Review: The Ghosts of Merry Hall by Heather Davey
4 September 2025
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Book Reviews, Books, fiction, Heather Davey, Review, reviews, The Ghosts of Merry Hall
My Five Word TL:DR Review: Liked it not Loved It
The Ghosts of Merry Hall is a gothic ghost story with a split timeline, in the current day we have a woman, recently split from her partner and struggling to make ends meet with no job and a teenage daughter to care for. Back in the past, we have a young girl, taken under the wing of a well to do man, who has plans for her to become the star performer in his ‘curiosity’ show.
Nell and her daughter Fern are really struggling. They’re living in a tiny room, money is a problem and Nell really needs to find work. In a stroke of luck Nell manages to find a whole country house with very affordable rent, at the same time as acquiring a job waiting on. Of course, it’s not ideal but it’s affordable and the two will have their own space. Except they won’t, have their own space because Merry Hall has ghosts. Vengeful spirits in fact.
Jumping back to the past we have Dolly who is lovestruck by showman Abel Wenham, unfortunately Abel is not entirely the paragon of virtue that everyone believes him to be, he’s certainly not above seducing Dolly and making her believe she means everything to him whilst using her as the star of his show.
What I enjoyed about this.
The writing was good, it’s a very easy book to get along with, I love a dual timeline and anything with the description ‘gothic’ always grabs my attention with ease. On top of which I had no problem reading this with fairly indecent haste – however, I did have some issues which prevented this from becoming a book I loved.
Firstly, I didn’t really love Nell. I thought some of her decisions were questionable and sometimes her train of thought went off in the strangest directions. I did like Fern. She was a typical prickly teenager, she also made some terrible decisions but they came across as more believable under the circumstances.
Secondly, and this is probably what really held me back was I didn’t feel any fear, there were plenty of things going bump in the night and clearly the Hall was occupied by the deceased but it didn’t scare me, it didn’t give me the heebies or deliver the gothic atmosphere that I was really hoping for.
I think The Ghosts of Merry Hall has a lot going for it and I think it will definitely find it’s audience. And, I would be interested to see what the author comes up with next.
I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
My rating 3 of 5 stars
Review: No Friend to This House by Natalie Haynes
3 September 2025
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Book Reviews, Books, Greek Mythology, Mythology, Natalie Haynes, No Friend to This House, Review
My Five Word TL:DR Review: Retelling of Jason and Medea
I am really enjoying the books that retell Greek mythology, usually from a lesser known perspective and No Friend to This House was a very enjoyable and cleverly told story that uses many threads that weave together in an intriguing and satisfactory fashion.
This is a story that is founded on the very well known story of Jason and his Argonauts but told from a lesser known character (or at least one that doesn’t usually have much voice), Medea who brings us a whole new perspective on Jason and his heroics.
I will say from the outset that although I had a slowish start with this, once I became used to the style, I thoroughly enjoyed this retelling. It brings to the reader multiple characters who sometimes appear very briefly simply to interject a quick burst of illumination and then retire not to be seen again. It has interfering Greek Gods – something you really can’t avoid in these stories and why should you because they are entertaining – and other characters who at first may seem insignificant but play a small part in either shaping or directing the narrative.
Medea, as you may be aware was a sorceress and the daughter of a God and although her tale is dark she keeps the favour of the Gods (in spite of some dire acts) signalling just how much Jason eventually fell from grace. Medea was herself used by the Gods in their little games, being smitten by Jason upon first sight (having been shot with one of Eros’ love arrows how could she possibly resist?). So, of course she betrays her king and country and helps Jason to win the Golden Fleece. Jason comes across as charming and gifted at winning people over but ultimately, he betrays Medea and, as her story has shown along the way, she has something of a vengeful streak. Theirs is definitely a Greek Tragedy but this retelling manages to inject humour and a sense of fun and it is captivating. I was hooked.
I don’t want to say too much about the story, it takes the path that you would expect but it shines a different light on Medea making her more sympathetic (even in the face of atrocities). I mean, I couldn’t help really feeling for her and wanting very much to slap Jason.
The writing is really good, it’s clever the way the smallest incidents play into the story and become much more relevant and in fact just writing about my thoughts and feelings makes me realise that I would really love to read this again just to see what I missed.
