Ruby Vaughn is back, this time attending a seance in Scotland. Lots of secrets here, especially pertaining to Ruby’s employer, Mr. Owen. Great atmosphere, lots of interesting characters, and a perplexing mystery. When Ruan Kivell arrives to help, will Ruby stay focused on the investigation? A bit confusing for the first third, but it all came together in the end. Best to read the first book before this one, as there are several recurring characters. Looking forward to the next mystery, and finding out more about Ruby’s family, her past, and her emerging abilities.
I received a free copy via NetGalley, and this is my honest and voluntary review.

The Secret of the Three Fates may be the second book in the Ruby Vaughn Mystery Series by Jess Armstrong, but it is the first book that I have read. While the introduction to Ruby and her older employer Mr. Owens would have come in the first book, I had no problem understanding their working relationship.

Taking place after the Great War, Ruby and Mr. Owens become suspects in a séance medium’s death. Secrets long held begin to come to light. Help comes in the form of Ruan Kivell, who investigates alongside Ruby. I like these two characters together. A cozy mystery with an unusual character, Mr. Owens. He is not exactly the sleuth in the story, but he does seem to be the cause for Ruby to become one. An interesting historical cozy mystery.

*4.5 Stars On My Instagram Account*

"There is nowhere on earth you can hide from the dead."

“I’m not sure I believe in ghosts.”
“Unfortunately, they believe in you."

“You are everywhere and everything to me, flooding my senses and I cannot understand it...this inexplicable thread between us and for this power you hold over me."

Oh my! With Book 2 of the Ruby Vaughn series, The Secret of the Three Fates, masterful bestselling author Jess Armstrong has created an alluring atmospheric gothic historical fiction mystery filled with goosebump gasps, startling reveals, and an infuriating slow burn romance that keeps the heart aflutter.

In 1920s England, American heiress Ruby Vaughn works for Mr. Owen's rare bookshop, which she secretly owns. In Book 1, The Curse of Penryth Hall, she's embroiled in the occult, witches and curses. She also meets Ruan, a Pellar--a healer, witch of sorts, and protector. He can read her thoughts giving her peace of mind to not speak her fears and truths out loud.

Surviving Penryth Hall barely prepares her for the Scottish castle where Mr Owen is lured by three "mediums," calling themselves The Three Fates. They promise him a seance to communicate with his dead son. Ruby is shocked when other attendees have a direct connection to her secret past.

Ruby discovers one of The Fates murdered and becomes the prime suspect. She's also in danger from the real killer. Luckily Ruan arrives but finds he's blocked from reading her thoughts.

Voice actress Emma Love once again is superb using her many vocal abilities to enhance this eerie mystery. It's no secret I adore this series and can't wait for Book 3, The Devil In Oxford.

I received a free copy of this book/audiobook from the publishers via #NetGalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Lies and deception surround Ruby Vaughn from the moment she and her elderly friend and employer travel to Manhurst Castle in the Scottish Borders. She believes she’s there to purchase valuable illuminated manuscripts only to learn they were all sold several years ago, and Mr. Owen really wanted her to support him as he attended a seance where he hopes to get a message from his son, killed in World War 1. Ms. Armstrong deftly weaves together mystery, a gothic atmosphere, the occult, and a touch of romance to create a twisting, turning plot that fans of any of these genres will love.
Ruby is such a complex character, a wealthy heiress who fled the US due to scandal, she’s bold and smart, and wants nothing more than to lead a private life hunting down books, Read this second in the series as a stand alone if you need, but it would be a shame to deny yourself the joy of book 1.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books for an advance copy, I look forward to recommending it to the book clubs I belong to!

Setting? Check
Characters? Check
Mystery? Check
Plot? Not so much

This book has all the makings of a really fun historical mystery, but the plot just doesn’t hold up. It makes me think of that saying “show me, don’t tell me”. Basically the main character finds a dead woman. Each chapter after, she goes to talk to somebody about finding the dead woman and she repeats her story. After 4 to 5 chapters of this I decided to DNF.

