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Secrets of Rose Briar Hall
In this Gilded Age gothic homage to “Gaslight” starring Ingrid Bergman, a wealthy young newlywed in early 20th century New York is isolated within her opulent, yet ominously empty mansion by the charismatic and controlling new husband plotting to undermine her sanity…
1908, Long Island: For Millie Turner, the young and beautiful wife of a powerful New York stockbroker, Rose Briar Hall—a gleaming edifice of white marble on the North Shore—is more than a home. Every lavish detail speaks of Charles Turner’s status and wealth, and its stylish interior is testament to Millie’s sophistication. All that’s left is to prove her worthiness to be his bride. What better way than to throw a grand party for New York’s social elite?
After painstaking planning, the night of the event arrives and all is perfection—until Millie wakes to a cold, eerily quiet house, and a gray cloud where her memory should be. Can it be true that she has been in and out of consciousness for weeks, ever since the party took a terrifying turn? Millie recalls nothing. But her friends have shunned her, and it soon becomes clear that if she can't find out what really happened that night, much more than her reputation will be at risk . . .
As the house that promised so much happiness begins to feel more like a prison, Millie wonders whether a woman alone, even a wealthy one, can ever be entirely safe. And if she succeeds in finding the truth, will it bring relief, or shake her marriage, and her life, to the core?
1908, Long Island: For Millie Turner, the young and beautiful wife of a powerful New York stockbroker, Rose Briar Hall—a gleaming edifice of white marble on the North Shore—is more than a home. Every lavish detail speaks of Charles Turner’s status and wealth, and its stylish interior is testament to Millie’s sophistication. All that’s left is to prove her worthiness to be his bride. What better way than to throw a grand party for New York’s social elite?
After painstaking planning, the night of the event arrives and all is perfection—until Millie wakes to a cold, eerily quiet house, and a gray cloud where her memory should be. Can it be true that she has been in and out of consciousness for weeks, ever since the party took a terrifying turn? Millie recalls nothing. But her friends have shunned her, and it soon becomes clear that if she can't find out what really happened that night, much more than her reputation will be at risk . . .
As the house that promised so much happiness begins to feel more like a prison, Millie wonders whether a woman alone, even a wealthy one, can ever be entirely safe. And if she succeeds in finding the truth, will it bring relief, or shake her marriage, and her life, to the core?
304 pages, Paperback
First published June 25, 2024
About the author
Kelsey James
3 books210 followersKelsey James is a historical fiction author, content marketer and former travel editor. A graduate of Dartmouth College with degrees in Creative Writing and Classical Studies, she currently lives with her family outside New York City and can be found online at KelseyJamesAuthor.com.
Instagram: @kelseyjamesauthor
TikTok: @kelseywriter
Instagram: @kelseyjamesauthor
TikTok: @kelseywriter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
June 16, 2024
Alright, I've been procrastinating on writing this review. Sometimes I get this unreasonable guilty feeling when my Goodreads friends love a book and I end up not loving it so much.
To be fair, I received the audio arc and not the kindle. A good part of my lack of enjoyment was due to the narrator. She was horrible. The best way I can describe it - is she was doing this gentle, soft, whisper voice. Often high pitched in a way that it seemed like she was trying to come across as some soft spoken and fragile woman. She really just came across as sounding inauthentic and wrong.
It didn't work for me at all, I had to muster up quite a bit of will and strength to make it through to the end.
While the story was entertaining enough, I felt that it lacked some depth, a character to root for - because I wasn't a fan of the FMC or anyone for that matter. And I felt like it could have leaned more into the murder mystery, gothic and dark vibes and less on the romance side.
Thank you, Kristina and Dab for putting this book on my radar! 💐💜
I highly recommend avoiding the audiobook for this one.
╰⪼ 💙 Gothic Mystery
╰⪼ 💙 Historical Fiction
╰⪼ 💙 Dark Edge
╰⪼ 💙 Twists and Turns
╰⪼ 💙 Anxiety-Inducing Pace
╰⪼ 💙 New York, 1908
✨ Many thanks to NetGalley, HighBridge Audio and Kelsey James for the complementary audio copy, in exchange for my honest review. ✨
To be fair, I received the audio arc and not the kindle. A good part of my lack of enjoyment was due to the narrator. She was horrible. The best way I can describe it - is she was doing this gentle, soft, whisper voice. Often high pitched in a way that it seemed like she was trying to come across as some soft spoken and fragile woman. She really just came across as sounding inauthentic and wrong.
It didn't work for me at all, I had to muster up quite a bit of will and strength to make it through to the end.
While the story was entertaining enough, I felt that it lacked some depth, a character to root for - because I wasn't a fan of the FMC or anyone for that matter. And I felt like it could have leaned more into the murder mystery, gothic and dark vibes and less on the romance side.
Thank you, Kristina and Dab for putting this book on my radar! 💐💜
I highly recommend avoiding the audiobook for this one.
╰⪼ 💙 Gothic Mystery
╰⪼ 💙 Historical Fiction
╰⪼ 💙 Dark Edge
╰⪼ 💙 Twists and Turns
╰⪼ 💙 Anxiety-Inducing Pace
╰⪼ 💙 New York, 1908
✨ Many thanks to NetGalley, HighBridge Audio and Kelsey James for the complementary audio copy, in exchange for my honest review. ✨
July 6, 2024
OOPS, this launched and I forgot to update everyone!
IT’S OUT GUYS!
An atmospheric, cozy thriller set in the gilded age of New York.
This has plenty of twists and turns and had me gripped throughout. It’s written in first person PoV, which is not my first choice for this genre or time period, but oddly it made sense to be in Millie’s head. She is an unreliable narrator at first while she is being drugged, manipulated and gaslit, but as we go on we get to witness her growth and struggle first hand. I can’t really fully dissect this book as I don’t wish to reveal any spoilers but I found the concept fascinating. It was gothic, creepy and filled with angst and frustration. The villain in this is truly the lack of agency that women had at the time. It was frustrating to read about a woman whose life was in peril, and the lack of care, the laws of the day and the misogyny that kept her there.
There are some light moments throughout that balance out all the heavy, a sweet side romance with a childhood friend. And some of the elements were over the top, but done for tension and dramatic effect, so I went with it. The ending was interesting and maybe an odd choice, but I can’t discuss it here so hit me up if you’ve read it and want a conversation about it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington for gifting me with this advanced copy hoping maybe I would review it but not requiring me to in any way.
IT’S OUT GUYS!
An atmospheric, cozy thriller set in the gilded age of New York.
This has plenty of twists and turns and had me gripped throughout. It’s written in first person PoV, which is not my first choice for this genre or time period, but oddly it made sense to be in Millie’s head. She is an unreliable narrator at first while she is being drugged, manipulated and gaslit, but as we go on we get to witness her growth and struggle first hand. I can’t really fully dissect this book as I don’t wish to reveal any spoilers but I found the concept fascinating. It was gothic, creepy and filled with angst and frustration. The villain in this is truly the lack of agency that women had at the time. It was frustrating to read about a woman whose life was in peril, and the lack of care, the laws of the day and the misogyny that kept her there.
There are some light moments throughout that balance out all the heavy, a sweet side romance with a childhood friend. And some of the elements were over the top, but done for tension and dramatic effect, so I went with it. The ending was interesting and maybe an odd choice, but I can’t discuss it here so hit me up if you’ve read it and want a conversation about it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington for gifting me with this advanced copy hoping maybe I would review it but not requiring me to in any way.
July 6, 2024
The book is out, enjoy!
Millie has everything; a charming, handsome husband, loving parents and a beautiful house. However something goes horribly wrong during her housewarming party. She wakes up a few weeks later to a cold and empty house without any recollection of what happened. What’s even more disturbing, everyone around her is acting strangely.
This book was creepy and made me feel uneasy but it also kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end. Gaslighting is a powerful weapon, unfortunately still in use, especially against women. Millie’s predicament might seem outlandish at first, but it’s really not that unrealistic, which was a rather chilling realization.
The way the story unfolded was excellent; new details being revealed at just the right moments, unexpected plot twists and a much appreciated love story that balanced out the heavy plot.
Highly recommended for historical fiction and thriller fans.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
——-
I got the arc!!!! 🎉
Millie has everything; a charming, handsome husband, loving parents and a beautiful house. However something goes horribly wrong during her housewarming party. She wakes up a few weeks later to a cold and empty house without any recollection of what happened. What’s even more disturbing, everyone around her is acting strangely.
This book was creepy and made me feel uneasy but it also kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end. Gaslighting is a powerful weapon, unfortunately still in use, especially against women. Millie’s predicament might seem outlandish at first, but it’s really not that unrealistic, which was a rather chilling realization.
The way the story unfolded was excellent; new details being revealed at just the right moments, unexpected plot twists and a much appreciated love story that balanced out the heavy plot.
Highly recommended for historical fiction and thriller fans.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
——-
I got the arc!!!! 🎉
July 22, 2024
Secrets of Rose Briar Hall was the second book I had the pleasure of reading by author, Kelsey James. It was well written and had me totally immersed right from the beginning. Over the years, I have read several books that were set in the guilded age. This time period, although fascinating, continues to remind me how dominant men’s roles were back then. Women were rarely, if ever, taken seriously or given the respect they deserved in regards to their intellect, rights or status. Secrets of Rose Briar Hall was set on Long Island, New York in 1908. It could best be described as a historical mystery thriller. The characters were well developed and believable. Secrets of Rose Briar Hall was a bit creepy, atmospheric and addictive. There were many twists and turns throughout the story that kept me wanting to read more. I listened to the audiobook that was narrated by Sofia Willingham. Her intonation was a little annoying at first but after I got used to it I enjoyed her performance.
Secrets of Rose Briar Hall was based loosely on the movie Gaslight. The term gaslighting suggests that a loved one tried to convince a significant other that they were not of a sound mind and could no longer trust their own thoughts and recollections. This method was used to have that person committed to a mental institution and gain access to their wealth and possessions.
Millie had led a charmed life. She was from a wealthy family and doted upon by a loving mother and father who had an apartment on Park Avenue in Manhattan. When Millie met Charles, a successful New York stockbroker, she felt like the luckiest girl in the world. Millie and Charles had a whirlwind and very romantic courtship. Charles was not the person her parents would have picked out for Millie but they saw how much Millie loved him and gave her their blessing to marry him.
After marrying Charles, Millie and Charles moved into Rose Briar Hall, a home on Long Island that Millie’s father had gifted to her. Millie busied herself with the responsibilities of decorating Rose Briar Hall. She made sure that she added things that she knew Charles would like. When the decorating was completed, Millie wanted to prove to all of her and Charle’s friends that she was the perfect wife for Charles. She still considered herself so lucky to be the one he chose to be his wife. What better way to accomplish this than by throwing a lavish dinner party and inviting all the “right” guests. Everyone would see how much Charles loved her and what a perfect wife she was for him.
The night of the dinner party finally arrived. Every detail had been seen to. Millie was excited to welcome their guests into her and Charles’ newly decorated home. Unfortunately, something went terribly wrong that night. Gertrude, one of the guests that had been invited, had died after drinking some tea that had been poisoned.
Three weeks later, Millie finally woke. She had no recollection or memory of the fateful night. Charles was at Millie’s side as she woke. He tried to jostle her memory by reminding Millie that she had been the one to pour Gertrude’s tea just before she died. There was no way that Millie would attempt an act such as the one Charles described to her. Millie also had trouble comprehending why she had been sleeping for three weeks. Charles tried to remind her how hysterical and anxious she had been since the party. The doctor that had been called for had given Millie something to calm her nerves. She was told that it was not unusual for someone to have memory lapses after suffering such a traumatic experience as what occurred at the dinner party that night. Eventually, Millie learned that she was being given a steady dose of Chloral to keep her sedated and to ensure that her memories from that fateful night stayed buried deep in her subconscious. Millie still believed Charles loved her and was doing everything he could to help her recover. Those feelings changed, though, as Millie began to get her memory back. She soon discovered that Charles had made sure that all her friends believed that Millie had purposely poisoned Gertrude. Charles had made Millie a prisoner in her own home. He wanted to put her in an asylum so she would get better but Millie didn’t believe him. Millie needed not only to escape from the prison Charles had created for her but find someone who believed her side of the story. Who was Millie to trust? If only she could get to her parent’s apartment, surely her father would believe her and know how to help her. However, Millie found an ally in the least likely person, a childhood friend named David, who was now a journalist. Would Millie be able to avoid the plans Charles had been making for her?
I admired Millie’s character a great deal. She was smart, resourceful, resilient and determined. Millie fought an uphill battle in a man’s dominated world. With David’s help and urging, Millie confronted Charles. It was sad that Millie’s parents believed more in appearances than believing and supporting their daughter unconditionally. I enjoyed the romance that David and Millie shared and how it grew into love. The ending of Secrets of Rose Briar Hall was satisfying and believable. I really enjoyed the atmosphere of this time period that was conveyed through the details and descriptions in the book. Secrets of Rose Briar Hall was enjoyable and I recommend it highly.
Thank you to High Bridge Audio for allowing me to listen to Secrets of Rose Briar Hall by Kelsey James through Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
Secrets of Rose Briar Hall was based loosely on the movie Gaslight. The term gaslighting suggests that a loved one tried to convince a significant other that they were not of a sound mind and could no longer trust their own thoughts and recollections. This method was used to have that person committed to a mental institution and gain access to their wealth and possessions.
Millie had led a charmed life. She was from a wealthy family and doted upon by a loving mother and father who had an apartment on Park Avenue in Manhattan. When Millie met Charles, a successful New York stockbroker, she felt like the luckiest girl in the world. Millie and Charles had a whirlwind and very romantic courtship. Charles was not the person her parents would have picked out for Millie but they saw how much Millie loved him and gave her their blessing to marry him.
After marrying Charles, Millie and Charles moved into Rose Briar Hall, a home on Long Island that Millie’s father had gifted to her. Millie busied herself with the responsibilities of decorating Rose Briar Hall. She made sure that she added things that she knew Charles would like. When the decorating was completed, Millie wanted to prove to all of her and Charle’s friends that she was the perfect wife for Charles. She still considered herself so lucky to be the one he chose to be his wife. What better way to accomplish this than by throwing a lavish dinner party and inviting all the “right” guests. Everyone would see how much Charles loved her and what a perfect wife she was for him.
The night of the dinner party finally arrived. Every detail had been seen to. Millie was excited to welcome their guests into her and Charles’ newly decorated home. Unfortunately, something went terribly wrong that night. Gertrude, one of the guests that had been invited, had died after drinking some tea that had been poisoned.
Three weeks later, Millie finally woke. She had no recollection or memory of the fateful night. Charles was at Millie’s side as she woke. He tried to jostle her memory by reminding Millie that she had been the one to pour Gertrude’s tea just before she died. There was no way that Millie would attempt an act such as the one Charles described to her. Millie also had trouble comprehending why she had been sleeping for three weeks. Charles tried to remind her how hysterical and anxious she had been since the party. The doctor that had been called for had given Millie something to calm her nerves. She was told that it was not unusual for someone to have memory lapses after suffering such a traumatic experience as what occurred at the dinner party that night. Eventually, Millie learned that she was being given a steady dose of Chloral to keep her sedated and to ensure that her memories from that fateful night stayed buried deep in her subconscious. Millie still believed Charles loved her and was doing everything he could to help her recover. Those feelings changed, though, as Millie began to get her memory back. She soon discovered that Charles had made sure that all her friends believed that Millie had purposely poisoned Gertrude. Charles had made Millie a prisoner in her own home. He wanted to put her in an asylum so she would get better but Millie didn’t believe him. Millie needed not only to escape from the prison Charles had created for her but find someone who believed her side of the story. Who was Millie to trust? If only she could get to her parent’s apartment, surely her father would believe her and know how to help her. However, Millie found an ally in the least likely person, a childhood friend named David, who was now a journalist. Would Millie be able to avoid the plans Charles had been making for her?
