“Blackwickets always come home.”

If you’re looking for a dark, eerie mystery, wrapped in 1920s glamour, this one’s for you.

The first book in the new Dark Hall series follows Eleanora Blackwicket who has the unique and dangerous ability to eat curses.

After fleeing her family’s haunted estate years earlier, Eleanora has been living in hiding, trying to live a normal, unremarkable life, far away from Blackwicket House and her family’s dark past.

But when her estranged sister dies unexpectedly, Eleanora is forced to return home, only to find herself entangled in the corrupt criminal underworld of her hometown of Nightglass.

You can expect:

Magical organised crime - think Prohibition, but with outlawed magic instead of alcohol: black-market gangs, smokey speakeasies, ruthless gangsters, and vintage glamour make Nightglass super immersive and atmospheric.

Intricate magic system - the curse eating concept is really unique and interesting, but a little hard to follow in places. I was still able to enjoy the story, but I felt like I was making assumptions at times to fill in gaps where things hadn’t been explained clearly.

Slow burn - Enter Inspector Harrow of “The Authority,” an anti-magic agent determined to expose Eleanora. This is a true enemies to lovers and the tension is delicious.

Mystery and intrigue - a string of gruesome murders all seem to be connected to Eleanora, which only adds to Inspector Harrow’s suspicions. But who’s really responsible? Expect plenty of twists!

If you’re looking for something gothic and immersive with a touch of horror, look no further than Blackwicket. With the plot blown wide open at the end of the book, I can’t wait to see where the story goes next!

Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC.

I find it quite difficult to be writing this review as I really wanted to love Blackwicket. Firstly, let me mention that I think Bea Northwick is a fantastic author and the originality of her stories is undeniable! I truly loved her previous book The Cruel Dark but unfortunately Blackwicket wasn’t for me.

Let me start with what I enjoyed. The writing was as always fantastic. Bea is a master at building a hauntingly eerie atmosphere which makes her so good at gothic romance. I found the prose to be beautiful and the descriptions were vivid and very lyrical.
The plot was very original and I loooved the idea of a sentient mansion with its own quirks and moods. I also enjoyed the FMC with her quiet strength and stubbornness to forge her own way in life.

What didn’t work for me however was the world building. I was quite confused as to certain elements of the world and I found myself checking if I haven’t missed anything in earlier pages. I wish the magic was more explored as it was quite difficult for me to get invested into the story with so many pieces missing.

Another thing that fell flat to me was the romance. This is probably a personal preference but I didn’t truly feel like there was much chemistry between the MMC and FMC. Even the first kiss seemed to me a bit out of nowhere as I expected a bit more tension. But as i mentioned, this could just be a me thing as I completely devoured the romance in Bea’s previous book.

All in all, I think if you’re a fan of gothic romance Blackwicket might be just right up your alley. It wasn’t for me but the writing, descriptions and the gothic atmosphere was definitely beautiful and one of a kind!

There was a sneaky element of romance to this story, which I LOVED! Otherwise, this isn't the kind of book I would normally pick up (which is why I wanted to review it to begin with).

What I loved:
- a few great plot twists I didn't see coming
- the horror elements of a sentient house and human-like apparitions
- nuanced relationships between friends, families, and even lovers
- deep characters with strong development

What I didn't love:
- For me, the magic system was difficult to understand. Even since I finished the book and have had time to think through more of it, I'm not sure I understand what all the elements are or how they all work together.

I could see that there will be a sequel - or a standalone in the same universe - and I would definitely read it!

Absolutely adored this book! I loved the dark academia setting mixed with the spooky vibes. Right up my street.

Our stoic MMC was just perfect. He was broody and broken and I loved how she slowly chipped away at his walls. Such a beautiful romance.

This is the perfect read for the autumn season and I can’t wait to read more.

“There was something wrong in Nightglass, something unfamiliar and crooked. I yearned for my sister, wishing I could ask her about all that had happened to alter this town, turning it into a strange world that barely mimicked the home I'd once known, making it as foreign to me as the moon.”

Eleonora Blackwicket is coming home after hearing of her sister’s untimely death. Back home to the eeery coastal town of Nightglass.
What was once a home that was known for healing, is now full of curses.

