends at their boarding school. Gillian goes back to Violet's family home for Christmas break and things go quite awry. I had a pretty good idea what was coming from the moment the characters were introduced. Soon after I clued in on the details of what I thought was going to happen. There was a lot of book before and after the the unfortunate circumstances and I'm not even sure if most of it was relevant. I'm thinking back on the book now and wondering why it was so long? There were quite a few details in the parts 3 and 4 that strange twists, but not surprising given the personalities of the characters. The ending was so strange. Maybe understandable, but also too little, too late? I'm not sure. I'm very confused about my thoughts on this one and would love to talk to someone about it!

All I have to say is ~ JUSTICE FOR VIOLET!

"Maybe it really was all over. I had proved my loyalty, gained Emmeline and Laura's trust. I was part of the family now, blind forever to the sisters by the secret we shared. I was Cousin Gilly. I was somebody."

A hauntingly beautiful gothic mystery.
Gillian is a quiet outcast at her boarding school. That’s all about to change when her roommate, Violet, invites her to Thornleigh Hall for the holidays. After she meets her family, Gilly is yearning to be apart of the Claybourne world. After a terrible tragic accident, things go spiraling down and she is stuck in a web of lies.
An atmospheric gothic mystery that explores the intoxicating pull of belonging, the weight of betrayal, and the devastating cost of loyalty.

I tried really hard to get into this book, and I just couldn't. Very slow start that struggled to keep my interest. I could not connect with any of the characters. I have a feeling that I picked up this book at the wrong time, and I am open to giving it another try in the future.

Three and a half stars rounded up. Emily Critchley’s “The Undoing of Violet Claybourne” is a hard book to review. I’m not sure what, exactly, I expected the book to be about, but what I read wasn’t it. Things took a dark turn about a third of the way through, but I knew that from the book’s description.

Set primarily in the late 1930s, the book tells the story of Gillian (Gilly) Larkin and her interactions with the Claybourne family. Violet Claybourne is her new roommate at the boarding school she’s been attending for years. They become friends and Violet invites Gilly to spend the holidays with her & her family at her home, Thornleigh Hall.

Gilly readily accepts because Violet has told her about Thornleigh Hall, as well as her parents and two older sisters, Laura and Emmeline. Violet has also been receiving letters from her sister, Laura, with stories about what’s been happening at home in her absence. As I read about Gilly’s arrival to Thornleigh Hall and the things she experienced, the words were tinged with a sense of dread awaiting the “tragedy.” Once it occurred, it was a doozy and tainted the rest of the book for me. Primarily because of how the aftermath was handled by Gilly and the Claybourne sisters.

I sympathized with Violet, but did not find Gilly, Emmeline, or Laura (among others) likable. I understand the book was exploring issues of the time like class hierarchy, but the chapters after the tragedy were hard to read.

Overall, I hesitantly recommend this book, but other readers should it’s not an easy book to read. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my ARC.

Emily Critchley is a very talented author, and I loved her debut novel, One Puzzling Afternoon, the story of a senior with dementia trying to solve the decades-old mystery of the disappearance of her closest childhood friend. (I highly recommend it.)

However, this book, a slow-burn gothic mystery, wasn't my cup of tea. It begins in 1999 when 75-year-old Gillian returns to a place she hasn't been in 60 years - the former home of her boarding school roommate, Violet, where Gillian spent the Christmas holidays with Violet and her aristocratic family. Gillian, neglected by her widowed father and his second wife, desperately tried to ingratiate herself with the Claybourne family, especially Violet's older, glamorous sisters. But she soon learned the family had many secrets.

I found the main characters to be unlikeable/unsympathetic. Something happens (that I won't spoil), and to keep themselves out of trouble, Gillian and the sisters gaslight Violet so she won't give them away.

Going into this book, and not having read the synopsis, I thought it would be either a thriller or have a paranormal element. Instead, this is a tragic story of a young teen girl, desperate to fit in, and sacrifices her friend's health and others, in the process.

Initially, I felt bad for Gillian Larking. She has no real parents to speak of (her mother passed and her father has ignored her, focusing on his new family). At school, she never really fit in, basically being an outcast. But one day, she got a new roommate, Violet Claybourne, and at last, a friend.

Violet has her peculiarities, her "undoings" as she calls them. Trying to make up for what she perceives as doing wrong - something that started after an accident at home. But she is kind and offers Gillian an escape over the holidays with her family at Thornleigh Hall. And that's when my opinion of Gillian began to sour.

Emmeline and Laura, Violet's sisters are not as kind. Sure, they are polite to Gillian, but there are moments when I just didn't trust them. Things only get worse after a tragedy, and accident caused by Laura. But the two older sisters find every way to cover it up, and for some wild reason, Gillian follows along. Ruining two lives in the process. I wanted to strangle her, that is after I strangled the two other sisters.

While this book doesn't have a happy ending per se, let's just say, there is some much deserved retribution. In the end, Violet has the ultimate undoing, good for her!

Wow! While heartbreaking, and downright uncomfortable at times, this was a story so well woven that you feel every emotion that Gilly (Gillian) and Violet feel. Gilly befriends Violet as teens away at school, and when she's invited to Violet's house for the holidays in the winter of 1938, events take place that will change their lives forever.

This is told from the POV of Gilly, but the way that Critchley is able to evoke emotions for each character is unmatched. You love some, you hate others, and it all comes together to create a story of loss, mental health, betrayal, lies, secrets, fitting in, and friendship that you won't soon forget. it's sinister and at times, infuriating, but there's a satisfying ending that I was rooting for.

Deeply character driven, historical fiction, with a tension that keeps you turning the page. Highly recommend!

I have some mixed feelings on this one - the start was a bit too much of a slow burn for me and I found it hard to get into, but once I pushed through I did ultimately enjoy the story! The setting was extremely dark and atmospheric which I also enjoyed.

Downton Abbey meets The White Lotus in this dark, twisty mystery. The story of English schoolgirl, Gillian, and her time with the upper crust Claybournes is creepy while also captivating, a peek into the lives of the English aristocracy at its worst. Critchley’s descriptive writing heightens the tension of the story as the dread of what’s to come hits you. My heart was racing, and just when I thought I knew what was happening, another door was opened that deepened the horror. It’s not scary but atmospheric, and it includes many historical details about the time period. I would have loved even more about WWII in the later chapters and could have kept reading. It’s a book I definitely won’t forget!

Hmm- this one has got me feeling a bit confused. Not due to the story per se, but my feelings towards it.

As someone with OCD, it def struck a chord. I wasn’t keen on any of the characters but that might be due to my own personality, not the authors fault.

It felt a bit too slow for me and I did find myself wanting to know ‘what happens next’ for quite a big chunk. However, I want to say that this eARC was good and still an enjoyable read, just a slow one that I kept coming back to. Overall 3.5 rounded to 4

I went into this one completely blind and was absolutely blown away. It was heartbreaking, shocking, and all around captivating. The amount of times I audibly gasped, hand flying to my mouth, was definitely a new record. The characters were so wonderfully written and kept me hanging on. From the first page to the last I didn’t want to put it down. Highly recommend!