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.

Elegy Thorne’s home is haunted. And not just by one ghost, but 13. Her many times great grandfather Jasper Thorne had a seance performed that raised ghosts and bound them to Thorne Hall and his Thorne descendants. The spirits are currently bound to Elegy’s father but when he dies, she will take over control of them and must keep them from causing harm to anyone that enters the house. But then she meets Atticus Hart and all she wants is to be free of Thorne Hall.

A little bit slow to start, but it definitely picks up about 40% through. I enjoyed the story and learning about all the ghosts. Would absolutely recommend the book to anyone!

Thanks to Netgalley for providing me an eARC for my review!

5 Stars

*Special thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for providing me with a copy of this ebook - this is my honest review*

Now, I read this a little late - it’s just passed spooky season, but Christmas is barely dawning so it’s still perfectly atmospheric. Especially considering how beautiful a story this turned into.

I wasn’t sure what tone of ghost story to initially expect, though from that prologue I thought things might be a bit wild - and they were, just not in the way I thought.

The Spirit Collection of Thorne Hall is about Elegy, a young woman who’s grown up in a grande old manor house beset by a collection of spirits - some kind, some horrifying, some dangerous - for her entire life. Her father is ill and upon his death the management of the house and all of its spirits will fall to her and she will never, ever be able to leave. Until a handsome engineer arrives to help his father work on repairs to Thorne Hall’s kitchen, Elegy is resigned to her lot in life but slowly begins to question everything she’s been taught to believe.

I read this in two sittings, it really pulled me in and I was well and truly along for the ride.

Elegy was such an interesting, sad character I felt able to relate to and understood her motivations. I liked the time capsule way she spoke and dressed and watching her confidence grow both with Atticus, her father and the spirits. The love story was really well done and it felt heartwarming and understated in a very sweet way. I also loved that he didn’t just come to save the day - he came to help her learn how/give her the courage to save herself. I really loved Elegy and Atticus.

I liked the subplot with Hugo and found it sad but interesting- particularly in how much homophobia can still be so prevalent in some spaces. His arc was well executed if a little fast.

The spirits themselves were such a mix of lovely, beautiful, terrifying and interesting. The reveal about them and Elegy and the original seance was satisfying and I didn’t see it coming - I was wondering the whole time what the hell the original intention was.

I think the only real weak link was Thaddeus because I didn’t get him or his motivation. Did he hate/resent Elegy? Was he obsessed with keeping status quo? I couldn’t tell why he was so resistant to not doing anything to help when he knew that there was such a real danger in keeping the more angry spirits around.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It took me on a journey and left me satisfied. I would love to see this as a mini series (someone send this to Mike Flanagan asap) and would love a shiny hardback for my shelf.

I recommend for fans of the Haunting of Hill House/Bly Manor and similar gothic ghost stories/romances.

I’m not gonna lie I wanted to dnf this book about 4 chapters in as the language and plot somewhat confused me, but as I pushed through I did start to enjoy it. The atmosphere was very gothic and I loved that as I’ve been looking for a good gothic read, I wish I would have read this sooner in October for spooky season but regardless it was a good read!

The Spirit Collection of Thorne Hall is a deliciously atmospheric gothic novel that had me completely spellbound. While the beginning moves at a leisurely pace, once the story picks up, it's impossible to put down.
The mansion itself becomes a character, with its creaking floorboards and collection of corporeal spirits that are more undead than ghostly - a fresh take I thoroughly enjoyed. The author's vivid descriptions of decaying spirits and Victorian fashions create an immersive experience that will delight gothic horror fans.
Elegy's journey from a dutiful daughter trapped in time to a woman fighting for her freedom felt authentic and moving. Her romance with Atticus provides a warm contrast to the mansion's oppressive atmosphere, though I wished we got to know him a bit better.
The finale delivers an excellent twist I didn't see coming, and the epilogue is pure perfection. Despite the slow start, this haunting tale of family curses, forbidden love, and the price of tradition will stay with you long after the last page.
Perfect for fans of Mexican Gothic and Gallant who don't mind trading some scares for deeper character development.

