Mini Scarletti has a reputation for solving mysteries of the unexplained. She is asked by her friend Nellie for help for her friend Kitty both having been in the theatre together. They are to visit Kitty for the weekend at her new house Hollow House who’s past is shrouded in mystery . Upon arrival Mini see’s what appears to be a ghost of a lady. A writer of horror mysteries under the pseudonym Robert Neil Mini is determined to uncover if the house is indeed haunted. Mini is a strong women who has had to overcome her own personal misshapen body. She proves that the sharpness of the mind can overcome her start in life and give her a quality of life with friends surrounding her. This is a Victorian mystery that will keep you well entertained for an afternoon.
I was given an arc of this book by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

The Ghost of Hollow House by Linda Stratmann has very interesting characters. I really enjoyed the authors writing style in this, and made this a fast read.

the 4th book in the Mina Scarletti mystery series but great as a stand alone read It was such a cozy and sometimes creepy book all at the same time. I absolutely loved it. The victorian setting where spiritualism became a popular phenomenon is a huge part of the story but does not overwhelm it, great for any mystery lover

You can find this review and all of my others over at www.readbookrepeat.wordpress.com

Mina Scarletti has been invited to Hollow House, the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Honeyacre - newlyweds looking forward to starting their life together in the big, beautiful mansion. Mina's visit isn't just for tea and crumpets however, it's for a much darker reason. Mrs. Honeyacre has been having unsettling feelings since being in the house, along with the fear from their maids, who refuse to stay in the house after dark, things are getting serious. Mr. Honeyacre wants nothing more than to settle into a nice, quiet life with his beloved, but the ghosts must be taken care of first. Mina is a sceptic and is not afraid to say so, if anyone can get to the bottom of what's really going on, it's her. But what if it is a spirit? Is she prepared to believe it?

This story is number 4 in Stratmann's Mina Scarletti cosy mystery series, however, it's the first one that I've had the pleasure of reading. I'm a sucker for a good, cosy mystery, and if it has supernatural elements involved, it's even better. So this one was a no brainer for me when I first came across it on Netgalley. Sometimes you just need a good haunted house story to make you feel comfortable, hahaha.

The story was a slow burn historical fiction mystery, it's setting is Sussex 1872. Mina is a sceptic and has had past success with putting mediums and clairvoyants who were nothing but charlatans and money hungry monsters, behind bars where they belong and can no longer prey on the weak and grief stricken. Her close friend Mrs. Jordan comes calling one day with news that she has been invited up to her friend, Kitty's, house where she is now residing with her new husband, Mr. Honeyacre. After Mrs. Jordan explains to Mina what's been happening at Hollow House, and how Kitty has asked if she would mind accompanying Mrs. Jordan on her trip so that maybe she can put an end to all of the awfulness that has befallen her. Mina is reluctant as the weather is cold and she has trouble with her scoliosis, after much discussion, it is decided that Mina will attend the house with Mrs. Jordan only if her physician Dr. Hamid agrees to come with them. The trio soon find themselves travelling to the elusive Hollow House, and it's possible ghostly inhabitants.

I found the story to be a very slow burn, but it wasn't too bad, sometimes it's nice to slow down. I did find that it felt like it took me ages to get through the book, which, when it only has 325 pages, I begin to worry a bit. I do find that historical fiction can take a bit longer for me to read as the dialogue and narration is obviously a bit different to that of the modern day. I still enjoyed the story though, so it wasn't that bad, I just wish I'd gotten through it a little quicker.

The characters were likeable and each had their own distinctive personality and voice which I enjoy. The character of Mina was interesting and I love that Stratmann has written Mina's character in such a distinctive way, it's not often that you come across a character that has something like scoliosis. I myself have Scheuermann's kyphosis, so it was kinda nice to have a character with similar issues to myself, though Mina's is much, much worse than my own ailment which causes tightness in the muscles and discomfit and pain. I just thought it was cool to have a representation of a medical issue that generally isn't thought about. I also enjoyed the character of Mrs. Jordan, I thought her personality was so big it just about jumped off the page, she was very enjoyable.

Halfway through the story (or there abouts, it was probably earlier if I'm honest), we encounter a couple of characters, one of which Mina has had a run in with before. He's big into the spiritual side of life and is all about those mediums, clairvoyants, and ghosts. There were a couple of instances that past cases of Mina's were alluded to, but I didn't feel like I really lost out on anything having not read them before this one. I would be interested to see what actually happened though, especially with the character that is introduced in this story that Mina already knew. It was clear from the get go that they were going to butt heads and have large differences of opinion on the matter of the haunting.

