The Shadows of Stormclyffe Hall by Lauren Smith
Jane Seyton is just one step away from earning her doctorate in history, now all she has to do is provide proof that her theory about Stormclyffe Hall and its tragic history is correct. After getting no response from the Earl of Weymouth, the Hall's stoic owner, Jane travels to Weymouth herself in hopes that her years of obsession will finally pay off. Little does she know that events are already conspiring to do more than ruin her chances at a degree. Will the past repeat itself yet again by bringing together and then tearing apart yet another star crossed pair?
Bastian Carlisle, Earl of Weymouth, has never believed in the silly ghost stories and superstitions that have always plagued his family. All he wants is to rebuild his ancestral home and leave all of the nonsense behind him. Unfortunately there is some pretty damning proof clogging up the family archives that something is not as it should be, and that is precisely what Jane Seyton wants access to. But people who look too close tend to wind up dead, and that is one outcome that Bastian can't let happen.
This is simply not your ordinary gothic novel...it's so much better! Forget the creepy and ridiculous villain, or the even more ridiculous and insipid damsel in distress waiting for a vain and chauvinistic hero. This story contains smart characters and a plot so twisted and realistic it's truly scary.
A simple breakdown of the things I loved can begin with ALL of the characters. The hero and heroine are both on par with each other for both brilliance and stubbornness. Neither is willing to give an inch when it comes to what they want, which are dynamically opposing things. Their true personalities are unwrapped in pieces and not all at once, which gives the reader a chance to discover them at a pace to fall in love with them.
The plot is another gem with this book. The story captures you and draws you in. I often found myself losing track of time, and at one point discovered that I had stayed up until 2 AM and needed to finish the book the next day. This one was definitely a thriller. I loved how it ended with one last plot twist. It was just pure awesome.
Overall, I recommend reading this at night (for effect) and then buying a nightlight (because...you know). I really hope to hear more from Lauren Smith in the Gothic Romance category, because I believe she is about to redefine the genre. Perfect score!
Continuity/Flow – 5
Sex – 5
Characters – 5
Storyline – 5
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