While I wouldn't call this a heart-pounding thriller, it was an intriguing book to read. The author does a great job with characterization--even going so far as to show family dynamics and how difficult it is to watch a sibling who is thoroughly adored by parents no matter that person does while the second child is constantly put down.The resultinbg low self-esteem and desire to find love elsewhere shines brightly through the pages.

The story was, like I said, intriguing. The plot slowly builds in ways that made me as feel as if something is going to happen--I just didn't know what. By the end, the story is neatly wrapped up and events from the past revealed.

2.5 stars rounded up.

Ruth Parker is desperate for love and attention. Overlooked as a child by her cold and hostile mother, Joy, in favour of her older brother, her pain manifests in a loneliness and a crippling lack of self-esteem. When her mother's close childhood friend, glamorous actress Vanessa shows an interest in her, Ruth basks in the blinding light of her attention - to her mother's disapproval.

This story showed so much more potential, but sadly, it fell short somewhere along the way. We follow Ruth through her teenage years, college and her infatuation with her mother's friend. This si a character driven story that also covers mental health and self-inflicted harm. I did not like any of the characters. There are some secrets to be revealed. I'm sure there will be other readers who will enjoy this book more than I did.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #HeraBooks and the author #CERose for my ARC of #TheAtticAtWiktonPlace in exchange for an honest review.

Well.....

This book was good.....but about 100 pages too long. There was just a little too much story and it dragged a bit too long, and then the ending felt rushed - and that's where the good stuff was.

Ruth was a sad lead character and watching her change was interesting but again, there were quick character changes that felt a bit too drastic. I understand being fascinated with someone, but come on.

I think there was a ton of potential for this story but again.....this could have used some editing.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review.

Thank you to #NetGalley, Hera Books and C. E. Rose for the opportunity to read an advance copy of THE ATTIC AT WILTON PLACE, to be published 30 March 2023. Wow! Vanessa was really something! She was the main “character” despite Ruth’s presence. Vanessa was all encompassing and a delight to behold. This novel was a sorrowful tale of a faulty mother-daughter relationship with an aunt who came to the rescue, albeit somewhat avant-garde. It was a great read and I would recommend it to anyone who has a mother. #NetGalley. #HeraBooks. #C.E.Rose. #TheAtticatWiltonPlace

I throughly loved this book. The characters were wonderful and very easy to identify with. I would definitely recommend this book and I have bought several of this author’s books.

I so loved this story and a big fan of this author a very addictive read from page one. Ruth has always felt not good enough for her mother from an early age her brother Tim can't do no wrong Ruth has a Godmother Vanessa who is her mum's best friend. Ruth idolises her from an early age Vanessa has seen her talents and tells her to follow her dreams her dad is lovely but sort of neglect s her to. there a few little headache s along the way but when she goes to university Vanessa comes in to her life more but as the story unfolds Lucy can see why her mum is the way she is you will need a tissue pulls at your heartstrings beautifully written very much enjoyed

I honestly can’t finish this. I find it a little boring and annoying. The “self pity” and lack of self esteem is just too much for me. I don’t think this was a good choice for me, thats all. Someone else might enjoy it.

Complex story with lots of twists. Relationships between mother and daughter and an honorary aunt are explored. Characters were well described but not very likeable. Lots of drama.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book was easily one of the best I’ve read in the last few years. The dynamic between Ruth and her Mother Joy was, at times, utterly heartbreaking. Clearly not the favourite child of the family, she is criticised and ignored in comparisons to her older brother Tim. Whilst their Father Clive tried at times to extend a financial olive branch and ensure Ruth feels happy at home, he offers little emotional support, leaving Ruth feeling like the black sheep of the family and increasingly dependent upon her “Aunt” Vanessa’s seemingly unconditional positive regard for her.

I enjoyed the writing style of this book; thoughtful and elaborate, but tense and foreboding - the story kept me hooked and there were a fair few occasions I struggled to put it down and lost a fair few hours sleep (though it was well worth it). Admittedly the first half was quite slow, however it was also immediately interesting and set the scene well for the second half where the plot thickens. The characters were well also developed, realistic, and show development as the book progresses in a way I hadn’t initially expected from a thriller.

