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Darke of Night #1
The Dead of Haggard Hall
Spirit possession is easy to remedy. Possession of the heart is another matter.
Darke of Night, Book 1
After vicar’s widow and natural medium Barbara Darke loses her respectable teaching position, she reluctantly agrees to become companion to her former pupil Emily, now the bride of young Sir Arthur Haggard.
Once settled at Haggard Hall, Barbara finds her friend is beset by ghostly voices and unexplained deaths. In a maelstrom of dark spirits and wicked emotions, Barbara battles to lay Emily’s ghosts to rest—both hampered and helped by Arthur’s skeptical cousin Patrick, who provokes and attracts her in equal measure.
It would be a mistake to trust a secretive, guilt-ridden man suspected of driving his wife to suicide, if not outright murdering her. And it could well be lethal to give in to her own desires, confused as they often are with the lusts of the dead.
But Arthur and Emily are in genuine physical danger, and suspicion is falling closer and closer to Patrick—the man who haunts Barbara’s sensual dreams. The man who stands to inherit Haggard Hall.
Warning: Contains a medium whose body is open season for spirit possession, and a scandal-ridden journalist who only believes what he can see—and touch.
197 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 26, 2016
39 people are currently reading
605 people want to read
About the author
Marie Treanor
82 books202 followersMarie Treanor lives in Scotland with her eccentric husband and three much-too-smart children. Having grown bored with city life, she resides these days in a picturesque village by the sea where she is lucky enough to enjoy herself avoiding housework and writing sensual stories of paranormal romance and fantasy.
You can find out more about Marie and her books on her website: www.MarieTreanor.com.
Catch all her latest news on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Marie-T....
or subscribe to her Newsletter: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/marietr....
Join the party on her new blog: Marie Treanor's Romantic Theme Party
http://romanticthemeparty.blogspot.com/
You can find out more about Marie and her books on her website: www.MarieTreanor.com.
Catch all her latest news on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Marie-T....
or subscribe to her Newsletter: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/marietr....
Join the party on her new blog: Marie Treanor's Romantic Theme Party
http://romanticthemeparty.blogspot.com/
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 27, 2017
This was an entertaining gothic/mystery read. Lots of ghosts/spirits. I just wish the h had been a bit more comfortable with her talents (and her mother's) than conflicted in the beginning. I liked the instant attraction but slow burn of the H/h relationship. His baggage, torment over losing his first wife and skepticism of the h made for great tension and repartee. I will read the next book for more about the H/h relationship. 3 - 3.5 stars.
September 5, 2016
I love, love, love The Dead of Haggard Hall by Marie Treanor. It has been some time since I've come to a book so eagerly and returned to it with just as much anticipation. I can truly say I had trouble putting this one down. Every time I had to, I found ways of sneaking in another paragraph or two. It hit all the right notes for me, as I know it will for others. A gothic romance set in a manor house that appears to be haunted, it features an intriguing cast of characters. And the best one of all is the heroine! How often can we say that? Barbara Darke is so wonderful. This is no shrinking historical heroine. She speaks her mind and yet is diplomatic. She helps others while struggling with the gift of mediumship. Not only does this lady see ghosts, she comes from a family of mediums. When strange things start occurring at her friend Emily's new home, Barbara comes to help. Unfortunately, Patrick Haggard, Emily's cousin by marriage, has his skeptical eye on her. Patrick is such a terrific hero. In fact, he's my new favourite. Uniquely attractive, moody but possessed of a passionate soul, I could easily fall for him myself. There were twists to the story and Ms. Treanor's writing was such a joy to read. This book was mysterious, fun and so sexy. When Barbara and Patrick get together, the pages get steamy, even though the sex is never over the top. I would recommend this to any reader who loves a good ghost story or just a good romance in general. It's that good.
October 8, 2017
Three star books are so hard to review sometimes.... This novel is a historical gothic. The heroine, Barbara Darke, is a vicar's widow who can sense emotions and talk to spirits. She agrees to visit her friend Emily, who has recently married some rich nobleman named Arthur who lives in a creepy old manor that she thinks is haunted. There are some ghosts, but mostly this is a murder mystery about the living and also about Barbara's lustful shenanigans with Arthur's brooding cousin, Patrick. On the whole, it was an okay read. It was mildly entertaining and I might even read the sequel some day. Which is not to say that I didn't have a couple of issues, such as Not that I am complaining; it was definitely worth the 99 cents I paid for it. I would recommend it to those who really love gothics.