In conclusion, although I needed a little time to warm up initially, this book really did sink its teeth in and grip me. I think I had reservations, having read a couple of retellings fairly recently I wondered if this might tread the same path but it was such an entertaining read that although the path is familiar the events were given a unique slant and for me it revealed things that I was completely unaware of – for example the golden fleece – well, it has a story of it’s own that I had no idea about.
This is my first book by this author but it certainly won’t be my last.
I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
My rating 4 of 5 stars
Review: A Honeymoon of Grave Consequence by Stephanie Burgis (The Unexpected Adventures of Lady and Lord Riven #2)
1 September 2025
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: A Honeymoon of Grave Consequence, Book Reviews, Books, fiction, reading, Review, Stephanie Burgis, The Unexpected Adventures of Lady and Lord Riven #2
My Five Word TL:DR Review: Deliciously, Outrageously Cosy and Romantic
I enjoyed the first book in this winning series (A Marriage of Undead Inconvenience) and couldn’t wait to tuck into this second instalment and, to be absolutely brutally honest, this was even better – possibly because I enjoy something a little more meaty and this story is longer than the first – still totally manageable in one delicious bite – but, definitely more to sink your teeth into (I did that on purpose of course).
Now, if you’re planning on reading this, yes, you should read the first instalment, it’s such a beautiful opener and a very quick read so, not only would it be utterly pointless to miss it but also unnecessary – so read it already and do yourself a favour. Oh, also, there may be spoilers in this review so you have been warned – leave now if you haven’t read the first yet.
Margaret and Lord Riven are now happily married, they may not have started out ‘happily’ but their relationship is blooming and, following a slight delay to accommodate Margaret’s (Lady Riven if you will) new found academic acclaim, the two are about to embark on a honeymoon. They’re staying in a remote inn deep in the Black Forest – of course, Margaret shall be using the time, far away from high society, to study and she’s hoping to locate an ancient relic. Imagine the surprise when, upon arrival at the inn, it appears that all the other guests are supernatural creatures – of the lethal variety – and Margaret is only being tolerated because of her equally lethal vampire husband. Perhaps not the most fortuitous of starts, but there is at least good tea.
I shall not elaborate further on the story other than to say it really is a delight of a story with all manner of supernaturals, a baddie on a mission and the very real danger that Lady Riven is in real danger – she’s in much deeper than she thought possible and a broken heart is a real possibility.
What I loved.
This is romantic, and cosy, well written and has great, and realistic, dialogue. Burgis exceeds in all these areas with panache. On top of this there’s an intriguing storyline and an ending that promises more goodness in the future and the whole ensemble has a fairytale feel with castles and glass coffins (but with teeth).
Margaret is a great character to read and her husband is the perfect partner. I love the dynamic between these two and I’m excited to read more. Margaret is the prickly, anti social academic who hates small talk to Lord Riven’s sociable butterfly who loves nothing more than meeting new people. They have a balance that really strikes a chord.
In terms of new characters – well, the other guests at the inn are a feisty bunch – and, I don’t really want to give away spoilers but their eventual acceptance of Margaret as part of their community is positively joyous.
In conclusion this was a little belter and frankly I’m hoping for (and in fact I’m more or less positive that we will have) more adventures with Lady and Lord Riven.
I received a copy courtesy of the author, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
My rating 4.5 of 5 stars
Review: Victorian Psycho by Virginia Feito
26 August 2025
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Book Reviews, Books, fiction, Horror, Review, Victorian Psycho, Virginia Feito
My Five Word TL:DR Review: Well, couldn’t put it down
Victorian Psycho is gloriously, decadently, wickedly over the top. I don’t even know what to say or think (although I will give it a shot). This book took me by storm, I actually listened to the audio and to be honest I think listening to this gave the experience even more of a chilling and unsettling air because the narrator has absolutely nailed Winifred Notty’s voice. Whilst I was listening I frequently found myself thinking ‘what?, what just happened’ or ‘did Winifred really just say that’. This book is horrifyingly surreal, It’s bloody and quirky and darkly humorous. I loved it.
