What do you think?
Rate this book
Ruby Vaughn #1
The Curse of Penryth Hall
An atmospheric gothic mystery that beautifully brings the ancient Cornish countryside to life, Armstrong introduces heroine Ruby Vaughn in her Minotaur Books & Mystery Writers of America First Crime Novel Award-winning debut, The Curse of Penryth Hall.
After the Great War, American heiress Ruby Vaughn made a life for herself running a rare bookstore alongside her octogenarian employer and house mate in Exeter. She’s always avoided dwelling on the past, even before the war, but it always has a way of finding her. When Ruby is forced to deliver a box of books to a folk healer living deep in the Cornish countryside, she is brought back to the one place she swore she’d never return. A more sensible soul would have delivered the package and left without rehashing old wounds. But no one has ever accused Ruby of being sensible. Thus begins her visit to Penryth Hall.
A foreboding fortress, Penryth Hall is home to Ruby’s once dearest friend, Tamsyn, and her husband, Sir Edward Chenowyth. It’s an unsettling place, and after a more unsettling evening, Ruby is eager to depart. But her plans change when Penryth’s bells ring for the first time in thirty years. Edward is dead; he met a gruesome end in the orchard, and with his death brings whispers of a returned curse. It also brings Ruan Kivell, the person whose books brought her to Cornwall, the one the locals call a Pellar, the man they believe can break the curse. Ruby doesn’t believe in curses—or Pellars—but this is Cornwall and to these villagers the curse is anything but lore, and they believe it will soon claim its next victim: Tamsyn.
To protect her friend, Ruby must work alongside the Pellar to find out what really happened in the orchard that night.
After the Great War, American heiress Ruby Vaughn made a life for herself running a rare bookstore alongside her octogenarian employer and house mate in Exeter. She’s always avoided dwelling on the past, even before the war, but it always has a way of finding her. When Ruby is forced to deliver a box of books to a folk healer living deep in the Cornish countryside, she is brought back to the one place she swore she’d never return. A more sensible soul would have delivered the package and left without rehashing old wounds. But no one has ever accused Ruby of being sensible. Thus begins her visit to Penryth Hall.
A foreboding fortress, Penryth Hall is home to Ruby’s once dearest friend, Tamsyn, and her husband, Sir Edward Chenowyth. It’s an unsettling place, and after a more unsettling evening, Ruby is eager to depart. But her plans change when Penryth’s bells ring for the first time in thirty years. Edward is dead; he met a gruesome end in the orchard, and with his death brings whispers of a returned curse. It also brings Ruan Kivell, the person whose books brought her to Cornwall, the one the locals call a Pellar, the man they believe can break the curse. Ruby doesn’t believe in curses—or Pellars—but this is Cornwall and to these villagers the curse is anything but lore, and they believe it will soon claim its next victim: Tamsyn.
To protect her friend, Ruby must work alongside the Pellar to find out what really happened in the orchard that night.
326 pages, Hardcover
First published December 5, 2023
About the author
Jess Armstrong
4 books295 followersJess Armstrong is the USA Today best selling author of the Ruby Vaughn Mysteries. Her debut novel, The Curse of Penryth Hall, won the Mystery Writers of America/Minotaur First Crime Novel Competition. She has a masters degree in American History but prefers writing about imaginary people to the real thing. Jess lives in New Orleans with her historian husband, two sons, yellow cat, speckled dog, and the world’s most pampered school-fair goldfish. And when she’s not working on her next project, she’s probably thinking about cheese, baking, on social media or some combination of the above. You can find her on Instagram or X @JessL_Armstrong at or see what’s new on her website writingjess.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 927 reviews
July 9, 2024
The Curse of Penryth Hall is a Gothic Mystery mostly set at a large manor home in the Cornish countryside.
We follow an American heiress, Ruby Vaugh, who after a scandal back home, gets sent to live in Exeter, where she helps run a cozy bookshop.
One day Ruby is given an assignment to go deliver a box of books to a folk healer living in Cornwall. It just so happens her destination will take her to the doorstep of Penryth Hall, where her once dear, now estranged friend, Tamsyn, lives with her husband, Sir Edward Chenowyth.
Ruby hasn't seen Tamsyn since her wedding. The women didn't part under the best of conditions and there's a lot of tension simmering just under the surface, but Ruby feels compelled to reconnect nonetheless.
The property itself feels dark and stifling. There's not a lot of lightness flowing through the corridors. Tamsyn is a mother now and her young son seems to be her pride and joy. Her husband, however, not so much.
After a tense and uncomfortable dinner, Ruby isn't sure what to think. It seems Tamsyn has gotten herself into a bad position, but how can Ruby possibly help? Tamsyn is an adult. She made her choices.
For her part, Ruby can't wait to get out of there. She'll spend one night and then go, back to her life in Exeter. Ruby's plans for leaving are dashed though when Edward's dead body is discovered the following morning in the orchard.
The state of the body point to the most gruesome of deaths. Shortly thereafter, talk of the curse begins. Ruby is puzzled by this. Surely, these people don't truly believe that a curse killed Sir Edward?
She begins to look into it. She wants to prove that a person, a real human being in the flesh, must have killed Edward. And if they did, anyone in Penryth could still be in danger, including Tamsyn and her son.
She ends up teaming up with the person who brought her to Cornwall in the first place, Ruan Kivell, the folk healer, known to the locals as a Pellar. Although Ruby isn't sold on his brand of healing, she can't help but admit when he begins to help her in big ways.
Will the two of them be able to put their differences aside long enough to discover what happened to Sir Edward, or will their bickering get in the way?
The Curse of Penryth Hall was a delightful surprise for me. I'm an Atmosphere Girlie, first and foremost, and this entire story was dripping in it.
I also loved Ruby as a main character and the chemistry between her and Ruan, and I don't even mean that in a romance way, just the overall dynamic between the two of them, was fantastic. Their back-and-forth; the pull and push of their relationship was so fun to watch.
I enjoyed the gothic vibes and having Ruby being a plucky, outspoken protagonist seemed perfect for the setting. She was almost like a fish out of water, but ended up really becoming invested in the goings-on of that little village.
I also really enjoyed how Armstrong played this out. It had a lovely is it supernatural, is it not feel to it that I always enjoy. I thought it was well paced and the mystery was intriguing.
The only thing I wasn't crazy about was the relationship between Ruby and Tamsyn. I didn't like Tamsyn, so didn't really get why Ruby seemed so attached her. I guess I just didn't get enough of their history to have their relationship make sense to me.
Overall, this was just a really good, solid mystery with fantastically-gothic vibes. I had a lot of fun with the setting, story and characters.
There were a few statements at the end that lead me to believe this could be the first in a series. Personally, I would be super stoked if that were the case. I would love to follow Ruby on more adventures.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys historically-set mysteries with heavy gothic vibes. I would also definitely recommend it to fans of Hester Fox, or Sarah Penner.
Thank you to the publisher, Minotaur Books and Dreamscape Media, for providing me with copies to read and review. I'm looking forward to more from Jess Armstrong!
We follow an American heiress, Ruby Vaugh, who after a scandal back home, gets sent to live in Exeter, where she helps run a cozy bookshop.
One day Ruby is given an assignment to go deliver a box of books to a folk healer living in Cornwall. It just so happens her destination will take her to the doorstep of Penryth Hall, where her once dear, now estranged friend, Tamsyn, lives with her husband, Sir Edward Chenowyth.
Ruby hasn't seen Tamsyn since her wedding. The women didn't part under the best of conditions and there's a lot of tension simmering just under the surface, but Ruby feels compelled to reconnect nonetheless.
The property itself feels dark and stifling. There's not a lot of lightness flowing through the corridors. Tamsyn is a mother now and her young son seems to be her pride and joy. Her husband, however, not so much.
After a tense and uncomfortable dinner, Ruby isn't sure what to think. It seems Tamsyn has gotten herself into a bad position, but how can Ruby possibly help? Tamsyn is an adult. She made her choices.
For her part, Ruby can't wait to get out of there. She'll spend one night and then go, back to her life in Exeter. Ruby's plans for leaving are dashed though when Edward's dead body is discovered the following morning in the orchard.
The state of the body point to the most gruesome of deaths. Shortly thereafter, talk of the curse begins. Ruby is puzzled by this. Surely, these people don't truly believe that a curse killed Sir Edward?
She begins to look into it. She wants to prove that a person, a real human being in the flesh, must have killed Edward. And if they did, anyone in Penryth could still be in danger, including Tamsyn and her son.
She ends up teaming up with the person who brought her to Cornwall in the first place, Ruan Kivell, the folk healer, known to the locals as a Pellar. Although Ruby isn't sold on his brand of healing, she can't help but admit when he begins to help her in big ways.
Will the two of them be able to put their differences aside long enough to discover what happened to Sir Edward, or will their bickering get in the way?
