A dual timeline mystery that is part gothic and part historical fiction. The novel started slowly but the narrative was rushed in parts. An enjoyable read but it was not for me.

Read it in two nights a very twisty turny tale. I will say it wasnt the start or finish I expected but it was one heck of a book. 5 stars

A gripping dual timeline mystery! I loved this dual timeline mystery and was swept along by the story. The Irish setting and the characters felt very real to me. I don't usually read anything 'ghostly' but thoroughly enjoyed this. I shall be looking to read another book by this author.

Grace, a child rep in Greece, gets hired by Patrick and Isla to be a nanny for their little girl Skye back in Ireland. Little does Grace know that their home is a stately house with a dark past.

Not long after arriving at Hollowpark Grace begins to see things, ghosts seemingly asking for help. As the story develops you start to find out the dark secrets the house holds.

This is a duel timeline book, going back and forth between past residents of Hollowpark and Grace’s story. I found this a great way of developing the backstory of Hollowpark and all the mystery that surrounds the unfortunate events of a lot of the inhabitants.

The author did a great job of tying up all the loose ends at the end of the book, along with a few extra surprises.

My only criticism is that I wish the author expanded on the paranormal aspect of the book, I wanted ‘Woman in Black’ vibes but found it a bit PG 13 for my liking.

Thank you for Netgalley and House of Zeus for a copy of the book in return for an honest review

Oh I really hate to say this but unfortunately this was a disappointing read for me. It just wasn’t what I was expecting. It was really well written, and the first few chapters really hooked me in but then the storyline itself just fell away for me.

Grace spends her life caring for other people’s children. Half the time in Europe working in a resort looking after the child-minding facilities, and half the time as Nanny in private homes.
When a family from Ireland is holidaying at the resort she works at, a set of circumstances lead parents Patrick and Isla to offer Grace a full-time job looking after the daughter Skye back home.
After a little hesitation Grace decides to take up the opportunity to be their Nanny at their sprawling home, Hollowpark Hall. Skye is a delight, and she liked both Patrick and Isla, so it felt the right time to venture back to her native Ireland.

Unfortunately, Hollowpark Hall wasn’t quite what she was expecting. A massive old estate that needs serious amounts of renovation done to it, something she discovers Patrick’s mother Delia is relishing taking on, hoping to open the house for visitors and tour-groups, which Grace hadn’t banked on when taking the job.

As we are first introduced to Hollowpark Hall the storyline is told through different timelines, the early 1800’s and 2007. I absolutely loved the chapters set in the 1800’s, they were engrossing and captivating and at the same time heartbreaking as we learnt the struggles of those that called the beautiful mansion home. At the heart of the grounds is the Belladonna Maze, named after the beautiful but deadly plant that grows amongst the hedges.

However, those chapters started to peter out and the storyline fixated only on the more recent times which is when I started to struggle. I was expecting an eerie almost gothic story to start unfolding but for me it was just too much detail on a renovation project and bossy ramblings of Delia and her obsessive plans for the house.

The ending whilst I didn’t see coming was both strange and wrapped up far too quickly. I really wish I could have loved this more, there were honestly 5 star parts to this read for me but unfortunately there were just too many drawn out chapters that I didn’t enjoy anywhere near as much.

Grace is working as a holiday rep in Greece when she becomes friendly with an Irish family and agrees to return to their home, Hollowpark Hall in Roscommon with them to work as live-in Nanny to their young daughter, Skye Fitzmahon. Grace soon hears about the disappearance of a local girl, who vanished on Halloween night thirty years previously. Locals are a bit spooked about anyone staying in Hollowpark - but legend has it that as long as a Fitzmahon is in residence, no harm will come to them.

Grace soon realises that things aren't as they seem - and locals are right to be concerned.

This was brilliant, I really enjoyed it. It's a total departure from Sinéad Crowley's other books, I wasn't expecting an almost gothic-style thriller that genuinely spooked me in parts. Like similar books, I did feel like it all got a little Scooby-Doo towards the end but listen - if you're looking for a spooky, atmospheric thriller with two engaging, intertwining stories then this is really worth checking out. I loved it and I'd read it again, which is rare for me these days.

My first book by this author. It was some historical fiction, partly ghost story. A good read,

I rate it 3 stars.

Hollowpark Hall protects its own...

What a delightful read THE BELLADONNA MAZE is! I wasn't quite sure what to expect diving in but I do so love gothic ghost story that is both mysterious and atmospheric so I couldn't resist...especially with that eye-catching cover. It was hauntingly captivating from the beginning, though not in any scary sense, and I could have easily devoured it in one sitting...and almost did. The rhythmic prose was almost hypnotic and I felt myself drawn into the pages and that of Hollowpark Hall itself.

The story begins in 1825 at Hollowpark Hall in the west of Ireland where it looms outside a little village and holds many secrets...and shadows. At the heart of its gardens is the beautifully intricate but deadly Belladonna maze.

