The Wives of Herrick Hall is haunting and powerful. I loved the atmosphere, the Gothic vibes, and the action. I fell into this book and it was reluctant to let me go. Keep reading this book review of The Wives of Herrick Hall for my full thoughts.
Summary
Herrick Hall doesn’t let anything go without a fight. Least of all its masters’ dead wives…
After a dalliance with another woman leaves her reputation in shambles, Josephine Carter is banished to the isolated manor to serve as lady’s companion to Herrick’s mistress. Lady Nora Blake is a headstrong, capricious woman, who spends her days convalescing from a mysterious illness—and her nights witnessing her imminent death over and over. Shackled to her side, Josephine is certain life could not get worse. But then she meets the Herrick wives. Ghosts veiled in shadow stalk the halls and trespass into Josephine’s dreams, trapped forever in the fury of their last dying to destroy Herrick and everyone beneath its roof. Josephine determines to escape by any means necessary.
Until she and Nora fall in love.
Together, Josephine and Nora must confront Herrick’s curse to battle their way to freedom. But Herrick has already claimed them as its next ghostly brides, and neither the house nor its vengeful wives will relinquish them without bloodshed…
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
Am I the most terrified person ever? Yes. Will I always read a story about a haunted house, especially if it’s Gothic? Also yes. The Wives of Herrick Hall only kept me up for a few days because I had to finish. The Gothic vibes in this are immaculate! It’s a story about power struggles, confinement, the voices and shouts of men, and legacies we can never escape. It’s about the curse of being a wife, but also of a story, a past, a story which won’t let go. Full of unreliability, secrets, and atmosphere, The Wives of Herrick Hall is rich in power dynamics and love. I loved the comparison of this Gothic take on the power struggles and complexity of love from “The Favourite”.
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A love within these power dynamics, of beholden, of obstacles and choosing between love and duty. The Wives of Herrick Hall navigates obligations and power. The past comes alive, even when we very much wish it wouldn’t. The house becomes its own character and it will make itself heard. I was enchanted by the end and it’s a must recommend for fans of the Gothic. Find The Wives of Herrick Hall on Goodreads, Storygraph, Bookshop. org, Blackwells, & Libro. fm.