This story is told in dual timelines, one set in the 1960s and one in the present day. In both timelines, the atmosphere of dread, sorrow, and fear was quite strong. I enjoyed both timelines for the first quarter/third of the book. I continued to enjoy the historic timeline throughout the whole book and was completely engaged with the characters and events that were presented. There was a large focus on family relationships, greed, and what drives people to behave in certain ways which made for some wonderful character development.

In the present timeline, the atmosphere did dwindle near the middle of the book and didn’t really pick up until much closer to the end. This was largely due to how repetitive things became. The characters were searching for information, and the author was trying to pace their discovering it with the reveals in the past timeline, which meant that we got a lot of repetitive and uninteresting searching in the present. The haunting aspect also became repetitive during this timeline, losing much of the tension and atmosphere that was so strong at the beginning. It would have made a big difference if the author had chosen to switch things up a little bit, escalate some aspects, or get to the reveals/action in the present timeline in a more succinct manner.

Despite that, this was still a good mystery with a solid atmosphere that I enjoyed overall. I certainly wouldn’t call this a work of horror, but it was a good gothic paranormal mystery. My thanks to NetGalley and Tantor Audio for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Edie has just discovered she has inherited a castle. She truly does not believe it. She is, after all, an orphan and has no family. But she and her daughter decide to go check it out. They soon discover a lot of dark secrets and a unique tale of abuse and forbidden love.

Let me start by saying…the setting is my favorite part of this book…an island in Scotland with an old castle…My favorite!! Add in the family secrets, the ghosts, and the lost jewel and this is a good one!

This would be a very good book to read around October. These ghosts have a strange story to tell and Edie is hoping she can discover which one is her parent. But it is not unfolding the way she thinks and she discovers a lot more than she bargained for.

The narrator, Siobhan Waring, is excellent! There are a lot of voices in this tale and she was unique for every one!

Need an atmospheric, ghost story…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

Haunting and lovely. Alternate time Periods are a favorite theme of mine, and this one was executed well. I liked the mystery, and the slightly creepy element. A fun read.

Edwina Nunn (Edie) and her daughter, Neve, have just learned that Edie has inherited an historical castle from a family member they did not know existed. Edie is reluctant to step into this new adventure but 15 year old Neve is all in. Very quickly they are greeted by ghostly inhabitants. Before they can decide to walk away from the whole thing, they find themselves wrapped up in the castle's history as revealed to them by their new other-worldly friends.

3.75 stars on this one!
I did the audiobook version and did very much enjoy the narrator. 4.5/5 stars on narration. She gave great inflection, had a good speed (I do end up listening on faster speeds for my own liking but her 1.0x voice was a good speed). Her character voices made it easy to distinguish between them. She was smooth, easy to listen to.

The beginning was a bit of a conundrum - I was so confused as the first look into the past introduced SO many new characters in one chapter. Then some characters having nicknames in that as well. It was very difficult to follow. Once I re-listened to that chapter a few times I was able to continue on and follow along nicely. I liked that this story was a more casual approach to a "ghost" story. Nothing was terribly frightening - it was not "horror" or even "thriller" but just a casual historical fiction ghost tale. One of the characters was a special needs man with autism and a child-like mind. He was my absolute favorite character as I have a 5 year old son with autism. The author did a great job with this character and he pulled on my heartstrings. It was very eye-opening for how special needs were viewed in that time period. Terribly sad and heartbreaking at times. Overall an interesting read that kept my attention throughout.

Thank you to NetGalley, Shannon Morgan, and Tantor Audio for this ARC audiobook and the chance to give my honest feedback.

"On a small island in a remote corner of northwest Scotland lies Maundrell castle, owned by its wealthy namesake family for centuries—until now. Edwina Nunn is shocked to learn a relative she never heard of has bequeathed the castle and its land to her. What awaits Edie and her teenage daughter, Neve, is even more startling, for the castle is home to a multitude of ghosts."

This was a great book! I got caught up in it right away and could not wait to get back to it when I had to put it down. I figured a couple of things out on my own but there were still some surprises. Liked the two timelines and how it all came together. You really like some characters and REALLY dislike a lot of them. It was a great adventure and I will look for other books by Shannon Morgan. Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.

Thank you to the publisher and author for this ARC!
This audiobook was very well done - I enjoyed the spooky + gothic themes to this ghost story.
My only trouble was that I found the characters to be rather unlikable, and not in a good way...I enjoyed listening to this book on audio however, nonetheless and am glad I struck with it!

When Edwina Nunn inherits Maundrell Castle on a remote Scottish island, she and her daughter Neve are drawn into a world of ghostly secrets. As they uncover the castle’s tragic history and the legend of the cursed Maundrell Red diamond, they must confront the island’s dark past before they become another chapter in its bloody history.

