Chanel Cleeton

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫✨ (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.… (meer)

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.… (meer)

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.… (meer)