So I definitely requested this based on the cover vibes alone and thought I was going to be getting a historical fiction but didn't realize it would also be a mystery/suspense. What a great surprise for me though!

I have to say, as I first started reading I was wondering if it was going to give Saltburn (complimentary). It both did and did not give Saltburn (also complimentary). I was very compelled to keep reading page after page because I wanted to see how it was all going to end. I agree with some other reviewers that the characters aren't necessarily likable, but I don't think every story needs that. In fact, I find this story more realistic that way. The setting was truly perfect though.

I think anyone who loves and is looking for a gothic, historical fiction, mystery/suspense/thriller would get into this as much as I did.

Thanks again to Emily Critchley, SOURCEBOOKS Landmark, and NetGalley for eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this author’s previous novel, One Puzzling Afternoon, so was very happy to receive an e-ARC of her latest.

The Undoing of Violet Claybourne is an interesting look at how far people are willing to go for acceptance and belonging. I enjoyed that mental illness was a key focus and driver of the story and the OCD descriptions were very realistic. The characters were for the most part not very likeable except for Violet. Gilly, Violet’s classmate at boarding school, was a nuanced character whose good and bad parts were in constant internal battle.

The story is quite dark with death, references to abuse, gaslighting, mental illness, classism, toxic sisters, and rich people behaving badly. It was a good read with a very satisfying ending.I also enjoyed the unexpected reveals and twists.

While I didn’t like this one quite as much as One Puzzling Afternoon, it was a well-written, interesting read about the price one is willing to pay to get the life they want.

Thanks to the publisher for this complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

The Undoing of Violet Clayborne was a unique historical fiction filled with themes of mental
Health, betrayal, obsession, and reputation. How far will a schoolgirl go to fit in with a wealthy family?

I loved the characters in this book, even as I wanted to scream at them I was still rooting for them. The intrigue and setting of this book reminded me a lot of Kate Morton and would be perfect for her fans. I highly recommend this book!

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT2xhhq9S/

This slowburn gothic mystery drew me in right away. I love the friendship between Gillian and Violet so it was really hard to read when Gillian chose to side with the other sisters rather than stick up for her own best friend, just because she was enamored by them and wanted to “belong”. I hated most of the characters — I thought they were all selfish, self-serving and treated Violet poorly! Talk about gaslighting galore! I really appreciated how mental health issues were front and center in the story — you will be shocked by how the doctors treated the patients back then. The final chapter was quite unexpected, but I loved it! It was the perfect comeback after all they did to poor Violet! Read this if you enjoy atmospheric historical fiction with lots of family drama and secrets!

Gothic thriller is not my normal cup of tea, but The Undoing of Violet Claybourne was an emotional roller coaster of fun. Giving this a 4 out of 5. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

It's rare I read a story where I genuinely do not like any of the characters, but each of the characters here nailed morally grey on the head. Each is written in such a way that you can understand their motivations behind their less than savory life decisions, but many of these motivations are slowly revealed over time as the story festers along.

The story does do a pretty accurate representation of society's treatment of individuals with mental health issues and how many folks, especially those in the upper echelons of society, want to brush them under the rug and ignore them. This particular aspect of the story made it difficult for me to read at times.

Emily Chritchley is a totally new author for me. This is her second book and proved to be a very engrossing read.

Description:
To become a Claybourne girl, she'll have to betray one first.

1938. Gillian Larking, lonely and away at boarding school, is used to going unnoticed. But then she meets Violet Claybourne, her vibrant roommate who takes Gilly under her wing. Violet is unlike anyone Gilly has ever met, and she regales Gilly with tales of her grand family estate and her two elegant sisters. Gilly is soon entranced by stories of the Claybournes, so when Violet invites Gilly to meet her family at Thornleigh Hall, she can't believe her luck.

But Gilly soon finds that behind the grand façade of Thornleigh Hall, darkness lurks.

