annieb123's Review of Secrets of Rose Briar Hall

by Kelsey James

In this Gilded Age gothic homage to “Gaslight” starring Ingrid Bergman, a wealthy young newlywed in early 20th century New York is isolated within her opulent, yet ominously empty mansion by the charismatic and controlling new husband plotting to undermine her sanity…

“A gothic mystery as full of twists and turns as a Victorian staircase. I couldn’t put it down!” —Lisa Jackson, #1 New York Times bestselling author

1908, Long Island: For Millie Turner, the young and beautiful wife of a powerful New York stockbroker, Rose Briar Hall—a gleaming edifice of white marble on the North Shore—is more than a home. Every lavish detail speaks of Charles Turner’s status and wealth, and its stylish interior is testament to Millie’s sophistication. All that’s left is to prove her worthiness to be his bride. What better way than to throw a grand party for New York’s social elite?

After painstaking planning, the night of the event arrives and all is perfection—until Millie wakes to a cold, eerily quiet house, and a gray cloud where her memory should be. Can it be true that she has been in and out of consciousness for weeks, ever since the party took a terrifying turn? Millie recalls nothing. But her friends have shunned her, and it soon becomes clear that if she can't find out what really happened that night, much more than her reputation will be at risk . . .

As the house that promised so much happiness begins to feel more like a prison, Millie wonders whether a woman alone, even a wealthy one, can ever be entirely safe. And if she succeeds in finding the truth, will it bring relief, or shake her marriage, and her life, to the core?

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Secrets of Rose Briar Hall is an atmospheric historical mystery set in New York's gilded age by Kelsey James. Due out 25th June 2024 from Kensington, it's 304 pages and will be available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.

Although generally well written and a good homage to Gaslight, it's not completely problem free. It's written in first person PoV and many of the passages are somewhat overwrought and more like a laundry list of clothing, decorating, and things MC Millie has bought and worn. It's well written but definitely noticeable after a while.

There's a creepy gothic vibe in the setting descriptions, and the plot turns on Millie's fears and doubts about her own sanity, reinforced by her caring and loving husband and their household staff. It's a standalone novel and the denouement and resolution are satisfying and self contained in this book (no cliffhangers).

The unabridged audiobook version has a run time of 9 hours 47 minutes and is read by Sofia Willingham. She has an odd, breathy voice in the reading with a possibly historically accurate, but definitely peculiar accent. Sound and production quality are high throughout the read.

Four stars overall for the story and homage/pastiche, three for the audiobook version because the narration was a definite hindrance to concentrating on the story and never faded into neutrality.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Reading updates

21 June, 2024: Started reading

21 June, 2024: Finished reading

21 June, 2024: Reviewed