Although I love a good historical novel, I usually hesitate when I come across the moniker “Gothic”. It conjures up vast forbidding mansions with secret passages, nasty servants, a naïve governess, absent owners and dreadful family secrets. These ingredients are then put in a mixer and pureed to a samey pulp.
In “Fyneshade” we have a vast forbidding mansion with secret passages, nasty servants, a naïve governess, absent owners and dreadful family secrets.
But, oh….this time those ingredients have been rearranged with such malicious skill that a truly breathtaking Gothic miasma rises from the pages.

Despite the interesting setting and descriptive way of writing... I couldn't appreciate any of the characters with all of the revengeful plots. Not for me.

Have you ever realised you’ve been completely wrong about a book once you get right to the end? Thank you so much to @viper.books and @netgalley for my advanced copy of Fyneshade by @kateagriffin because it was one of those reads: I did not fully understand how brilliant it was until I’d finished it and discovered it was imagined as a prequel to one of the best gothic novels ever written.

You know I’m a sucker for any gothic read set in a big, crumbly old house inhabited by a family plagued with devastating secrets, and whilst the chilling atmosphere and writing of Fyneshade - as well as the familiar tale of governess arriving in the midst of discord in the style of Mrs England - was enjoyable enough, but I struggled to connect with the darkness the reader can see in the voice of Marta, our protagonist. I wondered whilst I read was what I was not connecting with the fact she’s not a likeable character, that this was a departure from the trope? She did not seem designed to love to hate like a classic anti hero. But when you get to the end, you’ll realise this is why the book is so good.

Whilst I adore historical fiction and I love a good fantasy novel, I assume most of you are following me because you also love an excellent gothic read: if so, read this.

Fyneshade, by Kate Griffin
Rating: 5/5
Published: NOW
This book is spellbinding. On the day on her grandmother’s funeral, Marta is sent off to be the governess of the young and challenging daughter of Sir Willian Pritchard. She expects to make her fortune there, but is instead met with ghosts, secrets and dangers. Sir William is nowhere to be found, and his son, Vaughn, is forbidden from entering the house. Marta believes that she can turn the situation to her advantage, and marry into the wealthy family, but all is not what it seems. This book is gorgeously unsettling, and I love Marta’s use of the dark arts to seek guidance when things are troubling in the house. This book is full of twists and turns, and Marta’s illusion of control is soon revealed to be a horrific story of retribution. This book will get under your skin. For all lovers of gothic fiction, and shocking twists.

A story of a young lady Marta who after the death of her Grandmere is sent away to become a governess and ladies’ companion at the residence of Sir William Pritchard. Once Martha arrives it becomes apparent that not all has been disclosed to her about her charge. The house of Fyneshade itself holds even more troublesome secrets, some hidden deep within its walls. This is a gothic horror/thriller with many twists and turns. It heavily reminded me of classics such as Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier.

Marta as a main character and narrator is a head strong woman, who is capable of many things, ruthless and cunning being her main attributes. I found her very unlikeable yet felt compelled to be sympathetic when her walls came crashing down and she was at the receiving end of some of the tragedy she had previously been happy to dish out. I believe that she is supposed to be an unlikeable character even though there are more wretched souls in this story who are more wicked and ruthless than Marta. There were some real gut retching moments where the pit of your stomach drops because you know what’s coming and cannot bear to read on- yet must!

Luckily Grandmere’s teaching in foresight and witchery help Marta correct some of the wrongs done to her and keep her in search of her true destinies.

Kate Griffin’s inspiration for Fyneshade was The turning of the screw by Henry James, which its self is a short, gothic horror about a governess and her charges. I am now compelled to also read this story if it inspired such a gripping, mysterious tale of deceit as Fyneshade. Look forward to reading more innovative historical fiction from Kate Griffin in the future.
Trigger warning
self abortion, murder
Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

After her beloved grandmother's death Marta is sent to be governess to the daughter of Sir William Pritchard at Fyneshade, a large house which nestles in the remote Derbyshire countryside. In this house of plain women, Marta shines like a beacon, quietly looking after Grace, whilst at the same time watching everything that goes on in this brooding house of secrets. For Marta has secrets of her own and she is definitely not what is expected of a god fearing governess. Of the mysterious Sir William we know very little but as this sinister story continues, Fyneshade, such a perfect central character, is about to, reluctantly, give up its creepy secrets.

I enjoyed getting to know Marta, she's wonderfully manipulative, not at all likeable, but gloriously addictive so that very page she is on comes alive with hidden meaning and certainly when, son and heir, Vaughan Pritchard makes his appearance in the novel the sparks between these two flawed characters literally fly off the page.

The author writes well and builds up the tension with beautifully imagined scenes which bring a creepy edginess to what is quite a darkly detailed story. There a few unexpected twists and a final reveal to the story that I didn't see coming, which all helps to make Fyneshade into a wonderfully gothic story of revenge, and retribution, with a smattering of sinister suspense thrown in for good measure.

