OH boy was this a creepy story. It is very grotesque and unsettling. If you like ghost stories or spooky vibes, this is a book you don't want to miss. The book has a slow start but once you're in, you're in! A gothic tale for the win!

Thanks to the publisher for the opportunity to read this. My interest in it has waned, but I may return to it eventually. It seems like a good Halloween read

I really enjoyed the haunting and immersive gothic vibe of this story. The book really came alive for me with all the thoughtful details included by the author.

All the characters felt really fleshed out and whole, which made the book even more enjoyable and I found myself growing fond towards some of these literal ghosts.

Elegy‘s journey was inspirational and I adored her as a main character. I felt seen by her awkwardness towards her crush and was totally in love with the romantic element of the story.
The only negative thing I have to say is that sometimes her actions weren‘t consistent and maybe that was intentional, but it threw me off a little in trying to understand her as a person.

Overall a hauntingly beautiful story about believing in yourself and finding your true self, an achingly tender love story and lots of (very likeable) spirits.

At an extravagant party thrown by Jasper Thorne in 1902, a spirit was summoned. Years later, Elegy Thorne, his descendant, is cursed to live alongside 14 spirits, some friendly, some malevolent, and upon the impending death of her father, she'll be required to control them all. Some horror, some romance, some just weirdness, but overall pretty good. 3.5 stars rounded to 4.

3.5 rounded to a 4! I think the gothic ambience is most def there which is a huge plus for me. I’d say it’s def a slow burn and at times kept me wanting or wishing the pace picked up a bit but that could be due to my own low patience at the moment I was reading it! Lol I most def recommend this one for spooky goth vibe lovers

A gripping book, this story pulls you till the very end, I enjoyed reading it. I definitely will love to see more from the author

Most people live for their inheritance. Some get money, some get property, but how would you feel if you inherited all of that plus a collection of ghosts that could kill you?

Elegy lives with her dad and stepmom in their ancestral home of Thorne Hall....along with the spirits that her great great grandfather trapped in the house. To appease the spirits, the house must be maintained to the era of when they were trapped in the house, which was the 1890s. That includes the clothes the living wear, the songs that Elegy sings, and the technology that is used in the house. These ghosts have been a part of Elegy's life since the moment one of them helped deliver her from the womb. Some of them have been her best friends, teaching her children's ballads and how to sew. Some have frightened her, like the ghost who likes to rip off peoples' faces to replace the one he lost. All of them will have to be controlled by her when her father dies, which could be any day due to a sickness. Her human friends understand, but even they don't want to be in the house after dark.

Something happens when Elegy meets the son of the construction worker that comes to fix a leak that flooded one of the kitchens. He makes her feel like she may have a future. However, her father will do whatever is necessary to keep Elegy in line. Will she be able to escape the curse of her ancestry or will she be stuck trying to control the ghosts until she dies?

I really liked this book, but there were a few things that kept me from giving it 5 stars. When we jump from the opening that explains how the first ghost makes his appearance in the house, it says we are in present time. We don't know how far into the present day we have moved. If we could have at least gotten a present year, it would have made it easier to understand the dramatics of having to dress like it was the 1890s. I also was not expecting a ghost story to be spicy. It was a welcome change that led to some funny banter, but I guess that's my fault for not reading the description close enough.

All-in-all, I loved the writing and the plot. I was not expecting the twist and felt that the concept was not one that had been overly done, but quite original. I enjoyed the ghosts interacting with the characters (mainly Elegy) and it was a little reminiscent of Gaiman's Graveyard Book. I can't wait to buy a copy when the finished version comes out.

Thanks to J. Ann Thomas, Netgalley, and Alcove Press for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.

An excellent historical fiction novel. Thomas has worked meticulously to create a gothic story with a modern twist, drawing in an audience that loves classical literature and an audience that loves the thrill of contemporary fiction.

Unfortunately it was only after my request was granted that I realised J Ann Thomas is Jamie Thomas. I refuse to read their work after I read The Forest kingdom which is the second in a series. In that work Thomas has the female protagonist instigate sex only moments after there was an attempted rape on her. Since then I have refused to read Thomas's work. I am sorry to have received work that I wont read but I didn't know it was the same author at the time. I wish to thank the publisher anyway.