I thought it was fantastic that Stratmann actually did proper research into the time period and area that she was writing, there's a bit at the back of the book that explains the reality of things that were included in the story and I thought that was absolutely fantastic. Something else I also enjoyed was that Mina is an author, she uses what happened at Hollow House as inspiration for her next story, we actually get to read this story, though not the ending as she hadn't finished that before she was due to attend the big ball that was happening. I thought it was a great little added extra to have that there and see what Mina did with the inspiration. To be honest though, I was tempted to stop reading at that point because the big reveal had already happened, and the loose ends were tied up, so I didn't see the point in continuing if it was just Mina's story that we had left to read, however, I discovered that there is a bit more of the actual story after this, so do keep reading if you're thinking about finishing up before you get there.

The mystery was a good one, and I enjoyed that we also got answers for what had happened in previous times in the house. I love a story that ties everything up, without being rushed.

All in all, it was an okay story that I did end up enjoying, I just wish the pacing was a bit better because it did feel like it was dragging at times. It was a nice historical cosy mystery, and I look forward to seeing what the rest of the series has to offer.

The Ghost of Hollow House is the fourth mystery in the series featuring Victorian paranormal realist/investigator Mina Scarletti. Released 24th May 2019 by Sapere, it's 324 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats. Although this is part of a series, it worked perfectly well as a standalone.

Author Linda Stratmann is prolific and adept at characterization and narrative description. She has several series including this one, set in the Victorian period.The dialogue is very well done and very much in period character. Whether the mysterious elements are actually real or imagined is not clearly explained throughout much of the book and it added a lot of atmosphere and tension. Definitely a nice touch. She also uses the 'story within a story' element here to good effect.

The language is clean and there's not much gore or violence (there's a gory throat slashing murder in the 'story in a story' at the end, but it's not too graphic).

All in all, a recommended read for fans of the period, who enjoy strong female lead characters. This one could make a good book club selection because there are a number of interesting literary devices which make this book stand out.

Four stars. Very well written and enjoyable.

This was a great spooky Victorian mystery. The main character is smart and likable. I plan on reading the previous books in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this ARC.

It’s 1872 and Mina Scarletti’s good friend has been invited to visit Hollow House by Mr. Honeyacre and his wife Kitty. The Honeyacres are hoping Ms Scarletti can help them with a little problem of a haunting that is making Kitty ill. Mina is skilled at ferreting out imposter mediums and hauntings. What she doesn’t expect is the arrival of her nemesis with a young photographer in tow who seems determined to woo her. Stratman’s protagonist is a strong-willed woman in a society that expects much but allows little in the women of the time. Mina suffers from scoliosis and manages to buck a society that says women need a man to be vital. She leads a full of life while dealing with the pain and discomfort of the disease. This is not deep literature, but a good escape read that teens who are dealing with scoliosis will be able to easily identify themselves in this strong woman’s position.

I have to start by admitting that this book started out so amazing that it pulled me in within the very first paragraph! This is not so common for me these days, so I found it very exciting and refreshing. I then went throughout this book with a full intention of giving it a solid 5 stars when done! Unfortunately, the ending was where a star was lost.

The characters were very well developed and defined! The vocabulary was impressive in that I actually added a lot of new and exciting words to my repertoire. I loved the British flare to the storytelling. I loved how there were characters representing two very opposite and distinct directions of thinking and facing how they view the world, and problem solve issues as they arise that challenge their ways of thinking. However, after so thoroughly engaging me throughout this book, the author seemed to up and decide rather quickly that the book was done. She wrapped up the ending so quickly with so little excitement that it was a total anticlimactic experience. Then, she presented the form of an entirely separate ending...the main character in the book told the same story from the opposite viewpoint with a lot of extra drama. Instead of adding excitement for me, I actually struggled with finishing the ending of the book. I felt like at the very highest, most exciting, point of the book I was dropped. I would have much rather the author spent more time on the first ending. The second ending felt like total overkill.

As a result, I struggled to not reduce my rating by 2 stars instead of just one. However, the main portion of the book truly was amazing! All of the things I loved about the book were worth every minute I spent in reading it! This author truly has a gift for storytelling! I just hope she works on creating conclusions in future books that keep up with the incredible flair of the rest of the book. Thank you NetGalley, and the publishers and authors therein, for allowing me the privilege of reading books through this site in return for an honest review. I greatly value this honor!