The Curse of Penryth Hall was a delightful surprise for me. I'm an Atmosphere Girlie, first and foremost, and this entire story was dripping in it.
I also loved Ruby as a main character and the chemistry between her and Ruan, and I don't even mean that in a romance way, just the overall dynamic between the two of them, was fantastic. Their back-and-forth; the pull and push of their relationship was so fun to watch.
I enjoyed the gothic vibes and having Ruby being a plucky, outspoken protagonist seemed perfect for the setting. She was almost like a fish out of water, but ended up really becoming invested in the goings-on of that little village.
I also really enjoyed how Armstrong played this out. It had a lovely is it supernatural, is it not feel to it that I always enjoy. I thought it was well paced and the mystery was intriguing.
The only thing I wasn't crazy about was the relationship between Ruby and Tamsyn. I didn't like Tamsyn, so didn't really get why Ruby seemed so attached her. I guess I just didn't get enough of their history to have their relationship make sense to me.
Overall, this was just a really good, solid mystery with fantastically-gothic vibes. I had a lot of fun with the setting, story and characters.
There were a few statements at the end that lead me to believe this could be the first in a series. Personally, I would be super stoked if that were the case. I would love to follow Ruby on more adventures.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys historically-set mysteries with heavy gothic vibes. I would also definitely recommend it to fans of Hester Fox, or Sarah Penner.
Thank you to the publisher, Minotaur Books and Dreamscape Media, for providing me with copies to read and review. I'm looking forward to more from Jess Armstrong!
December 26, 2023
Two things that always make me happy? A beautiful book cover and a well-written debut. Jess Armstrong’s The Curse of Penryth Hall delivers on both!
Plot summary (skip to the bullet points at the end, if you just want my thoughts):
Ruby Vaughn is an American heiress who has settled into life in Exeter, working in a rare books shop owned by her elderly housemate, Mr. Owen. She was sent to England by her parents before the Great War after a scandal that ruined her marriage prospects.
On a journey to deliver books to a folk healer named Ruan Kivell in nearby Cornwall, Ruby responds to a disturbing summons from an old friend Tamsyn at her gothic estate, Penryth Hall. The two had a romantic past, though Tamsyn ultimately chose marriage to Sir Edward Chenowyth instead, breaking Ruby’s heart.
When Edward is brutally murdered that night, the superstitious Cornish villagers believe it’s the return of an old curse placed on the Chenowyth line by a witch, due to their philandering ways. The family line has seen a number of gruesome deaths, and now everyone is convinced the curse is coming for Tamsyn and her son Jori as well.
The villagers trust one person to break the curse: their Pellar, Ruan Kivell. In English folklore, a pellar was a healer and one who could break spells among other things. He’s both revered and feared among them. One person they don’t know whether to trust is Ruby, and her life seems to be in more jeopardy every day.
Who killed Edward, and who is trying to kill Ruby? What follows is Ruby and Ruan working together to try to solve that mystery, or I SHOULD say Ruby trying to solve it while Ruan saves her life repeatedly! I really liked Ruan and Ruby, though she’s a headstrong challenge to say the least! His patience and care for her was sweet. It never really reached “romance” status, yet they had an undeniable connection with the suggestion of mutual feelings. I’m hoping there’s another book to continue their story!
Once again, I did an immersion read, listening to the audio while following along on my Kindle. Emma Lord nailed the accents and made the story even more fun.
What I liked:
▪️ Interesting and well-drawn characters
▪️ A great dynamic between Ruan and Ruby
▪️ An absolutely adorable, mischievous cat named Fiachna - I wish he was mine!
▪️ A solid mystery with a believable ending
▪️ A wonderful audio narration by Emma Lord
▪️ Really lovely prose that brought the setting and atmosphere alive
▪️ The Cornish folklore was really interesting!
Some things I didn't prefer:
▪️ A few too many fancy “dictionary” words. I love intelligence. I don't love looking up definitions!
▪️ Ruby and Tamsyn’s backstory didn’t feel fleshed out - why did Ruby still like her?
▪️ The ending between Ruan and Ruby felt incomplete - is there a sequel coming? I'd be cool with that!
All said, I really enjoyed this debut and can’t wait to see what Jess Armstrong writes next!
★★★★
Thanks to Minotaur Books, NetGalley and author Jess Armstrong for the DRC and to Dreamscape Media for the ALC to honestly review. It’s out now.
Plot summary (skip to the bullet points at the end, if you just want my thoughts):
Ruby Vaughn is an American heiress who has settled into life in Exeter, working in a rare books shop owned by her elderly housemate, Mr. Owen. She was sent to England by her parents before the Great War after a scandal that ruined her marriage prospects.
On a journey to deliver books to a folk healer named Ruan Kivell in nearby Cornwall, Ruby responds to a disturbing summons from an old friend Tamsyn at her gothic estate, Penryth Hall. The two had a romantic past, though Tamsyn ultimately chose marriage to Sir Edward Chenowyth instead, breaking Ruby’s heart.
When Edward is brutally murdered that night, the superstitious Cornish villagers believe it’s the return of an old curse placed on the Chenowyth line by a witch, due to their philandering ways. The family line has seen a number of gruesome deaths, and now everyone is convinced the curse is coming for Tamsyn and her son Jori as well.
The villagers trust one person to break the curse: their Pellar, Ruan Kivell. In English folklore, a pellar was a healer and one who could break spells among other things. He’s both revered and feared among them. One person they don’t know whether to trust is Ruby, and her life seems to be in more jeopardy every day.
Who killed Edward, and who is trying to kill Ruby? What follows is Ruby and Ruan working together to try to solve that mystery, or I SHOULD say Ruby trying to solve it while Ruan saves her life repeatedly! I really liked Ruan and Ruby, though she’s a headstrong challenge to say the least! His patience and care for her was sweet. It never really reached “romance” status, yet they had an undeniable connection with the suggestion of mutual feelings. I’m hoping there’s another book to continue their story!
Once again, I did an immersion read, listening to the audio while following along on my Kindle. Emma Lord nailed the accents and made the story even more fun.
What I liked:
▪️ Interesting and well-drawn characters
▪️ A great dynamic between Ruan and Ruby
▪️ An absolutely adorable, mischievous cat named Fiachna - I wish he was mine!
▪️ A solid mystery with a believable ending
▪️ A wonderful audio narration by Emma Lord
▪️ Really lovely prose that brought the setting and atmosphere alive
▪️ The Cornish folklore was really interesting!
Some things I didn't prefer:
▪️ A few too many fancy “dictionary” words. I love intelligence. I don't love looking up definitions!
▪️ Ruby and Tamsyn’s backstory didn’t feel fleshed out - why did Ruby still like her?
▪️ The ending between Ruan and Ruby felt incomplete - is there a sequel coming? I'd be cool with that!
All said, I really enjoyed this debut and can’t wait to see what Jess Armstrong writes next!
★★★★
Thanks to Minotaur Books, NetGalley and author Jess Armstrong for the DRC and to Dreamscape Media for the ALC to honestly review. It’s out now.
November 28, 2023
Had high hopes for this book, and unfortunately it did not live up to those hopes. There is a good plot, but characters are lacking in development and the longer I read the book the less and less I enjoyed it. This follows Ruby Vaughan, an American who now works at a small bookstore in England, She is/was an heiress who was sent to England due to "Indiscretions" in the states. She worked helping wounded soldiers in WW1 where she met and fell in love with another lady who eventually left here to get married to one of the patients. Whew, had that all come out early in the book it would make sense, but instead we get little snippets here and there, during the main body of the story, Ruby is sent to deliver books to a man who she finds out is a Preller - again it takes multiple chapters to figure out what a Preller really is, and even then I am not sure but he is some sort of mystic. the 7th son of the 7th son, and therefore allegedly has special powers. She finally visits her old female friend, along with her husband and infant child, and a gruesome murder occurs. Everyone blames it on the curse at the house. Ruby refuses to believe it and sets about trying to disprove that myth. The longer it went on, the less interested I was in the book. Disappointed, since the idea behind the book was good but it was not executed very well.
December 6, 2023
Happy Publication Day
This book was right up my alley. I loved this Gothic mystery. It is set in a manor home in the English countryside. Ruby Vaughn has secrets of her own. She works for a bookseller in Exeter. She must deliver some books to a man in the Cornish countryside. Her long lost friend Tamysyn lives in Penryth Hall near by. Tamysyn is married to Sir Edward Chenowyth. Ruby had not seen Tamysyn since the wedding. She plans to spend the night and leave in the morning. All this changes when Tamsyn’s husband Edward is found brutally murdered. Could it be the dreaded course of Penryth Hall? Ruby gets involved with Ryan Kivell, the man she delivered the books to. He is called the Pellar and is said to have mystical powers.
This is a wonderful atmospheric novel filled with mystery and suspense. It is filled with twists and turns with an ending I never saw coming. It is a captivating debut novel.
Thanks to Net Galley for this advanced copy.
