The Third Wife of Faraday House

After Emeline is caught in a scandal, she is sent away to marry the one suitor she has left… the wealthy Captain Graves. Off she goes to Faraday House, the home where Graves (aptly named) has lost his two previous wives to their early demise.

She has a plan… all she needs to do is hold out until her real love finally claims her… hopefully it doesn’t take long. Upon her arrival, though… Emeline discovers that the second Mrs. Graves hasn’t yet died. She is sick, but she is strong and the two form a bond.

There is something bad happening at Faraday House and Emeline isn’t safe. Along with some guidance from the handsome Reverend Pellerine, Emeline will stop at nothing, especially her own safety, to uncover the truth.

This is such a whimsical, cozy read. I loved the characters, I love the haunted plot lines. This was so much fun.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the ARC of The Third Wife of Faraday House by B.R. Myers in exchange for an honest review.

I read this right after finishing King Nyx, which was strange because the gothic theme and the presumed powerless women were both main features that could have seemingly shared the same tales (in a great way!).

I thought this was a great, suspenseful read. Emeline is innocent, young, and vapid (in a kind way) - she has been told her beauty is her only attribute, and she has no skill, talents, or expertise in anything besides looking pretty. When scandal chases her from her guardians' home to a marriage as the third wife of Captain Graves, she finds that Georgina, the second wife of Captain Graves, is still alive and Emeline is meant to wait in the wings.

As Emeline builds a relationship with Georgina, mysterious and dangerous things are happening across the island. Some paranormal, some the circumstances of a single woman in the 1800s, and Emeline is desperate to keep her own sanity and to keep Georgina alive, no matter the risk.

The romance is a slow, low burn, and there are a good amount of historical background and culture that help to set the tone of the story.

The end was definitely a surprise to me on multiple levels - and I read the book in one sitting, anxious to figure out whether what is truly haunting prosper island and who will live through its reckoning.

The Third Wife of Faraday House by B.R. Mets is an interesting book that delves into the life of Emeline who is told by her strict guardians that she is nothing more than a pretty face. While her guardians are looking at setting her up with a wealthy older gentleman, she is impatiently waiting for her love who is away in the Royal Navy to come rescue her.

Insert one scandal later and Emeline is rushed into a betrothal with the wealthy Mr. Graves, looking to make her his third wife.
Emeline is shipped off to Faraday House where things aren’t as they seem. The second Mrs. Graves is very much alive, albeit ill and not quite ready to become the latest dead wife.

She and Emeline form a bond and Emeline vows to protect her, while investigating what is happening and discovering actual true love along the way.

I really enjoyed this book and the way that Emeline found her way to herself- that she was worthy and more than just a pretty face. Her bonding with Georgina was a great storyline and I was a bit surprised, in a good way, at the true villains. It wasn’t an obvious storyline.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

This book was good. It kept my attention and held me until the very shocking ending. I could not predict the ending there was so many possibilities that you had to read the end to get the answers you were looking for.

I would recommend this book to anyone.

All the wives die young in Faraday House…

This gripping, gothic, spooky thriller sends shivers down your spine, keeping you on your toes and evoking a restless feeling in your stomach. Without solving the mystery, you cannot feel completely at ease, compelling you to turn the pages faster. Everyone in the house is a suspect! No one is credible or trustworthy! Each character emits suspicious vibes as tension steadily builds until the climax begins.

The dark, pessimistic atmosphere of the house heightens the thrill, while well-balanced pacing guides you through the dark secrets of the place and its inhabitants.

The story revolves around Emeline Fitzpatrick, a young woman raised by guardians in foggy Halifax after her parents' unfortunate demise. She is in love with the handsome Lieutenant Frederick from the British navy, dreaming of sailing to Bermuda with him to escape her trapped, bitter life. However, when she finds herself in a dire situation leading to a scandal, her only choices are to join a coven or become the third wife of the wealthy and enigmatic Captain Graves. Opting for the latter, she hopes to escape the marriage without being consumed, with the assistance of her lover.

