Member Reviews
This was an entertaining and easy read, if not a predictable. I enjoyed the atmospheric writing and the eerie setting, but I found the characters lacking in substance a bit. They were just a bit flat and I wasn’t full engaged in their dynamic because of this. But it was a quick read, nonetheless.
Title: The Cruel Dark by Bea Northwick
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars
Release date: October 31st 2024
Millicent Foxboro is haunted by her troubled past and uncertain future. In 1928, finding a job is tough, especially after spending two months in a mental ward for traumatic amnesia. When she lands an unusual assistantship with a reclusive mythology professor, Callum Hughes, offering a high salary, she reluctantly accepts.
However, Millie soon finds that Hughes and his decaying estate, Willowfield, are not what she expected. Once vibrant, the house is now in ruins following the death of the professor’s wife. Only three staff members remain, undeterred by rumours of ghosts. The professor is a grim and intense man with unpredictable moods and desires that awaken Millie’s own passions.
As Millie becomes more entangled with Hughes and his eerie world of flowers and folklore, she realises the house is closing in on her, threatening to expose her secrets. But the professor has his own hidden truths, and the most dangerous one is yet to be uncovered.
The Cruel Dark by Bea Northwick started slow but gradually picked up pace, and I was immersed in its gothic themes and intriguing plot.
Millie's journey from desperation to unraveling the mysteries of Willowfield and its enigmatic owner is captivating. Millicent Foxboro and Professor Callum Hughes are both deeply flawed and intriguing. Millie’s struggle with her traumatic past and the professor’s brooding intensity made for an interesting dynamic. The slow-burn romance between Millie and Callum was electrifying. The tension and eventual connection between them were expertly crafted, making their relationship both believable and enthralling.
I loved the blend of folklore, mythology, and the supernatural added layers of intrigue. The mystery surrounding the professor’s past and the secrets hidden within Willowfield kept me guessing until the very end.
If you enjoy gothic-themed novels with a mix of romance and mystery, this book is a must-read.
This is a must read fans of dark, atmospheric tales that keep you on the edge of your seat! It’s a captivating journey that I thoroughly enjoyed, and I highly recommend it to all gothic romance enthusiasts.
Thank you to The Publisher Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op ,The Author Bea Northwick & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.