Read for Unapologetic Romance Readers Halloween challenge--romance set in or near a haunted house.
Read for Unapologetic Romance Readers Halloween challenge--romance set in or near a haunted house.
July 11, 2017
3,5 stars
Actually, I start reading this in June, 29th and just barely manage to finish the book yesterday because I'm sick. I know that my games can be to blame, but I love my games, sooo..
The Dead of Haggard Hall is my first try reading Marie Treanor's book. The narrative kinda taken me aback, because its told in first POV. I rarely read historical romance from 1st POV, though I can count Gail Carriger's Parasol Protectorate, but that series is more steampunk than hisrom. The first POV work with the atmosphere of this book. Barbara's personality and traits are easily likable. A medium, a vicar's widow and ex-teacher, her voice already matured so we don't get another TSTL or reckless heroine.
The romance is pretty your usual trope. A "I hate you but I kinda like you" followed by almost insta-lust. The hero, Patrick Haggard is pretty much the "broken hero" troupe, his cynicism toward Barbara's ability spice their earlier relationship. What make Dead of Haggard Hall interesting is the mystery part. Sure ghosts are scary (and there were plenty in this book!), but spirit can't do no harm. It's always human who did the despicable acts. Barbara must collect her wits, try to fight her attraction to Patrick, despite what the society thinks that Patrick is already a murderer, because the real culprit is still roam over there.
I like that Treanor just give a little by little tidbit regarding the murderer, and hide its real identity till the climax of the story. Treanor also successfully build the gothic atmosphere that surrounding Haggard estate and family. The pace can be so slow, but slow is good for this kind of story because the suspense make you can't stop reading, to guess who's responsible for the death of many people and malice in Haggard Hall.
I guess if you like a gothic historical romance with some spice, Dead of Haggard Hall is a must read. Although the second book, Prisoner of Silverwood Castle is not from Barbara's POV, she did make appearance there.
Actually, I start reading this in June, 29th and just barely manage to finish the book yesterday because I'm sick. I know that my games can be to blame, but I love my games, sooo..
The Dead of Haggard Hall is my first try reading Marie Treanor's book. The narrative kinda taken me aback, because its told in first POV. I rarely read historical romance from 1st POV, though I can count Gail Carriger's Parasol Protectorate, but that series is more steampunk than hisrom. The first POV work with the atmosphere of this book. Barbara's personality and traits are easily likable. A medium, a vicar's widow and ex-teacher, her voice already matured so we don't get another TSTL or reckless heroine.
The romance is pretty your usual trope. A "I hate you but I kinda like you" followed by almost insta-lust. The hero, Patrick Haggard is pretty much the "broken hero" troupe, his cynicism toward Barbara's ability spice their earlier relationship. What make Dead of Haggard Hall interesting is the mystery part. Sure ghosts are scary (and there were plenty in this book!), but spirit can't do no harm. It's always human who did the despicable acts. Barbara must collect her wits, try to fight her attraction to Patrick, despite what the society thinks that Patrick is already a murderer, because the real culprit is still roam over there.
I like that Treanor just give a little by little tidbit regarding the murderer, and hide its real identity till the climax of the story. Treanor also successfully build the gothic atmosphere that surrounding Haggard estate and family. The pace can be so slow, but slow is good for this kind of story because the suspense make you can't stop reading, to guess who's responsible for the death of many people and malice in Haggard Hall.
I guess if you like a gothic historical romance with some spice, Dead of Haggard Hall is a must read. Although the second book, Prisoner of Silverwood Castle is not from Barbara's POV, she did make appearance there.
July 26, 2016
Barbara and Patrick had a vested interest in the goings on around Haggard Hall. Barbara’s friend and Patrick’s brother are both in danger but not your everyday garden variety danger. Their danger consists of more than what can be seen and felt. This gothic read takes you on a supernatural haunting mysterious journey for the truth. Real or imagined. There was murder, hauntings, mysteries, ghost, friendship, brotherhood, skepticism, and more.