I just finished The Secret of the Three Fates by Jess Armstrong, and wow, what a ride! This book, the second in her Ruby Vaughn series, totally pulled me in with its haunting gothic vibe. Armstrong does an amazing job mixing mystery with those classic gothic elements, and the result is this super suspenseful, spine-tingling story that kept me guessing the whole way through. If you’re into eerie, atmospheric reads, this one’s a must. Trust me, you won’t be able to put it down!

Jess Armstrong delivers another atmospheric and compelling installment in The Secret of the Three Fates, seamlessly blending gothic mystery with richly layered historical intrigue. Ruby Vaughn’s return as a determined, quick-witted heroine is a delight, and Armstrong’s vivid descriptions of the haunting Scottish Borders create an immersive setting brimming with secrets and spectral tension.

The novel begins with a seemingly straightforward task—a trip to acquire manuscripts—but quickly unravels into a chilling tale involving a séance gone awry, a trio of enigmatic mediums, and long-buried family secrets. Armstrong excels at crafting suspense, keeping readers guessing as Ruby uncovers layer after layer of deception. The historical backdrop of post-Great War grief adds depth, making the characters’ motivations feel deeply personal and poignant.

Ruby remains a standout protagonist, balancing her sharp intellect with vulnerability rooted in her own hidden past. Her growing dynamic with Ruan Kivell, the enigmatic folk healer, is both engaging and subtly romantic, adding another layer of complexity to the story. Meanwhile, Mr. Owen’s desperation and mysterious past bring a sense of urgency to the narrative, even as his secrets threaten to derail their mission.

The plot is intricate, with well-placed twists that keep the reader engaged. However, the sheer number of moving parts occasionally slows the pacing, particularly in the middle of the book. Additionally, while the murder mystery is compelling, some secondary characters—such as the mediums known as The Three Fates—could have been more fully developed to heighten the impact of the story’s central conflict.

Despite these minor flaws, The Secret of the Three Fates is a masterful gothic mystery with an unforgettable heroine, an evocative setting, and a plot that will keep readers guessing until the very end. Fans of The Curse of Penryth Hall will be thrilled with Ruby Vaughn’s latest adventure, and new readers will find plenty to enjoy in this atmospheric and expertly crafted tale.

I received a complimentary ARC copy of The Secret of the Three Fates, A Ruby Vaughn Mystery by Jess Armstrong from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books in order to read and give an honest review.

“…Another gem from author Jess Armstrong this is another brilliantly written, cleverly plotted, atmospheric mystery with a gothic feel giving the reader a deliciously intriguing tale that will keep them reading to the wee hours of the morning… ”

In the second entry of Jess Armstrong’s Ruby Vaughn Mysteries, the author has outdone herself yet again. I loved The Curse of Penryth Hall, and I honestly enjoyed this one much better although I thought it would be impossible.

In this entry we visit the haunted Manhurst Castle, where spirits lurk and three fates, famous clairvoyants are summoned to connect with them.

Ruby unexpectedly gets drawn into an occult séance when her old boss, Mr. Owen, asks her to accompany him to the castle on the Scottish border. Mr. Owen gets a cryptic note from the leading clairvoyant, Lucy, promising an important message from his dead son, Ben. Among the other clairvoyants, Ruby is shocked to see the White Witch, a familiar face from Ruby’s past. There, she also meets Mr. Owen’s resentful estranged brother and his adored nephew Andy. Soon, everyone in the mansion is responding to similar messages, which have drawn them all together. But she stumbles across another familiar face, one from her past that she thought she had left behind in her formal life, one who could unravel her peace of mind.

When vengeful spirits start sending cryptic warnings Ruby can’t help but be scared yet intrigued with all the secrets that begin to unfold. When she receives a mysterious note in her room from one of the fates requesting a secret meeting by the lake. Upon arrival Ruby discovers the body in the lake, surrounded by an occult scene with thirteen candles and salt traces, her suspicions grow. It becomes clear that someone is targeting the women in the mansion. The detectives sent to solve the case are quick to blame Ruby—until Mr. Owen calls in Ruan Kiwell to protect her before he confesses to Murder to save her. It’s up to Ruby and Ruan to discover who the real killer is and as the body count goes up it becomes clear that Ruby is herself in the killers’ sights. Adding to the tension is a premonition from the White Witch about Ruan’s fate has her terrified. Though Ruby is relieved to have Ruan back in her life, her feelings for him scare her. While his presence helps her uncover the truth, Ruby realizes she needs to set boundaries to protect her heart, even though she’s drawn to him like a magnet.

