The fact that this is a debut novel blows my mind. This Gothic mystery combines humor, forbidden romance, and a big found family aspect. Everything was so well written, the characters felt real, I felt like I was in 20th century Britain, and the pacing was perfect. I really loved the writing style as it’s written how people talked in the early 1900’s. I would love to go on another adventure with the characters if a sequel is released! Highly recommend this. Can’t wait to read more from this author.

Immediately, I was transported to the 1920’s Cornell countryside and introduced to the MC, Ruby. Ruby is about to go on a mysterious adventure, to a place she vowed not to return to. Ruby is tasked with delivering a truckload of dangerous books (which she must never open). She delivers the books only to find herself seeing an old friend in need, and a murder mystery to solve. Is an old curse involved? Can she help her friend and solve this mystery? With sass, determination, and the help of a new acquaintance, readers are taken on an old world, gothic mystery, that is deserving of the Minotaur Books & Mystery Writers of America First Crime Novel Award. Well written and hard to put down, I highly give this story five of five stars.

Thank you to St. Martins Press and NetGalley for the chance to read this! Overall I found this an enjoyable story. It was mysterious and action packed! There was almost too much going on at a few points that it overwhelmed the goal of the story. But overall I found it enjoyable. I could easily see it becoming a series. I appreciated Ruby as a main character. It was interesting to see a bit of her character progression at the end. I would be intrigued to see how the author moves her forward from here. The line between real and superstition was handled well! Overall a lovely book and a nice read!