Secrets of Rose Briar Hall is an atmospheric historical mystery set in New York's gilded age by Kelsey James. Due out 25th June 2024 from Kensington, it's 304 pages and will be available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.
Although generally well written and a good homage to Gaslight, it's not completely problem free. It's written in first person PoV and many of the passages are somewhat overwrought and more like a laundry list of clothing, decorating, and things MC Millie has bought and worn. It's well written but definitely noticeable after a while.
There's a creepy gothic vibe in the setting descriptions, and the plot turns on Millie's fears and doubts about her own sanity, reinforced by her caring and loving husband and their household staff. It's a standalone novel and the denouement and resolution are satisfying and self contained in this book (no cliffhangers).
The unabridged audiobook version has a run time of 9 hours 47 minutes and is read by Sofia Willingham. She has an odd, breathy voice in the reading with a possibly historically accurate, but definitely peculiar accent. Sound and production quality are high throughout the read.
Four stars overall for the story and homage/pastiche, three for the audiobook version because the narration was a definite hindrance to concentrating on the story and never faded into neutrality.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
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