Patrick was broken and could only believe in what he could see, touch, taste, feel. He was not one to just accept things that were not tangible. But one thing held out over all. He was truly concerned about his brother. He skeptically takes up the mantle of providing assistance to Barbara on her quest to find answers. Of course it was not that simple. The more they find the more questions that come up.
Patrick was a good anti-hero set in the gothic setting of a hunted castle. As he and Barbara continue to work together things between them turn up in intensity.
Barbara was one to herself. She had a lot going on and the way that Treanor took the time to explain things helped to make this a valued read for me. Ghost, possessions, medium and the such have more to it that just a cloud of misty bodily proportions, a strange voice and odd verbiage from the grave.
Emotions are engaged. Rapid heart rate will occur. Mysterious happenings definitely happened. Secrets and a hidden agenda or two may be down the next hallway. Bring on book two.
**This ARC was provided via Bewitching Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.**
Patrick was broken and could only believe in what he could see, touch, taste, feel. He was not one to just accept things that were not tangible. But one thing held out over all. He was truly concerned about his brother. He skeptically takes up the mantle of providing assistance to Barbara on her quest to find answers. Of course it was not that simple. The more they find the more questions that come up.
Patrick was a good anti-hero set in the gothic setting of a hunted castle. As he and Barbara continue to work together things between them turn up in intensity.
Barbara was one to herself. She had a lot going on and the way that Treanor took the time to explain things helped to make this a valued read for me. Ghost, possessions, medium and the such have more to it that just a cloud of misty bodily proportions, a strange voice and odd verbiage from the grave.
Emotions are engaged. Rapid heart rate will occur. Mysterious happenings definitely happened. Secrets and a hidden agenda or two may be down the next hallway. Bring on book two.
**This ARC was provided via Bewitching Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.**
September 9, 2017
LOVED our heroine in this, Barbara. Unfortunately, there wasn't a lot else about this that I liked.
I dislike OW drama, and having a dead wife haunting the hero (who he is still hung up on) is drama with a capital D. Plus I didn't like the hero that much anyway. I never really felt like Patrick loved Barbara, just that he lusted after her and resented that for most of the book.
Barbara was an awesome heroine, though. Wish she'd gotten to do more with her powers. Kind of a letdown to have the heroine be a medium when the main conflict of the novel didn't even require her powers.
Safety Stats:
I dislike OW drama, and having a dead wife haunting the hero (who he is still hung up on) is drama with a capital D. Plus I didn't like the hero that much anyway. I never really felt like Patrick loved Barbara, just that he lusted after her and resented that for most of the book.
Barbara was an awesome heroine, though. Wish she'd gotten to do more with her powers. Kind of a letdown to have the heroine be a medium when the main conflict of the novel didn't even require her powers.
Safety Stats:
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2017
I confess to enjoying a good gothic romance now and again but do not usually enjoy paranormal elements in them. But apparently I can handle ghosts and spirits and humans who have the ability to commune with them. Guess my cut-off point is werewolves and vampires. I'm still saying no to them.
Heroine Barbara Darke is an ex-schoolteacher and vicar's widow whose mother is a working clairvoyant who holds seances for the upper classes. Her mother is part charlatan and part genuine psychic. She does have the ability to communicate with the spirit world but she also knows how to put on a good show when the spirits aren't feeling like communicating. Barbara has inherited her mother's psychic abilities but prefers to keep that knowledge as much to herself as possible.
But Emily Jansen, one of Barbara's former students and newly wed to a baronet, is now Lady Haggard, living in Haggard Hall, a country mansion in Yorkshire. She wants Barbara to come visit her, needing both Barbara's company and her psychic abilities. Emily fears that something is wrong at Haggard Hall. Are there ghosts? There are definitely strange goings-on.
So Barbara goes to keep Emily company. She's not received well by the other family members and guests at the hall but she perseveres. It certainly doesn't help that Patrick Haggard, cousin of Emily's husband, is extremely antagonistic and skeptical of her, since he is familiar with her mother's seances and believes both mother and daughter to be scheming frauds.
