If you are a historical fiction or mystery lover, you will love this book. It kept me intrigued and wondering, "Who did it" the entire time. Several times, I thought I knew the killer, but alas, I was wrong in the end. This was a great read, and I can't wait for book 2 to come out.

This book was so good! With its great cast of characters, suspenseful Gothic mystery, and nods to Jane Eyre, I couldn’t put down!

The setting was wonderfully atmospheric with an ancient estate by the sea. There are secret rooms and passageways, mysterious footsteps heard late at night, and a legendary curse involving a mermaid. The mystery kept me guessing to the very end, and even though I thought I had it figured out, the end totally threw me.

I loved the relationship between Diana and her student, Emma, and the romance between William and Diana was lovely, but it’s secondary to the mystery.

Diana Taylor, a spirited governess, is sent to Pendowar Hall to teach her godmother’s niece and uncover the truth behind the former baronet’s suspicious death. There, she meets Captain William Fallbrook, a charismatic but brooding Royal Navy officer.

As Diana investigates Pendowar Hall, she uncovers secrets, including a Mermaid’s Curse, and develops feelings for Captain Fallbrook, but can she trust him?

Diana’s quest to uncover the truth about his uncle’s killer puts her in danger, and he seems torn between fascination and frustration with her determination.

This is the first book in the author’s ‘Audacious Sisterhood of Smoke & Fire’ series, and I can’t wait for the next book!

I received a copy from the publisher and Austenprose PR via NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

Jane Eyre is one of my all time favorites & I absolutely loved this romantic historical fiction loosely based on the classic story. Filled with mystery, secret rooms, a challenging pupil, a mermaid’s curse, & a handsome but wounded captain, this gothic adventure had me quickly turning the pages. The Mysteries of Pendowar Hall is my first book by Syrie James & can’t wait to read more!

Diana Taylor’s on a mission to solve a mystery. Her godmother believes her nephew was murdered & has sent Diana to Pendowar Hall as a governess to her niece to discover the truth. But, the new baronet Captain William Fallbrook proves an enticing enigma who’s on leave from the navy recovering from an injury. Her fifteen year old pupil also proves a challenge as she tries to find ways to help her learn. As Diana, investigates the death of the previous baronet, she finds a household surrounded by secrecy & a curse that could be her undoing.

I loved this book! Diana’s an intelligent, driven heroine who loves reading especially the newly published Jane Eyre. I loved how dedicated she was to Emma to find ways to help her with dyslexia. William is the brooding, taciturn hero who’s a fitting likeness of Mr. Rochester. I loved how mysterious he was & I honestly wasn’t sure if he was the villain or hero at first.

The mystery was amazing with a gothic, atmospheric setting complete with footsteps in the night, hidden rooms, & plenty of red herrings. I was on the edge of my seat as Diana searches for clues. The villain ended up being somewhat of a surprise with many twists and turns along the way. I loved all the clever nods to Jane Eyre.

Highly recommend this amazing start to a new series! Can’t wait to read the next book! This is a kisses only historical gothic romance. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher & author but also purchased through Kindle Unlimited. All opinions are my own & voluntarily provided.

I received an ARC of this book and I was so excited I did. This is my first time reading a book from this Author and I will definitely be reading more. This book has mystery, intrigue, suspense and great romance all in one book! The characters were amazing and the storyline was very well written and interesting. I just couldn't put it down! I can't wait to read more from this Author!

Secrets and legend are at the heart of this romance that has a gothic feel. Set in an estate along the Cornwall coastline the atmosphere is dark and brooding. Diana, the FMC, is a governess sent to the castle by her godmother to figure out what happened to her brother the former baronet. What she finds is the attractive heir to the estate, Captain William Fallbrook, her student, Miss Fallbrook who is described as wild and unteachable, and a staff that is keeping secrets. The more Diana learns about the estate and its inhabitants the more she wonders who can be trusted. Can she figure it out before someone else dies?

