This was a pretty good gothic horror! The vibes were eerie and had me on the edge of my seat. It was a slow burner at times but overall I enjoyed this dark, chilling book

In the mood for grisly haunted house gothic despair in a bleak location? This one's for you.

While this story doesn't exactly break the mould, it does what it says on the tin and the vibes are immaculate. Blackthorn House is everything you could want in a creepy, foreboding mansion on the moors, ancient spirits included. While I wasn't entirely convinced that the Norse mythology references in this book fit with the setting and the genre, I was very pleased with some of the imagery conjured up. Ghostly revenge, blood rituals, female rage and unhinged spouses are definitely my cup of tea.

This book was an easy read and, although I took a couple of breaks (this was a buddy read with @mother.horror) it's one that I'd probably have sailed through very quickly otherwise. I genuinely did enjoy it.

It's hard to dislike a story like this, but I do think it could have done with a little something to make it stand out more for me. If you love these tropes then The Secrets of Blackthorn House is definitely worth checking out.

Evelyn is a young bride, very much in love with her husband. Soon after Peters uncle passes away and he assumes the title of Lord Black and takes possession of Blackthorn House. Here Peter changes from the amiable man Evelyn knows, into a controlling, obsessed freak only wanting an heir and with very creepy tendencies. Isolating Evelyn, not allowing her to have any contact with the outside world, not even her family Evelyn knows even her life is uncertain with the madman Peter has turned out to be.

This was a very gothic read and quite dark. Very well written and suspenseful.

Deliciously eerie and spine tingling frightening! The Secrets of Blackmore House had me hooked from the first page and I’ve never been so thrilled to be spooked. The author's writing was compelling and pulled me straight into the haunting mystery profound intensity.

👻 Haunted House
🖤 Feminine Rage
👻 Gothic Horror
🖤 Classic Vibes
👻 Dread Throughout

I really enjoyed this one! It reads like a classic haunted house story. The dedication and epilogue blew me away from the very start as well.

Evelyn is a head-over-heels newlywed bride deeply devoted to her handsome and charming husband, Peter, after what is essentially a shotgun wedding. Peter is everything she could ever want in a husband... right?

The start of this is very dark, there's a constant feeling of dread throughout and I could not read this one at night! I am a huge fan of haunted house stories and this definitely delivers. Blackthorn feels ominous, shrouded in mist and I could feel the harrowing atmosphere through the pages.

I did, however, find the pacing a little bit choppy at times, and felt my attention drifting occasionally. The kind of supernatural aspect also fell just a little bit short for me, but it was very uniquely done.

This is a perfect book for spooky season, with lovely prose and a very classic vibe. At times it is deeply disturbing as it deals with themes like colonization and domestic abuse, but I absolutely loved the dominant feminine rage.

𝓣𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓴 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓽𝓸 𝓝𝓮𝓽𝓰𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝔂 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓠𝓾𝓲𝓵𝓵 & 𝓒𝓻𝓸𝔀 𝓟𝓾𝓫𝓵𝓲𝓼𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓗𝓸𝓾𝓼𝓮 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓐𝓡𝓒 𝓸𝓯 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓫𝓸𝓸𝓴. 𝓐𝓵𝓵 𝓽𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓼 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓯𝓮𝓮𝓭𝓫𝓪𝓬𝓴 𝓬𝓸𝓷𝓽𝓪𝓲𝓷𝓮𝓭 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀 𝓪𝓻𝓮 𝓶𝔂 𝓸𝔀𝓷.

Although filled with enticing gothic themes, this book fell flat for me, and it did so rather quickly. I was initially captivated by the intense imagery of this novel. It successfully established a gothic, dark feel quickly. Unfortunately, that’s where the successes of this book ended for me.

I felt that this book moved incredibly slow. The repetitive, intensive and long descriptions of the scene took away from the story itself, leaving characters underdeveloped and plot points lost. In particular, I was disappointed that, despite the imagery used, the author failed to make me feel what the main character was feeling at any point. I was, therefore, disconnected from the character and felt like I was just reading for the sake of it, rather than to engage in the story. This led to the majority of the book being skimmed.

Furthermore, while it’s clear the main character’s marriage is toxic from the beginning, there is a quick turn into graphic physical domestic abuse that felt abrupt and like the only piece of the plot that evoked emotion for me. This didn’t sit well with me and I almost set the book down completely from it.

While I certainly can see where this book may have successes for some readers, it was not one that could hold my attention. I would certainly revisit this author further in her career, as I believe she is a strong writer, but lacks depth at this time.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC copy of this book.

First thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book heavily reminds me of the woman in black. While some things are different, I felt like I was watching the movie of The Woman in Black as I was reading this title. It was very simple in terms of a haunted house/gothic novel. One thing that I did appreciate that was different than the typical was the inclusion of runes, norse gods and their practices. It was a refreshing spin on this type of story.

This book was horror done right! It had me hooked from start to finish with its perfect pacing, chilling suspense, and twists I never saw coming. I actually found myself anxious and on edge in the best way. Evelyn completely blew me away; her struggles felt raw and real, and by the end I was fist-pumping for her. One of the best female leads I’ve ever read. Easily one of the best horror reads!