Upon arriving at Faraday House after a carriage incident involving a mysterious and charismatic Reverend Pellerine, Emeline discovers that the second wife, Georgina, of Captain Graves is still alive but suffering from an unknown illness, fading away each day. Emeline's only way to end the marriage is to help Georgina stay alive until her lover Frederick's ship arrives to rescue her. However, Emeline soon realizes that something more sinister lurks in the corridors of the house, related to its dark past. If she cannot uncover the truth, she may become another victim buried in the graves around the island. Whom can she trust? With whom can she form alliances?

Overall, this is an absolutely gripping and exciting paranormal mystery blended with a historical thriller, carrying an encouraging message. I look forward to reading more books by this author!

Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for providing me with a digital reviewer copy of this unputdownable book in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Thank you NetGalley for a free e-galley of this book in exchange for an honest review.

B.R. Myers' "The Third Wife of Faraday House" is a masterful blend of Gothic mystery, romance, and suspense that ensnares the reader from the very beginning. The novel, set in the hauntingly atmospheric Faraday House, is a tribute to classic Gothic fiction, woven with modern storytelling sensibilities. Myers creates a world where the lines between the living and the dead blur, and where every shadow seems to whisper secrets of the past.

The story of Emeline Fitzpatrick, a young woman desperate to escape her restrictive life in Halifax, unfolds with a sense of urgency and foreboding. Her journey from naivety to a strong, determined character is both compelling and satisfying. The twist of arriving at Faraday House to find the second Mrs. Graves still alive adds a deliciously eerie and unexpected element to the plot.

Myers excels in creating a Gothic atmosphere that is both oppressive and mesmerizing. The decaying splendor of Faraday House, with its ghostly secrets and dark history, is almost a character in itself, setting the stage for a tale of mystery and suspense. The relationship between Emeline and Georgina, the second Mrs. Graves, is one of the highlights of the novel, offering a refreshing take on female friendship and solidarity in the face of adversity.

The inclusion of the handsome reverend with a mysterious past adds an intriguing romantic subplot that blends seamlessly with the main narrative. Myers' skillful handling of the romance, mystery, and supernatural elements makes "The Third Wife of Faraday House" a well-rounded and engaging read.

The novel's pacing is perfectly tuned, balancing moments of intense suspense with character development and plot revelations. The themes of courage, self-discovery, and the fight against oppressive forces are woven throughout the narrative, making the story resonate with modern readers while staying true to the Gothic tradition.

"The Third Wife of Faraday House" is a must-read for fans of Gothic fiction and anyone who enjoys a good mystery with a supernatural twist. B.R. Myers has crafted a story that is both a homage to the genre and a unique tale in its own right, delivering a novel that is as haunting as it is captivating. This book is a testament to Myers' talent for creating atmospheric, character-driven stories that stay with you long after the last page is turned.

"Thank you for saving me," I said.
"Bien sûr." He turned his face to me and smiled. "Of course."
"I was talking to Moses."

LOVE. Couldn't put this book down. I had another few novels that I'm also reading and I kept coming back to this one. The pacing is immaculate, the banter engaging, the imagery amazing. It's giving a gothic Bridgerton meets murder mystery and I loved it. It took some getting used to but I think it showed character growth from the FMC; how she was very naive and vapid in the beginning, to where Emeline was at the end of the novel. The side characters were so well developed and I felt like each could stand on their own. There were just a few grammatical errors, like in chapter 13 before "He let out a tired sigh" there shouldn't be a quotation mark. Other than that, keep as is. This is one of the novels where I want to have a physical copy and display it on my bookshelf.

The Edgar-award winning author B.R. Myers brings us The Third Wife of Faraday House, which is both a murder mystery and ghost story combined. This novel is published by Harper Collins and is planned to be released in August of 2024.