This book is perfect for the Fall/Halloween season. It really enjoyed the creepy atmosphere and the suspenseful vibes .. not really knowing what was going on. It definitely reminded me of Fairydale (by Veronica Lancet) - who do you trust in town?
Ghosts, curses, and magic.
While I had trouble following the magic system, that could have just been me. I kept reading for the answers on the multiple plot twists.
The suspenseful plot is what kept me engaged, the romance was a second plot and not the main subject of the story which I didn’t mind at all.

Truly a unique book. I’d love more history on the magic system and how it came to be as it is now. I’d definitely read more of this world!

I really wanted to love this book from what id heard from other people, but I just could not get myself to finish the book. It didn't grasp my attention from the beginning, so that was disappointing.

Blackwicket is a lushly gothic romantasy full of curses, secrets, and haunting atmosphere. From the moment Eleanora is drawn back to Blackwicket House, the tension never lets up. The cliffs, the halls, the shadows—they all feel alive, as though the setting itself is conspiring against her.

The magic system is eerie and unique, with curse-eating and the Dark Hall adding layers of mystery that kept me turning pages. While the world-building can feel dense at times, the rich, descriptive prose makes it worth savoring.

Eleanora is a compelling heroine—flawed, guilt-ridden, but strong enough to face the darkness she tried to escape. Her dynamic with Inspector Harrow simmers with tension, slowly shifting from wary distrust to something deeper. I only wish the romance had been developed a little earlier to balance the heavy atmosphere.

If you enjoy gothic fantasy with morally grey characters, dark curses, and slow-burn romance, this is one to pick up. Bea Northwick has crafted a world that’s as unsettling as it is beautiful, and I’ll be eagerly watching for the next installment.

What a deliciously gothic romantasy. Our FMC, Eleanora, finds herself called back to her haunted gothic manor home which she fled years before. She comes from a family of Curse Eaters, a rare and sometimes prized magical ability, in a time where magic is outlawed. Her sister’s death brings her back home to this haunted house and shady town to unravel its mysteries and what led to her sister’s demise. Along the way, she is followed by our MMC Victor, an Authority man (the government enforcing the punishment for using magic), who has secrets of his own and just as much hatred for the town as Eleanora. The author packs so much into 350 pages and I devoured every twist and turn. The magic system was fascinating and its depth slowly unravels throughout the book. I hope for a sequel or novella to wrap up a surprise plot point mentioned at the end of the novel!

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and Bea Northwick for the ARC copy to read and review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Blackwicket is my first read of Northwick's work and I am impressed. She has created an intriguing, dark yet very unique world. I found the first half of the book's pacing to be slow. The second half was worth waiting for! I had so many questions about the mysteries surround the Blackwicket family, the magic, etc. Northwick did not disappoint with the twists and turns this story took. I would not describe Blackwicket as predictable.
Dark, gothic, and magical are perfect adjactives to describe this story. I am looking forward to reading more from Bea Northwick. Blackwicket should be your next read!

My review will be published on Goodreads, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble websites.

I'm sorry to say this one was a bit of a miss for me, despite me loving gothic fantasy and gothic romance, and being genuinely fascinated by the magic system in this book (curse eating? yes give me more) - something just didnt click for me. I did finish the book and I couldn't quite put my finger on it but in hindsight, I think it was Victor, I just don't think he was my type of MMC. I do think it was very well written, the prose was lovely, and I liked the FMC and the murder mystery vibes. I might even read the next book in the series (assuming there'll be one because there were some unresolved issues) because I am curious to know where it's going. It may even just be a mood thing for me right now, I'm not sure.

Thank you so much for sharing this with me! I really do appreciate it despite my enjoyment not being as high as I hoped.

I am such a fan of Bea Northwicks work. The storytelling from even the prologue had me. I did get a little confused with the setting at times, but I feel like that was more of an issue on my end with my predictions for the book. But either way, I love it. Thanks for the ARC so much!

Thank you Netgalley and Victory Editing Netgalley Co-op for an ARC of this book!

I honestly don't even know where to start. This was an absolutely phenomenal read! The story was addicting, The imagery is dark and beautiful, it reads like butter, I never knew what was going to happen next, The characters are great. I can't think of one "bad" thing to say about this one. Pure perfection

This is my review which as of today can be found on the following platforms,
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Bookmory
BookBub

DNF @17%
I can't believe that I'm saying this because I loved The Cruel Dark so much but this is gonna have to be a DNF, at least for now. I hate that I'm struggling so hard with this book, especially since the opening scene pulled me in so fast. After that tension initially resolved I find myself struggling to stay focused. The writing is so beautiful and descriptive but I'm getting bogged down in the world building. I do want to try and finish this book but I just can't get into it right now 😭😭

This book is the perfect read if you’re into all of the spooky vibes that the autumn months give. The second I started reading Blackwicket, it was like stepping into Gotham City; eerie, dark, gothic. I loved the atmosphere of Nightglass and how morally black all the characters are.

