"The Small Museum" is a captivating gothic tale set in Victorian England, following the young village girl Maddie Brewster as she navigates a tumultuous marriage to the much older and respected doctor, Lucius Everly. Maddie's quest to repair her family's reputation leads her into a web of manipulation and isolation orchestrated by Lucius and his sister, Grace, who runs a home for fallen women and harbors many sinister secrets of her own.

Jody Cooksley's novel skillfully captures the essence of contemporary gothic literature, drawing inspiration from classic works of the genre. The dense atmosphere and tension-building throughout the story immerse the reader in Maddie's difficult circumstances. The plot effectively depicts the limited social position of women in the Victorian era, highlighting their dependence on male guardians and the potential for abuse of power.

The book is written in engaging language, and the division of chapters into two timelines adds depth to the plot. However, my main critique lies with the structure, particularly the rushed ending. I believe the resolution could have been better developed earlier on

Nevertheless, "The Small Museum" remains a worthwhile read, particularly for fans of gothic novels and historical fiction set in the Victorian era. I truly enjoyed reading it.

My favourite genre is gothic so I was very excited to read this one.
I enjoyed it so much that I flew through it in two days.
The author has created a dark and atmospheric story filled with mystery and intrigue. It was a bit like a modern day Rebecca but with an even darker twist!
I liked the writing, the characters were realistic and there is a real sense of time and place with how women are treated and the scientific beliefs
I have given this a 4.5 stars as the ending felt a little rushed but other than that I thoroughly enjoyed this

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc

There were so many tense moments in this book, the idea of a bone / specimen museum gave me very creepy / vivid images and had me wanting to find out more.

Possible spoilers
4.5 ⭐


Ooooh, this sows the seeds nicely on what actually did happen, as our main character is in the dock on trial.

It's creepy, and tense, with characters that would send a chill down your back (looking at you Grace), but equally characters that leave you feeling there's always a kind soul out there.

A good reflection of women and how they could be badly treated at the time... just a whiff of the word hysterical covered up anything.

All sorts of horrors were running through my mind.

Great stuff.

"The Small Museum" by Jody Cooksley is a charming and heartwarming story that celebrates the magic of small-town life and the power of community. The novel follows the journey of Emily, a young woman who returns to her hometown to help her grandmother run the local museum. As Emily immerses herself in the history of the town and its inhabitants, she discovers unexpected friendships, romance, and a sense of belonging.

Cooksley's writing is delightful and engaging, capturing the essence of small-town life with vivid descriptions and endearing characters. The museum itself becomes a character in its own right, filled with fascinating artifacts and stories that reflect the rich tapestry of the community. The relationships between the characters are beautifully drawn, with genuine emotion and warmth that will resonate with readers.

"The Small Museum" is a feel-good novel that celebrates the importance of preserving history and embracing the connections that bind us together. Jody Cooksley has crafted a charming story that reminds us of the beauty and magic to be found in the everyday moments of life.