First off, thank you so much for an ARC copy. This was a really amazing gothic romance. I finished the book about 30 minutes ago and have just been here collecting my thoughts and I’m still not sure I’ll be able to express everything I want to. I’m not even going to lie, I had to call my husband just to express my thoughts and feelings, even if they came out jumbled.

I LOVED this book. It’s a bit outside what I normally read but really has me wanting to read more by this author, of this genre, I’m hooked. It took me a minute to get into it with the writing style being mostly accurate for a period piece. But man, the story, bonkers, wild, captivating, beautiful, horrifying, haunting, exhilarating. I can’t even think of all the words I need.

Everything I thought I could guess about the plot always changed, it made me absolutely NEED to devour this to figure out the great mystery that is Willowfield. I found myself holding my breath at the end of this book, the suspense was so high. But with that, it was beautifully wrapped in the most satisfying way.

I wish I could erase this book from my memory just to read it again. The visuals that were described felt so expertly crafted and really made me feel like I was with the main character at Willowfield.

Ugh. I really can’t even get out how much I loved this. Seriously, just go read it.

This was so fascinating to read and I couldn’t put it down until I knew for certain how the mystery came all together. This was one of those books where I was sure I had it figured out but then a small detail would make me go well…actually maybe it’s not what I think it was. THEN end up on this winding path of mystery that lead me to the conclusion I originally thought of but didn’t know all the small details that lead to it. This was a slow burn mystery/thriller with a romantic element tied into it that only amplified the intensity of the story.
Loved this book.

An interesting historical mystery story with a surprise ending. A bit of a cozy mystery story in spite of some paranormal activity.

So good! There were so many twists and turns that I just couldn't your the book down. It was dark, romantic and mysterious.

A captivating gothic romance that has me wanting to reread after that twist. Very immersive, and I’m excited this is a debut! Can’t wait to see more from this author.

The Cruel Dark by Bea Northwick
Rating: 4/5
Release Date: 31 October 2023

Millicent Foxboro, burdened by her past and uncertain future, seizes a rare opportunity to work for the reclusive Professor Callum Hughes in 1928, despite her traumatic amnesia. Willowfield, Hughes's once-grand estate, is now in disrepair after his wife's death, with only a few staff remaining amidst rumours of ghosts. The intense and enigmatic professor has unpredictable moods and a compelling presence that awakens Millie's passions. As she delves deeper into his world of mythology and folklore, the house's secrets threaten to expose her own, while Hughes's hidden truths present the greatest danger of all.

"The Cruel Dark" unfolds against the backdrop of 1920s Willowfield, a once opulent estate now cloaked in decay following the demise of its mistress. Millie, haunted by past trauma and a stint in a mental ward, is lured to Willowfield by an enticing opportunity to assist Professor Callum Hughes. The promise of a substantial salary offers Millie a chance for a new beginning, despite Hughes's initial standoffish demeanour.

As Millie settles into her role, she discovers the estate's faded grandeur and the professor's mysterious aura gradually draw her in. Hughes, with his secretive past and unpredictable moods, begins to unravel before her eyes, revealing a complex and compelling personality that both intrigues and unsettles her. Their evolving relationship, fraught with unspoken tensions and mutual fascination, forms the heart of the narrative, keeping readers engrossed in their unfolding dynamic.

The novel's expertly crafted narrative weaves together elements of charm and an eerie, atmospheric undertone that captivates from the outset. The decaying mansion, once a symbol of lavish parties and sprawling gardens, now stands as a haunting backdrop to Millie and Hughes's story, mirroring their own internal struggles and secrets.

As Millie delves deeper into Hughes's world, navigating through the shadows of Willowfield and confronting its lingering mysteries, she encounters a cast of enigmatic characters whose motives remain unclear. Unexpected twists and turns propel the plot forward, adding layers of suspense and intrigue to the tale.

"The Cruel Dark" emerges as a compelling must-read, blending mystery with allure, as readers are drawn into a world where past traumas and hidden truths converge, shaping the destiny of its captivating protagonists.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, and the author, Bea Northwick, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.

