There's a possibility I read the description of this book being 'a dark, Victorian mystery' wrong, but I was expecting more mystery, more twists and turns and excitement. So I went into this expecting something very different, alas the writing was beautiful and the story flowed well but it needed something more thrilling for me to rate this higher. A great book for those who prefer a simple story that includes events and elements that have happened in history. Also, love the cover.

A fascinating and important novel of atonement and justice, which also happens to be a fabulous Gothic read. Loved this.

A well developed story with dark undertones. This book deals with the subject matter of slavery.
Hester arrives at Tall Trees to care for its dying, wealthy owner. A doctress, like her mother before her, the money she has been offered will change her life forever. However the air surrounding Tall Trees is malignant and dark secrets lie within it.

House of Shades is well written with developed and believable characters, a plot filled with twists and turns, and there are lots of positives here - my only complaint and the reason for the 2 star review? I was simply bored throughout. Now that doesn’t mean others will be bored reading this, I think in hindsight this just didn’t the sort of book I tend to enjoy.

I think I went into this expecting the mystery element to be bigger and there were no twists or turns that I didn’t see coming a mile away. I was also expecting more of a dark, gothic read and while House of Shades was fairly dark it was also a bit drab and those reads just don’t engage me.

In short, House of Shades is not a bad book and it’s not badly written, at all, but it’s just not my cup of tea. If we’re doing dark mysteries then I want to be enchanted and instead it was all a bit dreary. When I think of Gothic, Victorian mysteries I think of midnight skies, black velvet, while House of Shades was grey clouds, and brown cotton. I’m hoping that makes sense to someone out there as it makes sense in my own mind!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an E-ARC

Superb! This was really good read! Thank you to the writer, publisher, and NetGalley for allowing me to review this book.

Very enjoyable. I'm a bit puzzled by the term "doctress" but anyway. I liked Hester as a character and the plot kept me entertained. Unusually for me I liked the cover too. Reading on Kindle they don't normally impinge on my consciousness but seeing this one on NetGalley I very much liked it. I recommend the book

Doctress Hester Reeves has to leave her home in Kings Cross to treat a patient in a big gloomy mansion, and when she arrives he demands something else.
A well written novel that is very descriptive and with well drawn characters, especially Hester. I would recommend the book highly.