This was an amazing slow burn romance that will be enjoyed by all gothic fans!

I loved watching the FMC navigate this mansion full of spirits and through the novel grow and become more confident in herself.

Recommended if you enjoy V. Schwab!

Ghost stories aren’t usually my thing, but I found myself enjoying this one. I liked Elegy’s narrative and seeing her relationship with Atticus grow—it felt like a genuine source of hope for her. However, I struggled with her timidity, especially when it came to her father and Hugo, which felt frustrating at times.

The revelation about Dorian being her father raised a lot of questions for me. Knowing what was happening in that house, it was hard to accept that he left her there. None of Elegy’s relationships with the people in her life seemed particularly healthy, which made me even more grateful for Atticus, who actually worked to prioritize her well-being. Sparrow, though, was a sticking point for me. Binding 13 spirits, seeing the torment it caused them, and then continuing to try to call her son back felt baffling and deeply unsettling. That part of the story left me conflicted, though it added to the eerie, morally gray atmosphere of the book.

The writing was definitely a strong point! The descriptions of the house, the ghosts, and even the clothing Elegy was forced to wear were so vivid—it really pulled me into the eerie, oppressive atmosphere. Even when I was frustrated with some of the characters, I could appreciate how well the setting and details were crafted. It added so much depth to the story and made the haunting elements feel even more real.

Will Elegy have the courage to break out of her destined path as keeper of the spirits at Thorne Hall to seek a brighter better future. A nice gothic tale of the courage and self reflection required to break the shackles that bind you to find something better. Each of the spirit in the Hall is just there to make Elegys life miserable. With Atticus, she finds a way out and some sweet romance as well. Decent book although not up my alley.

**Features:**

- A gothic tale with forbidden romance
- Explores themes of toxic traditions, emotional abuse, and personal freedom
- A collection of unique ghosts that can be both malevolent and charming

**Summary:**

Elegy Thorne is a young woman trapped in time. The future mistress of Thorne Hall will be the next in the Thorne family line tasked with caring for the once glorious mansion and its many ghostly inhabitants. Denied of most modern comforts and forced to wear clothes centuries old, Elegy feels just as trapped as the spirits she helps keep hidden. But when one mischievous spirit’s pranking goes too far, it brings Elegy face to face with Atticus. Atticus offers a window into a world of warmth and life that makes Elegy dare to dream of a life beyond the cold walls of Thorne Hall. But with her father’s health declining and a dangerous curse to contend with, can freedom ever truly be hers?

**Thoughts:**

This book really pulled me in with its cold, creepy atmosphere. The ghosts that live in Thorne Hall are corporeal and just as complex in death as they were in life. Where some of them can be kind and charming at times, they can also be mean, destructive, and sometimes even dangerous. We of course get to learn more about each ghostly inhabitant as the story unfolds, but I found them incredibly unique. Despite Elegy’s familiarity with Thorne Hall and the ghosts, you never lose the sense of cold uneasiness whenever Elegy is in the manor. Even before Elegy has fully recognized it herself, we get a real sense of her isolation and it made me really want to root for her.

I went into this book completely blind and fully expected it to focus primarily on breaking the curse on the manor. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find it focusing more on Elegy coming into her own and trying to forge her own path after growing up without a choice. At the beginning, Elegy is so stuck in time that even her speech patterns feel out of place and had me really confused despite a couple mentions of modern technology. That being said, as I continued reading and understood more about Elegy’s world, my earlier confusion felt more intentional and ultimately made her journey more understandable. Atticus and the romance arc seem to mainly be there to help drive Elegy’s personal growth forward, but I was glad it was there nonetheless.

