4*

I wanted to love this book. A gothic mystery set in Cornwall? Please and thank you.

And for the most part, I did. I thought the characters were well-developed and their drama felt real and relatable. The dive into Cornish folklore was wonderful and the driving factor that led me to pick up this book.

Do I wish Armstrong had played around with the thesaurus a little less? Yes.
Do I wish Ruby and Ruan's past had been better developed? Also yes,

But overall this was a great debut and I'm excited for the next installment.

Absolutely fabulous. This one was a bit of a slow starter for me, but once things started speeding up, between murder, attempted murder, and a phenomenal cast of characters, I couldn’t put this one down. EVERY SINGLE TIME I thought I’d figured out what was going on, the author went left and I was back at square one.
Between curses, a vicar who seems off, a housekeeper who seems to know more than she lets on, a healer/witch who is definitely my favorite character and a cat that seems a bit more than meets the eye this book kept me fully involved and anxious to see what will happen next!
This is definitely a must read and based on the ending, I expect we will be seeing more of these characters in the future, and I for one cannot wait!

I was really looking forward to this book as the premise seemed very much up my alley, However, the execution ultimately just wasn't there for me.
The overall conceit is very interesting, but the book suffers from lack of character development; the book starts of strong and tapers off as it progresses.
While typically I like progressive reveals over the course of the book, it doesn't work here. There's not enough information from the start for the reader to hold onto, and so it's hard to make sense of what turns out to be key parts of the book.
With some structural changes I do think this book could have been much improved.

This is a wonderful atmospheric novel filled with mystery and suspense. It is filled with twists and turns with an ending I never saw coming. It is a captivating debut novel.
Thanks to Net Galley for this advanced copy.

Unfortunately this one just wasn't for me. I'm unsure if it was the pacing or the structure but something made it feel a bit disjointed and slow. However, there still was much to enjoy with an intriguing plot. I did find myself wanting more from the characters though. Despite that it wasn't for me, I can guarantee it's one for many others.

The curse of penryth hall is a gothic thriller that takes place in 1920's England. After the murder of the man of Penryth hall, the time clock starts before others are attacked or murdered in similar fashion. Is this the curse? Or just a convenient murderer? Overall, I liked the premise of this book but it fell short for me. The characters were flawed in a great way, but the ending, while surprising, was not one that felt complete. I do appreciate when it's more than one murderer, but the final murderer, and their ending was very anti-climactic.

3.5/5 Stars

After the war American heiress Ruby Vaughn creates a new life for herself after a scandal back home. She now lives in Exeter, working in a bookshop. She is tasked with delivering a box of books to a Pellar named Ruan Kivell living in Cornwall, where her old friend Tamsyn lives. Tamsyn lives with her husband, Sir Edward Chenowyth and their young son in Penryth Hall. After an awkward dinner, Edward's body is discovered in the orchard the next morning and talk of a curse keeps Ruby in place. Ruby teams up with the Pellar to determine who is behind Edward's death, and who may be coming for her next.

I didn't love this, but I also didn't hate it either. I was more interested in the mystery rather then the characters in this, and can't say I particularly connected with any of them. I did however, want to know more about the curse, and the Pellar. I liked Ruby and Ruan, the Pellar and thought their relationship to be intriguing enough. I did like their constant bickering, and thought that they had an interesting dynamic. I wasn't the biggest fan of Tamsyn, and couldn't quite grasp why Ruby was so enamored with her. I listened to this on audio, and think the narrator did a great job with these characters and their accents.

After the Great War, heiress Ruby Vaughn finds herself delivering books (from the rare bookstore she operates with her octogenarian housemate) to the Cornish countryside. While there, Ruby stops to see her former close friend, Tamsyn. Married to Sir Edward Chenowyth, Ruby finds herself at the magnificent Penryth Hall—and soon embroiled in a murder. With the help of local healer Ruan Kivell (recipient of the book delivery), Ruby investigated whether the supposed curse plaguing Penryth Hall is real…or is something else at play?

I didn’t realize I hadn’t posted a review on this book until I learned book 2 is slated to release this year!

Years ago, I went on a gothic novel kick after reading The Ivy Tree by Mary Stuart. This book captures all the adventure and Cornish lore of those gothic novels while adding well-developed characters and a thrilling mystery. This book was an excellent kick off to a series and I cannot wait to read about Ruby’s next adventure!

The Curse of Penryth Hall is out know and I highly recommend for some lore-filled, adventurous, and mysterious reading!

The Curse of Penryth Hall
Jess Armstrong
Rating: 🦄🦄🦄🦄

First off, thank you to NetGalley and Penguin for my digital copy of this book for review. I'm sad it took me so long to read it!
Here's some bulletpoint thoughts:
*enjoyable, complex characters
*Gave me very Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre feels
*Witchy/healer vibes
*War stories
*Very gothic, dark murder mystery with an ancient curse and found family
*Beautiful scenery and setting
*Hints of a past relationship between to 2 main FMCs, but no more than hints
**This is a debut novel and the first in a series. The second will be coming out in December of this year!

If you enjoy the dark, creepy, ancient curses, witchy mysteries, I would recommend looking at this one!