This book was right up my alley. I loved this Gothic mystery. It is set in a manor home in the English countryside. Ruby Vaughn has secrets of her own. She works for a bookseller in Exeter. She must deliver some books to a man in the Cornish countryside. Her long lost friend Tamysyn lives in Penryth Hall near by. Tamysyn is married to Sir Edward Chenowyth. Ruby had not seen Tamysyn since the wedding. She plans to spend the night and leave in the morning. All this changes when Tamsyn’s husband Edward is found brutally murdered. Could it be the dreaded course of Penryth Hall? Ruby gets involved with Ryan Kivell, the man she delivered the books to. He is called the Pellar and is said to have mystical powers.
This is a wonderful atmospheric novel filled with mystery and suspense. It is filled with twists and turns with an ending I never saw coming. It is a captivating debut novel.
Thanks to Net Galley for this advanced copy.
April 21, 2024
⭐️ CONTENT REVIEW CONTAINS A MINOR SPOILER ⭐️
The Curse of Penryth Hall is a gothic mystery set in Cornwall after World War 1. The names reminded me of Poldark, and the narrator (I listened on audio) did an amazing job at all of the various accents. This was not a predictable mystery, but it also wasn’t very shocking. There were some things that troubled me about the content.
Content: 2/5 There was one use of the f-word and a few uses of the h and d-word. A few misuses of Gods name in vain. Two girls discuss a man’s privates in a vulgar way. The main male character is a witch (which they call a pellar) and there is discussion of a grimoire. The main female character is bisexual. She frequently reminisces on her past love for her best friend, a woman she is visiting in Cornwall. She also frequently has thoughts thar ridicule or belittle religion, Christianity specifically.
The Curse of Penryth Hall is a gothic mystery set in Cornwall after World War 1. The names reminded me of Poldark, and the narrator (I listened on audio) did an amazing job at all of the various accents. This was not a predictable mystery, but it also wasn’t very shocking. There were some things that troubled me about the content.
Content: 2/5 There was one use of the f-word and a few uses of the h and d-word. A few misuses of Gods name in vain. Two girls discuss a man’s privates in a vulgar way. The main male character is a witch (which they call a pellar) and there is discussion of a grimoire. The main female character is bisexual. She frequently reminisces on her past love for her best friend, a woman she is visiting in Cornwall. She also frequently has thoughts thar ridicule or belittle religion, Christianity specifically.
December 5, 2022
Brooding and atmospheric. Armstrong’s thrilling debut combines deft characterization, lush descriptions, Cornish legend, and a feisty heroine to weave a harrowing tale where the line between superstition and reason is blurred. Perfect for fans of Hester Fox and Simone St. James.
November 15, 2023
Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with an advance copy of this lovely book in exchange for an honest review.
Let me begin by telling you: it really is a lovely book. This is a great story for anyone looking for a fairly lighthearted mystery. As a thriller reader myself, I typically look for grittier, more intense stories, but it turns out this was the perfect change of pace for me after a long line of high-anxiety reads.
One of the aspects of Penryth Hall that I particularly enjoy is the simple writing style. It makes for very easy reading, which matches the genre of--dare I say--a cozy mystery very nicely. Now, perhaps that is an incorrect genre for this story: a cozy mystery. (I wouldn't know. I don't read them.) But that is what it feels like. A fun little fall/winter mystery book you won't want to put down.
Ruby Vaughn is very much the stereotypical "quirky, not-like-the-other-girls" main character, but those traits are not played up enough for it to be a bother. She is very run of the mill, but that also means she fits into the plot seamlessly.
Also, for my fellow readers who do not like overly/plentiful/gratuitous sexual content, I am pleased to announce that there is none. Hoorah! We win!
There is just so much to enjoy here if you're looking for a light read. I would definitely recommend it. Just don't be expecting something too serious. (Might I also add, it was a delight to read a story with a cat who is always just hanging around. I find very few stories, outside of my own, where that is the case, and it honestly adds a whole start on to my review. Thank you, Jess Armstrong, for the feline rep!)
My Blog | My YA Thrillers | Linktree | Instagram
Let me begin by telling you: it really is a lovely book. This is a great story for anyone looking for a fairly lighthearted mystery. As a thriller reader myself, I typically look for grittier, more intense stories, but it turns out this was the perfect change of pace for me after a long line of high-anxiety reads.
One of the aspects of Penryth Hall that I particularly enjoy is the simple writing style. It makes for very easy reading, which matches the genre of--dare I say--a cozy mystery very nicely. Now, perhaps that is an incorrect genre for this story: a cozy mystery. (I wouldn't know. I don't read them.) But that is what it feels like. A fun little fall/winter mystery book you won't want to put down.
Ruby Vaughn is very much the stereotypical "quirky, not-like-the-other-girls" main character, but those traits are not played up enough for it to be a bother. She is very run of the mill, but that also means she fits into the plot seamlessly.
Also, for my fellow readers who do not like overly/plentiful/gratuitous sexual content, I am pleased to announce that there is none. Hoorah! We win!
There is just so much to enjoy here if you're looking for a light read. I would definitely recommend it. Just don't be expecting something too serious. (Might I also add, it was a delight to read a story with a cat who is always just hanging around. I find very few stories, outside of my own, where that is the case, and it honestly adds a whole start on to my review. Thank you, Jess Armstrong, for the feline rep!)
My Blog | My YA Thrillers | Linktree | Instagram
December 9, 2023
The Curse of Penryth Hall is an excellent historical mystery with a bit of a gothic/paranormal flavor. Most of the action takes place in and around a village in Cornwall, England, in 1922. (There are a couple of mentions of Howard Carter, with people saying they didn’t think his expedition to Egypt would turn up anything worthwhile, which made me laugh, as he went on to discover the tomb of Tutankhamen!)
Ruby Vaughn is a wealthy, orphaned American expat, who got into all sorts of escapades and also served as a nurse in World War I. She is currently working for a rare bookseller and is tasked with bringing a large box of books to the village in Cornwall where an old dear friend, Tamsyn, lives (in Penryth Hall). The books need to be delivered to a man named Ruan, who is a “pellar” (I had to look it up), a sort of witch or wizard or folk healer. Ruby goes to visit Tamsyn and finds that all is not well in Cornwall! As you can imagine from the title, things go very wrong indeed.
The writing was lovely and I sped through the book. I could picture the manor house, the landscape and the small cottages. I enjoyed the characters of Ruby and Ruan, but it took me a while to warm up to Tamsyn, although I empathized with her having an unhappy marriage. Some of the side characters were terrific, such as the housekeeper, Mrs. Penrose. I also adored Ruby’s cat! There are hints at the end of a possible sequel. I hope that’s the case.
I bounced between the audiobook and the ebook for this title, which was very convenient. The audiobook was narrated beautifully by Emma Love, who did an outstanding job with all the various English/Scottish and American accents.
Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy of this book and to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.
Ruby Vaughn is a wealthy, orphaned American expat, who got into all sorts of escapades and also served as a nurse in World War I. She is currently working for a rare bookseller and is tasked with bringing a large box of books to the village in Cornwall where an old dear friend, Tamsyn, lives (in Penryth Hall). The books need to be delivered to a man named Ruan, who is a “pellar” (I had to look it up), a sort of witch or wizard or folk healer. Ruby goes to visit Tamsyn and finds that all is not well in Cornwall! As you can imagine from the title, things go very wrong indeed.
The writing was lovely and I sped through the book. I could picture the manor house, the landscape and the small cottages. I enjoyed the characters of Ruby and Ruan, but it took me a while to warm up to Tamsyn, although I empathized with her having an unhappy marriage. Some of the side characters were terrific, such as the housekeeper, Mrs. Penrose. I also adored Ruby’s cat! There are hints at the end of a possible sequel. I hope that’s the case.
I bounced between the audiobook and the ebook for this title, which was very convenient. The audiobook was narrated beautifully by Emma Love, who did an outstanding job with all the various English/Scottish and American accents.
Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy of this book and to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.
August 8, 2023
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: December 5, 2023
Ruby Vaughan is an heiress who, to avoid the secrets from her past, helps run a bookstore with her octogenarian landlord, miles away from her hometown in Exeter. But, as pasts are known to do, Ruby’s catches up to her when she returns to Exeter on a book delivery and runs into her former best friend, Tamsyn, who is now married to a baron and whom Ruby hasn’t spoken to since leaving the war. Obligated to check on her friend, Ruby returns to Penryth Hall and quickly learns that her friends’ happy life is a lie. When Tamsyn’s husband is found brutally murdered, people in town begin to speculate that the “Curse of Penryth Hall” has struck again, seeing as the murder follows a pattern from many years before. But Ruby doesn’t believe in curses and she is convinced to stick around and find out the truth- even if that makes her the next target.
