I really tried to get in to this book. I picked it up so many times to dive in however I had to DNF. I’m not sure if it was me or the writing style/cadence but my attention was just not there on the story or characters.

**3.5 stars**

This was an excellent debut. It has lots of things I love: Gothic mystery, folklore, a touch of the supernatural, strong female heroine, a cute cat, a country estate, fully fleshed characters and side characters, and an interesting setting. I googled pellar and Cornwall to get a better understanding of the location so I learned something too lol! I also googled what Fiachna means.

The only part I didn’t care for was the romantic relationship between Ruby and Tamsyn. It felt forced and fake, like it was just tossed in to add the cache of a lesbian storyline. It wasn’t needed in my opinion. I also wished how Ruby and Ruan are connected was explained more but I’m fairly sure that will be in the next book(s) in the series.

Goodreads has this listed as Ruby Vaughn #1 and I’ll definitely be on the lookout for the next book. Ruby can’t leave things so open ended with Ruan!! Plus it sounds like Mr. Owen has a new mystery cooking and I can’t wait to see what mischief they get into next.

Thanks to the author and Minotaur Books for the e-arc I received via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

This was a good debut mystery novel, with an interesting plot.

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

"The Curse of Penryrh Hall" was not what I expected... In a good way!! I thought it would be another typical cozy mystery, which would have been fine with me, but this was so much more. Armstrong does a great job of world building and character building, drawing the reader into the various personal journeys each are going through. I really enjoyed it, and the finale was a surprise!

Penryth Hall is set in Cornwall. . . .not a resistable setting in my world (fell in love with it during episodes of Doc Martin and Poldark). So when Ruby Vaughn (making her debut in this author's debut offering to readers) showed up, I accepted the call.

Ruby has resources, an elderly (but dear) partner, and a rare bookstore (lucky her). Times are tough, though, the conclusion of the Great War leaving societal debris in its wake. Short-staffed she has to deliver a special order herself, and finds the location is quite close to the home - a fancy one - of someone from her past. When she shows up on the doorstep, a reunion is had. Before long she realizes there's something off-putting. Within a page or so, murder has occurred, and she is stuck, and this reader was engaged.

Particularly enjoyable for me was the introduction of a new kind of person from the occult world affording me a dictionary moment: a pellar. I found this is a good witchy sort - a healer, a diviner and breaker of spells - including curses. As the title of this book gives out, a curse is involved in this tale and so Ruby has a basket full of challenges.

As this is a mystery with many parts and pieces to unwind, I will leave you here with my hearty recommendation to, if you are intrigued, read it! As for me, I look forward to book 2 of Ruby Vaughn's further adventures.

*A sincere thank you to Jess Armstrong, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and independently review.* 52:52

Thank you so much for the eARC! I am struggling a bit with this one, as I don’t want to be harsh but I do need to be honest.

“That’s all memories are, fading fragments of what came to pass.”

Overall, I wanted to like this book more than I did. The premise is intriguing, the characters had potential, the tone was spooky yet had also had moments that made me laugh. I think it could’ve been great, but overall it just fell too flat.

Plot Thoughts: I like the idea of a gothic mystery, but overall the plot was both slow and confusing. I feel like not much happened until the halfway mark; although I understand the need to set the stage, I still couldn’t really visualize what was happening. It felt very modern, yet was set post-WWI. It seemed like it was supposed to be a “long journey” - yet she was home and back overnight. The curse was hardly a part of the story, as no one really seemed to believe in it anyway except for one or two people. I couldn’t visualize the town or the mansion or the cottage. I was not connected to the story or setting. Perhaps the intent was for it to be fluid and be applicable to any time/place, but it didn’t come across as such; it just came across as underdeveloped.

Character Thoughts: Similar to above, I did not really feel much connection to any of the characters. I do think they were fleshed out more than the setting, which I appreciated, however, it also seemed like they were extremely stereotypical. (Ex. I enjoyed Ruby’s antics and humor, but other than that, really all we know is she likes to drink and travel and flit around with no care in the world? We get a little backstory that leads us to understand a bit of why she is who she is, but it was extremely brief and didn’t pull at the sympathetic heartstrings like I think it was intended to.) Additionally, there were SO MANY characters to keep track of. Eventually they all blended together due to the sheer number of underdeveloped characters.

Unfortunately, in the end I had more questions than answers and was ready for it to be over long before it was. I didn’t care about anyone or anything in the slightest until 50%, finally felt the pace pick up a bit at 80%, but by then I was too long gone. I found myself skimming frequently, and struggling to keep going. If it wasn’t an ARC, I would have DNFd.

I will say, I didn’t see the twist coming with who the murderer was, and I liked that.

Would recommend hesitantly to someone who enjoys cozy mysteries, but doesn’t mind an overall underdeveloped story and characters.

I love the setting for this story: a manor house in the Cornish countryside. Also any book that involves other books and old people ....count me in! This book is a good one for fans of gothic mysteries too. Curses, mysterious deaths, folk healers, surprise guests, book deliveries, orchards, creepy properties, and more

The description of atmospheric Gothic mystery, and the beautiful cover caught my attention with this one. The Curse of Penryth Hall was not only beautiful on the outside, but just as beautiful on the inside.

