“𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝. 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫. 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞: 𝐟𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬.”

I always love a book with a gorgeous mysterious cover; add in a “fall from grace heiress” and notions of a curse? I’m sold.

Jess Armstrong has created a strong protagonist in Ruby, who reminds me so much of another heroine I was recently introduced to, Lady Petra in Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord, in that they both have declared they want to remain unattached, are benevolent with their time and helping others, and go against society’s expectations of women in their respective times. Armstrong uses the Cornish countryside, the villagers and their belief in a curse that befalls Penryth Hall to her advantage, both in amplifying the isolated atmosphere and the claustrophobic feeling of all eyes on Ruby. Ruan, the local Pellar, has a lot of chemistry with Ruby, and I loved how they weren’t afraid to speak their minds to each other, which only added to their banter and dynamic. Mrs. Penrose and Mr. Owen make for fantastic sidekick characters, and I want to see them included more. The mystery of the curse was strong, especially the use of the supernatural elements, and I questioned all through if it was real or not. The solution is very satisfying, with a twist I hadn’t guessed. I didn’t really understand the pull that Tamsyn seemed to have over Ruby, as she was less developed, and I wanted a bit more about Ruby’s past in America, however the epilogue makes it seem like there is more that could come in a future book.

The Curse of Penryth Hall is a story of the ties of the past, curses, belief, and vengeance. It is a strong debut of a new series that gothic mystery lovers will enjoy. I can’t wait to see more of Ruby and her Pellar! Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the ARC!

3.5/5
This story definitely started out as a slow-burn. I was a little confused as to where it was going, but I was enjoying the characters and setting. I felt the story really started to pick up once we were introduced to the magic. I gave some dimension to the overall plot and loved this idea - as it seemed to be picked up from Cornish folklore. The characters were well thought-out and interesting. I enjoyed the mystery aspect of the story, wrapped in the gothic tale with some twists. I'm very interested to see if there is a follow up book to this or if it will be a series as the ending felt like it was a little abrupt - I wouldn't mind some more Ruby and Ruan romance.

Thank you to Minotaur books and Dreamscape Media for my review copies!

The Curse of Penryth Hall is a gothic historical murder mystery with a sprinkling of magic. This was a strong debut, and I loved her heroine, Ruby Vaughn. As a primarily romance and fantasy reader, I could have done with a little more of both.

The relationships felt a little surface level, with either the backstory doing a lot of work or having a magical connection between them. Since I thought each of the characters were really interesting, I wished I had a little more “show, don’t tell” to show how the characters grew together. (Or back together.)

The mystery definitely kept me guessing, but the pieces seemed to all come together with the big reveal at the end!

🎧 The audio was fantastic. Emma Love’s accent is the perfect amount of atmosphere without losing clarity. She created a world of characters with her performance, and I enjoyed listening to her!

I had no idea what to expect from The Curse of Penryth Hall by debut author Jess Armstrong, but I enjoyed it thoroughly and I loved the witchy aspects entirely! The gothic feel throughout was on point, and Penryth Hall made for a bit of a creepy setting as well. There ended up being a couple of amazingly difficult scenes in the book that I didn't expect, and it might be good to check TWs before starting. This was a glorious mix of genres that all tied together very nicely and there was even a bit of spicy romance in it! I also really enjoyed the journey of trying to figure out if there was a person or an actual curse perpetuating the murders.

I thought the audiobook was the way to go with The Curse of Penryth Hall and Emma Love was not only easy to listen to, but she did a great job overall. I never struggled to understand her despite her accent, and she was able to bring Ruby's character to life in a way I wouldn't have completely gotten from the book. I did think there was great characterization though and combined with the mystery and bit of magic, it made this a very compelling read. It was also very atmospheric as you can imagine, and if you like gothic mysteries with a bit of witchiness, I would definitely recommend checking out this book!