This story filled the bill for me as far as all the gothic requirements. Gloomy setting, brooding hero, ghostly events, mysterious deaths, unhappy child, etc. And it has the added element of being sexy. I grew up on Victoria Holt and Dorthy Eden gothic romance and so am accustomed to having the sexual attraction between H and h very understated. This one is definitely open doors to the intimacy but that does not overwhelm the plot, merely adds to it.
The writing, BTW, is polished, the characters well drawn and the dialogue is good. This is a well-written gothic, all in all. There are three more in this series by Treanor. I've already downloaded the second one.
Heroine Barbara Darke is an ex-schoolteacher and vicar's widow whose mother is a working clairvoyant who holds seances for the upper classes. Her mother is part charlatan and part genuine psychic. She does have the ability to communicate with the spirit world but she also knows how to put on a good show when the spirits aren't feeling like communicating. Barbara has inherited her mother's psychic abilities but prefers to keep that knowledge as much to herself as possible.
But Emily Jansen, one of Barbara's former students and newly wed to a baronet, is now Lady Haggard, living in Haggard Hall, a country mansion in Yorkshire. She wants Barbara to come visit her, needing both Barbara's company and her psychic abilities. Emily fears that something is wrong at Haggard Hall. Are there ghosts? There are definitely strange goings-on.
So Barbara goes to keep Emily company. She's not received well by the other family members and guests at the hall but she perseveres. It certainly doesn't help that Patrick Haggard, cousin of Emily's husband, is extremely antagonistic and skeptical of her, since he is familiar with her mother's seances and believes both mother and daughter to be scheming frauds.
This story filled the bill for me as far as all the gothic requirements. Gloomy setting, brooding hero, ghostly events, mysterious deaths, unhappy child, etc. And it has the added element of being sexy. I grew up on Victoria Holt and Dorthy Eden gothic romance and so am accustomed to having the sexual attraction between H and h very understated. This one is definitely open doors to the intimacy but that does not overwhelm the plot, merely adds to it.
The writing, BTW, is polished, the characters well drawn and the dialogue is good. This is a well-written gothic, all in all. There are three more in this series by Treanor. I've already downloaded the second one.
January 29, 2018
I’m so thrilled I found this author! The book fits perfectly into my favorite genre: Gothic romance. Spooky settings, ghosts, mystery and steamy romance! I haven’t enjoyed a heroine as much as I enjoyed Barbara in a long time! She was fiercely independent and witty, but not obnoxious about it. She was practical, and even when she was unsure, she tapped her common sense to see her through the tough times. She was unapologetic for her conduct and let the close-mindedness of others role off her shoulder.
I truly didn’t figure out who the culprit was until the end, which made it so much more exciting. Like I previously stated, the romance was very steamy! Not too much, just enough! I'll definitely continue on with this author! Recommended for all those who love a good Gothic romance.
I truly didn’t figure out who the culprit was until the end, which made it so much more exciting. Like I previously stated, the romance was very steamy! Not too much, just enough! I'll definitely continue on with this author! Recommended for all those who love a good Gothic romance.
February 27, 2018
I am a huge fan of gothic novels- and yes they can get old with an insipid female, who is societally bound to act a certain way... here is a gothic romance where the woman is strong, she is direct- but she still fits the timeframe in the way she communicates. I LOVE when a novel like this is her point of view only, lets the suspense build- is he a good guy or a bad guy... the only way in a true gothic romance. Loved the troubled hero- best kind in a gothic romance. As far as the paranormal, not always my favorite but this was well done.
November 13, 2017
This was the first I've read of Marie Treanor's work and I'll definitely be reading more.
I liked the overall tone of the writing and the mature main characters Barbara and Patrick. The suspense kept me turning the pages and the paranormal aspects had a logic to them.
I liked the overall tone of the writing and the mature main characters Barbara and Patrick. The suspense kept me turning the pages and the paranormal aspects had a logic to them.
April 12, 2018
This was a good read. It starts off just a little slow but then you can't wait to see where it will go. It has just a little supernatural touch to be awesome. I can't wait to read more from this author. Great job.
