I enjoyed this historical mystery, but it didn't completely wow me. Cora and Jack, two inmates turned undercover detectives, had an interesting dynamic, and their complicated relationship was a crucial part of the story. I liked how their past slowly unraveled through flashbacks, and the Hollywood glamour of the setting was well done, making Truman Byrd's mysterious manor feel like a character. A surprising twist added some intrigue, and the romance was a nice slow burn. However, while entertaining, the story didn’t feel unique or memorable. It’s a solid 3-star read for me—worthwhile but not groundbreaking.

Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for the ALC

Starting "Enchanted Hill by Emily Bain Murphy, I was immediately drawn in by the cover and the promise of a compelling mystery, as well as the hope of finding a story reminiscent of the Veronica Speedwell mysteries. As Cora and Jack's complicated relationship unfolded through well-paced flashbacks and present-day interactions, I found myself increasingly invested. Their slow-burning rekindling, built on trust and open communication, felt authentic and relatable.

The Hollywood setting and the manor's secrets added to the intrigue, with a supporting cast that captured the period's charm. Jennifer Jill Araya, whom I’ve listened to before in Alice Hoffman's "The Bookstore Wedding", did a great job narrating this story. Her soothing voice brought the characters to life, enhancing the overall experience.

The author skillfully tied together past and present in a climactic conclusion, making this historical mystery a satisfying mix of romance, intrigue, and vintage flair—perfect for anyone searching for a read in the vein of Veronica Speedwell.

I first heard of this novel from the Professional Book Nerds podcast and was delighted to discover that it was available on Netgalley as an aduiobook, weel read by Jennifer Jill Araya, a new narrator to me.

I am not the biggest mystery fan, but the ones that appeal to me tend to fave either a 1930's screwball comedy vibe or a theatrical or film setting. The setting here in Californi in the 1930's easily cast me in.

I also like stories with female invesitgators which we have here. The setting and the main charaacter was the draw for me. I would follow this story if there were a sequel.
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Having grown up on pelican Island a place that only inhabited prisoners and chorus family she never thought while investigating under the guise of being a maid at the TrumanBird mansion that she would run into childhood friend and prison escapee Jack who is also pretending to be someone he is not. What does this mean for Corus investigation and when someone whines up dead Cora is left not knowing who to trust because it hits too much like an event that happened the last time she saw her old friend Jack. I thought the author did a great job bringing back the opulence of the golden era of film or at least they’re over the top entertaining in fashion there was so much I loved about this book and the mystery is just one awesome facet I also thought the narrator did a great job more and more authors are using very talented performers that only enhance and bring great tone and emotion to a book and I am glad Emily Bain Murphy Took a vantage of that with this unknown to me but awesome narrator. I want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for my free arc copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

I want everyone to know there is nothing inherently wrong with this book, but for the life of me, I could not get into it.

DNF at 32%.

Enchanted Hill is an intriguing mystery with memorable characters.

Cora is a strong capable female lead. Jack is a misunderstood man on the run trying to clear his name. These two have a dangerous past but are inexplicably drawn to each other. Together they solve a decades old mystery. I would be interested in seeing their story continued.

I loved the setting of this story. The Byrd mansion has secret passages and is full of puzzles hidden in the walls and artwork.

I enjoyed the narration by Jennifer Jill Araya.

Low-to-middle-of-the road story, with a "mid" (as the youths would say) rated narrator. I plugged along through the audiobook and finished it, but I can't say that I enjoyed it much or that there was anything that really stuck out to make it memorable enough to recommend it to patrons, family, or friends.

This is a good story, but at times I felt my mind drifting. I couldn't pay attention as it was too slow for me. The narrator told the story well.

Many thanks to Net Galley and Dreamscape Media for an audio copy of this book for an honest review.

I have been following Emily Bain Murphy on instagram and watching the hype of this book for a while. So when I saw it available on NetGalley, I had to request it. And then jump with excitement when I was approved. This book was so good. The writing really painted pictures in mind throughout listening. I’ve already recommended it to friends and will continue to do so. Thank you NetGalley and publishers and of course, Emily for this incredible book.

I am giving up on this book and leaving it behind in 2023. For the life of me I couldn't focus or make myself care.

Nothing about it was terrible. But the characters were a little flat. The writing was a bit dull. And the story - I can comfortably spend the rest of my life without knowing how it ends.

I gave it a fair shot, I really thought I was going to like it when I started it. But no. I'm just going to dnf now, at around 50%, and start my 2024 with books that make me can't wait to turn another page.

Again, there was nothing too terrible about this one; maybe it just wasn't for me.

