Absolutely wonderful! Loved it, Thank you publisher and netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review

What I Loved:

The “Mood.” Man, does Wilson know how to set a scene. English countryside, repressed feelings, secret societies, vaguely pagan temple ruins, “dark and stormy nights”…. I could go on, but you get the picture. There has been an unacceptable dearth of gothics in this century, and Wilson fills a hole I didn’t know I was missing. AND she took away the annoying elements of the classic gothic (damsels in distress are so nineteenth century). Loxby Manor is the kind of place that you love coming upon, but may keep a knife under your pillow sleeping there. Reading this, I could actually hear the floors creak and thunder rumble.

The Mystery. Not only does Loxby Manor deliver the atmosphere of a gothic, but it delivered an A+ mystery also. While Charity and Piers hunt all leads while still trying to blend into polite society, I was fully hooked and invested in their investigation. It kept me guessing to the end, and as the body count increased, it genuinely felt like no one was safe. However, Wilson did such a wonderful job at staying the course – at no point did Loxby Manor venture into the realm of horror or thriller. The steady level of creepy gothic was perfect, and suited the mystery as a whole.

The Regency Romance. I am normally an “all or nothing” type when it comes to romance. I like me some Nora Roberts, then some very safe cozy mystery kisses. However, Wilson yet again exemplifies her intended genre and time period, and you can help but root for the chastely sexy (love the oxymoron) romance of Charity and Piers. Their stolen looks, hidden passionate kisses, and easy comradery make them a no brainer. Piers is also tall dark and broody, just how we like ’em. Bonus points for treating Charity like she is an equal and being a good listener.

What Didn’t Work as Well:

The Pacing. I had a hard time getting into the first 30 or so pages, and seriously contemplated putting Loxby Manor. And then suddenly, as new characters were added and the mystery began, the middle and last half of the book flew. I am so happy I stuck through it and really loved Loxby Manor, but have to admit that it was hard at first.

Charity’s Internal Dialogue. I loved Piers and Charity, but since this was a first person look into Charity’s mind, it got a little repetitive. Charity is supposed to be in her mid-twenties, but her internal monologue still read like a teenager’s. She feels like the Juliet to Piers’ Romeo, each with their own hidden pain that means they can “never marry.” While she has great skills as a sleuth and is very smart, she is also self-deprecating and thinks herself plain. When Piers wants her to flirt with one of the suspects for information, Charity can’t believe anyone would want to flirt with her because she isn’t as pretty as Seline. However, it seems like most of them men find her pretty attractive, so not sure where she got this from.

That’s… really it, as far as negatives go. Charity’s internal thoughts made me feel like this was more YA or NA, but there were no major deal breakers in Loxby Manor.

I really enjoyed this book which had a perfect blend of mystery and romance. I’ve read all this authors books, and her newest one did not disappoint! Loved the romance between the two main characters and the way the author developed the story. Although I did guess the ending, the way the author set up all the clues was very cleverly done. Thanks so much for the opportunity to read and review this book!

Charity has been away from her home-town village for five years. When her parents decide to travel to America to visit her brother, Charity decides to return to the home of her great friends, the Cavanaghs. She is determined to apply for a governess position in the area and the Cavanagh's home is a great place to launch from.

As soon as Charity arrives, she knows something is amiss. When her good friend confides in her, then disappears, she knows there is definitely something more sinister going on than anyone is willing to share with her. Then Piers Cavanagh, her old flame, was also away from the village all those years- but because he was labeled a coward after not showing up for a duel. He journeys home the same time Charity arrives and the two work closely to figure out the mystery of what is truly happening under that roof. They each have secrets they are keeping from each other that they each feel are impossible to overcome in regards to any future relationships.

Secret societies, emotional mothers, flighty siblings, murder, and a little bit of romance.

Overall an very enjoyable read. It definitely kept me guessing and I did not see the ending coming, so that was fun. There were a couple times I questioned the time-frame of the story (sometimes time passed by quickly and it felt as though more should have been happening and more concern for Seline's disappearance. I don't read mysteries very often, and this was a great one to jump into!