This is a dark, twisty, atmospheric novel. The pace starts slow with a meandering plot, and it took time for me to make sense of the different time frames and characters. Eventually I became immersed in the story. It’s an entertaining mystery that leans toward horror. The audiobook narration was enjoyable (except for the bits in a Scottish accent and Elizabeth after her stroke, which I found difficult to understand).

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

This book got me so excited for spooky season, and for my upcoming trip to Scotland. In The Lonely Hours is a perfectly crafted ghost story with heart and character. I loved Morgan’s writing in this one, and the audiobook narration was impeccably done by Siobhan Waring.

Taking place in an old Scottish castle, this book follows the story of Edwina Nunn and her daughter, Edie, as they journey to explore their recent inheritance. What awaits them is a decades old mystery and several lingering spirits.

I loved the character development in this one and going along for the ride as Edwina parsed out her family’s ancestry and deepest secrets. Check this one out if you like historical fiction, thrillers, ghosts, and dreary castles by the sea!!

**Thank you to Tantor Audio, NetGalley, and Kensington Books for the ALC of this haunting title!!**

In The Lonely Hours, by Shannon Morgan is rich with spooky gothic horror. I liked the story so much I stayed up until 5:00a.m. listening it from beginning to end. This audio book is moody, it's everything you could want in a gothic thriller. The narrator did an amazing job bringing all of the characters to life. I will seek out other books narrated by Siobhan Waring.

Edwina Nunn has just inherited Maundrell castle on a remote Scottish island. Abandoned by her birth parents at a young age Edwina has never known her family or where she came from. So as she and her daughter, Neve, embark on this new adventure they learn that Edwina’s family and her ancestral home is possessed by many secrets.
Upon arriving at the bewitchingly mansion the mother and daughter pair encounter more than just their corporeal staff. They soon learn that Edwina’s grandmother Bitzy was a heartless woman who lived to torture those she should have loved. And now Bitzy is out to torture any living soul that dares to live in her home. Neve and Edwina soon find themselves being haunted not only by their former family members but also by a witch who has cursed the land that they now own. Can the two find out what happened to her family and who is responsible for the curses that plague them?
Overall rating 4/5
This gave me all the juicy Crimson peak meets Flowers in the Attic vibes. As this story takes place during Samhain - Scottish Halloween it would be perfect gritty, found family fall read. I enjoyed the narration done by Siobhan Waring, but could have definitely done without the sound effects which were extremely distracting. I was also amused that Neve made friends with some of the ghosts and made the realization that they just might be the key to ending the curse.

*Thank you to Shannon Morgan, Tantor Audio, and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

Ooh I love books like this! A spooky castle full of ghosts and there's even a vengeful witch?! Say no more. I'm hooked!

I read Her Little Flowers last year and I loved it. In my opinion. Shannon Morgan was successful again at weaving the past and the present. I love how she portrays family dynamics. Families are complicated.

The narrator, Siobhan Waring, has a calm, natural voice that I enjoyed. I think she did a good job with the different accents and genders!

I will continue to read whatever Shannon Morgan puts out. Thank you to NetGalley, Shannon Morgan, Siobhan Waring, and Tantor Audio. I have written this review voluntarily.

I absolutely LOVED this! A brilliantly written combination of family drama, historical, thriller and supernatural fiction that completely absorbed me and took me away to another world, filled with intrigue.

Raised as an orphan, Edie is stunned when she is contacted by the Maundrell family solicitor to tell her that she is the sole surviving heir to the Maundrell's estate, a castle on an island, and all hers! Edie heads up to the remote island, with her fifteen year old daughter, Neve, ignoring the warnings of supernatural activity that have already led to the castle being abandoned by investors.

As well as going Edie and Neve on their haunted journey, we are taken back to 1965, where we meet the Maundrell family. I especially liked Alice and Lottie, and little Mungo stole my heart! Shannon Morgan sensitively wrote about the heartbreaking treatment of Mungo, a little boy, who in today's world, would likely be diagnosed with autism and supported accordingly. But in this timeline, he is subjected to brutal electro shock treatment. The family matriarch, Bitsie, is a vile and prejudiced woman who relishes making the younger family member's lives miserable.

As Edie and Neve meet the ghosts of the past and unravel the mysteries surrounding the castle and it's inhabitants, so many secrets are revealed and there is huge danger as Samhain approaches.

The narration by Siobhan Waring was fantastic and brought the characters to live brilliantly.

5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Shannon Morgan and Tantor Audio for an ARC in return for an honest review.

