I thoroughly enjoyed this spooky, horror tale!
An aristocrat family are trying to survive in war torn Russia. in the early 1900’s. We see how the girls Lilli and Irina have to go out and scavenge for food day after day. They happen upon some American soldiers who tell them that they are looking to employ bilingual people to help them translate their conversations with Russian people who they come across to give out food to, to help with the war famine. Their home is then taken over by Russian soldiers and they are banished to their attic. They find that their auntie is behaving very strangely, and then they think there’s a presence in their house. Things go awry from there, but you will be so entranced by the story that you won’t be able to put the book down!!! It’s 5 stars from me!!
Many thanks to Harper Collins for the opportunity to read this arc copy via Netgalley.
#Netgalley, #HarperCollins, -#OlesyaAuthor.

What a fascinating book, particularly as is is set over the Russian Revolution and describes how things really do fall apart when you try to make everyone "equal" - ha ha!

The main story is mostly excellent, although I was a little challenged by the relatively quiet portrayal of the Americans and way they interfaced with the Russians they employed and the State. The other thing that challenged me was the use of expletives, not a large number but they did grate and I felt they added nothing to the narrative.

The ghosts and ghosties of the Russian family interfaced rather well and they made the story gallop to its rather fitting ending, when the almost became people of substance. You will need to read the book to discover the what and the how of that last sentence.

I suggest you pop it on your Christmas List.

As other reviewers have said, where the author's previous title was more folk history based, this is more of a gothic horror, but still with the same Russian historical basis. I was really intrigued to learn about the fates of the Russian aristocracy after the revolution and this set me to do more research in to the subject. I did not initially realise that many of the characters mentioned were real people, but thought this to be a nice twist.
I am not usually a fan of the horror genre, so this element was probably second to the overall setting for me, although I felt that it was done very well. The descriptions of of the people and the interactions with the ghostly family were rich and atmospheric; the reader is easily able to immerse themselves in the story.
Overall, a great title for reading at Samhain/Halloween and into the winter beyond.

Stepping into "The Haunting of Moscow House" felt like entering a shadowy realm where history clings to the walls, whispering secrets of a bygone era. Olesya Salnikova Gilmore has woven a gothic tale that not only captivates but also immerses the reader in the tumultuous backdrop of post-revolutionary Russia.
Set in the summer of 1921, the story follows the strained lives of sisters Irina and Lili Goliteva, former aristocrats who are now relegated to living in the cramped attic of their ancestral home, overtaken by Bolshevik officials. As they navigate their new reality, I could feel the weight of their dislocation—the decay of their once-grand home mirroring the loss of their societal status. The sisters' predicament is both haunting and relatable, their struggles against starvation and the threat of violence a stark reminder of the harshness of their world.
Gilmore's prose is elegant and evocative, expertly combining elements of gothic horror with historical detail. The crumbling mansion pulsates with its own life, serving as a character filled with memories and ghosts from the past. I found myself captivated by the way the house both sheltered and imprisoned Irina and Lili, trapping them in their family's traumatic history.
However, while I was drawn in by the setting and premise, I must admit that I struggled to connect with the story at times. The pacing felt uneven, and certain elements—particularly the inclusion of their uncle’s diaries—didn't resonate with me as much as I had hoped they would. I found myself itching for the plot to pick up speed, as the supernatural elements began to unfold. When ghosts of the Goliteva family started appearing, I was eager for some spine-chilling encounters; unfortunately, the buildup didn't deliver the impactful thrill I anticipated. Though the gothic atmosphere was richly detailed, I felt that the narrative meandered and I occasionally lost track of the urgency the plot promised.
What truly shone throughout the novel was the relationship between Irina and Lili. Their contrasting personalities—Irina’s practicality and Lili’s artistic spirit—created a compelling dynamic that resonated with me. Watching them navigate the trials of their crumbling lives, I was invested in their struggles to find happiness amidst the chaos. It’s this element that brought a sense of warmth to the otherwise chilling atmosphere, and I found myself rooting for their resilience and growth.
I appreciated how Gilmore tackled the theme of memory, both personal and collective, and how history continuously haunts the present. The political and social upheaval of the time adds a layer of poignancy to the sisters' struggle for identity and belonging. In many ways, their story feels deeply relevant, resonating with the complexities of navigating one's past while trying to forge a new future.
While I didn't find the storyline as gripping as I had hoped, the exquisite writing and richly developed characters propelled me through to the end. "The Haunting of Moscow House" undeniably paints a vivid picture of a tumultuous period in history, and it serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit of its characters. For readers who appreciate a slow-burn gothic tale steeped in historical detail, this novel will surely deliver.
In conclusion, while I had hoped for a more intense and engaging exploration of the supernatural, the atmosphere and character development held my interest. Gilmore has created a poignant narrative that unearths the complexities of family, history, and survival, making it a worthwhile read for fans of the genre. I may not have been entirely satisfied with the pacing and some elements of the plot, but I do not doubt that "The Haunting of Moscow House" will resonate with many others.