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The Vanishing at Loxby Manor is a great historical mystery. Charity returns to her childhood best friend's house of Loxby Manor after being gone for five years. The night of her return, her friend Seline sneaks out of the house and does not return home in the morning. Seline's brother and Charity's lost love Piers comes back home to help search for her. The novel follows the story of the family and their social group as Charity and Piers try to find Seline.
Historical novels are not my usual first choice of genre, but the mystery of this one intrigued me! The answer to Seline's disappearance was a big surprise to me. I enjoyed the mystery and the romance between Piers and Charity in this book.
I listened to the audiobook of the novel and enjoyed the narrator.
I received a copy of this book complimentary from NetGalley, but all opinions are my own.

I liked the story line, but I felt it was to drawn out. Too much details that didn’t enhance the theme.
I received a advanced copy of this book from NetGalley, but my review is of my own omission.

I do enjoy a regency romance from time to time!

Charity returns home only to find that a short while after this, her friend Seline seems to vanish into thin air!. Charity tries to find out what happened and it seems the only one to help her is the man who she once loved. There is going to be a hard time ahead as their investigation takes them into dangerous territory

I do love an old manor house with secrets and the dark past of those who live there.

The Vanishing at Loxby Manor is a gothic styled romantic suspense. There is a mystery surrounding the manor and some very strange happenings. First off we have Charity arriving for an extended visit. No one greets her and she is told to go to her room and a supper tray would be sent up. She finds this very strange as she is an old friend of many years. Then the daughter Seline, visits her later and tells her not to let anyone know she was there. Then she leaves to meet someone and never returns. Strange things going on with all of the family members. The Matron, Mrs. Cavanaugh has emotional problems bordering on insanity at times, Avery, the middle son, favored by his mother, seems to be hiding something. Mr. Cavanaugh is bedridden and blind from an accident with his horse and is now a recluse. Piers, the oldest son, has left home and is living near Liverpool because of a scandal, although he did return after his sister’s disappearance. Piers and Charity were once in love, but things are strained between them now. Together they decide to put their heads together to figure out what is going on and to try to find Seline. All of this combined together makes for a very good mystery to keep you guessing until the end. Wow, what a surprise……..I received a complimentary ARC from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.

Abigail Wilson knows how to weave an intriguing story! Charity returns home for a visit with her friend Seline who abruptly disappears. As Charity tries to solve the mysterious disappearance, she is joined by Piers, a man who she once loved but has not seen in five years, and as they begin to unravel the mystery together, they discover there are sinister forces at work that will silence anyone who threatens to uncover their secrets.

This gothic regency is full of mystery and suspense that start on page one and do.not.let.up! I loved feeling the goosebumps on my arm or tingle up my spine at the eerie suspense. This book was not predictable and there were so many plot twists, I honestly did not figure out who the culprit was until the very end.

The author handled Charity's tragic past very tastefully and I loved the beautiful theme of healing. The second chance romance between Charity and Piers is very sweet.

I usually am not a huge fan of books told in first person POV but I loved this book so much it didn't bother me at all. I will definitely be reading more from this author!

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a postive review.

Abigail Wilson gives readers another Regency filled with mystery and a slightly gothic tone in The Vanishing at Loxby Manor.

When Charity returns to Loxby Manor after several years, everything seems to have changed. On her first night back, her friend disappears and from that point forward, Charity is embroiled in the search for her.

This book pulled me in from the beginning with the mystery and the sweet second chance romance between Charity and Piers unfolded at a nice pace for this story. Both of them have lived with regrets since their parting and are holding onto secrets (as are a few others in the house), but as they spend time together again, they open up to each other.

Since the story is told in first person, we get to watch the mystery and romance unfold through her eyes and experience the sweetness of her conversations with and memories of Piers as well as her concern over her friend’s disappearance and her shock at the truth of what happened.


Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

The Vanishing at Loxby Manor is another excellent Regency mystery from Abigail Wilson! With first person narration instantly pulling me into the story and adding to the suspense, I was delightfully surprised and guessing until the very end. Charity is a likable and complex heroine whose view of the world has been shaped by her past friendship with the Cavanaghs and her experiences abroad. As she navigates the mystery of her friend’s disappearance, a second chance at life — and romance! — unfolds.