I admired Millie’s character a great deal. She was smart, resourceful, resilient and determined. Millie fought an uphill battle in a man’s dominated world. With David’s help and urging, Millie confronted Charles. It was sad that Millie’s parents believed more in appearances than believing and supporting their daughter unconditionally. I enjoyed the romance that David and Millie shared and how it grew into love. The ending of Secrets of Rose Briar Hall was satisfying and believable. I really enjoyed the atmosphere of this time period that was conveyed through the details and descriptions in the book. Secrets of Rose Briar Hall was enjoyable and I recommend it highly.
Thank you to High Bridge Audio for allowing me to listen to Secrets of Rose Briar Hall by Kelsey James through Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
July 1, 2024
Narrated by Sofia Willingham
Presented by HighBridge Audio
Not quite what I was expecting, so a little disappointing, but still some interesting ideas.
I thought this was going to be a murder mystery, but it was really more concerned with feminism and the treatment of women as objects during this time period (early 1900s).
The story's catalyst is a party, during which a guest died. Our protagonist, Millie, hosted the party with her husband, Charles, but remembers nothing of it. She awakens weeks later with a pounding headache and no memory of what's occurred.
From the beginning, everyone is very secretive, and it's instantly frustrating how everyone coddles Millie, refusing to tell her the truth. The story that follows seems more a question of whether she's a victim of gaslighting or whether Millie truly is mentally unwell.
I liked Millie as a lead - she's quite intelligent, and not afraid to speak up for herself. She suspects wrongdoing and makes it known, but then is forced to face the consequences of not being quiet and meek and going along just to get along.
I enjoyed that aspect of it - exploring the discrimination from someone willing to speak out against it, but also seeing those consequences of being so outnumbered. At the same time, I thought there would be more about the events of the party than there was, so I was a little disappointed in that regard. Still, I was kept curious about the truth of what had happened and was happening.
The romance didn't do a lot for me, and I was disappointed in Millie a bit for her actions at times. Some of it made her a little hypocritical I felt, even if it made sense.
The narrator did a decent job of invoking sympathy for Millie, and differentiated the characters well. I did listen at 1.75x speed, so lots of pauses, but otherwise she read it okay.
This was an easy listen - not quite the murder mystery I was expecting, but an interesting historical fiction providing a glimpse into the discrimination women faced during the early 1900s.
With thanks to NetGalley for an audio ARC
Presented by HighBridge Audio
Not quite what I was expecting, so a little disappointing, but still some interesting ideas.
I thought this was going to be a murder mystery, but it was really more concerned with feminism and the treatment of women as objects during this time period (early 1900s).
The story's catalyst is a party, during which a guest died. Our protagonist, Millie, hosted the party with her husband, Charles, but remembers nothing of it. She awakens weeks later with a pounding headache and no memory of what's occurred.
From the beginning, everyone is very secretive, and it's instantly frustrating how everyone coddles Millie, refusing to tell her the truth. The story that follows seems more a question of whether she's a victim of gaslighting or whether Millie truly is mentally unwell.
I liked Millie as a lead - she's quite intelligent, and not afraid to speak up for herself. She suspects wrongdoing and makes it known, but then is forced to face the consequences of not being quiet and meek and going along just to get along.
I enjoyed that aspect of it - exploring the discrimination from someone willing to speak out against it, but also seeing those consequences of being so outnumbered. At the same time, I thought there would be more about the events of the party than there was, so I was a little disappointed in that regard. Still, I was kept curious about the truth of what had happened and was happening.
The romance didn't do a lot for me, and I was disappointed in Millie a bit for her actions at times. Some of it made her a little hypocritical I felt, even if it made sense.
The narrator did a decent job of invoking sympathy for Millie, and differentiated the characters well. I did listen at 1.75x speed, so lots of pauses, but otherwise she read it okay.
This was an easy listen - not quite the murder mystery I was expecting, but an interesting historical fiction providing a glimpse into the discrimination women faced during the early 1900s.
With thanks to NetGalley for an audio ARC
July 9, 2024
2.75 rounded up
The opinions expressed are honest and my own but I am thankful to NetGalley and the publisher for the audio ARC of this title.
I don’t even feel like I can review the book itself truly as my task is reviewing the audiobook and the narration is awful. The narrator has the most unnatural reading voice. It’s is this soft almost whisper that lilts for each individual word and. It in a good way.
It took all that I had to finish listening as I do not DNF ARC reads. Had it not been I definitely would have laid this down very early.
I will say that the author was very descriptive of the setting. It’s a bit too much at times where scenes felt flat as far as the action that was to be taking place. It got a bit convoluted in the second half of the book.
I didn’t want to root for the characters but again that may be different had I read the physical book.
So you may want to give it a chance if you are a suspense/ thriller person with a flair for liking historical fiction and the time period.
My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars and I rarely round up. I did this time merely as not to tank the ratings due to the poor audiobook quality.
⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again
The opinions expressed are honest and my own but I am thankful to NetGalley and the publisher for the audio ARC of this title.
I don’t even feel like I can review the book itself truly as my task is reviewing the audiobook and the narration is awful. The narrator has the most unnatural reading voice. It’s is this soft almost whisper that lilts for each individual word and. It in a good way.
It took all that I had to finish listening as I do not DNF ARC reads. Had it not been I definitely would have laid this down very early.
I will say that the author was very descriptive of the setting. It’s a bit too much at times where scenes felt flat as far as the action that was to be taking place. It got a bit convoluted in the second half of the book.
I didn’t want to root for the characters but again that may be different had I read the physical book.
So you may want to give it a chance if you are a suspense/ thriller person with a flair for liking historical fiction and the time period.
My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars and I rarely round up. I did this time merely as not to tank the ratings due to the poor audiobook quality.
⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again
July 4, 2024
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Secrets of Rose Briar Hall was a whirlwind. In this, you will meet Millie Turner. She is married to a powerful New York stockbroker and lives in Rose Briar Hall. Her life is nearly picture perfect until the day it all shatters around her. The morning after she throws a grand party, she wakes up with no memory of what happened. It also doesn't help that her society friends have completely shunned her either.
Her once happy home is now starting to feel like a prison and she's slowly trying to put all the pieces of what happened that night together. Along the way, she does find romance with a certain guy who isn't her husband. But if I'm being honest here? He's like five thousand times better than her actual husband. Charles, the guy in question, is a manwhore and had a baby with another woman. He's also probably the king of gaslighting. Long story short, we are definitely team David here.
As for the mystery, well it's easy to assume that this book will have many twists and turns. Each one was delivered swiftly and made the book so much better. Sure, things were a little predictable considering who was behind it all. Now that reveal wasn't super dramatic especially when things came out during a certain trial. And yet, the ending surprised me a bit.
In the end, karma entered into this family drama and justice was served. I definitely enjoyed diving into this audiobook and look forward to whatever Kelsey will write next!
"Whatever promises he has made to you, Maisie, are lies. Please. Come to the courthouse tomorrow. Help me win my trial. I'm not asking him for alimony; he doesn't even have any money to give."
Secrets of Rose Briar Hall was a whirlwind. In this, you will meet Millie Turner. She is married to a powerful New York stockbroker and lives in Rose Briar Hall. Her life is nearly picture perfect until the day it all shatters around her. The morning after she throws a grand party, she wakes up with no memory of what happened. It also doesn't help that her society friends have completely shunned her either.
Her once happy home is now starting to feel like a prison and she's slowly trying to put all the pieces of what happened that night together. Along the way, she does find romance with a certain guy who isn't her husband. But if I'm being honest here? He's like five thousand times better than her actual husband. Charles, the guy in question, is a manwhore and had a baby with another woman. He's also probably the king of gaslighting. Long story short, we are definitely team David here.
