Rhiannon

A bewitching novel with slow and languorous pacing that is beautifully written and rife with gothic tropes in all the best ways: an isolated, gorgeously dark and decaying manor, deep secrets, a mysterious curse, a forbidden romance… and into this setting steps our main character Vee Morgan, who arrives at Harfold Manor with her own shadowy background that she’s desperately trying to run and hide from.

As Vee slowly uncovers the long-running tragedies of the Manor (there’s been a death in the family every three years and it’s slowly crumbling from an apparent lethargy on the part of the residents) she’s ineluctably drawn to the reclusive and inscrutable mistress of the manor, Arabella.

The writing here was lush, the plot beguiling enough to hold my interest to the end, although there weren’t any particularly shocking revelations overall. I’d say this was a decent story elevated by a well-done gothic atmosphere and top-notch writing. And of course, my general weak-spot for any book cover or plot involving a rabbit or hare was sated by the blessing/curse of the dancing hare that plays into the family’s haunting and unnerving misfortunes.

Thank you to NetGalley and AtriaBooks for the ARC. All opinions are my own.