Dazzled by the crumbling manor and Violet's enigmatic sisters, Gilly settles into the estate. But when a horrible accident strikes on the grounds, she is ensnared in a web of the sisters' making, forced to make a choice that will change the course of her life forever. Because the Claybournes girls know how to keep secrets, even at the cost of one of their own.

My Thoughts:
Themes of mental health, class distinction, and friendship. The book is well written and engrossing with a dramatic plot. The secrets kept were impactful to many lives. This is a tragic tale and sad in many ways. There is mystery and suspense as well. My heart broke for Violet - she was so troubled and trying so hard to deal with life. I found the Claybourne family offensive. Gillian was just a victim of circumstance it seemed. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys mysteries would enjoy this.

Thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark through Netgalley for an advance copy.

I loved the gothic elements to this book and the universe of the book is beautiful, The story was well written and the twists were surprising.

3/3.5 ⭐️ I haven’t read a historical gothic fiction in a while and I did enjoy this one. However, I found it difficult to connect with some of the main characters. Violet already had some difficult fitting in and had her ticks and then to exploit that by gaslighting her, it just felt so mean and “middle school.”

Thank you Net Galley, the publisher, and Emily Critchley for this ARC!

Emily Critchley has produced an excellent historical mystery that hits all the familiar Gothic notes without making the characters, or their pathways, predictable. Her style and pacing draw you in, you think you know what each character will choose, and then there is an unexpected twist. The mystery is only solved over many years and by piecing together many stories, but the ending is still a surprise.

In 1938, Gillian Larking is a lonely, ‘quiet and bookish’ young teenager at Hampstead Academy, a strict and colourless girls’ boarding school in London where most of the girls are her social superiors, and where she longs to ‘fit in.’ Her mother died in Egypt when she was an infant, and her father, still employed there, is focussed on his new wife and baby son. Aunt Ada, stern but not uncaring, is the spinster aunt in charge of her upbringing.

Enter a catalyst in the form of Violet Claybourne, youngest daughter of an aristocratic family long past its golden years. Their finances have suffered, they have fewer servants and groundskeepers every year, and they are barely able to sustain the family estate, the cherished but ‘foreboding’ Thornleigh Hall.

Violet becomes Gillian’s roommate, and they instantly get into a scrape that nearly ends her stay before it begins. Despite Violet’s ‘quirks’ — she suffers from an anxiety that manifests in what today would be diagnosed as obsessive-compulsive disorder-the otherwise friendless girls quickly form a bond. Gillian is thrilled when Violet invites her home for Christmas, sparing her a stay with Aunt Ada.

The Claybournes, despite their aristocratic demeanour, constitute a dysfunctional family. Their mother is cold, brittle, and imperious. Their father is kind but undermined by his Great War injuries and memories. The two older sisters, Emmeline and Lucy, are beautiful, self-absorbed, and narcissistic. They also drink and smoke too much, often in secret.
In the week between Christmas and New Year’s, during which Gillian had hoped to become closer to Violet, she is inexorably drawn into the older sisters’ force field, especially the manipulative Emmeline. A tragic accident leads to a pact that ultimately places Violet outside the sisterly circle. Now ‘cousin Gilly,’ Gillian makes her desperate choice. She follows Emmeline’s every command, presented to her as the only way to ‘protect’ them all from exposure and ruined lives. Gillian willingly conspires to do exactly the opposite for Violet.

This is a beautifully written novel, most of the action taking place just before and during the Second World War, with only a few weeks among the Claybournes at Thornleigh. But the events unscrolling from that visit affect everyone who had any part in the festivities for the rest of their lives. And the reconciliation, although appropriate, also comes at a heavy price.

My thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for a free ARC, which I’m voluntarily reviewing.

This was a very suspenseful historical fiction book that made me think of the movie Gaslight. The writing style sucked me in right away. The characters are all young adults, and none of them are very likable. Our titular character suffers from OCD as she practices what she calls undoings. She also suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, and her sisters and best friend use it against her to their advantage.