“The Curse of Penryth Hall” is the debut novel by author Jess Armstrong. I was surprised to discover this was a debut, mostly because the story itself felt like a sequel. Narrated by Ruby, she talks of her previous relationship with Tamsyn and the complications that arose (which this novel does not go into), as well as her life as an heiress that ended when her father exiled her (again, something she occasionally mentions and we know nothing about). Ruby talks briefly of the war and her time there, but that, too, seems to provide just enough information to satisfy the most basic of character development. Armstrong makes it clear from the onset that the story is about “Penryth Hall” (and it is) but there was so much more to Ruby that I felt like I was missing something.
When the bodies start to pile up, there’s talk of magic, witchcraft and mysterious curses which plague the old Penryth Estate, and that is where my interest was piqued. A paranormal murder-mystery? Why, don’t mind if I do! When the baron is murdered, there are many suspects, but as the pool narrows, Armstrong still manages to keep the reader guessing. The ending, and suspect reveal, is slightly complicated with its intrinsic character connections, but it definitely serves to satisfy!
Armstrong has definitely crafted an inimitable, creative story, with relatable characters and the right number of suspenseful twists and turns! There are hints of a sequel in the ending, so I am excited to see if there is more Ruby Vaughan to come!
Expected publication date: December 5, 2023
Ruby Vaughan is an heiress who, to avoid the secrets from her past, helps run a bookstore with her octogenarian landlord, miles away from her hometown in Exeter. But, as pasts are known to do, Ruby’s catches up to her when she returns to Exeter on a book delivery and runs into her former best friend, Tamsyn, who is now married to a baron and whom Ruby hasn’t spoken to since leaving the war. Obligated to check on her friend, Ruby returns to Penryth Hall and quickly learns that her friends’ happy life is a lie. When Tamsyn’s husband is found brutally murdered, people in town begin to speculate that the “Curse of Penryth Hall” has struck again, seeing as the murder follows a pattern from many years before. But Ruby doesn’t believe in curses and she is convinced to stick around and find out the truth- even if that makes her the next target.
“The Curse of Penryth Hall” is the debut novel by author Jess Armstrong. I was surprised to discover this was a debut, mostly because the story itself felt like a sequel. Narrated by Ruby, she talks of her previous relationship with Tamsyn and the complications that arose (which this novel does not go into), as well as her life as an heiress that ended when her father exiled her (again, something she occasionally mentions and we know nothing about). Ruby talks briefly of the war and her time there, but that, too, seems to provide just enough information to satisfy the most basic of character development. Armstrong makes it clear from the onset that the story is about “Penryth Hall” (and it is) but there was so much more to Ruby that I felt like I was missing something.
When the bodies start to pile up, there’s talk of magic, witchcraft and mysterious curses which plague the old Penryth Estate, and that is where my interest was piqued. A paranormal murder-mystery? Why, don’t mind if I do! When the baron is murdered, there are many suspects, but as the pool narrows, Armstrong still manages to keep the reader guessing. The ending, and suspect reveal, is slightly complicated with its intrinsic character connections, but it definitely serves to satisfy!
Armstrong has definitely crafted an inimitable, creative story, with relatable characters and the right number of suspenseful twists and turns! There are hints of a sequel in the ending, so I am excited to see if there is more Ruby Vaughan to come!
November 29, 2023
No wonder this won a debut crime and mystery writing award!
It’s 1922. Ruby Vaughn is an American employed by an Octogenarian eccentric Exeter bookseller, Mr. Owen. She does odd tasks for him like delivering tomes to various customers.
She’s haring off to Lothlel Green near Tintagel, Cornwall (need I say more!) to deliver a trunk of books to Ruan Kivell, the Pellar (whatever that is!) Somehow the cat Mr, Owen’s cat Fiachna has managed her way into Ruby’s Crow Elkhart roadster.
Ruby is also calling in on her best friend and once lover, Lady Tamsyn Chenowyth at Penryth Hall, whom she’d fought with on the day Tamsyn had married Sir Edward Chenowyth. Tamsyn had sent a letter asking for Ruby’s help. Now, a year and a half since receiving the letter, and against her better judgement, Ruby decides to call in. After all she is passing by.
Ruby’s shocked by Tamsyn’s appearance, and the fading bruise on her cheekbone. She’s stunned when later, Tamsyn charges her to look after her son should anything happen to her.
What Ruby finds in Cornwall is death and dire circumstances, curses and superstitions, a healer cum witch who can read some of her thoughts, and ill feeling from the villagers.
We uncover much about Ruby as the story unfolds. She’s a reluctant heiress (her parents died when the boat they were on was sunk), she’s uncaring about her own mortality, she’s brave and adventurous, (an ambulance driver during WW1 on the front at Amiens), and she feels alone, except for the wise and welcoming Mr. Owen.
I relished Ruby, an unusual heroine who’s seen more than most.
I’m agog about what she will do next! I’m sure Ruan will be there somehow.
A St. Martin’s Press ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
It’s 1922. Ruby Vaughn is an American employed by an Octogenarian eccentric Exeter bookseller, Mr. Owen. She does odd tasks for him like delivering tomes to various customers.
She’s haring off to Lothlel Green near Tintagel, Cornwall (need I say more!) to deliver a trunk of books to Ruan Kivell, the Pellar (whatever that is!) Somehow the cat Mr, Owen’s cat Fiachna has managed her way into Ruby’s Crow Elkhart roadster.
Ruby is also calling in on her best friend and once lover, Lady Tamsyn Chenowyth at Penryth Hall, whom she’d fought with on the day Tamsyn had married Sir Edward Chenowyth. Tamsyn had sent a letter asking for Ruby’s help. Now, a year and a half since receiving the letter, and against her better judgement, Ruby decides to call in. After all she is passing by.
Ruby’s shocked by Tamsyn’s appearance, and the fading bruise on her cheekbone. She’s stunned when later, Tamsyn charges her to look after her son should anything happen to her.
What Ruby finds in Cornwall is death and dire circumstances, curses and superstitions, a healer cum witch who can read some of her thoughts, and ill feeling from the villagers.
We uncover much about Ruby as the story unfolds. She’s a reluctant heiress (her parents died when the boat they were on was sunk), she’s uncaring about her own mortality, she’s brave and adventurous, (an ambulance driver during WW1 on the front at Amiens), and she feels alone, except for the wise and welcoming Mr. Owen.
I relished Ruby, an unusual heroine who’s seen more than most.
I’m agog about what she will do next! I’m sure Ruan will be there somehow.
A St. Martin’s Press ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
July 9, 2024
Ruby Vaughn is an eccentric young woman, sent from America to live in Exeter by her family after getting caught in a compromising situation. She finds herself sharing a house with an older gentleman and helping him run his bookstore. One day he sends her to deliver a trunk of unusual books to a Cornish town, and her world is turned upside down.
Her childhood friend Tamsyn lives there, after marrying the older Sir Edward. Ruby Tamsyn’s relationship has been complicated and Ruby was still hurt. She also meets the town “pellar” Ruan Kivell / he’s a bit witch, a bit magical…
When murders occur, the townspeople believe an old curse has returned. Ruby and Ruan join forces to try to find out what is happening before more people get hurt.
The narration of the audiobook is marvelous! Full of wonderful accents and just well narrated overall. For a book about murder and curses… it was just fun! I wasn’t crazy about the dynamics between Ruby and Tamsyn, but I just enjoyed Ruby so much overall with her zest for life, and the connection with Ruan was fun. I see there’s a sequel coming out in December so it will be fun to see how this pair continues.
Her childhood friend Tamsyn lives there, after marrying the older Sir Edward. Ruby Tamsyn’s relationship has been complicated and Ruby was still hurt. She also meets the town “pellar” Ruan Kivell / he’s a bit witch, a bit magical…
When murders occur, the townspeople believe an old curse has returned. Ruby and Ruan join forces to try to find out what is happening before more people get hurt.
The narration of the audiobook is marvelous! Full of wonderful accents and just well narrated overall. For a book about murder and curses… it was just fun! I wasn’t crazy about the dynamics between Ruby and Tamsyn, but I just enjoyed Ruby so much overall with her zest for life, and the connection with Ruan was fun. I see there’s a sequel coming out in December so it will be fun to see how this pair continues.
May 5, 2023
Ruby is a wayward heiress whose family sent her from America to England. She makes her home with a wealthy fatherly antique bookseller in England. He sends her to deliver some books to a man in the countryside where her friend Tamsyn happens to reside. Tamsyn is Ruby's best friend from childhood until they were young woman driving ambulances in the war. Tamsyn lives at Penryth Hall with her husband Edward and young son Jori. Ruby visits Tamsyn and realizes how unhappy she is in her marriage and how deep her feelings for Tamsyn lie. The man she delivers the books to is the towns "Peller" . The towns healer/witch/ protector. He and Ruby soon learn they have a special bond.. Someone dies and the book is basically a very gothic who dunit .. I enjoyed the fast pace of this book.. It kept me questioning till the end...Are curses real or is it a person? I was surprised till the end. I wish the author would have invested a little more time into the Tamsyn character. I found her so bland and boring and since most of the book was about protecting her and her son, I felt the author should have made me love them. I would like to read another story about Ruby and hopefully her next adventure with the gorgeous Peller. Hint ,. Hint , hint.