2.5 stars

“The Spirit Collection of Thorne Hall” takes place in modern day in the Thorne ancestral home, where a botched seance in the early 20th century left it full of barely-controllable spirits that only answer to the scion of the Thorne family. Elegy’s father is becoming increasingly ill, leaving here with mere months before she will need to fully take over as the keeper of the spirits. But they’re starting to make more and more mischief, and Elegy is feeling trapped by her obligations, just as a handsome stranger moves to town. Atticus is the son of the contractor hired to fix up the Thorne house, and he could not be more different than Elegy, who is not allowed to stray from any traditions that originated after 1902. They must work together with Elegy’s friends to try and banish the spirits so that Elegy can have any hope of living a life that she chooses for herself.
The ensuing chaos of researching malevolent spirits, managing her unstable father, and navigating her first romance should have made an engaging story, but I found it all falling flat. The romance was sweet, but very predictable. The semi-historical writing style was clearly intentional but came across as a little stilted, particularly Elegy’s dialogue, though it was clearly meant to be charming. I did enjoy Elegy’s growth toward independence. While this was by no means a bad read, I was looking forward to finishing it so I could get to something else.

Thank you to Alcove Press for providing this ARC for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

The Spirit Collection of Thorne Hall by J. Ann Thomas is a story of a young woman bound to an antiquated, stifling ancestral home by not only an overbearing patriarch but a collection of ghosts that also call the estate home. When a burst pipe calls little-seen outsiders into the home, the main character is left grappling with both her desires that conflict with her duties and with her attraction to the contractor’s son. This book is very much a spooky, gothic romance. In reading it, I was very much struck by how similar the concept was to UK and US versions of the show ‘Ghosts,’ but with a much darker tone and a through plot of romance and longing. Another review cited the book ‘Starling House’ when listing similar books, and I’m inclined to agree. For fans of star crossed romances from two different worlds, spooky and dangerous crumbling estates, and headstrong main characters struggling with identity, this book may be right up your alley. I certainly enjoyed it, ripping through it in just under a day.

What I loved most about the book was the atmospheric details that the author included. The scenery of every room of the mansion, every outfit, every ghost’s terrifying appearance was rendered in vivid detail. The book really came alive in my mind’s eye, as Thomas very painstakingly created an eerie mansion in the Berkshires, with starkly contrasting visits from the rich and modern friends Floss and Hugo. If you love highly detailed imagery and lots of set dressing, this book is for you.

I also really appreciated how the attraction that Elegy felt for Atticus felt very genuine. It didn’t feel at any point like the characters were just being forced together. She was had a shy crush, an awkward period, and more. It didn’t feel like things were being mashed together to get things going. I really appreciated the way that the author built their relationship in a way that felt engaging and at the same time grounded in general, mutual attraction.

What was slightly less successful for me was the fact that some of Elegy’s traits seemed inconsistent. What she would or wouldn’t know, what she would or wouldn’t do, all of it seemed somewhat inconsistent. It was hard to get a very firm grasp on what her speaking pattern was like, because it did sort of vary at different parts of the book. While there weren’t ever egregiously out of character moments, it at time felt like she wasn’t totally nailed down in her identity. My main qualm with the book was that all of the lore and backstory for the occult happenings, the “promise,” and the other magical elements seemed slapped on the last few chapters. Unlike other elements of the book, the back story didn’t have much foreshadowing or very many elements that were woven into the plot earlier. The presence of characters that would come to be of great importance wouldn’t even be mentioned more than in a single passing earlier in the story until the last 20%. It just felt as if the story was so fleshed out except for connecting some points together.

I think for fans of gothic-influenced romances and spooky but not terrifying haunted houses, this would be a great read. I enjoyed it a lot, especially the descriptions of all of the different ghosts (and there are plenty.) 4/5 stars!

I was absolutely captivated by this book—it far exceeded my expectations in every way. The story is an intricately woven blend of haunting gothic atmosphere and a surprisingly tender love story that unfolds beautifully throughout the narrative. The portrayal of the spirits and their gradual decay over time was a brilliant and unique twist that sets this book apart from typical ghost stories. I found myself deeply intrigued by each spirit, yearning to learn more about their individual histories and the mysteries surrounding them.

Elegy, the protagonist, is nothing short of exceptional. Her journey from a frightened, duty-bound girl to a strong, self-determined woman is incredibly compelling. The growth we witness in her character is both powerful and moving, making her transformation feel earned and deeply resonant.

