renpuspita's review
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
3.5
3,5 stars
Actually, I start reading this in June, 29th and just barely manage to finish the book yesterday because I'm sick. I know that my games can be to blame, but I love my games, sooo..
The Dead of Haggard Hall is my first try reading Marie Treanor's book. The narrative kinda taken me aback, because its told in first POV. I rarely read historical romance from 1st POV, though I can count Gail Carriger's Parasol Protectorate, but that series is more steampunk than hisrom. The first POV work with the atmosphere of this book. Barbara's personality and traits are easily likable. A medium, a vicar's widow and ex-teacher, her voice already matured so we don't get another TSTL or reckless heroine.
The romance is pretty your usual trope. A "I hate you but I kinda like you" followed by almost insta-lust. The hero, Patrick Haggard is pretty much the "broken hero" troupe, his cynicism toward Barbara's ability spice their earlier relationship. What make Dead of Haggard Hall interesting is the mystery part. Sure ghosts are scary (and there were plenty in this book!), but spirit can't do no harm. It's always human who did the despicable acts. Barbara must collect her wits, try to fight her attraction to Patrick, despite what the society thinks that Patrick is already a murderer, because the real culprit is still roam over there.
I like that Treanor just give a little by little tidbit regarding the murderer, and hide its real identity till the climax of the story. Treanor also successfully build the gothic atmosphere that surrounding Haggard estate and family. The pace can be so slow, but slow is good for this kind of story because the suspense make you can't stop reading, to guess who's responsible for the death of many people and malice in Haggard Hall.
I guess if you like a gothic historical romance with some spice, Dead of Haggard Hall is a must read. Although the second book, Prisoner of Silverwood Castle is not from Barbara's POV, she did make appearance there.
Actually, I start reading this in June, 29th and just barely manage to finish the book yesterday because I'm sick. I know that my games can be to blame, but I love my games, sooo..
The Dead of Haggard Hall is my first try reading Marie Treanor's book. The narrative kinda taken me aback, because its told in first POV. I rarely read historical romance from 1st POV, though I can count Gail Carriger's Parasol Protectorate, but that series is more steampunk than hisrom. The first POV work with the atmosphere of this book. Barbara's personality and traits are easily likable. A medium, a vicar's widow and ex-teacher, her voice already matured so we don't get another TSTL or reckless heroine.
The romance is pretty your usual trope. A "I hate you but I kinda like you" followed by almost insta-lust. The hero, Patrick Haggard is pretty much the "broken hero" troupe, his cynicism toward Barbara's ability spice their earlier relationship. What make Dead of Haggard Hall interesting is the mystery part. Sure ghosts are scary (and there were plenty in this book!), but spirit can't do no harm. It's always human who did the despicable acts. Barbara must collect her wits, try to fight her attraction to Patrick, despite what the society thinks that Patrick is already a murderer, because the real culprit is still roam over there.
I like that Treanor just give a little by little tidbit regarding the murderer, and hide its real identity till the climax of the story. Treanor also successfully build the gothic atmosphere that surrounding Haggard estate and family. The pace can be so slow, but slow is good for this kind of story because the suspense make you can't stop reading, to guess who's responsible for the death of many people and malice in Haggard Hall.
I guess if you like a gothic historical romance with some spice, Dead of Haggard Hall is a must read. Although the second book, Prisoner of Silverwood Castle is not from Barbara's POV, she did make appearance there.
morebookspleaseblog's review
5.0
What a great start to a series! There's nothing I love more than a smart heroine and an anti-hero that loves with everything he has! Ms. Treanor has written two characters, who are quite flawed, perfectly. Both have scandals in their past (that keeps getting brought up)! Barbara is a medium and Patrick is a skeptical journalist that's fascinated with her. There's a series of strange events happening in Haggard Hall, and Barbara is there to help!
The character of Patrick is written so EXTREMELY well, it leaves you guessing whether or not he's the villain. Patrick is a broken man still dealing with the death of his wife, in which he was rumored to have murdered. While Patrick may be the most complexed of the characters, he is quite possibly my favorite. He's unconventionally beautiful and he tore me to pieces. For me, Patrick was the most likable (although mysterious) character. However, the secondary characters are equally just as fascinating. These characters provide mystique and humor and keeps the book flowing at a steady pace.
Once you start this book, you won't be able to put it down! Highly addictive... great chemistry between Barbara and Patrick, with a great mystery. There is non-stop action with moments of humor and love. I look forward to the rest of the series!
The character of Patrick is written so EXTREMELY well, it leaves you guessing whether or not he's the villain. Patrick is a broken man still dealing with the death of his wife, in which he was rumored to have murdered. While Patrick may be the most complexed of the characters, he is quite possibly my favorite. He's unconventionally beautiful and he tore me to pieces. For me, Patrick was the most likable (although mysterious) character. However, the secondary characters are equally just as fascinating. These characters provide mystique and humor and keeps the book flowing at a steady pace.
Once you start this book, you won't be able to put it down! Highly addictive... great chemistry between Barbara and Patrick, with a great mystery. There is non-stop action with moments of humor and love. I look forward to the rest of the series!
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