Secrets of Bennett Hall

Return to Amston #2

by Jordan Elizabeth

Darkness once twisted Adelaide Dinsmore’s mind, but she thought she had grown out of that. Her job as a teacher in Hedlund proved that – until she discovers one of her students dead and the town turns against her. As her mind starts to crumble, she is offered a new job, this time as a governess for Gentleman Bennett’s granddaughter back east.

Bennett Hall is a sprawling manor of winding tunnels and manicured lawns, and the fence is really just for show. The little girl, Theodora, is a delight, albeit quiet, and the Bennetts are kind enough, especially the dashing young Joseph. So what if one of the servants sends chills down her spine every time he looks at her? Surely that, and the noises in the night, are figments of her imagination. She won’t allow the past in Hedlund to tarnish her future at Bennett Hall.

Then, Theodora begins to speak of a Villain who haunts secret passages in the manor, and Adelaide stumbles upon a sealed off wing where ghosts whisper from the shadows. Twisted inventions fill the basement and the villagers are wary of the Bennett family.

The longer she stays at Bennett Hall, the less likely her chance for escape, but she cannot leave Theodora or Joseph. The darkness in her mind might be the only thing to save them.

Genres: Paranormal, Gothic

181 pages, Paperback

Published January 30, 2018

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adelaide thought she had found her calling as a teacher that maybe her dark past could be left behind. One terrible event will find her unemployed once again, until she is offered a job as a governess at a massive manor filled with winding passages and deadly secrets. Things go bump in the night, and Adelaide is determined to discover what this unusual family is hiding, how she is connected to them and how to get out alive.

SECRETS OF BENNETT HALL by Jordan Elizabeth Mierek is a Gothic mystery, dark and peppered with deadly secrets that have been hidden from the world in a dank cellar. Add a pinch of steampunk and a feisty heroine clinging to her sanity by a string and readers will feel themselves propelled back in time in this twisted tale of a family who can’t let go of the past.

A quick read with dastardly villains hiding in plain sight, secret passages and one woman who is at the heart of it all. Entertaining from start to finish!

I received a complimentary copy from Jordan Elizabeth Mierek!

Series: Return to Amston - Book 2
Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press (January 29, 2018)
Publication Date: January 29, 2018
Genre: Gothic Mystery
Print Length: 234 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets of Bennett Hall follows 17-year old Adelaide who is sacked from her teaching job when one of her students is found dead in a pond. Shortly after, she is offered a job at the dark, foreboding Bennett Hall mansion. Secrets and dark past haunt the halls and for some reason Adelaide can’t help but be drawn to it all . . .

This was very entertaining. I flew through it, as a fast-paced read was just what I needed after having read several slow paced ones. It does start out slow, but after the initial 30% or so, it really picks up. The mystery and intrigue kept me on my toes as I sped through to find out all the answers. It also helps that and the writing flows quite smoothly. Jordan Elizabeth is a great writer.

That said, though, I wasn’t a fan of the steampunk twist. It isn’t explained how it came to be possible, and just feels very weird. Also, why reincarnate her when none of the people involved actually liked Lilliana. Those who did, didn’t want her back (for obvious reasons).

In a lot of ways I feel that the book would have benefited from a higher page count. The ending wouldn’t feel so rushed that way, and the reveals wouldn’t have to be “told” through dialogue, etc. rather than shown and instead we would have more time to figure out the clues. For example, Adelaide gains most of her memories back in a very short time, as if almost at once. We also don’t get enough time to figure out about the memory serum.

This is a dark, Gothic read involving death, murder conspiracies, etc. And I can’t help but feel that the Young Adult category sort of limits its potential. The antagonists, for example, wouldn’t just go off and kill themselves conveniently, (which doesn’t seem to suit their character at all, by the way), for us to get rid of them, just because Lilliana couldn’t possibly hurt her own children no matter how evil. Other options aren’t explored. Also, the only explanation for the antagonists’ actions is that they are “all-evil” and need therapy, etc. Their characters aren’t explored to see why they act the way they do. It would have been interesting to do so.

I don’t know where to fit this but I quite like Joseph. He is quite the gentleman and I am glad he finds his happy ending in this book. I also like how nature is an important part to this story. It makes for an atmospheric read.

All in all: a quick, entertaining read that kept me on my toes through its mystery. If that is something you are looking for, I would recommend this.

I received a copy of this book in an exchange for my honest review.

