Amazing that this is a debut novel. It totally captivated me. I would have given it five stars, but I could only give it four because of the ending, which unfortunately left me wondering how such a wonderful book could have no ending - unless this is going to be a series and that was a cliffhanger. After I finished I did discover it is indeed a series, and the seond book is called The Prodigal Daughter. Now I can't wait to get my hands on it.

Description:
For the first eleven years of her life, the precocious daughter of a great European family tracing its roots back more than fifteen generations, never set foot on land that her family didn’t own. Cloistered on a sprawling estate in the Alpine foothills, as the youngest sibling of her generation she has little knowledge of the dark forces gathering in the shadows to strike at her family. But, when her insatiable curiosity leads her to uncover a priceless text hidden hundreds of years before, she shines light into corners meant to be left in the dark and threatens to uncover secrets that could trigger an internecine battle for succession.

Then, with no warning or explanation, she is whisked away on a private jet and exiled to an elite but isolated all-girls boarding school in the United States. More than a decade later, now in her twenties, she finds her bank accounts abruptly frozen by her family. She is recalled from her affluent but empty existence abroad. Little does she know that her family has plans for her, including an arranged marriage. Worse, as she draws closer to discovering the horrific act that sent her into exile a decade before, and shadowy enemies close in on her family, she must face her most dangerous and powerful her own father.

My Thoughts:
Very well written and thoroughly engrossing. There is quite a bit of history since the family is a dynasty that dates back to Leopold I, so I see where many reviewers found it boring, but I think it fit and provided the foundation of Isabella's education. Isabella is a great character and I also liked her grandfather very much. The book was mysterious and many things are left unrevealed. The pace was faster when Isabella was whisked away from the estate and went to boarding school in the United States. The trip with her father to Africa was also interesting and there was a twist there that set some things in motion it seemed - although I think things were being planned in the background all along. I was angry at the end because almost everything was left open and unexplained. With such a cliffhanger I expect some answers in the next book in the series.

Thanks to Atria/Emily Bestler Books through Netgalley for an advance copy.

Thank you to Emily Bestler Books and Netgalley for this ARC. Unfortunately I could not get into it and had to DNF

Letters from the Dead by Isabella Valeri
⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you for the opportunity to read this eARC. I was immediately drawn in by the cover and description of Letters from the Dead. The plot is intriguing but the pacing felt very slow to me. It is a very long book and I felt moved pretty slowly overall. The characters were interesting and I was curious what happened to each of them as the story progressed. Overall, this was maybe not the book for me but I'm sure it will find its audience of people who love it.

The premise of this book sounded interesting, and I was expecting a story filled with twists and intrigue.

Yes, the pacing was slow, but the big issue was the plot. I’ve mentioned this in past reviews, but when you’re writing a series with the intention of building up to a big “moment,” you still need to provide smaller payoffs along the way to keep the reader engaged.

This book never answered any of its questions. It was confusing from start to finish, but not in a mysterious way. Even as I finished the last page, I found myself thinking, "What was the point of any of this?"

Thank you to Netgalley, Atria Books, and the author for this physical ARC.

DNF @24%

I really tried to get into this but the pacing was so slow. I usually love family secrets and mysteries but everything was so slow that I was easily bored. I was highly confused as the century this was taking place in; the mother was anti electronics due to one reason of the other so it made this feel like a historical novel but then they mentioned 80's pop stars so I guess it's more modern than I expected.

Thanks Netgalley and Atria Books for Providing this ARC to me!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free copy of the book in exchange for this honest review.

Despite being marketed as a mystery/thriller, this book reads more like a coming-of-age family drama with a bit of historical fiction on the side. The main character is the daughter of a very wealthy (and very old) European family. Most of the book follows her adolescence as she begins her formal education and comes to understand how deep her family’s secrets really go.

The writing style is verbose and flowery, and you will need to suspend some disbelief about the level of detail, intellect, and perception the narrator displays. But as you learn how the MC has been raised, I actually think the writing style makes some sense. The author’s voice may have been unrealistic at times, but I enjoyed it. The author, Isabella Valeri, also does a beautiful job creating a sense of atmosphere. Some of the characters were very engaging, but I struggled to know how they fit into the overall story.