August 2, 2017
Wow! Very happily surprised by how much I loved this book. Kept me guessing and rethinking constantly. Will most certainly be reading more of this author! Heat: 4
September 14, 2017
Wonderful mystery
I absolutely loved it. It is one of the best I have read in a long time. It was engaging, a little scary and definitely kept you on the edge of your seat.
I absolutely loved it. It is one of the best I have read in a long time. It was engaging, a little scary and definitely kept you on the edge of your seat.
September 16, 2017
Very good period ghost story
Very good period ghost story. The fact is was a bit of a bodice ripper came as a surprise. Not that it bothered me, just a surprise.
Very good period ghost story. The fact is was a bit of a bodice ripper came as a surprise. Not that it bothered me, just a surprise.
April 20, 2018
Liked this one
July 26, 2016
This was so much fun and different from other things I've read. I've not read many books involving ghosts, and the few that I have were definitely not of this caliber. The story was one that gets inside you and makes you question the bumps in the night.
Barbara is a medium who is cast out of her post as a teacher because of an encounter with a spirit. She normally can block out those wishing to possess her, but if she isn't careful, one will sneak in. She takes a job as a companion for a former student, who has a small agenda for inviting her to their family home. She has issues with some lingering ghosts, and she wishes for Barbara to seek answers and make sure they are safe. Barbara, while trying to do her job, is inexplicably attracted to Patrick, a sceptic and possibly dangerous man.
What I thoroughly enjoyed was the explanations of the different things Barbara could feel, and I found I could feel the emotions along with her. I felt like I was learning things about the spirit world as she was providing her explanations. If the author is not a medium herself, she must have done some excellent research to capture the feelings and the descriptions of a possession (for lack of better word). Also, the emotions definitely ran high, and my heart was pounding right along with the characters. Our leading man, Patrick, was a mystery throughout, yet my heart ached for his pain at losing his wife. There were times when I was in tears over the agony.
If you like historical romance, and enjoy when there is a twist of something else, I'd recommend trying this book. The blending of spirits with historical romance made this highly entertaining for me and I couldn't put it down. I received a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.
Barbara is a medium who is cast out of her post as a teacher because of an encounter with a spirit. She normally can block out those wishing to possess her, but if she isn't careful, one will sneak in. She takes a job as a companion for a former student, who has a small agenda for inviting her to their family home. She has issues with some lingering ghosts, and she wishes for Barbara to seek answers and make sure they are safe. Barbara, while trying to do her job, is inexplicably attracted to Patrick, a sceptic and possibly dangerous man.
What I thoroughly enjoyed was the explanations of the different things Barbara could feel, and I found I could feel the emotions along with her. I felt like I was learning things about the spirit world as she was providing her explanations. If the author is not a medium herself, she must have done some excellent research to capture the feelings and the descriptions of a possession (for lack of better word). Also, the emotions definitely ran high, and my heart was pounding right along with the characters. Our leading man, Patrick, was a mystery throughout, yet my heart ached for his pain at losing his wife. There were times when I was in tears over the agony.
If you like historical romance, and enjoy when there is a twist of something else, I'd recommend trying this book. The blending of spirits with historical romance made this highly entertaining for me and I couldn't put it down. I received a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.
November 2, 2016
What a great start to a series! There's nothing I love more than a smart heroine and an anti-hero that loves with everything he has! Ms. Treanor has written two characters, who are quite flawed, perfectly. Both have scandals in their past (that keeps getting brought up)! Barbara is a medium and Patrick is a skeptical journalist that's fascinated with her. There's a series of strange events happening in Haggard Hall, and Barbara is there to help!
The character of Patrick is written so EXTREMELY well, it leaves you guessing whether or not he's the villain. Patrick is a broken man still dealing with the death of his wife, in which he was rumored to have murdered. While Patrick may be the most complexed of the characters, he is quite possibly my favorite. He's unconventionally beautiful and he tore me to pieces. For me, Patrick was the most likable (although mysterious) character. However, the secondary characters are equally just as fascinating. These characters provide mystique and humor and keeps the book flowing at a steady pace.
Once you start this book, you won't be able to put it down! Highly addictive... great chemistry between Barbara and Patrick, with a great mystery. There is non-stop action with moments of humor and love. I look forward to the rest of the series!