Vanessa and Ruth’s relationship is synonymous with an abusive relationship; love bombing, gaslighting, emotional blackmail and guilt tripping are key themes at times - but when in a good mood Vanessa is the perfect doting relative and exactly what Ruth feels she needs to escape her otherwise ordinary existence. The twist at the end where her motives are revealed were not what I was expecting at all. Although I hadn’t heard of the author prior to reading this book, I will definitely be following her on Goodreads and looking to read some of her other work in the near future. I also think this would make a really good movie due to its originality and gripping plot. 5 stars from me!

Ruth is a self-conscious teenager who is not close to her mother but adores her mother's friend Vanessa, who often shows up out of the blue, gives Ruth the attention she craves, and then disappears for ages. When Ruth goes away to college, Vanessa takes her under her wing but then falls off the radar, leaving Ruth feeling abandoned. This was okay but I didn't love it. It had almost a gothic novel feel to it, a lot of buildup to a reveal that was not worth the wait. I have read a few books by this author and liked this the least. 2.5 stars rounded to 2.

The cover drew me in but the story kept me interested. This is a unique different story which I love. The characters were well written interesting. Ruth wasn’t my cup of tea but she soon grew on me. . I was very Impressed with C E Rose’s story telling as it’s my first book by the author I am now looking at the others. Definitely worth a read and I have already recommended it on its release day

It was definitely a page turner for me! Love the plot and characters, Intend to get this for a book lover friend and add to my collection too when it's out!!! Thanks and truly appreciate Netgalley for the amazing opportunity to read this ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this eARC.

I thought this read was full of intrigue, suspense and mystery and one I thoroughly enjoyed. I wasn’t too keen on either Ruth or Vanessa initially though. I found the authors writing here so good that it piqued and held my interest from beginning to end, and as the book progressed the more Ruth slowly began to grow on me. This is such a well written book that flowed so easily and is a very good read. I liked that the story is told through Ruth’s perspective. There are secrets after secrets here to unwrap and I have to say that I thought I’d got everything sussed out and couldn’t have been more wrong, and I particularly liked that the book went off in a way that was surprising to say the least and also was very disturbing when reading it. Vanessa and her friend Joy are shaped by childhood events which affect their lives and friendship as adults. The author introduces so much mystery in this read, as a reader you know there are secrets, things not being said and this made me all the more interested, eager and desperate to know more. I had so many questions in my mind when reading, which were all addressed by the end, just not in the way I expected! Overall a good read that certainly held my attention all the way through with a few ‘wow’ moments along the way. I’d recommend this author and book if you like reads with a lot of mystery and where things are not always what they seem.

Ruth has always felt left out by her mother, Joy, who can’t seem to give her the praise and love that she easily bestows on her darling boy Tim, Ruth’s older brother.
Joy’s best friend is Vanessa, a glamorous actress. Ruth has always been totally in awe of her ‘Aunt’. Vanessa heaps compliments on her and askes her to be bridesmaid at her upcoming wedding to artist Sergio in France. The family travel over, but something happens and it doesn’t take place.
Vanessa is a strange one, one moment she is ever-present, and the next she is out of contact again.
A talented musician, Ruth leaves her home in Manchester for university in London. She shares a house with other students, and although she starts to lose her puppy fat and changes her hair she still is the insecure person inside. She does make friends with Gus, but I had my concerns about him.
She gets invited to Vanessa’s house in Wilton Place on the weekends. This is a beautiful tall home, with a pool in the basement. Vanessa showers her with designer clothes and shows her an extravagant lifestyle. Bernard, who ferries both Vanessa and Sergio around, is like a butler and brings her anything she needs.
Vanessa does one of her disappearing acts again and Ruth is left with Sergio. He seems like a quiet man, struggling with lack of creativeness while his muse is away.
During her time alone at Wilton Place Ruth explores the top floor of the house. Sergio’s studio is up there but she also finds a locked door. She knows where Bernard puts his keys, so when she can she sneaks inside. What she finds in there shocks her and sets her brain in a whir. Vanessa and Joy are entwined in such a way that was totally unexpected.

I found Ruth to be a such a lovely character. She had a good relationship with her brother and her dad Clive. I did think Clive needed to be stronger when Joy criticised their daughter. Some of Ruth’s experiences gave me the chills especially the whiff of Vanessa’s signature scent even when she was away. I imagined the sounds of Ruth practicing her cello.

A real page-turner full of dark secrets and mysteries to unravel.

Thanks to the author and Hera Books for the review copy in which I give my honest opinion.

3.5 ⭐ rounded up

“The Parker family didn’t ever discuss feelings and now wasn’t the time to start.”

I don’t know about you, but I’ve always been fascinated by family secrets. Any secret is delicious, but family secrets are a special type of puzzle because there are so my complicated layers. Some members know everything and some know nothing and are kept in the dark.

This gothic-inspired thriller reveals the deep, dark underbelly of the Parker family - the ‘thing’ they want to keep hidden from the public and each other.

Torn between wanting to find the truth and not really wanting to, Ruth discovers that there’s more in the eaves of this house than an attic with cobwebs - there’s a secret. It changes everything.

My heart ached for Ruth as she struggled to be seen and validated and my eyes popped and I gasped at this chilling, twisty tale revealing the price of perfection. Ruth’s journey and her discovery of Vanessa and Joy’s dark secrets showcase how far one will go to find the truth. It also highlights sibling rivalry and how secrets have ruined the Parker family.

I felt like a teenager again, hiding under the blankets with a flashlight reading V.C. Andrews while I should have been sleeping!

I was gifted this copy by Hera Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

One sentence sums up the dynamic between Ruth and mother, Joy: 'It isn't easy to have a low opinion of yourself, then have your mother reinforce it'.

That's pretty much how the book starts, with Ruth being a teenager, having a rather outspoken mother when it comes to her daughter's shortcomings. The book takes us on Ruth's journey growing up, starting Uni and beginning a new life in London. Her elusive, intriguing 'aunt' Vanessa pops up every now and then throughout the book but is constantly on Ruth's mind, who idolises her. Bit by bit the reader can see changes in Ruth, transforming into a version of her aunt.

I did enjoy the book for the most part. It's a general novel but somehow I kept getting the feeling, this is going nowhere and it felt a bit dragged out with just over 400 pages

The Attic at Wilton Place was definetely unique, character driven, and determined to grab your attention.
As you've probably seen in the preview it begins with Ruth Parker who is needy/attention driven. A woman who finds that in 'Aunt Vanessa.'
Then we branch out throughout the fluffiness of the story to uncover some additional unwelcome guests -you might say. Drug dealer guy named Gus, Tim who may or may not be gay, and some issues with Vanessa that might not make her such a great auntie in retrospect.
The plot thickens with some unusual situations including something termed, Houdini Girl based on her ability to escape from a frightening experience.
Could this have been the beginning of the dead? Has the damaged girl met her match? Can she be the one responsible for her mother's death?
Misery loves company. Depression is a fragile state of mind.
Interwoven is mental illness with self inflicted harm.
Silence is golden but perhaps not when it's on the receiving end of being used as blackmail.
What can one say other than to go out and support C.E. Rose!

This is the 2nd C E rose I’ve read and although the stories are vastly different, the same gothic suspense undertones remain. Keeping its secrets until right at the end, this novel keeps you hooked.

Immersive, Mysterious..
Pacy, mysterious and immersive- this dark and almost Gothic tale explores the recesses of our minds and what makes us what we are. When Ruth is drawn into the world of Wilton Place what will she find? The dark and dusty door in the attic for starters - secrets may be lurking but they will surely out. With deftly crafted characters populating an edgy plot peppered with twists this is a gripping and suspenseful read packed with familial drama.

This was a bit slow as it was fluffed with a lot of unnecessary descriptions but boy, was it mysterious. I kept reading because I was dying to know the end. I kept guessing, new reveals changing my suspicions. A solid three-star read.