Sophia Rose is here with the first historical romance fiction in the Audacious Sisters of Smoke and Fire series. Grab a cuppa and check out her review of The Mysteries of Pendowar Hall by Syrie James as you’ll want to solve the mysteries of Pendowar Hall for yourself!
by Syrie James
Series: The Audicious Sisters of Smoke and Fire #1
Genres: Historical Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Heat Level:
She vowed to solve a murder.
Now she’s in danger of losing her heart … and her very life.Diana Taylor, a bright and spirited governess who has sworn off love, is sent to Pendowar Hall in Cornwall to honor a pledge. She vows to teach her godmother’s niece and to find out who was behind the suspicious death of the former baronet. But her new charge is also a mystery, as is the man who inherited the ancient coastal estate—the charismatic but brooding Royal Navy Captain William Fallbrook, who is home on leave to recover from an injury.
As Diana investigates, her feelings for the enigmatic Captain Fallbrook blossom, and her guard goes up. Pendowar Hall is brimming with secrets as well as a frightening legend about a Mermaid’s Curse. What is behind the mysterious footsteps in the night? Is there more to the story of the tragic deaths of the former baronet’s wife and son? What secrets is Captain Fallbrook hiding? Can she trust the man who has stolen her heart?
He looks to be entranced by Diana, even though her determination to dig up the past seems to get on his last nerve. Soon, Diana’s bold quest to unmask his uncle’s killer leads her into terrifying danger, for someone is determined to end her life before she can discover the truth.
Sophia Rose’s Review
A brooding manor on the Cornwall coast, dark family secrets, a wild young girl, a sea captain who may have murdered to inherit, and a governess sent to discover truths that someone would kill to keep unknown fill the latest tale from the talented pen of Syrie James. I’ve long been familiar with Syrie James’ work and saw the announcements of her latest series project that would give tribute to some of the best of romantic suspense from the past. There was no way I was going to miss this.
Mysteries of Pendowar Hall is the first of a series featuring the oldest sister in a trio of amateur sleuths by night and clever governesses by day. Diana goes on behalf of her dying godmother to discover the truth of her brother’s death. The report that it was suicide isn’t just abhorrent to her, but she knows that he’d never do such a thing.
So, taking advantage of the new heir, Captain Falbrook’s need to find a governess for his wayward young cousin, Diana arrives to discover what she can. Her charge has the reputation of being a dunce at school matters and recalcitrant and wild enough that no governess ever stayed long. Diana is no green girl and has quite a bit of experience. She grows to suspect the girl’s issues with schooling stem from something other than a rebellious, spoiled character. The estate is a brooding old place right on a coast notorious for its smuggling history and there are plenty who tell of the lore and legends of the area including a curse on the family for anyone who falls in love. Diana can’t disdain the legends too much because she herself has heard mysterious footsteps in the night and the lights that shine in the tower.
Even as she attempts to solve the current mysteries of the place and encounters people who give her hints toward the right trail, she finds herself slowly thawing into a friendship with both Captain Falbrook and his cousin. In fact, she realizes after a time that she might be getting tender feelings and that wouldn’t do since she’s the governess- and he may still be a murderer. The longer she is at Pendowar Hall; the more she thinks her godmother’s hunch about her late brother is right. If only she can find his journals… and keep surviving the accidents that befall her.
The Mysteries of Pendowar Hall was all I was anticipating. It is a wonderful tribute to Jane Eyre with several clearly familiar moments, but also hearkens to my favorite childhood romantic suspenses by Victoria Holt, Mary Stewart, Daphne du Maurier, and Phyllis Whitney. Diana is observant and clever. She’s got a couple allies counting the butler and the village vicar, but they can’t know exactly what she’s poking into. She’s working on her own so I was practically biting my nails a few times with then danger was palpable and the atmosphere of unknown menace was thick. I had my finger on a few people, but I was well and far off.
Loved seeing Diana start to heal from her guilt over her mother’s death and the captain open up about his own guilt. And, that was heartwarming seeing Diana make friends with her charge and figure out the girl had a disability (modern day dyslexia) and figured out how to help her strategize for it.
All in all, I thought it abso-fab and can’t wait to get the next installment with her sisters at their mysterious ghostly estate where they are starting a school. If you love sweet historical romance combined with classical-style suspense, put this one on your reading list.
*kindleunlimited
About Syrie James
Syrie James is the USA TODAY and Amazon bestselling author of thirteen novels of historical, contemporary, and young adult fiction and romance, which have been published in 21 languages. Los Angeles Magazine dubbed Syrie the “queen of nineteenth century re-imaginings.” Syrie’s novel “The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen” sold at auction to HarperCollins in a bidding war and became an international bestseller. Her passion for love stories and the paranormal led to her critically acclaimed and award-winning novels “Dracula, My Love,” “Nocturne,” and the popular YA series “Forbidden.” Her love of English historical romance led to her Amazon bestselling Dare to Defy series.
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About Sophia Rose
Sophia is a quiet though curious gal who dabbles in cooking, book reviewing, and gardening. Encouraged and supported by an incredible man and loving family. A Northern Californian transplant to the Great Lakes Region of the US. Lover of Jane Austen, Baseball, Cats, Scooby Doo, and Chocolate.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Lola
This sounds like it was a great read with the historical romance combined with romantic suspense. I also like the sound of the main character figuring out the girl she’s in charge of has what is now known as dyslexia and helps her strategize for it. The mystery sounds compelling too and how fun there are three sleuthing sisters, I assume they each get their book?
Sophia Rose
Yes, it had some fun elements that I enjoyed and particularly her working with her student to figure out how to help her with her dyslexia.
I think the two sisters are together in the next book based on the hints that they buy a ‘haunted estate’ to turn into a girls’ school
Mary Kirkland
I love the color of her dress on the cover. This sounds like a good one.
Sophia Rose
I know. That jewel-toned sapphire is really striking. And, the classic-style romantic suspense inside was great. 🙂