Much of the family’s activities are very mysterious (and perhaps nefarious), but there are so many different threads, that no one mystery ever emerges. We’re following the MC and her development more than an actual plot. I expected mystery and suspense. I expected the tension to build as the MC faced off against her powerful family and uncovered the darkest secrets of their past. But instead, I got a young woman learning about history and etiquette as she grows up and wrestles with the expectations of her emotionally distant and controlling parents. And I didn’t dislike it. But it felt like the set-up for a more dynamic story that I never actually got. This is a breakdown of the pacing: First 60% - Eleven-year-old MC begins a formal education focused on military strategy, history, and philosophy. She begins to learn that her family has secrets. 60%-75% - MC is abruptly sent to boarding school and cut off from the rest of the family. Following an incident. She must learn to blend in and adapt to girls her own age. Last 25% - MC lives an empty drug-and-alcohol-fueled existence in an attempt to run from/forget her family and the expectations they have for her, despite their efforts to bring her back into the fold. Also, this is a small detail, but I found it odd that we don’t learn the MC’s name.

It wasn't bad, per say, but it wasn’t at all what I expected. Maybe I would have enjoyed it more if the marketing was more accurate. I actually found the first half pretty interesting, but it floundered after that, and based on how poorly it delivered on what it promised, I have to go with two stars.

Perhaps this book would be more enjoyable for people who like family dramas. There is an emphasis on history as well, especially as it relates to the family, so maybe fans of historical fiction about the ultra-rich would be interested.

Content warnings: sexual content (including non-consensual), language, drug and alcohol use (including underage), implied child neglect/abuse.

This is a slow burn historical fiction, and by slow burn I do not mean in the romance sense but it the progression of the plot. There is a lot of history and building that happens right out the gate which made the beginning of the book very boring and hard to get through but once you do and the story progresses further it will definitely keep you hooked!

By the time I finished the last chapter I was completely invested and immediately ready for more however I was left on a CLIFFHANGER 😩

*I received a free ARC from NetGalley*

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Letters from the Dead
Author: Isabella Valeri
Source: NetGalley
Publication Date: May 27, 2025

Happy Publication Day! “Letters from the Dead” is a wholly original novel that delves into profound themes such as secrets, murder, inheritance, dysfunctional families, duplicity, and more. This is a thought-provoking read that requires intellectual engagement. The narrative begins with three children of a very affluent Austrian dynasty, left to fend for themselves as feral rich children in the upper two floors of their massive castle. Their parents were preoccupied with their lives and only intervened when the children became a nuisance, necessitating their enrollment in private boarding schools. The story is narrated by the youngest and only daughter, a heiress who resists the customary role of last place after her two brothers due to gender. Set against the backdrop of post-World War II high society, where women were primarily expected to secure marriage matches, the novel reveals the daughter’s exceptional intelligence, sharp wit, and cunning nature. These attributes would alter the course of the family’s history. The narrative is filled with intricate plots, schemes, and significant challenges. The author effectively sets the mood by describing the macabre and imposing castle setting, which is said to harbor ghosts. While the plot may be complex and challenging to comprehend fully, I found Ms. Valeri’s storytelling engaging and enjoyable. Her portrayal of a capable and cunning young woman who outsmarts men is admirable. Bring it on!

#LettersFromTheDead @isabella_valeri_ig #isabellavaleri #Austria @netgalley #NetGalley #Mystery #thriller #Fiction #adult #inheritance #castleLife #castle @atriabooks

I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. Thank you to the publisher, Netgalley, and the author for the opportunity to read this novel.

I enjoyed this book a lot, but I have a small issue with how the book was marketed. The one sentence that is bolded when you look up the book says "This addictive debut novel takes us into an intoxicating world of old money, privilege, and family intrigue as a young heiress must return home from a decade-long exile to face the powerful enemies arrayed against her, including those within her own family." However, our main character doesn't return until the very end of the book and we don't see her face the powerful enemies arrayed against her. A majority of the book is "pre-exile" so I found myself really confused about what was going on. Additionally, I think it would be really helpful to let the reader know that this is book 1 of a series or a duology because so many questions and situations are brought up throughout the book that are not answered. I was unsure if this was the first installment of a larger story until I found information about the Prodigal Heir series last night.

