I read The Whispering House because it was paired with Northanger Abbey for the Modern Mrs. Darcy bookclub. I was enthusiastic because I’d read an earlier work from this author, The Orphan of Salt Winds, and she has a promising Kate Morton way about her. The Whispering House was good fun: gothic and dark, full of broody artists, hidden rooms, and very questionable choices.

Like many gothic novels, the house itself is a character. Byrne Hall seems to almost trap our main character, Freya, within its walls and just won’t let her go. It’s as though she’s in a spell when she’s there, despite knowing she must escape. I couldn’t help but think that Brooks was using it to show how women can feel trapped in abusive relationships and wanted her to explore that idea some more.

I’m giving it 3 stars because I wish there had been just a little more oomph to the story, which is exactly what I wrote about The Orphan of Salt Winds. I will definitely be reading more by Elizabeth Brooks because I can’t wait to see her grow as an author.