It is the early eighteen-hundreds when Emeline, a naive young woman, finds herself embroiled in scandal and is shipped off to Faraday House. She is to become the third bride of its owner, Captain Graves. But her arrival is a far from welcoming one (the second Mrs. Graves is not even dead!) and she finds herself lost inside the swirl of rumors and the people and practices of Faraday House.

Will no one save her from her fate?

What I enjoyed most about this book was the mystery of it all: the house, its history, and trying to piece together what was really going on as the story takes place.

The Third Wife of Faraday House was a fun read -
*gothic mystery
*low key tension that builds
*darkly atmospheric

I found this paranormal thriller gripping and exciting, to say the least. I was kept wondering right up til the end.

Enjoyable and recommended.


Thank you to William Morrow Paperbacks and NetGalley for the DRC

I am glad I finished this book, it was a little slow in the middle, but I think my crow brain was to blame, wanting to change gears to newer shinier books. The mystery was decent, the romance was sweat and gentle, and I was happy that it had ghosts and the Christmas season. With the long winter nights, ghosts feel like they belong more to Christmas than to Halloween.

I absolutely love this author. Her descriptions and attention to detail when it comes to a true gothic novel is beautiful. It’s all about setting the scene with these types of books and she does this wonderfully.

The mystery aspect was fun and entertaining. The characters are gripping and kept me interested. Highly recommend.

This book was such a fun ride! Cozy, whimsical and mysterious, I simply couldn’t put it down. The twists and turns kept the pages turning, and there were several jaw-dropping moments. This gothic mystery truly has a little bit of everything (including even a hint of romance.)

The setting was perfectly atmospheric and I found the pacing for the mystery itself to be extremely well done. While some parts were mildly predictable, there were still many moments that surprised me. I think this one will be published at the perfect time next year to make this such a great fall read for many.

That said, I do feel there were some elements that could have been a little stronger, one of those being the romance. The main romance woven throughout felt a bit out of place and forced. While it did have me smiling at times like any good romance should, it just wasn’t completely believable and their communication (or lack thereof) was a little off putting.

I also feel Emaline’s character development could have been a little stronger, or possibly just not so rushed at the end. I felt there wasn’t much progress, and then suddenly major revelations were happening in the last 5-10%. I also would have liked to have gotten to know some of the other characters a little better, as this would have given the plot more depth for me.

Overall, I will absolutely still recommend this one, and I can't wait to read more by this author!

The Third Wife of Faraday House is a suspenseful but fun gothic tale. Though it takes a bit to get going, the background information at the start does help provide insights into later character behavior. Once I was past the setup phase, I tore through this book. And yes, even though I guessed at the conclusion, I still very much enjoyed the journey and twists and turns. The setting and spooky descriptions were fantastic. I love that it's a "new world" location that isn't seen much in the genre. I did wish for some more character development between the various individuals, or just more in depth interactions/ connections. But overall I really enjoyed this story!

Nothing like showing up to your new fiancé's house only to find out that his previous wife isn't quite dead yet, amirite? Awkward.

The Third Wife of Faraday House is a suspenseful and entertaining Gothic mystery. It's also billed as a romance but there's really not a whole lot of the lovey-dovey stuff to be found, which is perfectly okay with me – I'm just here for the Gothic-y bits anyway.

I found this to be a mostly enjoyable and well-written novel. It's definitely suspenseful – I read the last 50% in one setting, even though I'd actually gone to bed early because I could barely keep my eyes open. Once the action really started, I couldn't put the book down and discovered that I maybe wasn't so tired after all. The plot is twisty-turny and there are definitely a few surprises that I didn't see coming. I also appreciated the supernatural bits – this is by no means a horror story, but there is a little creepy ghostly action.

