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Description
Set on the Yorkshire Moors in the 1800s, The Black Feathers is a ghostly tale of magic and wickedness. When Annie marries widower Edward Stonehouse and arrives at Guardbridge, his estate on the Yorkshire moors, she thinks she has finally put darkness behind her. She is mistaken. Edward’s sister, Iris, still lives in the family home. A taxidermist and medium, she urges Annie to watch out for black feathers—claiming that they mark the spot where a spirit has visited. At first, Annie dismisses her warnings. But, before long, she begins to feel haunted. What exactly happened to Edward’s first wife? Why is Iris so disturbed? And should Annie really be watching for signs from the dead—or is she the one being watched?
Summary
I read The Black Feathers, a historical gothic novel by UK author, Rebecca Netley.
Review
The Black Feathers is a classic-style Gothic horror novel. A crafting of an atmosphere heavy with suspense and dread. Netley has crafted an atmospheric setting in the isolated estate of Guardbridge on the eerie Yorkshire moors. The secrets and mysteries unfold with exquisite timing. Netley’s places the protagonist Annie into an oppressive and tense plot with immersive eerie winds through Guardbridge and haunting whispers causing Annie to question her sanity and reality.
Netley skilfully writes with a slow pace, building tension with interspersed shock scenes that develop a satisfying conclusion. This is a compelling addition to Gothic literature, offering a fresh narrative that intertwines supernatural elements with human psychology. Netley’s evokes a sense of dread throughout the novel. A highly atmospheric historical gothic horror that pays homage to the classic Gothic works with a modern touch.
Conclusion
A highly recommended read! A new addition to the gothic horror canon. The eerie atmosphere of the Yorkshire moors and haunted house fulfils all readers expectations for a gothic horror novel with masterfully crafted mystery and historical context.
** This is my personal opinion and does not reflect any judging decisions **
Leanbh Pearson 