December 9, 2023
This book is so poorly written. The characters are not well developed at all. The story is all over the place, and none of the character motivations make any sense.
Major plot points occur every couple of pages and then are forgotten. The poor main character is almost killed over and over again, but keeps rushing back to a place and people she dislikes. And why do they keep calling her back in an emergency when she isn’t actually connected to this town in any real way? The town, inexplicably tries to kill her as a witch? Post WWI?
It’s a mess. It was such an ungodly struggle to finish. I should have stopped, honestly, because even almost 90% done I was not even mildly invested in any of the characters because they aren’t engaging or real. They love and hate each other for no real reason. They have bursts of emotion with no actual motivation. Every person in here is such a terrible cliche. At this point I’d be fine if they were all killed off frankly. Do us all a favor.
Major plot points occur every couple of pages and then are forgotten. The poor main character is almost killed over and over again, but keeps rushing back to a place and people she dislikes. And why do they keep calling her back in an emergency when she isn’t actually connected to this town in any real way? The town, inexplicably tries to kill her as a witch? Post WWI?
It’s a mess. It was such an ungodly struggle to finish. I should have stopped, honestly, because even almost 90% done I was not even mildly invested in any of the characters because they aren’t engaging or real. They love and hate each other for no real reason. They have bursts of emotion with no actual motivation. Every person in here is such a terrible cliche. At this point I’d be fine if they were all killed off frankly. Do us all a favor.
November 29, 2023
I did not like this, not one bit.
I didn't really give a sh*t.
It was not fun, but now I'm done.
And off to have a comfort read.
Thank you (?) to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media and St. Martin's Press for my ARCs.
I didn't really give a sh*t.
It was not fun, but now I'm done.
And off to have a comfort read.
Thank you (?) to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media and St. Martin's Press for my ARCs.
December 8, 2023
Full review on my blog!
Thank you to the author Jess Armstrong, publishers Minotaur Books, and SMPI, for an advance digital copy of THE CURSE OF PENRYTH. Thank you also to NetGalley for the complimentary copy. All views are mine.
I read this book twice! I loved the settings, and the mouthy female lead and her irascible senior roommate. Certain things about the mystery, I found deliciously Gothic, which I adore. The killer's methods delighted me and grossed me out! But unfortunately, I read this book twice because the plot lost me. Both times. Beyond the details, I couldn't connect with characters or plot because it was all too convoluted.
Three (or more) things I loved:
More on my blog!
Rating: 🧘🧘 gifted healers
Recommend? Maybe
Finished: Jul & Nov 2023
Format: Digital arc, Kindle
Read this book if you like:
🐦⬛ gothic
🔍 mysteries
🪤 creative murder
💇♀️ women's coming of age
Thank you to the author Jess Armstrong, publishers Minotaur Books, and SMPI, for an advance digital copy of THE CURSE OF PENRYTH. Thank you also to NetGalley for the complimentary copy. All views are mine.
I read this book twice! I loved the settings, and the mouthy female lead and her irascible senior roommate. Certain things about the mystery, I found deliciously Gothic, which I adore. The killer's methods delighted me and grossed me out! But unfortunately, I read this book twice because the plot lost me. Both times. Beyond the details, I couldn't connect with characters or plot because it was all too convoluted.
Three (or more) things I loved:
More on my blog!
Rating: 🧘🧘 gifted healers
Recommend? Maybe
Finished: Jul & Nov 2023
Format: Digital arc, Kindle
Read this book if you like:
🐦⬛ gothic
🔍 mysteries
🪤 creative murder
💇♀️ women's coming of age
December 8, 2023
This book is tortoise paced, and I felt like the repetitive nature of the main character's internal monolog very annoying. We get it being around your ex is heart-wrenching,
January 16, 2024
Some very minor spoilers, not spoiler-y enough to check the box- I'm mostly going to complain...
There's a reason the saying "write what you know" exists. This book, set in Exeter and the fictional Cornish town of Lothlel Green in the 1920s, was very obviously written by an American. You might argue that doesnt matter, but I assure you in this case it really does.
- Does it take several hours, one hour, half a day to get between the two? Unclear.
-Did they spend time there together or not? At different times it seems as though Tamsyn refers to Lothlel green as her hometown, but if Ruby lived with her family before the war after she left America... why had she never been there before the wedding?
-Where were they before the war because they referred to dreaming of running away to London so they werent there..
-Why/how did ruby end up with Tamsyn's family?
-Wtf was the constant reference to the "guilt" about her sister... if she drowned with the parents on the lusitania(the only other reference to the time the story is set)??
Idk
the math just ain't mathing and add the cringey writing - I'm honestly ticked I kept reading. I should've left it closed the first time I wanted to give up on it.
Armstrong has obviously never heard the saying "show, don't tell" either. It's impossible to believe this was set in the 1920s. I would have no idea if the author didn't refer to "the war," over and over again. I'm not big on too much world building... but could we have the bare minimum?? The majority of the story is set at a manor in a cornish countryside village, but we never get more than that. "The manor." "The village." "The vicarage."
The MC is a raging bitch of a black-out drunk alcoholic. Literally nothing sympathetic or believable about her. She was pretty freaking modern to be a disgraced orphaned socialite in the 20s. Idk
Flat, mean, unbelievable, totally anachronistic characters. Absolutely no one's motivation (when they even have any) makes sense.
WHAT IS A PELLAR????
How many times do you need to say he's carrying a "British Expeditionary Force haversack"??? I'll tell you- ONCE. Not at least five times. Just once, then you can just say "haversack."😤
So many things never satisfactorily explained, so many details left out. Oh and I won't spoil "whodunit" but there were at least two other characters that would've made so much more sense to me.
I was soooooo disappointed when there actually turned out to be a somewhat supernatural element. I love thrillers that tease the possibility to increase the suspense. But unfortunately in this story magic is real... well sort of- No curse, no monster, no witch.... but the guy can read the girl's thoughts and they're always going to be connected because they were born on the same day during a full moon 🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄
LAME.
If you love cringey writing like the following then ignore what I said above, maybe you'll like this book.
If you roll your eyes, take my word for it and skip it.
"No more swords drawn, no more fighting. It was one thing to quarrel with a stranger, another to do the same with someone who knew the very contours of your heart, as those battle wounds were far graver."
"But now, disheveled as he was, his dark hair tangled and loose about his shoulders and whiskers forming on his jaw, he was a feral creature from my darkest imaginings."
🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄 don't get tricked into reading this by seeing it on goodreads like I did. I really need to stop falling for that.
There's a reason the saying "write what you know" exists. This book, set in Exeter and the fictional Cornish town of Lothlel Green in the 1920s, was very obviously written by an American. You might argue that doesnt matter, but I assure you in this case it really does.
- Does it take several hours, one hour, half a day to get between the two? Unclear.
-Did they spend time there together or not? At different times it seems as though Tamsyn refers to Lothlel green as her hometown, but if Ruby lived with her family before the war after she left America... why had she never been there before the wedding?
-Where were they before the war because they referred to dreaming of running away to London so they werent there..
-Why/how did ruby end up with Tamsyn's family?
-Wtf was the constant reference to the "guilt" about her sister... if she drowned with the parents on the lusitania(the only other reference to the time the story is set)??
Idk
the math just ain't mathing and add the cringey writing - I'm honestly ticked I kept reading. I should've left it closed the first time I wanted to give up on it.
Armstrong has obviously never heard the saying "show, don't tell" either. It's impossible to believe this was set in the 1920s. I would have no idea if the author didn't refer to "the war," over and over again. I'm not big on too much world building... but could we have the bare minimum?? The majority of the story is set at a manor in a cornish countryside village, but we never get more than that. "The manor." "The village." "The vicarage."
The MC is a raging bitch of a black-out drunk alcoholic. Literally nothing sympathetic or believable about her. She was pretty freaking modern to be a disgraced orphaned socialite in the 20s. Idk
Flat, mean, unbelievable, totally anachronistic characters. Absolutely no one's motivation (when they even have any) makes sense.
WHAT IS A PELLAR????
How many times do you need to say he's carrying a "British Expeditionary Force haversack"??? I'll tell you- ONCE. Not at least five times. Just once, then you can just say "haversack."😤
So many things never satisfactorily explained, so many details left out. Oh and I won't spoil "whodunit" but there were at least two other characters that would've made so much more sense to me.
I was soooooo disappointed when there actually turned out to be a somewhat supernatural element. I love thrillers that tease the possibility to increase the suspense. But unfortunately in this story magic is real... well sort of- No curse, no monster, no witch.... but the guy can read the girl's thoughts and they're always going to be connected because they were born on the same day during a full moon 🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄
LAME.
If you love cringey writing like the following then ignore what I said above, maybe you'll like this book.
If you roll your eyes, take my word for it and skip it.
"No more swords drawn, no more fighting. It was one thing to quarrel with a stranger, another to do the same with someone who knew the very contours of your heart, as those battle wounds were far graver."
"But now, disheveled as he was, his dark hair tangled and loose about his shoulders and whiskers forming on his jaw, he was a feral creature from my darkest imaginings."
🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄 don't get tricked into reading this by seeing it on goodreads like I did. I really need to stop falling for that.
March 8, 2024
The story is Set in 1922 in the Cornish countryside. Ruby Vaughn, our heroine, wonders if a curse is actually to blame for a real-life murder. Ruby is working for an old and rare book shop in Exeter, when she walks into a scandal. This happens when she goes to the village of Lothlel Green to deliver a box of books to Ruan Kivell, who's known to the locals as "the Pellar". Ruby decides that that means he's maybe some type of Cornish exorcist....a cross between a physician, a witch, and a priest, but that’s not to say she isn't intrigued. Ruan is a mystery within a mystery. The second time Ruby meets him, she thinks: “This wasn’t the charming man I’d seen only yesterday...No. He had thunder on his face, and there was something different about him. Something untamed, uncivilized, and entirely terrifying.” While in Lothlel Green, Ruby reunites with her old love, Tynsm. He's been living there in a place known to the locals call Penryth Hall. When he dies mysteriously and Ruby herself is nearly killed, she learns about the "Curse" that was put on Penryth Hall", where the Chenowyth family lives. The story goes that years ago, a jilted woman asked a local witch for help to win back the heart of her lover, a Chenowyth ancestor who'd married a barmaid, and “the witch" put a curse on the entire Chenowyth line as revenge. The curse killed the faithless heir and his bride. The witch removed his unfaithful heart and delivered it to his betrothed in a silver box. Ruby is not sure she believes the story or that she believes in curses, but she knows that Edward was not a faithful husband and likely has a lot of enemies. Tamsyn isn’t too broken up about Edward’s death, but she’ll do anything to protect her son from becoming the next victim of the curse, and to do that she needs Ruby’s help. Romance and danger are abundant in every corner of this dark, and spooky estate. The folklore in the story is firmly set in the minds of the locals as truth, and they treat it with absolute reverence while searching for a killer that they know is human...or at least they think it is. This was an intriguing and enchanting mystery...almost like a dark fairytale. Just enjoy it for what it is and don't even try to pronounce some of the names.
September 20, 2023
Jess Armstrong’s delicious debut novel is equal parts romance — or not — and paranormal mystery — or maybe not that, either. Armstrong keeps you guessing with plenty of twists in this page-turner set in Cornwall in the 1920s, when centuries of superstition lived cheek by jowl with the advances of the bright, new 20th century of science and progress.
Disgraced American heiress Ruby Vaugh has made a new life in Exeter, England, as a bookseller. A delivery of sorcery books to the village of Lothlel Green in Cornwall causes Ruby to cross paths with a beloved friend from the past, someone from whom she parted badly. The very next day, the friend’s husband is murdered by disembowelment. Yikes! The villagers in Lothlet Green are convinced it’s the long-ago curse placed on the lord of Penryth Hall. But Ruby’s got her doubts. She’s also got her doubts about her friend Lady Tamsyn Chenowyth and a mysterious local Pellar (read: witch). Readers will love journeying with iconoclastic Ruby as she unravels what happened. And I hope, I hope, I hope I’m right, and this is the start of a series!
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review.
Disgraced American heiress Ruby Vaugh has made a new life in Exeter, England, as a bookseller. A delivery of sorcery books to the village of Lothlel Green in Cornwall causes Ruby to cross paths with a beloved friend from the past, someone from whom she parted badly. The very next day, the friend’s husband is murdered by disembowelment. Yikes! The villagers in Lothlet Green are convinced it’s the long-ago curse placed on the lord of Penryth Hall. But Ruby’s got her doubts. She’s also got her doubts about her friend Lady Tamsyn Chenowyth and a mysterious local Pellar (read: witch). Readers will love journeying with iconoclastic Ruby as she unravels what happened. And I hope, I hope, I hope I’m right, and this is the start of a series!
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review.
February 4, 2024
I had no idea what to expect from The Curse of Penryth Hall by debut author Jess Armstrong, but I enjoyed it thoroughly and I loved the witchy aspects entirely! The gothic feel throughout was on point, and Penryth Hall made for a bit of a creepy setting as well. There ended up being a couple of amazingly difficult scenes in the book that I didn't expect, and it might be good to check TWs before starting. This was a glorious mix of genres that all tied together very nicely and there was even a bit of spicy romance in it! I also really enjoyed the journey of trying to figure out if there was a person or an actual curse perpetuating the murders.
I thought the audiobook was the way to go with The Curse of Penryth Hall and Emma Love was not only easy to listen to, but she did a great job overall. I never struggled to understand her despite her accent, and she was able to bring Ruby's character to life in a way I wouldn't have completely gotten from the book. I did think there was great characterization though and combined with the mystery and bit of magic, it made this a very compelling read. It was also very atmospheric as you can imagine, and if you like gothic mysteries with a bit of witchiness, I would definitely recommend checking out this book!
Thank you to the publishers and Libro.fm for my complimentary listening and reader copies of this book. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
I thought the audiobook was the way to go with The Curse of Penryth Hall and Emma Love was not only easy to listen to, but she did a great job overall. I never struggled to understand her despite her accent, and she was able to bring Ruby's character to life in a way I wouldn't have completely gotten from the book. I did think there was great characterization though and combined with the mystery and bit of magic, it made this a very compelling read. It was also very atmospheric as you can imagine, and if you like gothic mysteries with a bit of witchiness, I would definitely recommend checking out this book!
Thank you to the publishers and Libro.fm for my complimentary listening and reader copies of this book. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
January 1, 2024
The Curse of Penryth Hall is a wonderful compilation of genres rolled together in a terrific dark murder mystery with a heroic female heroine and a handsome sage set in gothic times. There are hidden past secrets, curious characters with dashes of intrigue and magic and of course a bit of romance all rolled into one. You will think you have won the lottery with this story!
Ruby Vaughn works at a bookstore in Exeter who has been asked by her co-worker to bring a box of books to a man in the woods. He is no ordinary person, and she is not allowed to look into the box. She knows this place and is hesitant to go because there is someone there, she would rather not see.
But she goes and meets this seer whom she immediately dislikes. She then goes to visit her best friend, Tamsyn who lives in Penryth Hall with her now husband Edward Chenowyth. She and Tamsyn have not seen each other in years due to a bit of a falling out. Upon meeting Tamsyn’s husband, she immediately takes a dislike to him He is gruff and treats her friend badly. Convinced to stay the night, Ruby soon regrets the decision.
Suddenly she awakens to church bells ringing. She finds out that someone has died and the bells which have not rung for years mean a previous curse has been renewed. Then she discovers the dead person is her friend’s husband Edward. What? Can this be true? A curse?
Now Penryth Hall is thrown into chaos as there seems to be two sides, those who believe he was murdered by someone and those who believe the curse has killed him. Enter the handsome soothsayer Ruan Kivell who is convinced the curse has come back and will kill again. Ruby feels someone murdered the man because he was nasty. But then the doctor tells them that not only was he poisoned but after he was dead, he was stabbed.
Now it is up to Ruby and Ruan to investigate the death even though each believes the death was caused by something different, and Ruby herself seems to be a target! Who would want to kill her and is there really a foolish curse? As the town awaits the next death, it seems all are suspects!
As the investigation continues, the one person who seems to have a reason to kill Edward is her dear friend Tamsyn. But would she try to kill Ruby too? Haste is a necessity now as clearly someone else will die. Can Ruby and Ruan agree to disagree and find out what is really going on in this small town? Is this a crime or a curse?
The Curse of Penryth Hall will keep you enchantingly engaged throughout the mysteriously engrossing story!
Thank you #Net Galley #MinotaurBooks #JessArmstrong #TheCurseofPenrythHall for the advanced copy.
Ruby Vaughn works at a bookstore in Exeter who has been asked by her co-worker to bring a box of books to a man in the woods. He is no ordinary person, and she is not allowed to look into the box. She knows this place and is hesitant to go because there is someone there, she would rather not see.
But she goes and meets this seer whom she immediately dislikes. She then goes to visit her best friend, Tamsyn who lives in Penryth Hall with her now husband Edward Chenowyth. She and Tamsyn have not seen each other in years due to a bit of a falling out. Upon meeting Tamsyn’s husband, she immediately takes a dislike to him He is gruff and treats her friend badly. Convinced to stay the night, Ruby soon regrets the decision.