The author’s attention to detail—whether in the richly described settings or the complex, evolving plot—kept me utterly engrossed from beginning to end. Every page was a new discovery, and the emotional depth of the story, paired with its gothic charm, made it impossible to put down. This is a truly remarkable book, filled with unforgettable characters and a storyline that stays with you long after you’ve finished reading. Simply put, it’s a five-star read.

This was quite a unique story with an overall vibe that I can't quite put my finger on. It's like nothing I've read in a while, but I would probably narrow it down to a background feeling of uneasy spooky, with a dash of romance and quirky side characters. I love that Elegy(our MC) is this sheltered, off-beat woman that dresses outdated and truly isn't like other girls. The ghost collection has the perfect array of docile/sweet and super creepy/scary ghosts. This story had pretty slow pacing at the beginning, so it wasn't a book I was able to devour in one sitting, but rather a slow burn that I would pick up and put down here and there, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. I would definitely recommend this book during spooky season, and for those that want a story where you want to root for the main character to free herself from a long-endured burden. Really really enjoyed my time reading!!!

"The Spirit Collection of Thorne Hall" by J. Ann Thomas is an intriguing and atmospheric novel that blends elements of mystery, the supernatural, and a dash of historical intrigue. Set in the hauntingly beautiful Thorne Hall, the story follows a young woman who becomes entangled in the mysteries surrounding the estate's legendary "spirit collection." Thomas does a commendable job of building tension and creating an eerie ambiance, drawing readers into a world where the lines between the living and the dead blur. The novel’s exploration of paranormal themes, along with the gradual unveiling of the Hall’s secrets, keeps the reader engaged and invested in the unfolding mystery.

However, while the atmosphere and premise are strong, the execution of the plot sometimes feels uneven. The pacing can be inconsistent, with moments of thrilling suspense occasionally interrupted by slower, more exposition-heavy sections. Some readers may find the numerous plot twists and revelations to be a bit too contrived, lacking the subtlety that would make the story more immersive. Additionally, the characters, while interesting, could benefit from further development. The protagonist’s motivations, for example, occasionally feel forced, and the relationships she forms with others at Thorne Hall can sometimes seem superficial, reducing the emotional stakes of the plot.

Nevertheless, "The Spirit Collection of Thorne Hall" is an enjoyable read for those who love atmospheric mysteries and supernatural intrigue. J. Ann Thomas’s ability to craft an eerie setting and slowly build tension makes the book an engaging experience, even if some of the narrative’s twists may feel predictable or overdone. Fans of ghostly tales and stories that explore the connection between the living and the dead will find plenty to appreciate in this novel, which offers an absorbing, if occasionally uneven, journey into the heart of a haunted legacy.

Unfortunately I could not get into this book .the writing wasn’t for me and I could not get invested in the plot or characters.

A unique slow-burn gothic romance that had me by the throat! I absolutely fell in LOVE with this book and will need to get my hands on a finished copy when it comes out in February.

This follows Elegy Thorne, a young woman who is bound to a grand estate haunted by 15 revenant ghosts, as it has been since the 1890's. Her life is not her own, some of the ghosts terrorize her, she has an abusive father, and she is being forced into a marriage of convenience with her gay friend. She has never wanted something for herself, but then one day their contractor brings along his son Atticus- a successful man with a business of his own. And she has never felt more drawn to someone. He should be forbidden to her, but he cracks open her world and for the first time she begins to hope just the tiniest bit for the future.

This is being compared to Jane Eyre, and I think the vibes are definitely there. What's so unique about this is while it's set in the modern day, it feels older because Elegy lives in a time capsule. She's only allowed to wear antique clothes that already existed in the estate, very few updates have been made to the house, she doesn't have access to most modern technology etc. But that's contrasted with the people who come in and out of her life, connected to the modern world. It's incredibly effective at creating a sense of isolation and claustrophobia in her life. And because this is such a slow-burn novel, you desperately want her to somehow escape the responsibility she feels to these ghosts and her family.

The romance is so delicious, and the yearning is truly top tier. I adored this book and cannot recommend it enough if it sounds like your thing. I received a copy of this book for review via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.