I had a very difficult time getting past the first 50 pages of this book. it started very slow and I could not get invested in the characters. It seemed like a lot of backstory to get to the love story..

Abigail Wilson has done it again, this may be her best book to date. Her ability to mix well researched history with page flipping mystery has produced a masterpiece that is hard to put down. From the first search for Chauncy to the final night of the hunt for a killer, this story keeps you entertained and guessing who the bad guy is. All while filling the pages with Regency details and entertaining humor. Amelia Pembroke has resided at Cluett's Mesmeric Hospital in Morrington Cross for the last 2 years. under the attentive care of Mr. Cluett. Though her treatments have not yet relieved her condition, Amelia is comfortable and content with the company of those who reside at the hospital. Suddenly everything is turned upside down when solicitor Ewan Hawkins appears and Mr. Cluett reveals a leaded surprise in his newly drafted will. He wants to leave everything to Amelia but there is a catch, she must marry 1 of 2 specific men within 30 days of his death. Mr. Cluett comforts with the fact he sees nothing to worry about for many years. But suddenly he is dead and now Amelia must choose between 2 men she has never met. She turns to Ewan Hawkins to help her determine the mens' character and interest as her new solicitor. She is also concerned with the mysterious circumstances surrounding Mr. Cluett's death. The only person she feels she can trust is Ewan, and he is determined to help and protect this witty and strong woman he has no place developing feelings for. Amelia already has 2 too many suitors but finds herself drawn to this young solicitor who makes her laugh. With so many questions needed to be answered and the danger increasing every day, how will they find the answers they need in time?
Abigail Wilson is a must read for anyone who enjoys a Regency set mystery. With her detailed settings and adrenaline pumping mystery, this book will keep you up late and looking for the clues to answer the questions of who and why. I can't wait for the next book from this masterful storyteller. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Twilight at Moorington Cross is a twisty murder mystery by Abigail Wilson. It’s set in an old Gothic hall—with closed off halls and shifting shadows—during the regency era, which only adds to the danger undercurrent.

The small set of suspects keeps the mystery contained, but the main character’s future wellness and happiness at stake, as well as that of most of the residents, and there is much riding on the Amelia Pembroke in this tale.

My favorite character was the solicitor, who doesn’t get a point of view, as many romances provide. Instead, this book is written from an entirely first person perspective, through the eyes of Amelia. Yet, seeing the man she grows to care about, care for her—it’s as swoony as it gets!

If you like mystery and murder wrapped up in your Regency romance, then definitely grab a copy of Abigail Wilson’s latest!

—
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Thomas Nelson. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.

Twilight at Moorington Cross by Abigail Wison is another delightful, gothic mystery from this author. The setting of the dark, secret-filled Cluett’s Mesmeric Hospital with its patients with minds and bodies that betray them and a doctor who practices controversial medicine is a perfect backdrop for an everyone-is-a-suspect mystery.
Amelia and Ewan are absolutely adorable together. I loved their flirtatious banter and easy camaraderie between them. Their mutual love for adventure and determination to solve Cluett’s murder made them a perfect pair.
This story was full of one twist after another with plenty of red herrings thrown in to keep you guessing late into the game.The thrill of chasing the truth was just as satisfying as the conclusion. Any fan of whodunit mystery will love this story!
Overall, I loved the history (especially learning about the mesmeric sessions), the twisty mystery, and the sweet romance.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review.

A must read for fans of gothic suspense. It did not take long to draw me into a captivating story filled with enough intrigue and romance to please this reader's heart. This story is filled with dark family secrets, unsolved murder, a sweet romance and a vivid atmospheric setting with a couple of unexpected twists at the end. I absolutely loved the hero, not only for his acceptance of the heroine's condition, but his desire to protect and love her, recognizing her beautiful and independent spirit. Wilson's attention to detail draw her reader's into a story that deserves to be placed on a keeper shelf.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher and I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I received an advanced copy of #Twilightatmooringtoncross via #Netgalley and have provided my honest opinion.

From the précis of the story I thought I was going to be reading a regency historical fiction novel however although the setting may be in that time period, there are no similarities to other romantic historical fiction books that I enjoy.

The book had a very eerie feel to it. The setting is a mesmeric hospital which I had and still have no knowledge of. It appears to be an unusual method of treatment involving ionic water and iron rods. Amelia has been a patient there since her husband admitted her for sleep episodes that have plagued her since childhood although they only appear to bother her a handful of times throughout the plot. She is written into the will of the owner Mr Cluett and stands to inherit the hospital as long as she marries one of 2 men within 28 days.

Following the announcement of the contents of the will to the other patients and the 2 named gentlemen and in the presence of the solicitor Ewan Hawkins, Mr Cluett dies in unusual circumstances.

