The Haunting of Bly Manor meets House of Salt and Sorrows in award-winning author Kyrie McCauley’s contemporary YA gothic romance about a dark family lineage, the ghosts of grief, and the lines we’ll cross for love.
The Sleeping House was very much awake . . .
Days after a tragedy leaves Marin Blythe alone in the world, she receives a surprising invitation from Alice Lovelace—an acclaimed horror writer and childhood friend of Marin’s mother. Alice offers her a nanny position at Lovelace House, the family’s coastal Maine estate.
Marin accepts and soon finds herself minding Alice’s peculiar girls. Thea buries her dolls one by one, hosting a series of funerals, while Wren does everything in her power to drive Marin away. Then Alice’s eldest daughter returns home unexpectedly. Evie Hallowell is every bit as strange as her younger sisters, and yet Marin is quickly drawn in by Evie’s compelling behavior and ethereal grace.
But as Marin settles in, she can’t escape the anxiety that follows her like a shadow. Dead birds appear in Marin’s room. The children’s pranks escalate. Something dangerous lurks in the woods, leaving mutilated animals in its wake. All is not well at Lovelace House, and Marin must unravel its secrets before they consume her.
Introduction
With the surge in popularity of gothic romances in mainstream media, it comes as no surprise that we are witnessing a resurgence of these timeless novellas within the bookish community. McCauley’s debut in this genre is a hauntingly beautiful knockout, guaranteed to evoke both tears and bone-chilling terror. The phrase, “it all comes back to Lovelace,” becomes a haunting refrain that will linger in your mind long after you finish reading. So, just as the story circles back to Lovelace, be prepared to find yourself drawn back to this captivating tale again and again.
“Fear had a limit, a threshold it couldn’t penetrate. There was no nightmare that Marin wouldn’t face down if it meant getting Evie and Thea out of here. It wasn’t hard to be brave, not if it was for someone you love.”
Overview
In this gothic queer romance by McCauley author of We Can Be Heroes, a grieving teenager finds herself entangled in increasingly horrific events. After her mother’s tragic death in a train accident, to her astonishment, 17-year-old Marin Blythe moves in with a family friend, the renowned and reclusive horror writer Alice Lovelace. Taking on the role of a nanny for Alice’s youngest daughters, Thea and Wren, Marin is taken aback by their behavior and cruel sense of humor. As their pranks intensify, culminating in a chilling attempt to persuade Marin to consume poisonous nightshade, she struggles to find mental space to process her grief.
To make matters worse, Lovelace House, surrounded by eerie woods, is rumored to be cursed. Amidst the darkness, a glimmer of hope arises in the form of the girls’ older sister, Evie, who has just returned from school.
As a blossoming romance sparks between the two teens, Marin temporarily finds solace from the house’s ominous presence. However, the discovery of eviscerated animal corpses on the edge of the woods introduces new fears and foreboding.
McCauley expertly crafts a haunting atmosphere, building anticipatory tension and weaving in macabre humor to create a slow-boiling thriller wrapped in a decades-old mystery. The sweet and affirming connection between Marin and Evie offers a poignant contrast to the occasional moments of gruesome imagery and outright horror that permeate the narrative.
Throughout the novel, the author masterfully navigates themes of grief, love, and the supernatural, crafting a story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. With an evocative setting, well-developed characters, and a touch of eerie allure, this gothic romance delivers a thrilling and emotionally resonant reading experience.
“The mourning dove’s bittersweet call was cut short, strangled into a silence that was even more unnerving than the birdsong itself. It was the first sign that all was not well at Lovelace House, and like most early signs of sickness, it was subtle. Easy to miss.”
Trigger Warnings
Content warnings in the realm of fantasy literature often tread a curious path, yet I find it necessary to illuminate aspects that could serve as potential triggers for fellow readers. Be advised that these warnings should be taken with care as I am not a licensed therapist and in no way could I identify everything. The following is what stuck out to me and other readers.
Animal Violence/ Death
This theme is prolific throughout this novel, there is mention of all manner of animals being dead, and scenes include stomping on animals, breaking necks, and falling into a grave of a decomposing dog.
Anxiety Disorder
Marin copes with an extreme anxiety disorder she has had her entire life, this is mentioned repeatedly throughout the novel.
Death of a Minor/ Death of loved ones
There is a brief reference to infant death and multiple mentions of accidental death via drowning and crushing for other characters
Parental Abuse
Intense scenes of parental abuse, mostly verbal but there is one extreme scene involving an axe.
Body Horror
This novel is mostly body horror, if this is something you are not comfortable with I would skip this read. Ea. deformed faces, missing limbs, mentions of bones, and decomposing bodies.
Tropes in the Story:
- Emotional scars
- Forbidden Romance
- Female/Female
- Magic
- Necromancy
- Class Differences
- Dark
- Insta Love
- Slow Burn
“Let go now Marin.”
Thoughts
While I thoroughly enjoyed immersing myself in the gorgeous gothic horror of this book, I couldn’t help but notice the striking similarities to some of my other favorite horror works. When the synopsis mentioned the likeness to Flanigan’s The Haunting of Blythe Manor, it turned out to be more than just a passing resemblance – the MC’s last name is Bythe among other references.
Moreover, I found numerous plot points that seemed straight out of Stephen King’s The Shining, From the eerie atmosphere to the writer’s scene where they repeat themselves during writing, and even the scene with an axe being wielded to save a child, it all reminded me of King’s classic. The mention of the axe also had me immediately thinking of Chekhov’s gun principle.
At first, I was worried that the abundant use of elements from other sources might make the story feel unoriginal. However, I was pleasantly surprised that the final piece still felt fresh in a way that kept me engaged throughout. In fact, it became an enjoyable game to identify which pieces influenced the author and where they came from.
Despite the familiar themes, the book managed to stand on its own, offering a unique and captivating experience. The author’s skillful storytelling and ability to infuse the narrative with their own creative touch made it a worthwhile read. The blending of familiar elements with fresh perspectives added an exciting layer of depth to the story, making it an enticing and intriguing journey for any budding horror enthusiast.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I strongly believe that this book would be a perfect choice for avid TV watchers looking to venture into reading. The storytelling in this novel is so deeply cinematic that it effortlessly transports readers straight into the heart of the story. The vivid imagery painted throughout the book further enhances the immersive experience, making it a great introduction to the horror genre.
The characters’ growth is well-crafted, making it easy for readers to map their journeys and follow their development throughout the story. Set in an old gothic house with libraries, a greenhouse, and a stunning ocean backdrop, the atmospheric setting adds an enchanting layer to the gothic horror romance.
Though the concept of a love story may not be entirely novel, the way it is beautifully depicted in this piece is remarkable, especially within the female/female genre. It explores themes rarely seen, adding depth and authenticity to the characters’ emotions.
And let me tell you, when I say this book tugged at my heartstrings and made me sob at the climax, I mean it wholeheartedly. The emotional impact and intensity of the story are beyond words, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.
