This is a gothic novel in the style of books like Rebecca and Jane Eyre—I think the author probably likes those two novels a lot, and perhaps Persuasion, too, as there's some letter writing that reminded me of that title as well.

Emeline is a society girl living in Victorian-era Halifax, and she gets into a spot of scandal. Given the choice between getting shipped off to a convent or marrying an older sea captain who is seeking a third wife, she opts for the latter. She's promptly packed up and sent off to the captain's estate on an island.

Immediately upon her arrival she discovers the captain, the local reverend, three staff members and...the second wife. The second wife is still alive (barely) and Emeline has to more or less wait around for her to kick the bucket. The captain's already got a new marriage license drawn up and everything.

I enjoyed the pacing and setting of the novel—the way in which Emeline interacted with the dying wife was fantastic, and their interactions were by far my favorite (that sounds a lot more morbid than it is. All is not as it seems when it comes to the dying second wife!) There are some romantic subplots in the book which I actually would have done without—I found the female friendships and alliances in the book to be the strongest part.

Many thanks to William Morrow and Netgalley for the copy of this book!

If you like Gothic mysteries and you like a touch of paranormal this is definitely the book for you. There wasn't anything about this book that I didn't enjoy. The storyline, setting and characters were all wonderful and I was engaged in the book until the end.

I had never read a suspense book. But this story paralyzes you, wanting to know what is happening at Faraday house is completely exciting.
Emeline Fitzpatrick arrives in Faraday with a plan in mind but what Emeline wanted was not the same thing that fate had prepared for her.

This book is the definition of a cozy mystery. You’ll want to snuggle up with a blanket and good cup of tea while reading this one.

I was initially drawn into the book through the summary and the promise of a gothic setting. This novel truly delivered on the atmosphere; it was creepy, inviting, and mysterious all at the same time. I only wished to be exploring the island with Emeline, uncovering the secrets around.

Although I loved the setting of this book, the characters were just not my favorites. Emeline in particular felt incredibly immature throughout the novel, and I so looked forward to her character’s development. By the end, it mostly felt like she stayed stagnant in the story. Additionally, the book did feel a tad repetitive, especially in the middle.

While it isn’t my favorite mystery, I did still thoroughly enjoy reading this book. Overall, I give The Third Wife of Faraday House a 3/5 star rating! Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for this ARC.

I really enjoyed the historical thriller aspect mixed with the paranormal mystery! Really well done!

Emaline Fitzpatrick is ready to escape her guardians and marry the handsome man who has captured her heart. Unfortunately, Emaline learns the hard way that when someone keeps you a secret, they’re not actually that into you. Now that she’s the face of a scandal, she has two choices: settle into life at a convent or marry Captain Graves. Emaline finds herself in quite the pickle when she arrives at Faraday. Captain Graves described himself as a widower, but it turns out his second wife is still holding on for dear life! Now Emaline finds herself trying to save Mrs. Graves from her impending death all trying to figure out if the place is really haunted.

We follow Emaline, a young woman who was raised by a judge and his wife after being orphaned. All she wants is to escape the controlling and restricted life she has with a husband of her choosing. Instead, she finds herself wedged into a corner. Emaline is not the smartest of people, but I think she just needs everyone to give her a chance even if her first step is to fall flat on her face. While she does some pretty dumb things, she also makes some pretty good discoveries, so I think she was always told that the only thing she had was her looks. One of the things I like about the book is that we get to see her slowly find her strength along the way.

This book has mystery, ghosts, and a house full of people who are not what they seem to be. Emaline is my favorite character. She’s nice, caring, and has a heart. She’s extremely naïve and isn’t always holding the braincell, but she’s fun to follow and has some excellent character growth. There is a little bit of romance in the book, and it’s easy to tell who she will ultimately end up with right away, so I wouldn’t pick this up if you’re looking for a romance.

There’s also a really interesting cast of characters. They all have their secrets. The only difference is we know what Emaline’s secrets are, so we have to watch her slowly discover everyone else’s. I think there’s only two characters who are pretty straight forward. The rest are two-faced to different degrees and everyone has a different motive. It was really interesting to see how the characters slowly reveal what they’ve really been up to.

All in all, this was an excellent read. I was fully absorbed in the story from the moment I opened the page and was actually shocked by the way a few things played out. I’m excited to read some of the author’s other books because this was truly excellent from beginning to end. I do have a few questions about the ending because Emaline’s guardians are suddenly loving saints and everyone is besties, but I think those are the only things that just appeared out of nowhere.

The Third Wife of Faraday House
by B.R. Myers
Pub Date: 20 Aug 2024
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

One amazing gothic romance with so many twist that will keep on your toes !!


'Til death do us part...

November 1816: Restless but naïve Emeline Fitzpatrick is desperate to escape her stifling life in foggy Halifax. Her guardian is lining up repugnant suitors, but Emeline has her eyes set on a handsome lieutenant in the British navy. She just needs to persuade him to propose, or her one chance at happiness will be gone forever.

