In this spectacularly imaginative and ghoulishly fun Gothic murder mystery brimming with romance, betrayals, and chills, a fake spiritualist is summoned to hold a séance for a bride who died on the eve before her wedding, but as nefarious secrets are revealed, the line between hoax and haunting blurs.
Every house has its secrets...
The Bride • The Groom • The Doctor • The Ward • The Lawyer • The Housekeeper • The Maid
London, 1852. Genevieve Timmons has made her living posing as a spiritualist to swindle wealthy believers, until one misstep lands her in a jail cell awaiting the noose. Then a stranger, Mr. Lockhart, arrives to make her a peculiar offer. The Lord he serves, Mr. Pemberton, has been grieving the mysterious death of his beautiful bride-to-be for six months. Although no foul play was ever uncovered, the young Lord is certain that she was murdered. If Genevieve can hold a séance to persuade him that his betrothed's spirit is at peace, Mr. Lockhart promises to have the charges against her dismissed.
But when Genevieve arrives at the grand Somerset Park estate, she is surprised to discover that the handsome and aloof Mr. Pemberton is anything but the heartbroken lover she expected. Then Mr. Pemberton approaches Genevieve with an offer of his own: working together, they can perform a séance so convincing it will coax the killer out of the shadows. In return, he will reward her with enough money to start a new life. Attempting to play both sides until she can determine which plan holds the key to her freedom, Genevieve prepares to stage a haunting. But when frightful incidents befall the manor, the dogged heroine realizes her tricks may not be required after all. Somerset and its residents are hiding many deadly secrets, and its ghosts could be all too real.
A Dreadful Splendor is a wickedly whimsical and delectable brew of mystery, spooky thrills, and intoxicating romance that makes for an irresistibly fun and page-turning read.
