Well to say that this book was different is an understatement this book would not have been my choice as I was unaware of the author if it had not came up as a suggestion.
This book tells the story of the Hart family set in the 1850 I do love a good thriller book but this was a fascinating book based on a true story that told the tell of the Hart women after their father passed and their mother became overwhelmed with her new life and in turns she becomes intrigued with a travelling preacher man reverend Peters who promises them eternal life.. With the interest Reverend Peters has on the family and especially that of the youngest child Irene and her visions will make you feel uneasy and question his motives towards welcoming them into the Garden kingdom walls. This is a gothic history thriller with twists around that of a life within a commune alongside a police officer who unfolds a story of the finding about a baby found in a bush why is it there and what has happened to its mother.
The build up of the characters are very good and the writing reflects this and will have you looking towards the mother and questioning why does she not see what is happening there is very strong characters in this books which will make you feel uneasy though the role of the constable is very well incorporated into the story.
This is a dark, gripping gothic read which will hold you to wanting to find out what happens behind the walls of the garden kingdom and what happens to those who live there.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for this eCopy to review

'The Taking of Irene Hart' by Madeleine Reiss is a historical gothic thriller, it was a compelling, if somewhat unsettling, read.

The story is set in 1859 Somerset, England, and it centres on widow Hester Hart and her two daughters, Ruby and Irene. Hester, seeking spiritual solace, decides to join a secretive religious community led by the charismatic Reverend Peters. Once inside, the family's lives are drastically altered.

I was immediately drawn into the oppressive atmosphere of the community. Reiss does a fantastic job of creating a sense of unease and dread. The community's strict rules, the reverend's manipulative charisma, and the growing sense of isolation all contributed to a truly gothic feel.

Irene, who suffers from seizures and is believed by the community to have second sight, is a particularly intriguing character. Her vulnerability and the way she's exploited by the community were deeply disturbing. Ruby, the headstrong sister, becomes the voice of reason and resistance. I was rooting for her as she began to suspect that something sinister was happening within the community's walls.

The plot unfolds as Ruby uncovers dark secrets and a twisted philosophy that threatens her family's safety. The suspense builds as she realizes that they're not just fighting for their souls but for their very lives. The shocking discovery that throws the community into scrutiny adds a layer of urgency and danger.

If you enjoy historical gothic thrillers with a touch of mystery and suspense, you'll likely find this book engaging

In 1859 widow Hester Hart falls under the spell of the charismatic Reverend Peters and signs over all her worldly goods to his secretive religious community and moves with her two daughters into the "Garden Kingdom". The daughters, Ruby and Irene, are like chalk and cheese (or silk and hemp as their mother says) with Ruby being more pragmatic than Irene. Irene suffers from seizures and experiences visions which some in the Community interpret as meaning she has second sight.

Inspired by a true story, this is a well-written novel of atmospheric suspense with a pervasive feeling of impending doom. The characters are well fleshed out and I especially liked the police officer, Constable Philip Hodge. Obviously this type of cult has been around for a very long time and there will always be followers looking for something to believe in. The ending was exactly what I had hoped for. A solid 4-star read. And what a lovely cover too.

Thank you to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, via Netgalley, for approving my request to read an advance copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication Date: February 13, 2025.

I found this book rather far-fetched, and quite frustrating to read, until I reached the end and read that it was based on true events.
As an illustration of how people can be persuaded to believe something, and follow someone, this is an interesting book. I found some of the characters annoying - the mother who is completely taken in by the charlatan leading the 'cult', the sister who allows herself to be manipulated.
It improved as it went on, but the book left me unconvinced.