The entire magic system blew my mind! It was so unique and it took me a while to understand it (mostly but that’s nothing a reread won’t fix!). I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I would recommend people buy it! It’s for all the morally grey x even more morally grey lovers, romance and fantasy all in one

Thank you NetGalley and Bea Northwick for providing me the arc for this book! I loved it!

Blackwicket is one of those rare gothic fantasies that sneaks up on you. At first, the slower pacing might lull you into thinking it will be a gentle, atmospheric read—but before you know it, you’re completely hooked, burning through chapters until the early hours of the morning. That was my experience, and it speaks to how immersive and compelling this story becomes once it sinks its claws in.

The book thrives on its atmosphere. Northwick’s gothic setting is lush, eerie, and hauntingly vivid, the kind of backdrop that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a crumbling manor filled with secrets. The sentient house, the monsters lurking at the edges, and the creeping sense of dread are balanced beautifully with romance and character drama. It reminded me at times of Keeper of Enchanted Rooms with shades of Fairydale, though Blackwicket absolutely stands on its own.

The magic system is another standout—intricate, layered, and wonderfully strange. While it can take a little effort to fully grasp, that complexity pays off. It’s the kind of worldbuilding that rewards a re-read, full of details and threads that circle back with impact later in the story.

Characters are where Northwick truly shines. Eleanora is a captivating heroine, strong yet deeply human, with a backstory that unravels in powerful and surprising ways. The male lead (no spoilers here) is equally fascinating, with a history that ties directly into the twists that hit hardest near the end. Both are flawed, three-dimensional, and impossible not to root for. Their romance—an enemies-to-lovers slow burn—is deliciously tense, brimming with chemistry and built up with patience. It never overshadows the central plot but enhances it, making the emotional payoffs all the more satisfying.

And then there are the twists. Just when you think you know where the story is heading, Northwick yanks the ground out from under you. Every revelation feels earned, every breadcrumb planted earlier snapping into place. The final act is a whirlwind of gut punches and emotional highs that left me grinning, aching, and even a little teary.

Overall, Blackwicket is a spellbinding gothic fantasy—dark, romantic, and brimming with atmosphere. With its masterful blend of magic, monsters, slow-burn romance, and gasp-inducing twists, it’s the kind of book that keeps you reading until 3 a.m. and leaves you haunted long after the final page. Perfect for autumn nights, spooky season, or simply anyone craving a beautifully wrought gothic tale.

Thank you to Bea Northwick, Victory Editing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to read this sensation. All opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed Blackwicket and its eerie, gothic atmosphere. It’s the perfect read for spooky season. Centered around the sentient and haunted Blackwicket House and Blackwicket family, the story delivers just the right mix of suspense and romance for anyone craving a chilling yet heartfelt tale.

While I was initially a bit confused by the world-building and the nature of the curses, Northwick’s prose is fluid and immersive, keeping the momentum going even when the details feel a little murky. The writing draws you in, making it easy to stay engaged.
Though it shares some familiar elements with other haunted house stories, Blackwicket stands out with its unique twists and lingering sense of mystery. It manages to feel fresh while still hitting all the satisfying gothic beats.

Overall, this was a well-written, atmospheric read that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Title: Blackwicket
Author: @beanorthwick
Genre: Gothic Horror
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶️🌶️
Pub Date: September 9, 2025

I was really excited when @thegrimreadersbookclub picked this as our book of the month. The story sounded so intriguing. I wasn't disapointed!

"But the world moves on and leaves us holding our grief alone. Whether we allow it to drown us is our own choice."

Such an atmospheric read. I could picture everything, I felt like I could even smell and taste it. People are complex, and these characters even more so. So many mysteries to unravel. And the romantic, spicy tension? Phewwww!

If you Like:
✨Gothic Horror
✨Enemies to Lovers
✨Female Rage
✨Everyone is Morally Grey
✨Magic
✨Magical Organized Crime
✨Slow Burn
✨Monstrous Lover

Thank you @netgalley and @beanorthwick For the advanced copy for my honest thoughts and review.

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

Spoiler free - as usual.

Where to start with this one. Full disclosure, when I saw the ARC promo for this book, the cover and the vibes fully drew me in. Didn't really pay much attention to what it was about as I prefer to go in as blind as possible but the artwork - I loved it.

The rollercoaster I went on reading this book.... at first, I quite enjoyed the slow pacing and had been told by another reviewer that it was a slow start and took some getting into so I fully anticipated and accepted that. I got to about 30% and decided to have an early night with it. I haven't been sleeping and really needed a quiet, decent bedtime so I took my Kindle, cuppa tea and prepared to read a few chapters to make me feel sleepy enough to sleep.
Let me tell you.... I didn't get to sleep until gone 3.30am. I burned through the whole book. When I tell you it gripped me, believe me that it gripped me!

The magic system is complex. More complex than I've read in recent times. The concept itself is easy to pick up as you read but there are so many off shoots and explanations, it really is very well thought out. I personally think I got what I needed to get to understand what was going on, but I want to re-read it - its going to be one of those that you pick up more understanding in every time you dive into it - which I fully plan to do again.

The setting is giving gothic horror with a handful of romance after the SLOWEST of burns, and a salt bae dash of spice. Which I think suited the book 100%. The romance was important but it wasn't the main plot point. I was rooting for them but I was genuinely so drawn in by what was going on, the slow burn didn't sting too bad until towards the end. Without ruining the plot, the sentient house, the characters, the monsters etc was reminiscent of Whimbrel House (Keeper of Enchanted Rooms) mixed with - dare I say - Fairydale, which is a strange mix but if you read this and you've read both of those books, you may be able to get what I mean!
Everytime I thought I was nearly at the end, another plot twist hit, another gut punch, another revelation. Things that I had barely picked up earlier in the book came full circle, showing just how thought out this book really is.

I don't want to divulge much on the characters here as I wasn't sure who was the love interest to begin with so wont go into the MMC here for fear of giving that away. What I will say though is just....wow... his character is awesome. His history is a large plot point and the basis of some of the many twists towards the end of this book.
To be honest, the same with the FMC, Eleanora. Her identity is not a secret but she too has a huge background that gets unraveled throughout the book so I wont go into her either. She's one of my favourite FMCs that I've read this year.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's been a while since I've been so captivated that I devoured 70% of a book in one sitting, smiled and shed a little tear.

In summary, this was an absolutely spell binding gothic fantasy, with an enemies to lovers slow burn, magic, monsters, and a story line that will have you reading until 3am and struggling to wake up for work in the morning. 10000000% recommend and I will be buying the paperback for my trophy shelf.

Thank you to Bea Northwick, Victory Editing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to read this sensation. All opinions are my own.

Eleanora Blackwicket never imagined she’d return to the coastal town of Nightglass, yet here she stands before her childhood home, the infamous Blackwicket House. Once a celebrated inn known for its healing, it has since decayed into rot, haunted only by shadows and curses. However, Eleanora has no intention of reconnecting with its secrets. She has come for one purpose, to bury her sister, the last caretaker of Blackwicket House.But her return does not go unnoticed. The Brom, a criminal syndicate dealing in black market magic, soon fix their gaze on her, as does Victor Harrow, a ruthless and magnetic inspector for the anti magic Authority. For Eleanora, like her sister, carries a dangerous gift, the ability to consume curses.As the Brom and Harrow close in, so too do the secrets she’s tried to bury. Secrets that may unseal hidden doors within Blackwicket House and release the monsters waiting in the dark.

As huge fan of Northwick’s previous works I was screaming when I received this ARC. Every second spent within Blackwicket’s pages was filled with atmospheric gothic grim fantasy energy featuring forbidden magic, mystery, dangerous monsters, secrets, and slow burn rivals to lovers that had me completely engrossed and addicted. Not only does this unique world feature all the dark haunting elements that I live for within the gothic fantasy genre but also blended in light horror which made me adore this novel even more. Honestly I’m not sure what I loved more the magic, the tension filled romance, the chilling setting, or the monstrous cursed filled plot. Simply put if you are a lover of gothic tales with dark haunted halls, forbidden magic, and delicious angsty burning romance then you have to grab a copy of Blackwicket immediately.

Thank you NetGalley and Northwick Books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.