I enjoyed this murder mystery with dual timelines, one in the 20s and one in the 40s. The story is very atmospheric, and I felt transported to Marbrisa with its macabre ambiance, rooftop gargoyles, ostentatious interior, and secret passages. Deaths occur and there are rumors of its being haunted. The story held my interest throughout; I did not know whose story to believe when the police were investigating the murders. I highly recommend this book. I rate it 4.5*, rounded up to 5*.

Robrt Barnes built Marbrisa, a glamorous estate for his wife, Anna’s 40th birthday. It is in Biscayne Bay, a remote area south of Miami. Anna loves the gardens, but to her, the house feels like a museum, filled with art and ornate furniture from Europe. Marbrisa is Robert’s legacy since they have no children, and he desires the envy and respect of others. They host a housewarming party, and a woman falls into the bay and drowns. Was it an accident or murder? Later, Anna is killed.

Asher Wyatt bought Marbrisa cheaply since it was in poor condition after being vacant for 10 years. He renovated it to its former glory. In 1941 Asher and his wife Carolina had lived there 6 years. Carolina’s younger sister, Carmen Acosta age 18, comes from Cuba to live with them after their parents were killed in an accident. Their father appointed Asher to handle Carmen’s inheritance and to be her guardian until she turns 21 or marries. The sisters were never close, partly due to their 13-year age difference. Carmen’s second night there, she hears her sister scream, and she races outside to find Asher carrying Carolina’s body from the garden’s maze. Carmen is determined to find out who is responsible – Asher, the gardener, the architect, her lover, or a member of the staff?

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC! I was soooooo excited to see that I was approved for Chanel CLeeton's latest book. As soon as I started reading I felt like I was there, it transported me to another place and time. The story of a man who built a grand house for his wife to be the envy of all! Anna and Robert lived in New York and after he went there and seen another large home he decided to build the grandest homes of them all to be his legacy. There was a murder and that was the downfall for Robert and the property. Twenty years later as the property is renovated and another murder occurs - is this place cursed?!
A story with some twists, so hard to put down! Definitely recommend!!

I enjoyed this story from Chanel Cleeton. Her writing flows smoothly between time periods and I found myself interested in both plot lines, not just one as is often the case. The story is haunting. I saw it described as Gothic and would definitely agree. I’m not sure if this is a series but I would love to see a sequel, or prequel, to this book. It seems like there is still so much to learn about the characters; I was left wanting a little more. Good read!

A suspense
Marbrisa, the house on Biscayne Bay, was the central character with all its secrets, accidents, and deaths after WWI and before WWII. I found the characters were not developed enough to understand their situations and how they responded to events happening at Marbrisa. As a historical fiction there was no depth about the two time periods. The novel was more about power, glamour, affairs, loss of fortunes, trust, and betrayal. I like suspense, but I was disappointed, and I found the story not engaging. I even guessed who was causing troubles in 1941. The final enigma about the necklace showing up and disappearing in one of the bedrooms was not resolved by the end of the story.

The House on Biscayne Bay by Chanel Cleeton alternates between Anna in 1918 and Carmen in 1941 while they live in Marbrisa, the mansion on Biscayne Bay, Florida. Similar to a gothic novel, there is mystery, terror, and dark deeds, but set in a “haunted” mansion instead of a castle. Anna’s husband, Robert, is accused of murdering both his wife and his lover and twenty-three years later, Asher, Carmen’s brother-in-law, is accused of murdering his wife. All the murders occurred at Marbrisa with a mysterious gold snake necklace as the only cue linking them. I enjoyed this easy read book and was engaged in solving with mysteries with Anna, Carolina (Carmen’s sister), and Carmen. The descriptions of building and then remodeling Marbrisa were as interesting as the mystery.

This is a bit of a turn from Chanel Cleeton. Although the historical fiction aspect remains, we go a bit more gothic. Do i like it yes, but do i prefer it from her books before, not sure yet. My one qualm i that knew who the killer was from the beginning, so i wasn't as into the twist as I would have otherwise. I really liked the two viewpoints of the story.

This was a quick and easy read. Felt like I had read it before. Another book alternating chapters between 3 women each telling their own story of living in the same mansion.Enjoyed the humor in the first chapter about the perils of living in Florida and the twist at the end.

Shortly after WWI, Robert Barnes builds a mansion to surprise his wife, Anna, for her fortieth birthday. When he tells her he is taking her to Miami to celebrate, she imagines a romantic weekend and a gift of expensive jewelry. She certainly didn't expect to live there – in the swamp and the heat and among the bugs, iguanas, and alligators. She is not pleased. "This feels like the end of civilization as we know it – a far cry from Manhattan and the sensibilities we have grown accustomed to."

While, eventually, Florida grows on her and to some extent so does the luxurious house, she soon finds that the heat, bugs, and alligators are the least of her problems. When they give their first party, a woman falls into the bay and drowns. The police detective thinks it may not have been an accident.

Fast forward to 1941 when Carmen comes to stay with her sister, Carolina and brother-in-law, Asher, the current occupants of the house. Asher Wyatt bought the mansion in the 30's after it had been abandoned and eventually taken over by the state. Many strange and frightening things have been happening there and it is rumored that they are linked to the original owners.

Is the house cursed? Does it have a ghost? Are the deaths (yes more than 1) accidents – or murder?

This is the first book by the author, Chanel Cleeton, I've read and she has definitely left me wanting more. She does an excellent job maintaining suspense throughout – I was never sure who I could believe and who might be lying. I loved the character of Anna and her comments about Florida, her husband, his friends, and life in general.

Overall, I highly recommend this book.

