Told by two narrators this is a haunting tale but in no means a happy story, I’m not a massive fan of historical and gothic fiction which is my fault I.n choosing a book that is probably not my thing!

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review

There was much to enjoy here, but I found I couldn't connect with it. I'd read more from this author in the future though.

this was an okay read. shows how misjudged people can be

How is this book not a best seller? I absolutely loved it. It was so original and I really got drawn in and fascinated by this story. I love Sarah Waters and historical biography and this felt so real. The characterisation was so strong that I really felt these characters come alive. Even though it would be easy to dislike Harriet, the skill of Mcgill is that she allows us to look behind the cold exterior and have a real insight into what makes her this way. The alternating perspective from Maddie to Harriet was extremely well done and the diverse perspective made it much richer and more fulfilling a reading experience. I really haven't stopped thinking about it since reading it. Bravo!

Sadly, not the book for me. I found it a bit slow and wish I could've connected more with its characters and the story. This is clearly one of those times when you can say: "It's me, not the book". I usually love this type of novel, but I couldn't enjoy this one. Maybe in another moment.

An interesting historical novel set in Ireland. The novel opens in the year 1968 as Anna writes to Nanny Madd to let her know she is coming to visit and is ready to hear her story. Maddie (Nanny Madd) knows she is not long for this world and needs to unburden the story of how Anna and her forebears came to be and Maddie's own place in that history. Through a series of accounts she slowly reveals all to Anna, from her simple but happy childhood, which came abruptly to an end after the loss of her father at sea; through her life in service working for the Master and Mistress. She also gives Anna a secret diary, found in a compartment of the butterfly cabinet which had belonged to Anna's grandmother, Harriet Ormond, mistress of the Castle.
Through the diary extracts we then build a picture of Harriet's cold unloved childhood through to her marriage to her beloved Edward life and the tragic events which later befell the family.
The story really captured me as whilst Harriet was a far from likeable character it portrayed a time when being in a loving relationship without any family planning led a woman to produce a quick succession of children whether she wanted them or not. Harriet is not cut out for motherhood and seems unable to feel love or affection for her offspring. She would rather be out hunting or building her butterfly collection. She hankers for her lost freedom and as a result she often retaliates against her unruly offspring by metering out terrible punishments. it is one such act changes things irrevocably for the family.
The author's note reveals how she based the idea for the story on real events that occurred at Cromore House, Portstewart whereby Annie Margaret Montague was found guilty of murder. The recount of the actual trial and events leading up to it also make for interesting reading.

A book trying to be gothic in style but not quite getting there! It was an engaging story but it reminded of a Kate Morton type story just not as well done! So the story was interesting and so was the setting and characters but it just wasn't for me! It wasn't however the worst I've ever read just not the best!