Another gem from author Jess Armstrong this is another brilliantly written, cleverly plotted, atmospheric mystery with a gothic feel giving the reader a deliciously intriguing tale that will keep the reader reading to the wee hours of the morning. This was an incredible follow up and I look forward to reading more from Jess Armstrong.

Jess Armstrong has done it again in this masterfully crafted Gothic mystery set in the wilds of Scotland. When Ruby Vaughn and her octogenarian employer, Mr. Owen, journey to an estate in the Scottish borderlands to appraise a collection of illuminated manuscripts, they also find themselves invited to a seance conducted by three mediums known only as The Three Fates. And that's where Ruby's penchant for finding trouble starts.

After the otherworldy seance, Ruby is summoned to a midnight assignation in the estate's park, where she happens upon the remnants of a strange ritual, and finds the body of one of the mediums. As the only witness, the intrepid Miss Vaughn soon falls under suspicion of murder, along with her elderly employer, and must work quickly to solve the mystery in order to save herself and Mr. Owen. With the help of the enigmatic Cornish pellar, Ruan Kivell, Ruby embarks upon a perilous game of discovery in which the real killer is only a few steps behind. Rife with secret societies, Gothic atmosphere, taut pacing, and Christie-esque twists and turns--along with a touch of romance--The Secret of The Three Fates marks Armstrong as a gifted mystery author in her prime. While readers will be able to follow the action without having read the first novel in the series, The Curse of Penryth Hall, it's strongly suggested to read them in order to fully appreciate Ruby's relationships and backstory. Highly recommend!

This is a captivating read full of mystery and adventure. The story is engaging with intriguing characters and a plot that kept me hooked from the first page to the end. The blend of mythology and modern-day events adds a unique twist that set this apart from other books I've read recently. The pacing wasn't quite consistent throughout, but I still highly recommend to anyone who loves a good adventure with a touch of magic.

This gothic mystery follows Ruby Vaughn to the Scottish countryside with her employer and friend, Mr. Owen. Ruby is drawn to the scenic estate with the lure of illuminated manuscripts to obtain for Mr. Owen’s rare book shop. But when a séance on the premises stirs up old mysteries, Ruby begins to suspect there is another reason for the journey.

The more Ruby gets to know the guests at the castle, the more secrets she uncovers. Between the mediums and the aristocracy, tensions rise and bodies drop. And when Ruby and Mr. Owen come under suspicion, she’ll have to hurry up and find the killer before one of them ends up taking the fall for the crimes.

This is a follow-up to the book “The Curse of Penryth Hall”. While not completely necessary to enjoy “The Secret of the Three Fates”, I would recommend reading the first book in order to appreciate the relationships between returning characters. I appreciated how layered the mystery was, with multiple characters’ lives and histories intertwining.

With a mix of history, mystery, and the paranormal, I highly recommend this book!

Ruby Vaughn's octogenarian employer and housemate, Mr. Owen, has dragged her to Manhurst Castle in the Scottish Borders under false pretenses: claiming they are there to look at purchasing rare manuscripts, she instead finds herself at a séance and prime suspect in a murder investigation after she finds one of the mediums dead later that night. Mr. Owen is suspect number 2, and Ruby finds herself working once again with Ruan Kivell to find the murderer and protect Mr. Owen, even after he shatters her trust by revealing secrets he has kept hidden from her about his past. The Secret of the Three Fates has lots of action and intrigue, a bit of romance, and some mysterious, possibly occult goings-on. I love the characters and overall atmosphere of this series, which is coupled here with a suspenseful mystery and fast-paced plot. You could read this as a standalone, but I highly recommend starting with book 1, The Curse of Penryth Hall, as it will provide backstory on the main characters and their interrelationships.