When Deirdre Fitzmahon was a child, her only playmate was the gardener's son Ciaran O'Mahony. But as the years pass, their friendship is then separated by class and position and Deirdre finds herself very lonely. Her only friend is her little terrier, Prince. Her own father, disappointed that she was not born a boy and heir to the Hollowpark Hall estate, her only value was to marry with her husband becoming heir to the estate which she calls home. And so about a decade later she marries Laurence Foster who will become master of Hollowpark upon her father's death. But as all good gothic tales go, tragedy strikes thus placing Deirdre's and Hollowpark's future in peril.

In 2007, Grace is a nanny who separates her time between summers in Greece, working the holiday kids klub in family resorts and enjoying the Mediterranean sun, with the rest of the year working as a nanny in London. By pure chance she meets Patrick Fitzmahon and his wife Isla when saving their little girl Skye from drowning and impresses them with how well she interacts with their daughter. They then offer her a permanent position as nanny at their home at Hollowpark Hall.

From the moment she sets foot on Hollowpark soil, Grace becomes entranced by the Hall's mysterious past. When she glimpses the reflection of a teenage girl in jeans in her mirror and later an apparition of a woman in 19th century black dress, she puts her hallucinations down to dehydration and fatigue. But the more familiar she becomes with the place the more she glimpses the two ghostly figures. Mostly they remain silent, but there are times when they are imploring "Find her", although she isn't quite sure who "her" actually is. Inevitably, Grace is shaken by these happenings and begins to make plans to leave Hollowpark.

But when she discovers the unexplained disappearance of a teenage girl in 1973 who went missing following a Halloween party on the estate, Grace becomes even more intrigued. Is this the girl she has been "seeing" within the empty rooms in the Hall? If so, what is it she is trying to tell her? And the dark haired woman in 19th century dress? Could she be Deirdre Fitzmahon? What ghosts lay in unrest here? And why? And then there is the added complication of her growing attraction to Patrick.

Beginning with a significant incident in the Belladonna maze itself in 1825, the story then separated between the nineteenth century, 1973 and 2007 in alternating chapters. The dual timelines flow together seamlessly although I prefer the unfolding story of the past as it was far more atmospheric. I would have liked to know more about what happened to Deirdre beyond the gate house and appearing as an apparition in the present day, so I did find that a little opened ended. Her story is hinted at through Delia's telling and Jack's research but nothing really tangible. I loved the little dog that befriended Grace from the start and given its knowledge of the maze in leading her through, I guessed correctly as to his origins.

I enjoyed Grace's narrative too though not quite as much as Deirdre's. However it did improve the further she delved into the Hall's mysteries. Her interactions with Skye were delightful though she struck me as a lonely person needing to set down some roots. I was happy with how it ended for her and the author gave Deirdre something of an ending as well which I thought was a lovely touch.

The descriptions of Hollowpark Hall and the maze especially were excellent and intricate by design. I was immersed completely in the narrative that I didn't really want to leave. Ironically, I am not a paranormal/supernatural fan BUT I do enjoy gothic tales with a supernatural element to it in the form of unrested ghosts. Despite its different timeline, I was reminded a little of Louise Douglas' "The Room in the Attic" which also had a similar element to it.

An entertaining read from beginning to end, THE BELLADONNA MAZE is a fascinating tale with a steady pace throughout that is as intriguing as it is atmospheric. A thoroughly enjoyable tale with even a little nod to the Queen of Crime herself, Agatha Christie.

I would like to thank #SinéadCrowley, #NetGalley and #HeadOfZeus for an ARC of #TheBelladonnaMaze in exchange for an honest review.

This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.

I really enjoyed this book. The setting was extremely atmospheric and the dual timeline/perspective drew me in straight away.

I loved our two female main characters and the sinister elements that wove through each perspective. I couldn't put this book down once I got to the half way point and the atmosphere had me feeling anxious in the best way.

I highly recommend this book and think it would make an excellent spooky/Halloween read.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The Belladonna Maze was a good read -- a mystery where you would actually 'feel' Ireland as well as the spookiness of the old house. The supernatural twist was a pleasant surprise and added depth to the story. I felt that the characters were well thought out and believable for the most part; the only character that I found to be flat and unconvincing was Grace, the main character. The house itself however was almost a character and was very intriguing--I would love to have a nose round!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Oh what an excellent read. I got so caught up in this spine tingling story, full of secrets, mysteries and ghosts. It seems the ghosts are asking for help - is Grace the one to give it? I loved how the story spanned the centuries, drawing people and echoes from the past. The author has truly captured the feel of a gothic romance from times gone by.
The story is truly atmospheric and a little scary but totally enthralling; and such a shock in the twist at the end. I didn’t want to put it down, at least, not until I’d looked over my shoulder! Highly recommended.

