A novel that describes itself as gothic and does not disappoint!
The way the author has weaved the characters into a complex web is just exquisite.
For 2/3's of the book, Clara comes across as weak, demanding and just not very nice. By the end of the book you are cheering for her to 'win', even if it means sacrificing herself.
I think Clara chose Harriet, because she saw some of herself in her. Harriet's refusal to return home and get married, showing how strong her sense of self and sense of purpose is.

This historical gothic novel follows the lives of Clara Gethin and her housemaid latterly lady's maid Harriet. It definitely has the makings of a good novel but lacks pace. I am not sure the author has got the balance between narrative of events and courtroom drama right, the former really over taking the latter aspect. However it is a debut book and as such holds merit and promise for the future of this author

Harriet is employed as a maid at the country home of a respected M.P. She forms a bond with the mistress of the house and is promoted to be her ladies maid. Events build up which attract her notice - the mistress doesn't take any notice of her baby son, who is left with the nanny. An attractive young girl servant is summarily dismissed. the library contains a large stash of pornography. the master, who has been absent, returns and a party is organised and culminates in a drunken orgy, Harriet's friend is raped by one of the guests, and in trying to recue her Harriet severely injures the rapist. Now begins a bid for escape and freedom, but the master won't give up easily. Fast paced, its a good story well told.

DNF. Unfortunately just didn’t love this book enough to fully commit and finish it. Something went weird with my copy and the formatting made it hard to read too.

There was a lot of hype surrounding this book and for good reasons. This story examines the political power within households and that politicians hold over us. It took a while to get into the story, but once I did there were plenty of twists that I wasn't expecting.

A haunting and atmospheric novel about power, an excellent mix of mystery/gothic and historical fiction.
Well developed characters, a well plotted story and good storytelling.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

June 1878. The body of a boy is pulled from the depths of the River Thames, suspected to be the beloved missing child of the widely admired Liberal MP Ralph Gethin.

Harriet is a young maid newly employed at Finton Hall, finding work in the grand home just four months before the young boy is pulled from the Thames. These subsequent events open for a haunting slice of gothic fiction, as Harriet begins to feel uneasy in a home where the master is never seen, and the mistress appears to be the sole character claiming everyone’s attention.

As haunting secrets and unease begin to stack upon one another, Harriet is in a race against time to uncover the untruths that lie within the walls of Finton Hall before it is too late.

The slower opening section of The Beholders creates a goosebump-inducing atmosphere, which is all set in place as the pace of the novel increases - from that point, prepared to be consumed!

I absolutely adore historical fiction and this completely scratched an itch for me. I loved the atmosphere and the fantastic storytelling. Really excited to see more from this author!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read and review!

I really enjoy historical fiction, there's just something magical about reading about another time, isn't there? The Beholders is a story that examines the power of men, political and household. It really made me think about just how much power men have had over women, forever really. It was deeply heartbreaking and made me ache for all the women involved.

It really is a shame that male politician's haven't changed in nearly 150 years.

Such a beautifully written story, that although was slow in places had me captivated awaiting the outcome.

The tale of a young housemaid working in a large country house, where sinister goings on lurk beneath a veneer of Victorian respectability and philanthropy. I enjoyed the main character Harriet, and sympathised with her frustration of the limited choices offered her in life, drudgery, or a combination of both drudgery and marriage. The character of Clara, I found merely frustrating, too much ethereal drawn out mystery and staring into the middle distance. The overall story was good, I love a bit of gothic fiction, but the pacing was somewhat slow, I felt it needed to be tighter to sustain the suspense. I would definitely read more from this author, a solid 3 stars. Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC.

This was a gothic, haunting and atmospheric story that I couldn’t put down. It was gripping and engaging the whole way through with a level of suspense and unpredictability that added an extra layer to the storytelling. It was a chilling read that has stayed with me since I read it.

This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and I would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you very much to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

I have to say a huge thank you to @mattclacher for sending me this brilliant gem by @hestermusson

This has been everything I had hoped for and so much more. I loved the gothic feel and atmosphere. This book has converted me as a fan of this author.

This is a fantastic debut and shows superb storytelling. This has been an example of Victorian gothic fiction at its best. I loved this book and found myself gripped.

The Beholders is a book that kept me awake far too late and had been impossible to put down. This has started slower than I usually prefer. However, Musson has transported me to 1878 London.

As soon as I’d read “body of young boy pulled from the Thames” I was hooked and intrigued from the beginning. This book had a brilliant plot and truly is an excellent debut.