“I do not traffic with the dead, for the dead cannot be trusted.”

I really enjoyed this follow up to The Curse of Penryth Hall. Ruby is an intriguing character with a complicated past and an unconventional life. I love her father/daughter like relationship with Mr. Owens, even if it is tested a bit in this book. I was also very happy when a certain pellar from Cornwall turned up. I’m interested to see where that relationship will go in the future. The mystery itself was engaging. I like the role of the supernatural in this series and there were a lot of hints about Ruby herself in this book. I’m very intrigued and can’t wait for the next book!

Note: This is book 2 in the Ruby Vaughn series and should be read after The Curse of Penryth Hall. Like the previous book, this one has chapter titles, which I always appreciate.

Scottish Gothic castle, seance, mediums that call themselves, The Three Fates, what could go wrong? This second book picks up right after the events in the previous book, The Curse of Penryth Hall, which introduced us to Ruby Vaughn, Mr. Owen and folk healer and witch Ruan Kivell.

Mr. Owen asks Ruby to accompany him to Manfort Castle to obtain a manuscript. Once again, Mr. Owen is not telling Ruby the real reason. He is hoping to attend a seance to contact his deceased son. Needless to say, things do not go smoothly, a murder takes place during the seance and one of the mediums dies. Ruby had attempted to save her, but the police see her as a suspect. There is another murder, could someone be framing her, why? Help is needed and Ruan is summoned.

This is a wonderful follow-up to the previous book. We learn more of Ruby's past and Ruan and Ruby become closer. Secrets are revealed. The magical/fantasy fits perfectly into the storyline. The author keeps the reader engaged with a few false clues. I look forward to Ruby and Ruan's next adventure!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Minotaur Books, for an ARC. The review is my own.

𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑺𝑬𝑪𝑹𝑬𝑻𝑺 𝑶𝑭 𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑻𝑯𝑹𝑬𝑬 𝑭𝑨𝑻𝑬𝑺 𝒃𝒚 𝑱𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝑨𝒓𝒎𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒈 is a historical mystery that continues the adventures of Ruby Vaughn in early 20th century Scottish Hills with all the Gothic atmosphere! This is coming December 3rd by @minotaur_books & @dreamscape_media and shared graciously to me by @netgalley.

Ruby is once again taken by her octogenarian employer to a place under false pretenses so he can dabble in the occult. This time it is a séance that Ruby is doubtful about, but after it proves to be rather unsettling, her interest is piqued. When one of the Three Fates, or mediums, is found dead by Ruby, the stakes to the secrets is proving to be very high.

I thought the first of these tales was clever, and this was a deeper and even more engaging chapter! I wasn't sure where it was going and when it all came out, I was surprised and impressed with the level of depth.

There is a romance tension in this story that I wanted to at least not be bothered by. It was mostly a background issue that popped up just enough.

I love atmospheric stories, and this one was swimming in it!

Thank you Netgalley & Minotaur Books for an eARC 🥰🥰🥰

Ruby Vaughn is back, and this time she's tangled up in a mysterious web of secrets, lies, and murder. The Secret of the Three Faiths is a gripping tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat, wondering what's real and what's just a clever illusion.
The story begins with Ruby accompanying her boss, Mr. Owen, to a Scottish castle, supposedly to value a collection of rare manuscripts. But, as Ruby soon discovers, there's more to this trip than meets the eye. Mr. Owen's true intention is to hold a séance to contact his deceased son, and Ruby's not convinced it's a good idea.
As the séance goes horribly wrong, and a murder takes place, Ruby finds herself in the midst of a complex and deadly mystery. Luckily, she's not alone. Ruan Kivell, the folk healer from her previous adventure, arrives on the scene to lend a hand.
Together, they embark on a perilous journey to unravel the truth behind the murder, navigating a treacherous landscape of secrets, lies, and supernatural occurrences.
What I love about this series is its unique blend of mystery, suspense, and the supernatural. Armstrong's writing is masterful, weaving together a complex web of plot threads that will keep you guessing until the very end.
If you're looking for a gripping and suspenseful mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat, look no further than The Secret of the Three Faiths🔥. With its rich characters, intricate plot, and a dash of the supernatural, this book is a must-read for fans of the genre.🤩
I'm thoroughly hooked on this series, and I absolutely cannot wait to get my hands on the next book! Jess Armstrong, please hurry up and write the next installment - I'm dying to know what's next for Ruby and Ruan!🤩

4.5 stars.