📚 Book Review 📚

The Haunting of Moscow House drips with the dark and gothic. It is suspenseful and pretty scary but it’s not just a ghost story, it exists on a framework of the disturbing history of Russia.

The story follows sisters, Irena and Lili who are desperately trying to navigate post revolutionary Russia as deposed and penniless former people. The threat of starvation and arrest follow them at every turn and their dilapidated house decays around them, their aunt, two young children and their elderly grandmother. Many of their family were murdered and imprisoned so every day is a trial of finding food and staying safe.

One day, their house is invaded by soldiers and they are told to move up to the attic rooms. The soldiers take over the main part of the house, that is until the dead return to reclaim their home.

Russian history and folklore play a large part in this book and as a reader, we are taken on a historical journey throughout the novel. Although, there are scary events described here, it’s the history that swept me away. The impressive role of women in post revolution Russia tumbles from the pages. It’s so well written and is absorbing; I genuinely wanted the sisters to lead happy lives.

I’d like to thank Harper Collins UK, NetGalley and the author for the arc and the fantastic opportunity, in exchange for my honest feedback 😊

Book released on 12th September 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A deeply atmospheric and twisty story. Two sisters linked to their past by dark ties during difficult times seek to make lives for themselves in the present while looking to the future. The soviet oppression ignites darkness and ghosts from the past who lead Irina and Lili Goliteva on a journey through the mysteries concealed in their once great family and house. Full of suspense and surprises, this is a deeply woven web that the sisters must unravel. Sadness and unhappiness along with earie chills are at the heart of this tale which gets under your skin.

Olesya Salnikova Gilmore’s *The Haunting of Moscow House* is an exquisite blend of gothic horror, historical drama, and mystery, set against the eerie backdrop of post-revolutionary Russia. In this chilling novel, Gilmore masterfully weaves together family secrets, supernatural whispers, and the dark realities of Soviet life, creating a story that is both haunting and deeply human.

The novel centers on Irina and Lili Goliteva, two sisters from a once-noble family now forced to live in the attic of their ancestral mansion in Moscow. Their grand home, which has been taken over by Bolshevik officials, is decaying like the world they once knew. Stripped of their former aristocratic privilege, Irina and Lili must navigate the harsh new realities of Soviet Russia, all while being haunted—literally and figuratively—by the ghosts of their past.

What makes *The Haunting of Moscow House* truly compelling is how Gilmore blends the sisters' personal struggle with the larger historical context of the Russian Revolution. Through Irina’s pragmatic resolve and Lili’s artistic sensibilities, the novel explores themes of survival, loss, and the erasure of memory. Their work with the American Relief Administration offers them a lifeline, both physically and emotionally, as they attempt to carve out a new life amidst the chaos. Yet, even as they try to move forward, the house itself pulls them back, its walls whispering of long-buried traumas and secrets.

Gilmore’s portrayal of the decaying mansion as both a literal and metaphorical representation of the sisters' crumbling past is particularly striking. The house becomes a character in its own right—one that holds the key to unraveling the dark mystery surrounding their family’s fate during the Revolution. As the supernatural elements slowly reveal themselves, the tension builds, culminating in the death of one of the Bolshevik officials. Was it the vengeful spirits of the past, or something far more human? This question lingers, heightening the novel’s gothic suspense.