The story is told from the perspective of Violet's best friend, Gillian. It is really a tale of the haves and the have-nots and wanting to fit in. The writing was beautiful if you can say such a thing about such a sad story. We get Violet's background story as well as Gillian's and it sets them both on a trajectory neither can ultimately handle. There are lots of dark Academia vibes, and the book is very atmospheric.

The four girls all have faults, and this is what happens when the upper class desperately want to keep their secrets at any cost and the have-nots infiltrate and help them do so. I really enjoyed this story, so much so that I now want to read the author's first book, One Puzzling Afternoon.

Thank you Sourcebooks for my #gifted copy of The Undoing of Violet Claybourne! #TheUndoingOfVioletClaybourne
#EmilyCritchley #sourcebooks #bookmarked

𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗩𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗲𝘁 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗯𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: 𝗘𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗹𝗲𝘆
𝗣𝘂𝗯 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲: 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟰, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱

The Undoing of Violet Claybourne is a mix of historical fiction and gothic mystery. Is is atmospheric and told the story of Gillian, who is sent away to school and finally feels like she finds someone who cares about her in her roommate. Violet Claybourne. After being invited home to spend the holidays with Violet and her family. She is quickly accepted as part of the Claybourne family, even Violet’s sisters seem to welcome her to their house. But after an accident at the house, Gilly quickly begins to understand that the two older sisters may not really be what she thought they were. For the first time in her life Gilly finally feels like she fits in, and she’s willing to do anything to continue to belong in their world.

This book has a strong focus on mental health, family secrets, and the last half or so of this book was a page turner. It really gave a better glimpse at the treatment of mental illness in the 1930s. This was a dual timeline novel, with most of the book set in 1938-1942. I thought it was very interesting and I would definitely recommend this one if you enjoy gothic mystery novels.

Posted on Goodreads on March 2, 2025: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/144922955?ref=nav_profile_l
**Posted on Instagram - Full Review- on or around March 2, 2025: http://www.instagram.com/nobookmark_noproblem
**Posted on Amazon on March 2, 2025
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The Undoing Of Violet Claybourne is a slow burn historical mystery with gothic vibes.

Set initially in 1938 the story tells of the friendship between Violet and Gilly who meet at boarding school. Gilly is invited to spend the Christmas holidays with Violet at her family's Estate, Thornleigh Hall. She is desperate to fit in with this enigmatic family, especially with Violet's older sisters. But when a tragic accident happens, Gilly soon discovers that there are dark secrets hiding behind Thornleigh's grand facade.

This is a poignant story of friendships, betrayal and regrets that encompass a lifetime of anguish. How decisions made in youth can ripple across the decades. I was engrossed in this novel from the beginning to it's dramatic and satisfying end. Exceptional storytelling.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark and Netgalley for providing me with a complimentary copy for review consideration.

I do love thrillers and family drama reads but I think the gothic aspect and the strangeness of it was not my cup of tea. I do think someone who loves this tripe will devour this book. I have sen so many amazing reviews. I just wish I had liked it more. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark and Emily Critchley for this ARC.

In 1938, Gilly is invited to spend Christmas at her roommate Violet’s grand estate—a seemingly festive and cozy holiday escape. But what unfolds is far from merry. Instead, it’s a web of secrets, betrayals, and devastation that left me completely speechless.

I don’t want to give too much away because this is one of those books where the less you know going in, the better—but trust me when I say: my mind is blown. 🤯

📖 The Pacing & Structure
The first 25% is a slow burn as Critchley takes her time building the world and fleshing out the characters. At first, it feels like you’re settling into a classic historical fiction setting—a grand house, social class tensions, and hidden motivations simmering beneath the surface.

And then… 💥

📖 The Turning Point
Once you hit Part II, buckle up because your jaw will be on the floor. Secret after gut-wrenching secret is revealed, each one more shocking than the last. There were moments when I wanted to cry, moments when I wanted to scream, and moments when I wanted to throw my book across the room. 📚💥

The twists and turns? Phenomenal.
The betrayals? Devastating.
The impact? Unforgettable.

📖 What truly stands out?
At its core, this book is a brilliant exploration of how the smallest lies and carefully guarded secrets can alter a person’s life forever. Every character is flawed, some unlikeable, and yet their choices feel painfully real. You might not love them, but you’ll be utterly captivated by them.

✨ What to Expect:
✔️ Single POV 👀
✔️ Dual timelines ⏳
✔️ Unlikeable but compelling characters 😈
✔️ Betrayal & devastating secrets 💔

⭐ Final Thoughts
If you love slow-burn mysteries mixed with historical fiction that evolve into a jaw-dropping, emotional rollercoaster, this book needs to be on your TBR. The writing is atmospheric, the twists are gut-punching, and the story lingers long after the final page.

I absolutely loved this! Un-put-downable and fun the whole time, sad I can’t read it again for the first time! It was shocking in all the best ways!

I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this one, but boy did I enjoy it! If you love the gothic vibes, you’ll for sure love this book! I will say there were depressing moments and your heart aches for Violet, but boy was it a good book!

Thank you Netgalley & Sourcebooks Landmark for an eARC ♥️

Set in 1938, it's a tale of friendship, family secrets, and tragedy, all wrapped up in a deliciously gothic package.
We meet Gillian, a shy and quiet girl who's sent to an English boarding school after her mom dies and her dad remarries. She's desperate to fit in, but it's not until she meets Violet, a quirky and captivating new student, that things start to look up.
Violet's family is...well, they're a piece of work. They live in this crumbling English manor house, Thornleigh Hall, which is steeped in history and secrets. Gillian is drawn into their world, and it's like she's entered a whole different universe.
The author's writing is pure magic. The way she describes the setting - the cold, grey English winter, the decaying manor house, the dark lake - so good🔥
But what really gets me is the way Emily Critchley explores the complexities of female relationships. Gillian and Violet's friendship is at the heart of the story, and it's so beautifully nuanced. They're both flawed, they both make mistakes, but they're also fiercely loyal to each other.
And then, of course, there's the family drama. Violet's family is hiding secrets, and when they finally come to light, it's like a powder keg explodes. I won't give too much away, but let's just say it's 🤪 😳

Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for the ARC of The Undoing of Violet Claybourne.

3.5 rounded down to 3.

This was such a strange story. Gillian and Violet become friends at their boarding school. Gillian goes back to Violet's family home for Christmas break and things go quite awry. I had a pretty good idea what was coming from the moment the characters were introduced. Soon after I clued in on the details of what I thought was going to happen. There was a lot of book before and after the the unfortunate circumstances and I'm not even sure if most of it was relevant. I'm thinking back on the book now and wondering why it was so long? There were quite a few details in the parts 3 and 4 that strange twists, but not surprising given the personalities of the characters. The ending was so strange. Maybe understandable, but also too little, too late? I'm not sure. I'm very confused about my thoughts on this one and would love to talk to someone about it!

All I have to say is ~ JUSTICE FOR VIOLET!

"Maybe it really was all over. I had proved my loyalty, gained Emmeline and Laura's trust. I was part of the family now, blind forever to the sisters by the secret we shared. I was Cousin Gilly. I was somebody."

A hauntingly beautiful gothic mystery.
Gillian is a quiet outcast at her boarding school. That’s all about to change when her roommate, Violet, invites her to Thornleigh Hall for the holidays. After she meets her family, Gilly is yearning to be apart of the Claybourne world. After a terrible tragic accident, things go spiraling down and she is stuck in a web of lies.
An atmospheric gothic mystery that explores the intoxicating pull of belonging, the weight of betrayal, and the devastating cost of loyalty.

I tried really hard to get into this book, and I just couldn't. Very slow start that struggled to keep my interest. I could not connect with any of the characters. I have a feeling that I picked up this book at the wrong time, and I am open to giving it another try in the future.