A wonderfully chilling Gothic horror, The Secrets of Blackthorn House has that creeping effect that I really look for in a Gothic. A delight to read - perfect for Fall/Halloween season!

This was a great gothic atmospheric book. It was eerie and haunting and I loved the story and the characters. The pacing was decent.

Thank you Netgalley, the publisher and the author for an Arc in exchange for my honest thoughts. I would recommend this be on everyones fall TBR! A wonderfully dark, gothic nightmare come to life. We've got all the quintessential elements of a dark gothic: brooding manor house in the dreary moors, even more brooding housekeepers and deranged husband, ghosts, and a constant sense of unease. The first half I was so enthralled by just the sheer darkness and sense of unease but, in the second half i thought my heart was going to beat out of my chest. I don't want to give anything away but this one was SO GOOD!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to Quill & Crow Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC of this chilling gothic tale!

The Secrets of Blackthorn House is a story steeped in atmosphere, where the house itself becomes as much a character as the people inhabiting it. From the very first pages, I was pulled into a world of shadows, whispers, and the kind of lingering dread that only a crumbling gothic estate can hold.

The author does a wonderful job of weaving secrets, family legacies, and buried sins into the fabric of the narrative. Every room in Blackthorn House seems to hold a mystery, and the pacing builds slowly but effectively, letting the tension creep under your skin.

The prose leans into classic gothic tradition—moody descriptions, storm-laden skies, and characters who are as haunted as the house itself. It balances the eerie with emotional depth, giving the reader both unsettling chills and moments of human vulnerability.

At times, the story unfolds with deliberate slowness, which may not appeal to everyone, but for me, it added to the suspense and authenticity of the gothic style. When the revelations came, they were impactful and satisfying, tying the past and present together in a way that felt true to the genre.

If you love gothic fiction full of atmosphere, hidden histories, and a lingering sense of the uncanny, this is one to add to your list. Perfect for fans of haunted manors, old secrets, and stories that keep you glancing over your shoulder.

Newlywed Evelyn follows her husband Peter to his childhood estate on the remote Yorkshire Moors, hoping to start a new life. But Blackthorn House is far from welcoming, Haunted by chilling whispers, ghostly apparitions, and nightmares that feel all too real. As Peter grows distant and secrets start to rise from the shadows, Evelyn must confront the sinister legacy of the Black family before it consumes her, and her unborn child, forever.

Wow, The Secrets of Blackthorn House is a haunting story of love, loss, and the darkness that can run in the blood. This gothic horror novel is a chilling and atmospheric tale steeped in dread, mystery, and the slow unraveling of sanity. From the first page I was immersed into a world thick with fog and decaying grandeur. The setting is a character in itself, oppressive, eerie and beautifully described. McWilliams prose is textured and gives off the feel of classic gothic novels but still maintains that modern psychological edge. The horror elements are deeply unsettling, but instead of relying on jump scares, there is a more subtle terror. Flickers of movement in the mirrors and children's ghostly laughter, all of these moments linger long after the page is turned. This novel has many of the familiar gothic tropes, crumbling estate, the mysterious husband, a tragic family secret, but it feels like a breath of fresh air is bringing them to life. Overall, a beautifully written and deeply atmospheric gothic horror, The Secrets of Blackthorn House is a perfect addition to your TBR!

Thank you to NetGalley, Marie McWilliams, and Quill & Crow Publishing House for this eARC! Publication date was August 22nd 2025.

I want to note first that I did not finish this book. The Secrets of Blackthorn House follows a story that leans heavily into haunted spaces, strained dynamics between characters, and an atmosphere that lingers on unease. The narrative contains ghosts, a main character who is unable to change her circumstances, and recurring moments of anger and despair that shape much of the tension.

For me, the pacing felt prolonged, with scenes and ideas circling back in ways that made it difficult to stay immersed. I kept waiting for turning points or heightened moments, but when they arrived they felt muted, which lessened the impact. I also realized while reading that I tend to struggle with stories that build tension slowly over many chapters. Readers who do appreciate that kind of drawn-out approach may find the style more rewarding than I did.

While this story was not the right fit for me, I can imagine it resonating with readers who enjoy a gradual build and a focus on atmosphere over sharp shocks. The emphasis is on mood, lingering tension, and the slow peeling back of secrets rather than sudden frights or fast turns. For those who prefer horror that leans more on unease than adrenaline, this book may feel far more rewarding than it did for me.

Thank you to Quill and Crow Publishing for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own!

First I want to thank NetGalley for the ARC.

The Secrets of Blackthorn House was such a well written gothic story. It was not a scary book, but it had enough of the creep factor to leave you feeling unsettled. Which made it impossible for me to put down towards the end!!

Evelyn marries Peter Blackthorn whom she believes to be a perfect gentleman. Yet after a few unfortunate events Peter whisks Evelyn away to his family’s manor. Where she is to become the Lady. Upon arrival Evelyn discovers the manor to vast and cold in an evil way.