The rest of the book is about unravelling the murder, Amelia pretending to get to know the 2 men (but not really spending time with them) and her actually falling in love with the solicitor.

I found a lot of the plot disjointed and the book wasn’t really what I expected. It was also a slow process getting through it with a lot of the action and random information being revealed in the last 5% of the story. I found it difficult to relate to any of the characters and I wasn’t invested in them.

For those of you that enjoy gothic elements and murder mystery type stories, then this may be for you however for me, this one did not deliver what I was expecting.

I did not finish this one. I started it and got about 20% in, but I could not get invested in the story. The premise and setting were a bit odd and I was not interested enough by the hero. I was also wishing there was more romance. I have read this author before and have enjoyed her work, so I look forward to seeing what she does next!

Richly layered with a complex plot and host of characters. The twists came right through the final pages. Those who love Regency romance with a deep mystery will enjoy every page of Abigail Wilson's latest novel.

Thank you, Abigail Wilson, NetGalley, and Thomas Nelson–Fiction for the opportunity to read this book. It was released on January 11th, 2022!

I love a good regency romance. When it comes to regency romance or any type of historical romance, I know I am getting very little historical accuracy–and that is ok! I am in it for the setting and the romance. Twilight at Moorington Cross is the first book that I have read by Abigail Wilson. I was intrigued by the setting and the fact it was also labeled as a murder mystery. Amelia Pembroke was sent away by her late husband for her sleeping spells. She faints, sleeps often, and has sleep paralysis. She was sent to a hospital run by Dr. Cluett, who uses mesmerism to treat his patients. He is soon mysteriously murdered and his will read. The will states that Amelia will inherit as long as she marries one of two gentlemen suitors in 30 days. The solicitor, Ewan Hawkins had come to Moorington Cross to read the changes to the will, but after meeting Amelia, he sees what a horrible position she has been put in. Together, they will solve Cluett’s death and figure out which suitor will be best to marry—but what if she falls in love with someone who isn’t a suitor?

Predictable would be the first word I would choose when describing this book. Again, most historical romance books are predictable. It is obvious from the get-go that Amelia’s two suitors are not going to be the love interest. One suitor is handsome but a complete rake, the other cold and aloof. The question that is asked constantly: why are these men the choices? Well, the answers don’t come until way later but the suitors have the answers all along. At first, I thought the pace would move quickly as everything is introduced and Mr. Cluett murdered fairly quickly. But then the next 80% just drags. This book could have been a novella. I am not sure if some scenes were useless or if that was the author’s attempt at misdirection–either way, it did not help the pace of the story. EVERYTHING gets spilled out in the last 5% of the book. My biggest issue is that the answers to the mystery aren’t revealed…they are explained, and rather quickly too. At this point, I did not care about the details of the murder. I was so disconnected from the story that it did not matter.

I did find the themes of mesmerism to be unique and interesting, as I have not read that in a book before. If the book was a little more organized, it would have come together quite nicely. Amelia was a sweet main character but rather typical. Overall, with some altering of a few scenes of the book, this book could be a favorite. For me, I rate it 2 out of 5 stars.

** “It’s taken me a long time to understand such a simple truth: I would not be the same person I am presently without my imperfections, even my mother’s rejection.” **

Abigail Wilson takes us to Regency England with a suspenseful, yet romantic tale in “Twilight at Moorington Cross.”

Widow Amelia Pembroke is seeking treatment at the Cluett Mesmeric Hospital for a sleep disorder when she learns some shocking news — she can inherit the hospital but she must marry one of two specific men, both strangers.

But as she tries to determine which man to attach herself to, she finds her heart drawn in a different direction — all while also trying to solve several mysteries with the help of her solicitor, Ewan Hawkins.

Wilson does a great job of threading together a story that is not only romantic, but suspenseful, as she keeps the reader guessing as to what’s really going on, and who is behind the nefarious acts at the hospital. She creates intriguing characters, with issues to overcome and battles to fight.

She fills “Twilight at Moorington Cross” with many great themes, like overcoming one’s insecurities; accepting one’s imperfections; revealing one’s true self; hope can be a powerful force; don’t underestimate your worth; and the importance of addressing one’s inadequacies.

Fans of authors like Jaime Jo Wright (minus the modern day plot lines) and Julie Klassen will love this novel.

Five stars out of five.

Thomas Nelson provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.

This book was so intriguing to me. It focused on a woman with an unusual illness who was being treated by a Mesmerist. I had never heard the term mesmerism before and I liked reading about something so different. This book begs for an afterword section to explain the use of mesmerism in history and even to talk more about Amelia's disease and symptoms.