The character of Patrick is written so EXTREMELY well, it leaves you guessing whether or not he's the villain. Patrick is a broken man still dealing with the death of his wife, in which he was rumored to have murdered. While Patrick may be the most complexed of the characters, he is quite possibly my favorite. He's unconventionally beautiful and he tore me to pieces. For me, Patrick was the most likable (although mysterious) character. However, the secondary characters are equally just as fascinating. These characters provide mystique and humor and keeps the book flowing at a steady pace.
Once you start this book, you won't be able to put it down! Highly addictive... great chemistry between Barbara and Patrick, with a great mystery. There is non-stop action with moments of humor and love. I look forward to the rest of the series!
July 19, 2016
I'm always down for a Gothic romance. The allure of all the mysteries and supernatural, along with a haunting and broken hero? Yup, sign me up for it, I'm in!
Ms. Treanor took her main characters to the perfect Gothic setting: a haunted castle. Our heroine, Barbara Darke can see ghosts and she's there to help a friend. Someone - or something - is behind a murder that needs to be solved.
Of course not everyone truly believes Barbara can do all that, especially our anti-hero-turned-hero, Patrick - the typical Gothic romance male lead that ends up winning you over.
But he decides to help Barbara and things get more and more complicated. They get more questions instead of answers and things start heating between the two of them. And boy, does it make you fan yourself!
This is, without a doubt, the perfect start to a new series I will be reading; I actually can't wait to dive into book two, see what else happens, what will our characters do.
4.5 stars because I really liked it, I enjoyed it a lot! I want to thank the author for the copy given in exchange for my honest review.
P.S. I loved the ending!
Ms. Treanor took her main characters to the perfect Gothic setting: a haunted castle. Our heroine, Barbara Darke can see ghosts and she's there to help a friend. Someone - or something - is behind a murder that needs to be solved.
Of course not everyone truly believes Barbara can do all that, especially our anti-hero-turned-hero, Patrick - the typical Gothic romance male lead that ends up winning you over.
But he decides to help Barbara and things get more and more complicated. They get more questions instead of answers and things start heating between the two of them. And boy, does it make you fan yourself!
This is, without a doubt, the perfect start to a new series I will be reading; I actually can't wait to dive into book two, see what else happens, what will our characters do.
4.5 stars because I really liked it, I enjoyed it a lot! I want to thank the author for the copy given in exchange for my honest review.
P.S. I loved the ending!
July 26, 2016
I truly enjoyed the mystery of this book. It was nice to read a book that had more supernatural elements featured.
Mrs. Barbara Darke is what most call a medium, unlike most other mediums, she truly sees and gets possessed by the spirits she encounters.
Patrick Haggard doesn't want to believe that Mrs. Darke has any special powers besides being terribly attractive to him.
When Barbara goes to be a companion to her former student Emily, she did not realize that Patrick would be one of the people she would have to deal with too.
As more and more strange and tragic things happen at Haggard Hall, Barbara is forced to use her medium powers to figure out what d who is behind every thing.
I was wrapped up in this story very quickly. I cannot wait to read the next book.
Reviewed for HeadTripping Books by Mary
Mrs. Barbara Darke is what most call a medium, unlike most other mediums, she truly sees and gets possessed by the spirits she encounters.
Patrick Haggard doesn't want to believe that Mrs. Darke has any special powers besides being terribly attractive to him.
When Barbara goes to be a companion to her former student Emily, she did not realize that Patrick would be one of the people she would have to deal with too.
As more and more strange and tragic things happen at Haggard Hall, Barbara is forced to use her medium powers to figure out what d who is behind every thing.
I was wrapped up in this story very quickly. I cannot wait to read the next book.
Reviewed for HeadTripping Books by Mary
July 25, 2016
This is the first book by Marie Treanor that I have read and I found it to be an enjoyable read. This is not the type of book that I usually read, however if it was a movie I would have been all over it. I did struggle with the first couple of chapters but by chapter three the pace picked up some and I was lost in the story. The characters and story line are well developed and thought out. The medium part of the story line really intrigued me. I recommend this book to anyone that loves historical reads. Our Blog was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 2, 2016
Not a bad little Gothic/Mystery/Romance.
September 16, 2020
Actual Rating: 3.5 Stars
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews