This was such a hauntingly, creepy, sad, twisty story. I read it in one sitting, I just couldn't put it down. It starts in such a captivating way which I loved, a lot of books have buildup for the first few chapters, but this book just dived straight in and it was amazing.

Definitely check your trigger warnings first, it's gory, there are heavy grief and loss themes of all ages, and domestic violence. Just the whole stretch of dark and terrible things.

It was attention grabbing, horror filled, suspenseful and deeply sad. I really recommend this for people who like a good dark story.

Book: The Secrets of Blackthorn House
Author: Marie McWilliams
Would I recommend?: A very enthusiastic yea
Genre: Gothic fiction, historical, horror
Content warnings: Included in the back of the book
The Secrets of Blackthorn House is a slow-burning candle that leads to a tremendous explosion of exceptionally written gothic horror. With beautifully crafted prose and flawless pacing, it will have you curled up, devouring each page and wanting - but also dreading - to see what lies ahead for our heroine.

That heroine is newlywed Evelyn, who has just moved to Blackthorn House following the death of her husband Peter’s father. The loss prompts their relocation to the ancestral home of the Black family, where they are to assume the titles of Lord and Lady Black - a family spoken of only in fearful whispers by the locals.

Located in the remote, foggy, mysterious Yorkshire moors, Blackthorn House is a beautiful house fit for a king (or a Lord); full of locked doors, forbidden rooms, and the sense that all is not what it seems. With the help of her lady’s maid Lilly, Evelyn is determined to discover the secrets of both Blackthorn House and the Black family.

This book genuinely had me on the edge of my seat. The horror is not in jumpscares and gore, but in the creeping realisation that Evelyn’s situation is much worse than it initially seems, right when she is possibly too deep to escape. There are some Wuthering Heights vibes, some Haunting of Bly Manor.

The Secrets of Blackthorn House is out on August 22, 2025 via @quillandcrow. Thanks to Quill and Crow and @netgalley for the ARC!

Tags: #bookreview #booksbooksbooks #bookstagramaustralia #gothichorror #historicalfiction #TheSecretsofBlackthornHouse #NetGalley

This is horror done correctly!

The Secrets of Blackthorn House has to be the best Horror book I've read as an Adult. I was promised Horror Historical Fiction, and that promise was fulfilled!

The pacing of the entire plot was perfect for my reading preferences. Enough details to keep me interested, yet answers were not easily given which made me eager to read on. The suspenseful, adrenaline spiking scenes were very much appreciated and had me on edge. I loved actually getting worried and anticipating what was going to happen next in those moments. I loved the lore and history that this story played around with. It tied everything together for me and was satisfying to have the "why" be interesting.

Evelyn did cry a bit much, however as I thought on it a bit. I came to the conclusion that it was probably realistic and appropriate for a woman of her age (and the era she was in); especially considering her circumstances. I realized I'd probably be crying a lot too! However, by the end of the book, I was mentally fist pumping for Evelyn. She may be one of the most badaxx female characters I have read about. As a woman myself, I felt every single struggle, strain, bead of sweat, and labored breath that she endured during that ending. And maybe because I could physically feel present with her, it made me admire and cheer for Evelyn that much harder. I loved her determination and loved her character so much!

There were also some shocking moments that I did not anticipate and I enjoyed being taken by surprise like that by the Author. I am so excited for this to release so that I can purchase a physical copy for my shelves!

Thank you so much to NetGalley for the ARC.

this book had me SCREAMING.
I was torn between devouring it in one sitting and taking a break so I didn't finish it too soon.
I can't wait to pick up a physical copy, Marie certainly knows how to draw you in!