A young woman, Elegy, is forced to live with ghosts in her crumbling family mansion. Crumbling and frozen in time, the macabre staging post of a collection of spirits unable to move beyond. Elegy must face her inherited legacy and decide between a modern love and the price of a future she only dares to dream of.

I struggled getting into this book. I would say, stay with the book close to the halfway mark. The world building is lavish and the use of flowery sentences, rich in era-appropriate language choices contributed to the overall Gothic atmosphere. The juxtaposition of Edwardian expectations and modernity at the gates was tricky however, it is very cleverly done. I took a good couple of chapters figuring out who was a spirit and who was “real” and how this would all pull together.

I don’t think this fits neatly into a horror genre. Yes, it is spooky, creepy, paranormal and romantic. The love interest, Atticus, provides a vehicle for Elegy to grasp what she wants from life. He certainly reads between the lines and allows Elegy to feel safe and whole. Elegy herself has such a steep character growth she left all others in her shadow. I reminded myself time and again that this is a story of not only inheritance, but of forging your own future free of the weight of legacy.

I found Thaddeus grotesque. The abusive nature of his relationship with the women in the house was abhorrent.

3.5-4*
With thanks to the author, J. Ann Thomas, Alcove Press and Netgalley for an eARC to read ahead of publication.

The spirits were the best part of this gothic and eerie read!

The pace of the book felt a bit off/inconsistent and despite the intriguing characters and fantastic world building, it was just missing something for me. I do however feel like the vibe of this during the fall/halloween season may hit different. I did enjoy it and would read more in the world or from the author.

The Spirit Collection of Thorne Hall was a quirky read.

Thorne Hall is host to the “Collection”. A collection of 14 lost souls that haunt the manor and the Thorne family. Elegy Thorne is the latest “caretaker” of the collection, reluctant caretaker that is. Elegy has been raised by her emotionally distant father to take over the home and the collection of ghosts that inhabit the manor. Keeping the ghosts in line is a herculean task. Due to the constraints of the family trust, Elegy is required to live life like it is the early 1900’s when the collection was first summoned, she had to dress in late 19th cerntury, early 20th century clothing, She has to run the house as if it is still that time period with a skeleton staff that refuses to spend the night. Her entre future is laid out before in endless servitude to the Collection, or is it? Can Elegy find the means to break away from her inheritance at Thorne Hall and make a meaningful life for herself?

This book to me felt like a cross between 13 Ghosts and the Haunting of Hill House, though the ghosts overall were not as homicidal, (though some could be).

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

I thought this book was really enthralling. At first I wasn’t sure as it seemed to take place in an earlier time (it said present day but I think the isolation of the main character and the house made everything feel centuries old). This isn’t an issue you just not something I was expecting when I first picked up the book. However I was hooked when we were introduced to the “collection”.

I went in blind, just heard that the story was inspired by Jane Eyre (Thorne Hall, Lowood, "the madwoman in the attic") before requesting it. So I was surprised, expecting a historical novel - which it was, kind of, but found the beginning to be slow. In fact, the author took her time introducing us to this world, and that wasn't bad. Then the pace picked up.
The atmosphere is very well done : the house turning into something different at night, the ghosts - some good, some bad, the dread, the pressure upon Elegy.
The characters were... normally done, if I may say, except Elegy : she shines. The evolution of her personality throughout the novel, her psychology, it's well worth reading the book just for her.
The language was also very good : Thorne Hall lives like a bubble of past in a modern era. So Elegy, who was brought up in it, speaks as her grandmother might have done. I really enjoyed that.

This is a good story, perfect for Halloween reads, atmospheric, with characters that can be reliable or not, with the weight of heritage, with a quest that may or may not lead to a complete change of life, with a passing from death to life, from night to sunshine.
The only drawback I could pinpoint : a list of characters and who they are might have been useful at the beginning of the book - there are many ghosts !

In this book, we follow Elegy, a young woman trapped in a gothic mansion full of ghosts, as she unexpectedly falls in life and begins to dream of another life.

I absolutely loved this book and devoured it in a day! The gothic mansion is so beautifully described that it almost becomes a main character. The main character is relatable and the love interest is what every book boyfriend should be. It's a quick, compelling witchy read.

A recommended read for fans of Jane Eyre and Wendy Webb's gothic novels.

Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Overall, an okay, slow-paced read, that didn’t completely blow me away.
I won’t lie, I did struggle to finish this one, even if in the end I was glad I persevered through.
However, I think if you love romantasy, but are looking for a book with more horror elements, this book might be the one for you.
Recommend checking this one out for lovers of paranormal romance, dark romance, and romantasy.

