Reviews

12 Days at Bleakly Manor by Michelle Griep

mschrock8's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

A new-to-me Christmas series, on audio book. I hope to listen to all three books this season.

Yes, it did remind me of Agatha Christie's "And Then There Were None."

Borrowed on Hoopla through JCPL.

Listening length five hr, 30 min

bunrab's review

Go to review page

3.0

Cute Dickensian names for the characters, but the characters are far less real than Dickens's are. Distinctly far-fetched plot, which I suppose is Dickens-like. Thin, though; I would have been happier paying this price for an anthology of 2 or 3 of the novelettes.

rusticreadingal's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

4.5 Stars

A small group of eclectic people are sent an invitation to stay at Bleakly Manor during the Twelve Days of Christmas with the possibility at the end of their stay getting exactly what their hearts desire. Ben was unjustly imprisoned for a crime he didn't commit while Clara's family has been left nearly destitute after being swindled of their fortunes. The formerly engaged duo are not happy to see one another at Bleakly Manor, but can they put the past behind them and work together to find out what's truly going on at Bleakly Manor?

I was completely entranced by this tale. There were many intriguing mysteries to solve and the strange 'accidents' and mishaps kept me glued to the page, wanting to know what happened next. There's a whole cast of entertaining and quirky characters, Miss Scurry my favorite.

12 Days at Bleakly Manor reminded me of one of those good, old-fashioned mysteries. I absolutely loved it! And even though it takes place during Christmastime, it's a story that can be enjoyed any time of the year. There's a short excerpt at the end that has me excited for the sequel! I highly recommend this book for any lover of historical fiction!

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own honest opinion.

talesandtreatswithtay's review

Go to review page

mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

4.5 ⭐️

This was such a fun blend of Christmas, romance, and mystery! 

Griep apparently grafted together elements of Bleak House by Charles Dickens and And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie to create this story. I haven't read either myself so perhaps I would have had greater enjoyment connecting the similarities if I had, but I can confidently say you don't need to have read either classic to enjoy Griep's book.

I haven't ever read a Christmas story quite like this one: I was engaged the whole time wondering what was going to happen. This is also a second chance romance, which I'm usually not a fan of, but this one made sense to me and I really enjoyed it!

There were a few things that went unanswered in my opinion, but I loved this book and I can see myself rereading in at future Christmas times.

Christian faith rating: 2/3

annegirl's review

Go to review page

fast-paced

4.0

emmeline7's review

Go to review page

4.0

This was such a fun and unique story! I really enjoyed it!

jazzyjan94's review

Go to review page

4.0

This review appears on my blog: https://confessionsofabookwormweb.wordpress.com/2017/12/15/christmas-book-reviews-12-days-at-bleakly-manor/

As someone who is a fan of Charles Dickens' work I did enjoy this novel. However, it seemed to drag in certain places and it was also to keep track of all the different characters that appear in this book, even though Clara and Ben are the main characters. However, I did love the mystery surrounding Bleakly Manor and the challenge to stay there for twelve days.

One thing I wish that been developed a lot more is the characters of Clara and Ben. As well as their relationship prior to the novel, especially how they got engaged. There were several other things that I wish had been described in greater detail. Overall, it was an enjoyable novel, especially if you are looking for a Christmas novel set in the Victorian Age. 3.75/5 Stars.

thelastkarisa's review

Go to review page

lighthearted mysterious relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

meezcarrie's review

Go to review page

4.0

With an intriguing nod to Dickens’ Bleak House, plus a setting and plot that would make Agatha Christie herself sit up and take notice, Griep’s latest will be a hit with fans of Victorian mysteries. In this reverse-of-sorts And Then There Were None, the eccentric characters are layered with slowly revealed stories designed to keep readers’ minds whirling with the possibilities. A thread of romance runs throughout the story, accentuating but never overwhelming the plot. Best of all, perhaps, is the setting, which wraps readers in cozy warmth and simultaneously sends chills down their spines.

(originally posted on RT Book Reviews)

lizzybd's review

Go to review page

4.0

This was such a fun book to read. I really enjoyed it. I liked most of the characters, and the plot reminded me of And Then There Were None. I did find it strange that it is classified as Christian fiction. There were references to God and Christianity thrown in in the most random places. It was as if the author wanted to make sure it could be sold as Christian fiction so a few weird mentions of God were thrown in there. I am all for Christian fiction. I love it, but this book would have done just fine simply as fiction. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the other two in the series.