As for the mystery, well it's easy to assume that this book will have many twists and turns. Each one was delivered swiftly and made the book so much better. Sure, things were a little predictable considering who was behind it all. Now that reveal wasn't super dramatic especially when things came out during a certain trial. And yet, the ending surprised me a bit.
In the end, karma entered into this family drama and justice was served. I definitely enjoyed diving into this audiobook and look forward to whatever Kelsey will write next!
June 27, 2024
Historical Romance. A Grueling Mystery. Horror. Suspenseful. An Absolute Thrill.
Millie Turner is our beautiful main character, once a happy woman who thought well of her powerful husband. I do not like being anxious. Every second of reading this novel had me tense and biting my lip. My heart was racing, and I was just praying that our main character would get out alive, with hopefully her sanity and heart, intact.
There are so many parts of this book having me question everything, just to reveal another secret or truth I hadn't anticipated. This is good, it is no fun if the reader anticipates what's in store. Except, it is a jumble of confusion, and so much eerie suspense.
The patriarchy had me grinding my teeth. Millie's family are terrible people, although I do not agree with how she approached revealing a terrifying secret of her spouse to the parents that had raised her. Millie's father ought to jump off a cliff. And anyone, literally any friend or family could have taken her side, even tried to believe her.
That is what squeezed my heart so. Not the harrowing events that occur that are horrifying, but the fact that the people she loves and cares about sneer at her. The people that are meant to love her without restraint are looking down on her and judging her situation instead of just loving her.
This mystery was set in the gilded age of New York. I was delighted this book had so many elements, forming a delightful cozy thriller. I hated the fact that the reader could not depend on Millie's narrative. The entire story I only got her account of things, which proved to be intentionally misleading later on.
In conclusion, this book was horrifying and gripping and creepy. Absolutely fascinating! I am a girly who finds gothic novels endearing, and this one truly did not miss the mark. My final words: screw misogyny and screw the way women were treated back in the day! The only saving grace of this novel was the delightful childhood friend who came just in the nick of time to potentially steal Millie's heart away. Must read! 🌟🌟🌟/5 Stars!
Millie Turner is our beautiful main character, once a happy woman who thought well of her powerful husband. I do not like being anxious. Every second of reading this novel had me tense and biting my lip. My heart was racing, and I was just praying that our main character would get out alive, with hopefully her sanity and heart, intact.
There are so many parts of this book having me question everything, just to reveal another secret or truth I hadn't anticipated. This is good, it is no fun if the reader anticipates what's in store. Except, it is a jumble of confusion, and so much eerie suspense.
The patriarchy had me grinding my teeth. Millie's family are terrible people, although I do not agree with how she approached revealing a terrifying secret of her spouse to the parents that had raised her. Millie's father ought to jump off a cliff. And anyone, literally any friend or family could have taken her side, even tried to believe her.
That is what squeezed my heart so. Not the harrowing events that occur that are horrifying, but the fact that the people she loves and cares about sneer at her. The people that are meant to love her without restraint are looking down on her and judging her situation instead of just loving her.
This mystery was set in the gilded age of New York. I was delighted this book had so many elements, forming a delightful cozy thriller. I hated the fact that the reader could not depend on Millie's narrative. The entire story I only got her account of things, which proved to be intentionally misleading later on.
In conclusion, this book was horrifying and gripping and creepy. Absolutely fascinating! I am a girly who finds gothic novels endearing, and this one truly did not miss the mark. My final words: screw misogyny and screw the way women were treated back in the day! The only saving grace of this novel was the delightful childhood friend who came just in the nick of time to potentially steal Millie's heart away. Must read! 🌟🌟🌟/5 Stars!
July 13, 2024
Secrets of Rose Briar Hall is compared to GASLIGHT staring Ingrid Bergman and the comparison is of course, spot on.
Our FMC is Millie, newly married to a rich man, everything should be perfect in this atmospheric, gothic book set in the early 1900s.
The time frame is important, and almost a character in the book. During this time women are treated like dolls, often dismissed as hysterical or weak minded. This is the setting for Millie, who awakes after a party with no memory of what occurred, but knows her friends have shunned her and she is being treated like an idiot by the staff and her husband.
This treatment creates confusion for Millie and the reader, what has happened to her ideal life? Why is everyone being secretive and why is she finding notes written in her own handwriting warning: "don't drink the tea"
This has many twists and turns and is really enjoyable to listen to. Thank you to NetGalley and Highbridge Audio for the chance to listen and review.
Our FMC is Millie, newly married to a rich man, everything should be perfect in this atmospheric, gothic book set in the early 1900s.
The time frame is important, and almost a character in the book. During this time women are treated like dolls, often dismissed as hysterical or weak minded. This is the setting for Millie, who awakes after a party with no memory of what occurred, but knows her friends have shunned her and she is being treated like an idiot by the staff and her husband.
This treatment creates confusion for Millie and the reader, what has happened to her ideal life? Why is everyone being secretive and why is she finding notes written in her own handwriting warning: "don't drink the tea"
This has many twists and turns and is really enjoyable to listen to. Thank you to NetGalley and Highbridge Audio for the chance to listen and review.
July 7, 2024
"Secrets of Rose Briar Hall " by Kelsey James is an intense book. It's historical fiction and has a bit of mystery and thriller and romance.
If you've ever seen the movie or play Gaslight, this is similar. It isn't the same exact story, but that's what is going on here. Gaslighting is when someone, usually a loved one, makes you stop trusting your own mind and believe that something else is going on. It's akin to brainwashing. The story is told in the first person point of view of the main female character (MFC).
This story is set in Long Island, New York, in 1908. Millie is a young bride married to Charles Turner. At one of their first big parties, something awful happens. Millie wakes up several weeks later with no memory of the party nor the time since. The house is cold and out of coal. Only a few staff members are still at the house. I can't tell you more without spoiling the story, but there is quite a bit of action.
The audiobook was narrated by Sofia Willingham. She used a breathy, whispery voice for Millie that I didn't really like. I listened to this at 2.0 speed, and it wasn't too awful that way.
Characters - 4/5
Writing - 4/5
Plot - 5/5
Pacing - 4/5
Unputdownability - 4/5
Enjoyment - 4/5
Narration - 2/5
Cover - 4/5
Overall - 31/8 = 3 7/8 rounded up to 4
This story is quite well written, and I recommend it to those of you who like historical fiction and psychological thrillers. If you can physically read it, you may like it better than listening to it.
Thank you to Netgalley, High Bridge Audio, and Kelsey James for providing this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
If you've ever seen the movie or play Gaslight, this is similar. It isn't the same exact story, but that's what is going on here. Gaslighting is when someone, usually a loved one, makes you stop trusting your own mind and believe that something else is going on. It's akin to brainwashing. The story is told in the first person point of view of the main female character (MFC).
This story is set in Long Island, New York, in 1908. Millie is a young bride married to Charles Turner. At one of their first big parties, something awful happens. Millie wakes up several weeks later with no memory of the party nor the time since. The house is cold and out of coal. Only a few staff members are still at the house. I can't tell you more without spoiling the story, but there is quite a bit of action.
The audiobook was narrated by Sofia Willingham. She used a breathy, whispery voice for Millie that I didn't really like. I listened to this at 2.0 speed, and it wasn't too awful that way.
Characters - 4/5
Writing - 4/5
Plot - 5/5
Pacing - 4/5
Unputdownability - 4/5
Enjoyment - 4/5
Narration - 2/5
Cover - 4/5
Overall - 31/8 = 3 7/8 rounded up to 4
This story is quite well written, and I recommend it to those of you who like historical fiction and psychological thrillers. If you can physically read it, you may like it better than listening to it.
Thank you to Netgalley, High Bridge Audio, and Kelsey James for providing this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
July 9, 2024
Go into this book knowing at this is more suspense related to early 1900s treatment of women by husbands who had ulterior motives. More a study of the use of hysteria in women than the murder mystery I was expecting.