With all that said, I enjoyed this story a lot. It's about a young girl who grows up in a manor with very little technology to the point that when she leaves her home and goes into the real world, she thinks period pieces are contemporary. Anyways, within the house, there is a very clear hierarchy and children and meant to neither be seen nor heard. As Isabella grows up and gets more curious and rambunctious, her grandfather brings in a tutor, but eventually, she is rushed away to an all-girls boarding school in Connecticut in the middle of the night with a fake passport and NO contact from her family.

She is kept from her family for years until finally she sneaks off campus to send a letter to her grandfather. This then leads her mother to find Isabella in New York. We see Isabella going through some interesting times where she is spending money, drinking, and partying, probably more than she should. Oh, and she's not going to any of her classes either.

At the end of the story, she is brought back home, and that's where we end. There's a promise that she will be married to someone, but we don't know anything about what's going on with the family, and our main character isn't at her best right now.

I recommend this book if you know that it's BOOK ONE of an ongoing story. Also, the title won't really ever make sense because the book is named after something that's alluded to in the story, but we don't really get much information about it. Also, there are a lot of talks of ghosts and stuff, but it's not a paranormal story.

First and foremost, thank you to the publisher and the author for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. I loved this story and it was definitely worth the read!

This book rates extra points for me because I'm so intrigued by the lore around this author and this book. Is this purely fiction, or is it autofiction? If it's the latter, the story in this book is quite wild. This is a longer story, and I think it's worth noting that most of what is mentioned in the description of this book happens wayyyy towards the end. The earlier parts are heavy on historical detail, with occasional shocking moments that keep readers on their toes. Supposedly there's a sequel in the works- and I'd be interested.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of Letters from the Dead.

Don't judge a book by its cover. That's a common saying.

It should also be 'don't judge a book by its title.'

That definitely applies here.

I was intrigued by the title and excited my request was approved. I'm always up for a debut novel and a suspenseful story.

Sadly, Letters from the Dead bored me to death.

Letters from the Dead should also be categorized as literary.

In my experience, when a book is dubbed 'literary' it means it's well written to the point of purple prose but painfully slow and boring.

I thought this was a mystery. It's not.

I thought it would be suspenseful. Nope.

I thought I would like the characters. Uh-huh.

Is this well written? Sure.

But it's not suspenseful or mysterious; its a history lesson, a lesson in affluence and wealth and family dynasties, none of which I care about.

I don't care about the uber wealthy and their mansions and their hoity-toity parties with the rich and politically connected.

There's also plenty of scenes of drinking, drugging, sleeping around, blah blah blah.

The typical shenanigans rich people do when they have too much money and nothing else/better to do.

Stuff happens but it's more like a sidebar to the history and political lessons and how the precocious daughter must use her wiles and intelligence to figure out what her family is hiding.

Which is what...exactly?

Not sure, since the ending is open=ended which I guess there's a sequel...which I won't read.

The first half of the narrative demonstrates the tutoring and tutelage of said daughter and her precarious relationships with her parents, her tumultuous relationships with her brothers, and her deep love she has for her grandfather.

I'm always confused about books like these.

What's the point?

Why should I care about this crazy wealthy family who lives and talks like they live in the 19th century and have more money than a small country?

Why should I care about their secrets and lust for power and glory and terrible deeds they have perpetrated?

Why should I care about the main character's grab for her own power and independence?

I don't like anyone; I'm indifferent to the main character.

She's smart and well educated but after slogging through the narrative, I still don't know her.

To be honest, I don't know much after trudging through all those words and quotes and Latin in the book.

I need a brain break.

This was an absolutely addicting read that kept me up way, way too late.

You know that friend that tells really long stories with dozens of detours and details that seem irrelevant but manages to keep an audience captive? That is the voice of our narrator a “daughter of the direct line” of a mysterious, archaic, and incomprehensibly wealthy family based out of the Swiss Alps.

Secluded and naive, we meet her at eleven years old— just before a series of life-shattering events occur. Danger abounds, while our young protagonist throws herself into studies beyond her years, uncovering long kept secrets and uncomfortable clues about her family’s past.

The story bears witness to the tumultuous next decade of her life, all while collecting information that points to instability it the dynasty. I love the way little tidbits were shared in an offhand way, but circled back to be vitally important in later chapters.

The stakes are high and the setting is lush. The only thing that would make this book better is if I had a copy of the second book in my hands immediately.