This book was so engrossing from page 1!! I loved the plot, characters & setting. This book had everything I love - a mystery, spiritualism, an engaging protagonist & a bit of history. Is it a ghost or an elaborate hoax??? That is my favorite literary question! I was glued to this book until it’s conclusion.

My one complaint is that it ended abruptly. I would have liked a bit more of a solid conclusion.

4 stars!

In the format of an Agatha Christie this is a slightly old fashioned mystery thriller. Set in the peaceful Sussex countryside we know that appearances are deceptive and the Hollow House a very nicely turned out manor is no different. Bought by the affable Mr. Honeyacre for his bride he has refurbished and repaired it to the utmost comfort with staff to match. There is however one catch. Mina Scarletti is invited to suss it out and find out why supernatural occurrences are hindering the happiness and future of the owners.

There are a number of interesting characters. Mina herself a victim of scoliosis, a disease not understood in England of the 1860s, there is Nellie formerly of the stage, Mrs. Honeyacre herself formerly of the stage and then we have lovers and spies for ex husbands, an occultist and a photographer plus the usual staff of a countryside manor.

Unraveling slowly but surely the story is rather complicated but it devolves and the ultimate revelation is timely.



Very nicely told in an older fashioned tradition of Miss Marple, Hercule Poirot and their ilk.

Mina Scarletti is invited to a estate in the country. The husband, Mr Honeyacre is worried for his wife because she thinks there are ghosts in the mansion. Mina with friends show up to assist with the problem. Other people soon show up and cannot get away due to a flooding that has washed away the road to village. '
I found the book to be quite good. There is twists and turns that happen. You will not figure out the ending.

Victorian era setting, village inhabited by the supersticious, local legends. What is not to like?
I did not realize it was part of a series , but that didnt get in the way of the story's enjoyment at all. It was such a cozy and sometimes creepy read at the same time. I absolutely loved it. The victorian setting where spiritualism became a popular phenomenon is so fascinating. The author clearly researched this era very well. I felt like i lived in the world of 1872. I certainly would have enjoyed a good séance in the company of Mina, the main character. Readers will find it easy to engage with this intelligent and feisty heroïne. A spooky fun read! I recommend this book to all lovers of this genre.

It seems like the Ghost of Hollow House may have been Agatha Christie as this tale fits right in her wheelhouse.

In Victorian England, Mina uncovers fraudulent mediums. She also writes fictional mysteries that include spiritual elements. When she is asked to uncover the reason for the haunting of a newly married friend’s mansion, she is skeptical. But when she sees a mysterious lady in white in the window when first arriving at Hollow House, she becomes intrigued. Perhaps this haunting will bring her real evidence from the other side.

Mina is a great character. Her ability to press past her disabilities and the oppression of females prevalent in Victorian times is empowering.

The mystery was challenging as well. Though I didn’t figure out whodunit or why until after the intrepid Mina, I clearly saw the clues in hindsight.

Ghost of Hollow House did resemble Agatha Christie’s mysteries in both its complexity and portrayal of English village life. I would have liked slightly more backstory for the main characters. I’ll be looking for the previous three books in this series, as well as any future entries, when I feel like reading a jolly good mystery. 4 stars!

Thanks to Sapere Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

Mina Scarletti has been invited to Hollow House, an ancient estate to investigate what is going on. Is it a ghost of is there some other explanation? Mr Honeyacre and his wife, Kitty are presently living there. Noises, visions and other strange things are happening. Mina doesn't believe in ghosts, will she be proven right? Or does a woman in white walk the halls? Great book that will keep you mesmerized until the end. I really loved it . Mina is a spirited woman who is not afraid to be herself. I received this book from Net Galley and Sapere Publishing for a honest review.

The Ghost of Hollow House is a fun read by Linda Stratmann and the fourth in her Mina Scarletti Mystery Series.
I have not read the other three books in the series but was able to follow along and be brought up to speed with the main character, Mina.

Mina Scarletti gets invited to the remote Hollow House to investigate a supposed haunting. As a logical woman who depends on evidence and not emotion, Mina is certain she will find the real reason for any disturbances so that she can bring peace of mind to the anxious homeowners or will this be the first time she realizes ghosts are real?

With the story taking place in the 1800's, I admit I had to make an adjustment to the flow of the language and understanding the customs at the time. That said I loved Mina's courage and intelligence. The author manages to weave a fun ghost story mystery that kept me entertained and interested. The main character is strong, determined, and respected for her opinions and I love her friendship with Nellie. They are two resourceful and bright women who support each other to find the solution to this particular mystery.