Side-note: Definitely check the content warnings if you plan on picking this book up.

2.75 stars rounded up to 3.

Thomas’ ghost story reminded me strongly of a horror movie with a similar plot from quite few years ago. While I liked the overarching story line and the characters (for the most part), I wasn’t really wowed with the book. This haunted house tale started strong but finished with quite a bit of disappointment.

Down to even the runic elements restricting the movement of the ghosts and the connection between some of the visitors to Thorne Hall and its ghostly inhabitants, The Spirit Collection of Thorne Hall perhaps too closely resembles the horror movie 13 Ghosts from 1960 and a remake from 2001. I like a good haunted house story, but I’d like to read one with some original elements in it.

Characters and narrative structure suffered a bit as well. The opener really hooked me, but the beginning does not connect to any elements in the story until the end, and even then, the points of connection have no allusions throughout the body of the story. I liked the reveal at the end, but it really needed some more interweaving in order be a seamless element. I did like the romantic story line; the romance and main plot just about shared the spotlight with a good balance.

Heads up for folks who don’t like reading explicit content—this book contains explicit language and sexual content as well as descriptive gore, with victims including children.

Thank you to Alcove Press, Penguin Random House Canada, and Netgalley for the DRC, for which I give my own, honest opinion.

The idea of a spirit collection trapped in a house was what appealed me to this book. Ghosts, spirits and what not is the most appealing about this book. I wish there was a little more.

This book starts us with the point of view of a character we only see once and with how the collection gets started. It's certainly a captivating start. After that we meet Elegy in our modern times. She is required to keep up with the old times of when the collection started and it has kept her fairly naive. When one of the spirit wrecks the hall a contractor and his son have to come and fix it. It is the start of a change that Elegy needed.

The pace of The Spirit Collection is a slow trudge that stays very true to the historical feel it wants to achieve. Sometimes perhaps a bit too much since technically it does take place in our modern times. It very rarely feels like that. Which is the point, but even when she comes into our modern world, there should have been more contrast. That wasn't there. There was a lot of room for description of the old mansion and other things to set the vibe. But I would have liked there to have been more room for the relationships. She grew up with these spirits but I sometimes missed the connections.

This also holds true for the romance of the book. It was pretty much an insta love and they were willing to do a whole lot for each other after only having known each other for a very short amount of time. I could potentially get that from her side. She doesn't have a whole lot in her life and so she latches onto him. But from his side, it doesn't really make sense. It just didn't really feel believeable.

Having said all that, it doesn't make this a bad book. I think because of the historical vibe and the spirts this can be a great book to read during October. Elegy also really grows into herself which is a good thing to see. She slowly leaves that naive girl, who cowers infront of her father, behind.

This was a unique and fun take on a Gothic ghost story! The Spirit Collection of Thorne Hall follows Elegy, a woman living a haunted house and bound to attend the ghosts as her father’s heir to the collection. I enjoyed that I didn’t know what to expect as the story unfolded. The love story was adorable too! I would recommend this book for lovers of ghost stories and creepy mansions.

The Spirit Collection of Thorne Hall was fascinating in premise, but lacking in execution. While I found the idea of the spirit collection fascinating, the novel loses much of its steam by focusing on Elegy's internal misery and not providing enough character work from its supporting cast. Many characters felt one-dimensional - Fletcher the stepmother driven mad, Floss the rich but caring friend, and even love-interest Atticus. He more than all of them felt underdeveloped; Elegy and Atticus are instantly in love and he is ultimately the perfect man, the only conflict in their relationship coming when Elegy's arranged betrothal is revealed to him. But that's easily resolved when she shows up on his doorstep and asks to sleep with him. The coven of "canny" magic users felt unnecessary, since it is really only Dorian who assists in the climax. Ultimately, the canny folk feel diluted across too many characters. Dorian's particular reveal was moderately surprising but poorly executed. We also completely loose the staff - the Griswolds and Lucy - in the climax of the story and no word is ever given of what happened to these only people to care for Elegy outside of the dead. I also had a hard time reconciling the character of Fletcher, who seems a headstrong capable woman, but allows herself to be trapped in the attic for 13 years. There doesn't seem to be any way for Thaddeus and the collection to reach people when they escape the house. So why didn't she? In the end, while the idea of the spirit collection haunting Thorne house and the Thornes themselves was interesting - and the ghosts hauntingly brought to life in the novel - I found myself more aggravated by the story and the unrealized stakes of Elegy's servitude. She hates her father, and the house, so why did she never just leave? The stakes are ill defined which makes the rest of Elegy's suffering seem self-imposed more than anything else.