This flows beautifully and is compelling and addictive. I devoured this book in just one sitting. It’s been brilliant. I need more from this author.

I absolutely recommend this one.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Harriet Watkins, after the death of her employer, jumps at the chance of escaping her unloving mother, her arranged marriage and dull village life and accepts a job as a lady’s maid at Finton Hall. Though she adores her erratic mistress, rumours about the household and her master confuse and frighten her.
All the necessities of a Gothic mystery are there, only flaw would be that the first half needs some condensing. I’m a patient reader but even I was screaming: TELL ME! NOW!
For the second half I could not put the book down. Thoroughly enjoyed this read.

The Beholders by Hester Musson is a time travelling novel…well not in the traditional sense but in the sense that the reader is taken back in time to another life in Victorian Britain.

When Harriet takes a position in a stately manor for a powerful family she realises that the lifestyle of the rich aren't always as easy as they seem.

Dripping with mystery and intrigue, The Beholders really shines a light on the secrets held by those with power and how keeping up appearances is the only way to retain power.

I really enjoyed The Beholders. It was a good read with plenty on the page to keep you gripped.

The Beholders by Hester Musson is available now.

For more information regarding 4th Estate (@4thEstateBooks) please visit www.4thestate.co.uk.

A slow burner with an explosive ending.

What starts as an insight to Victorian life through the eyes of Harriet Watkins, quickly turns into a dark mystery in a household shrouded in sinister secrets. Harriet Watkins is engaged as lady’s maid at Finton Hall to the enigmatic Mistress Clara Gethin. Clara is subject to a whole load of unsavoury rumours yet Harriet struggles to know who to trust while she is surrounded by the tight lipped and suspicious staff and villagers. What goes on behind closed doors at Finton Hall?

The Beholders starts off as a slow burn but then sweeps you up in a melodrama full of dark twists and turns half way through. I enjoyed the diary format, following Harriet’s journey and feeling the full force of all the shock and upheaval she endured. Full of mystery and betrayal but also resilience and loyalty, this is a passionate book with a raw message. It doesn’t hold back on showing how power and influence can be exploited, but also how kindness and determination can counter evil deeds.

The Beholders
by Hester Musson
Pub Date: 18 Jan 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

June, 1878. The body of a boy is pulled from the depths of the River Thames, suspected to be the beloved missing child of the widely admired Liberal MP Ralph Gethin.

Four months earlier. Harriet is a young maid newly employed at Finton Hall. Fleeing the drudgery of an unwanted engagement in the small village where she grew up, Harriet is entranced by the grand country hall; she is entranced too by her glamorous mistress Clara Gethin, whose unearthly singing voice floats through the house. But Clara, though captivating, is erratic. The master of the house is a much-lauded politician, but he is strangely absent. And some of their beautiful belongings seem to tell terrible stories.

Unable to ignore her growing unease, Harriet sets out to discover their secrets. When she uncovers a shocking truth, a chain of events is set in motion that could cost Harriet everything, even her freedom…

Clara and Harriet,
1875 is the start of this riveting tale. Harriet is a maid in the kindly Mrs,B's house along with her friend Annie, they enjoy the old Lady's kindness and odd ways. After her death Harriet goes to work at Frinton Hall, A large, richly furnished house belonging to Mr Gethin an MP with. a greatreputation for kindness to his staff. Harriet gets off to a bad start when the housekeeper takes a dislike to her, her fellow housemaid Mary does not trust her and Harriet is miserable but starts keeping a diary.
Mrs Gethin asks Harriet to be her personal maid, Clara is a strange woman , disliked by most of the staff and prone to rages, she takes little interest in her baby Edward.
Mr Gethin is arriving home from a musical evening where his wife will sing, the evening goes badly wrong, Harriet realises that Clara has told her the truth about him, he is corrupt and cruel. What will Harriet do to help Clara oescape his ecvil clutches?
This book was well written with a keen and sometimes amusing insight into Harriet 's thought and actions.
Thank you NetGalley and Hester.

A brilliant story to read and the characters were complex, this is set in the Victorian times and feels very authentic to those times. Told through diary entries from a housemaid - this story has murder, love and heartbreak, everything that makes a good story! The front cover is beautiful and it would definitely catch my eye in a shop.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for this ARC.

With thanks to netgalley.com for allowing me to review this book

I seem to one of the only few who didn't enjoy this book. I just couldn't get away with the lack of chapters and it was so slow.

A gripping, fascinating read! The characters are so complex and layered it feels like you unravel more about them with each chapter.
Thoroughly enjoyed everything about this novel and I didn't want it to end!