Take a step into the past and enjoy ghost hunting with Mina Scarletti!
Thank you Net Galley for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Newly married Mrs Kitty Honeyacre believes that her house may be haunted and so she invites sceptic Mina Scarletti to her home, Hollow House, to investigate the various reports of ghostly happenings. Mina is accompanied by her friends Nellie Jordan and Dr. Hamid.
Another enjoyable mystery in this well-written Victorian series. Which includes a cast of likeable characters and some you may despair of, namely Mina brother Richard.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Sapere Books for an advance copy of The Ghost of Hollow House, the fourth historical novel to feature Mina Scarletti, the scourge of fake mediums in Victorian England.

Newlyweds Mr and Mrs Honeyacre have recently moved in to their new home in rural Sussex but all is not well with strange noises and ghostly goings-on. Mina Scarletti and her friends, Dr Hamid and Nell Jordan, are invited for the weekend to investigate and allay the fears of an increasingly hysterical Mrs Honeyacre.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Ghost of Hollow House which is an intriguing tale of ghosts and and healthy scepticism which gently pokes fun at the Victorian preoccupation with spiritualism. It is told from Mina’s point of view and as she has a history of uncovering fraudulent practitioners the reader just knows that there is a more mundane explanation for the ghosts and poltergeist type activity. I was fascinated by trying to work out how it was done and couldn’t manage to as it is so cleverly done. The clues are all there but I wasn’t smart enough to put them together although I had fun trying and it held my attention from start to finish.

The novel isn’t only concerned with the supernatural as there is a fair amount personal friction between the characters. Due to adverse weather conditions, a staple in Ghost stories and a nice touch, the group are marooned in Hollow House. Tensions are running high with the hysterical Mrs Honeyacre and are exacerbated by the arrival of Mina’s nemesis and fervent spiritualist Arthur Wallace Hope. He is a wonderful study of faith over logic and epitomises the beliefs of the time but just in case the reader is tempted to accept his beliefs he has some rather unsavoury predilections to blacken his character.

I enjoyed the theme of the novel about how facts get twisted in the retelling and evolve into myths and legends. This is at the heart of the novel with Mina trying to sort fact from the lurid local stories. I particularly liked Mina’s fictional take on the events at Hollow House which she writes at the end of the novel, neatly encapsulating what has gone before.

I always like reading this series. It has a warm, inviting tone and intricate plotting but the main attraction is the character of Mina Scarletti, a woman of many talents. She has scoliosis which she believes (probably truthfully for the era) makes her unmarriageable. Instead she writes ghost stories under a pseudonym, cultivates her friendships and investigates fraudulent mediums. She is smart, logical and very likeable with a curious nature and an endearing zest for life.

The Ghost of Hollow House is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.

This book is engaging, entertaining, and well written.
I liked the well researched historical background, the setting, and the fleshed out characters.
I look forward to reading other books in this series.
Recommended!
Many thanks to Sapere Books and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

"Mina Scarletti returns in her most thrilling mystery yet! Perfect for fans of Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christie and Antonia Hodgson...

A peaceful country retreat has become the scene of relentless terror...

Sussex, 1872.

Mina Scarletti is invited to ancient Hollow House to investigate reports of ghostly occurrences.

The current occupants - newlyweds Mr Honeyacre and his wife, Kitty - have been plagued by unexplained noises and strange visions since moving into the property.

And now most of their servants refuse to stay at the house after dark for fear of encountering the ghostly presence of ‘the woman in white’.

A determined sceptic, Mina’s main concern is for Kitty, whose health appears to be dramatically sinking under the strain of all that is going on.

With the help of her trusted adviser, Dr Hamid, and her lively friend, Nell, Mina must get to the heart of the mystery.

Have the maids merely been frightening themselves with tales of the macabre? Is there a rational explanation for what is being reported?

Or will Mina be forced to admit to the presence of a ghost in Hollow House?"

A country house possibly plagued by the supernatural? This is my bread and butter people!

The Ghost of Hollow House was like reading a BBC special. It had all the elements of a Victorian ghost story with a twist of Jane Austen-like humor thrown in.

I didn't read the previous books in this series, but it was easy to get caught up on the characters' past shenanigans. My favorite character was Mina, a spunky young author who knows her own mind.

My only complaint about this book was its tendency to repeat details and "clues" over and over. That got old, and I found myself skimming a lot near the middle of the book. I loved the book-within-a-book feature.

This is a good option for those who enjoy clean cozy mysteries with a paranormal twist.