Suddenly she awakens to church bells ringing. She finds out that someone has died and the bells which have not rung for years mean a previous curse has been renewed. Then she discovers the dead person is her friend’s husband Edward. What? Can this be true? A curse?
Now Penryth Hall is thrown into chaos as there seems to be two sides, those who believe he was murdered by someone and those who believe the curse has killed him. Enter the handsome soothsayer Ruan Kivell who is convinced the curse has come back and will kill again. Ruby feels someone murdered the man because he was nasty. But then the doctor tells them that not only was he poisoned but after he was dead, he was stabbed.
Now it is up to Ruby and Ruan to investigate the death even though each believes the death was caused by something different, and Ruby herself seems to be a target! Who would want to kill her and is there really a foolish curse? As the town awaits the next death, it seems all are suspects!
As the investigation continues, the one person who seems to have a reason to kill Edward is her dear friend Tamsyn. But would she try to kill Ruby too? Haste is a necessity now as clearly someone else will die. Can Ruby and Ruan agree to disagree and find out what is really going on in this small town? Is this a crime or a curse?
The Curse of Penryth Hall will keep you enchantingly engaged throughout the mysteriously engrossing story!
Thank you #Net Galley #MinotaurBooks #JessArmstrong #TheCurseofPenrythHall for the advanced copy.
November 28, 2023
The experience of reading Curse of Penryth Hall is like drinking a wine that hasn’t fully completed the aging process. The core concept is good, and the mystery is solid. The characters are passable, but occasionally have to hold the idiot ball or become two dimensional in service of the plot. I have a lot of issues with the sentence craft of this book, and unfortunately, the good idea, solid mystery, and middling characters mean I can’t in good fait recommend this book,
I’ve had experiences like this before, and in my opinion the person first in line for the blame is the editor. The author has promise, but the correct response here is: “Congratulations on finishing your novel. It’s not ready for prime time, but I’d be interested in seeing your next one.” The sentences are just too rough. In places I found myself skimming because the poorly constructed sentences were repelling my as oil does to water.
The core idea of a haunted Welsh mansion where people start dying is a good one, but that is an idea that rests on vibes. I want to feel the wind off the moor on my neck, and smell the mist in the morning. Instead it felt like listening to a teenage girl tell you about her day at school. I also took issue with some inconsistent and unconvincing character choices. The main character Ruby, lives with a bookseller, who’s only personality traits are old and fatherly. It’s entirely unclear why he likes Ruby, who appears to be a selfish drunk (I do not understand why everyone thought she was charming. She reminded me most of a Frat bro.) I recommend giving this one a pass.
I received an advance copy in exchange for this honest review.
I’ve had experiences like this before, and in my opinion the person first in line for the blame is the editor. The author has promise, but the correct response here is: “Congratulations on finishing your novel. It’s not ready for prime time, but I’d be interested in seeing your next one.” The sentences are just too rough. In places I found myself skimming because the poorly constructed sentences were repelling my as oil does to water.
The core idea of a haunted Welsh mansion where people start dying is a good one, but that is an idea that rests on vibes. I want to feel the wind off the moor on my neck, and smell the mist in the morning. Instead it felt like listening to a teenage girl tell you about her day at school. I also took issue with some inconsistent and unconvincing character choices. The main character Ruby, lives with a bookseller, who’s only personality traits are old and fatherly. It’s entirely unclear why he likes Ruby, who appears to be a selfish drunk (I do not understand why everyone thought she was charming. She reminded me most of a Frat bro.) I recommend giving this one a pass.
I received an advance copy in exchange for this honest review.
October 17, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Figuring out who is behind everything going on in and around Penryth Hall was not an easy task. For me, it was a case of who I didn't want it to be, and who I did want to see go down for everything seemed to have gotten off quite lightly. I was a bit disappointed that I didn't really connect with any of the characters in this 1920s murder mystery. The FMC has some depth, and her background is quite sad. But, while I felt bad for her, I wasn't necessarily connecting with her. The MMC just aggravated me with his strange behavior. He'd be friendly and flirting one minute, and almost cruel and dismissive the next. The writing itself was well done, so if you enjoy mysteries set in this time period, you may want to grab this one in December.
Figuring out who is behind everything going on in and around Penryth Hall was not an easy task. For me, it was a case of who I didn't want it to be, and who I did want to see go down for everything seemed to have gotten off quite lightly. I was a bit disappointed that I didn't really connect with any of the characters in this 1920s murder mystery. The FMC has some depth, and her background is quite sad. But, while I felt bad for her, I wasn't necessarily connecting with her. The MMC just aggravated me with his strange behavior. He'd be friendly and flirting one minute, and almost cruel and dismissive the next. The writing itself was well done, so if you enjoy mysteries set in this time period, you may want to grab this one in December.
January 7, 2024
I was really interested by the advance hype for this book and excited to read it but alas the writing is not good and the plot boring and full of holes. Also, books in which the male lead "rakes" his hair off his forehead more than three times are an automatic one star for me, with extra demerits for his mouth quirking in poorly concealed amusement. I will stick with Laura Purcell and Caitriona Ward for this type of thing.
March 23, 2024
Penryth Hall is set in Cornwall. . . .not a resistable setting in my world (fell in love with it during episodes of Doc Martin and Poldark). So when Ruby Vaughn (making her debut in this author's debut offering to readers) showed up, I accepted the call.
Ruby has resources, an elderly (but dear) partner, and a rare bookstore (lucky her). Times are tough, though, the conclusion of the Great War leaving societal debris in its wake. Short-staffed she has to deliver a special order herself, and finds the location is quite close to the home - a fancy one - of someone from her past. When she shows up on the doorstep, a reunion is had. Before long she realizes there's something off-putting. Within a page or so, murder has occurred, and she is stuck, and this reader was engaged.
Particularly enjoyable for me was the introduction of a new kind of person from the occult world affording me a dictionary moment: a pellar. I found this is a good witchy sort - a healer, a diviner and breaker of spells - including curses. As the title of this book gives out, a curse is involved in this tale and so Ruby has a basket full of challenges.
As this is a mystery with many parts and pieces to unwind, I will leave you here with my hearty recommendation to, if you are intrigued, read it! As for me, I look forward to book 2 of Ruby Vaughn's further adventures.
*A sincere thank you to Jess Armstrong, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and independently review.* 52:52
Ruby has resources, an elderly (but dear) partner, and a rare bookstore (lucky her). Times are tough, though, the conclusion of the Great War leaving societal debris in its wake. Short-staffed she has to deliver a special order herself, and finds the location is quite close to the home - a fancy one - of someone from her past. When she shows up on the doorstep, a reunion is had. Before long she realizes there's something off-putting. Within a page or so, murder has occurred, and she is stuck, and this reader was engaged.
Particularly enjoyable for me was the introduction of a new kind of person from the occult world affording me a dictionary moment: a pellar. I found this is a good witchy sort - a healer, a diviner and breaker of spells - including curses. As the title of this book gives out, a curse is involved in this tale and so Ruby has a basket full of challenges.
As this is a mystery with many parts and pieces to unwind, I will leave you here with my hearty recommendation to, if you are intrigued, read it! As for me, I look forward to book 2 of Ruby Vaughn's further adventures.
*A sincere thank you to Jess Armstrong, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and independently review.* 52:52
December 29, 2023
3.75
Writing: 4 Stars
Plot: 3.5
Pace: Slow
Characters: 4 stars
Cat: 5 stars
Main character: 4.5 stars
A Gothic Mystery taking place in the 20’s (20th century) about an American heiress, Ruby a bookseller, living in Exeter, England. ( with her adorable kitty- as all kitties are and older employer and flatmate.
Ruby is sent with a book delivery to the Cornish Countryside, a place she never planned on returning.
Ruby visits her friend/ I believe ex lover, Tamsyn while in town. Upon her visit, Tamsyns husband dies and thus begins the story of the curse at Penryth Hall.
Although there is magical realism this book falls more along the lines of slow burn gothic mystery.
I really good enjoyed the character of Ruby, Ruan and the cute kitty.
However, I wish more had transpired, I felt this was a bit slow to consume.
Overall a nice cozy debut novel. I will definitely be reading more from this author
Writing: 4 Stars
Plot: 3.5
Pace: Slow
Characters: 4 stars
Cat: 5 stars
Main character: 4.5 stars
A Gothic Mystery taking place in the 20’s (20th century) about an American heiress, Ruby a bookseller, living in Exeter, England. ( with her adorable kitty- as all kitties are and older employer and flatmate.
Ruby is sent with a book delivery to the Cornish Countryside, a place she never planned on returning.
Ruby visits her friend/ I believe ex lover, Tamsyn while in town. Upon her visit, Tamsyns husband dies and thus begins the story of the curse at Penryth Hall.
Although there is magical realism this book falls more along the lines of slow burn gothic mystery.
I really good enjoyed the character of Ruby, Ruan and the cute kitty.
However, I wish more had transpired, I felt this was a bit slow to consume.