I admit I honestly wanted to dnf this book during the first 2 chapters but honestly glad I pushed through. Elegy family have been bound to The Collection for generations at Thorne Hall. Set to take over controlling them once her ill father passes. After meeting the contractor son, she starts questioning what she really wants and is there a way she break the bond to the house. This a perfect read for fall. Why there is few flaws in this book, I did enjoy that the book kept me guessing.

4 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

“So make yourself content, my love
Till death calls you away”

“One could only handle so much ghostly mischief in a single day”

This book is described as Jane Eyre meets The Hunting of Bly Manor and they were right!!! But it was a bit funnier and less dramatic. A hunted house. The almost new lady of the manor who has lived with this Collection of spirits since she was a little girl. But they want something from her she doesn’t want to give. Even more when she falls in love with someone who is not her fiancé!!!! What a journey we go through with Elegy!!! It was fun, it was witty, it was spicy and it was dark and gothic. It was the perfect book to read before winter and when the autumn season is at its peak!! It does give off all the right vibes!!! And it was so easy to get into the book !!! I did read it in one sitting after all !!! And to be fair that last half definitely keeps you going when the action gets intense and the plot thickens !!!! You need to know if Elegy will have the opportunity to live the life she wants and what the Collection has in store for her. And then the romance makes you giggle so it’s always worth it (Atticus is such a great guy) !!!! I would love to read more from this author !!!

“If you decide to stop giving a fuck about what everyone else wants and do what you want, you know where to find me”

The Spirit Collection of Thorne Hall is a captivating gothic fantasy that seamlessly blends historical fiction with supernatural elements. J. Ann Thomas has crafted a haunting and atmospheric world that will keep readers enthralled from beginning to end.

Elegy Thorne, the protagonist, is a complex and compelling character. Her dedication to preserving the Thorne Hall legacy is admirable, but her yearning for freedom and love adds depth to her character. The author skillfully explores the tension between duty and desire, creating a poignant and relatable story.

The mansion itself is a character in its own right, filled with secrets and dark history. The author's vivid descriptions bring the Gilded Age setting to life, transporting readers to a bygone era. The ghosts, each with their own unique story, add a layer of mystery and intrigue to the narrative.

While the plot may be somewhat predictable at times, the author's strong character development and atmospheric writing style elevate the story. The pacing is well-balanced, with moments of intense suspense and quieter, character-driven scenes. The exploration of themes such as love, loss, and the power of family adds depth to the narrative.

The Spirit Collection of Thorne Hall is a must-read for fans of gothic fiction and historical romance. It's a haunting and unforgettable tale that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page.

✰ 3.25 stars ✰

​“Sometimes we seek such things knowing how it will end, what we will become, and yet we seek it all the same.​”

​ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ I loved the opening scene. One life-altering Samhain night of intrigue and chills that very much set the tone for a truly morbid Gothic vibe that carried itself even as the writing transported its readers to present day where the aftermath of that morbid night continues to permeate every passage of Thorne Hall.​ A really enchanting, if not bewitching and lyrical read that from the opening scene envelops you in this hushed and foreboding feeling that summons you closer to get this cryptic chill to its premises. One that is both haunting and heartbreaking when the story truly claws its way into your heart and proves that despite its slow pacing, it still had surprises in store for you.

​“Time donned many guises. It passed both slowly and in haste, flew when one was having fun, waited for no man, and healed all things.

And it could just as easily destroy as it could any of the rest of it.​”

​ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ I'm glad I decided to read it till the end. Despite the rather languid pace in which the pacing was set as it slowly divulged details into the fourteen spirits that haunted the manor, something compelled me to continue. I had to know what and who exactly came out from under and what sort of mischief The Spirit Collection of Thorne Hall had in store for twenty-five-year-old Elegy Thorne, as she is set to take over as caretaker of their well-being after her father's ailing health falters at an alarming rate.

​ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ But for a young woman who is literally forced to remain frozen in time - cut off from society and relationships - living in hand-me downs without the comforts of modern clothing or technological advances - it is the desperation to escape the trapped confinement of both her​ eccentric family legacy and that of the haunted and tormented spirits that take deep pleasure in tormenting her that pushes her to finally fight back. Of course, it does not have anything to do with the obvious attraction she feels for the handsome thirty-two-year-old inspiring engineer to assist his father with the maintenance and restoration of the manor.

