I picked up Mrs England by Stacey Halls to read on a train ride to Leeds. I didn’t know anything about the book or the author – it was just an impulse pick from my local library. I wanted something easy and light, and this seemed to fit the bill. Only once I started, I realized that the story is see in Yorkshire. So, it was very nice to read a book set in the area I was visiting.
About Mrs England
When newly graduated nurse Ruby May takes a position looking after the children of Charles and Lilian England, a wealthy couple from a powerful dynasty of mill owners, she hopes it will be the fresh start she needs. But as she adapts to life at the isolated Hardcastle House, it becomes clear there’s something not quite right about the beautiful, mysterious Mrs England. Ostracised by the servants and feeling increasingly uneasy, Ruby is forced to confront her demons to prevent history from repeating itself. After all, there’s no such thing as the perfect family – and she should know.
∼ Synopsis from GoodReads
My Review
This is one of those books that would have worked better for me if the blurb at the back of the book hadn’t been quite so revealing. It left behind some clear hints on what was going on, and so even though the book is atmospheric and unsettling in the best way, I wasn’t as surprised by the twists as I should have been.
The only real mystery in the book that I did not guess at was the protagonist’s relationship with her father, and that reveal was interesting.
Another aspect of the book that I didn’t like was the writing that felt too modern in tone. And certain places where the characters acted or said things that sounded too modern.
But other than that, I really liked this book. It kept me on my toes and reading late into the night. I also enjoyed the Gothic themes.
In general, a fairly nice book – spoiled a little bit by the blurb, but if you like Gothic mysteries, you will like this one – even if the mystery turned out to be a bit of a wash in the end.
