The Manor House by Gilly Macmillan

Rating: ★★★☆☆

Dates Read: 8/11/23 - 8/13/23

    Childhood sweethearts Nicole and Tom's lives change dramatically after winning the lottery. They move into a luxurious Glass Barn on Lancaut Manor's grounds. But tragedy strikes when Tom is found dead in their pool. As Nicole grapples with grief, she uncovers unsettling truths about their newfound wealth. Was Tom's death an accident or something more sinister? Nicole navigates a world of opulence, suspicion, and danger, realizing she's a small fish in a perilous glass fishbowl.

    This novel starts a bit slow, but the first two-thirds are captivating. The setting is vividly portrayed. The Glass Barn and Manor House play essential roles in the engaging storyline. Unsettling dynamics between characters like Kitty, Olly, and Sasha create a tense atmosphere that keeps you guessing about their true intentions.

    As the story progresses, it becomes evident that many characters are hiding something, adding an intriguing layer of mystery. Themes of coercive control are effectively woven throughout. The narrative skillfully incorporates dreamlike moments that add depth to the tension. Surprising twists keep you engaged, with a few catching you off guard.

    However, the strong beginning isn't consistently maintained. Some characters' gullibility feels unrealistic, and the ending has both impressive and far-fetched elements. The use of journal extracts, while informative, occasionally disrupts the pacing.

    The novel weaves between past and present timelines, unveiling a complex plot. While the pacing might be a slow burn, the story's cleverness and occasional humor shine through the twists. Despite its strengths, the ending might leave some readers feeling that it was too predictable.

    In summary, the book offers a gripping, atmospheric experience with a few shortcomings but ultimately remains a clever and entertaining read. This is technically an ARC for me, but this is a new edition of the book. Huge thanks to NetGalley for sending me this "ARC", this edition of The Manor House publishes on November 7, 2023.