I appreciated the book within a book aspect of The Midnight Estate, but I failed to connect with the story or characters quite as deeply as I’d hoped, and was able to solve the central mystery earlier than I would have preferred. It was still a decently entertaining story.

Siho Ellsmore does a good job narrating the audiobook.

Thank you Kelly Rimmer, Harlequin Trade Publishing, MIRA, Harlequin Audio, and NetGalley for providing this ARC for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.

Kelly Rimmer’s The Midnight Estate is a masterful blend of family drama, mystery, and ghostly intrigue that kept me hooked from the first page to the last. Set against the hauntingly beautiful backdrop of Wurimbirra, Fiona Winslow’s journey to restore her ancestral mansion becomes much more than a physical rebuild — it’s an emotional excavation of long-buried secrets. What truly elevates this novel is the ingenious intertwined narrative. The story within a story—centered around the mysterious book The Midnight Estate — mirrors Fiona’s own quest, creating a layered reading experience that is both mesmerizing and thought-provoking. As the lines between reality and fiction blur, I found myself engrossed in unraveling whether the true mystery was lurking in the decaying walls of the estate or within the pages of the enigmatic book. Rimmer’s exquisite storytelling brings Wurimbirra vividly to life, with atmospheric descriptions and richly developed characters that feel as real as the secrets they hold. The dual timelines are seamlessly woven, building suspense and emotional resonance that made my heart race and my mind ponder long after I turned the last page. The Midnight Estate is a beautifully written homage to the power of stories, family, and redemption. It’s a must-read for anyone who loves a Gothic atmosphere packed with mystery and heart. Kelly Rimmer has once again delivered an unforgettable tale that lingers long after closing the cover.

Fiona is set on restoring her uncle's estate. It may be haunted according to the locals but she loved it growing up. Her mother is furious and Fiona doesn't understand why. As she moves in, odd things happen. Glasses are broken, the heat switch is turned off and there are weird noises.

Her uncle never threw anything away and she has a lot of work to do. She runs across a book and starts reading it when she can't sleep. It draws her right in and she's hooked about the story...

A little slow to start, but I enjoyed this. I'm glad I stuck with it. The narrator does an excellent job and helped keep me engaged!

A mansion that has been left to crumble and deteriorate is the key to secrets from past generations. Fiona Winslow is about to discover a book in the library. “The Midnight Estate” book will take her on a personal journey which seemingly measures her past.
Told in three timelines. Grab your favorite beverage and enjoy this gothic historical fiction. I have loved her historical fiction, but this gothic turn was unexpectedly a delight to my senses. The narrator was perfect for this audio book.

First, my thanks to NetGalley and Harper Audio for the early listen!

Let me begin by saying I wasnt sure what I was going to get in this book. A haunting with paranormal? A realistic fiction? I am happy to report the book kept me on edge in my progress to learn what the outcome was going be. I will say it wasn't massively suspenseful for me, but the mystery, the connection, and outcome keot me reading!

There were some eyeroll moments where I wanted to reach through the speaker and shake the main character to tell her the book was OBVIOUSLY related to her own situation in some way shape or form (otherwise why would it be in this book?!)--stop being daft! But of course, maybe that is the building of suspense when the character finds out and the reader is more omnipotent. 

Overall, I enjoyed this audiobook. The author writes in a way that sucks me in and the narrator spoke clearly (so clearly I was able to jump tp 2x immediately).

I liked the themes this book touched on--coercive control, feminism, Indigenous peoples of an area, history, small towns.  <spoiler>I would like to note I understand this wouldn't be viable in this day and age with globalism and the literal ability to buy anything from anywhere, but it was a nice world to exist in for the duration of the book.</spoiler>

Lastly, I enjoyed the wrap up at the end--not too much, not too little.

After an ugly divorce, a woman takes up residence in a crumbling family estate where she discovers a story that mysteriously mirrors her own life. Creepy and engaging, this gothic is highly recommended

Fiona goes home to renovate a family estate after a messy divorce. Her family tells her the estate has secrets that are better left buried, but Fiona doesn't believe them. She finds a novel, The Midnight Estate, and the novel eerily mirrors her own story.

This novel is similar to a Kate Morton novel and is a departure for Rimmer. I enjoyed the atmosphere and the story.