Welcome! I'm sharing my review of this romantic Gothic mystery today. Read on below...
The Mysteries of Pendowar Hall
(The Audacious Sisterhood of Smoke & Fire #1)
By Syrie James
Historical Romance, Gothic Romance, Mystery
Paperback & eBook, 328 Pages
February 22, 2025 by Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.
Summary
She vowed to solve a murder.
Now she’s in danger of losing her heart … and her very life.
Diana Taylor, a bright and spirited governess who has sworn off love, is sent to Pendowar Hall in Cornwall to honor a pledge. She vows to teach her godmother’s niece and to find out who was behind the suspicious death of the former baronet. But her new charge is also a mystery, as is the man who inherited the ancient coastal estate—the charismatic but brooding Royal Navy Captain William Fallbrook, who is home on leave to recover from an injury.
As Diana investigates, her feelings for the enigmatic Captain Fallbrook blossom, and her guard goes up. Pendowar Hall is brimming with secrets as well as a frightening legend about a Mermaid’s Curse. What is behind the mysterious footsteps in the night? Is there more to the story of the tragic deaths of the former baronet’s wife and son? What secrets is Captain Fallbrook hiding? Can she trust the man who has stolen her heart?
He looks to be entranced by Diana, even though her determination to dig up the past seems to get on his last nerve. Soon, Diana’s bold quest to unmask his uncle’s killer leads her into terrifying danger, for someone is determined to end her life before she can discover the truth.
Advance Praise
"Syrie James launches her 'Audacious Sisterhood of Smoke & Fire' series with The Mysteries of Pendowar Hall, a page-turning Victorian Gothic that invokes all the romance, mystery, and atmosphere of a Brontë novel. I couldn't put it down!" —Mimi Matthews, USA Today bestselling author of The Belles of London series
"James kicks off her new series ‘The Audacious Sisterhood of Smoke & Fire’ with The Mysteries of Pendowar Hall, a wonderfully atmospheric and suspenseful tale brimming with everything that fans of Victorian historical romance and mystery love: a bright and feisty heroine, a perfectly Gothic coastal estate full of secrets, and the brooding and mysterious navy captain in charge of it all." —Natalie Jenner, international bestselling author of The Jane Austen Society, Bloomsbury Girls, and Every Time We Say Goodbye
"A pitch perfect homage to the classic Gothic novel — I loved it! The Mysteries of Pendowar Hall is packed with intrigue, mystery, treachery, and tension — and brimming with romance! I couldn't put it down and eagerly await the next installment of James' new series!" —Katherine Reay, author of The London House and The Berlin Letters
(Affiliate links included. Also available on KU.)
My Review
THE MYSTERIES OF PENDOWAR HALL is a Gothic romantic mystery about a family torn apart by loss and the governess who seeks to find the truth. The story includes themes of self-worth, forgiveness, betrayal, friendship, and love. Likable characters full of heart, a lush setting in Cornwall, and a suspenseful plot make for an entertaining read.
I love Gothic tales, and this one did not disappoint. There is an eeriness from the start as Diana arrives to be a governess and as superstitions are recounted. A previous mysterious death and other happenings at the hall add to the overall suspense, as does the dark and brooding naval captain who has inherited from his uncle. There is danger that climaxes towards the end as well as a well-developed emotional climax. I also liked the touch of magical realism that fit the story and added a bit of a twist. The romance is sweet and develops slowly with a few swoon-worthy moments.
I loved all these characters! Diana is a bit of a detriment to herself sometimes, but she is good at what she does with a caring, if wounded, heart. William is classic Darcy/Rochester but softer and also injured himself both physically and emotionally. He's also steady, devilishly handsome, and cares for those in his stewardship. Emma is trying to find her place and who she is. She blossoms in this story which is delightful to watch. All three of them are exactly what they each need as they grow and develop through the story and as friendships and love grows.
In the end, was it what I wished for? This is an entertaining and compelling read. Definitely a book to pick up for Gothic romance fans. I'm excited to read the next book in the series!
Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy through Austenprose PR, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.
About the Author
Syrie James is the author of 14 critically acclaimed novels of historical fiction, romance, mystery and suspense, and young adult including The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen, Nocturne, The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Brontë, and Dracula My Love that have been international, USA Today, and Amazon bestsellers, and are published in more than 20 languages. Her books have been Library Journal Editor's Picks of the Year, received starred reviews from Publisher's Weekly and Kirkus, and won numerous awards including the Audiobook Audie, the Women's National Book Association Great Group Read, Romantic Read of the Week (Barnes and Noble), Best Novel of the Year (Romance Reviews), and Best Snowbound Romance (BookBub).
A member of the Writers Guild of America, Sisters in Crime, Dramatist's Guild, Historical Novel Society, and Jane Austen Society of North America, Syrie has sold many scripts to film and TV, addressed organizations and literary conferences across the U.S. and in Canada, England, and Australia, and her stage plays been produced across North America.
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