But when Emeline’s hopes end in scandal, she finds herself with only one suitor left: the wealthy and enigmatic Captain Graves. Having already lost two wives to tragic circumstances, the unfortunate widower is seeking a new companion in his cloistered seaside manor, Faraday House. Or at least that is what Emeline had been told, because when she arrives, she is horrified to discover that the second Mrs. Graves, Georgina, has not yet died.

Emeline is only certain of two things: something ghastly is afoot at Faraday House, and no one is going to save her. She will have to rely on her own courage, her burgeoning bond with the ill but strong-willed Georgina, and the aid of a handsome reverend with a mysterious past to unravel the secrets at the heart of the manor and forge her own destiny.

Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow Paperbacks for the chance to read an advanced copy of The Third Wife of Faraday House.

I feel speechless. Anything I say about this incredible novel will fall short. It was all consuming in the best ways. The writing was sharp and somehow the narrator was reliable, but I never saw the twists coming.

The setting was so creepy, and yet I wanted to be there. Emeline is a beautifully developed character.

I drift toward contemporary romance most often but this opened my eyes to a new author and genre, I deeply enjoyed. Pick this up if you love suspense and honest relationship development with a dash of macabre.

I enjoyed reading The Third Wife of Faraday House by B.R. Myers. It's an intriguing, fictional, gothic, mystery novel with a coming-of-age theme protagonist set in a spooky mansion on an island. There are several seemly characters in spooky mind-teasing scenarios. I enjoyed the chapter cliff hangers and the mysterious twists throughout the book. Emeline is a likable character who grows as the story progresses. I'm intentionally being vague as I don't want to give the story details away. Part of the fun of the novel is wondering what's next! Romance is a theme but not the main event. Special bonus character for dog lovers!

I couldn't put down this atmospheric read by B.R. Myers. The wives always die young at Faraday House, but how? And why is the second wife, whom Emeline has come to replace, still alive? This delightfully suspenseful book pulled me in quickly and didn't let me go until the last page. An excellent read, perfect as a captivating beach read or when you're tucked into the cozy evenings of fall.

If I had one critique, it would be that everything wrapped up a little too neatly at the end. But still, a great read. Will be looking for more books by this author.

Decent piece of gothic fiction that I enjoyed, but also felt could have been better. Characterization was lacking and the relationships between characters needed to be strengthened. Loved the setting of the imposing manor, accessible only with the tides. Recommend for lovers of the gothic genre. #thethirdwifeoffaradayhouse #brmyers #netgalley #goodreads

My favorite thing about this book was the creepy/ghosty/gothic manor and grounds. Oh, and the dog. The romance wasn't really that played up, but it was fine I guess.

3.5 stars, rounded up.

Kindly received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really liked this. It was a fun mystery that felt unique. Although a bit repetitive (the constant "Frederick is coming for me!") thoughts became a little much, but I enjoyed the love story and how everything came together in the end. The pacing felt right on, I didn't get bored at any point, and I liked the characters.

I'd recommend this to readers who enjoy a supernatural mystery centered around female characters.

"The Third Wife of Faraday House" by B.R. Myers is a captivating gothic mystery set in the early 1800s. Emeline Fitzpatrick finds herself entangled in scandal and intrigue when her guardians arrange an engagement to Captain Graves, a wealthy man with a mysterious past. As Emeline navigates love, scandal, and danger, she must unravel the secrets of Faraday House before it's too late.

The characters, particularly Emeline, are well-developed and relatable, with her evolution throughout the story adding depth to the narrative. While the interactions between Emeline and Captain Graves are limited, Reverend Pellerine's character provides an intriguing dynamic to the plot.

The gothic atmosphere and chilling writing style create a sense of suspense that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Myers skillfully weaves together romance, mystery, and historical fiction, resulting in a compelling and enjoyable read.

Overall, "The Third Wife of Faraday House" is a great choice for fans of gothic mysteries seeking an atmospheric and immersive tale.

In classic gothic style, The Third Wife of Faraday House was a slow-burn. Sprinkled with mystery and spooky scenes, it was hard to put down once it got started.

Emeline has recently discovered that her guardians are looking for "appropriate" suitors for her. They do have her best interests at heart for a well-cared-for life. Emeline, however, has something else in mind; the handsome naval officer Frederick Fletcher. If only he would follow through on his proposal and whisk her away to Bermuda as promised. Unfortunately, after being caught together, her only choice is to marry Captain Graves far away from the scandal. Emeline arrives at Faraday house to marry the Captain only to find out that the Captain's second wife, Georgina, isn't dead yet!

The setting is perfect for a gothic novel. Big stone house on an island, whose ocean road is only accessible during low tide. There's a widow walk, a dusty tower room, secret rooms, ghostly music, and blood dripping from the ceiling. It's creepy without needing to be gory. There's a feeling of constant danger, starting from the moment Emeline arrives on the island to be dumped by a broken carriage and left by herself while the driver goes onward to Faraday House. That feeling continues with Emeline's UNwelcome experience when finally making it to the house and throughout the novel. There's suspicion built into every moment.

If I have one complaint, Emeline is a difficult character to like. She's very naive and her constant pining for the lieutenant is annoying. If only he would sweep in and rescue her. If only she could get a letter to him telling him how awful it is and to hurry up already! In her mind, all she does is babble to look pretty and proper. Of course, it's in Emeline's best interests to keep Georgina alive, delay the marriage, and give Frederick time to come save her. As time went on and the relationship between Emeline and Georgina developed, she did grow on me.