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Did not finish book. Stopped at 33%.
For the life of me, I just could not get into this book. So much is said, but nothing to actually bring me in. I believe the marketing hindered this. It's marketed as general adult fiction, but everything I read until I DNF'd saw the girl as such, young and a girl. Not the woman in her 20's readers are expecting based on the second paragraph of the description / blurb.

There were some elements I liked, but even as I sit to write my little non-review, I can't even tell you what they were. I hope to try again when the book is published, or if this becomes a series as some reviews have mentioned, when that is complete.

The title and premise for this book were so intriguing, but I felt like it just felt a little flat for me. It was very well written, with a wonderful amount of historical accuracy and facts that were interesting. However, I just felt like the storyline did not hold my interest and this book was almost too long. It took a long time to get through, and I felt my mind wandering while reading it. The ending did not feel satisfying to me and I was left with a lot of questions.

Well written with the more important characters well developed. Overly long, I enjoyed the first half of the book quite a lot. The second half devolves into a “jumped up” mafia read, albeit with an immensely rich and ancient family. The ending is either a set up for a sequel or terribly unsatisfying. That being said, the writing kept me interested to the end.

I found this book to be very, very slow in the beginning; it was quite laborious, cumbersome even, until about a third of the way through. Perhaps it was because it was heavily saturated with too many distracting parenthetical asides, or excessive and hefty in family history with far too many names and dates that did little to enrich the storyline. I almost abandoned it twice.

This is a debut novel written by an author “living under an assumed name”. Intriguing…perhaps this book is more than just a work of fiction? “Write what you know” and all that…

Although it did have moments of suspense, I felt that this book never reached a satisfying conclusion. I realize that this is book one of a two, maybe more, in a series, but it felt so forced in terms of intrigue and then rushed at the unrewarding conclusion. I guess the reader will have to read book two in order to have some vindication? I’ll never know…I should have abandoned it when I first had inklings to do so.

Thank you to Atria/Emily Bestler Books (Simon & Schuster) and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review. It is available on May 27th, 2025.

There is safety in the darkness

On a large estate in Austria a young girl has lived a sheltered life with only her brothers for company. Theirs is an extremely wealthy and powerful family, one whose lineage extends back for fifteen generations, although who they are and what they do is not initially known. Left to her own devices, she often explores the manor house where she has spent her whole life. She has an inquisitive nature, and during one of her explorations she discovers something which would have been better left hidden, a manuscript containing information that could affect her family's legacy and even set off a struggle for dominance within the family. She is plucked from the sheltered and isolated family estate and sent to the United States, to an elite boarding school where she will struggle to understand the rules and mores. Her life will be disrupted again some ten years later, with her accounts suspended leaving her little choice but to comply with the demand that she return to her family's estate. There she will begin to learn what plans her family has for her and what dangers they all face, both from within and without the family circle.
Letters from the Dead is a gothic family saga, full of foreboding atmosphere, intrigue within the family, and opulent lifestyles. Narrated by the unnamed daughter, the story goes into abundant detail about the family's estate and lifestyle which renders the pace of the story on the slow side. This is the first in what is proposed to be a four part series, so the ending is a cliffhanger that hints at what might be to come. At close to 500 pages, this is a rather lengthy lead-in for what may follow in subsequent volumes...perhaps a bit too long....and those looking for a thriller full of action will be disappointed. Fans of gothic suspense with lots of historical information however may find this right up their alley. While I can enjoy gothic elements to a story, this one wasn't entirely suited to my tastes and the length compounded what at times felt like laborious reading. Readers of Kate Morton, Laura Purcell and Silvia Moreno-Garcia would likely find this first installment in a new series to be enjoyable. I would rate it 3.5 ⭐️ rounded up to 4; highly effective use of language, but slow to get going. My thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books/Emily Bestler Books for allowing me access to this moody tale in exchange for my honest review.

This book has a very interesting premise, but I tried multiple times, and I could not get past 25%. I just could not stay interested in the FMC or the plot. Unfortunately this was a DNF for me, but maybe it will be better for someone else.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for a honest review.

I will be honest, this book takes some time to really get into it, but I loved the family secrets the Isabella uncovers. This book is a slow burn and it started to get a little boring, and I started to lose interest with the switch of times and location. It was not for me, but I did love the mystery aspect of the book though.