Cornish Folklore
Mystery
Gothic atmosphere

I've tried a couple times and I can't get into this one. I was expecting more, and thank you for my copy.

I really enjoy historical gothic novels that do a great job at portraying the dark atmospheric nature of the time.
This book did just that.

The Curse of Penryth Hall was a very curious mystery story and one that had me constantly racking my brain.
I would say this book kind of boarders on the line of a cozy mystery if it weren't for some of the more darker scenes. It was fun to follow Ruby on her journey throughout this story.

I do wish that the storyline gave just a little bit more excitement sometimes but overall I think the book is a great pick for a casual reader who loves a good, creepy mansion with a touch of supernatural flare and budding romance.

A fun and exciting historical gosthic novel. I loved Jess' characterization of the cast, and their relationships with one another! The supernatural elements were a nice touch. I wish they spent more time on character development and it felt rushed at times, but I couldn't stop reading it!

I highly recommend this book. The moment I started reading it, I was interested in the story. I like the author's writing style and the way the story unfolded. Ruby Vaughn has spunk and a sense of humor. I thought for sure I knew who did it, but there was a twist in the story. I was surprised.

The ending indicates that there will be more Ruby Vaughn, and I look forward to reading the series.

Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Minotaur Books for a chance to review this book.

Link to Amazon review: https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R39RDJUQO86U6T?ref=pf_ov_at_pdctrvw_srp

3.5 stars for this atmospheric mystery. Ruby is an excellent heroine/sleuth, and I enjoyed her relationships with the secondary characters, especially Mr. Owen and Ruan. These characters were all interesting and well-drawn, and the folklore/supernatural element added to the mystery. I found Ruby and Tamsyn's relationship lacking--and much of the novel hinges on it, so that stuck out for me and impacted the reading experience.

Solidly entertaining historical gothic novel with a protagonist made for lovers of Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries. I did find that Ruby’s arch flapper voice and the attempted atmosphere of unease clashed sometimes, but the plot rolls along at a steady pace and keeps you intrigued.

American heiress Ruby Vaughn has spent her life rebuilding after big losses. But some wounds are too deep to heal and a job that takes her to the one place she'd sworn to never revisit and the person she couldn't forget will force her to face the past even as she's trying to stay alive.
I enjoyed reading one because it has the high stakes of a period mystery where the first murder is only the beginning but somehow still manages to feel like a cozy stroll through the English countryside. Ruby's personality hits all the right notes of confidence, caution, and emotion that make for excellent reading as we follow along with her as she slowly uncovers the truth of Penryth Hall. Adding the slightly supernatural element of a mysterious woman and the abilities that Ruan has helps it stand out a bit more from the usual fare.
I did feel like it was a little too easy to figure out the big reveal that leads to unmasking the killer way before the book actually got to it, so that's why it's not getting the full 5-star review. That said, it's still an enjoyable mystery that's full of interesting details and characters that left me wanting more.

Very happy thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the engaging read!

I loved everything about this book! It had all the elements that hook me on a story; A strong, rebellious heroine who won't stay within the bounds of society, a creepy mansion, a hint of the supernatural, rumours of a deadly curse, and a sexy love interest or two. This book had it all for me and I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed Ruby so much and I'm hoping we will see more of her in the future. Sequel please!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books for providing an ARC via Net Galley for review.

This book reminded me of a younger Phryne Fisher with a touch of the supernatural.
Same sort of premise if you're a Phyrne Fisher fan - young woman, high spirited, independently wealthy, took care of the wounded during The War, too curious to let a mystery go. And although the book is not tagged as LGBTQ, you quickly see that Ruby's past relationship with Tamsyn clearly went beyond friendship. But, the book also references Ruby having multiple male partners, and there is clear attraction between Ruby and Ruan. That being said, there are no explicit details about any of the relationships. There are relationship aspects to the story, but that isn't the main focus. The mystery is the main focus.
I really enjoyed the touch of supernatural with Ruan the Pellar having the mysterious powers as Seventh Son of a Seventh Son. I'd never heard of a Pellar and it was a neat aspect to learn about. And ultimately, it's kind of a mystery unsolved. He knows he can do things others can't, but he also feels the locals exaggerate his uncanny abilities and attribute power to him that he's not even sure about himself. I really hope that is carried forward and developed as part of the series.
Overall, I always love a good 1920s/1930s mystery, and feel like Armstrong's characters and writing stand out in the genre. It's not your average cozy mystery. I will definitely watch for more of Ruby and other books from Jess Armstrong.

I wanted more from this gothic murder mystery! There are several very dark scenes here, but I never felt particularly connected to the narrative and thought the story was shallow. This will be a DNF series for me.

<I>Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

I LOVE a good gothic style novel. It sped through some character development and things seemed to be a bit contrite at times but it was still enjoyable.


Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.

This was an atmospheric read that hit notes of humour while giving a touch of the macabre, tension, danger, Gothic mystery, and a good whodunit. Captured my interest and turned into a lazy day indulgence that I read in one go..