American heiress, Ruby Vaughn, and her employer Mr. Owen make the journey to Manhurst Castle on the Scottish borders. Mr. Owen claims the visit is solely to acquire illuminated manuscript for their bookshop, but when Ruby is unable to locate said manuscripts, she becomes suspicious.

Truth be told, Mr. Owen has brought her there to attend a séance, at which he desperately hopes to speak with his son. The séance, hosted by a trio of mediums claiming to be The Three Fates goes awry and Mr. Owen’s secrets come to light.

Ruby finds one of the Fates murdered the night of the séance. She and Mr. Owen become the prime suspects in the case. In order to clear their names, Ruby enlists the help of Ruan, the Pellar in Cornwall, who has helped her in the past. Ruby and Ruan quickly realize that someone is determined to prevent them from uncovering the truth about the deceased medium and Mr. Owen’s past by any means possible.

Read if you like:
- locked-room mystery
- supernatural elements
- suspense

Ruby, Ruan, and Mr. Owen are at it again in this must read sequel to The Curse of Penryth Hall. I absolutely adore these characters and this world. This book has a little bit of everything. The mystery was intriguing and kept me on the edge of my seat up until the end. Ruby and Ruan’s slow burn of a relationship continues, but with many more secret touches and *kissing* which we love. I also loved finding out more of Mr. Owen’s backstory, as well as a little bit more of Ruby’s past.

I highly recommend this series and am looking forward to the next book!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press / Minotaur Books for a free digital copy of this book. This is my honest review. Publication date: December 3, 2024.

The second book in this series.
I enjoyed the audio much better than the actual book. Both were good but the narrator, Emma Love, was great. Made this book feel much more realistic or in the actual time setting it is told in. The descriptions were great. I enjoyed listening to it.

While I actually have not loved this series I did enjoy this one more than the first. Both had a lot going on and this one seemed to flow even better than the first book.

Ruby Vaughn is resilient. Not one to be brushed off easily. She's a strong force.

I think this was a pretty good book. Read it.

4 stars and a thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.

Ruby Vaughn, an American heiress, has travelled to Scotland with her elderly employer Mr. Owen to examine some rare illuminated manuscripts. Ruby quickly discovers there are no illuminated manuscripts and she has been roped into attending a seance. She’s not happy about that, then things quickly go south as spirits seem to join them and one of the mediums is murdered.

Author Jess Armstrong has delivered a strong second outing for Ruby Vaughn and a cast of supporting characters who are keeping more secrets than a teenage girl’s diary. Even Ruby has secrets that she isn’t sharing. Some of those secrets are dangled before the reader, others are still closely held. This is one of the intriguing things about this series. There is a perfect blend of letting the reader know more, but keeping the juiciest parts for later. I am enjoying this series and can’t wait for the next book.

This book is great for readers who enjoy historical mysteries and historical mysteries with a bit of the paranormal.

I received an advance review copy for free from Netgalley and Minotaur Books, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This was my first book by this author and I really enjoyed her writing. I liked the characters in this book, they were a fun bunch. I didn’t realize this was a series, but I think I might want to continue reading it! I liked how there were some supernatural bits weaved into the story. There was a little romance in the story between Ruby and Ruan that was unexpected and I didn’t mind it. I liked their relationship, it was a bit forbidden (he’s kind of a witch that can read her mind). I don’t think I could be in a relationship with someone who could read my mind..

I didn’t read the first book in the series so I was a little confused by Ruby’s relationship between Ruan and Mr. Owen, I wasn’t quite sure how she met them. It didn’t change my enjoyment of the story, but I wish I knew some backstory.

If you are looking for a fun mystery novel,with a little paranormal aspect then I suggest picking up this book!

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.