Started to read this book and thought "oh not another boarding school book" but luckily that phase of the book did not last long.

An only child from a one parent family who worked and lived abroad, always wanted siblings or even friends after being bought up by an aunt. Boarding school and then to be invited to spend Christmas with her room mate at a country estate seemed like all Gilly's wishes had come true.

That is when this book really steps up the pace and takes you into a journey full of lies, deceit, murder and family secrets that are second to none.

This carry's on throughout the book right until the last page.

Thank you Netgalley for letting me read this book

I LOVED "The Undoing of Violet Claybourne" by Emily Critchley (big fan of "One Puzzling Afternoon" too). It started off a bit Enid Blyton style, 2 girls at boarding school although Violet was a little quirky with her rituals. Things just got better and better from then on. The faded grandeur of the Claybourne's stately home, the fascinating older sisters and the excitement of not having to spend Christmas with the main character's elderly aunt. However, things go quickly wrong and the older sisters turn on Violet (and others) and use them as scape goats. There are some sad moments, some moments that make you cross and some moments when justice is served. A really well thought out, crafted and delivered book.

I do own a copy of Emily's previous book, One Puzzling Afternoon, but for reasons unknown to me, I am yet to read it, but going on synopsis alone, this one sounded just as intriguing. And we all know how much I love an historical novel, especially when it blends thriller into it along with family drama.

It was a little slow to begin with. Not boring or dull or off-putting or anything, it just took a little longer to get into that mysterious element than I was expecting. I'd say maybe 35-40% is when it really gets going and the second half zoomed by. It was really engrossing and took turns I wasn't expecting.

I did wonder at times if there was too much going on. Too many people, too much history, and too many secrets. And I thought about it throughout the book and I actually think it's just the right side of too much. Everything is valuable to the story and context, so I think it works.

I loved that the main characters were female. There are men in it, but for the most part it's just women and girls and they're so powerful, and I think, it's got more depth and emotion behind it for doing so, because it's in a time when women were still seen as the lesser sex.

I was on the fence about a few characters. They're all very well written with such depth and they all brought something to the table. I really felt for Violet, my heart really went out to her. Initially I thought I would like Gillian the most, as I assumed Violet's arrival would upset things. But then Gillian didn't turn out to be who I thought she was. Not to spoil it, but she is to make a choice and it's not necessarily the choice I thought she should make.

I loved this idea of tyring to fit in. Violet is an outsider at school and Gillian helps her find her way. Gillian is an outsider at the house and Violet helps her fit in. And also about keeping up appearances. On the surface everything at Thornleigh House and with the Claybourne family seems perfect, the perfect house with glamorous inhabitants that dress for dinner, with fine dining etc. but there's a lot of murkiness going on underneath and that was great to unpick. And also this sense of classism and snobbery, that women in a certain social class had to be a certain way and marry a certain way, and if you're beneath that then you're sort of swept away as to not sully everything else.

It was an interesting time period. Most of the historical novels I read are set way back in the 17-18th century, or during WW1 or WW2, and so to find one that is set between the two wars was very interesting for me.

It's very evocative and atmospheric, almost nostalgic for a time I know nothing about. It's eery but not in an overly obvious way, it's not a thrill a minute, it's subtle, with this mysterious undercurrent that held my attention throughout.

Overall I would say it's a joyous book. The pacing ebbs and flows, with some bits slower and others quicker. That's a minor negative for me as I felt some things zoomed by a bit too fast for me, but I'm splitting hairs here. The plot is interesting, the characters multi-layered and very human, the subtleties perfectly pitched, with a great sense of place and time, and just a very enjoyable read and I would definitely recommend it, and you can be sure I will now be picking up her other book.

I found this book to be an engaging read, the story is slow to come to the boil but when it does it picks up the pace of a rollercoaster. This story has many layers which when unwrapped shows the characters bare in quite a way, shedding secrets as the book unfolds. I found it a fascinating read, the gothic splendour and emotionally deprived childhood of Gillian is quite the foil for the machinations of the Claybournes, to go into further detail would ruin the story for those yet to indulge! Great read.

Thank you Netgalley

A really good read, sucks you in and is beautifully written. Really felt like I was living alongside the characters. Also desperately sad at times, but overall very gripping, I didn't want to put it down.

As I opened the pages of "The Undoing of Violet Claybourne," I was immediately transported to the winter of 1938, where I felt the chill of the setting and the excitement of youth. Emily Critchley has penned a novel that combines atmospheric surroundings with intricate themes of ambition, secrets, and betrayal.
We meet Gillian Larking, a character who expertly blends into the background, used to going unnoticed until her vibrant roommate, Violet Claybourne, pulls her into a whirlwind of charisma and charm. I found myself enchanted by the prospect of Gilly’s new friendship and the thrilling promise of being accepted into the dazzling world of the Claybourne family.
When Gillian visits Thornleigh Hall, the crumbling mansion with generations of secrets, the initial excitement morphed into intrigue as the family's faded grandeur captivated me. With their beguiling presence, the Claybourne sisters drew me in, making me feel as though I, too, were part of their intricate web. However, as the plot thickened and a shocking incident unfolded on the estate, I sensed tension and darkness lurking just below the surface. It was here that I began to question the charming facade that Violet and her sisters wore so well.
Critchley’s writing style beautifully evokes the atmosphere of the era and the complexity of female friendships. I appreciated the themes of desperate ambition and the sacrifices one makes to fit in, which resonated with me. The depiction of the boarding school antics was especially enjoyable; it felt nostalgic and served as a sharp contrast to the claustrophobia of Thornleigh Hall. However, as the story progressed, I felt the pacing became quite drawn out upon reaching the family home.
Gillian’s continued presence in Thornleigh Hall, despite the apparent shift in dynamics with the Claybourne sisters, left me puzzled. I often found myself wondering why she chose to stay when the friendship seemed to fray. This aspect of Gillian’s character and her decisions made me feel somewhat disconnected from her journey as the darkness encroached.
While the narrative held promise, the ending left me feeling a bit flat. Although I appreciated the exploration of deep family secrets, by the conclusion, I found myself wanting more resolution or emotional catharsis. The tone was undeniably melancholic, and while that can be effective, I wished for a brighter or more uplifting turn to Gilly’s story.
In summary, "The Undoing of Violet Claybourne" is a dark, atmospheric tale that explores the complexities of friendship and ambition in a pre-war setting. The characters are richly drawn, but the latter part of the story felt faltering, and Gillian's motivations sometimes left me wanting clarity. Still, it’s an engrossing read that would make a perfect companion for a cold, drizzly autumn day, as long as you're prepared for its ominous undertones.

This was such a great read! Full of unexpected twists and turns, and wonderful, three-dimensional characters in an atmospheric setting. It reminded me in some ways of Ian McEwan’s Atonement in its tone and some of the themes. Would definitely recommend this book!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book.
4 stars book from me. Loved the plot and the storytelling in The Undoing of Violet Claybourne and relatable, likable characters,. Loved every single second reading it.

I really enjoyed this book. It was emotive and beautifully written. We see how secrets and lies can destroy a family and I didn't want the book to end. I was completely enraptured by Gillian's world as a child and I felt I was transported into 1930s England.

I would class the book as a historical family & friendship saga. It started really well and I enjoyed reading about the antics at the boarding school, but found it quite drawn out when the story developed at Violet’s family home. I also didn’t understand why Gillian continued to stay there when obviously the girls were no longer friends. I finished this book but found it to be sad and left me a little flat. Thank you to NetGalley for the review copy.

This was a great read - very atmospheric with interesting characters, engrossing themes and a really good writing style. I think it would be the perfect, darker read for a cold and drizzly autumn day!

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

I absolutely adored the author’s debut novel so was thrilled to have the opportunity to read The Undoing of Violet Claybourne. I love books set in the 1930s and I found the cover and the synopsis so appealing.
It’s 1938 and 15 year old Gillian Larking is an outsider at her boarding school ; her mother died when she was born and she was raised in Egypt by her father who is now remarried with a new family. When Violet Claybourne joins her school and becomes her roommate Gillian is intrigued by the independent and strong willed Violet. When Gillian goes to stay with Violet and her family at Thornleigh Hall she is completely entranced by Violet’s older sisters and determined to be accepted by them whatever the cost.
Another stunning novel by Emily Critchley that I loved. Her writing is gorgeous, so descriptive and immersive and I was completely drawn into Gillian’s world and 1930s England. The class system and snobbery of the upper classes is brilliantly portrayed as is the heartbreaking treatment of young women who don’t conform and the expectations placed upon them. I found this to be a very emotional read, I was so angry with Gillian and Violet’s family and also felt a real sense of sadness throughout.
This was a novel I did not want to end, I felt bereft when I finished it and just wanted to devour other novels set during this period. One of my favourite novels of the year so far and I’d highly recommend it.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.

I really enjoyed the plot, the characters and setting of this book. I read this in just two sittings and loved it!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for my ARC

I was really sad to give up on this at just over halfway. The writing style didn’t work for me and I felt no connection to the characters

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc