Review: Midnight on the River Grey

Midnight on the River Grey

by Abigail Wilson

About the Book

She knew the house was keeping secrets. If only the darkness would speak…

After her elder brother’s mysterious death, Rebecca Hunter vows to expose the man she believes responsible: Mr. Lewis Browning–known by locals as the Midnight Devil and by Rebecca as her new guardian.

Summoned to his reclusive country estate to await her London season, Rebecca plans her own secret investigation among the darkened corridors of the mysterious Greybourne Hall. Yet Lewis Browning is not as she once imagined and his motivation is horribly unclear. Recurrent nightmares and Rebecca’s restless feelings are further complicated by the shadow of her mother’s prior descent into madness and wondering if she, too, will follow the same heartbreaking path.

Even as midnight rides, strange injuries, and further murders lead back to Mr. Browning, Rebecca can’t ignore the subtle turn of her heart. Has she developed feelings for the man she swore to see hanged? And moreover, can she trust him with her uncertain future?

My Thoughts

Murder, espionage, and secrets result in a fresh take on Regency fiction that will appeal not only to fans of authors like Jane Austen, Georgette Heyer, and Julie Klassen, but to avid mystery readers, as well.

Wilson’s novels combine so many elements of fiction that I love. Regency settings that are reminiscent of Jane Austen, a first person narrative and characters that harken to the Brontës, and enough intrigue to keep the reader guessing until the end. I thoroughly enjoyed her debut, In the Shadow of Croft Towers, and was very much looking forward to her second novel. It did not disappoint.

I really like our heroine, Rebecca Hunter. While in the beginning she seemed a little cold, the further I read, the more I got to know her and found her to be likable. She was strong and smart and it was clear that she loved her brother. While in the beginning, she seems somewhat naïve, the further the story developed, the more mature she seemed and began thinking for herself. And while I wasn’t entirely sure of Lewis in the beginning, my opinion of him changed as the novel progressed and I began to like him more. Without giving any spoilers, I will say that I was utterly blown away by certain revelations, and to me, that is a sign of a good book.

I loved that this book was set in the fall/early winter. It perfectly lends that spooky feeling to an already spine chilling mystery and creates for a deliciously eerie reading experience.

Perfect for readers across the board, I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a good mystery. I can’t wait for more from this talented author!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.