One of my favorite parts is the legend of the mermaid, how can I not love a legend complete with a chamber dedicated to it?!?! Especially when it is said to have been built out of love. Diana is an enjoyable character. She is determined, thoughtful, resourceful, and wants to figure out how to help Miss Fallbrook. As with any good MMC there are hidden emotions beneath Captain William Fallbrook’s gruff exterior. The romance was closed door with just kisses and meaningful looks. The mystery kept me guessing and reading to figure it out. This was an enjoyable read and I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I recommend this book to readers that enjoy gothic mysteries and romances.

A Haunting Gothic Romance Filled with Mystery
What secrets lurk behind the doors of Pendowar Hall, and will Diana survive uncovering them? A suspicious death, whispers of a curse, and strange occurrences cast a shadow over the grand estate. Determined to honor a promise to her godmother, Diana sets out to unravel the truth—but investigating murder is a perilous endeavor. As she falls for the enigmatic master of Pendowar Hall, one question lingers: Is he the man of her dreams or a dangerous killer?
This gripping tale kept me turning the pages late into the night. With its perfect blend of romance, suspense, and eerie atmosphere, it’s a must-read for fans of Gothic and historical mysteries. This was my first book by this author, and I can't wait to read more!

A well-written sweet romance, sort of a gothic theme with a murder mystery. Diana is patient, smart, and loyal, and vows to never fall in love after two bad experiences with relationships. But her new employer Captain Fallbrook is anything she had expected. He is handsome and interesting, suffering from a wound from war and PTSD as he tries to settle into the role of estate owner something he never wanted, and the guardian of his niece, a teenager with reading disabilities. Not only is Diana able to be the first governess to help his niece learn to read, but she is also the first to get under his skin, but the murder mysteries surrounding the estate have her tracing down the truth, leading her into a dangerous place. I loved the twists and turns, the sweet romance with the grumpy sunshine trope. Plus the background setting is awesome.
Thank you to the publisher and author for this copy.

syrie james delivered a captivating blend of mystery with a hint of romance in the mysteries of pendowar hall. the atmospheric seaside setting and the gothic undertones immediately drew me, and created a sense of intrigue and suspense that was woven throughout the story. the lore surrounding pendowar hall was rich and compelling and kept me turning the pages.

diana’s relationships with the fallbrooks was my favorite part of the story. her bond with emma was especially heartwarming, and her dynamic with william added a touching emotional element. their interactions were tender and believable. i couldn’t help but root for their connection as the mystery deepened and even threatened their lives.

the mystery itself was masterfully crafted, and kept me guessing until the very end. just when you think you have it figured out, james throws in unexpected twists that keep the tension high. the mysteries of pendowar hall is a beautifully written and thoroughly engaging read. it’s perfect for fans of abigail wilson who enjoy historical mystery with a touch of romance and a gothic edge.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
content: kisses

thank you to the author, dragonblade publishing, and austenprose for the gifted copy. my thoughts are my own.

To start off, Thank you for the e-arc of the book. I enjoy reading a good gothic mystery. There is something so fun about reading these kinds of books. I enjoyed my time with the characters. I enjoyed the setting of the book as well. The author did a great job creating atmosphere to support the overall vibe. I would read more by this author in the future! four stars.

What genre is your comfort read? One of my favorite types of comfort reads is Gothic romantic suspense.

Governess Diana Taylor has been sent by her Godmother to Pendowar Hall in Cornwall to teach her Godmother’s niece, Emma Fallbrook, and to investigate the mystery of her Godmother’s brother’s (the former Baronet’s) death. The new owner of the estate is the former baronet’s nephew, Captain William Fallbrook. The Captain is home recovering from a wound. He is handsome and charismatic, but it’s rumored he has a woman in every port. Is he all that he seems? What is the mermaid’s curse, and did it cause the previous baronet’s death?

My thoughts on this novel:
• I liked how Diana was a caring governess and helped her ward Emma build her confidence by trying to figure out the facts behind the death of her father as well as help her with her learning disability. Diana was a strong woman and kept on working on solving the mystery, while helping others and finding romance for herself. I always enjoy stories that involve governesses.