At the heart of the story is the relationship between Irina and Lili, whose bond is tested as they confront the ghosts of their family’s history. The sisters’ dynamic adds emotional depth to the tale, making their journey all the more poignant. Their differing responses to their changing world—Irina’s practicality and Lili’s artistic idealism—create a captivating tension that enriches the narrative.

*The Haunting of Moscow House* is a novel about memory, both personal and collective, and the ways in which history refuses to be forgotten. Gilmore deftly combines the supernatural with historical realism, creating a rich atmosphere of dread and sorrow that lingers long after the last page. For fans of gothic horror and historical fiction, this tale offers both eerie chills and a deeply immersive exploration of post-revolutionary Russia.

With its elegant prose, richly developed characters, and a mystery that keeps you guessing, *The Haunting of Moscow House* is a beautifully crafted story that unearths the horrors of the past in a way that feels hauntingly relevant today.

An interesting read, I had not previously read about the fates of the surviving Russian aristocracy after the revolution before this book. That part for me was the most interesting part. It will not feature on my favourite books of the year list but was ok. I preferred the previous book.

3.5 stars.

Great autumnal, Halloween read. I loved the Russian and historical fiction elements.

Two sisters trying to survive the post revolutionary Russia. Like many families, the men are all dead and it’s up to the females to continue the family legacy.

The sisters are forced to move into the attic where the ghosts appear. The last part of this book is spooky and I’m really unsure if I’d stay in the house.

The authors notes at the end are amazing too!

The haunting of Moscow house by Olesya Salnikova Gilmore is creepy historical novel set in 1921 in worn torn Russia.
Irina and Lili Goliteva are former aristocrats, still living in their crumbling ancestral home of Moscow House when the Bolsheviks move in, and the two sisters and the rest of the family are forced to live in the attic. To get away from the going on in the house they get jobs with the ARA. Which gives them both respite and access to decent food.
But sinister things start going on in the house when ghosts of the past members of the family start appearing and one of the new inhabitants ends up dead.
But not is all bad when there is romance on the cards for both girls as they discover a new life with the ARA.
I am looking forward to reading this as I love a gothic tale. But this didn’t hit the mark for me. Don’t get me wrong I like the gothic/supernatural element, but I found the storyline slow and the elements of parts of their uncle’s diaries didn’t grip me and I struggled to connect with the storyline. 3 stars from me.

Having loved the author's previous book, The Witch and the Tsar, I was really excited and nervous to read this one. Once again the author mixes historical fiction with a supernatural mystery, this time in the early years of the Soviet Union. The mystery works well, and it was interesting to read a fictional account of life in 1920s Moscow from the point of view of the deposed aristocracy.

There are plenty of fantasies based on Russian/Slavic folklore but this is the first one I have come across set in the aftermath of the Russian revolution, and the clash of new communism and ancient beliefs is an interesting one. The story is centred on two sisters, former aristocrats, living with the remnants of their family in a decaying mansion, Moscow House. They spend their time trying to find food and avoid being arrested - or worse - by the Checha. The book begins with the sisters, Lili and Irina, having a chance encounter with some American aid workers which leads to job offers. However at the same time, Bolshevik officials requisition their house and they are forced to live in the attic with the rest of the house occupied by men who hate them for their bourgeois past. Strange events start happening, ghosts bearing a frightening resemblance to their dead family members appear, and soon one of the occupying Bolsheviks is found dead.

It's more of a horror story than a fantasy, at least in the way I classify things. There's none of the sparkle and wonder you get with a fantasy, and plenty of descriptions of decay, rot, mould, ghosts grabbing people etc. - which put it into the 'horror' category in my mind. It's a disturbing concept because the ghosts are recently deceased, and people that the haunted characters loved, so it's sinister to see them changed and no longer benevolent. I think the ghost of someone you knew and cared about must be a lot more distressing to encounter than an anonymous one.

