The Secrets of Hartwood Hall by Katie Lumsden is a gothic mystery set in 19th-century England.
The story follows Margaret Lennox, a young widow who takes a position as governess to an only child, Louis, at the isolated country house of Hartwood Hall. As she settles into her new role, Margaret begins to sense that something isn’t quite right.
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Book Blurb
In 1852, Margaret Lennox is offered a position as governess at Hartwood Hall. She quickly accepts, hoping this isolated country house will allow her to leave her past behind.
But Margaret soon starts to feel there’s something odd about her new home, despite her growing fondness for her bright, affectionate pupil, Louis.
Strange figures move through the dark. Tensions rise between the servants. The east wing sits eerily abandoned . . .
Even stranger is the local gossip surrounding Mrs Eversham, Louis’s widowed mother, who is deeply distrusted by the nearby village.
Margaret is certain that everyone has something to hide.
But as her own past threatens to catch up with her, she must learn to trust her instincts before it’s too late.
The Secrets of Hartwood Hall Review
I have mixed feelings about this one!
I loved the atmosphere the author creates right from the start. It’s thick with tension and eeriness and as Margaret settles into her role it quickly becomes clear that the house holds secrets. I found myself feeling just as unsettled as she was!
I could definitely understand the comparisons to Jane Eyre, one of my favourite books. There’s definitely that sense of a mysterious, foreboding house and a strong female lead navigating her circumstances. The gothic elements really shone through, and the storytelling kept me on my toes.
Margaret was deaf in one ear and I appreciated the deaf representation. It felt authentic and added an interesting layer to her character. It never felt like a mere plot device or an unnatural way to shoe-horn disability into the plot.
While I enjoyed the unfolding mystery and was pleasantly surprised by some twists, I found myself disappointed in Margaret and some of the decisions she made. Initially, she comes across as sympathetic and strong, but as the story progresses, she becomes much less likeable. There’s a fine line between being independent and being unkind, and I felt she crossed it a few times.
The novel is well paced and I really enjoyed the sense of time and place. The story did keep me engaged right up until the end but I must admit I didn’t love the conclusion.
I would still say The Secrets of Hartwood Hall is an enjoyable read with strong gothic vibes and intriguing characters. While it had its flaws, I would still recommend it to fans of atmospheric mysteries.