Can Evelyn with the help of her maid and only trusted friend Lilly get to the bottom of the sinister happenings around Blackthorn Manor? Or are things much darker and more evil than they thought possible?

Thank you to Quill & Crow publishing house for the advanced copy of The Secrets of Blackthorn House, I am under no obligation to post but would like to share my review.

This book actually creeped me out which, honestly is a feat in and of itself. The description of Blackthorn House is so beautifully terrifying, the ghosts appearances and just the full out fear that inhabits Evelyn's very existence was palpable.

Even though this is a gothic tale set in a past timeline, there are so many similarities drawn to the type of violence and abuse that women face even in 2025. This book does contain a trigger index so if you are sensitive so those types of things please protect yourself and proceed with caution.

This story is terrifying, unsettling and downright creepy. It would make a great spooky ready but it's also a really great conversation about female pain and suffering.

The Secrets of Blackthorn House is a throwback to the Gothic novels that I loved as a teen.

Blackthorne House has been home to the Black family for centuries, the new Lady Black, Evelyn, is the latest chatelaine to grace it’s doors, however Blackthorne House may not be the ideal she hopes it will be. Evelyn newly married to Peter Black does not expect to be Lady Black so soon, but right after her wedding her father-in-law dies and she is whisked away to the family manor. The only thing is, Blackthorrn house and its environs have strange incidents happening. The villagers are suspicious and unwelcoming, the servants borderline insolent and her husband Peter has become distant. Then there are the strange occurrences, the sound of giggling children when no one is around, the shapes and shadows that may or may not be ghosts, if one believes in that sort of thing. Evelyn begins to wonder if she is going mad as her mother once did, or if the incidents are indeed he work of a maleveolent superntural force, with only her loyal maid Lilly as her companion, Evelyn must try to get to the bottom of what exaclty is haunting Blackthorn House.

Thanks to Netgalley, Quill and Crow Publishers and the author for the chance to read and review this ARC.

The writing in this book is beautiful and atmospheric, drawing you into its world from the very first page. What I appreciated most was the pacing; the story doesn't waste any time. It immediately immerses you in the lives of Evelyn and Peter as they get married, and we get straight to the heart of the story without a long, drawn-out setup.

My heart ached for Evelyn as she settled into her new life. The hostility from the staff at her new home was apparent, but what was even more unsettling was Peter's sudden transformation. He does a complete 180, changing from the caring man she fell in love with to someone she barely recognises, leaving her with no one to turn to except her new maid, Lily, who quickly becomes her only friend.

While the book isn't scary, it delivers some truly creepy and unsettling moments that build a sense of unease. These scenes create a constant tension that keeps you on edge. I also found Evelyn's emotional journey to be incredibly realistic. She cries a lot, which might seem like a weakness to some, but it makes her a more authentic character. Her tears reveal the pain and loneliness she is going through, and what ultimately makes her so strong is her ability to bounce back from such hardship.

Thank you NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

A perfectly creepy and well-crafted gothic story
Marie McWilliams presents us with a very classical gothic story.
Right off the bat we get a nicely done and somewhat gruesome introduction; after we which we get right into the thick of it as we see Evelyn, our protagonist, marrying what she think is a kind and loving man: Peter. It's only after the two of them, followed by Evelyn's personal assistant, Lili, move into Blackthorn House that things take a turn for the worst.

I quite enjoyed this story, dare I say that I happily devoured the second half of this book. McWilliams knows how to write tense and creepy scenarios - as well as some old-fashioned gore and violence when need be (see the intro and the last few chapters for that).

I overall enjoyed the story, and would recommend it to fans of the genre, but there a few gripes that I have with it.
For starters, I do feel that this story is quite by-the-books in way. I don't necessarily mean it in a bad way. It's just something that I wanted to point out.
One of the only real nitpicks I'd like to mention is that, personally, I felt that Peter was a bit too cartoonish-ly evil. And that I preferred his ''cold'' personality, more prominent in the first half of the book.

With that said, this book is quite a nice read! I probably would've loved it more had I read it during autumn, but I can't fault the book for that now can I?

Final Vote 4/5

Okay, so this one was a bit of a mixed bag for me. I love a gothic house story, and Blackthorne House had all the trappings I wanted: secrets, a crumbling estate, and that deliciously eerie atmosphere. The writing pulled me in quickly and I found myself swept along, especially in the early chapters. There were some genuinely creepy, spine-tingling moments that gave me exactly what I came for.

That said, it didn’t fully land for me. The pacing dipped here and there—I felt like some sections dragged, while others rushed through moments I wanted to savour. The characters were interesting but I didn’t always feel connected to them, and I found myself wishing they had been fleshed out a bit more to really heighten the emotional stakes.

Overall though, I did enjoy my time with it! If you’re in the mood for something atmospheric, gothic, and a little twisty (without being too heavy), this will definitely scratch that itch. Not quite a new favourite, but still a fun, moody read.