Bleddyn Hall

MYSTERY:  Isabella’s love of gothic novels gobbles up her time when she should be finding a husband. Her Aunt Jane brings her to London for the season, where she becomes friends with Selina. Dark-eyed Tresham draws Isabella’s interest. A few parties later, they’re engaged without Isabella even knowing! Selina informs her of this, along with the news that Tresham isn’t a great catch. Isabella dismisses this as
"mean girl" nonsense until she arrives at Bleddyn Hall at Tresham’s invitation and sinister things happen, including two murders.

"Bleddyn Hall" features an eye-catching cover and a suspenseful premise. The interaction between Tresham’s two sisters provides humor in the beginning. The courtship takes a back seat to the strange goings-on at the country house, however. No one is upset enough to leave - even after two murders - but continue with their garden walks and afternoon tea. The authorities never appear nor do the neighbors take any interest in the death of a local lord. Isabella creeps around at midnight attempting to catch the murderer. It is reminiscent of “Jayne Eyre” with a mysterious woman roaming the darkened halls and the somber lord. Broad hints allow the reader to know who the culprit is by the middle of the book. The flowery language resorts to using ‘life fluid’ as opposed to blood and makes for cumbersome reading. On the upside, Clemont as the solid younger brother deserves more of a starring role in the tale, since he’s the most clear thinking one. "Bleddyn Hall" should please gothic romance fans and some Regency lovers too.  

Morgan Stamm