House of Shades is a historical fiction novel written by Lianne Dillsworth, set in the 19th century. It follows the story of Hester Reeves, a strong and determined doctress who is presented with an opportunity that could change her life.
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Book Blurb
Doctress Hester Reeves has been offered a life-changing commission.
But it comes at a price. She must leave behind her husband and their canal-side home in Kings Cross and move to Tall Trees – a dark and foreboding house in Fitzrovia.
If Hester can cure the ailing health of its owner, Gervaise Cherville, she will receive payment that will bring her everything she could dream of.
But on arriving at Tall Trees, Hester quickly discovers that an even bigger task awaits her. Now she must unearth secrets that have lain hidden for decades – including one that will leave Hester’s own life forever changed…
House of Shades Book Review
Unfortunately, House of Shades fell a little flat for me. I read it before a holiday, and as I sat down to write this review, I had to re-read the blurb to remind myself of the plot, so clearly it didn’t leave a lasting impression.
That said, it did have its strong points. The writing was solid, and I genuinely liked Hester, the protagonist. As a strong Black female character in a historical setting, she really stood out. She was brave, tenacious, and empathetic – exactly what you’d expect from a doctor. There was a good amount of tension, a couple of unexpected twists, and some vivid descriptions that helped bring the setting to life.
However, I was expecting a much more gothic, atmospheric read based on how the book was marketed. I wanted a creepy old house with dark, sinister undertones, but it just didn’t live up to that eerie potential. The house was just a house. There wasn’t the malevolent presence or unsettling atmosphere I’d hoped for. Yes, there was a villain in need of comeuppance and a mystery to solve, but overall, I didn’t find it overly exciting or gripping.
While House of Shades didn’t quite meet my expectations, it wouldn’t put me off reading more of Lianne Dillsworth’s work. The book was well-written, just not the gothic, atmospheric thriller I was hoping for. I actually have her debut novel, Theatre of Marvels, already on my bookshelf, and I’m still excited to dive into that.
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