Though a patient, Amelia finds herself an integral part of her Doctor's will. She is to marry one of two men within 30 days to ensure her inheritance (and theirs). But her heart has found a different home. Amelia and Ewan search around the clock for mysterious documents to try to find a way out of this predicament. There's a good mystery with a lot of twists and turns. It was sometimes a little confusing but it all comes to light in the end.

I enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good Regency mystery. Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Murder and secrets abound in Twilight at Moorington Cross, as a young widow hidden away for her affliction must choose between two men in order to receive an unexpected inheritance while working with an attractive solicitor to solve the murder of her benefactor. Author Abigail Wilson, in her fifth published work, again displays her flair for the gothic in this Regency mystery abounding with secrets, hidden motives, the fading interest in mesmerism, and a slow burning romance.

With an engaging narrator, whose disorder amps up the tension, this is an Inspirational Regency Romance - and author - not to miss! Highly recommended.

This review refers to a digital galley I voluntarily read via NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher. A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.

After only a week of marriage, Amelia Pembroke is hospitalised in Mr Cluett’s Mesmeric Hospital, as her husband cannot tolerate her transient sleeping spells. She finds refuge with a few patients and Mr Cluett, who treats her with care. When he is murdered and she is the beneficiary of his will, she finds herself facing marriage either of two strangers, in order to inherit. The only problem is that she finds herself captivated by Ewan Hawkins, the solicitor involved in establishing the will.
This was more than just a simple romance, with a murder mystery playing alongside the sweet romance between Amelia and Ewan. Whilst they both attempt to uncover the many secrets of the doctor; they are also unsure of what is developing between them. Their romance was gradual, and I also found Ewan’s character to be a good contrast in his honourable nature, to the two men, vying to marry her, solely for the inheritance. The many secondary characters in the book were also fascinating, as they gave added depth to this intriguing story. My only issue was that most of the mystery was revealed in very last few chapters and I would have like to have had parts interwoven throughout the story. Otherwise, a great read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Kent, England - 1819

Mrs. Amelia Pembroke has episodes of suddenly falling asleep. Thus, she has been a patient for two years at the Mesmeric Hospital, at Moorington Cross, treated by Mr. Cluett. She had only been married a short time when her husband had her admitted and now he has passed away.

Mr. Hawkins is Mr. Cluett’s new solicitor and has come to Moorington Cross to let Amelia and Mr. Cluett’s other patients know that the man has learned that he is unwell and he has changed his will. Amelia has been named the beneficiary of his estate and most of his holdings, but only if she marries one of two men. They are Mr. Lymington and Mr. Montague, also known as the cad of Kent. Amelia dislikes both men, yet she has 30 days to decide or the money reverts to a Mesmeric Hospital in France.

That night, Mr. Cluett is found dead in his bathtub. The police carelessly think it is an accident, but the people living at Moorington Cross believe he was murdered. Now, Amelia is faced with trying to decide which man she will choose to marry.

I believe the author’s aim here was to create a spooky, dark, gothic-type novel, but it didn’t quite make it for me. Montague and Lymington are both rather dull men and the other characters just don't have the energy to make them compelling. To wrap up the story, there are so many little additions of secrets(?) that made my head spin. I was looking forward to this book but found it a bit of a disappointment.

Copy provided by NetGalley and Edelweiss in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Twilight at Moorington Cross is a cozy mystery that keeps you on your toes. Amelia Pembroke has found herself in quite the difficult situation. Her close friend and doctor has added her into his will with some very interesting circumstances And just as Amelia is trying to wrap her mind around the contents of this will, Dr. Cluett is murdered and everything is turned upside down at Moorington Cross.

Twilight at Moorington Cross is a historical fiction novel written by Abigail Wilson.

Summary: Amelia Pembroke has been placed in a most awkward position by her guardian. She will inherit a vast estate-but only if she marries one of two men.

If she marries, she will have wealth and can provide for those she cares about. If she doesn’t, the entire fortune will go to a hospital in France leaving those around her practically destitute.

Neither man is worth marrying, but if she wants to protect those she loves, she is willing to make the sacrifice.

But when her guardian is found dead, Amelia doesn’t know what to think. Was he murdered? Who can she trust?

She only has thirty days to discover the truth and make a decision that will alter her life forever.

My Thoughts: I really enjoy Abigail Wilson’s writing style, and this was another fun one. There was such a wonderful mystery to it, and I was completely engaged until the very end.

There were quirky characters, plenty of twists and turns designed to keep you guessing, and several subplots that kept the story entertaining and interesting.

The only thing I didn’t like was that the ending was a bit confusing. So many different things were resolved in the last bit of the book it was hard to keep straight what was happening to all the different characters.

Overall though, I really liked it.

If you love mysteries, with a little romance thrown in, this is definitely an enjoyable read and I recommend it!

I would like to thank Thomas Nelson for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my review. Thank you!

