Really enjoyable read. Good characters and a Good story. Well worth a read. Think others will enjoy.

I love murder mysteries when they are combined with historical fiction, and this novel won on all fronts. I really enjoyed getting to know both Ella and Violet. Their stories were compelling. Both characters were interesting and well drawn. The narrative slowed down in a few places, but that is to be expected and certainly does not detract from the story over all.

Omg my heart, what a story 💔💔💔 this one is going to stick with me for a long time. I just took a look on Amazon, and this book is available there on Kindle for 99 cents right now, and I dare say that’s a 99 cents well spent. review to come.

Copy provided by Netgalley, thank you!

This is more of a mystery then romance . It is a story told from two perspectives , both mysterious with history hidden for years. I loved the complex story and characters that all add to the mystery,.
Ella Daniels has left London for a historic seaside Victorian home. She plans to become a full time writer. As she meets friends and neighbors she learns that the house has a notorious history, including a horrific murder and the unexplained disappearance of a teenage girl 150 years ago.
As Ella does research and gathers clues the story unfolds through they eyes of a talented artist and the married couple next door. The mystery deepens and each story comes to light with new clues and events that tie the past to the present.
Mystery lovers will find this book a compelling read. I highly recommend this book for all who enjoy historical fiction and a good mystery.
thank you for the ARC which did not influence my personal review.

Sensational, mysterious and outstanding novel by Kerry Barrett! I am kicking myself for not reading this book months earlier. From the moment I was introduced to our three heroines Ella, Frances and Violet - I was glued to their stories.

A horrific accident takes place on a warm evening of September 1855 in a quiet and small town of Sussex. Frances and Edwin Forrest are attacked in front of the family home, in the result - Edwin is found dead, heavily beaten Frances survives, and so is her unborn child. However, another mystery hangs over the peaceful town of Sussex - Forrest's young next door neighbor Violet Hargreaves goes missing that very same evening.

One hundred and fifty years later, Daniels family of four moves into a charming house at the beach in a lovely little town of Sussex. During their first evening, Ella, who is also a mystery novel writer, sees a figure in an attic window. But she brushes it off. Days go by, and Ella learns about a tragic assident that happened next door many many years ago, and of a disappearance of a young girl who lived in their house. As they settle in, Ella decides to clean up an attic and built her study in there. In a process, she discovers a hidden door in the wall, and behind it, Ella finds many sketches, a dairy and a picture of a very beautiful girl, Violet Hargreaves. Was the figure in an attic window during family's first evening in the house just Ella's imagination? Ella Daniels is on a mission to resolve a 150-year-old case.

I will tell you the truth, I was pleasantly surprised by the book. A puzzling story, amazing characters, remarkable discoveries. A very easy and fast read. Perfect for any mystery lover.

Thank you to Netgalley, the, publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this book in return for my honest opinion.

I knew when I saw this book that this was my type of book. I love a Gothic type book. I was not disappointed. I loved this book.

When Ella, is drawn to this house, settling in it becomes a real test for her, she has never been someone to act rashly and she does with this house. Why?

I love the way the book is written; going back-and-forth between the times and the characters. I loved the story of Violet, Frances and Edwin; even the side characters were well written.

As the story is revealed, and you learn more about Violet and the time she lived in, the pre-Raphaelite paintings she loved and appeared she was so good at painting but Violet did not live in a time where it was acceptable for a woman tonsonas she wished, then Edwin, appears and claims to want to help her. Violet is so trusting, but should she trust Edwin; is his interest in her as he claims? What about his wife, Frances?

Ella, meanwhile, in the present, is 160 years in the future from Violet and starts to hear rumours about her house and its former inhabitants, as she delves into what happens, it brings about changes in her life and no one will ever be the same after this.

The story was so well written and I was saddened and yet loved the ending. This author is in my list for sure.

I've not read any of this authors books before but having read the blurb and loving the book cover, it didn't take me long to decide that I wanted to read this book.

It didn't take me long to be drawn into the stories of both Violet back in 1855 and that of Ella in present day, I was captivated right from the first few chapters. I loved how the story went back and forth from 1855 to present day which was done so seamlessly.

