melbie 's review for:

Mrs England by Stacey Halls

4.0

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This reminded me a bit of Jane Eyre. In a good way though, like an homage to the classic. A naive governess arrives at a mysterious country estate where things aren't quite what they seem. A charismatic master, secret whispers from the staff, a delicate mistress, family scandal and all the requisite Edwardian Gothic elements from a spooky house to windswept moors leads makes for an enjoyable and atmospheric read. I wasn't the biggest fan of Ruby to be honest, but I think that was the point. Everyone was prickly and intense, stifled by the house around them and by the expectations of the day. Mrs England was the standout for me, her character well drawn. The story was full of slow burn menace, and many a time it didn't quite go where I expected it too, which was pleasing. I've got to say, I also wasn't the biggest fans if the children, and felt their inclusion at times was almost as if shoehorned in! On some occasions the sudden mention of the children (especially the baby) pulled me out of the story as I found myself rolling my eyes or thinking, ugh, just send them to boarding school already! Probably not what they were going for, but there you go. I've read better spooky, precocious kids, and these ones weren't charming enough for me. Overall, I enjoyed the book, and would look for more by the author.