• The Captain was an intriguing and mysterious romantic figure.

• I loved all the references to Jane Eyre. The entire novel had a Jane Eyre vibe to it, but I especially loved the meeting of Diana and the Captain. It reminded me so much of the meeting between Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester.

• The cover of this novel is beautiful. Blue is my favorite color.

• This is the first novel in the new series – The Audacious Sisterhood of the Smoke and Fire. I like the series title. I can’t wait for the next book. I also hope that Diana and her sisters will be able to start their own school as they planned.

• I loved the mysteries and the gothic romance. It was a great escapism read and reminded me of some of my favorite authors in this genre including Daphne Du Maurier, Victoria, Holt, and Mary Stewart.

• This was a clean read. The book had a good romance, but mostly focused on the mystery.

• This novel had a great setting. I always love mysterious manors on the coast of Cornwall.

Overall, The Mysteries of Pendowar Hall by Syrie James was a riveting start to a great new series with a captivating Gothic romantic suspense mystery.

Book Source: Review copy from Dragonblade Publishing as part of the Austenprose PR Book Tour. Thank-you! Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was an enjoyable historical mystery set in Victorian times with a strong gothic vibe. Diana, a strong female protagonist, has gone to Pendowar Hall at the request of her elderly godmother to be a governess to her niece who has a reputation for being a difficult student and to look the mysterious death of her brother, the girl's father. Diana, and her two sisters, had a reputation growing for solving mysteries and hopes to use that talent at Pendowar Hall that has a supposed Mermaid's Curse that results in death if the governess fell in love with the master. The new owner of the Hall, Captain Fallbrook, was somewhat taciturn but a growing attraction between the two left Diana in a precarious position. Should she trust her heart, which had betrayed her before, and risk death? Or would she finally find love and solve the Mysteries of Pendowar Hall?

I liked Diana. She has a stronger character than many stars of gothic stories. Some of her behavior may be a bit ahead of her time but not so glaring that I can't believe it. I really liked how she struggled with her charge, Emma, who believed that she was not smart because she couldn't read and didn't even see the point in trying. In modern terms we would call it dyslexia but that was not recognized in any form at that time. Diana tried a variety of approaches to help Emma and through trial and error came up with some methods. But it wasn't an immediate fix. Very realistic.

The romance was a minor storyline but nicely portrayed. The mystery was the star of the show. There were a number of facets to the mystery and it kept me guessing until near the end and had an exciting finale. I look forward to reading more of this series.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

This has got to be the most intriguing historical mystery I've read so far! This book has so many complexities and problems to be solved.

Did Lord Fallbrook really commit suicide? Why is Captain William Fallbrook so mysterious? Why can no governess handle Lady Fallbrook?

And then there is the new governess, Diana, who is determined to solve these mysteries before her godmother passes.

But when the curse of Pendowar Hall involving a governess and her lord comes to light, will she be able to break it or will she succumb to it as well?

I love how many genres this book has, it literally has all of my favorites: Victorian historical fiction, mystery, and romance!

I also loved how independent Diana was for her time and her aspirations to open her own school. I can't wait to see more, perhaps more of her sisters and their own story?

Diana Taylor is the perfect person to investigate on behalf of her godmother, Mrs. Phillps, the circumstances of her brother’s death. Courageous in the face of danger and eager to get the answers needed to get justice, Diana is just the young lady to investigate what happened at Pendowar Hall. She also was such a caring young lady who brought hope and help to her student, Emma.

I love the Gothic atmosphere of this story with dark stormy nights, the brooding and pensive Captain William Fallbrook, and mysterious footsteps late at night. It has several twists and clues to keep you intrigued throughout the story. If you enjoy a romance story that has the elements of suspense and foreboding castles, this is the book for you.

Things to love:
governess
Jane Eyre feeling
mermaid legends
a curse
rugged setting
Sisterhood of Smoke and Fire
dyslexic character
forgiveness

Favorite Quotes:

“Guilt and regret are like cancer, Captain. They can eat one away from the inside out if we let them.”