The Regency era comes to life under Wilson’s command. I especially enjoyed the rural setting and requisite elements of the time: references to duels, a ball, strolls in the garden, drawing room banter, and midnight horseback rides. The compelling cast and exciting mystery propel the story into further layers of complexity as Charity must decide where to turn and who to trust next.

Along with the wonderfully executed second chance romance, themes of survival and hope anchor the story and main couple. I appreciate how this story acknowledges life as ever-changing with focus best fixed on the future instead of the shadows of the past. I recommend this book for anyone who likes their Regency or Austen with a hefty dose of mystery and suspense, or fans of inspirational romance and well done first person POV.

Thank you to HFVBT and the publisher for the review copy. This is my honest review.

Fabulous characters! An up all night read, couldn’t put it down. A house full of secrets that makes a thriller out of this book. A missing daughter, sister and friend that has the whole manor in an uproar. I was on the edge of my seat throughout this entire book. Each time I thought clues would lead to secrets revealed and discovery of Seline a new twist was thrown in. This story wraps securely around your emotions and pulls you in all directions. I was living in this story with every danger and revelation that had my mind spinning at every shadow or suspect that lurked within the pages. A romance that may never be has the reader begging for a change in circumstances. So many reasons to indulge in this story with an outcome that will have you shocked and gasping for breath! What an incredible journey this was.
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It drew me in from the beginning and was hard to put down. The tension and suspense build as Charity and Piers work to solve the mystery of Seline's disappearance. The danger intensifies as they investigate a secret society with a multitude of secrets that someone is willing to kill over. Are the two connected?

Charity and Piers are great characters. They are loyal and persistent. They both have been hurt deeply and it makes them want to keep others at a distance. Yet they can only get through the current crisis if they work together.

This is a great pulse-pounding mystery. I didn't see the twist coming. I'd highly recommend this book. Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

A new Regency Mystery that did keep me guessing all the way through. Charity comes back to Loxby Manor after being away for five years and much has changed. Charity is thrust into the position of searching for her dear friend, sister to the man she has always loved. Charity has her own secrets and we quickly find out that Piers has been keeping one of his own. Together, they must navigate the pull that has never gone away, societal expectations and so many secrets from everyone else as they try to find out what happened to Seline.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own, freely given.

Charity Halliwell had always hoped to marry Piers Cavanaugh, but her family’s sudden move to Ceylon, and Charity’s dark and secret attack left her believing she would never have that opportunity. When her parents decided to travel to America to visit her brilliant brother, a chemist, Charity was sent to stay with the Cavanaughs for a year. Delighted to see her old friend Seline, Charity wondered why the house was in such an uproar, and without filling Charity in on the details, Seline borrowed Charity’s long black cloak and slipped into the night, possibly to Kinwich Abbey, long rumored to be haunted. Piers, currently in disgrace because of a duel he failed to participate in, was also back at Loxby, helping his parents adjust to Seline’s disappearance and his favored brother Avery to run the estate after their father’s accident.

In England in 1816, there are few opportunities for young ladies outside of marriage. Charity feels as though she is damaged and flawed after being attacked, and Mrs. Cavanaugh’s belief that Seline is ruined after supposedly eloping with a stable hand keeps Charity quiet on the subject. I enjoyed the mystery aspect, but felt the book dragged in the middle, and I became distracted.

The Vanishing at Loxby Manor is a historical novel set in Regency (1816) England. Charity Halliwell returns to her hometown to stay with lifelong family friends for a year. Her family has traveled from Ceylon to America. She was assaulted in Ceylon and is still feeling very fragile. She longs for the safety of her hometown and the family that includes her best friend, Seline, and Seline's brother, Piers Cavanaugh, who was Charity's first love. However, Seline disappears under mysterious circumstances and Charity works with Piers to find her.

I wanted to read this book because I love historical fiction, enjoy the Regency period, and was intrigued by the mix of romance and mystery in this novel.

This is such a stay-up-to-all-hours-reading novel! I was immediately engrossed in this book, with Seline's vanishing, mysterious lights in an abandoned abbey, rumors of a secret society -- not to mention the story of Charity and Piers.

I enjoyed the way this book combined several elements at once: Regency romance, mystery, and even some gothic elements.

The pacing is wonderful, with many twists and turns along the way. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, there was another unexpected turn.