et in Somerset in the 1850s, it is not until you read the author’s afterword that this is based upon a real cult that was in Somerset in this period. Therefore, after reading it, this little piece of information makes you look at what you have read with a different eye, if you see what I mean. After the death of their father, Ruby and Irene Hart are taken by their mother, Hester, to live in a community called the Garden Kingdom, having fallen under the spell of The Beloved, or Pastor Peters, and handed over all of her money and property to him. Irene suffers from what are called ‘takings’, seizures, and so Ruby, who is a super, strong character, is protective of her. Their mother has given them no choice in this matter and while Irene feels more accepted within this community, Ruby is appalled that this is to be her life. As the book progresses, we see the manipulation of Pastor Peters and how he separates these women from the rest of the town. He makes them believe that only by living in the Garden Kingdom will they be able to achieve eternal life. But Ruby realises that not is all it seems. And so does Constable Philip Hodge who is determined to find out the truth about a baby that was found abandoned outside the walls of the community. Especially as marriages within the Garden Kingdom and spiritual and not physical. He also wants to find out the truth about the suicide of a young woman from the community who was found hanged outside. He believes something rotten is going on within the walls of the community and that Pastor Peters rather than being a spiritual leader is in fact a dangerous man. This is an excellent read and although it is dark and you do feel the horror that is within the Garden Kingdom, especially as it is based on fact, you are on the side of Ruby as she fights to protect her sister, you cheer on Constable Hodge as he stands firm before Pastor Peter and the dramatic finale will reveal all. A book has everything, history, scary moments, shocking events, secrets, and even romance.

La famiglia Hart, Hester e le figlie Ruby e Irene, è in lutto in quanto il padre è morto da poco in modo inaspettato. Ruby, la figlia maggiore, riesce a convincere la madre ad uscire a fare una passeggiata.
Durante questa passeggiata, incuriosite da un gruppo di persone, incontrano il reverendo Peters. La madre, colpita dalle parole e dai modi del reverendo, inizia a partecipare ai suoi sermoni fino a quando comunica alle figlie che si è spogliata dei suoi averi (ossia ha ceduto casa e patrimonio al reverendo) e loro andranno a vivere nella comunità del reverendo, “Garden Kingdom.”.
L’agente Philip Hodge trova una bambina appena nata abbandonata fuori dalle mura della comunità e cerca di trovare chi l’ha abbandonata e perché.
La storia è liberamente ispirata a una storia vera di una setta religiosa presente nel Somerset nel periodo (1859) in cui avvengono le vicende narrate.
La storia mi è piaciuta molto. L’alternanza delle vicende di Ruby all’interno della comunità e delle indagini di Hodge all’esterno rende la storia più avvincente, con il ritmo giusto di narrazione. La storia principale è quanto succede nella comunità: all'inizio c’è un’atmosfera ovattata quasi paradisiaca, sembra andare tutto bene, fino a quando, combinando le indagini di Hodge e lo scetticismo di Ruby, tutto diventa claustrofobico, ansioso e sopratutto è necessario agire in modo urgente.
Molto consigliato!

It is 1859 and in Bridgwater, Somerset the Hart family; eldest daughter Ruby, her sister Irene and their mother Hester, have been in full mourning for six months. It was Ruby that found the body of her father in his study and time literally seems to have stopped. Hester has withdrawn into herself and
‘hoarded her sorrow, lingering over its heft, counting its facets and piling up its weight, leaving Ruby no way to share the extent of the loss, or even to expend her own.’
But the two girls persuade Hester to accompany them on a shopping expedition and it’s there that their lives take a decisive turn. Ruby remembers it as when their lives changed forever. A man is preaching to a gathering on the street. He is called Rev Peters and he talks about a commune of believers called the Garden Kingdom. Hester is entranced and comes back to life again. She follows him around the country and life for Ruby and Irene improves as they are allowed to see their friends again. Ruby and Cousin Anna are discussing the latter’s forthcoming wedding although for Ruby:
‘it was galling to expend so much energy expressing enthusiasm for table napkins.’
Then Hester announces they are all going to live at the Kingdom and that she has sold all their worldly possessions to gain entry. They will all become as Hester describes it:
‘Brides of Christ’
But Irene has a secret. She suffers from fits or ‘takings’ as she calls them in which she has visions of the future and talks about what she has seen afterwards. It ruined her blossoming romance with a man called William who was shocked by seeing her during one of her ‘takings.’
But in Yaxton where the Kingdom is located, an abandoned baby has been found under a hedge. PC Philip Hodge is investigating and trying to find the mother. He suspects that it might be connected to the Garden community and is reluctantly allowed to interview some of the residents. Several members of the community have their own reasons for being there and regard it as a safe haven. Men and women are separated and there are no children. They are all interested in Irene’s ‘takings’ which begin to increase after she is prescribed a tincture.
A member of the Kingdom, a girl named Hattie, is found in the orchard having committed suicide with a note pinned to her chest. When Philip discovers that there have been other suicides in the same place in successive years he realises that the apparently idyllic community is hiding a dark secret.
Hattie had recently given birth….
As Irene’s visions become darker and Rev Peters resolves to take a Bride Ruby begins to discover the other side of the Kingdom…
The idealistic community with a canker at its heart is one that has appeared in several novels and the fact that it is based on a real life one in Somerset in the 19th century makes it even more convincing. The inspiration for the book was that the residents of the real life community were supposedly not as clean living as they professed to be. But the Kingdom is really a cult with its own rules and punishments.
I liked the way in which the author built up the atmosphere from when the Harts arrive and it all seems very idyllic and welcoming. But Ruby and Philip gradually become privy to what lies beneath the surface. I felt that there were hints of Midsommar in parts of the text. A really dark, Gothic influence pervades the book with a sense of doom. This contrasted with the happy residents who do not see anything even when people seemingly vanish never to be seen again. Hester is totally taken in and happy to be there forever.
There was a subplot with William that didn’t seem to go anywhere but Ruby was an engaging character, forceful and determined, as she sought to care for the increasing frail Irene. She realises that Irene is being cruelly exploited.
Philip was another strong character as he pressed on trying to solve the mystery of the baby while having his own problems at home and facing indifference and hindrance by his superior, Jowler. He recognises that Rev Peters is a man:
‘possessed by his own dogma.’
This is a wonderful piece of historical fiction with some evocative descriptions. However, towards the end the narrative dragged a little as revelations tumbled out but the plotting was immaculate.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC.