I was taken by surprise by this incredible gothic mystery. Ruby Vaughn, an American living in Europe after The Great War, delivers books to a small town. It is the same town of an old “friend” that she decides to stay the night with. The next morning, the friend’s husband is found in a gruesome murder. She and Ruan, a Pellar of the town, find themselves trying to find a murderer or finding a way to break a curse.

I love Ruby’s perspective in this story. She is complicated, flawed, and clearly an outsider in the town. Her skeptical observations keep the lore in the story from taking over. She does not blindly follow anyone, which leads to her almost being killed. I look forward to hearing more from her!

Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur books for the gifted copy to review

I really enjoyed this book from the start it grabbed my attention and held on till the end. I couldn’t put it down. I wanted to know “Who did it”. It was full of twist and turns and I didn’t see the end coming. My favorite character in the book was the housekeeper.
The very end of book makes me think there will be more to Ruby and Ruan’s story maybe in another book? I would absolutely read it!
Thank you Minotaur Press, NetGalley & Jess Armstrong for this digital copy.

I was really looking forward to reading this book after viewing the synopsis. But, I didn't think that the character development was done very well. And, as the story progressed I felt it actually got worse.

It was just not the book I thought it was going to be.

American Ruby Vaughn has been living in England since she was a teenager, when her father sent her away because of a scandal. Now both of her parents are gone, and as a wealthy woman on her own she can do what she wants, when she wants. She works at a rare bookstore and lives comfortably with her octogenarian employer at his estate. The two are good friends and satisfied housemates.

When her boss insists she deliver a trunk of books to a folk healer in the Cornish countryside, Ruby is forced to face some aspects of her past she would much rather leave well enough alone.

She makes a visit to Tamsyn Chenowyth, once her closest friend, who is now married to a baronet. Tamsyn and Sir Edward live at his old family home, Penryth Hall, which doesn’t look like the infusion of Tamsyn’s family’s cash made much difference to its condition. Dinner with the Chenowyths is entirely unpleasant, and Ruby is eager to leave the next morning.

But after a thoroughly strange and upsetting night’s sleep, Ruby learns in the morning that Sir Edward is dead. And the villagers are sure it is the return of the family curse, which last struck 30 years before. To confirm this suspicion, they call in Ruan Kivell, the man to whom Ruby had delivered the books. Ruan is known in the area as a Pellar, someone who can work some magic and, hopefully, break the curse.

Ruby doesn’t believe in magic or curses or Pellars. She believes the death of Sir Edward was good old-fashioned murder, and someone in the village is the killer. And rather than leaving the town, which she’d love to do, she needs to stay and solve the murder because the “curse” could strike again. And its likely victim would be Tamsyn.

The Curse of Penryth Hall is an atmospheric novel that starts off laying a gothic groundwork built of old magic and ancient folk tales. It put me in mind of some of my favorite books set in Cornwall and made me shiver in anticipation. Then the story moves more into murder mystery territory, as Ruby goes around town playing detective and consults often with Ruan. The tone shifts a bit as well to mystery, but still built on the gothic base. Ruby’s time with Ruan is spent trying to disprove anything supernatural, but there are moments she wonders if the villagers may not be entirely off-base.

The mystery itself has a nice wrap-up, and the end of the book leads me to wonder if the author may have some more installments up her sleeve. I say, Bring them on!

I quite enjoyed this tale. Ruby Vaugh, disgraced. American heiress, banished to UK, undertakes an errand for her bookseller employer/landlord/surrogate father/friend. While visiting Cornwall to complete her errand, she meets Ruan Kivell, the town Pellar.

The concept of a Pellar was new to me, so that was novel. The mystery at the heart of the story was twisty and puzzling but ultimately well-resolved. The romance was certainly slow-burn and tender. I was a tad disappointed in how it was wrapped up. But….while this is a stand-alone, it was certainly left with enough loose strings that another Ruby story is not out of the question. Perhaps that romance may still have a chance. One can hope….

I am insanely conflicted on this book, but I enjoyed my time. If you enjoy early Simone St. James Historical Paranormal stuff or Sarah Penner, this one could definitely be for you. I’m so-so on Penner, but love Simone St. James, so it really just depends on if historical is your forte.