“Nothing is impossible, Miss Taylor. The word itself says, “I’m possible.”

“Forgive them, “ he said again. “Not for their sakes, but for your own. For your peace of mind. It’s the only way forward.”

I highly recommend this first book in the Audacious Sisterhood of Smoke and Fire series. I can’t wait to read more of the stories of these ladies. I received a copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley and AustenProse. All opinions are my own with no obligation to write a positive review.

“Seek the truth before it comes back to haunt you—or harm you.”

This is such a great book and isn’t the cover beautiful! Right away I was captured with the beauty of Cornwall and the mysterious setting of the house and Captain Fallbrook.

Diana has had hard things happen to her and past guilt she is holding on to. So she is determined to find out what happened to Sir Thomas from the wishes of her godmother. All while being a good governess for her charge. Diana is lovely. She is so kind and smart. I loved how she took Emma under her wing and did all she could to help her. I was cheering for the two of them at times. William is just a mysterious as the house. They have a slow-burn going on that I enjoyed.

Besides great characters, the story has a captivating mystery. The author does a great job of making me suspect and feel things right along with Diana. There is danger around every corner of the manor and grounds and a legend of the Mermaid’s Curse that is on everyone’s mind. I also enjoyed how the author worked the letters between Diana, her siblings, and Mrs. Phillips.

I’m excited to read more books from this author!

Thank you to the publisher for the NetGalley link and paperback!

Miss Diana Taylor, a highly intelligent young lady, who, due to family circumstances needs to earn a living. She is persuaded by her godmother to investigate the suspicious death of her beloved brother, the late Sir Thomas, the former Baron of Pendower Hall. She secures a position as governess to Sir Thomas' daughter, Emma, and proceeds to investigate his death. The more she delves into the mystery surrounding his death, the more secrets are revealed, along with other sinister happenings, some of which put Diana in danger.

Lots of twist and turns and several other mysteries are resolved before the final reveal of what happened to Sir Thomas. A beautifully written story that kept me interested and engaged.

I received an ARC from the publishers and NetGalley and submit my honest review voluntarily. I would recommend this book to anyone looking to read a good mystery.

I grew up reading a lot of Victoria Holt and Dorothy Eden. So when I saw this title listed in Netgalley's catalogue, I jumped at the chance to read it.

Definitely would describe The Mysteries of Pendowar Hall as a gothic romance/suspense. Diana is a gentlewoman who goes to work as a governess at a huge estate called Pendowar Hill. She is recommended there by her godmother who also wants Diana there for another reason - her brother was the owner of the estate up until a recent accident. But was it really an accident or a murder? Diana meets her 15 yr old high-spirited charge and also the new owner of the estate, the maritime Captain nephew of the previous owner who died. Diana finds challenges at every corner as she investigates the mysterious death, teaches her charge, and draws closer to the Captain (he's really hot).

Enjoyed the twists and turns and found the characters engaging. Looking forward to reading more by Syria James.

I loved this mystery/romance novel. This is the first book that I have read by Syrie James, and I can't wait to read more!!! She does a marvelous job of drawing the reader in from the very first page. Diana is visiting her Godmother who has just lost her brother to "suicide". She begs Diana to go to the estate where she grew up and investigate the death of her brother, as she doesn't believe he committed suicide. She applied for a job as a governess for the daughter left behind. She is told that the young girl is "unreachable" and in need of a new governess. Diana is hired as the governess and goes to the estate to teach and try and discover what happened to her Godmother's brother. On her way to the estate, her carriage is stopped by a tree blocking the road. A gentleman appears in the night and helps move the tree - she later finds out that this is her new pupil's cousin and her new boss, Captain William. Diana faces many challenges as she works to teach her new student and get to know the staff and her boss. During the challenges, she also encounters many unanswered questions about her Godmother's brother and his death. Soon, she is also fighting for her life and the love of her life. This book has something for all who enjoy romance, mystery, and overcoming self-doubt

Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review..

