The House on Biscayne Bay has many of the elements that I love in a gothic historical mystery: an old eerie house with a secret, mysterious past; a housekeeper who knows more than she lets on; characters who don't get along, but seem to harbour these big secrets; a dual timeline; and an atmosphere that lends itself well to gothic literature. Yet, despite all of these elements, the story struggles from pacing issues and poor character development, and while I enjoyed the overall story, I just couldn't empathize with the characters and their plights.

The story is told in a dual timeline format, Anna from 1919 and Carmen from 1941. I actually preferred Carmen's storyline more as I found Anna to be a bit annoying. I understand that a lot of women from that time period do not have a lot of knowledge of their husband's business affairs, but she seemed especially oblivious to everything that was happening around her. Carmen had a bit more sass to her, and I liked that she went searching for answers when she started to suspect something was wrong. However, there was little depth to any of the characters and it was difficult to track their motivations or their feelings or to even care why they did what they did. Carmen and her sister did not get along at all, and other than there being an age difference and Carmen wanting to tag along after her big sister all the time, there was little explanation given for the gulf between them other than petty jealousies so it was hard to muster any empathy for either of them, especially Carolina.

Probably the strongest part of this book was the cohesiveness between the dual timelines and the merging of the stories. I tend to have ambivalent feelings about dual timelines, but these ones were so close together that there didn't seem to be much difference between them. The sense of atmosphere and mystery were definitely there and there is nothing like a big house and a lush estate by the water to add eeriness to a story. However, the timing and pacing were off and it took a long time to get to the crux of the story. I could see the twist coming a mile away and I was hoping it wouldn't go there, but it did. And while everything wrapped up nicely, I thought it was a bit forced. It's hard to say more without giving anything away, but let's just say, I didn't feel it.

Verdict
The House on Biscayne Bay had a lot going for it, but suffered from pacing issues and was really slow to get off the ground. Because of the lack of depth in the characters, I couldn't empathize with anyone as I didn't connect with their feelings or motivations. However, if you like historical fiction with a bit of a mystery and like slower mysteries, this one may be for you. ( )

This novel, centered around a grand home in southern Florida, is deeply atmospheric. Akin to a gothic novel, but with alligators, this book intertwines the stories of two women, Anna and Carmen, who live in the house at different times. Both women, however, soon find their home to be a treacherous place as deaths and suspicions multiply. A fast-paced read, this book is highly recommended for those seeking an atmospheric historical mystery. ( )

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫✨ (3.75/5)

Marbrisa, an opulent gothic mansion in Miami, is the center point in this beautifully written novel where the lives of two women, past and present, are eerily similar. Dual timeline of 1918 and 1941, told by Anna, original owner along with her husband, and Carmen, sister of new owner.

I am a sucker for beautiful covers and this one is stunning! This is my first novel by this author, although I’ve had her on my radar for sometime. Her writing is beautifully descriptive; you can picture the house, imagine the parties, feel the ocean breeze, hear the wildlife. I enjoyed a fully different look at these time periods. Slower moving storyline added to the mystery and the gothic era. While I enjoyed the story overall, I didn’t connect with the characters, did not feel their fear or disappointment, wasn’t vested in their survival. I found the mystery predictable, although there was a surprising turn. I would definitely read this author again and plan to read her previous books.

Thanks to Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC. This is my honest opinion. ( )

How could a mansion with such a beautiful name - Marbrisa - be the scene of murders?

Peacocks screaming and dying and then construction workers and guests found dead.

1918 - Robert and Anna came from New York to Florida after the Great War, built an outlandish mansion, but it didn’t make them happy.

A drowning at their lavish party didn’t help with things. But was it an accident or murder?

1940 - Years later Carolina and Asher bought the house, fixed it up, and Carolina’s sister, Carmen, came to live with them after their parents died.

Another death happens and Carmen worries about her safety, especially since Asher controls her estate until she’s 21.

We follow both storylines as the mansion seems to be the center of attention and drama and as we meet characters that keep and tell secrets.

A marvelous Gothic-style read with undercurrents of menace that you can’t figure out if the menace is coming from a person, place, or thing.

Don't miss this one!! 5/5

Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ( )

Wealthy industrialist, Robert Barnes and his wife, Anna are building a massive home in south Florida. Anna is not really enjoying how big their home is becoming. But, she is staying silent. It is what her husband wants. However, when there is a death off the wall around Biscayne Bay, secrets start to unfold.

Years later, Asher and his wife Carolina purchase this run down mansion with the goal of making it the showplace it was meant to be. But, Carolina ends up murdered and Asher is the main suspect.

Give me a house with a past and a possible ghost and I am here for it! I enjoyed this atmospheric setting! Add in the unsolved murders and the family history and you have a pretty dad-blamed good tale!

I enjoyed how this story unfolded. The different time periods that are parallel to each other really increased the mystery surrounding the house and the occupants.

Need a story which will captivate you…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review. ( )