Emeline is a delightful main character and I enjoyed following along as she unravels the mysteries of Faraday House and its inhabitants. I also found myself rooting for the second Mrs. Graves, although she really doesn't have much of a personality beyond “sick.” The villains of the story aren't really much of a surprise (I mean, there aren't really all that many characters to choose from to begin with), but at the same time I was surprised by how villainous they end up being.

And the setting? Fantastic. I've mentioned (probably many times) previously that I'm a sucker for anything that involves an English manor house, and apparently that extends to Canadian manor houses as well.

My one big quibble (is “big quibble” an oxymoron? almost certainly, but whatever.) is that certain parts of the story just feel … hollow? Underdeveloped? Mainly the relationships. Emeline and Georgina are near strangers and yet they're basically BFFs by the end. The “relationship” between Emeline and Reverend Pellerine doesn't seem very realistic either, probably because they only occasionally interact and there doesn't seem to be any real non-physical reason for their attraction to each other. And the ending? I don't want to spoil anything so I'll spare the details, but it's just more of the same … the characters involved all adore each other for, um, reasons? They barely know each other!

Quibbles notwithstanding, however, The Third Wife of Faraday House is an original and suspenseful read that kept me turning the pages. 3.75 stars, rounded up.

Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review.

This book gives me many emotions—sorrow, happiness, and content. Secret lies within those you trust most, explaining why trust is the most important part of the relationship and kindness blends all around us.

Amazing book and I would highly recommend this as your TBR list in 2024.

First of thanks to B.R Myers and Netgally for this Arc. Second, this book was so good. I went in thinking I knew what it was in for and in fact did not. I also didn't expect it to give me a bit of the spooks...but it did haha, I had to turn a light on a couple of times because I was spooked. Some of the pacing was bit off but, It was the perfect mix of mystery, romance and spooky ookies. This doesn't come out till August 2024 but definitely throw this on your TBR now!

I liked “The 3rd Wife of Faraday House” very, very much. The main character has been raised to be pretty so as to land a good marriage and to not ruffle feathers. But upon being shipped off to Faraday House to marry Captain Graves, she finds herself digging deeper than before, not only to more strength and vulnerability but also to uncovering the mystery of the young wives and their untimely deaths at this spooky mansion by the sea. If you enjoyed B. R. Meyers' previous novel, you will absolutely like this one also- the gothic romance vibes are alive and well here!

"The Third Wife of Faraday House" earns its 4-star rating as a captivating murder mystery with a Regency twist. B.R. Myers delivers an engaging love letter to Gothic fiction, inviting readers to unravel the ghostly secrets of Faraday House alongside a cast of compelling characters.

This was a beautifully done Gothic fiction novel, it had everything that I was looking for based on the description. The characters were everything that I wanted from this type of book and I enjoyed how B.R. Myers wrote this. The cover was what drew me in and I’m glad I enjoyed reading this a lot.

Holy bookshelves, "The Third Wife of Faraday House" took me on a rollercoaster of emotions! Right from page one, I was sucked into Emeline's world, and let me tell you, it's a ride you won't want to get off. The mystery had me playing detective, trying to unravel the twists until the absolutely thrilling and oh-so-satisfying conclusion. And that epilogue? It was like the author sprinkled magic dust on the pages — *chef's kiss*

But can we talk about Emeline? She started off as this unsure, wide-eyed character, and by the end, she's this powerhouse of bravery and intelligence. The character development is like a literary glow-up that adds a whole new layer of depth to the story. I mean, kudos to B.R. Myers for turning Emeline into the awesome woman she was always meant to be!

And let's not forget the perfect blend of spookiness and romance. Picture this: rain tapping on the window, a cozy blanket, a cup of tea in hand, and you're knee-deep in the mysterious world of Faraday House. It's the kind of book that becomes your rainy day companion, making you forget about the gloom outside.

In a nutshell, "The Third Wife of Faraday House" isn't just a book; it's a literary adventure that'll keep you hooked from start to finish. If you're into stories that make your heart race, your brain work overtime, and leave you with a sense of pure satisfaction, this one's a winner. Grab a copy, clear your schedule, and get ready for a wild ride!

Got my hands on this beauty for free as an advance review copy, and let me tell you, this review is me voluntarily spilling all the bookish tea. No strings attached – just my honest, unfiltered take on the awesomeness I encountered between the pages!

This was an excellent read it reminded me so much of a movie i love in gothic romance called crimson peaks.
this woman has to get married to this man but he is a captain of this creepy house that is covered in vines, problem is she finds out that he had two wives already one that died an another that is dying. I dont want to spoil it too much because I feel like it would spoil the plot of the story. But you do find out a lot on why the second wife died and why the third one is dying.

She hides a secret the main character as well and is nervous about telling the captain you are turning the pages and its like a lot is happening for a really big book with 45 something chapters. I read this it took me a few days because I was reading the book at night and i wanted to see what would happen in this mystery gothic book.

I was invested in on their maid of the house there was a lot of times i pointed my finger thinking it was someone else in the house and of course you do find out the truth at the end but the story was excellent. She in the beginning has to get married to captain graves while she's waiting for her main man frederick to arrive to take her away to marry her and she has to hold on to her secret. It was just so good. Thank you to netgalley for giving me this arc to read.

Emaline Fitzpatrick is ready to escape her guardians and marry the handsome man who has captured her heart. Unfortunately, Emaline learns the hard way that when someone keeps you a secret, they’re not actually that into you. Now that she’s the face of a scandal, she has two choices: settle into life at a convent or marry Captain Graves. Emaline finds herself in quite the pickle when she arrives at Faraday. Captain Graves described himself as a widower, but it turns out his second wife is still holding on for dear life! Now Emaline finds herself trying to save Mrs. Graves from her impending death all trying to figure out if the place is really haunted.

We follow Emaline, a young woman who was raised by a judge and his wife after being orphaned. All she wants is to escape the controlling and restricted life she has with a husband of her choosing. Instead, she finds herself wedged into a corner. Emaline is not the smartest of people, but I think she just needs everyone to give her a chance even if her first step is to fall flat on her face. While she does some pretty dumb things, she also makes some pretty good discoveries, so I think she was always told that the only thing she had was her looks. One of the things I like about the book is that we get to see her slowly find her strength along the way.

This book has mystery, ghosts, and a house full of people who are not what they seem to be. Emaline is my favorite character. She’s nice, caring, and has a heart. She’s extremely naïve and isn’t always holding the braincell, but she’s fun to follow and has some excellent character growth. There is a little bit of romance in the book, and it’s easy to tell who she will ultimately end up with right away, so I wouldn’t pick this up if you’re looking for a romance.

There’s also a really interesting cast of characters. They all have their secrets. The only difference is we know what Emaline’s secrets are, so we have to watch her slowly discover everyone else’s. I think there’s only two characters who are pretty straight forward. The rest are two-faced to different degrees and everyone has a different motive. It was really interesting to see how the characters slowly reveal what they’ve really been up to.

All in all, this was an excellent read. I was fully absorbed in the story from the moment I opened the page and was actually shocked by the way a few things played out. I’m excited to read some of the author’s other books because this was truly excellent from beginning to end. I do have a few questions about the ending because Emaline’s guardians are suddenly loving saints and everyone is besties, but I think those are the only things that just appeared out of nowhere.

The Third Wife of Faraday House
by B.R. Myers
Pub Date: 20 Aug 2024
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

One amazing gothic romance with so many twist that will keep on your toes !!


'Til death do us part...

November 1816: Restless but naïve Emeline Fitzpatrick is desperate to escape her stifling life in foggy Halifax. Her guardian is lining up repugnant suitors, but Emeline has her eyes set on a handsome lieutenant in the British navy. She just needs to persuade him to propose, or her one chance at happiness will be gone forever.

But when Emeline’s hopes end in scandal, she finds herself with only one suitor left: the wealthy and enigmatic Captain Graves. Having already lost two wives to tragic circumstances, the unfortunate widower is seeking a new companion in his cloistered seaside manor, Faraday House. Or at least that is what Emeline had been told, because when she arrives, she is horrified to discover that the second Mrs. Graves, Georgina, has not yet died.

Emeline is only certain of two things: something ghastly is afoot at Faraday House, and no one is going to save her. She will have to rely on her own courage, her burgeoning bond with the ill but strong-willed Georgina, and the aid of a handsome reverend with a mysterious past to unravel the secrets at the heart of the manor and forge her own destiny.

I really enjoyed the historical thriller aspect mixed with the paranormal mystery! Really well done!

In this tale of love gone wrong resulting in an arranged marriage finds Emeline Fitzpatrick desperate to find a way out of her dilemma after her supposedly relationship with a handsome navy officer ends in scandal. She is whisked away to Faraday House, a crumbling cement home owned by a widowed sea captain. Sure, he has money but the hangup is that the captain's second wife is not yet dead when Emeline arrives! From this nifty romance hook, the story becomes one containing many gothic mystery tropes from creaking floors, women grasping candelabras, footsteps treading in secret rooms, ghosts trying to communicate with the living, a nasty suspicious staff plus a dying woman secluded in an upstairs bedroom. Emeline wants out of her upcoming nuptials and foolishly figures her navy officer will sail up and rescue her. As she waits for this miracle, a local reverend who is easy on her eyes warns her of the house's curse. This is a fine mystery that ties up neatly and readers will hope Emeline finds a happy ending.

There are books that stay open in your mind even when you've put the book down for a while. This Third Wife of Faraday House is one of those books. This is a mysterious, gothic story about a young woman, Emeline, sent away from her guardians after scandal. Her guardians have arranged a marriage for her, but she arrives on the private island of her future husband to find out that he has a wife, Georgina, who is slowly dying. Our main character is somewhat naive and is slow to realize she can't trust anyone who lives in Faraday House. Emeline is somewhat eager to marry, but she also wants to help Georgina. But can she trust Georgina? What about the Reverend who doesn't live at the house? Is the first wife, who came before Georgina, haunting the house?

Even when Emeline is fumbling because of her naiveite, you find yourself rooting for her, as it seems like everyone is against her. It's interesting to have a heroine who isn't a traditional hero - she's sheltered, ignorant, and is grasping at a romantic scenario in her head for most of the book.

The pace picks up considerably when Emeline realizes she's been manipulated. She doesn't turn into a hero - she stumbles her way to safety in the end. The epilogue of this story is one of the most satisfying ones I've ever read. The jump into the future is a great tactic in epilogues and this one does it beautifully.

I’m loving the spooky Jane Eyre, Rebecca vibes in this Gothic novel. Any novel with a creepy house that is a character in its own right is right up my alley.

I loved the collaborative nature between the two main female characters in this novel. It was great to see them come together to make the best of their circumstances.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

This was such an atmospheric and gripping, gothic thriller. I really just enjoyed every second of this book. There's nothing like tons of eerie unease, ghostly apparitions and a wind-battered mansion by the sea to really set the tone. The climax of this book is absolutely ridiculous in the best way with plenty of twists and turns. The ending was satisfying and completely deserved after everything that happened along the way.

I also really loved the side romance plot. I found Emeline and Rene's moments together so sweet and I'm happy how their story ended. Of course, Moses is probably my favorite character. Gotta love a large, sweet dog.

Thank you to William Morrow, William Morrow Paperbacks and Netgalley for the e-arc of this book!

4 🌟
A very fun, yet predictable read. Despite being predictable I quite enjoyed reading, especially after I got sucked into the characters. I found myself caring for the characters and enjoyed reading about them despite guessing at the ending. I wish there was a bit more character development, but regardless I still found myself wanting to read more. A gothic mystery read I would absolutely recommend, it's a page turner once you get invested.

Thank you to netgalley for the arc copy!

I couldn’t help but read this book in one day. It had that classic Jane Eyre-esque gothic feel right away. The mystery was really grabbing, filled with twists I didn’t see coming and plenty of convincing red herrings. Perfect for those who like gothic that leans mysterious and paranormal without being too heavy.

Gothic mystery!
Emeline Fitzpatrick is hoping to escape her life. Her guardian (early 1800's) is lining up potential suitors but she is hoping for more. A scandal causes her to have far less choice in her future and she takes what is left - Captain Graves. Graces is mysterious. Two previous wives has died so its safe that Emaline might be in danger. The biggest surprise to Emeline is when she arrives at Faraday House and meets the late wife! Add a bit of a gothic element and there is a spooky, almost claustrophobic feeling.
if you like paranormal with your mystery, creepy with your gothic, this is a fantastic story for you!
#williammorrow #thehtirdwifeoffaradayhouse #brmyers

What a fun read! This is going to be absolutely perfect all year round, but especially during the Fall!

In The Third Wife of Faraday House by B.R. Myers, the ominous atmosphere of Faraday House sets the stage for a gripping gothic thriller where the wives meet untimely ends, leaving a lingering sense of unease. As Emeline Fitzpatrick navigates the treacherous waters of marriage to the enigmatic Captain Graves, she finds herself embroiled in a web of suspicion and deceit. With each page turn, tension mounts as Emeline races against time to uncover the dark secrets lurking within the house's walls while evading her own demise. Myers skillfully blends paranormal mystery with historical thriller elements, keeping readers enthralled until the very end.

Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for the ARC of this book.

I wasn’t sure what to expect since I selected this book based solely on the title and the cover art, but I was pleasantly surprised. The characters were well-developed, setting was interesting (both in time and place), and the historical feeling was present. I really enjoyed the evolution of the main character throughout the book from more of a damsel in distress to someone who solves things herself. It felt very powerful.

My only minor complaint is that the pacing definitely didn’t feel even throughout the book. All the background at the beginning felt like it could have been a bit more polished, but that’s really a minor complaint in the context of the whole story.

I’d give this a 4.5/5 rounding to 5 for Goodreads purposes. Would read more from this author.

This is a gothic novel in the style of books like Rebecca and Jane Eyre—I think the author probably likes those two novels a lot, and perhaps Persuasion, too, as there's some letter writing that reminded me of that title as well.

Emeline is a society girl living in Victorian-era Halifax, and she gets into a spot of scandal. Given the choice between getting shipped off to a convent or marrying an older sea captain who is seeking a third wife, she opts for the latter. She's promptly packed up and sent off to the captain's estate on an island.

Immediately upon her arrival she discovers the captain, the local reverend, three staff members and...the second wife. The second wife is still alive (barely) and Emeline has to more or less wait around for her to kick the bucket. The captain's already got a new marriage license drawn up and everything.

I enjoyed the pacing and setting of the novel—the way in which Emeline interacted with the dying wife was fantastic, and their interactions were by far my favorite (that sounds a lot more morbid than it is. All is not as it seems when it comes to the dying second wife!) There are some romantic subplots in the book which I actually would have done without—I found the female friendships and alliances in the book to be the strongest part.

Many thanks to William Morrow and Netgalley for the copy of this book!

If you like Gothic mysteries and you like a touch of paranormal this is definitely the book for you. There wasn't anything about this book that I didn't enjoy. The storyline, setting and characters were all wonderful and I was engaged in the book until the end.

I had never read a suspense book. But this story paralyzes you, wanting to know what is happening at Faraday house is completely exciting.
Emeline Fitzpatrick arrives in Faraday with a plan in mind but what Emeline wanted was not the same thing that fate had prepared for her.