Last weekend, Syrie James released her new Gothic novel, The Mysteries of Pendowar Hall. This is the first in her series, The Audacious Sisterhood of Smoke & Fire. Blending suspense with a love story, this novel follows Diana Taylor as she begins working as governess for fifteen-year-old Emma… and investigates the circumstances around Emma’s father’s recent death. Could the handsome new master of Pendowar Hall, Captain Fallbrook, have played a part? Or did the late Sir Thomas have other enemies?

Why I Chose This Book:
Gothic suspense and romance with inspiration from Jane Eyre? Yes, please! The Mysteries of Pendowar Hall offers many of my favorite themes and genre tropes, all wrapped up in one shiny bow. As soon as I heard about this book from Laurel Ann Nattress, I was I excited to read it (and the rest of the series).

What I Liked:
- Numerous allusions to Jane Eyre. From the way Diana Taylor meets Captain Fallbrook to their fireside chat, from her being a governess to him being a broody and well-traveled man, there are several scenic and thematic nods to Charlotte Brontë’s novel. Moreover, the characters themselves frequently talk about their love of Jane Eyre (then published under the name Currer Bell). I loved all of this!
- Curses, mermaids, and mysterious nighttime activities
- Creepy dreams
- Attempts on Diana’s life – oh no!
- Emma Fallbrook’s learning disability (which I correctly diagnosed right away, even if such a term didn’t yet exist in 1849)
- Surprising secrets and twists!
- Forbidden romance

Final Thoughts
The Mysteries of Pendowar Hall is an enthralling novel that matches the tone of mid-nineteenth century Gothic fiction perfectly. The murder mystery takes up the bulk of the narrative, with a confounding mix of clues leading to different suspects. (I was shocked at who the villain turned out to be!) However, I also enjoyed the scenes about unraveling Emma’s learning disability and the romance between Diana and Captain Fallbrook that later starts to emerge. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and can’t wait for the next books in the series. The Secrets of Thorndale Manor will arrive this June, while Danger at Darkmoor Park is due in September.

She vowed to solve a murder.

Now she’s in danger of losing her heart … and her very life.

Diana Taylor, a bright and spirited governess who has sworn off love, is sent to Pendowar Hall in Cornwall to honor a pledge. She vows to teach her godmother’s niece and to find out who was behind the suspicious death of the former baronet. But her new charge is also a mystery, as is the man who inherited the ancient coastal estate—the charismatic but brooding Royal Navy Captain William Fallbrook, who is home on leave to recover from an injury.

As Diana investigates, her feelings for the enigmatic Captain Fallbrook blossom, and her guard goes up. Pendowar Hall is brimming with secrets as well as a frightening legend about a Mermaid’s Curse. What is behind the mysterious footsteps in the night? Is there more to the story of the tragic deaths of the former baronet’s wife and son? What secrets is Captain Fallbrook hiding? Can she trust the man who has stolen her heart?

The Mysteries of Pendowar Hall
by Syrie James
Pub Date: Feb 22 2025

He looks to be entranced by Diana, even though her determination to dig up the past seems to get on his last nerve. Soon, Diana’s bold quest to unmask his uncle’s killer leads her into terrifying danger, for someone is determined to end her life before she can discover the truth.


The Audacious Sisterhood of Smoke & Fire

Book 1 - The Mysteries of Pendowar Hall

Book 2 - The Secrets of Thorndale Manor

Book 3 - Danger at Darkmoor Park

This first book in The Audacious Sisterhood of Smoke & Fire is an intense and well written Victorian historical murder, mystery romance. It was full of drama, action, intrigue, mystery, suspense, attempted murder, a hidden affair, an illegitimate child, with so many mixture of tropes that give a gothic type atmosphere of a Emily Bronte novel. It kept me very entertained and engaged. I enjoyed the beautiful romance that overcame all obstacles, including death. The ending was lovely. I highly recommend reading!