Imagine sitting in a solicitor's office and hearing you have inherited a castle! Edie grew up in an orphanage and thinks surely there has been a mistake. But alas the shocking news is true and soon Edie and her daughter Neve are headed to their castle. Upon arrival they quickly learn the castle has resident ghosts, some of which are not friendly. Edie and Neve scour the castle for clues to learn not only the castle's history, but also more about Edie's family heritage. The book takes place in both the past and the present, and is told by two POVs. I listened to the audio book version, narrated by Siobhan Waring, who did an excellent job bringing all of the characters (and ghosts) to life. Given the high ghost activity, this story would make an excellent Halloween listen. It is an easy listen/read, and I listened quickly wanting to learn the why behind the ghosts and Edie's birth story. Had I been reading the book version I would have highlighted sections at the end that I felt were very wise life lessons and truths.

Thank you NetGalley and Tantor Audio for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.

Are you in the mood for Halloween? If so, pick up In ghe Lonely Hours. This was a fun filled listen with a castle filled with ghosts. Perfect for the fall season.

4.5 stars. A great spooky Scottish mystery novel. Chills. Everything bad happens on Samhain. More chills. I love the cursed family/ cursed island trope. I was trying to guess what happened the whole book. There was a few shocking plot twists. The flashbacks and history was gripping. Poor Mungo and Lottie. I’ll keep updated on Shannon Morgan’s future releases.

Quick plot: Orphaned Edwina is left an island with a castle in Scotland from a recently deceased relative. The whole island is surrounded my mist and mystery. The nearby town claims of a curse and a witch. What happened to her whole extended family and who are her parents?

The narrator was great. Love the scottish accents. Siobhan has a very wide range of voices.
Thanks to NetGalley for the arc in return for this review.

I really enjoyed this book! I though it would be spooky and ominous, but it was actually a lot of fun to listen to Siobhan Waring narrating Shannon Morgan’s work.
I loved that Shannon developed the characters really well, despite the rather large number of them. I think the choice of Edie’s profession and some of the characters’ disabilities were also so enriching to listen to. I’m looking forward to reading more of her work and also finding more books narrated by Siobhan.
The universe that this book depicts could yield some seasons of excellent television.
Thanks to NetGalley and RB Media for this title.

This is a Gothic Scottish ghost story!

Edwina learns that she has inherited a castle and it's estate. It's haunted, she moves in.

I liked the story, although slow at times.

Many thanks to Net Galley and Tantor Audio for an audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Edie is shocked to discover she’s inherited a Scottish castle. She and her teenage daughter are dismayed to see the castle is in serious disrepair, but they have a bigger problem, the castle is haunted. Very haunted and mother and daughter set out to find out why their ancestors have been trapped there, perhaps if they can find out why, their spirits can be set free. This is a thoroughly enjoyable modern gothic novel. Highly recommended

Thank you to @shannonmorganauthor @kensingtonbooks & @tantoraudio for the #gifted physical & #audio #ARC of #TheLonelyHours

I LOVED Her Little Flowers last year, so I was thrilled to get my hands on the latest by #ShannonMorgan! And I loved it even more!

The Lonely Hours had an incredible #gothic feel. For readers who love the #supernatural or #paranormal, there are #ghosts galore – each with their own tragic story.

Our MC Edie inherits a centuries-old castle in #Scotland located on a remote island from a relative she didn’t even know existed. She now owns the Maundrell Estate. Edie is very skeptical, but her daughter Neve is more than excited for the both of them & pressures her mom into visiting “their” #castle & staying for a short period of time.

Edie & Neve have ghostly encounters on their very first night at Maundrell Estate, but oddly, neither of them are really scared of the ghosts. As their stay continues, they learn the local lore surrounding the estate such as the bloody waters of the Loch, the witch in the well and cursed family diamond, the Maundrell Red, that has been missing for decades. They also begin to uncover the tragic history of the Maundrell family (Edie’s family), which includes the fact that every member of the family died on October 31st – Samhain. With Samhain only days away, Edie & Neve are in a race against time to not become the next victims of the Maundrell curse.

I was so enthralled by this incredibly atmospheric & deeply tragic story. There was a creepy vibe throughout the book that kept my stomach in knots, but I couldn’t stop reading. More than anything, at its core, this story was so heartbreaking regarding the fates of the Maundrell family.

I really enjoyed the alternating timelines between the past & present. That really brought it home. The worldbuilding, local legend, take on mental health & family trauma were all done so well. Morgan is 2-for-2 with me & can’t wait to see what’s next!

4.50 Stars & highly recommended!

In The Lonely Hours is a gothic horror story set in a remote castle in Scotland during Samhain. We follow Edie and her daughter, Neve, who move into the castle and find that it’s haunted by many ghosts!

This book was spooky, really atmospheric, and would be a great read for anyone who likes historical horror! This would be perfect to read or listen to around the autumn or Halloween season! I listened to the audio book and enjoyed my time. I rated this book 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟!

Thank you @netgalley and @tantoraudio for an advanced copy! 🖤