We start with Millicent "Millie" Foxboro, who is leaving her current job to take a new position helping Professor Hughes at his estate; he is a recent widow and is still grieving. His estate, Willowfield, is in disrepair, and a home of a reformer grandeur creates the gothic gloomy setting for the book. As she becomes more involved in the professor's life and work, Millie draws herself into a web of secrets.

Millie's character has a very active imagination. She is also a tale of sadness and isolation. The ghost of a woman haunts her, and she hears voices. You spend most of the book wondering if she is losing her mind or if someone is trying to make her lose her mind. You start to think everyone is a suspect and look for a motive. The novel's strength lies in its atmospheric setting and ability to weave romance and mystery elements.

I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op.

I had read so many raving reviews about The Cruel Dark, so I was thrilled when I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Cruel Dark was a hauntingly beautiful gothic romance that took place in the year 1928. The story surrounds Millie, who is hired as the assistant to Professor Hughes at his estate. There is mystery, intrigue, angst, and dark romance in this story. I loved the relationship development between Millie and Callum, and found myself fascinated by the story line. The prose was almost lyrical and the author did a wonderful job at drawing an image of the scenery. Though I wasn’t sure what to expect from Callum at the beginning, I grew to love the various sides of him (including the 🌶️ side). There were several plot twists; however, due to a great deal of foreshadowing, several of them I had expected. Nonetheless, this was an enchanting read that takes you on a historical journey. Would definitely recommend if you’re into dark gothic romance with some mystery/thriller 🖤

The Cruel Dark by Bea Northwick is a stunning gothic romance story.
The phenomenal writing and rich setting made for an intriguing story.
The mystery and romance was done so well. I was engaged from the very beginning.
This was a pretty awesome book with great writing, awesome dialogues and characters.

Thank You NetGalley and Victory Editing for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

This was a very interesting book for me, it was my first gothic type mystery and I'm not disappointed at all.
It was an amazing, quick read an I definitely recommend it!

This was an entertaining and easy read, if not a predictable. I enjoyed the atmospheric writing and the eerie setting, but I found the characters lacking in substance a bit. They were just a bit flat and I wasn’t full engaged in their dynamic because of this. But it was a quick read, nonetheless.

Title: The Cruel Dark by Bea Northwick
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars

Release date: October 31st 2024

Millicent Foxboro is haunted by her troubled past and uncertain future. In 1928, finding a job is tough, especially after spending two months in a mental ward for traumatic amnesia. When she lands an unusual assistantship with a reclusive mythology professor, Callum Hughes, offering a high salary, she reluctantly accepts.

However, Millie soon finds that Hughes and his decaying estate, Willowfield, are not what she expected. Once vibrant, the house is now in ruins following the death of the professor’s wife. Only three staff members remain, undeterred by rumours of ghosts. The professor is a grim and intense man with unpredictable moods and desires that awaken Millie’s own passions.

As Millie becomes more entangled with Hughes and his eerie world of flowers and folklore, she realises the house is closing in on her, threatening to expose her secrets. But the professor has his own hidden truths, and the most dangerous one is yet to be uncovered.

The Cruel Dark by Bea Northwick started slow but gradually picked up pace, and I was immersed in its gothic themes and intriguing plot.

Millie's journey from desperation to unraveling the mysteries of Willowfield and its enigmatic owner is captivating. Millicent Foxboro and Professor Callum Hughes are both deeply flawed and intriguing. Millie’s struggle with her traumatic past and the professor’s brooding intensity made for an interesting dynamic. The slow-burn romance between Millie and Callum was electrifying. The tension and eventual connection between them were expertly crafted, making their relationship both believable and enthralling.

I loved the blend of folklore, mythology, and the supernatural added layers of intrigue. The mystery surrounding the professor’s past and the secrets hidden within Willowfield kept me guessing until the very end.

If you enjoy gothic-themed novels with a mix of romance and mystery, this book is a must-read.

This is a must read fans of dark, atmospheric tales that keep you on the edge of your seat! It’s a captivating journey that I thoroughly enjoyed, and I highly recommend it to all gothic romance enthusiasts.


Thank you to The Publisher Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op ,The Author Bea Northwick & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.