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ​She becomes a character you not only root for, but one who shows steady growth into becoming a person who can and will break free of the control of her father's imposing limitations on her life. One that will lead her to defy her duties and follow her own path to freedom - rightfully and justly so. Living such a sheltered life has prevented her from truly living; hiding in fear not only for her responsibility being uncovered, but the fear of the very spirits she's been entrusted to take over. It is a difficult and challenging task, despite her hopefulness, one that eventually makes her realize that she does not have to be beholden to it anymore.

​“And in that moment the peace of certainty settled heavy upon her shoulders, a welcome weight for she knew at last what she must do, and that what she stood to gain was worth the price should she fail.”

​ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ It is not only so much about living up to family principles and traditions, but having the courage to face the truth for what it was. The author very purposefully but skillfully guided her willful determination to follow her heart and ​make it believable. Her attraction towards Atticus, though rather instant, was very sincere and gentle. In a home that never felt like her own, spending time at his place was the perfect comfort of peace and relief that she so desperately longed for and what pushed her to finally have the courage to fight​ for the fleeting chance to let go of 'the past be that she might dwell amongst the living.​'

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ And with a cast of both the living and the dead, it would be difficult to develop each character, but I never felt lost with any of them. Their interactions had depth and history, which made it possible for you to care for them, too. They were not. While I did feel that Atticus lacked certain gusto, as in he was pretty much just the outsider romantic catalyst who urged Elegy to finally stand up for herself, I was very much intrigued by the spirits​ - 'the first one was collected in​ 1902, and the rest over the decade that followed, bound to our name and​ bloodline.​' They each had subtle nuances - both grotesque and welcoming - that made them a compelling collection that had twists of their own, that truly paid off. In style! Twice! That oh moment really worked wonders in making it a more commendable and worthwhile read for me.​ 💮​

*Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Je n'ai pas teussi à me mettre dans l'histoire malgré de nombreuses tentative. J'aurai aimé vraiment vraiment aimé.

The best thing about this book is the creepy, spooky atmosphere the author manages to create. Suits the text very good. Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for a free e-arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Spirit Collection of Thorne Hall was an absolute joy to read. Elegy Thorne’s journey is haunting and strange as she navigates life in a mansion filled with restless spirits, each one unique and compelling. The atmosphere is pure Gothic magic—dark, romantic, and full of secrets. You can practically smell the aged wood and hear the creaks in the floorboards as you read.

Elegy is a protagonist who absolutely steals your heart. Her struggle to balance duty with desire is so raw and beautifully written. The spirits at Thorne Hall are incredibly unique--in fact the whole idea of a "collection" of ghosts is beyond original. And the romance with Atticus was a perfect slow burn, igniting just enough to keep you on edge without overpowering the story.

This is an absolute must-read for anyone who loves ghost stories with heart and a touch of mystery.

This book was such a great read! I loved the atmosphere and the collection of ghosts. I loved seeing the growth of our MC as the story progressed. Was such a treat to read during the spooky season.

Thank you to NetGalley, Alcove Press, and the author for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced readers copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

I found this book to be a real treat this spooky season! The story follows Elegy Thorne, a young woman living in a house bound with a number of spirits who she must eventually take ownership of, as their current master, her father, is dying. The spirits were bound to her family long ago, and to appease her family legacy, the house must remain stuck in the past with them, in all ways.

The contrast between how Elegy thinks, speaks, dresses, and interacts with those outside the house from modern times is really striking and brought a lot of intrigue to the story. The plot progresses when Elegy meets the handsome son of a contractor employed by her father, and the two are instantly caught up in each other. Elegy, previously resigned to her lonesome fate as master of the spirits and house, starts to want a life outside of the old traditions and dangerous job set to be passed on to her.

I really loved the concept of the story and felt it was unique and new, and I have read many paranormal books. The characters were numerous but all distinguishable and fleshed out, and quite believable. I loved the way the spirits were portrayed and the depth they were given despite the book not being terribly long. I loved the twist ending as well and the epilogue.