[Alicia Huxtable · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the way this author writes. Her stories are so well thought out that they jump off the pages with each character. You can't help but fall in love on every page

[Marjolein (UrlPhantomhive) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full review to come!

[Linda Hamonou · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is my favorite in the Return to Amston/Treasure Chronicles Steampunk series by Jordan Elizabeth Mierek so far.
The reasons why are that we follow one character which is agreeable and there isn't some deep underground mystery that I can't make sense of.
This book is the second book in the Return to Amston series but it doesn't actually follow any characters from Runners and Riders instead we have a fresh start with brand new characters.
The only things that relate this book to the rest of theRtA/TC series is the mention of Amethyst Treasure once or twice. If you don't know who she is, you can just pretend she is the local celebrity and move on without caring too much.
I like this story better than the rest also because it has a feeling of Gothic mystery all the way through until it actually turn steampunk awesome at the end.

[Anne Secher · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.*

Adelaide is a young woman who loves teaching and for what seems like no reason gets fired from her teaching job to be hired as a governess in a mansion. Over there she starts fearing for her live and the mental sanity of those who live in it. Will she make it out alive?

This supernatural thriller is logical and keeps you hanging for more than half of the story as secrets are unveiled. I don't know about you, but I did not expect some aspects coming, even though they were tropes that have been used in important classics.

The main and side characters are relatable and take you back to Victorian times. It is one of those stories in which you do not see what's coming, but once you start going backwards, you realise it makes total sense and facepalm for not having seen it before.

This is the third book I read by Jordan Elizabeth and I'm not planning to stop.

The narrator did an incredible job at engaging the reader even deeper into the story and increased its atmosphere.

I'd highly recommend if you like supernatural mysteries and there's no need to have read the first one to enjoy this one.

[Fizza · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book, I absolutely loved it! If I weren't so busy I probably would've read it in one sitting. It's both steampunk and gothic novel, with a lot of mystery involved. It's romantic and thrilling as well. I adored every single character in this book, they're not only well developed, but also very interesting in the way they think and act. Especially, I loved Adelaide.
She is an educator who is wrongfully made to leave her post due to an accident. Just when she thinks her carrier is over she is offered another post. Now she is going to be a governess to a little girl. She hopes to succeed at her job and take good care of her ward. Unfortunately, there is a lot she doesn't know about the man who employed her. His family has a dark and twisted path which is entwined with hers....
Secrets of Bennett Hall is a great story. I think it's a must read for everyone who like unique and complicated stories. I'm sure you won't be disappointed.
P.S. I received a complimentary copy of this book, for which I'd like to tjank the author. It has been a delight to read it.

[Jenn Bradshaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished reading this book... And frankly, I'm a bit breathless.

I'm arguing with myself about how best to write a review for this new release, because each option I present, carries with it the chance for a spoiler, so I will keep this brief.

Bennett Hall is the second book in the Return to Amston series, though the only connection between the two seems to be a vaguely mentioned side character (from another series, I'm gathering), and a common "big city" and wider world. The plots appear to be, in no other way that I can find, otherwise unrelated.

I enjoyed Bennett Hall far more than Runners and Riders. The mystery was deep and complex, and the solution was... erm... unexpected. The budding romance between Adelaide and Joseph adds a romantic element, and sweet little Theodora is every nanny's dream.

Jordan's character and plot development has grown by leaps and bounds between this book and Runners, and Sam (hostess of Sam's Teen Reads Corner) will be reading this sometime in the near future.

If you haven't read Runners yet, while I recommend the book on its own merit of an engaging story line and relate-able characters, reading these books in their published order isn't strictly necessary.

In summary, I absolutely loved Bennett Hall, and look forward to further mystery-adventure-romances from Jordan Elizabeth.

[Taylor Fenner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to Come!

[Bogdana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets of Bennett Hall is a great read filled with mysteries that had me guessing and second guessing every character and action until the very end. Although this is the second book in the Return to Amston series it stands on its own. I did not read the first book and had no issues reading this as a standalone. My understanding is that a side character from the first books makes an appearance in this novel, but I am not sure who and will not look into it as it might spoil me for the first book, which I intend to pick up soon. Secrets of Bennett Hall is a gothic novel with steampunk elements that has it all, intrigue, mystery, romance, complicated family relationships.