I couldn't help thinking of Jane Eyre and The Secret Garden: a crumbling mansion, a child who cannot learn, a woman forced to become a governess. And a mysterious men.
I wasn't a fan of Martha and the way she treated Grace broke my heart. it's a well plotted and compelling story that seems to be the love child of other stories.
The plot starts strong but the end is a bit predictable. That said I enjoyed the book.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I did love this book, I was hooked, loved the writing style the inspiration for writing. I did however find the descriptions and treatment of Grace extremely uncomfortable and troubling, I obviously understand that this is how a child like Grace would have been treated historically but it was very unnerving

Following the death of her grandmother orphaned Marta is sent to Fyneshade to be governess to Grace. The master of the house, and man she believed to be her real reason for going, is mysteriously absent. The other staff won’t tell her when he might return or where he is. Grace’s mother died in child birth and is believed by the housekeeper to have returned as a ghost.

I really found myself drawn into this gothic tale from the start. Marta is an interesting character, a product of different times, ill treated and doing what she must to get on. Her treatment of Grace, a child with learning difficulties (possibly Down’s syndrome, from some of the description), is unsympathetic and cruel. Her relationship with Vaughan is predictable from beginning to end but no less interesting.

I loved this - Such a dark and twisty read full of secrets and lies.

Marta is written brilliantly. She’s clever and cunning as she begins to learn the secrets of the house. The atmospheric writing cleverly twists and turns as we are drawn deeper into the story, and as she uncovers more about the family and the house.

The descriptions of the household are detailed and gothic and certainly add to mystery surrounding the family.
I loved how Kate griffin builds the tension with each chapter and how she linked Marta’s story with the seasons of the moon. Just captivating.

I received a free review copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest unedited feedback.

This deliciously dark novel ticked all the boxes for me.
Gothic ✅
witchy ✅
ghostly ✅
old mansion with secret tunnels ✅
Lit by candles ✅
Rebecca vibes ✅

And the writing style is so good it draws you straight in to the spooky atmosphere of the house and keeps you there until the final page. This is one of those books you will want to read in one sitting! Although I felt strong Rebecca vibes, the book was inspired by The Turn of The Screw which is now high on my must read list.

Marta is offered a governess position at Fyneshade following the death of her beloved Grandmere, who was believed to be a witch by the locals. Having been read her future by her Grandmere, and having been taught her secrets, she believes this is her destiny. Arriving with her Grandmere’s box of herbs and potions, she is introduced to her charge. Grace is unlike most children her age and Marta is instantly repulsed. She does not make a good governess and manipulates Grace, as well as the staff, to her own ends.

Having met the ousted son of the missing owner, she devises a plan to use him to get what she wants. She is warned off him by the housekeeper but she feels they are destined to be together. But does she really know him as well as the thinks?

Absolutely brilliant! Highly recommended.

I just reviewed Fyneshade by Kate Griffin. #Fyneshade #NetGalley

Wow! This was a real twist and turner! Wicked meets Wicked!

A tale of evil, lies, unrequited love, devious plots and deception.

Couldn’t put this down which is why I am typing THIS at 3:15am!

When Marta’s French Grandmère dies, she is sent away to Derbyshire to work as a governess. Marta was very close to her grandmother, who spoke with a French accent and knew her way around the herbs – a knowledge that she had passed on to her granddaughter.

When Marta arrives at Fyneshade, the house appears forgotten and a tad neglected. The master of the house, Sir William Pritchard, is nowhere to be seen, and the household is run by Mrs Gurney, the housekeeper.

Marta is to be a governess to young Grace, a child who is a bit different from her peers. Grace’s mother, Lady Sophia, died in childbirth and Sir William doesn’t have much to do with his daughter’s upbringing. Marta isn’t the best governess (if you read the book you’ll discover why), but she is curious about Fyneshade’s secrets (there are plenty!).

When Marta meets Vaughan, Sir William’s banished-from-Fyneshade-son, she reckons she can use the young man to her advantage… Can she?

I LOVED this book. I was enthralled from the first page all the way to the end. The characters in this Gothic story had a menacing feel to them: Sir William, Vaughan, Marta, and even young Grace.

There was something creepy within the household’s walls and the tension and secrecy palpable in every room. Marta was manipulative and calculating to everyone, even to young Grace – a trait that I didn’t appreciate as I felt that she was using the child to her advantage.

If you haven’t read this book, then you simply must. It’s got a Gothic feel of Brontë’s Jane Eyre and Austen’s Northanger Abbey.

Thank you to Viper for approving my NetGalley request to read and review this title.

A novel worthy of very high praise (and matching sales!). From the opening paragraphs, Fyneshade had me in its thrall. It opens at the funeral of Marta's Grandmere, and almost immediately the tone is set; there's a controlled anger and sly bitterness in the way the scene is described:

"I liked Nathaniel well enough. I liked his stiff red hair, his soft pink mouth and his hard green eyes. But most of all I liked the fact that one day he would be rich."