It appears to be a stand-alone, but I could also see this being a set up for following our main character into other adventures and mysteries.

I did enjoy the main character. She was sure in herself and having a character who didn’t consistently worry about what people thought of her was refreshing.

As for the mystery, it was kind of meh for me. I saw the mystery coming and was not surprised with the reveal. However, getting there was fun.

Overall, this was an enjoyable mystery read. I am looking forward to seeing what else the author comes out with.

Thank you Minotaur Books and Netgalley for offering me an arc.

(3.5 stars)
This was a really fun read. It had a slow beginning, but once the mystery and plot started, I was sucked in. I loved how Ruby and Ruan worked together and they had electric chemistry and banter. I do think parts of the story were repetitive, which was frustrating. I was also annoyed that Ruby kept getting into these dangerous situations that she lacked the critical thinking skills to get out of. Like she would keep saying to herself "i feel like I should leave from this. what a strange feeling," and never learned from her experiences. She kept expecting to be bailed out of the problems she inserted herself into, which was really annoying. Despite that, I really loved the descriptive nature of the book. I felt swept by the scenery. I also really enjoyed Ruan's character. he had a lot of nuance that I feel could be expanded upon in really interesting ways if there are sequels planned. Also, the plot kept me on my toes- I never knew which way the author was going with it. I had a lot of fun with this book, even if the main character had a habit of getting on my nerves. I would definitely recommend this one to friends!

A thoroughly enjoyable read. If you enjoy atmospheric gothic mysteries, especially ones set in the Cornish countryside, then this one’s for you. I’ll be anxiously awaiting a sequel.

"The Curse of Penryth Hall" by Jess Armstrong is a spellbinding historical mystery that transports readers to the enchanting but eerie landscapes of Cornwall. Set in the aftermath of the Great War, the novel introduces us to Ruby Vaughn, a spirited American heiress with a rare bookstore in Exeter. When she's drawn back to the haunting Penryth Hall to deliver books to a folk healer, the narrative takes a suspenseful turn, unraveling a web of secrets, curses, and long-buried memories.

Armstrong excels in creating a vivid sense of place, immersing readers in the atmospheric and foreboding setting of Penryth Hall. The hall itself becomes a character, shrouded in history and mystery, and as Ruby navigates its dark corridors, the tension steadily builds.

The mystery at the heart of the novel is expertly crafted, with twists and turns that keep the reader guessing. The exploration of folklore and the belief in curses adds a fascinating layer to the narrative, blurring the lines between the supernatural and the tangible. Armstrong skillfully weaves together historical details, folklore, and a touch of the paranormal to create a tapestry of intrigue.

"The Curse of Penryth Hall" is a captivating historical mystery that combines a richly atmospheric setting with a compelling plot and well-crafted characters. Jess Armstrong's storytelling prowess shines in this tale of curses, friendship, and the secrets that linger in the shadows of the past. Fans of historical fiction with a touch of the supernatural will find much to enjoy in this enchanting novel.

The Curse of Penryth Hall by Jess Armstrong was the perfect read for a couple of grey, dreary winter days. The mood set by the weather perfectly matched the gothic-style tone of the story. It is the story of two old friends who are brought back together after the death of a husband. More mystery and intrigue follow; could it be The Curse of Penryth Hall? Guess you’ll have to read it to find out. (Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for letting me preview this book. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.)

This was my first gothic mystery and I found the characters a little lacking with the development of the story. Beautiful book however.

While the cover and the premise of this story had tricked me into reading this book the actual story and I did not get along. I unfortunately found the main character more like a petulant child that only focused on herself and and not an independent female. Other little things bothered me such as it's 1922 and I just don't see anyone taking off their dress and going swimming in the ocean in their underthings at a beach with others around. Sorry this book was just not for me. It seems that others out there like it and enjoy it but Its a no go for me and I DNF'ed it.