BOOK: THE TAKING OF IRENE HART
AUTHOR: MADELEINE REISS
PUB DATE: FEBRUARY, 2025
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REVIEWThanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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I liked this book because it was different. A religious cult in the late 1800s? Sign me up! Plus, the author said it was based in a real life story. This just shows that we're not really different from those in the past.
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Anyway, the book follows Ruby Hart, who followed her mother, Hester, alongside her epileptic younger sister, Irene, to the Garden Kingdom after her mother lost her senses after her husband and their father's death. Irene also has 'sightings' when she has seizures predicting the future. Hester didn't make any impression on me at all. She was my least favorite character here, even more than the villains, because she was weak and failed to protect her young daughters.
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This book was slow paced, but it will keep you engaged, wanting to know the next thing. The other main character was Inspector Philip Hodge, he was a dedicated police officer and a good person in general. He started investigating the cult when he found a newborn baby abandoned in the compound. I admired his doggedness.
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Now, through Ruby, the female main character, we were able to experience what leaving in the community did. It was just like how cults are described. The gullible followers and the charismatic leader who thinks he's a God wannabe. I liked Ruby's description. It was similar and engaging. I liked it.
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I liked the book, but I wanted more of an epilogue, especially the aftermath and the lives of Ruby and Philip. Regardless, it was good, and I'm glad I read it. I'd definitely recommend it.
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I read this book with a touch of morbid fascination. Based loosely upon a cult in Victorian Somerset it tells the story of a widow, Hester, and her two daughters Irene and Ruby. Hester is swayed by the charismatic Reverend Peters and sells her property and gives all her monies to him so that she and her daughters may join the cult. It is difficult to place yourself in that situation, I certainly hope that I wouldn't be taken in by such a way, however it is clear that even today, when people should be better informed, that such cults still exist. It is interesting to see how the story develops, including an abandoned baby and a police constable who is uneasy with the commune. Not really my cup of tea, but I can see that many people would enjoy it and have scored it accordingly.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

This is a very dark and disturbing novel taking you deep into the realms of religious cults and their lasting effects on individuals.
A well structured book with well portrayed characters

The Taking of Irene Hart was an emotive, uncomfortable and intriguing read. I think cults are a fascinating topic and this book was no exception to that. The characters were interesting and I loved Ruby! I enjoyed the twist at the end and so happy that the sisters managed to stay together through everything. The book was on the slower side but well paced for the story being told. Historical fiction isn’t my usual genre but I enjoyed reading The Taking of Irene Hart!