So much packed into three short sentences: the description of Nathaniel suggests that he is unattractive, sensual and cruel, but none of that matters because one day he'll be rich. Marta is revealed to be contemptuous, sharp-tongued, calculating -- and patient.

From here it keeps getting better. Marta is packed off to be a governess to a young child at Fynshade, where she expects to find another, richer, man to set her sights on. Things don't work out as smoothly as she hoped.

Fynshade, Grace, Mrs Gurney, Vaughan... the house and its residents come vividly to life. The house sets the gothic scene. Menacing, packed with secrets -- secret passageways, secret rooms and secret plans. Marta is a strong and ruthless woman, equal to the challenge.

Or is she? As the story progresses, nothing is as it seems and nothing turns out as expected.

Marta is a fantastic character, worthy of any of the great gothic novels. Vaughan is her perfect foil.

The writing is luminous. Sharp, tight and evocative, it creates an immersive, somewhat claustrophobic world. But I was so gripped by the story that I hardly noticed the prose - I'd happily read it again just to focus on the writing.

Only after finishing the book did I learn that it was inspired by The Turn of the Screw. Other reviewers have said that it would be enjoyed more by first reading that. I didn't (read it decades ago and have forgotten it) but that in no way reduced my enjoyment of Fynshade.

5* read. Highly recommended to readers of gothic fiction or historical novels about women.

Note: I received a free review copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest unbiased feedback.

I was delighted to be involved with this gorgeous looking book, I love gothic literature so I knew that I would love this. The story begins with the death of Marta’s Grandmere and within hours her fate is sealed and Marta is to sent away to be a Governess. I love Jane Eyre so this detail was not lost on me ! Marta is to be Governess to Grace who is the daughter of Sir William Pritchard.


She is taken to Fyneshade and there she meets Grace and starts to learn more about the family and their past. I found that this was a book that I quickly became immersed in.

It is a dark tale and I loved the witchy element. The strange night time happenings all add to the atmosphere of this engrossing story. As the story progresses we start to see a different side to Marta and then she meets Vaughan Pritchard the estranged brother of Grace.

I felt very sad for Grace abandoned by everyone and now with Marta who is not all she appears to be and will not stop until she gets what she wants.

I like to be surprised with a book and this one did that time and time again. It took me on a journey that I was not expecting but I thoroughly enjoyed the dark, unnerving and brutal narrative. It unsettled and intrigued me !

If you enjoy an unpredictable story set in a creepy old house, where nothing is straightforward you will love this !

5 stars *****

A slow-paced atmospheric gothic read with a main character you love to hate. No feisty heroine, but a manipulative girl with a dark gift who fits perfectly in this dark mystery with a nice twist at the end.

I got this arc in exchange for an honest review.

I did not enjoy it as much as I hoped.
First of all, it starts very slowly, to a point I considered stoppin. Second of all, I did not like the main character.

In my opinion, there simply can't be enough books about governesses being placed with their young charges in gothic manor houses. If you add that the said governess, in this case, Marta, is someone who has been discarded by their family due to behaviour that may bring shame to their door and who has a machiavellian nature and a penchant for casting spells, then the story gets even more interesting.

I raced through this book. It's full of things I love, including atmospheric writing, a fabulous gothic setting, some ghostly goings-on, casting spells and many, many secrets, which I'll leave you to discover.

At the end, I wanted to rush ahead and find out if I thought what was coming was coming! The author certainly did a great job of building tension here and keeping me on tenterhooks about Marta's future. I'd love to be able to hold my readers in that same way, building and building but keeping the reveal just out of reach. Great job.

I'll definitely be recommending this one to my gothic-loving friends and would happily read more by Kate Griffin.

3,5 stars

I strongly recommend reading The Turn of the Screw, or at least a summary of it before starting this book. It’s an homage to the classic and you will understand it better and enjoy it more if you’ve read the original story.

After the death of her Grandmere Marta has no choice but to become a governess. Her charge turns out to be a mentally disabled girl who can barely communicate, and the servants of the house are mostly hostile towards the new governess. Marta is not bothered much, she is not looking for friends. However she could use a powerful ally, like the estranged heir to Fyneshade. It’s a bonus that she is attracted to him.

Marta was one of the least likable MCs I’ve ever read. But that was the point. She was calculating and ruthless and I kept wondering until the very end who was the real villain of this story. There were moments when I caught myself rooting for her (I feel low-key guilty about it) but generally she was not a character you want to relate to.

The writing was easy to follow and the story captivating. It’s a gothic horror so there were a few creepy scenes, but generally it was less scary than I had expected.

TW: child abuse, abortion (one before safe abortions were invented), murder

Thank you Serpent's Tail / Viper / Profile Books and NetGalley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this, dark and gothic with just the right balance of intrigue and menace. Marta was a wonderful central character, strong, powerful but also flawed and dangerous. The witchcraft elements really worked and I enjoyed the references to the phases of the moon. Author notes at the end provide excellent opportunities to go down Henry James rabbit holes. Beautiful writing, family secrets, huge mansion, secret passages, masters and servants, just glorious!