Member Reviews
This book carried the Mandeville series stamp, 8ntrigue, history, mystery and romance. We continue to learn of how the family has transformed from the first book which was set in 1913 to the current book which is set at the cusp of ww2 in 1936. Langridges style of writing is evocative, Hill house is a character of its own and to give this house a life showcases Langridges compelling style. Hettie is also quite the star, a broken hearted but intelligent and string personality. Her romance with Rhys was slow burn but well developed. This series continues to deliver.
Although this book is a part of a series but it can be read as a standalone . And while I haven't read the previous books I didn't have any problem catching up with the story. The mystery element is definitely well thought out and all the characters are fun and refreshing. This is a great one time read for sure but a lot of the tropes in this are YA and that's I've personally grown out of but if anyone is a fan of YA definitely try it
Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is the fourth book in the series, but it could be read as a standalone. A well-written and engaging book a fast-paced plot with great characters. A recommended read.
This is the fourth book in the Mandeville family mysteries series and I am constantly delighted with each addition. The books are always a tad genre bending with some paranormal, some romance and some mystery or crime and it keeps you guessing well. I know there will be more as each book shares more enticing bits of the secret/origins/mystery but we still don't know everything yet. I'm always left hungry and a bit impatient for the next story and I appreciate that Callie Langridge takes her time to be well researched and thoroughly sure of what she is writing.
This story was a little slower to start than the rest and in the end I was left feeling that it hadn't been as romantic as the rest either. I do appreciate the characters being who they are, aren't exactly the huge romance type though. There were bits and pieces in Hettie's story that weren't entirely solved although maybe that, reflecting real life was the point of the book. It dealt with themes that were a lot more realistic to the times they were set (being pre WW2) and included a lot of sobering topics.
All in all, another seamlessly written book that focuses on different parts of the whole Mandeville family and Hill house. I'm sure I spotted reference to another babe in the making there as well which will ensure continuation of the line. A very enjoyable time spend in the company of characters old and new.
My big thanks to Netgalley, Storm publishing and Callie Langridge for an opportunity to read this ARC. All opinions given are my own.
When I read the description of The Mandeville Curse - I was hooked but I hadn't read the first three- fortunately, they are on kindle unlimited so I dove in and I am so glad that I did! You don't have to have read the others to enjoy number 4 but trust me, they're worth it. Especially as you learn about why this is house is so...unique. I love when a non-sentient object becomes a character in a story and that's certainly the case for Hill House. The character (aka the house) gives you what you need - whatever that may be.
In the fourth book of the series, the protege of photojournalist Hettie Turner has died - and she's the main suspect. She flees to Hill House and undertakes the work of archiving the collection of the late patriarch of the Mandeville family. The longer she's there the more she's pulled into the family, the misfortunes, and the objects that may be behind what seems to be curses.
Hettie - our FMC - is absolutely brilliant. I love a whipsmart, fierce character, especially when it's a woman in a time period that it's not a given for a woman to be as strong and bold as she is. The supporting characters are well-written and fleshed out, adding to the atmosphere of the house. The romance was well done but most importantly the supernatural elements felt believable and didn't pull me out of my suspension of disbelief.
I laughed but I definitely cried a little bit - This is was a fast-paced, charming read, and I can't wait for another installment.
I really enjoyed this book!
Hettie is a fantastic character. I really enjoyed reading about her character and how she goes about solving a mystery. The book itself is incredibly well written and was a pleasure to read.
Will definitely look forward to more from this author!
Like the first book in this series, which I enjoyed, it combines social and political themes, historical mystery and supernatural twist. It has a dual timeline set in the late 1930s and late 19th century. Whilst there is a gothic ethos to this story, it focuses mainly on the grief and guilt of the Hettie, the female protagonist, the benevolent nature of the Hill house, the family home of the Mandeville family and the collection of objects collected by the recently deceased head of the household and the stories behind them. It is gently paced, compelling, and has complex and relatable characters. Full of emotion, it invests you in the characters and their stories. I like the setting, the detailed historical mystery and the unworldly ethos.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
The Mandeville Curse by Callie Langridge is an atmospheric and absorbing timeslip romance that blends historical mystery with an undercurrent of supernatural tension. Langridge masterfully evokes the slow-burn unease of an ancestral estate brimming with secrets, while also grounding the narrative in themes of grief, resilience, and forbidden love. By the time you reach the final page, you’ll feel like you’ve been haunted—in the best way.
Hettie Turner is a captivating protagonist—a trailblazing photojournalist in the 1930s who exudes both independence and vulnerability. Her guilt over the death of her young protégé haunts her every step, adding emotional weight to her decision to escape to Hill House for a change of scenery and purpose. The detail with which Langridge builds Hettie’s character makes her choices feel authentic, particularly her struggle to reconcile her rational worldview with the eerie occurrences at the Mandeville estate.
Hill House itself feels like a living, breathing entity, steeped in the Mandeville family's long history and shadowed by whispers of tragedy. Langridge’s descriptions—whether of the echoing hallways, the soft ticking of forgotten clocks, or the stillness of long-shut rooms—are richly immersive. It’s easy to feel as if you’re right there with Hettie, wandering the dim corridors, torn between fascination and unease.
The cursed object at the center of the mystery is cleverly woven into both the Mandeville family's tragedies and Hettie’s investigation. While she’s initially skeptical, her growing suspicion that some objects might carry more than mere sentimental value is deftly handled and builds suspense. The connection between the object’s origins in Canada’s frozen wilderness and the present-day horrors at Hill House adds a rich historical layer that deepens the intrigue.
The romance between Hettie and Rhys Lewis, the Mandeville family's groom, is subtle yet powerful. Rhys, an ex-soldier carrying his own wounds, is an ideal match for Hettie—his quiet strength balances her restless need to uncover the truth. Their relationship develops slowly, shaped as much by shared glances and conversations as by larger dramatic moments. Langridge avoids melodrama, allowing their connection to grow naturally against the backdrop of a house that seems determined to keep its secrets—and its tragedies—alive.
If there’s a critique, it’s that the pacing in the middle of the novel drags slightly as Hettie’s cataloguing process unfolds. Some readers may find the focus on antiquities and journals a bit dense, though it’s ultimately rewarding for those who enjoy a meticulously constructed historical mystery. Additionally, some side characters within the Mandeville family could have been given more depth, as their motivations and histories sometimes feel glossed over compared to the richness of Hettie’s arc.
At 4 stars, The Mandeville Curse is an elegantly crafted timeslip novel that combines history, romance, and the supernatural into a gripping tale of love, legacy, and courage. Langridge’s prose is lush yet precise, evoking a bygone era with grace while exploring timeless questions of fate, grief, and free will. Fans of historical fiction with gothic overtones and strong, independent heroines will find much to love here. Prepare to lose yourself in the eerie beauty of Hill House—and in a story that lingers like a whisper long after you’ve turned the last page.
What an interesting book that holds your attention. Plot twists and turns and keeps suspense going. I like the characters and hope they return in another book.
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book
i really tried to get into this one as it looks so good and the other people were raving about it... but i just couldnt get into it.... i found it so descriptive that i found myself skipping chunks to get to the next bit
but wouldnt life be boring if we all liked the same things so though this one wasnt for me for someone else it will be
thank you though for giving me the chance to try a new author out
The Mandeville Curse is the 4th book in the magical Mandeville series.
It is 1937 and WWII is on the horizon. Hettie Turner is a young photographer who has been photographing the Oswald Mosley propaganda rallies. During one of the rallies her young protege is killed. Overwhelmed with guilt, Hettie retreats to her parents house, Then they receive word that Sir Charles Mandeville has passed away. Sir Charles was the best friend of Hettie’s grandfather and she spent many a childhood vacation at Hill House with the Mandeville family. A suggestion is made that Hettie go to Hill House and photograph Sir Charles’ extensive collection of antiquties. Once at Hill House, Hettie meets some of the staff and the young daughters of the house, the rest of the family is in London. Hettie starts to photograph the collection and strange incidents start to happen, she senses an otherwordly presence. There seems to be an all too human threat as well. Hettie must navigate her grief and find a way to move forward while helping a family that she has grown to love. The story in interspersed with chapters related to Sir Charles and Hettie’s granfather’s trip to America and Canada in 1876. This ties up the story in a satisfying way
This is the 4th book in the Mandeville series and though I love them all, my favorite is still the 1st one, I do recommend reading all the books in order as you get to know repeat characters and their place in the series. Bertie will always be a favorite
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, Storm Publishing and the author for the chance to read and review this ARC.
This is a dual timeline story, mainly set in 1937 but also in 1876. The main character is Hettie, she is unconventional in her dress and work and she prefers the simple things in life. Hettie is recovering from a traumatic event and is at Mandeville house to photograph artefacts to be identified by her academic parents. The house provides Hettie with the feeling of comfort and safety, and it’s a place that brings back happy, childhood memories. There are a good mix of characters and a possible romance. There is a paranormal element to the story and also some danger. The first part of the book was a little slow in pace and some descriptions were in just too much detail. However, I became really invested in the second part and things were all neatly tied together at the end. It was quite atmospheric and tense in parts. I hadn’t read any of the previous books but this didn’t spoil my enjoyment of this book. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Welcome again to Hill House, the seat of the lovable and magical Mandeville family. This book 4 in the series and while reading these books as standalone books is alright; it really pays off to read them in order to connect with the family and its history.
The first book started in 1913 and now we are in 1936. The book starts with The Battle Of Cable Street, where Hettie losing her apprentice drives the plot forward.
Pertinent historical events in the background: pre WWII Europe, the rise of Oswald Mosley in England and the Third Reich in Germany; with the disappearance of the liberal artistic night scene.
I loved Hettie, she was different and a bit more masculine and unconventional in her appearance but didn’t give the “not like the other girls” ✨vibes✨. Her romance with Rhys was well developed and the mystery plot was engaging and well executed.
I really enjoy this series and I will continue reading it as long as Ms. Langridge keeps on going.
4⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an advanced copy of The Mandeville Curse.
A young photographer feels lost after the death of her friend. She is asked to come to The Mandeville estate to photograph the antiques of the late head of the house. She has not photographed anything since the death of her friend but the Mandeville family has been great friends of her family so she accepts the invitation. Once there odd things start happening and she feels like she is being watched. Hearing the sad events that have plagued the family over the years she worries that an evil force is at work.
This is the fourth book in the series and I do recommend reading the other books before this one because they are all tied together and it will give you a lot of background on the characters. This series is different than anything I have ever read and I have enjoyed all of the books. I enjoyed the writing style and the plots. I enjoyed how all of the stories were connected. I highly recommend the whole series!
Langridge crafts a chilling atmosphere, expertly weaving suspense with a rich, haunting narrative. While the plot’s pacing can be slow at times, the intricate character development and eerie tension make for an engaging read, perfect for fans of gothic fiction and family driven mysteries.
1937. When her young protégé is killed in suspicious circumstances, celebrated photojournalist Hettie Turner is wracked with guilt. Desperate to escape her grief, she travels to the distant Hill House to help with an unusual request. Arriving at the ancestral home of the Mandevilles, Hettie finds a family struggling to accept the passing of the head of the household, Sir Charles Mandeville. Hettie is enlisted to catalogue the eclectic collection of antiquities amassed by Sir Charles when he explored the world as a young man. Independent by nature, Hettie is surprised to find herself turning to the family’s groom, the handsome ex-soldier Rhys Lewis, for help.
The longer she stays at Hill House, the more it gets under Hettie’s skin. From the graceful sweep of the central staircase to the soft rustle of pages in the old library – Hettie becomes fascinated by the history of the Mandevilles. Sir Charles was secretive about parts of his collection but, ever the pragmatist, Hettie dismisses the legend that a cursed object is responsible for the many tragedies that have befallen the family. But as Hettie delves deeper into her work, increasingly unsettling experiences occur around her, causing secrets formed in the frozen wilderness of Canada six decades earlier to unravel.
I really enjoyed this. I haven't read the others in the series, and this was fine for me as a standalone. I loved that the house itself felt like its own character. It definitely gave this book a different flavor for me. Interesting story - I haven't read anything quite like it! I would definitely recommend this if it sounds interesting to you! 4⭐
I received an advanced complimentary digital copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed are my own.
Like book 1 in the series, we have a dual timeline giving a greater insight to the Mandeville family and its history. Hettie becomes the latest outsider to help them and they, her. Loved the introduction of Stella, the cat. Plenty of unexplained goings on to keep the reader page turning.
Thanks to Netgalley /Storm for the ARC to review.
Thank you Storm Publishing and NetGalley for letting me review this book.
This has been the best immersed historical dual timeline mystery, I have ever read. I felt like I was in the book in both April 1876 and February 1937. I did not see the twists coming especially at the end! This was such a wonderful book, I need to read more from this author! I thought about going to bed and woke up excited to read it in the morning. This book was brilliant, and for any historical thriller fans out there, this book is for you! So many secrets, mysteries, twists, etc. Just brilliant! I didn't want the book to end. I could read books like this, every day.
I wish every author could write like this. Phenomenal! I more than highly recommend this book!
I could not finish this ARC. I got 40% in and was just completely bogged down. Author was too overly descriptive and story not advancing at all.
The story follows Hettie, a photographer visiting Mandeville to capture images of antiques in a cottage with a hidden past. While the premise had potential, the execution left much to be desired.
The pacing was slow, with the narrative bogged down by overly detailed descriptions. There’s a fine line between painting a vivid picture and overloading the reader with unnecessary details. For example, I didn’t need to know every step of how someone folded a cloth or moved a kettle. These moments made the story feel like it was dragging and distracted from the main plot.
Another issue was the repetitive use of past perfect tense. Sentences like “she had done this, she had done that” were constant and made the prose feel clunky. This stylistic choice disrupted the flow of the story and pulled me out of the experience more often than I would have liked.
The romance between Hettie and Rhys also didn’t add much to the story. It felt unnatural, with little chemistry between the two characters. The narrative would have been stronger if they had remained friends working together to uncover the cottage’s secrets, rather than forcing a romance that didn’t fit.