Set in 1859 Somerset, England, The Taking of Irene Hart is a historical fiction inspired by a real religious community/cult. The story focuses on the Hart sisters, headstrong Ruby and the more delicate Irene, whose mother has fallen under the sway of the community’s charismatic leader, Reverend Peters. While Irene starts to feel acceptance and comfort within the community, Ruby is less sure. As she spends more time within the secluded community, talking to the members and asking questions, she starts to fear that the community is only idyllic on its surface.

I love historical fiction, so I was immediately drawn in to the idea of a Victorian-era cult operating in a sleepy English town. I found the entire premise so fascinating and full of stakes—Irene suffers from seizures, a condition little understood at the time by the wider public, which essentially ostracizes her from much of polite society. Compounding that is the fact that the sisters are women in Victorian England, unable to do much about their own fates. While author Madeleine Reiss doesn’t harp on this, it's evident throughout the novel that fear and a lack of power and self-determination helps effectively trap the Hart sisters within the community just as much as Reverend Peters’ warnings of damnation if they leave.

While the story primarily focuses on Ruby as she tries to navigate her space within the community, we also get chapters from the point of view of Phillip Hodge, a local constable investigating the community for various suspicions. I loved Phillip’s chapters—while he helped further the sense that dark things were happening in the shadows—he also helped to contextualize the setting. Through him we see the poverty and hardship the working class endured, and the hardships the Hart sisters could face without financial protection.

I also feel like this could qualify as a mystery/thriller. Throughout the novel we see hints of darker things happening behind the scenes; Ruby and Phillip are both convinced that something is not right within the community. There’s a definite looming sense of dread that permeates the pages. We have come to care about Ruby and Irene and don’t want to see them remain inside the walls of this sinister place, and we can’t put our finger on exactly what is wrong or who’s behind it. That dread had me flying through the second half of the book, desperate to see the conclusion.

My only quibble was that in the first half of the book we are treated to small bits of insight from other characters, members of the community who also believe in Reverend Peters’ mission. I really liked these moments, so I was a bit disappointed when they trickled off in the latter half of the book. But overall this is a good read for fans of historical fiction who enjoy a mystery on the side.

Very fun read, not too much to my liking but intriguing to say the least. I’d definitely recommend it to friends who are interested in historical fantasy/fiction.

It's 1859, in England where some religions were like being in a cult. They had their own laws and secrets. Heater Hart is a widow who is drawn into a secretive and mysterious community in Somerset. Hester and her daughters, Irene and Ruby, become entangled in intense beliefs, emotional struggles, and hidden agendas. Irene and Ruby are quite different from each other. The community is led by Charismatic Reverend Peters. Irene is prone to seizures, Ruby is a determined young woman, she was not keen to join the cult.

This book is loosely based on a true story. It can be quite a distressing read. The book has a slow pace, and it's also quite dark. Some of the actions in the commune were scary, the rules were strict. Irene was believed to have second sight. This was an intriguing read.

Published 13th February 2025

I would like to thank #NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK #OneMoreChapter and the author #MadeleineResis for my ARC of #TheTakingOfIreneHart in exchange for an honest review.

A Dark and Gripping Historical Mystery – 4 Stars

The Taking of Irene Hart by Madeleine Reiss is a haunting historical novel that kept me captivated from start to finish. Set in 1859 Somerset, the story centres on the Hart family, led by the widowed Hester, who makes the shocking decision to sign over her family's life and freedom to a secretive religious community. The setting, combined with the atmosphere of suspense and mystery, made for a gripping read.

The novel is told from the perspectives of two very different sisters: Ruby, headstrong and determined, and Irene, fragile and plagued by illness. I found their contrasting characters fascinating, and the tension between them added emotional depth to the story. Ruby, in particular, was a standout for me – her growing suspicions about the community and her drive to protect her sister from the community's sinister grip were compelling.

Reiss does a brilliant job of creating a chilling atmosphere around the religious community, led by the charismatic Reverend Peters. It’s clear from the start that something isn’t quite right, and as the story unfolds, the layers of manipulation and control within the group begin to emerge. The theme of blind faith, coupled with the psychological and physical abuse the sisters endure, made for a thought-provoking and unsettling read. The way Irene's supposed 'second sight' is exploited by the community only added to the sinister nature of their beliefs.

The pacing of the novel is steady, with tension building slowly as Ruby uncovers the darker truths lurking behind the community’s teachings. There’s a particular revelation in the latter half of the book that completely shocked me – it was unexpected and made the stakes feel even higher. Ruby’s determination to protect her sister and escape the influence of the Reverend created a strong sense of urgency, which kept me turning the pages.

While the novel is incredibly engaging, I did feel that the character development could have gone a bit deeper. Some of the secondary characters, particularly the other members of the religious community, were intriguing but didn’t receive as much attention as I would have liked. I would have loved to learn more about their motivations and backgrounds, as they added an extra layer of mystery to the plot.

Overall, The Taking of Irene Hart is a beautifully written, atmospheric historical thriller with a strong emotional core. It’s a compelling tale of family, faith, and the search for truth. With its eerie setting and shocking twists, I would highly recommend it to fans of historical fiction with a darker edge. Four stars from me!

Thank you to publisher for the ARC!

I went into this book blind and knew immediately that this typically would not be a book I would have picked up. Surprisingly, the plot and characters fascinated me, especially since it is loosely based on a real-life church/cult. This definitely made me curious and I started googling to learn the history since this is a new learning area for me. The premise was interesting and I had to keep reading to know what happens next! I definitely would recommend this to my friends.

As soon as I saw that beautiful cover and the words 1859 Somerset, I knew this was going to be a Dark, rich, gothic historical story and it did not disappoint. I loved the descriptions, it was so atmospheric throughout it had me holding my breath. Ruby and Irene are really put through the mill by their mother, Hester, who decides to sign over their house to the Reverend Peter's, after the death of her husband (their father), and move into the Garden Kingdom, and when consequently it all goes downhill. The historical aspect and the cults that were around in those times are terrifying and I can't imagine what it must have been like to be sucked into that system, and their trust be broken, especially in the religious context where trust shouldn't be questioned and yet it is taken advantage of in the most heinous of ways. On top of that, poor Irene's seizures, which are completely exploited by the community, and further leads to the sisters detachment from their mother. The mysterious 'suicides' in the community attracts the attention of the Police Constable, Hodge, who starts to delve deep into the puzzle and is very suspicious and acutely aware of how dangerous Reverend Peter's is, especially when his position gives him so much influence and power over 'his people'.
An incredibly written masterpiece that was terrifying and enchanting at the same time!

3.5 ⭐️
Set in Somerset, England in 1859 this is a tale loosely based on a real life religious group in that era.
After the death of her husband Hester is in deep mourning and is drawn in by the charismatic Reverend Peters and his teachings of a new way of life. She decides to move herself and her daughters Ruby and Irene to the Garden Kingdom where they will live in the community to gain ever lasting life.
The sisters have little choice to go with their mother and the eldest Ruby is not happy about it. Irene suffers with seizures and while being ostracised by many in their previous life is thought of as a visionary when she sees things during her ‘takings’ that could be seen as visions of the future.
There is a mystery element which I enjoyed in this story. Supposed suicides, stolen pineapples, cult secrets and an abandoned baby are investigated by Constable Phillip Hodges who is the local law enforcement in the area.

Phillip and Ruby were by far the most interesting characters and I found myself rooting for them the most.

I really enjoyed this read although found it slow going in places.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me the arc.

1859. Somerset, England: When widow Hester Hart decides to sign over all her family’s worldly goods – and their freedom – to a secretive religious community, her daughters, headstrong Ruby and fragile Irene, have little say in the matter.

Led by the charismatic Reverend Peters, the women enter a world with its own set of rules and where Irene, cursed with seizures and ill health, is believed to have second sight. But as Hester and Irene are drawn into the community’s twisted philosophy, Ruby detects a darker truth stalking its shadowy corners.

This was unexpectedly emotional for me. The story is engaging, and the undertones are decidedly critical of some modern thinking. The Gothic vibe was very well-done. The characters were realistic and well-developed, and the plot was excellent. High praise from me! 4.5⭐

I received an advanced complimentary digital copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed are my own.

A fictional tale set in 1859 rural England. A father’s death leads to Hester and Irene being dragged by their mother into a closed community by their mother’s blind infatuation with a charismatic clergy man. We find these characters subsumed into a cult environment. When does that ever have a happy ending? The community is rife with secrets. Will Hester, Irene and their mother regret their decision, especially as Irene is given a special place in the Master’s plans. Thank you to Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.