This book has abit of everything, love and loss with houses full of ghosts. The story has dual timelines which keeps you on your toes telling to 2 stories before entwining them. A book full of atmosphere and actual ghosts of the past!

I’m not sure this book can be described as adult literary fiction, the style and storyline was so simple it is best described as a paranormal teen romance.
The supernatural elements lacked any menace or fright, nothing felt chilling or thrilling. The romance was a thin and weak thread that ran through despite the breathless internal dialogue later in the book that tried to suddenly conjure up some passion.
The dual timeline didn’t work because it jumped too quickly from the past into the future as the writer tried to add a murder mystery storyline in, and the motive of the modern day ‘baddie’ was absolutely pointless.
It was easy to read, didn’t tax me in any way and I like books set in Ireland, but otherwise sorry this wasn’t for me.

I was attracted to the cove and title of this book. I am also a fan of those 'then and now' stories where intertwining tales and mysteries carry on through the years. I would class this as a fairly gentle ghost story, and the characters were easy to relate to. Set mainly in Ireland it transported me there both through the description of the house and village as well as the language. A very enjoyable summer read that I finished in two sessions.

I would quite happily have give this Book a Ten star rating . Right from the start it was hauntingly Captivating ,not in a scary sense ,although the hair's on my neck did tingle a few times ,but in the beautiful Rhythm of the writing & of it's characters from Deirdre Fitzmahon who's home contains the Belladonna Maze ,to Ciar'an son of the Head gardener who was her playmate at her home at Hollowpark House at Lisheeha, Co, Rosscommon in Ireland & then to Grace a Nanny working in Greece who agrees to become the Nanny to Sky & who finds the House talking to her so that mysteries become solved. So I highly recommend this Book. #Netgalley, #GoodReads,#FB, #Instagram,#Amazon.co.uk , #<img src="https://www.netgalley.co.uk/badge/358a5cecda71b11036ec19d9f7bf5c96d13e2c55" width="80" height="80" alt="100 Book Reviews" title="100 Book Reviews"/>, #<img src="https://www.netgalley.co.uk/badge/ef856e6ce35e6d2d729539aa1808a5fb4326a415" width="80" height="80" alt="Reviews Published" title="Reviews Published"/>, #<img src="https://www.netgalley.co.uk/badge/aa60c7e77cc330186f26ea1f647542df8af8326a" width="80" height="80" alt="Professional Reader" title="Professional Reader"/>

An intriguing read, it took a while to get into but once about halfway through I was more inclined to keep reading. Pick this up if you like dual timeline reads and a mystery.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review , and it reflects my personal opinion.
This book starts in a way that quickly establishes a dual timeline around the stories of 2 women. Grace, a qualified nanny, moves to the large mansion house in Ireland that is central to the story and the creepy feelings woven throughout the story ramp up as Grace senses presences and meets some of the locals. Alongside this story the reader learns more about the historical characters from the past.
I found the plotlines fascinating, the stories were linked together very well with plenty of surprises right to the end of the book. The chilling feeling is maintained throughout, this is a book to avoid reading late in the evening!

Enjoyable read. A few ghosts, romance and drama. It was a bit disconcerting keep going back in time but it all linked together at the end and made sense. The characters were likeable and descriptions of each period were good. A good story line with a twist at the end.

An interesting dual time mystery novel. Grace has been working as a nanny on a Greek island and a couple ask her to go back with them to Ireland to look after Skye which she does. She gets a shock sending someone in her bedroom snd an older one visible only to her in her bedroom window. Skye’s mother ends up in hospital on a couple of occasions and things come to a head on a Halloween party with some American guests. The truth about a disappearance many years ago finally comes out. The ghosts can finally rest easy.

I was deeply engrossed in this story told between two time lines. It kept me wanting more and believing in ghosts.

Synopsis:
An old house can hold many secrets. Hollowpark in the west of Ireland certainly does. At the heart of the gardens is an intricate maze, named after a deadly poison, Belladonna. If you know the way through, it's magical, a hiding place and playground like no other. If you don't, it's a place of fear and sinister riddles, where a young girl once went missing and was never seen again.

Grace comes to Hollowpark as a nanny for young Skye FitzMahon. Soon the mysterious past of Hollowpark has seduced her. Who is the woman she sometimes glimpses in an upstairs window? Or the apparition who keeps showing up unexpectedly, pleading, 'Find me'. And how can she fight her growing attraction to Skye's father?

My thoughts:

This really kept my interest, I found Grace to be a believable character who I found endearing and enjoyed her story. She keeps seeing a woman in the window and hearing a voice that is saying “find me” this is rather unnerving for Grace and she is desperate to know what happened at Hollowpark in the past. and as we read about Graces story we are also learning about past events at Hollowpark from 1825 where we are introduced to Deirdre and Ciarán.
This add another layer and we are given the history of Hollowpark. Who owned it and who they were. It has always been kept in the FitzMahon family.
I enjoyed reading this book, great plot and writing. 4 stars