A young widow and patient at Cluett’s Mesmeric Hospital, Amelia’s life is turned upside down when her doctor and father figure reveals he has altered his will, leaving Moorington Cross to her upon his death. However, there is one catch. To claim the inheritance she must marry one of two men named in the will within thirty days of Mr. Cluett’s death.

While the money and estate could provide her with the security a Regency-era woman with a sleeping disorder normally couldn’t even dream of, marriage to a complete stranger could prove to be a nightmare. Thankfully, Mr. Cluett is the epitome of health, and he has arranged for Amelia to meet the two men, so she has time. But when Mr. Cluett is found dead hours later the clock starts ticking toward a decision that won’t only affect Amelia’s life but also those around her. Matters complicate further when Amelia develops feelings for a third man — Mr. Hawkins, the solicitor responsible for executing the will.

In Twilight at Moorington Cross, Abigail Wilson threads together Regency romance with an atmospheric mystery. Readers find themselves trapped in an isolated manor right alongside the heroine as a killer lurks from the shadows. While I enjoyed this story, I didn’t love it. I found it hard to connect with the characters.

Mr. Cluett presumably sees Amelia as a daughter, and yet he puts her in an impossible situation. A total stranger could see within five minutes that both spouse candidates were wrong for Amelia, and yet Mr. Cluett who knows her better and loves her more than just about anyone still puts marriage to one as a clause in the will. It made it hard to view him as the concerned and loving father figure he’s portrayed to be. Even when his motives and reasonings are revealed, they didn’t feel satisfying.

Mr. Hawkins, for his part, is dismissive of Amelia’s very real concerns and comes across as somewhat patronizing and condescending. It set the tone for the rest of their story, and I was never able to warm up to him. I did like Amelia and her heart for others, and could empathize with her struggle.

Several parts of the story felt a little too far fetched or coincidental — such as a hospital with only three patients or the way some characters eventually tie in. Nonetheless, Twilight at Moorington Cross provided an entertaining read that Regency-era and mystery fans can enjoy. I found Amelia’s sleep disorder an interesting exploration into a topic I know little about. While this novel may not have ranked as high for me as some of Wilson’s previous stories, I am once again counting down the days for her next book.

In the gothic tradition of vintage Phyllis Whitney, this is a captivating regency-era romance.

Amelia suffers from narcolepsy. Because her condition has been misunderstood, she was forced into an arranged marriage at a young age that led to her commitment to Moorington Cross. Thankfully, Moorington Cross is nothing like Bedlam, and she has been receiving treatments from a mesmerist for several years. He has assumed the role of mentor and protector and does not believe her condition weakens her mind or renders her inadequate.

When Amelia's erstwhile protector, Dr. Cluett, is found dead in his rooms, chaos ensues. Dr. Cluett had recently retained a solicitor to devise a new will and testament. And the conditions of the new will have stark implications for Amelia's future.

The things I loved about this story:
- The unflinching portrayal of what Amelia's circumstances were before she landed at Moorington Cross.
- Amelia's wit, self-possession and deductive reasoning skills.
- The inclusion of two main characters who faced many challenges because of the perceptions of others that equated qualities beyond their control to deficiencies.
- The thorough descriptions of mesmerism, what the treatments consisted of, and why it was perceived as effective.

This is my second book by this author and I will definitely be diving into her backlist!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This wasn’t my favorite from Abigail Wilson, but it was still a delightful read. It was a bit slow moving until about 60%, but the final 40% made up for what the first part lacked. There are several mysteries solved within the pages. Some easy to figure out and others so intricately woven that I never could have guessed the outcome. Wilson will always be an automatic read for me. I love her stories. They’re very descriptive and satisfying. And even though sometimes her stories are a bit hard to get invested in, in the end they absolutely never disappoint. Ewan and Amelia’s story was no different. I really loved how these two characters truly understood each other and how well they got to know each other. There are lots of endearing and entertaining secondary characters in this book as well. Looking forward to more stories from Wilson!

The doctor has been murdered at the old estate, turned mesmeric hospital. This gothic mystery is full of secrets, suspence and hidden dangers. I am a big fan of Abigail Wilson's story telling, but the concept of a mesmerism as a form of medicine seemed a bit "un-Christian" and controversial to me. I usually try solving the mystery as I read, but this story had pieces that came out of "nowhere" and I would have to reread in order to see if they were mentioned subtly in earlier parts of the book. Obviously, the conclusion to this murder took me by surprise but in a mystery novel I think that's a good thing. I don't want to know "whodunnit" right away.
If you enjoy novels by Michelle Griep, then I think you will also enjoy Twilight at Moorington Cross.

Thank you Thomas Nelson and Net Galley for the free DRC of this book. The opinons expressed here are my own.