This felt rather chaotic with a lack of fully fleshed out characters and plot.

That's the most I can say without going into a full breakdown, which I don't feel up to writing at this time.

A historical romance dressed up as general historical fiction because it's based on real people. Even the blurb focuses on Belle's secret - she's Black but passing as white - but the story so often drifts to her love life instead of her job and trying to keep her secret. The latter is what I was sold on, but it was not what we were given.

I was satisfied with the ending. I thought the twists were distinctive and not entirely predictable for seasoned mystery / thriller readers. Haunted houses, murder mysteries, and unreliable narrators are among my favorite story elements, and this had all three.

But I nearly DNF'd this three separate times, and I couldn't ignore that. The constant gaslighting was a major factor. Others are tied to spoilers which I won't share here.

In some instances, I thought there were a few too many elements at play. It made some points feel like was no clear direction for the story. And while I was bothered by all the Lily Ann chapters because of what's happening in them, I had an issue with one after finishing the book, but again, spoilers.

However, as I mentioned, I was satisfied with the ending. The book really picks up in intensity about halfway to 2/3 into the book, and wraps most things up nicely. It's definitely one I see myself rereading at some point knowing that I ultimately did enjoy it.

Thank you NetGalley and publishers for allowing me to read this eARC.