Overall this was an easy 5 star read for me and I’ll certainly be watching for more work by this author!

A great read, especially during this time of year. I loved Elergy and how we see her growing into a strong independent woman during the book. The concept of a collection of ghosts was an interesting twist on the traditional ghost story.

I enjoyed The Spirit Collection of Thorne Hall immensely! It was an immersive haunting gothic tale and a surprisingly sweet love story that I wasn’t expecting. The decay of the spirits over the passage of time is such a unique twist to what you’d normally read in a horror book dealing with ghosts; I wanted to know more about all the spirits and get to know each of their stories! Elegy is an exceptional protagonist and it really felt like we get to grow with her as she goes from a fearful girl who feels trapped by duty to a woman determined to shape her own fate. The engaging characters, beautiful detail to locations and the constantly evolving plot had me hooked from start to finish!

Elegy has spent her entire life at the mercy of her controlling father and his spirit collection of ghosts, where she has been isolated and forced to dress in outdated clothing and forsaking modern technology and invention. As her father’s health begins to fail, Elegy will soon be expected to take control of the collection and Thorne Hall. But Elegy dreams of something more. A life outside the walls of Thorne Hall where she is free to choose what to wear, who to be—and who to love.

This story was a wonderful surprise. The beginning was a very slow start, but Thomas, builds a wonderful atmosphere, full of haunts to keep readers engaged. This was reminiscent of a classic gothic ghost story, perfect for those who are suckers for a haunted house tale and a dash of romance.

My criticism is that the beginning was such a slow start, and it was often difficult to keep all the ghosts and their names straight, but at the same time, felt their backstories a little lacking and wish there had been more time to know their stories as well.

Overall, this was an engaging read I would recommend to fans of the genre.

actual rating: 4.25. this one is for my weird girls!!! my girls who are strange and off putting!!! i love a weird girl. Elegy my beloved, Elegy my soul, truly the weird girl of the year. she is everything i wanted and more. her and Atticus make such an amazing pairing. they are the definition of true love! i think the Spirit Collection were well defined individuals and not some nameless slop of just ghosts. though, i do think that the Collection should have gotten more page time. some of them were just there to have a collection. but overall, a very unique and lovely story.

J. Ann Thomas’s The Spirit Collection of Thorne Hall is a captivating blend of mystery, the supernatural, and rich character development, set against the atmospheric backdrop of a historic estate. The narrative revolves around the enigmatic Thorne Hall, a place steeped in secrets and ghostly legends.

From the outset, Thomas skillfully establishes a haunting yet inviting tone that draws readers into the world of the hall. The protagonist, with her compelling backstory, navigates not only the physical space of Thorne Hall but also the emotional and spiritual intricacies that come with it. The author’s portrayal of the estate is vivid, making it almost a character in its own right, full of hidden passages and whispers of the past.

One of the standout elements of the book is its exploration of themes like grief, belonging, and the connection between the living and the dead. Thomas weaves a tapestry of interconnected stories that resonate deeply, inviting readers to reflect on their own relationships with memory and loss.

The pacing is well-balanced, with moments of suspense that keep the reader engaged, while also allowing for quieter, introspective scenes that develop character depth. The supporting cast is equally well-crafted, each with their own stories that intertwine with the main plot, adding layers to the overall narrative.

The writing itself is elegant, with a lyrical quality that enhances the atmospheric feel of the story. Thomas’s ability to evoke emotion through her prose is commendable, making even the most ordinary moments feel significant.

Overall, The Spirit Collection of Thorne Hall is a beautifully written novel that combines the allure of a ghost story with heartfelt human experiences. It’s a perfect read for fans of gothic fiction and anyone who enjoys a thoughtful exploration of the supernatural. Thomas has crafted a memorable tale that lingers long after the final page is turned, leaving readers eager for more. Highly recommended!

A wonderful read perfect for October. This spooky story was the final read of the month for me, and what a wonderful ending. The story and the manor both haunting and grandiose. The Jane Eyre aspect was interesting and not something I have read before. An enjoyable read for those who love a good gothic haunting.