This captivating novel will enthrall readers who are drawn to atmospheric, slow-burning Gothic fantasies, where romance, horror, and mystery intertwine. It will particularly appeal to those who delight in stories of forbidden love, haunted mansions, and the relentless pursuit of freedom. Fans of ghostly tales with a touch of the supernatural will find themselves immersed in the eerie and suspenseful world that the author has created.

With its richly-drawn characters, evocative setting, and intricate plot, this book promises to be a mesmerizing and unforgettable read. The author skillfully weaves together elements of Gothic literature, such as dark secrets, hidden desires, and supernatural occurrences, to create a story that is both chilling and alluring. The atmospheric setting of the haunted mansion adds an extra layer of intrigue and suspense, while the slow-burning romance and the characters' struggle for freedom will keep readers eagerly turning the pages.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an ARC of this book for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

This was a slow and atmospheric novel about a young woman expected to uphold the family legacy. This would not be so bad if the family legacy wasn't controlling fifteen spirits tied to the family bloodline, each with its own idiosyncrasies and range of bloodthirstiness. She unexpectedly meets a handsome stranger and suddenly gets hope that her life can get better.

It's a bit on me for not reading the synopsis or comments as close as I should have, but this novel leaned wayyyyyyy heavier into the romance than the paranormal mystery when I was expeecgubg ut ti be the other way around. I'm a lot more of a fan of ghosts and spooky Gothic vibes than I am of romance novels, so this one just fell a little flat to me, especially since the romance was insta-love and felt very forced at the beginning.

I definitely this novels' themes of escaping societal constraints and expectations, as well as the writing style, it's just that the content was not quite for me. I desperately craved more of the Dorian, Brio, Thistle and other canny folks group, as well as Floss and Hugo and their friendship with Elegy. I think if they were a bit more central to the story and the romance was less central, I may have enjoyed it a bit more. BUT all that is just my reading and genre preference. This book has an audience that will LOVE it. It's just not me.

Publication date: 11 February 2025

A horror that is more creepy than scary, the real star of this novel is the atmosphere and the main character's characterization. It's a gothic horror, though on the whimsical side. A solid 3.5, but I round up!

If you enjoy gothic stories, but specifically Rebecca, you will enjoy this. I mention Rebecca not because this is a psychological horror by any means but because of the style of the prose. One of the tenets of the main character, Elegy's, lifestyle in the manor house is that she has to dress and act in Edwardian style, which is also reflected in how she talks. This is also reflected in the style in which the novel is written. While it's nothing like Victorian domestic fiction, it is a slower-moving and more languid novel than most horror today. It has more in common with Wilkie Collins than Starling House, for example, but that doesn't mean there isn't swearing and sex and violence. In truth, part of Elegy's character arc is learning to break free of the anachronism barriers her father has placed around her, including a really spicy sex scene.

Elegy herself is a likeable character, as we all like a smart but sheltered young woman wishing to break free of the chains that bind her. She has been mentally abused by her father her entire life, with his intention being that she will be the caretaker of the house when he dies. The closer he gets to death, as he's quite ill, the more she subconsciously sees that she does not have to abide by his rules. The story is just as much about getting rid of ghosts as it is about getting rid of an abusive parent.

The side characters, those who aren't ghosts, are fun. While we don't get a ton on them, they have a great dynamic, and the dialogue between characters really snaps.

The prose, as I mentioned, is really engaging, and while the plot is slow, it is such because there's a lot of detail provided. We know Elegy inside and out by the end of the novel, though more focus on the ghosts would have made the climax a lot stronger. While I loved the concept of the ghosts and how they were from different time periods and all of them had their particular quirks, I didn't feel like I knew the ghosts at all; some of them were only mentioned in passing until nearly the end of the story. In truth, while I was super into the novel while reading it, I had a lot of questions by the end.

The love story angle was also a little bit too rushed and insta-love. While I understood Atticus was the main impetus for Elegy to start thinking her life could go a different direction, I didn't really get his attraction to her. While I definitely enjoyed the spicy scene, and they did seem like a compatible couple in some ways, certain aspects of their relationship felt a bit too 'romance' novel, and there wasn't a great deal of sexual tension as it moved quite quickly. There were aspects about it I really enjoyed, though - it wasn't corny or anything; I just am not an insta-love person.