This is a very tense story. Millie, the FMC, makes some incredibly frustrating decisions. I found myself wanting to scream at her “what the heck are you doing” so many times. If you have ever been a victim of gaslighting, emotional abuse, physical abuse, and/or forced isolation consider this a warning that this book may be difficult for you to read.
The narration for me (as other reviewers have mentioned) was difficult to get past. The narrators breathy voice combined with the sharp S Sound physically hurt. If you have any physical response to certain sounds you should probably grab a physical copy of this title.
I did finish the audiobook, but as a personal survivor of this type of abuse combined with my own phonophobia it was a difficult listen.
I received an ALC of this title. All opinions are my own.
This is a very tense story. Millie, the FMC, makes some incredibly frustrating decisions. I found myself wanting to scream at her “what the heck are you doing” so many times. If you have ever been a victim of gaslighting, emotional abuse, physical abuse, and/or forced isolation consider this a warning that this book may be difficult for you to read.
The narration for me (as other reviewers have mentioned) was difficult to get past. The narrators breathy voice combined with the sharp S Sound physically hurt. If you have any physical response to certain sounds you should probably grab a physical copy of this title.
I did finish the audiobook, but as a personal survivor of this type of abuse combined with my own phonophobia it was a difficult listen.
I received an ALC of this title. All opinions are my own.
March 7, 2024
Secrets of Rose Briar Hall
by Kelsey James is a stunning crossover between gothic gaslight mystery and psychological thriller.
Told from the pov of the protagonist Emily, the story is dialogue centered but this gives an authentic perspective to the storyline in respect of the srnsibilities of the time
The writing is on point, the ambience and scene-setting is perfect for the era and the plot is beautifully woven
A good, solid read. Fab
Thank you to Kensington Books, (A John Scognamiglio Book) and the author Kelsey James. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
by Kelsey James is a stunning crossover between gothic gaslight mystery and psychological thriller.
Told from the pov of the protagonist Emily, the story is dialogue centered but this gives an authentic perspective to the storyline in respect of the srnsibilities of the time
The writing is on point, the ambience and scene-setting is perfect for the era and the plot is beautifully woven
A good, solid read. Fab
Thank you to Kensington Books, (A John Scognamiglio Book) and the author Kelsey James. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
June 14, 2024
In this Gilded Age gothic homage to “Gaslight” starring Ingrid Bergman.... so starts the description of this book and I was HOOKED! Our heroine (a rich socialite) wakes up dazed and confused and someone is obviously trying to keep her that way! I did love this book, but would have preferred to have left out the sex scenes. Nothing beats the power of imagination, but they left nothing to it. Criticism aside, I found it a very enjoyable story. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC/audiobook and the lusciously smooth reading.
October 23, 2023
A twisty gothic mystery set among the wealth, power and shady doings of early 1900's New York.
Millie is a recently married heiress and eager to show off their new home but the ill fated dinner party turns into a nightmare. When she wakes she has lost all her friends, family and has been cast under suspicion for a murder of a guest at their party and is now being held under lock and key unsure of her own mind. As the fog begins to clear secrets begin to surface but she finds she has no rights concerning her wealth and her future. Unable to divorce her husband and regain control she must outplay, outwit and forge a new path to freedom.
This is a classic story of an independent woman who must fight for every right that is given without question to a man even if she has her own means. Another twisty gothic tale from Kelsey James who is very good at seemingly femme fatale characters who turn tough to survive. For readers of ACT LIKE A LADY, THINK LIKE A LORD and THE WOMAN THEY COULD NOT SILENCE. My thanks to the publisher for the advance copy.
June 28, 2024
It was the reference to "Gaslight" starring Ingrid Bergman that originally attracted me to this novel.
The early 1900s were a scary time if you were a woman... Wives were considered to be the 'chattel' of their husbands with few rights of any description. Even wealth could not spare a woman if her husband seeks to rid of her, as our protagonist, Millie Turner, soon discovers.
Born into wealth, spoiled, entitled, and very naive, Millie is ill equipped to fight the confines of her marriage. She has few life skills, and the laws of the time are not on her side.
Set on Long Island's North Shore, when the area was considered remote. Millie lives in a grand mansion called Rose Briar Hall. A house with over twenty servants, she wants for nothing. She and her new husband are planning a lavish party to celebrate the final touches on their mansion and Millie has it all in hand. Then, weeks later, she awakens to a cold, dark, house. The servants have all been let go, with the exception of three or four that were chosen (and are loyal to) her husband Charles. At the tender age of twenty-four, Millie is faced with an impossible dilemma. She is told that she has murdered a woman who attended her party, a woman that had designs on Charles. With no memory of the party, Millie is told that she has been shunned by all of her society friends. Even her parents are not there for her in her time of need... Drugged, and misinformed, Millie struggles to escape Charles' clutches. He is determined that she is 'hysterical' and that she must be institutionalized!
What follows is how Millie strove to become independent of Charles. With doctors, police, and the very law in her husband's favour, it is no easy task. Her eyes are opened to her own snobbery and pampered lifestyle as she finds herself outside her usual social circle. She is tested to her very limits.
As a female reader, I found myself seething at the injustices of the time.
Though the bones of the story were eminently readable, I found the overall feel of the novel to be rather traditional in its predictability. However, that being said, I did enjoy the read even though it didn't blow me away.
The early 1900s were a scary time if you were a woman... Wives were considered to be the 'chattel' of their husbands with few rights of any description. Even wealth could not spare a woman if her husband seeks to rid of her, as our protagonist, Millie Turner, soon discovers.
Born into wealth, spoiled, entitled, and very naive, Millie is ill equipped to fight the confines of her marriage. She has few life skills, and the laws of the time are not on her side.
Set on Long Island's North Shore, when the area was considered remote. Millie lives in a grand mansion called Rose Briar Hall. A house with over twenty servants, she wants for nothing. She and her new husband are planning a lavish party to celebrate the final touches on their mansion and Millie has it all in hand. Then, weeks later, she awakens to a cold, dark, house. The servants have all been let go, with the exception of three or four that were chosen (and are loyal to) her husband Charles. At the tender age of twenty-four, Millie is faced with an impossible dilemma. She is told that she has murdered a woman who attended her party, a woman that had designs on Charles. With no memory of the party, Millie is told that she has been shunned by all of her society friends. Even her parents are not there for her in her time of need... Drugged, and misinformed, Millie struggles to escape Charles' clutches. He is determined that she is 'hysterical' and that she must be institutionalized!
What follows is how Millie strove to become independent of Charles. With doctors, police, and the very law in her husband's favour, it is no easy task. Her eyes are opened to her own snobbery and pampered lifestyle as she finds herself outside her usual social circle. She is tested to her very limits.
As a female reader, I found myself seething at the injustices of the time.
Though the bones of the story were eminently readable, I found the overall feel of the novel to be rather traditional in its predictability. However, that being said, I did enjoy the read even though it didn't blow me away.
June 20, 2024
This audiobook was made available for me to listen to and review by Kelsey James, HighBridge Audio, and NetGalley.
The narrator of this audiobook is Sofia Willingham. Ms. Willingham's used a soft, slightly breathy/whispery tone with this narration. I found it charming in the first chapter but grating by the third. I did not enjoy the narrator's style in this novel.
This is a steamy historical cozy mystery with a bit of romance very loosely retelling the classic tale of gaslighting in the movie with Ingrid Bergman. This is set in Gilded age New York society set partially in a remote house in an isolated location. This has many standard aspects of cozy mystery series which surprised me. I was expecting this to be more of a horror/thriller. Really the only gothic aspect of this story is the setting.
Millie is from a new money New York family which gained their wealth during her lifetime. So she's somewhat on the edge of the high society social scene. All of that is poised to change now that Millie has married the wealthy and connected Charles Turner. They had a bit of a whirlwind courtship and are planning a large high society party to introduce themselves as a couple. Millie prepares for the party and the next thing she remembers is waking up weeks later. Charles tells her something happened to an attendant at the party. He believes that Millie is mentally ill and responsible for this incident.