Glamour, mystery and a bit of romance. This has a lot to offer. I enjoyed the storyline and the MMC and FMC but I did feel at time it’s was a little slow and the book could have been condensed and still just as impactful. This was definitely a book that I could recommend to others especially those that enjoy the time period.

I would like to thank NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the advanced copy of this audiobook!

WHAT A BOOK! So immersive, and it realllly drew me in. All the mysterious threads were pulled together so brilliantly towards the end. Well worth the listen.

This is a story of revenge and reconnections, glamour and secrets, prisons and mansions. Emily Bain Murphy brings us back to the 1930's in this enchanting novel.

Cora has a unique opportunity to earn her reputation as a detective by going undercover at a mansion on Enchanted Hill. She has managed to blend in nicely with the staff, until a man from her past shows up and threatens everything she has been working toward. Jack, also worried that his plans are about to be derailed, convinces her to form a truce, until they both get what they want. Will they be able to bury the past and work together?

I really enjoyed this story. I liked the quick pace, the immersive setting, and the developed mystery. I felt the characters had charisma and chemistry, and a valid reason for distrusting each other. The plot was engaging, layered, and probable, which made for a solid mystery. This is my first book by Murphy, but certainly not my last.

The audio narration by Jennifer Jill Araya was fantastic! She had great voice variety and comfortable pacing. She sold that transatlantic accent well, which really immersed me in the story.

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the early listen of this audiobook in exchange for my honest feedback.

This book was a fun time that combined mystery with romance in a historical fiction setting. Cora is on an undercover job when she encounters someone from her past who unraveled her life. She wants answers— but Jack is on his own quest for answers as well. We are taken to a glittering world of wealth and opulence where Cora is working as a maid at the estate of a wealthy business owner. I enjoyed her spunk and determination, and the way the plot slowly unraveled! It was great as an audiobook— the narrator did a good job with every character.

I think I found a new character dynamic that I love: two people who have adopted secret identities, but who recognize each other and have a tenuous past together. Will they reveal each other’s secrets, or will they work together? This is the heart of Enchanted Hill, with Cora working undercover as a maid and Jack pretending to be a wealthy socialite in order to gain information about the powerful man hosting the lavish parties at the infamous Enchanted Hill. This story was fun and twisty, weaving in mystery and romance with all the charm of prohibition era America. The pacing was up and down sometimes, but I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next. The narrator of the audiobook, Jennifer Jill Araya had an excellent performance, capturing the characters and evoking a feel of the 1930s.

Enchanted Hill by Emily Bain Murphy is a good story set in the thirties about betrayal, loss, hope, and the promise of a future. Cora was a young girl living at the prison on Pelican Island with her family when two inmates escaped and killed someone. Years later, the two find each other in a crowded room, and the past begins to call. Can they discover the truth together? Or will the betrayal of years ago become the pattern again.
This was a good book. I really enjoyed it and the narrator did a good job! Thanks NetGalley for the chance to listen to it.

Thank you Dreamscape Media for accepting my request to audibly read and review Enchanted Hill on NetGalley.

Narrator: Jennifer Jill Araya: Good job

Stars: 3

An okay read. The story was intriguing, however, the book was too long. I was longing for a physical copy so I could skim. I did like two of the main characters: Cora and Jack. I wanted the book focused on their storylines. Unfortunately there were other insignificant characters vying for attention.

The story had me ask which came first -- Pelican Island or Alcatraz. There was that vibe.

I enjoyed the relationship between Cora and Jack.

Cora and Jack have a history of being on opposite sides of the track yet manage to find themselves in the same line of duty as adults - but for what cause, at what stake and how will they move past what they think they know of each other from childhood.

Their history is riddled with betrayal and this adventure reads like a National Treasure storyline with deeply rooted hesitations to be resolved.

It took me a while to latch on to the characters but once I did and with the inclusion of missing historic artwork, my interest peeked and held through the rest of the novel as the mysteries unfolded and we got more answers than I bargained for but felt no loose ends were left!

Oh! I finished this today and can't help feeling a little bereft that I am no longer part of Jack and Cora's world.

I loved it. I have given it 4 and a half rounded up to 5 stars (so not a 5-star read, but damn close). The ending, after the huge build-up, was a little disappointing, I expected sunsets, knights, and a whole lot of fanfare, a sultry lone saxophonist at least! But that aside, it deserves every single sparkle of those stars, it is beautifully written, intriguing, and intricate, and the attention to detail is breathtaking.

I hope we see more of all of them, Truman, Cora, Jack, Clem, and yes, even Mabel. Maybe especially Mabel.

This is a 1930’s mystery with some Great Gatsby like drama and glamor. Cora is undercover as a maid trying to find evidence for her client when she recognizes her old friend Jack. I liked the mystery, scandal and super slow burn romance in this one. Makes for a great fall/winter-y read.