Hey, readers. Welcome to my first book review of 2023. I picked up a copy of this one over the Christmas holidays and couldn’t wait to delve into its pages.
My Review
The Ghosts of Peppernell Manor is the first book I’ve read by author Amy M. Reade. It’s an older title published several years ago, but it didn’t disappoint.
I’ll preface this review by saying if you’re expecting ghostly encounters, don’t. While there is a ghost mentioned, the lead character does not have first-hand interaction with her.
Recently divorced Carleigh Warner is hired by the family of her friend, Evie Peppernell to restore the family’s mansion near Charleston, South Carolina. She and her three-year-old daughter Lucy make the long drive from Chicago and prepare to stay in the area for several months.
Carleigh meets Evie’s family—her grandmother Cora Camille, her parents, two brothers Harlan and Heath, an aunt, and a long-time family employee, Phyllis. Not long after Evie begins the restorative work, things begin happening. Family matriarch Cora-Camille becomes ill. Evie receives a threatening phone call. Someone tries to run her over with their car.
Not everyone in the family agrees on the plans for the manor. Evie’s brother Harlan and her mother Vivian are in favor of allowing a group of investors to pay for the restoration, then turn the house and grounds into a bed and breakfast/venue/tourist attraction. Cora Camille considers leaving the property to the state of South Carolina with the provision the family is allowed to live in the main manor.
Phyllis, whose ancestor Sarah was a slave at the manor, often talks with her apparition. She informs Carleigh that Sarah is not in favor of the restoration, especially when Carleigh wants to restore the property’s old slave cabins. Phyllis is also superstitious. After a stray dog shows up at Heath’s home on the estate, she claims it’s bad luck and bad things will continue to happen until the dog is gone.
For a while, it appears Phyllis is right. Cora Camille dies of natural causes, but the coroner also finds traces of thallium in her system. Harlan is murdered. Carleigh’s ex-husband is mauled by an alligator during a hurricane after he snuck onto the property to spy on her. And someone sets out to sabotage Carleigh’s work. Who is responsible?
The author kept me guessing. I questioned several family members’ motives. In the end, I was totally surprised as to the murderer’s identity.
There’s also a burgeoning romance between Carleigh and Heath. I also liked the historical aspects of the book. While much of history is dark, I think it’s important that we don’t try to change or hide it but learn so that we won’t repeat the same mistakes.
Overall, this was an enjoyable four-star read, and I look forward to more from this author.
28 Responses
Great review on what sounds like an entertaining read. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Joan. Hugs 💕🙂
I enjoyed this one, Harmony.
I love that book cover! The story sounds multi-layered and intriguing. An excellent review, Joan!
A good cover is what often draws me. The story was intriguing. Thanks, Mae.
The historical aspects of the book are what intrigued me most in your review.
Me too, Liz. I like when an author brings history into books.
Thanks for this well-rounded review, Joan. I have this one on my Kindle, and am looking forward to reading it soon! 😊❤️
I think you would enjoy it, Marcia.
I enjoyed your review, Joan. I like to (try to!) figure out a whodunit while I’m reading, but it’s always fun when the author surprises me.
I enjoy surprises. Like you, I try to figure it out before the end. Thanks, Priscilla.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this book, Joan. I agree with your statement about dark history not being suppressed. If we don’t learn from our past, what good is it?
That is so true, Jan. We can’t erase the past. It is what it is. Trying to cover up can lead to mistakes being repeated.
Thanks for sharing your review, Joan. Amy’s book sounds intriguing.
It was an enjoyable read, Jill.
This sounds like a story I’d enjoy. (Shades of Anne Rivers Siddons, whose work I love.) Thanks for sharing, Joan.
I “met” Amy during your Cookie Exchange. I had another of her books (written under the name A. M. Reade) on my wish list for a while. Decided to try this one first, and I now look forward to the other one.
I love hearing that!
Mauled by an alligator during a hurricane. Now, that’s unique! Makes me want to try the book. And I love romance subplots. Thanks for the review.
Yep, an alligator mauling isn’t something I’d want to experience at any time. Let’s just say this character deserved it. 😉
This is an excellent review, Joan. Congratulations to Amy
Thanks so much, John!
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Thank you for sharing, Joan. Your reviews are always thorough and balanced. Very impressive. A big congratulations to Amy. 😊
Thank you, Gwen. It took me a while to “learn” how to write a book review.
I always love when I’m surprised by the reveal, Joan. Sounds like a good read and really like that cover.
Covers often draw me to a book. I’m also happy when an ending surprises me. Thanks, Denise.
Joan, an engaging and in-depth review of Amy’s book and it’s great when an ending can be a total surprise! The cover draws one in and I just want to enter the house and become part of the story! Happy Reading & Reviewing in 2023. 😀
“I just want to enter the house and become part of the story.” I love that, Annika! I agree, covers draw me to a book. I’ve been totally turned off from reading some books because of a poorly designed cover.