Millie set about investigating the incident to prove her innocence to Charles and her society friends. Helping her is David, a reporter that she grew up with before her father became wealthy. They make a great investigative team. This has a nice set up and I feel confident Millie & David will return for other sexy cozy mystery adventures.
Thank you to Kelsey James, HighBridge Audio, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own.
The narrator of this audiobook is Sofia Willingham. Ms. Willingham's used a soft, slightly breathy/whispery tone with this narration. I found it charming in the first chapter but grating by the third. I did not enjoy the narrator's style in this novel.
This is a steamy historical cozy mystery with a bit of romance very loosely retelling the classic tale of gaslighting in the movie with Ingrid Bergman. This is set in Gilded age New York society set partially in a remote house in an isolated location. This has many standard aspects of cozy mystery series which surprised me. I was expecting this to be more of a horror/thriller. Really the only gothic aspect of this story is the setting.
Millie is from a new money New York family which gained their wealth during her lifetime. So she's somewhat on the edge of the high society social scene. All of that is poised to change now that Millie has married the wealthy and connected Charles Turner. They had a bit of a whirlwind courtship and are planning a large high society party to introduce themselves as a couple. Millie prepares for the party and the next thing she remembers is waking up weeks later. Charles tells her something happened to an attendant at the party. He believes that Millie is mentally ill and responsible for this incident.
Millie set about investigating the incident to prove her innocence to Charles and her society friends. Helping her is David, a reporter that she grew up with before her father became wealthy. They make a great investigative team. This has a nice set up and I feel confident Millie & David will return for other sexy cozy mystery adventures.
Thank you to Kelsey James, HighBridge Audio, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own.
June 25, 2024
If you like psychological, horror, historical mystery then this is for you. I don’t tend to gravitate to books that depict such abuse because it is rather personal and frustrating to me. With that being said, this is a great read for the right audience. It felt so real!
Millie Turner may live in the beautiful Rose Briar Hall but life inside is not as grand as it seems. After a death at a party she threw for New York’s elite her life took a turn. She thought she had a loving husband and a comfortable life. But when the truth starts coming out her husband tries to do away with her.
This book could use a small trigger warning for domestic abuse. The author does a great job depicting what women experienced throughout history. Millie experiences lots of emotional and psychological abuse by her husband. He was constantly gaslighting her and so many people were complicit in his abuse. Nobody believed women and this book definitely represented that. He had full control of her life. Because her husband basically said she is crazy, everyone just believes him. Men could use whatever means necessary to get rid of their wives. He wanted her out of his way without the stigma of divorce.
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator does a very good job. I found her voice to be so soothing despite the serious nature of this storyline.
Thanks to NetGalley for the audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review
Millie Turner may live in the beautiful Rose Briar Hall but life inside is not as grand as it seems. After a death at a party she threw for New York’s elite her life took a turn. She thought she had a loving husband and a comfortable life. But when the truth starts coming out her husband tries to do away with her.
This book could use a small trigger warning for domestic abuse. The author does a great job depicting what women experienced throughout history. Millie experiences lots of emotional and psychological abuse by her husband. He was constantly gaslighting her and so many people were complicit in his abuse. Nobody believed women and this book definitely represented that. He had full control of her life. Because her husband basically said she is crazy, everyone just believes him. Men could use whatever means necessary to get rid of their wives. He wanted her out of his way without the stigma of divorce.
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator does a very good job. I found her voice to be so soothing despite the serious nature of this storyline.
Thanks to NetGalley for the audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review
July 18, 2024
I don’t know what I expected from this book, but this wasn’t it. Millie was in an awful situation, but she also made it hard to like her. She would start to make you feel sorry for her and then she would think/say something that reminded you that she is a terrible person. The secondary love story between her and David felt awkward and forced. Given some of her thoughts on the lower classes I have a really hard time believing she could love him.
The gaslighting by everyone around Millie were perfect examples of the impact gaslighting can have on someone. I did enjoy the commentary on women’s rights in the early 1900’s and the ways various men (from fathers to husbands to society in general) could control the ladies in their life. As we know men are to be believed without question no matter what evidence is put forward to the contrary. With this in mind, how the story ended really was the only way it could.
Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The gaslighting by everyone around Millie were perfect examples of the impact gaslighting can have on someone. I did enjoy the commentary on women’s rights in the early 1900’s and the ways various men (from fathers to husbands to society in general) could control the ladies in their life. As we know men are to be believed without question no matter what evidence is put forward to the contrary. With this in mind, how the story ended really was the only way it could.
Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 7, 2024
Dark, suspenseful and brilliant
I really enjoyed this book. It was dark, suspenful and had me on the edge of my seat at points. Millie was a great FMC , even if she was from high society, she was a fighter and strong in character, she really grew and changed through the story. . Charles was absolutely abhorrent. It highlighted, despite being affluent and from high society, the mistreatment of women in this time period. How they were often described as having hysteria and melancholia, for daring to speak out against being treated like crap from their awful husbands or father's. There was so much bigotry and misogyny, with no autonomy for women at all.
I really enjoyed this book. It was dark, suspenful and had me on the edge of my seat at points. Millie was a great FMC , even if she was from high society, she was a fighter and strong in character, she really grew and changed through the story. . Charles was absolutely abhorrent. It highlighted, despite being affluent and from high society, the mistreatment of women in this time period. How they were often described as having hysteria and melancholia, for daring to speak out against being treated like crap from their awful husbands or father's. There was so much bigotry and misogyny, with no autonomy for women at all.
June 23, 2024
The synopsis of this gothic, Gilded Age tale of a turn-of-the-century Long Island couple whose marriage seems doomed from the start captured my attention right away. Millie is gaslighted and set up by many characters, actually, throughout this dark tale of societal upsets, love affairs, murder and revenge. If that is your style, you will not be disappointed.
The narrator had an almost old-Hollywood style of breathy, too-formal reading style that seemed to go with the story at first, but soon grew tiresome to me. I am not sure it lent itself to the buildup of the book.
Thanks to NetGalley and HighBridge Audio for this ARC. Opinions are solely mine.
The narrator had an almost old-Hollywood style of breathy, too-formal reading style that seemed to go with the story at first, but soon grew tiresome to me. I am not sure it lent itself to the buildup of the book.
Thanks to NetGalley and HighBridge Audio for this ARC. Opinions are solely mine.
July 7, 2024
well done
This was a great book! It had a lot of suspense. Millie was a great developed character! The transformation of her fighting for survival was really good. Charlie was really unlikely from the beginning. The things he did to gaslight her made me so mad. One other part of this story that made me upset was her parents. The bigotry of her father was unbelievable. I was very happy with the ending and Millie got her HEA.
This was a great book! It had a lot of suspense. Millie was a great developed character! The transformation of her fighting for survival was really good. Charlie was really unlikely from the beginning. The things he did to gaslight her made me so mad. One other part of this story that made me upset was her parents. The bigotry of her father was unbelievable. I was very happy with the ending and Millie got her HEA.
November 7, 2023
Secrets of Rose Briar Hall combines historical fiction and suspense to paint a picture of Gilded Age Society in New York. Wealthy wife and socialite Millie Turner wakes up in her Long Island mansion after a party only to learn that several weeks have past and a murder took place at the party, of which she is a suspect. As glimpses of Millie’s memory slowly return, she realizes that not only is she most likely not the murderer, but the beautiful life that she and her husband have put together is not what it seems and she finds herself in grave danger as she seeks the truth. This suspenseful read is a page-turner with a gothic setting that beautifully paints a picture of what it means to be a woman in Gilded Age Society.
Many thanks to Kensington Books and Kelsey James for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Many thanks to Kensington Books and Kelsey James for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
June 20, 2024
Staged in Gilded Age New York (1908), this twisty gothic/mystery/phycological thriller will have you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.
Millie Turner a socialite and the young wife of a charming and successful New York Stock Broker,
has painstakingly prepared for the couples very first soirée at their new mansion Rose Briar Hall. A lavish gathering meant to solidify their social status and show off their wealth. But all goes awry when Millie wakes up three weeks later with no recollection of the party or the disturbing events that took place that night and has everyone in their circle suspecting Millie and shunning her from society. A race against time begins as Millie struggles to regain her memories of that night and piece together the clues that will not only regain her status in society, but may quite possibly save her own life.
I got to listen to the audio copy instead of read this book, and my opinions for the audio and book itself are very different. In my humble opinion, the Narrator Sofia Willingham, was not the best fit for this book. She spoke in a very soft manner almost a whisper, and the lilt in her reading seemed better suited for an infomercial or advertisement. The speed at which she read was also painfully slow and I found myself having to speed up the audio quite a bit in order for it to sound normal. However, though the narration of the book may not have been the greatest, the story was phenomenal, and I would definitely not discourage anyone from picking it up. The story is captivating enough to let one overlook the narration.
The mystery at the beginning is pretty predictable, but the psychological thriller aspect of the book is what really propels the story forward and keeps you on edge the entire time. There are plenty of unexpected twists and turns and even a bit of romance that will keep you glued to the book until the very end.
Touching on the romance aspect, I was very pleasantly surprised that there was a bit of spice in the book (~2 chili peppers). It was completely unexpected and in my opinion a very nice touch. It was lightly sprinkled in the book and did not take away from the main story at all. Instead, it helped bring a better understanding of the societal expectations for women during that era. Very artfully done. Highly recommend.
Secrets of Rose Briar Hall will be available June 25, 2024.
A special thanks to @NetGally and @HighBridgeAudio for the complementary ALC of this wonderful book. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.
Millie Turner a socialite and the young wife of a charming and successful New York Stock Broker,
has painstakingly prepared for the couples very first soirée at their new mansion Rose Briar Hall. A lavish gathering meant to solidify their social status and show off their wealth. But all goes awry when Millie wakes up three weeks later with no recollection of the party or the disturbing events that took place that night and has everyone in their circle suspecting Millie and shunning her from society. A race against time begins as Millie struggles to regain her memories of that night and piece together the clues that will not only regain her status in society, but may quite possibly save her own life.
I got to listen to the audio copy instead of read this book, and my opinions for the audio and book itself are very different. In my humble opinion, the Narrator Sofia Willingham, was not the best fit for this book. She spoke in a very soft manner almost a whisper, and the lilt in her reading seemed better suited for an infomercial or advertisement. The speed at which she read was also painfully slow and I found myself having to speed up the audio quite a bit in order for it to sound normal. However, though the narration of the book may not have been the greatest, the story was phenomenal, and I would definitely not discourage anyone from picking it up. The story is captivating enough to let one overlook the narration.
The mystery at the beginning is pretty predictable, but the psychological thriller aspect of the book is what really propels the story forward and keeps you on edge the entire time. There are plenty of unexpected twists and turns and even a bit of romance that will keep you glued to the book until the very end.
Touching on the romance aspect, I was very pleasantly surprised that there was a bit of spice in the book (~2 chili peppers). It was completely unexpected and in my opinion a very nice touch. It was lightly sprinkled in the book and did not take away from the main story at all. Instead, it helped bring a better understanding of the societal expectations for women during that era. Very artfully done. Highly recommend.
Secrets of Rose Briar Hall will be available June 25, 2024.
A special thanks to @NetGally and @HighBridgeAudio for the complementary ALC of this wonderful book. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.
May 11, 2024
4.5 Stars
Secrets of Rose Briar Hall is a psychological thriller/mystery set in New York in 1908. Millie Turner and her husband, Charles, are just a year married and want to throw a party for New York’s elite, to show off their wealth and status at Rose Briar Hall. After all of Millie’s planning, the party is set to be a success, but things go horribly wrong and Millie wakes three weeks later, to a completely different life. Now she must find a way to regain her memory from the night of the party, solve a murder and fight to save her own life.
I thought the atmosphere of the early 1900s was a great setting for the book. Millie not only has to figure out what happened the night of the party, she also has to contend with the lack of rights women faced during this time period. James gives an intensity to Millie’s desperation through her writing. I felt Millie’s anger, frustration and fear while reading the book.
Millie does make some horrible decisions throughout the book, and I understand they are there to keep the story going, but sometimes I just wanted to yell at her! I enjoyed seeing her character grow from a naive socialite, to a more capable, independent woman.
Charles is very well written, and I thought the charming husband/villain worked great for the story. His charm and manipulation is hard for Millie to navigate, and I think James did a great job making the reader feel the same way about him.
I did not really get a gothic feel from the book. It was more of a psychological thriller/mystery for me, in a historical fiction setting.
I would definitely recommend Secrets of Rose Briar Hall to anyone who enjoys a twisty thriller/mystery. James does an excellent job merging the mystery with historical fiction.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of Secrets of Rose Briar Hall.
Secrets of Rose Briar Hall is a psychological thriller/mystery set in New York in 1908. Millie Turner and her husband, Charles, are just a year married and want to throw a party for New York’s elite, to show off their wealth and status at Rose Briar Hall. After all of Millie’s planning, the party is set to be a success, but things go horribly wrong and Millie wakes three weeks later, to a completely different life. Now she must find a way to regain her memory from the night of the party, solve a murder and fight to save her own life.
I thought the atmosphere of the early 1900s was a great setting for the book. Millie not only has to figure out what happened the night of the party, she also has to contend with the lack of rights women faced during this time period. James gives an intensity to Millie’s desperation through her writing. I felt Millie’s anger, frustration and fear while reading the book.
Millie does make some horrible decisions throughout the book, and I understand they are there to keep the story going, but sometimes I just wanted to yell at her! I enjoyed seeing her character grow from a naive socialite, to a more capable, independent woman.
Charles is very well written, and I thought the charming husband/villain worked great for the story. His charm and manipulation is hard for Millie to navigate, and I think James did a great job making the reader feel the same way about him.
I did not really get a gothic feel from the book. It was more of a psychological thriller/mystery for me, in a historical fiction setting.
I would definitely recommend Secrets of Rose Briar Hall to anyone who enjoys a twisty thriller/mystery. James does an excellent job merging the mystery with historical fiction.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of Secrets of Rose Briar Hall.
June 23, 2024
2⭐️
while i enjoyed the haunting atmospheric intrigue of this gothic mystery, i was jarringly pulled out of the story when racially problematic language was used to reference people of color. the words “n*gro” and “c*lored” have long histories of perpetuating harmful stereotypes in the U.S. and its usage within the context of this story was completely unnecessary. i can appreciate when authors take their time to research historical accuracies for their stories but going so far as to include offensive words in the context of a brief setting description especially as a white author seems extremely inappropriate. there are plenty of ways to reference people of color in different historical settings without harmfully describing them. this has the possibility to exclude an entire demographic of potential readers from being able to enjoy what could have been an enjoyable story.
this aside, i was fully engaged for the first half of this story but felt some of the shocking elements were introduced too soon and left the second half wanting. the fmc is a very privileged, self-absorbed rich girl and her vapid point of view as narrator was nearly unbearable. her character is snobbish towards those lower than her class among other adjacent traits which was expected given her upbringing but i had hoped to see some development with a more empathetic arc so was very disappointed to not see this displayed.
thank you to kensington books and netgalley for a digital advanced review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts ✨
while i enjoyed the haunting atmospheric intrigue of this gothic mystery, i was jarringly pulled out of the story when racially problematic language was used to reference people of color. the words “n*gro” and “c*lored” have long histories of perpetuating harmful stereotypes in the U.S. and its usage within the context of this story was completely unnecessary. i can appreciate when authors take their time to research historical accuracies for their stories but going so far as to include offensive words in the context of a brief setting description especially as a white author seems extremely inappropriate. there are plenty of ways to reference people of color in different historical settings without harmfully describing them. this has the possibility to exclude an entire demographic of potential readers from being able to enjoy what could have been an enjoyable story.
this aside, i was fully engaged for the first half of this story but felt some of the shocking elements were introduced too soon and left the second half wanting. the fmc is a very privileged, self-absorbed rich girl and her vapid point of view as narrator was nearly unbearable. her character is snobbish towards those lower than her class among other adjacent traits which was expected given her upbringing but i had hoped to see some development with a more empathetic arc so was very disappointed to not see this displayed.
thank you to kensington books and netgalley for a digital advanced review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts ✨
June 30, 2024
1908: Millie Turner, though not of knickerbocker bloodlines, is still a catch as her family has plenty of wealth. When she marries the young sought after stockbroker Charles, she believes all of her dreams have come true. Just in time for the high season, Millie finishes decorating her new mansion, Rose Briar Hall, in an up-and-coming area Long Island, rather than Newport. Her party is to be the hit of the season until only a few hours later a lady turns up dead.