#thecurseofpenrythhall #jessarmstrong #witchy #foundfamily #netgalley #ancientcurse #murdermystery
#bulletpointreview #bookreview

This book exceeded my expectations and is great!! It was just the right amount of creepy, mysterious and had intrigue!

I don't know if lovely is the word one should use when describing a gothic thriller but that is how I felt abotu Penryth Hall. A wonderfully written historical mystery that embraces love and the lengths we will go for friendship. I thought Ruby was a charming protagonist whose resilience and love for her friend were admirable. I can not wait to read more of her adventures. TW: abuse.

A wonderful gothic novel with strong characters and great supernatural elements that are both believable and entertaining.

I really enjoyed The Curse of Penryth Hall! I read it this weekend when I was on a plane and once I started I could not stop! It was so engaging and I really enjoyed the premise. I loved the dynamic between Ruan and Ruby. I am also a huge fan of cats so Fiachna was a fun addition! I am not usually big on mysteries but I love a debut novel so I wanted to try it and I was not disappointed! It turns out this book was exactly what I needed to read. I am looking forward to book two!

Thanks to St. Martins Press, NetGalley, and Jess Armstrong for the chance to read this book. This mystery is quite enjoyable. Ruby Vaughn is an American who has made a life for herself in Exeter after the Great War working at a rare bookstore. Unfortunately she has to make a delivery to folk healer in the Cornish countryside and while there she decides to visit an old friend at Penryth Hall. She will regret that decision wholeheartedly. The next morning Penryth’s Bells ring for the first time in thirty years . Her friend Tamsyn’s husband Sir Edward Chenowyth has been found dead and his death brings rumors of a returned curse. This brings Ruan Kivell, the man that Ruby brought books to, forward to deal with the issue of a curse. He is a Pellar—a man that the people believe can break a curse.
I won’t say more because that would give away too many spoilers but this is very well done. The interaction between Ruan and Ruby makes the story very interesting and I really like them. I look forward to reading more about them in the future. Can’t wait for book two😊

I lost my kindle and couldn't redownload it. Sorry!
I lost my kindle and couldn't redownload it. Sorry!
I lost my kindle and couldn't redownload it. Sorry!
I lost my kindle and couldn't redownload it. Sorry!

I really wanted to like this book. Unfortuatnely, I just couldn't get into it. Something about the world held me back.

I found this book to be really engaging and I loved the premise. I'm a sucker for mysteries so this story was right up my alley. I am looking forward to reading other books by the author.

In the shadowed corridors of literary mystique, a monster beckons, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the chilling embrace of the enigmatic tale that unfolds within the pages of ‘The Curse of Penryth Hall.’ The haunting narrative, the air itself seemed to carry echoes of forgotten whispers, weaving a tapestry of spectral intrigues.

The very essence of ‘The Curse of Penryth Hall‘ ‘ resonates with a spectral allure, promising a journey through time-honored curses and lingering phantoms. Prepare to be ensnared by the beguiling dance of shadows as we navigate the darkened corridors and unravel the secrets concealed within the heart of this captivating tale.

In a mesmerizing blend of atmospheric gothic mystery and the ancient charm of the Cornish countryside, Jess Armstrong unfurls the tale of heroine Ruby Vaughn in her award-winning debut, released by Minotaur Books. In ‘The Curse of Penryth Hall.‘ we navigate the post-Great War era, Ruby, an American heiress, discovers solace running a rare bookstore in Exeter alongside her octogenarian housemate. The past, once carefully tucked away, resurfaces as she embarks on a delivery mission to the heart of Cornwall. Fate, relentless as ever, leads her to the foreboding fortress of Penryth Hall, the residence of her once-dearest friend Tamsyn and her husband, Sir Edward Chenowyth.

As Ruby steps into this unsettling domain, an evening of discomfort unfolds, culminating in Edward’s gruesome demise in the orchard. The tolling of Penryth’s bells, silent for thirty years, heralds his death and whispers of a resurrected curse. In the wake of this ominous event emerges Ruan Kivell, the mysterious figure whose books brought Ruby to Cornwall. A Pellar, as the locals deem him, is believed to possess the power to break the curse. Though Ruby dismisses curses and Pellars as mere folklore. The villagers of Cornwall live in the shadows of belief, fearing the impending doom that might claim Tamsyn as its next victim.

To shield her friend, Ruby finds herself entangled in a reluctant alliance with the Pellar, delving into the mysteries of that fateful orchard night to uncover the truth that may unravel the sinister threads of the curse looming over Penryth Hall.

‘The Curse of Penryth Hall ‘ opens with our main character Ruby being given an assignment to deliver a box of books to one of the folk healers in Cornwall. It is a place of history for Ruby. A place that ultimately takes her right to the doorstep of her now estranged best friend Tamsyn. Tamsyn and Ruby once had a romantic past. Now Tamsyn is married to Sir Edward Chenowyth and has a child. It leaves Ruby to feel a little slighted by Tamsyn.

