The Secrets of Hartwood Hall Audiobook By Katie Lumsden cover art

The Secrets of Hartwood Hall

A Novel

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The Secrets of Hartwood Hall

By: Katie Lumsden
Narrated by: Olivia Vinall
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A gripping and atmospheric debut that is at once a chilling gothic mystery and a love letter to Victorian fiction.

Nobody ever goes to Hartwood Hall. Folks say it’s cursed…

It’s 1852 and Margaret Lennox, a young widow, attempts to escape the shadows of her past by taking a position as governess to an only child, Louis, at an isolated country house in the west of England.

But Margaret soon starts to feel that something isn’t quite right. There are strange figures in the dark, tensions between servants, and an abandoned east wing. Even stranger is the local gossip surrounding Mrs. Eversham, Louis’s widowed mother, who is deeply distrusted in the village.

Lonely and unsure whom to trust, Margaret finds distraction in a forbidden relationship with the gardener, Paul. But as Margaret’s history threatens to catch up with her, it isn’t long before she learns the truth behind the secrets of Hartwood Hall.

©2023 Katie Lumsden (P)2023 Penguin Audio Gothic Historical Horror Mystery Suspense Thriller & Suspense Scary Fiction

Critic reviews

A SheReads Favorite Historical Gothic Mystery

"Who doesn’t love a cursed manor house in the remote English countryside, especially one with an entire abandoned wing? I’m looking forward to diving into this modern gothic that also promises some Lady Chatterly’s Lover action (there is a handsome gardener!)." —CrimeReads

"[A] captivating debut. . . . Assured prose propels this well-crafted tale of family, friendship, and the cost of personal freedom. Fans of the great Victorian novels, in particular Jane Eyre, will have fun." —Publishers Weekly

“Debut author Lumsden masterfully creates a believable atmosphere of the age, where science and logic are served side by side with the supernatural in everyday life.” —Booklist

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Victorian Gothic Atmosphere • Unexpected Twists • Brilliant Narration • Compelling Storyline • Excellent Job
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I was worried when the story has a sick boy and the author loves Dombey. But that would have been a twist too far. The mystery was well worked out and I got hooked. Just one flaw: whist is not a two person game.

Great mystery, great characters

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I am following the writer on YouTube and I love her videos. Exactly as I loved this book! The characters were consistent and with depth, the story had several picks and the narrator was only adding to the overall experience. I was waiting for this book for more than I year and now I want more!!!

What a tray that was?!

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I loved the story of Jane Eyre and I wanted this story to be in the same vein as it.
I was not disappointed! I really loved this book. I listened to it in 3 days, which means that whenever i had any downtime whatsoever, it played. I'm kind of sad now that its over. If you like Victorian-spooky-governess-love stories then this is the book for you.

I loved this book, like i loved Jane Eyre!

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The narrator did a great job and the story kept me interested. Not outstanding but definitely a good listen! Unusual twist at the end.

Compelling story

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This Victorian gothic style novel keeps you guessing with wonderful turns of mystery and horror.

The storytelling and unfolding character development

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I agree with the other reviews that express the total letdown of the ending, as well as the character change in Margaret. Suddenly she’s an independent feminist ? It didn’t fit with the first 2/3 of the story. Excellent narration.

Disappointing ending

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this was the first book I've ever read that took place in this specific time frame and I think it was written beautifully. I liked learning so much about how people conducted themselves back in this era. I think the main character was written insanely well. her backstory and how she acted and what decisions she made really make for a well-rounded character. the resolve of the mystery was done very well, it wasn't info dumpy and everything made sense. I was not able to figure out the mystery. this book had so many underlying story lines that were fascinating and I think they were all weaved together to produce something really moving.

What a wild ride!

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I really enjoyed this historical novel from the Victorian period. It felt, to me, like a love letter to ‘Jane Eyre’ and other Victorian classics. Many secrets, slowly revealed throughout, will have you listening well into the night. The narration was absolutely brilliant and I’m already looking forward to the author’s next novel! Give this one a try; you won’t be sorry!

Creepy and atmospheric!

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What a debut novel! Katie has filled her story with twists, turns and a heart pounding climax. Hartwood Hall has multiple secrets that keep you guessing throughout. Looking forward to Ms. Lumsden’s next novel.

Heart pounding climax

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it quickly turned into a mess. the heroine became weak and simpering. I found myself skipping whole chapters. I really hope Paul stays away.

Started out good.

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