Overall a nice cozy debut novel. I will definitely be reading more from this author
April 27, 2023
I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
In the Roaring Twenties, Ruby Vaughn’s employer sends her on an errand that takes her to the Cornish countryside, where she decides to drop in on an old friend with whom she has a fraught history. During this visit, the friend’s husband is found dead and brutally mauled. The townsfolk believe an old curse is to blame. Ruby teams up with the local folk healer/witchy man to investigate, and to determine if the murderer is myth or man.
This was an uncorrected galley that I read, and I’m not sure how many of the issues I noticed with grammar and clarity will get fixed before publication of the final version. Sentence structure was odd in many places, and new and surprising pieces of the main character’s history were mentioned throughout the book in ways that implied the reader was already supposed to have been aware of them. For example, it wasn’t until I was well into the book that I understood that Ruby was actually originally from America. Then at some point, her friends asks what she has been up to since they last saw each other during their time together in France, and this was the first indication that she had ever been to France (and also doesn’t align with what we’re otherwise told about Ruby having been present at her friend’s wedding in Cornwall). As you read on you realize that Ruby spent time driving ambulances on the Western Front during the war, but it’s just an awfully confusing and convoluted path to reaching that understanding.
But the mystery at the core of the story was decent, and Ruby was an interesting main character. She was a plucky heroine, but not in the kind of way that might make you roll your eyes when describing how a book tried too hard. A woman who has found her place in the world after traversing something of a bumpy road, Ruby works hard, plays hard, and refuses to dwell on the past. She is seen to have had both male and female romantic relationships (and actually, there was another point of confusion, where her friend’s housekeeper addresses her as “my lover” and Ruby reacts in a way that totally gave me the impression that they had actually hooked up after the wedding and she was just too drunk to remember, but then later on another character who she has just met also calls Ruby “my lover” and so now I think it was just supposed to be a term of…acquaintanceship?)
Ruan Kivell was the second most important character, but honestly I didn’t find him very likable. In the majority of scenes he was in, he was all prickly and in a huff and not always with an obvious reason why, which got kind of annoying.
I don’t think the writing was bad, but it was far from perfect. Some of the plot points were kind of silly, but overall it was fine and fairly original. So while I didn’t love this book, I do think it’s possible with more experience and some polishing, this author’s work could be something worth keeping an eye on.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books for the chance to read and review this galley!
In the Roaring Twenties, Ruby Vaughn’s employer sends her on an errand that takes her to the Cornish countryside, where she decides to drop in on an old friend with whom she has a fraught history. During this visit, the friend’s husband is found dead and brutally mauled. The townsfolk believe an old curse is to blame. Ruby teams up with the local folk healer/witchy man to investigate, and to determine if the murderer is myth or man.
This was an uncorrected galley that I read, and I’m not sure how many of the issues I noticed with grammar and clarity will get fixed before publication of the final version. Sentence structure was odd in many places, and new and surprising pieces of the main character’s history were mentioned throughout the book in ways that implied the reader was already supposed to have been aware of them. For example, it wasn’t until I was well into the book that I understood that Ruby was actually originally from America. Then at some point, her friends asks what she has been up to since they last saw each other during their time together in France, and this was the first indication that she had ever been to France (and also doesn’t align with what we’re otherwise told about Ruby having been present at her friend’s wedding in Cornwall). As you read on you realize that Ruby spent time driving ambulances on the Western Front during the war, but it’s just an awfully confusing and convoluted path to reaching that understanding.
But the mystery at the core of the story was decent, and Ruby was an interesting main character. She was a plucky heroine, but not in the kind of way that might make you roll your eyes when describing how a book tried too hard. A woman who has found her place in the world after traversing something of a bumpy road, Ruby works hard, plays hard, and refuses to dwell on the past. She is seen to have had both male and female romantic relationships (and actually, there was another point of confusion, where her friend’s housekeeper addresses her as “my lover” and Ruby reacts in a way that totally gave me the impression that they had actually hooked up after the wedding and she was just too drunk to remember, but then later on another character who she has just met also calls Ruby “my lover” and so now I think it was just supposed to be a term of…acquaintanceship?)
Ruan Kivell was the second most important character, but honestly I didn’t find him very likable. In the majority of scenes he was in, he was all prickly and in a huff and not always with an obvious reason why, which got kind of annoying.
I don’t think the writing was bad, but it was far from perfect. Some of the plot points were kind of silly, but overall it was fine and fairly original. So while I didn’t love this book, I do think it’s possible with more experience and some polishing, this author’s work could be something worth keeping an eye on.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books for the chance to read and review this galley!
December 9, 2023
When rare book dealer Ruby Vaughn is sent to Penryth Hall to deliver some books, she knows she is visiting her past and a place to which she never wanted to return. What she didn't expect was a friend in trouble and a string of mysterious deaths linked to an ancient Cornish curse. She also didn't expect to be the focus of interest surrounding one of those deaths.
This book has a great premise, and the look at old Cornish beliefs and customs is very interesting. I learned about the "pellar," a wizard of sorts who is a local healer and breaker of spells. This book is a treasure trove of Cornish folklore. The mystery is intriguing with lots of clever twists. I definitely felt transported to Cornwall at that time.
However, It is way too cryptic and confusing at times. Ruby keeps her cards so close to the vest, even with the reader, that I didn't really feel I knew her well enough at all.
My rating is 3.5 stars, rounded up to four on sites with no half-star option
I received a free copy of this book from St. Martin's Press. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
This book has a great premise, and the look at old Cornish beliefs and customs is very interesting. I learned about the "pellar," a wizard of sorts who is a local healer and breaker of spells. This book is a treasure trove of Cornish folklore. The mystery is intriguing with lots of clever twists. I definitely felt transported to Cornwall at that time.
However, It is way too cryptic and confusing at times. Ruby keeps her cards so close to the vest, even with the reader, that I didn't really feel I knew her well enough at all.
My rating is 3.5 stars, rounded up to four on sites with no half-star option
I received a free copy of this book from St. Martin's Press. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
Read
February 5, 2024tl;dr
A murder mystery dressed up like a gothic novel with a fun, but complicated lead.
Thoughts
Like many gothic novels, this book features a sad, willowy lady in an old mansion that may or may not be cursed. However, this sad lady is not the lead. Rather, our MC is the sad lady's bold, pragmatic friend (and ex-lover), determined to prove there's no such thing as a curse. And honestly? I'm here for it. Ruby's a fun lead, part unruly rebel, part academic thinker. She's got am messy history she'd rather not think about, but she also uses it to propel herself forward into new things. She fits into the genre, but doesn't give herself over to it, and instead we get a nice balance of gothic atmosphere and some solid mystery solving. There are clues to find, and witnesses to interview and a tangle of history to pull at. The middle slows down a bit along with the mystery, with maybe just a few too many people for me to keep track of, but the ending still clicked neatly into place. There's a light smattering of romance here, but it's secondary to the mystery. A good read, owing mostly to how interesting the main character is. It appears she'll be solving more mysteries in the future, and I look forward to reading them.
Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for a review copy. All thoughts in this review are my own!
A murder mystery dressed up like a gothic novel with a fun, but complicated lead.
Thoughts
Like many gothic novels, this book features a sad, willowy lady in an old mansion that may or may not be cursed. However, this sad lady is not the lead. Rather, our MC is the sad lady's bold, pragmatic friend (and ex-lover), determined to prove there's no such thing as a curse. And honestly? I'm here for it. Ruby's a fun lead, part unruly rebel, part academic thinker. She's got am messy history she'd rather not think about, but she also uses it to propel herself forward into new things. She fits into the genre, but doesn't give herself over to it, and instead we get a nice balance of gothic atmosphere and some solid mystery solving. There are clues to find, and witnesses to interview and a tangle of history to pull at. The middle slows down a bit along with the mystery, with maybe just a few too many people for me to keep track of, but the ending still clicked neatly into place. There's a light smattering of romance here, but it's secondary to the mystery. A good read, owing mostly to how interesting the main character is. It appears she'll be solving more mysteries in the future, and I look forward to reading them.
Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for a review copy. All thoughts in this review are my own!
December 21, 2023
How can you not love a gothic mystery with supernatural vibes! This book was filled with twists, murder, and a beautifully atmospheric setting in the English countryside. It's very rare that a murder mystery stumps me, but just when I thought I had it all figured out, I was proven wrong.
Overall, I was completely enthralled by this magical and mysterious story. I highly recommend it if you enjoy gothic mysteries with some magical elements. I'm sincerely hoping this is the start of a series because I would love to read more about Ruby and Ruan Kivell. I'm sure any future adventures would be well worth the read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Overall, I was completely enthralled by this magical and mysterious story. I highly recommend it if you enjoy gothic mysteries with some magical elements. I'm sincerely hoping this is the start of a series because I would love to read more about Ruby and Ruan Kivell. I'm sure any future adventures would be well worth the read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 927 reviews