Penryth Hall feels dark and stifling. There isn’t much warmth flowing through the halls. Sitting down to dinner (a tense and uncomfortable one nonetheless), Ruby is unsure what to think. Tamsyn appears incredibly unhappy with Sir Edward and her overall life at Penryth. Plus, with not seeing Tamsyn since her wedding, old feelings are bubbling up. And Ruby can’t wait to leave the Hall as soon as possible.

“THE PAST WAS NO GOOD TO ANYONE, AND DIGGING ABOUT IN IT ONLY BROUGHT ABOUT UNPLEASANTNESS. IT WAS BEST TO LEAVE IT WHERE IT WAS. PAST.”
When Edward is brutally murdered that night, the villagers believe it is the return of an old curse placed on the Chenowyth line by a witch some time ago. The villagers are very superstitious. The Chenowyth line over time has seen some of the most horrifying murders. Now with Edward’s murder, everyone thinks that the curse is now coming for Tamsyn. Not to mention her son Jori.

There is only one person the townsfolk trusts to break this curse, the Pellar, Ruan Kivell. In folklore, the Pellar is a healer. One who can break spells among various other things. Ruan is a cherished and yet equally feared person for his abilities.

But the question is who killed Edward? And as the investigation gets underway who is attempting to kill Ruby in the process? There is no choice left but for Ruan and Ruby to work together to uncover if it is a curse. Or if it is just a person wanting to take them out.

“‘YOU WALK AROUND LOOKING AS IF SHE’S RIPPED OUT YOUR HEART AND IS CARRYING IT AROUND WITH HER IN HER POCKET, AND YOU CAN’T DECIDE WHETHER TO GO FETCH IT BACK OR LEAVE IT WHERE IT IS. ANYONE CAN SEE THAT.’”
MY THOUGHTS ON ‘THE CURSE OF PENRYTH HALL‘
I decided to listen to ‘ The Curse of Penryth Hall ‘ as an immersion read. Using both an audiobook provided by The Starless Bookstore and an ARC provided by Minotaur Books. Thank you to both! First and foremost I am a girl that loves atmosphere! And, immersing myself in the read this way was just perfection.

Emma Love as a narrator added some vibrancy while making it a subdued gothic adventure. Nailing the accents and making the story that much more fun to experience.

I loved Ruby as the main character. Not only Ruby but all the characters are interesting and well-developed. Ruby gives an I am not your average girl vibe and I loved it. She is strong-willed, and a bit impulsive. Yet, she is also loyal (to a fault), caring, and rational in thinking. Her “relationship” with Ruan was full of tension. It leaves you wanting them to end up together.

The prose adds to the gothic feeling of the tale. Allowing the setting and atmosphere to come alive. I am big on scenery, oftentimes having a hard time visualizing the surrounding area, more than the character’s description or actions taken. The visualization coming through on ‘The Curse of Penryth Hall ‘ is smooth and easy. A testament to how well the prose is written.

The book’s premise was wonderful, and adding the folklore made it all the more interesting. With that, at times the book felt out of place. Being cryptic and confusing. This could have been intentional for the mystery aspect of it. Allowing to keep you on your toes. Or and I think this is a little more the case, it was just due to the writing within ‘The Curse of Penryth Hall‘.

“I’D BEEN AROUND THE WORLD, TO WAR AND BACK, AND DONE THINGS THAT WOULD MAKE THE MOST WICKED OF MEN BLUSH.”
The second option is chosen because there are a lot of twists within ‘The Curse of Penryth Hall ‘ that are often clever, propelling the mystery. But in contrast, as Ruby is unveiling parts of the mystery, she tends to keep the cards she’s holding close. Even from the reader. Leaving that space where a clue should go.

Also, I wish that Ruby and Tamsyn’s story was a little more developed. After all of this time, and seeing Tamsyn get married why was Ruby still in love with Tamsyn? Had other things been leading up to this that allowed her to think that there was still a spark? We know that Ruby states she hasn’t spoken to Tamsyn, ignoring her letters. But this feels incomplete and glazed over.

“I’D EXPRESSLY VOWED TO NEVER SET FOOT IN THE GODFORSAKEN COUNTY EVER AGAIN.”
In addition to that incompleteness. Remember how it was mentioned that you would wish that Ruan and Ruby get together? That line also feels incomplete. There were feelings and words on the tip of both their tongues that were never expressed and also feels like they just dropped off into the abyss. Will there be a book 2? (After checking Goodreads there will be a book 2!) But now knowing that how will Ruan play into the next book? Is she just going to never see him again? So many questions.

Overall, ‘The Curse of Penryth Hall ‘ is a solid debut by Jess Armstrong. I definitely would recommend ‘ The Curse of Penryth Hall ‘. If you are a fan of A Botantist’s Guide to Parties and Poisons by Kate Khavari, A Most Agreeable Murder by Julia Seales, or even Three Act Tragedy by Agatha Christie, you should check out The Curse of Penryth Hall.

I really enjoyed reading this book.
I read it over a few days, and couldn't wait till I got free time to read it more.

I really enjoyed reading Jess Armstrong’s debut novel. It was fast paced, the characters were well developed, and I was totally fooled by the outcome. I thought for sure I knew what was going to happen and she had me completely fooled! I love that! I am already looking forward to book 2 with great anticipation. Well done!