Waking up in a cold and dreary house and snow on the ground, Millie finds that weeks have passed since the party, and she cannot remember a thing. Her friends have shunned her, her family is disappointed in her, and her already tenuous reputation is holding on by a thread. Quickly her home begins to feel like a prison as her husband convinces her she has had a breakdown, and she needs a rest cure and to stay isolated until she is better. It is only the gatekeeper’s son David, who happens to be a journalist in the city who believes Millie is innocent of any wrongdoing.
A high-profile court case and plenty of shading dealing makes the Turner drama fun to follow, though there are some loose ends in the plot that are annoying. Much like Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s “The Yellow Wallpaper” our heroine is trapped in a society run by the patriarchy—one that believes a woman who stands up for herself must be suffering from hysteria and let me assure you Millie comes across as downright mad according to her peers. If you are into gothic murder mysteries, this tale is for you.
Thank you to NetGalley, High Bridge Audio, and author Kelsey James for the advanced copy of the audiobook. Secrets of Rose Briar Hall is out now! All opinions are my own.
Http://www.instagram.com/passionforprose
Waking up in a cold and dreary house and snow on the ground, Millie finds that weeks have passed since the party, and she cannot remember a thing. Her friends have shunned her, her family is disappointed in her, and her already tenuous reputation is holding on by a thread. Quickly her home begins to feel like a prison as her husband convinces her she has had a breakdown, and she needs a rest cure and to stay isolated until she is better. It is only the gatekeeper’s son David, who happens to be a journalist in the city who believes Millie is innocent of any wrongdoing.
A high-profile court case and plenty of shading dealing makes the Turner drama fun to follow, though there are some loose ends in the plot that are annoying. Much like Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s “The Yellow Wallpaper” our heroine is trapped in a society run by the patriarchy—one that believes a woman who stands up for herself must be suffering from hysteria and let me assure you Millie comes across as downright mad according to her peers. If you are into gothic murder mysteries, this tale is for you.
Thank you to NetGalley, High Bridge Audio, and author Kelsey James for the advanced copy of the audiobook. Secrets of Rose Briar Hall is out now! All opinions are my own.
Http://www.instagram.com/passionforprose
June 22, 2024
I was so tempted to crank up the AC just so I could wrap up in a cozy blanket for this Gothic historical thriller! It begs for some chilly weather and a steaming hot beverage!
It's the early 1900s, and Mr and Mrs Turner are throwing a lavish party at their newly finished home, Rose Briar Hall. Millie Turner has painstakingly perfected every detail of their new home and is eager to show it off. Her husband, Charles Turner, was the catch of the season, and Millie wants to prove she's worthy of his attention.
Millie groggily wakes up after the party only to discover she's been out of it for three weeks! None of her friends will talk to her, and there's whispers of the party taking a tragic turn. This is when I was completely sucked in, and it was only chapter two!
This atmospheric tale will keep you turning the page, needing to know what happens next. As Millie races to figure out the events of the party and who to trust, no one will tell her anything in an effort not to upset her "delicate nature." I couldn't help but feel frustration for Millie as I was reminded of the lack of control women had over their lives back then. Twists and turns, manipulations and madness! I don't want to give anything away, but "Don't drink the tea!"
Read this if you like:
• Gothic mystery/historical thrillers
• Gilded Age opulence
• Atmospheric reads
• Books that will suck you in!
It's the early 1900s, and Mr and Mrs Turner are throwing a lavish party at their newly finished home, Rose Briar Hall. Millie Turner has painstakingly perfected every detail of their new home and is eager to show it off. Her husband, Charles Turner, was the catch of the season, and Millie wants to prove she's worthy of his attention.
Millie groggily wakes up after the party only to discover she's been out of it for three weeks! None of her friends will talk to her, and there's whispers of the party taking a tragic turn. This is when I was completely sucked in, and it was only chapter two!
This atmospheric tale will keep you turning the page, needing to know what happens next. As Millie races to figure out the events of the party and who to trust, no one will tell her anything in an effort not to upset her "delicate nature." I couldn't help but feel frustration for Millie as I was reminded of the lack of control women had over their lives back then. Twists and turns, manipulations and madness! I don't want to give anything away, but "Don't drink the tea!"
Read this if you like:
• Gothic mystery/historical thrillers
• Gilded Age opulence
• Atmospheric reads
• Books that will suck you in!
July 13, 2024
2.5
Having read a GR connection's rave review, I was delighted to obtain both the physical book and the audiobook so quickly.
I do not understand the hype. I didn't feel the Gothic atmosphere that others raved about. The characters felt flat, the twists seemed purposely convoluted and contrived for the sake of delivering a longer novel, and the sex scene felt jarring and out of sync with the attempt to capture the essence of an historic Gothic novel.
The book explores some interesting themes around women's freedom and autonomy, as well as socioeconomic status and privilege, which can make for difficult reading, especially as the country continues to devalue human rights, bodily autonomy, and freedom.
Finally, Sofia Willingham's whispery aand breathy narration was soothing, but it didn't do justice to Kelsey James' writing.
For me, this was an excellent proof of concept, but it didn't meet my expectations. My reading experience was "meh".
Having read a GR connection's rave review, I was delighted to obtain both the physical book and the audiobook so quickly.
I do not understand the hype. I didn't feel the Gothic atmosphere that others raved about. The characters felt flat, the twists seemed purposely convoluted and contrived for the sake of delivering a longer novel, and the sex scene felt jarring and out of sync with the attempt to capture the essence of an historic Gothic novel.
The book explores some interesting themes around women's freedom and autonomy, as well as socioeconomic status and privilege, which can make for difficult reading, especially as the country continues to devalue human rights, bodily autonomy, and freedom.
Finally, Sofia Willingham's whispery aand breathy narration was soothing, but it didn't do justice to Kelsey James' writing.
For me, this was an excellent proof of concept, but it didn't meet my expectations. My reading experience was "meh".
June 17, 2024
Secret of Rose Briar Hall is a mix of historical fiction, thriller/ mystery, and romantic suspense, with a very gothic feel. I requested the audiobook via NetGalley because I figured it would add a lot more intensity to the novel, however it was a great disappointment. The story itself is quite flat and nothing how I expected it to be, but the story paired with the audio was disastrous. The narrator whispered throughout the entire reading, which made listening almost unbearable. 2.5 stars, rounded up.
Thank you NetGalley and HighBridge Audio for this audio!
Thank you NetGalley and HighBridge Audio for this audio!
June 19, 2024
Secrets of Rose Briar Hall is a mix of historical fiction, mystery, thriller, suspense and has a creepy and gothic feel! I honestly enjoyed this story! There were plenty of twists and turns to keep me turning the pages and being inside Millie’s head really gives you a clear picture! Millie’s situation did seem a little out there at first but it's so creepy to think that it really could and does happen! The ending was interesting, yes a little odd but still a good conclusion!
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