The characters Jordan Elizabeth created were very well developed and easy to get invested in. Adelaide, our protagonist, spent some of her young years in an asylum but she is determined not to go back. When her position as a teacher takes a turn for the worse she is forced to quit and move back home. Not long after she is offered a position as a governess, for the lovely Theodora, at Bennett Hall who has all the best elements of a creepy manor. When Theodora starts to speak of the Villain who haunts the secret passages of the manor and Adelaide discovers a secret hidden wing things really start to get eerie.

I would like to be able to say more but I feel like everything could be a spoiler for this amazing read. Secrets of Bennett Hall is a quick fast paced read with mysteries and intrigues that left me breathless. Jordan Elizabeth is a great storyteller that managed to get me emotionally committed to her characters. I found her writing style to be just wonderful; she is an incredible storyteller and I cannot wait to read her other works, as I am convinced that they are equally amazing. I would definitely recommend this book; you won’t be disappointed.

[Dave Higgins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Merging the subtle horrors and uncertain evidence of Gothic novels with modern language and focus, Elizabeth creates a tale that will appeal to lovers of both classic and modern horror.

This novel is the second in the Return to Amston series, and follows the Treasure series. So, spectres of the past might lurk ahead.

When she was young, Adelaide Dinsmore’s insistence that she’d lived another life caused her to be committed to an asylum. After being declared cured, gaining her teaching qualification, and moving to the newly opened West, she believed the darkness was in her past. Until the mysterious death of a student forces her to return home and to accept a place as a governess at Bennett Hall. Theodora, her charge, is a delight and the Bennetts are pleasant—if distant. However, conflicting evidence about the fate of her predecessors, mysterious noises in the night, and unexpected reactions to places and people she’s never encountered before make her question whether something is deeply wrong at Bennett Hall; and whether her childhood beliefs are madness or salvation.

Elizabeth provides many of the classic tropes of Gothic horror: a protagonist who isn’t certain of their sanity, a noble family with a mysterious past, odd happenings that leave no evidence, a sprawling mansion with abandoned rooms, trusted retainers with uncertain motives, a naïve love interest mired in duty. Readers who have felt the fear of wallpaper will find many visceral thrills here.

However, the writing is in a modern style, making this book accessible to readers seeking a less dense read than the classics to which it pays homage.

As befits a Gothic novel, the pacing is measured and the plot filled with events that could bear more than one interpretation. However, Elizabeth provides a series of minor revelations that while potentially unexpected, seem—in hindsight—almost obvious; as such readers are unlikely to find the narrative tedious.

The final reveal and dénouement are skilled examples of the genre; as such readers familiar with the tropes might suspect some of the truth in advance; however, the nuances of these areas are engaging enough, this is likely to come as a pleasing arrival rather than a bathetic end.

Interwoven with the building horror is a thread of equally classic cross-class romance. In addition to providing a second plot line, this contrasts with the darkness that fills the Hall and introduces both an ally for Adelaide and a greater reason for her to conceal the stranger events for fear of seeming odd.

While this novel is set after a number of Elizabeth’s other works, there are few references to the events of those and no reliance upon them; therefore, the book can easily be read as a stand alone.

Adelaide herself is an engaging protagonist. Although both social status and history constrain her actions, she remains active—even when doubting her own senses. This balance makes it plausible that she would neither unravel the mystery faster nor simply leave while permitting a consistent sense of progress.

The supporting cast are equally interesting. While each bearing recognisable traits of Gothic stock, providing the reader with a strong image of them from the start, they also display unique details that prevent them being mere stereotypes

Overall, I enjoyed this novel. I recommend it to readers seeking a classic Gothic narrative rendered in modern prose.

I received a free copy from the author with a request for a fair review.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me also state up front that I received an eBook version of this book direct from the author in return for an honest review.

I won't go into the basics of the plot in any detail as that is covered well on the website/back cover of the paperback, but I was pleased when Jordan Elizabeth said she had written a new book set in the world of in her larger steampunk, romance, mystery, fantasy series.

I have read most of her other work and in the main enjoyed them all tremendously, so jumped at the chance to explore this world a little more. The world that Adelaide Dinsmore inhabits is a cross between the Old West and Victorian England, where steam power and clockwork remain the pinnacles of technology.

It is rare that fantasy worlds are so well thought out that you can basically plug any type of story into them, in this case Gothic Horror, but it works.