In terms of being a horror, while the novel had a few creepy parts, it really is not scary, and at times, it is almost whimsical, just in case you were looking to shit your pants. Your undergarments will remain unsoiled, but the book is very fun, and I definitely enjoyed it.

Read this if you enjoy:
- sprawling, haunted mansions
- a young woman breaking away from her demented father
- rich people parties in period dress

Thank you to NetGalley, Alcove Press and J Ann Thomas for an eARC copy of “The Spirit Collection of Thorne Hall”

The Haunted Mansion, but make it PG-13. Slow-paced, atmospheric, ghouly and perfect for those who enjoy cheesy Halloween movies/shows.

Elegy Thorne has known her whole life that eventually she will become Mistress of Thorne Manor and will be the only one who can control the spirits who haunt the ancestral home. But what she wasn’t expecting was to fall in love with a man who makes her rethink all of her choices. While the beginning of this book was a slower start and I was worried it would be like this the whole time, I’m so glad I continued reading! I enjoyed reading about the relationships Elegy has built with each of the spirits and the delicate balance between life and death.

Release date: February, 11th 2025

Thank you Netgalley & Alcove Press for an eARC ❤️

Not What I Expected, But Totally Obsessed!🤩

I dove into this book thinking it'd be a lighthearted, ghostly tale, but what I got was a dark, atmospheric story that totally captivated me. 😍
Elegy, the main character, is a total kindred spirit - she's quirky, relatable, and stuck in a life that's not really hers. I loved how she's just trying to navigate this weird world she's been born into, with all its ghostly inhabitants and creepy family secrets. And despite being surrounded by all these...unconventional characters, she's deeply lonely and yearning for adventure.
As I read, I was totally invested in Elegy's journey. Watching her grow and transform was amazing - she becomes more confident, self-assured, and willing to take risks. And I loved how she's not afraid to be herself, even when that means being a little weird.
The romance with Atticus was sweet, but it did feel a bit rushed. I mean, I get it, love can move fast, but I wanted a bit more build-up. Still, the rest of the story was so engrossing that I barely even noticed. The ending was super satisfying, and I loved how everything came together.
One thing that really stood out to me was the atmosphere of the book. The author does an amazing job of creating this creepy, Gothic world that's just begging to be explored. And Elegy's family home? Forget about it - that place is like a character in its own right.
I'm so glad I took a chance on this book. It was a wonderful surprise, and I'm totally obsessed! If you're into Gothic vibes, creepy mansions, and self-discovery, you'll devour this book.❤️

P.S. Can someone please turn this into a Netflix series? I need more Elegy and Atticus in my life!_

Honestly I put off reading this book, my hopes were so high it actually made me nervous to start it. I mean … what if it didn’t live up to expectations?!
But it did! And now I’m sat here wondering why I haven’t read it before now.
I live a good ghost story and this one didn’t disappoint. Once you get past the kinda slow beginning you get this beautifully written story.

An interesting take on the Gothic novel, Elegy is frozen in time but Atticus has arrived and changed things (there's-be warned-instalove). This moves slowly (perhaps a bit too slowly) but fans of the genre, which is seeing a resurgence, will appreciate the small details woven into the tale. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read.

The Spirit Collection of Thorne Hall by J. Ann Thomas is a contemporary twist on a gothic tale, offering readers an original and chilling ghost story. This captivating coming-of-age romance, infused with paranormal elements, kept me eagerly turning the pages.

4 Stars

The premise of this book was really intriguing. A woman, Elegy Thorne, literally frozen in time looking over this Hall/Manor. I loved the overall atmosphere and vibes that this brought, as it is told in modern day while Elegy is stuck in gothic times. This gives a really unique feeling of dark and light. Not only that she is living with all these spirits and not all of them are kind, but are vengeful.

The characters of this book are really well done. I found myself really rooting for Elegy to find her way out, while enjoying the romance that blossomed throughout the book. The MMC was really well cast and I found both her/his characters enjoyable. I also really liked that we get to know each of the ghosts that Elegy is living with.

The plot this book however is pretty slow and this could be off-putting for some. I didn't mind it but I did wish at times it was just a big quicker and engaging. Overall though I really did enjoy this one and I think I will be re-reading it again but in an audiobook format.

For a debut novel this was really great. I can't wait to see what else J. Ann Thomas comes up with as her story telling is unique and beautiful.

Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for this advance reader copy. This review is voluntarily my own.