Looking for a mystery that gives you something a little different? This debut may be just what you’re looking for. The mystery is compelling and the murder is linked to a curse. That gives the story a unique twist. There is an overall gothic feel to the setting that creates an atmospheric almost spooky vibe. The characters are interesting. This debut is well written and tells a story that certainly holds your interest until the shocking conclusion!

If you are a fan of brooding novels and atmospheric English countryside settings, this could be the book for you! I understand this was a debut novel and the author shows excellent fluency in writing and storytelling. I was absorbed in the atmosphere and the finally drawn characters.

There was a bit of a fantastical element in some of the story, but mostly this only added to the very gothic atmosphere. I wish I had read this book when I had time to relax with it, instead of during the rush of Christmas, because at times I got a little impatient with the pace of the story. However, I suspect had I been able to give the book a relaxed reading, this might not have been the case.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review. It was probably a 3.7 read for me, so rounding up to 4.

There was so much to enjoy about this story! The characters are unique and there's so much backstory to them that I found myself wondering at times if this was a mid-series title. But apparently, it's the first book in a series, and I'm looking forward to further installments.

Ruby Vaughn is an heiress who lives with an octagenarian who is a dear father figure to her. After the loss of her own parents and her involvement in the Great War, she's a bit at loose ends. And her friend, Mr. Owen, provides her with a grounding and purpose she dearly needs.

Yet when Mr. Owen sends her on an errand to the last place on earth she wants to go, she's inclined to refuse his wishes. But soon he convinces her and she sees it as an opportunity to perhaps set right a wrong she's long regretted. So, she decides to visit her long-lost friend, Tamsyn, along the way. The last time they'd parted hadn't been under the best of conditions, and Tamsyn's letter from months earlier asking her to come and saying she needed help has been stuffed in a dresser drawer since it first arrived.

When Ruby does finally reach Penryth Hall, there's plenty that's wrong, but Ruby doesn't know that she wants to get involved in any of it. Unfortunately, someone has another idea, especially since Tamsyn's husband is found dead the next morning.

Overall, this was a well-written mystery, and I found myself surprised when the killer was revealed. I honestly thought it was someone else. So I like a mystery that can throw me like that. (It doesn't happen often.)

Thank you to Jess Armstrong, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for an advance review copy. I look forward to reading other installments in this series!

Ruby Vaughn has made a nice life for herself, running a rare bookstore alongside her octogenarian employer and house mate in Exeter. When Ruby is forced to deliver a box of books to a folk healer living deep in the Cornish countryside, she is brought back to the one place she swore she’d never return. A more sensible soul would have delivered the package and left without rehashing old wounds. But no one has ever accused Ruby of being sensible. Penryth Hall is home to Ruby’s once dearest friend, Tamsyn, and her husband, Sir Edward Chenowyth. It’s an unsettling place, and after a more unsettling evening, Ruby is eager to depart. But her plans change when Penryth’s bells ring for the first time in thirty years. Edward is dead; he met a gruesome end in the orchard, and with his death brings whispers of a returned curse. Ruan Kivell, the person whose books brought her to Cornwall, the one the locals call a Pellar, is the one man they believe can break the curse. Ruby doesn’t believe in curses—or Pellars—but this is Cornwall and to these villagers the curse is anything but lore, and they believe it will soon claim its next victim: Tamsyn. To protect her friend, Ruby must work alongside Ruan to find out what really happened in the orchard that night.

I am torn about this book. The premise sounded good, and I really liked Ruby. She was plucky, stubborn and fearless. I liked Ruan, and enjoyed the interactions between him and Ruby. The mystery was good, and it kept me guessing until the end. I also enjoyed how quirky several of the villagers were. I really didn't care for Tamsyn at all - she just seemed spineless to me. I felt the story seemed to ebb and flow, rather than either build slowly or stay steady throughout, so at times my attention wanted to wander. I did enjoy the mysticism of the curse, & the strange vivid dreams Ruby started having. Overall, I felt it had a bit of an Agatha Christie vibe, with a little supernatural element added to it.