by Carmella Lowkis
Publisher: Atria Books
Pub Date: February 10, 2026
Genre: Adult, Horror, Gothic, Historical
Format: ARC
Source: Publisher
Book Links: Goodreads Amazon Bookshop
1922, When Vee Morgan accepts the job of gardener at a crumbling stately home in southwest England, she’s hoping it’s a fresh start.
But Harfold Manor is shadowed by its own grief and the memories of long-faded glory, its rooms haunted by the only surviving member of the family, Lady Arabella Lascy. Vee is fascinated by her enigmatic new employer, a woman obsessed with the curse she believes has killed her family one by one and is coming for her next. Her only hope for escape is a local the elusive dancing hare that gave her ancestor its blessing and the house its name.
But even as Vee falls deeper under the thrall of Harfold and Lady Arabella, her own dark past finally catches up to her in this lush and atmospheric novel.
Its something to pick up and read if you have nothing else to read or just bored. While I wasn't a giant fan of the book, I wont classify as disliking it.
The pace is alright. The storyline could've used more oomph. Like give me something to pull me in. The characters come off as people you'd make casual conversation with and then move on. Nothing exciting is going on. The characters talk and go about their days, kind of dull really.
You get some backstory on Vee, a little bit about the manor and what's happened. Nothing super exciting to pull you in but nothing so bad you want to put the book down.
All that is simply just in the first part.
I did end up finishing the book, though I had to put it down a few times and come back to it. Probably should've left it a DNF though.
Wouldn't call this gothic, horror or any of the sorts. It doesn't give it off at all. The only thing close to horror/thriller is about the 80% mark when something finally happens and then it ended in disappointment.
I didn't love this story. I wouldn't pick it up or be running around telling everyone else to read it. Most likely wont read anything by the author since it doesn't seem like her books are a good fit for me.
Take a chance if you'd like. Its more so a find out for yourself kind of deal with this one.
My Rating:
✪✪