As with the best gothic mysteries, little hints are given to the reader throughout the story. While you think you know immediately what is happening, there's a lot of redirection. Who you thought was the villain two chapters ago, suddenly seems to not be. There's not a single character that your opinion of will stay the same throughout. It's such a twisty little plotline!

The Third Wife of Faraday House is a mystery, ghost story, and romance all rolled into one that would appeal to readers of multiple genres. It's a bit light for most horror readers and Regency romance readers, but I think it contains enough elements of each to be discoverable for most mainstream readers.

**I received a free digital copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**

I enjoyed this spooky gothic romance, but, admittedly, I didn't connect very well with the main character, Emeline. There were some pretty obvious connections that she could have easily made that she completely ignored or didn't even consider. And yes, I'm well aware that with fiction, readers need to suspend their disbelief, but...at a certain point, you are left asking "how did you not get that?"

Otherwise, the rest of the characters were intriguing, and the plot was genuinely engaging. The beginning was a bit slow, but around a third of the way through, I got that "one more chapter" urge. "The Third Wife of Faraday House" is an entertaining read.

This book had the perfect creepy vibes mixed with historical fiction and it was very well done. The character growth was very well done. The writing style was right up my alley and this book wasn’t TOO spooky for me which was a plus.

The Third Wife of Faraday House Review

I had such high hopes for this novel.
The good with some bad: it was an enjoyable read for what it was but with a few too many drawn-out moments. The concept of Captain Graves's second wife being alive when Emeline arrives at Faraday House was good. I enjoyed and wanted more from their growing friendship. I could feel that kinship wanting to flourish but it fell flat. They were strangers and then suddenly best friends. Yes, they overcame something together but I wanted to see more of those connecting moments.
Captain Graves was spoken of as a man with a bad temper and very quick to react but we were barely shown these moments.
The relationship with the Reverend Pellerine was very obvious and I saw it coming relationship. However, again the moments were lacking. There were too few scenes with them conversing and building the foundations. There was a lack of chemistry.
The plot twists felt forced in trying to keep the reader guessing, too many options were put in. Then it was too quickly and cleanly revealed. It was also very predictable and the characters weren’t all that like-able.
I enjoyed the character development Emeline went through but I wish there were more moments of self-confidence. I know she was always told by Mrs. Shackleton that Emeline’s beauty was her only asset but there were moments of a brilliant mind but again it fell short. She was naive for a young woman who should have been more aware of the ways of the world. Especially with someone like Mrs. Shackleton as a guardian.

Lastly, for a gothic-styled novel, I didn’t feel a sense of that darkness. I didn’t get a suspenseful feeling or fear for our characters. The Faraday House had its own secrets and those were barely explored. I wanted to see its own personality grow just as much as I wanted Emeline to be a confident witty young woman that I felt she could and should be.

Thank NetGalley and William Morrow Books for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my personal thoughts and opinions.

Thank you very much to William Morrow and NetGalley for providing me with an advance reader copy of The Third Wife of Faraday House by B.R. Myers. When I first read the description for the book, I was immediately intrigued and it was a very enjoyable read.

The Third Wife of Faraday House follows Emeline Fitzpatrick who's at the age where her guardians are beginning to line up suitors for her. But Emeline can't think of anything worse than staying in Halifax and marrying some guy she's not interested in. Frederick is a handsome lieutenant of the British Navy, and he and Emeline are in love with each other. But when they're caught kissing, without being properly engaged, they're caught in a scandal. To save face, her guardians arrange an engagement for her to Captain Graves, a wealthy and mysterious man who's already had two wives die tragically. When Emeline arrives to his estate she finds that the captain's second wife is still alive, and that there's something tragically wrong happening at his Faraday House. Can Emeline solve the mystery of what's happening on the island without risking her life?

The characters in this book were pretty good, and relatable even though the book takes place in the early 1800s. I thought that the way Emeline handled everything, from her first love with Frederick to her scandal to solving the mystery at Faraday, was written in a way that I could see myself making the same decisions that she was. Emeline was a bit naive but we can see her evolve throughout the story as she matures from her experiences and trauma. Captain Graves was an interesting character, but I wish we saw more of him. Although he's one of the main characters, we didn't see much from him and there was very little interaction between him and Emeline. I did like Reverand Pellerine's character, however. But once again, I wish there was more interaction between him and Emeline, especially since *spoiler* he's the love interest.

The story of this book was really good. It had been a while since I read a historical fiction story, and the gothic theme made this one very special. The author did a great job of writing in a chilling and haunting style. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time reading this.

Overall, a great gothic mystery read.

This was a totally new genre for me! My first gothic novel ever - I was hooked. I loved the darkness and the mystery of it.

This definitely had a creepy vibe, just the right amount of romance while maintains a chilly, suspense feel.

I thought the character development of Emeline through the book was written very well.

I’ll be sharing this on my other social media platforms for sure (and I’ll be looking for more from the author)!