Charity is a strong protagonist, vulnerable and caring. Piers seems gruff at first but he shows himself to be a man who cares deeply about his family and those he loves. As a reader I felt invested in their story. I loved the way it unfolded slowly, as they both came from places where they were hurt to slowly draw together. This was a perfect description:

"And here we were sharing in the same comfort and affection we had so many times before, but with one terribly painful caveat— there would never be anything more between us. His shame was a public one; mine private. We were standing on two very different mountain peaks yet staring at the valley below with no possible way to meet in the middle" (eBook location 2022).

I highly recommend The Vanishing at Loxby Manor for fans of historical fiction, especially romantic suspense and Regency settings. This is my first read by Abigail Wilson, but I look forward to reading her other novels in the future.

I love the aura of mystery and suspense in this moody Regency! Charity had a wonderful childhood with the neighboring Cavanaugh's, but after several years apart, relationships have shifted and she struggles to find her footing as Seline's disappearance weighs on them all. I admired that she had the confidence to pursue an investigation with the limited resources available to her, and did not give up on her friend. Each character in the story has secrets hanging over them, and the author skillfully alluded to the mysteries and unfolded them slowly throughout the story. I loved that Piers and Charity have a second chance at their young romance, even though it's fraught with difficulties. A steady pace with some twists and surprises made this a book I didn't want to put down!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

The best one of Abigail Wilson's books so far! I do love a good mystery. The mystery is multi-layered, but not so complicated that you can't understand it. The characters are likeable or detestable, but some you can't figure out which they are until toward the end... One that I kind of liked turned out to be not so likeable at the end! Kept my attention throughout the whole book. Very enjoyable.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance e-copy! The opinions are entirely my own.

One of the best parts of being a book lover is finding new authors to add to your list of favorites. Last year, I found Abigail Wilson, and I’m now addicted to anything she writes, including her new book The Vanishing at Loxby Manor.

This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I received a copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.


SUMMARY
Charity Halliwell returns to Loxby Manor after living abroad for five years. The last time she was there, Piers Cavanaugh was promising his heart to her, and she had hopes for a bright and happy future.

But things have changed. Charity isn’t the same person, and Piers is gone, branded a coward and disgraced. Still, Charity is excited to visit her friend Seline Cavanaugh.

But no sooner has Charity arrived, than Seline disappears. Her family is distraught, believing she has eloped with a lowly groom.

Charity doesn’t believe Seline eloped. Mysterious lights in the abbey, a missing cloak and dire warnings make her believe something sinister is afoot.

When Piers is called home to help the family deal with the situation, he agrees. He and Charity set out to discover what really happened to Seline.

Along the way, Charity realizes her feelings for Piers aren’t as dead as she once thought. But the danger is real, and much closer than they know. Will they find the truth in time?

THE VANISHING AT LOXBY MANOR REVIEW
Can I talk about The Vanishing at Loxby Manor without gushing? Probably not. Prepare yourself.

I don’t think I’d ever read a Regency suspense novel before I read Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey last year. It doesn’t really seem like a genre I would even enjoy.

But Abigail Wilson draws me in every time! I love that she writes such strong female characters, but the “hero” is alway pretty great, too.

I admit, I’m the kind of person who shies away from danger…but Charity Halliwell isn’t. I cringed every time she wandered down a dark hallway in the manor. But isn’t that what makes for a great suspense novel?

I couldn’t figure out what was going on in this story. The clues don’t exactly add up to what you might expect, in a good way! There are so many possibilities, and I never suspected the truth.

The Vanishing at Loxby Manor takes a dark turn that you probably won’t expect. It certainly surprised me!

Jane Austen is one of my favorite authors of all time. I’m pretty sure that if she had written suspense, The Vanishing at Loxby Manor would’ve come from her pen. I can’t say enough good things.

Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey was on my list of the best Christian fiction I read in 2020. Even though it’s only January, I’m pretty sure The Vanishing at Loxby Manor is going to make it on my “best of” list for 2021.

Put this one on your must-read list, right now!

I liked the genteel era of this and the storyline of Piers and Charity whose love before had been interrupted so to speak but it seemed to lag a bit on getting to the reason for Seline's disappearance. There were times that perhaps it was me but I wanted more substance leading to the conclusion.