Irina and Lili are likeable enough characters, but I never felt any real connection with them - I didn't love them, and I didn't feel invested in their fates. This is surprising as I did have that investment in the characters in Gilmore's excellent previous novel, so she is certainly capable of creating that emotional connection from readers. The story is compelling, particularly as it nears the end, but I found it just too dark. I also found it annoying that both sisters found love interests as part of the story - it frustrates me when authors seem to think no book about a woman could be worth reading unless she finds a partner during it. The actual romances felt perfunctory and the sex scenes were not well written.

If you like Gothic horror, then it is worth reading. The Bolshevism-meets-folklore angle is an interesting one and it is hard to put down once the plot gets going. But I wouldn't rate it highly enough to recommend to a wide range of readers.

Thank you to NetGalley, HarperVoyager & author Olesya Salnikova Gilmore for the eARC

Gilmore's writing is beautiful and wonderfully atmospheric and even though the plot moves at a snails pace I still enjoyed The Haunting of Moscow House.
I think that is mainly because I really liked the historical fiction part of it. The gothic/supernatural element brought another level to the story, but as it only really gets going after the 45% mark I also wouldn't have minded if it wasn't there. What I mostly enjoyed about this book was seeing life in post-revolutionary Russia.
3.75 stars

Russian History. Ghosts. Murder Mystery. This book checked some of the main boxes for my must haves in a book and it didn't disappoint. In fact it offered more. Russian Folklore and strong female characters.

This dark murder mystery will keep you guessing to the end with well written suspects and Gothic folklore abound for the reasoning.
Away from the murder and folklore are the well written characters and especially Irina and Lily who for former Royals are a lot stronger than I was expecting. It's always great to find a good story with strong female leads.

The story was amazingly dark and offered enough shivers to keep the light on.

Grab this book for a weekend read because you wont want to put it down and the ghosts may keep you up.

I read an eARC of this book on NetGalley so thank you to the author and publisher.

I had read this author’s previous book and absolutely loved it so I was excited to see what she’d come up with next.

Though the title makes it sound like a horror novel, this is a historical novel with supernatural elements. This did feel more like a historical novel though it does embrace some gothic and folkloric elements. This book was heavily informed by the historic context in which it was written. It takes place in Russia in the years following the Russian Revolution and sees the experience of a previously noble family whose house has been taken over by soldiers. They are forced up to live in the attic where damp and mould makes them sick. A simmering resentment grows as the soldiers treat their home and heritage with disrespect, and treating the women left in the family with cruelty. However people start dying in the house and frightening things occur. The soldiers believe the women are the murderers treating them with suspicion and derision, but things soon start to get far worse.

This book did feel like it took a while to get going but once it did it was really good! I struggled at first with all the different characters in the family and the soldiers and beyond. Once I established a clear, distinct voice between the two sisters who are the main characters it was easier.

This book explores the corrupting power of grief and rage and the extent people will go to when overcome by these emotions. The exploration of the folkloric elements I really enjoyed. I also found the culmination of the supernatural elements in the final scenes of the book so evocative and engrossing. I’ll be looking out for more from this author as that’s two books from them I’ve enjoyed.

A gothic novel brimming with Russian historical fiction, romance, specters, and a struggle for survival. It diverged from my usual reading choices, yet I believe it merits a recommendation. The characters and their dynamics were particularly engaging.

Eerie and based on an interesting premise, I liked the idea of this book however I felt that at points the pacing could have benefitted from being a little tighter. Although a number of elements worked well on their own, unfortunately I felt that they could have perhaps been integrated a little better.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review

Sadly every time I thought this story is finally grabbing my attention I was let down while reading it. I was very excited about this russian folklore - gothic - atmospheric story and liked the spooky elements and the sister's relationship but the pacing was horrible for me and I was a bit disappointed by the "historical" elements. The writing style was ok for me.

Sadly "The Haunting of Moscow House" by Olesya Salnikova Gilmore didn't live up to my expectations of a historical novel with gothic elements. If the author had kept out the ghost story then I think it would have been a stronger story as the historical facts are quite horrific and the way the sisters had to pull together to survive was really gripping. It wasn't really a gothic story more of a ghost story. The Russian folklore elements could have been interwoven a bit more effectively too.

Unfortunately I could not get into this story at all and this was a DNF for me

Thanks to NetGalley for the arc