January 9, 2023
In 1852, Margaret Lennox, the 29-year-old narrator of British author Lumsden’s captivating debut, is left destitute when her clergyman husband dies after three years of marriage. Soon afterward, Mrs. Lennox leaves London for isolated Hartwood Hall in the west of England to assume the position of governess to 10-year-old Louis, the son of widowed Mrs. Eversham. Mrs. Eversham, who warns Mrs. Lennox never to go into the abandoned east wing or to let Louis out of her sight, has something to hide; she mysteriously disappears for days at a time and is distrusted by the local villagers. Meanwhile, Mrs. Lennox, who has a secret that makes her a potential blackmail target, thinks she hears or sees elusive figures at night in the hallway. She dares to enter the forbidden wing, where she makes a surprising discovery about the Evershams. The death of a servant and the arrival of an unexpected visitor force various secrets into the open with dire consequences. Assured prose propels this well-crafted tale of family, friendship, and the cost of personal freedom. Fans of the great Victorian novels, in particular Jane Eyre, will have fun. Agent: Karolina Sutton, Curtis Brown (U.K.).
June 10, 2024
Lumsden's atmospheric debut follows recently widowed Margaret Lennox, who arrives at Hartwood Hall in 1852 to become a governess to 10-year-old Louis Eversham. It is immediately apparent that the manor harbors many secrets. Louis's mother, Mrs. Eversham, appears to be hiding something; she is often away on business, has few servants, and never mingles with the townspeople. For their part, the townspeople believe Hartwood Hall is haunted and spread unfounded rumors about Mrs. Eversham. While Margaret doesn't believe in ghosts, the late-night sounds, multiple locks on the front door, and blocked-off parts of the house give her pause. Chaos ensues when a mysterious and sinister visitor appears, until all secrets come to light. Narrator Olivia Vinall conveys the tension of Lumsden's unsettling story, which has all the elements of a classic gothic novel--a secluded English estate, a forbidden wing of the house, strange noises in the night, and burning candles in an empty room. Narrator Olivia Vinall breathes life into the characters, skillfully employing various voices and accents. VERDICT Listeners will be enthralled by this historical gothic mystery in which all the characters are pitted against one another. Fans of Victorian novels will find much to love.--Joanna M. Burkhardt
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