As our heroine explores the house where she has been employed as a governess, and gets to know its inhabitants better, or for worse, a real sense of dread is developed, not helped by Adelaide's own sanity being brought into question. Why does she seem to know these people and the house so well? What is this mysterious inner voice which seems to talk to her about them? Who is the mysterious Villain that her charge tells her about?

Well, you'll just have to read it to find out.

My one complaint is that the denouement, while tying up the loose ends and explaining everything that has been happening to Adelaide and those around her, seems a bit rushed, otherwise my rating would be higher than 4 out of 5.

[Mrs. Kenyon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Adelaide was excited to be a teacher in the small town of Hedlund until one of her students drowned on her watch. Due to these events, she thought her career as an educator was at an end, then she was sent an offer to be a governess at Bennett Hall. Adelaide had no idea why she was chosen, but she was not going to let this uncertainty hold her back. Her charge is a nice girl and the family is kind, but the servants give her the creeps and there seems to be a secret around every corner. Is there any truth to the whispers of the villagers? Is there a connection between Bennett Hall and the dark dreams she had as a child?

Secrets of Bennett Hall is the second book in the Return to Amston series. Although this is the second book, the story inside is able to be read on its own without difficulty. Mierek has written a quick read that will satisfy those who want to finish a book in one sitting (or at least one weekend). The story flowed along and was pleasant, but I finished the book without a lot of feelings about the characters or the storyline. A good read that doesn’t need to be added to the top of your TBR pile, but should at least be considered.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you're a fan of gothic stories, then this is a book for you. From secret passages to mysterious deaths, to mad science and reincarnation, this story hits all my favorite high notes from the gothic tradition. The plot was fast paced with good surprise turns that were still supported by the story. The tone was spot-on for this kind of story.

I only wish I felt like I knew the characters better. I haven't read Book 1 of the series, which may account for why I felt like there wasn't enough opportunity to get to the know the characters; some of that may have been done in the first volume. But the Bennett family was large and we were dealing with multiple generations, and I was often a little lost as to who was who when a character reappeared after being absent from the story for a chapter or two.

I did, however, really connect with the main character and was intrigued from the get-go about the question of whether she was reincarnated, crazy, or something else entirely. The ending was satisfying and I would definitely read more from this author and this series.

[Cranky - The Book Curmudgeon · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Cranky Stars


Adelaide always felt that she was someone before who she is now, she remembered her life before she was Adelaide. People thought she was crazy, thought she was unstable. Her parents put her in an asylum. Adelaide learned how to hide her former self, her former memories, in order to get out of the asylum. She grew up, became a teacher, and tried to forget about the past.


She was guided into working as a governess at Bennett Hall, caring for the little girl there. Bennett Hall is full of secrets, lies, and deception. She must figure out what is going on before she really goes crazy.


Love this book! I was on the edge reading this, kept me guessing till the end.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whilst set in the same 'universe' as 'Treasure, Darkly', this is a standalone book and it doesn't matter if you haven't read it. If you have though, it's nice to see Joseph (who Amethyst cruelly used and then threw over for Clark) have a story partly of his own, and meet someone who likes him and treats him with respect too.
The story itself is excellent, a true Gothic horror, with so many twists and turns it keeps you guessing until the big reveal what's really happened, why, and who's actually involved. Brilliant storytelling that I wholeheartedly recommend to both Jordan Elizabeth fans, and to lovers of the steampunk and gothic horror genres. Can't wait to see what she comes up with next!
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions

[Ashley Hedden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets of Bennett Hall (Return to Amston #2) was a great read by Jordan Elizabeth. Adelaide Dinsmore's mind once had a lot of darkness, but she thought she grew out of it. That is until one of her students turned up dead and the town turned against her. She is offered a new job as a governess for Gentleman Bennett's granddaughter. Bennett Hall is a large manor with winding tunnels and manicured lawns. Theodora is the little girl who she is there for. The young Joseph is one of the Bennett's who is kind to her. Unfortunately one of the servants creeps her out and there are strange noises at night. But she thinks that it's a figment of her imagination. Then Theodora talks of a villain that haunts the manor. Adelaide is afraid that she won't be able to escape or leave Theodora or Joseph. This was a good read by the author and I can't wait to read more by the author.

[Melissa Levine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start by saying that Jordan is a great writer, and I'm always excited to see a new email from her with an offer of a new book to read. I think I've read a good majority of her books and this has to be, by far, the best one! It held my attention the entire time, and I loved all the mystery surrounding the characters, specifically, Willie and Adelaide. I knew there was a big connection between the two of them but had no clue what it was; basically, it wasn't until Willie came out and said what that connection was. I love getting to experience a writer's imagination, especially, when a storyline is complicated like this one is, at least in my opinion, and how the author puts it all together to create such an engaging story. Great job, Jordon!

[Kirsti Call · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

What I liked: This book is an incredible melding of gothic and steampunk. I loved the mystery and intrigue and how Jordan Elizabeth gives us just enough information to leave us wanting more. The plot was interesting and well paced. The relationships were realistic and eerie.

What I didn't like: This book was almost too scary and dark for me. I don't generally like reading about murder and other related Mayhem. But I do like Jordan Elizabeth's books, so I gave this a try and found it quite compelling.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The characters are amazing, there is the perfect amount of mystery and intrigue. I loved that it is a gothic style mystery, yet it was set in a steampunk world. The setting really allowed for some neat features. Even though this is technically part of a series, it could be read as a stand alone. Be prepared to set aside some time to read this one, I was very upset that I had to put it down for 10 hours while I went to work.

[Levian · Rating 5 out of 5]

i received a free ebook from the author for an honest review. the book was such a beautiful read! at first i got goosebumps over the mysterious Villain, everytime she appeared i feared for the worst for Adelaide. but when everything finally unveal itself, i got goosebumps over the thrill and happiness it showered me. only the mechanical heart resembles the first book, other than that, it was a unique experience. a very beautiful experience.

[Carol Riggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Gothic tale involving a governess coming to stay at a mysterious mansion that harbors dark secrets, with some steampunk details woven in. I like how the memories of Liliana were presented, building to a revelation that I never would’ve guessed. Very unique! Adelaide’s reactions near the end didn’t seem real (a little too optimistic or loving toward the villains), and the romance jumped very quickly to brief swoony kisses, but overall it was an interesting read.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well written book with an intriguing story line. The characters are strong and well developed and the story moves fluidly. It's an interesting story with very interesting characters and I enjoyed reading. There's a lot going on in this book and the author keeps you turning the pages for you to try and figure things out.If you like mystery this book is for.

I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Lilmissmolly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book until I was about 80% through it. I love good old fashioned ghost stories and gothic romances. I also believe in "recycled souls," which is a philosophy dating back to Plato's time. However, although the story starts off as a gothic ghost story, it is actually more of a steam punk novel - with mechanical devices and automatons. I think I would have appreciated that more had I been given a hint of it before I started listening to it.

[Elysian Fields · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was so much more then I was expecting. What I thought I was going to get was a short mystery story set in Victorian times. What I read was a Gothic mystery full of wonderful characters, a mystery for the ages, and a great adventure into the past.

Adelaide is a young woman, faced with a tragedy, finds herself the live in nanny at an unusual home. The plot of this story is diverse and keeps you on your toes. The characters are mysterious and multi layered. Just when you think you have the mystery solved, bam, another twist. This story is rich in details and characters that will become favorites.

I don’t want to give too much away, so suffice it to say that I was addicted to this story from the first page and devoured it in one setting. I am excited to have a new author to follow and I cannot wait to read more. I received an ARC from Booksprout and am leaving an honest review.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

She has had a dark mind for as long as she could remember and she is able to get a job which pushes it all back. A dead body turns up and she is blamed so she leaves. She has another job but things may not be as they seem. What is going on? Follow her adventures

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mingady · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. the SciFi involved was good. I think it would be easier to follow as a book as I'm sure the back and forth between past and present events would be better divided. ie sometimes I didn't realize the narrator had switched from past to present or vice versa which was confusing until I figured it out.

[Jane Firebaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book is an amazing blend of Gothic and Steampunk. I couldn't put it down, and finished it in one sitting, even though it made me stay up way later than I should have. Awesome book. Super suspenseful, romantic and just a really good read. I highly recommend it!

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It came to my attention this has a flair of a Steampunk/Gothic mix. I found it hard to put down and finished in in one day. One character was written so well, Willie Green, that upon meeting him you just did not like him and throughout the book he had no redeeming qualities.
The book is very endearing and I would strongly suggest this book to anyone that likes a good mystery with a gothic flair.

[Kandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a young child Adelaide had memories of being another person. Because of this, she spent some time in an asylum. After growing up, she gets a job as a governess. That is when things really get interesting. This is another great book by Jordan Elizabeth. I really enjoyed it!