The author's previous books have been fascinating period pieces and this new one is just as fascinating. Awesome depiction of time and place. So atmospheric. Long ago mysteries haunt the current occupants of a magnificent Florida mansion. Take a peek inside 'good' marriages. I appreciate Cleeton's portrayal of strong women. They might give the appearance of withering in the Florida heat and humidity but their hearts and souls are solid.

I've enjoyed all of Chanel Cleeton's books and was excited to read this one too. It's a little different than the family sagas she's written before. The story centers around Marbrisa - a glorious estate built in Southern Florida during the 1920s. The estate itself seems as if it is a character in the book. The story is told through dual storylines - one in the 1920s and the other in the 1940s. The estate holds mysteries and hides her stories well. Murder, obsession, and adultery abound. I kept reading "one more chapter" and staying up past my bedtime because I couldn't wait to see what would happen next.

A mansion in Miami has claimed the lives of three women. Is it haunted as rumor has it, or is there something more going on? A delightful mix of historical fiction and thriller\murder mystery. Chanel Cleeton has produced a book that will keep you up while trying to figure out whodunit.

Chanel Cleeton is by far one of the most talented and binge-worthy authors in the historical fiction market today. Her stories are always original and incredibly addictive (as in you just can't put it down...you will just read one more page...) and this story is no different. Unlike her other books, I felt this one was more of a thriller than a romance, but the expert writing and well-drawn characters were all wonderfully done as in every other book I have read. I don't want to give too much away, but know that this book was unputdownable, the characters fascinating and the tone thrilling. I loved it and would highly recommend it to any who wants a fantastic read with twists and turns you won't see coming. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher, and I will definitely be purchasing a print copy as soon as I am able! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

I was given an early copy of this book in exchange for a review.
I generally enjoy Ms. Cleeton's books. This one I had a bit of trouble getting into but once I read a bit longer I became more engaged and involved in the story.
Marbrisa is the glamorous estate built in South Florida by Robert Barnes for his wife Anna. The estate is later owned by Asher Wyatt and his wife Carolina. Throughout the book we have a duel story line going with Anna in part and Carmen Acosta (Carolina's younger sister who comes to live with them after the death of Carmen & Carolina's parents) in the other. The house/estate comes to have a terrible legacy after the death of a party guest and later Anna herself. The bad things continue happening during the Wyatt's time there including the death of several animals and Carolina. Who is responsible for the deaths during Anna's time at Marbrisa? Can the ghost of Anna be causing havoc during the Wyatt's time at the estate? Who killed Carolina? You'll have to read the book for yourself to find out the answers.

Cleeton has written a book with a rather haunted house. Post WWI a wealthy couple purchase a grand estate worthy of the cream of the crop in the gilded age. As his finances dwindle the home falls into disrepair and eventually lands in the world of a couple and a sister.
The secrets contained within the house cry out to be solved after the death of the female owner -- and sister -- dies.

This creepy book kept me up late - and is a welcome departure from Cleeton's usual fiction. It is good to see one of my favorite authors stretch.

Once again, I'm impressed by Chanel Cleeton's writing and storytelling abilities. The House on Biscayne Bay was filled with atmosphere, mystery, and suspense. I could feel Marbrisa and the grounds surrounding it. I don't think I could have lived there myself, especially knowing about the history of the house and the murders. The gloomy and deceitful atmosphere made the mystery shine. The cast of characters was hard to figure out (in a good way) and kept me wondering what they were truly up to. Anna and Carmen were the only ones I could trust. I loved how the story unraveled in their dual points of view 39 years apart. I was on the edge of my seating waiting to find out what was going to happen and who was responsible. I had a couple of guesses that I knew had to be right, but even then, Cleeton managed to surprise me. The House on Biscayne Bay was another fantastic historical fiction read from Cleeton. I can't wait to find out what she will write for us next.

The author did a fantastic job on the dual point of view. The chapters were woven together seamlessly. Each character was relatable and the transitions between time frames was very easy to keep up with.

I’m not one to typically read this genre of book, but I’m very glad that I did! It’s a great read and would highly recommend this book.

Maribrisa represents prestige and wealth for Robert Barnes. Robert presents this marvelous home as a birthday present to his wife, Anna, despite her feelings of it being too extravagant. Roberts ambitious quest to become respected by hosting parties attracts the wrong kind of people resulting in martial problems.

Carolina and Carmen Acosta become new occupants of Maribrisa many years after it falls in disrepair due to Robert's financial trouble. Carmen has little choice to live with her sister after their parents death. Carmen and the staff sense a darkness surrounding the estate since it has a sordid past from its previous owners. The tragic death of Carmen's sister leads her to discover untold secrets of the infamous Marbrisa.

Chanel Cleaton weaves a story of occupants in the same multi-billion home separated by time. The chapter alternates between Anna Barnes and Carmen Acosta seamlessly. The author creates relatable characters such as Roberts determination to have a home as a symbol of success. I enjoyed this book very much. The transition between past and present was well written. A must read for crime mystery lovers with a dash of darkness.

I was fortunate enough to win an early copy of THE HOUSE ON BISCAYNE BAY by Chanel Cleeton through a Shelf Awareness Giveaway. Thanks to the publisher, and have a safe and spooky Halloween!

The House on Biscayne Bay by Chanel Cleeton is a gorgeous, gothic tale by one of my favorite authors. Cleeton wraps you up in secrets and drama, a mystery told in her distinctive, lyrical writing. Highly recommend!!!

Robert Barnes and his wife Anna have built a mansion on Biscayne Bay where they quickly become the toast of high society in a post World War One Florida land boom. Decades later, Carmen escapes Cuba and journeys to Miami and Marabisa, the home of her sister, Carolina and her husband. The home looks lush and inviting, just as it did when Robert Barnes built it, but the mansion hides many secrets, as Carmen is about to discover. Sweeping and evocative drama.