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esdeecarlson's review
4.0
**This title was provided to me for free by the author via BookSirens. I am leaving this review voluntarily.**
3.5 stars
An absorbing, enjoyable read, clearly written by a lover of 19th-century literature. The author herself likens it to The Secret Garden but with adult protagonists; in my opinion, it’s Jane Eyre meets The Woman in Black.
Plot-wise, the arc is a little obvious, and the mystery’s explanation is overly convoluted. However, I found I didn’t mind. It felt more like a love letter to the 19th-century Gothic romance genre than a book that was actually trying to give me an original mystery, and I was perfectly happy with that. The book is beautifully atmospheric, takes full advantage of its setting, and gives me some of my favorite trope candy. What can I say, I adore a rude, grouchy man growing to grudgingly respect and admire a sensible woman. Does it fall into some of the pitfalls of historical romance (the “not like other girls” protagonist, for example)? Absolutely. But it more than makes up for them in just how fun this book is; it will be an utter delight to anyone who enjoys this genre.
I will be keeping an eye out for Clarissa Harwood novels in future; I cannot wait to see how she hones her craft in future endeavors.
3.5 stars
An absorbing, enjoyable read, clearly written by a lover of 19th-century literature. The author herself likens it to The Secret Garden but with adult protagonists; in my opinion, it’s Jane Eyre meets The Woman in Black.
Plot-wise, the arc is a little obvious, and the mystery’s explanation is overly convoluted. However, I found I didn’t mind. It felt more like a love letter to the 19th-century Gothic romance genre than a book that was actually trying to give me an original mystery, and I was perfectly happy with that. The book is beautifully atmospheric, takes full advantage of its setting, and gives me some of my favorite trope candy. What can I say, I adore a rude, grouchy man growing to grudgingly respect and admire a sensible woman. Does it fall into some of the pitfalls of historical romance (the “not like other girls” protagonist, for example)? Absolutely. But it more than makes up for them in just how fun this book is; it will be an utter delight to anyone who enjoys this genre.
I will be keeping an eye out for Clarissa Harwood novels in future; I cannot wait to see how she hones her craft in future endeavors.
jillmlong's review
3.0
I enjoyed this story but felt it was missing something. I liked the mystery and the romance. However, I was hoping for more gothicness(is that even a word?).
atilisky's review
4.0
3.75/5 for me. First off thanks to NetGalley and Thornfield Press for my FIRST ARC (in exchange for an honest and unbiased review) I feel like a real booksta ♥️ Our main heroine is Vaughn, a female solicitor with a physical disability - and lets add it’s the late 1800s so she’s really doing the damn thing. She replied to an add for a solicitor to put together the affairs of Morton Abbey to prepare it for sale. Along the way she befriends the second born heir to the abbey who wants nothing more but to keep it and learns more about the secrets hiding in the walls of Morton.
Likes:
Likes:
cathyatratedreads's review
4.0
The Curse of Morton Abbey is a satisfying gothic novel set in a dilapidated old mansion, with a heroine determined to forge her own way despite the odds stacked against her. Hidden secrets eventually come out of hiding, and unexpected relationships are forged. I enjoyed it.
Read my full review, including a rating for content, at RatedReads.com: https://ratedreads.com/curse-morton-abbey-clean-fiction-book-review/
*I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review, including a rating for content, at RatedReads.com: https://ratedreads.com/curse-morton-abbey-clean-fiction-book-review/
*I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
_dcall's review
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
4.5
I found the mystery engaging and held my interest till the end. I didn't guess the twist or the answer to the mystery. I find I like this authors style of writing. The form, flow, and voice. I found the heroine to be a strong character. I definitely could see the gothic feel and nod to the secret garden. Overall, a good read that sometimes I found hard to put down.
*clean, closed door, some characters are the victims of infidelity
*clean, closed door, some characters are the victims of infidelity
booklvr10's review
5.0
Wow! This book was amazing! Great twists and turns in the storyline and the mystery just kept on getting better and better. I had a hard time putting this down and look forward to reading more from Ms. Harwood in the future.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
withthebanned's review
4.0
Loved it. Read it in a day. Gothic, alluring, romantic, and mysterious. Recommended!
rosebeccs's review
4.0
This is a slow burner so I was getting nervous about halfway through despite enjoying it. But it really does get there in the end with a ton of intrigue along the way. Very much feels like a gothic horror descendant from the likes of Jane Eyre and Rebecca. The perfect read to curl up on a gloomy winter Sunday.