Midnight at the River Grey

GIVEAWAY

WILSON, ABIGAIL
MIDNIGHT AT THE RIVER GREY

She knew the house was keeping secrets. If only the darkness would speak...

After her elder brother's mysterious death, Rebecca Hunter vows to expose the man she believes responsible: Mr. Lewis Browning -- known by the locals as the Midnight Devil and by Rebecca as her new guardian.

Summoned to his reclusive country estate to await her London season, Rebecca plans her own secret investigation among the darkened corridors of the mysterious Greybourne Hall. Yet Lewis Browning is not as she once imagined, and his motivation is horribly unclear. Recurrent nightmares and Rebecca's restless feelings are further complicated by the shadow of her mother's prior descent into madness and wondering if she, too, will follow the same heartbreaking path.

Even as midnight rides, strange injuries, and further murders lead back to Mr. Browning, Rebecca can't ignore the subtle turn of her heart. Has she developed feelings for the man she swore to see hanged? And moreover, can she trust him with her uncertain future?

My Review:

Gothic + Regency = this reader reeling in a tilt-a-whirl of frenzied delight! Taking a page from classic Gothic Romance authors such as Victoria Holt and Phyllis A. Whitney, Abigail Wilson has added her own flare to this genre which has been experiencing a revival of sorts in recent years. All the elements are here -- an isolated estate, an enigmatic guardian, the threat of madness, all cloaked in mystery. Whsssst -- an atmospheric shiver just tracked up my spine!

Ella is an independent young woman who isn't easily cowed. She's on a quest for truth, no matter the cost. She's spunky and opinionated and sometimes foolishly rash. As she digs for answers, her investigation leads her to witnesses with contradictory accounts about the night her brother died. Accident or murder? Who can Rebecca believe? And, more importantly, who can she trust? Certainly not the man who holds her future in his hands. The intriguing Lewis Browning -- gruff bordering on rude, he is reviled by villagers and peers alike. And then there's the mystery of his midnight rides.

Cue the creepy organ music, grab some chocolate and settle down for a thrill of a page-turning read!

Sidenote 1: My only complaint is the lack of any kind of faith thread in the story. It wouldn't have bothered me at all -- this is still a clean read -- if it was published for the general market, but Thomas Nelson is a Christian publisher and  I read Christian Fiction for the added inspirational element so I'm disappointed when I don't find it in a story.

Sidenote 2: I listened to the audible edition and was blown away by the narration. Laura Kirman brought this story to life. I hung on every word and about jumped out of my skin over the exciting bits since I couldn't skim ahead. I had to patiently wait while she expertly drew out every word. Sweet torture!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Midnight at the River Grey, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday August 10 2019. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!