It was a truly emotional and heartfelt read, all of the characters were so well thought out and the story plot cleverly written. There was one moment within the story that was so tragic, I thought my heart would break from reading it, so sad, it bought tears to my eyes.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story, just didn't want it to end. I just could not put it down.

If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would as that it just how wonderful and brilliant this story is, truly a work of art, stunningly outstanding. I'll definitely be looking to read more by this author in the future.

This is a DNF. No rating or review. I just can't get into the story and I've tried several times. Thank you for sending the book to me, but I'm calling it quits.

Talk about a 160 year old drama! This book blew me away! A woman from the present and past both trying to figure out life.

The Girl in the Picture by Kerry Barrett
Source: Netgalley
My Rating: 5/5 stars

Ella Daniels has never been a risk taker. In fact, Ella Daniels has always chosen the safe route, the path which virtually ensures safety. That is, until she sees the Cliff House and makes the decision to pack her bags and her family, leave her safe job and London, to become a full-time writer. Little does she know, her first ever risk is going to lead her straight into a 150-year-old mystery and the book of a lifetime.

Ella’s Cliff House is well-known and something of a local legend in her new small town. Some 150 years ago, a young woman, Violet Hargreaves went missing the same night her family’s gardener and the next-door neighbor were brutally killed. As a part-time, now full-time mystery writer, Ella just can’t help but be intrigued by the mystery surrounding her new home and Violet Hargreaves. With little actual information, one very pregnant police office, and a whole lot of determination, Ella sets out to solve the mystery of Violet Hargreaves.

Ella’s task isn’t an easy one as the facts she uncovers seem to only add more questions to her list of unanswered questions. What she knows, what is fact is that Violet Hargreaves was an artist of considerable talent and she lived in a time when women were largely restricted from such activities. In a dusty old cupboard in her attic, Ella has discovered a few of Violet’s works including a self-portrait and studies for a larger work. The studies create a great deal of excitement as they are, by and large sketches of an attractive and only partially clad man. Such a thing 150 years ago would have proven to be quite the scandal and as Ella digs deeper she discovers not only the identity of the man, but also his nefarious role in Violet’s life.

The Bottom Line: Yeah, I dove into this book head first and didn’t come up for air until I finished it! What a great past meets present, alternating between past and present chapters, historical fiction read! This one has a bit of everything including art and art history, an old unsolved mystery, scandal, and true redemption in the end. Ella is by far my favorite character and it is her strength and determination (along with one fierce tantrum from her young son) that brings Violet Hargreaves back into the light and the justice she deserves. As Ella uncovers Violet’s story, she evolves as both a person and a character and it is lovely to watch her come out of her self-imposed shell. In all, I absolutely loved this book and encourage you to pick this one up if you’re looking for a mixed bag of goodness.

The Girl in the Pictures takes place in East Sussex 1855 and 2017 by turns. In 2017, Ella and Ben and their twin sons are leaving the big city and moving to East Sussex into an 18th century home that had been vacant for many years.

Ella is a writer who's been having writer's block for awhile now. Moving into the new house with its attic "office" should hopefully give her a kickstart to begin her new book. However, while setting up housekeeping, she finds a portrait of a young girl in the attic. Her curiosity aroused, Ella begins searching for clues as to the girl's identity and the backstory of the old house itself; maybe there's a connection?

Switch to 1855 where a young Violet Hargreaves is living with her father in the big house by the beach. Violet loves to paint more than anything. Her father permits her to have her painting hobby when she's little, but as she gets older, he's looking to marry her off. Violet never leaves the house unless her father takes her and she doesn't want to be handed over to a man she doesn't know, but what can she do?

Telling the story from both times gives the reader an inside edge to how the story will unfold for Ella in 2017.
The more Ella uncovers the more determined she is to get to the bottom of the story and see if there's a book in the making. With the reader becoming more enlightened through Violet's eyes the thrill builds to it's
stunning finale. Definitely Ella's book in the making!!

This book is a dual time line about two women who live in the house on the cliff in East Sussex. Violet is a young 18 year old who lives with her mainly absent father in 1855, her mother died when she was young and her father is away a lot on business and so she has a very lonely existence. Her main interest is painting and she is fascinated by the pre Raphaelites and so when the married Edwin who lives next door sets our to seduce her, especially with his talk of artists, she is very naive and easy prey.