Winifred is the new governess at Ensor House, her two charges, Andrew and Drusilla, take an immediate dislike but little do they know that Winifred is made of stern stuff. No shrinking violet (more like an exploding violent). And, unbeknownst to the other inhabitants, Winifred isn’t here to teach a light spattering of languages or a splash of watercolours, she has a cunning plan that she is hiding beneath that serene exterior. A plan that will most certainly be bloody. Of course, wild horses couldn’t drag any spoilers from these lips.
What did I love about this.
Well, the writing is perfect. I mean, this isn’t a particularly lengthy story, in fact it’s only around 200 pages (I think – and by the way it’s a perfect length for this style of story) and yet Feito catches the period perfectly. There isn’t a single wasted word, the characters spring off the page, the dialogue is amazing and the descriptions make the place stand out without coming across as fussy. I wish I took notes – but I’m really not that sort of reader so no quotes here – which is a shame because there were so many to choose from.
The characters. Winifred is wicked. Wickedly good in a bloody awful way. As the story progresses you pretty soon realise that Winifred has very little filter. She says the most terrible things but in such a way as to bring you up short, like you must have misunderstood – you didn’t.
I love a Victorian setting and this one doesn’t hold the punches – we even have a Christmas Spectacle with lush descriptions of the food during which Winifred’s dreadful plan really kicks in.
To be honest, I don’t really want to say too much more. This is such a unique story, I have to read more by this author. I love her writing and she’s clearly got a wicked sense of humour. This is bloody delicious. I can’t recommend this enough – although also you do need to be aware that this is plastered with blood and quite often absolutely unsettling. Still, read it.
I bought an audio copy.
My rating 5 of 5 stars
Review: A Tangle of Time (The Hexologists #2) by Josiah Bancroft
25 August 2025
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: A Tangle of Time, Book Reviews, Books, Fantasy, Josiah Bancroft, reading, Review, The Hexologists #2
My Five Word TL:DR Review: One Word Will Suffice: Brilliant
A Tangle of Time is the second in the Hexologists series – of which I hope there will be many – and as second in series goes it’s an absolute banger. I loved it.
I think that if you intend to read this you should read the first in series, but that’s because the first is very good, you’d miss so much in terms of the world, the set up and the characters and also why deny yourself the pleasure. However, if time is something of an issue and the thought of having to read the first before diving in here is off putting, then I believe you could pick this up as a standalone.
My review for The Hexologists ended on this note “Stunning, clever, stylish, filled with creativity and misdirection. I can’t wait to see where this takes us next.” And, I would say this still holds true here.
A Tangle in Time – well, the clue is definitely in the title, which is spot on. This is indeed a mystery and a deliciously tangled web. At the heart of this story is a murder mystery and one which Isolde and Warren have not specifically been asked to investigate, rather they’ve stumbled upon something by accident and Isolde is unable to let it go – and with good reason. And, in fact, there is another mystery that feeds perfectly into the story – Isolde’s missing father. I definitely think this book could be read again and probably with even more enjoyment the second time around, picking up on all the nuances that sometimes almost get lost in the indecent haste of tearing through the pages to discover the book’s secrets. Will I read it again? Probably not if I’m being honest but I can dream.
I’m not going to delve further into the plot. This is a captivating story that really heightens the tension and I don’t want to give away any spoilers.
What worked for me.
The writing is again perfect. I love this style. It suits the period, the couple and the storyline perfectly. I literally found myself rereading certain paragraphs because they were simply so enjoyable to read.
The setting has a faux Victorian feel. I think I mentioned in my review this almost feels like a new Sherlock and Watson, with Isolde being the persistent Holmes and Warren her beleaguered and good natured assistant.
The couple themselves are a delight to read. They’re a well established couple with their own little quirks. They fit together so well and in fact you could say that they are cosy. There love for each other shines out so easily. Definitely not a romantic story but one which shines in terms of the main character’s true partnership.
And, the imagination at play here is once again off the charts. As the description says ‘seedy underworlds, enchanted gardens, and subterranean military zoos’, plus wolves, all manner of attacking birds, vampirish pixies/wasps and of course a culinary minded dragon. There’s no shortage of critters and dangerous situations as the pair put their lives at risk in the search for answers.
I loved it and really can’t get enough of this series. Highly recommended.
I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
My rating 5 of 5 stars
Books and travelling with Lynn 