Ella has given up her accountancy job to become a full time writer and decides to rent the house on the cliff. She soon hears about the murders that took place there 150 years ago and is fascinated and determined to find our the truth about them

A great story the switch between the two timelines worked perfectly and I equally enjoyed both. There was plenty of intrigue and twists to keep you guessing and it was definitely one of those books that I couldn't put down!

The Girl in the Picture by Kerry Barrett is a poignant story of a love affair that should've never been. This is one of those books that are hard to put down once you start

I was very impressed by this dual time frame narrative linked by a cliff top house on the west Sussex coastline.
Violet Hargreaves is a motherless, lonely eighteen year old in 1885. Often left in the care of a housekeeper and handyman whilst her successful Industrialist father works away. She has a passion for the Pre Raphaelite movement and has a romantic ideal of the artists who follow its practice. Violet would love to be such an artist and in her naivety, falls for Edwin, a married neighbour who promises to help her in her quest. His motives however, are much more self centred and he successfully seduces her.
Marching forward in time a young family move into the cliff top house where Ella intends to ease her writers block and produce the latest installment of her crime thriller. However, the discovery of a self portrait and a mysterious window in the attic of the house captures her attention. She becomes embroiled in solving a 150 year old crime which happened on her doorstep. A greatly enjoyable read which I demolished in a few sittings.

I have read many books recently with this "Girl" theme, some were good and others not that good. Fortunately for me, this one was a really good story. I enjoyed reading it a lot.

Ella Daniels just moved with her family to an old house in a small village in the Sussex. Being a thriller writer, it took only a small, unaccounted for window in the attic to make her start investigating the story of the house. And it turned out that a tragedy was attached to it. A 150 years old mstery: 2 murders, an attack and a disappearance all happening at the same time and it was never solved.

1855, Violet Hargreaves was only 18 years old, but she was already stuck in a life without much hope. Being an artist in a middle class family was not good, being a female artist was a disaster. But then, Edwin Forrest and his wife moved next door and her life and the life of everyone around her changed forever.

I really like how the story was told simultaneously from the perspective of the main people involved. And as the investigation went on, it brought out the story of two brave women, each in her own way. It was very touching and sad to read. and the author wrote the characters so well as to create a kind of connection with them.
I loved the end. It is not exactly a happy ending, and i guess for this kind of stories it is not about happiness, it is rather about closure. It was touching.

I enjoyed this book and i recommend it. I certainly will be looking into the other books by Kerry Barrett.

My Thoughts

When a book is put in the same league as Kate Morton, it has quite a bit too live up too! ‘The Girl in the Picture’, is quite impressive in delivering the necessary plot twists and I would safely recommend it to all fans of this genre. This is the first Kerry Barrett book I have read and it will not be my last. Always a literary challenge to write a dual timeline narrative, Kerry masterfully alternates between Ella in the present, to Violet in 1885 in a seamless, easy to follow and intriguing tale.

Set on the coast of East Sussex and centring around the occurrences in the one house of these two women, separated only by the passage of time. What secrets does this house contain in relation to the murders and disappearance so many years ago? Kerry does a wonderful job of engaging the reader, providing little pieces of the puzzle to present day Ella, as she attempts to investigate what occurred back in 1885 to Violet. The intrigue heightens the further into the story you get, but it’s not until the end that you will confidently put all the pieces of this engaging puzzle together.

I enjoyed many aspects of this book - everything from: the well executed, dual timeline, the slow unfolding suspense and mystery combined with the substantial character development in both timelines. The story may start out a little slow for some and the modern day story lack that bit of lustre, but don’t let this deter you from a well written tale. The manipulation and violence may prove a little too close to home for some, but it certainly adds to the realism.

As Ella seeks to uncover the local mystery surrounding her newly purchased residence, the notorious tale of a murder mystery from 150 years ago will engross you. The balance between Ella’s present day discoveries coinciding with real time events for Violet is well done. This tale will prove a real treat for lovers of historical fiction with the added element of a well executed mystery.


This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release

I love dual time period books; but they must be intricately woven to keep me interested.

The Girl in the Picture by Kerry Barrett does not disappoint. In addition to the historical aspect, the mystery is believable and intriguing.

Ella, is the present day main character while Violet’s life is reflected during the mid 1800’s. The mystery revolves around the disappearance of Violet. Something the villagers still talk about 150 years later.

The uncanny parallel lives are what hooks Ella’s heartstrings and piques her drive to dive into the mystery. They both lost their mothers and unborn baby sibling at the age of five. In turn a strained, but loving relationship with their fathers ensues…along with insecurities.

Ella, has left her secure job as an accountant to write full time. They move from London and rent an old home in a small village—Violet’s former home. Soon, she hears about the history behind the house.

Violet, a talented painter, is swayed by a married neighbor, Edwin. The 1800’s is no place for a woman with dreams, but Edwin encourages her, and tells her he has ties in the art world. He is a predator in every sense of the word. (I hated him.)
Violet is an innocent, sheltered eighteen-year-old young woman. She is swayed by Edwin’s snake-like charm, and soon allows him into her life and heart.

It was painful to watch. Yeah, I said watch. The author actually planted me in the story so well it felt as if I watched the scenes play before my eyes. The switch between present day and 1855 were seamless.
The characters are easy to love, except for Edwin. He is a villainous sleaze.

The mystery unfolds a little at a time, and I followed along with undying interest. I didn’t find the ending unbelievable, as I do some mysteries. This plot was well thought out.

Ella and Violet stumble through their insecurities, but there is growth in both main characters.

I loved this book and highly recommend it to anyone who likes dual time period mysteries.


I received this book from Net Galley.

I received this ARC copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. So thank you netgalley and publishers.
This story is about Violet, She is a  painter that gets involved with an horrible man. Edwin is very selfish. He would do anything to get his way. Ella and Ben Daniels and their two sons, move in and find a portrait of a young girl. I don't want to say much more so I don't give the story away but this was such a good book!
This was my first book from this author and I can tell you it won't be my last! Well done! 4.5 stars ♡

I was swept away in this time slip novel. Such an intriguing story - so beautifully written, I couldn't put it down.

Full of mystery, intrigue, suspense, greed, lies manipulation and betrayal. It is a tale of family dramas and it pulls you into both stories.

The story is a time slip novel based in the present day and 1855. I really enjoyed both time periods of the story - I was hooked from the start. It is an emotional story as piece by piece the mystery is uncovered. The ending is utterly heart wrenching, I didn't see it coming.

Beautifully written, perfectly paced - not too fast but not too slow. The intrigue and mystery builds throughout the book. Wonderful characters, evocative descriptions of the countryside, a real page turner.

The best time slip novel I have read in a long time, highly recommended.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

East Sussex Coast 2016 – Ella Daniels has given up her safe life as an accountant to pursue her career as a thriller writer full time. So, her and her family have moved from London to the coast on a house overlooking the sea. However, Ella soon hears the rumours of a mysterious murder and a missing girl and she can’t concentrate on her new novel until she gets to the bottom of the tragic case.

East Sussex Coast 1886 – Eighteen year old Violet Hargraves aspires to be a painter, however, her father insists that it isn’t proper and instead she should marry. However, when the naive Violet meets the handsome and older man Edwin, her new neighbour, he offers her the chance to make her dreams of becoming a painter real. As Violet starts to fall under his spell she gets a warning from the most unlikeliest place…his wife.

This is my first read from Kerry Barrett, but I don’t think it will be my last, she sucks you in as the tale unfolds told from two points in time; present day from Ella’s point of view and then back in 1886 as Violet first meets Edwin and events start to unfold. The Girl in the Picture did a great job in pulling you in, feeding you parts of the past as Ella slowly starts unravelling the story from the present, so although you may guess what has happened you can’t be entirely sure until you reach the end.

It was also a bit of an emotional journey, Ella starts to learn about Violet’s life and starts to sees parallels to her own history, which forces her to face some emotional baggage she’s been hauling around since childhood. Towards the end of the book when the whole mystery unravels and you learn the full extent of the tragedy…I admit, I may have shed a few tears, there was no ugly crying but it was a bitter sweet poignant moment.

I really enjoyed this book I really liked how well Barrett balanced the two separate timelines and the intrigue of the mystery with the more human story of Ella and Violet.