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Regency Mysteries #1
In the Shadow of Croft Towers
From debut author Abigail Wilson comes a mysterious Regency tale of secrets and spies, love and treachery.
Orphaned Sybil Delafield jumps at the opportunity for a position at the mysterious Croft Towers. She believes she was hired to act as companion to a dying woman, but a highway robbery and a hostile welcome from the Chalcroft family cause her to wonder if she was actually hired to help someone spy for France.
An unsolved murder adds intrigue to this already secretive family, and Sybil recognizes Mrs. Chalcroft’s handsome grandson as one of the infamous highwaymen who robbed her. Sybil must determine if this man's charming smile and earnest eyes speak the truth or if he is simply using her like others in the house. Everyone seems to have something to hide, and Sybil must decide who to trust while also coming to terms with the truth about her own past.
Orphaned Sybil Delafield jumps at the opportunity for a position at the mysterious Croft Towers. She believes she was hired to act as companion to a dying woman, but a highway robbery and a hostile welcome from the Chalcroft family cause her to wonder if she was actually hired to help someone spy for France.
An unsolved murder adds intrigue to this already secretive family, and Sybil recognizes Mrs. Chalcroft’s handsome grandson as one of the infamous highwaymen who robbed her. Sybil must determine if this man's charming smile and earnest eyes speak the truth or if he is simply using her like others in the house. Everyone seems to have something to hide, and Sybil must decide who to trust while also coming to terms with the truth about her own past.
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2019
144 people are currently reading
3294 people want to read
About the author
Abigail Wilson
6 books945 followersAbigail Wilson combines her passion for Regency England with intrigue and adventure to pen historical mysteries with a heart. A Registered Nurse, chai tea addict, and mother of two crazy kids, Abigail fills her spare time hiking the National Parks, attending her daughter’s diving meets, and curling up with a great book. In 2017, Abigail won WisRWA’s Fab Five contest and in 2016, ACFW’s First Impressions contest as well as placing as a 2017 finalist in the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. She is a cum laude graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and currently lives in Dripping Springs, Texas, with her husband and children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 401 reviews
July 27, 2022
A Gothic romance which had a lot going for it but also a few drawbacks for me at least. It was a good story with some nice ideas but it was overloaded with too many people and too many secrets. In one book - in fact in one house - we had blackmailers, highway robbers, spies, smugglers, orphans and threatening old family retainers. I am tired just thinking about it.
It was also very long drawn out and some parts which would have been really exciting became tedious as they continued for page after page. I honestly think that if an editor exercised a red pen on this book it would be brilliant! The author has great ideas but too much enthusiasm in carrying them out.
I will still read her next book.
It was also very long drawn out and some parts which would have been really exciting became tedious as they continued for page after page. I honestly think that if an editor exercised a red pen on this book it would be brilliant! The author has great ideas but too much enthusiasm in carrying them out.
I will still read her next book.
January 3, 2019
“Everyone at the Towers had a secret. Every. Single. Person.”
My first read of 2019 has gotten the year off to a very good start indeed! What a fabulous debut novel! Intrigue, secrets, romance, deception, murder, did I mention romance? My readerly heart sighed blissfully all the way through this delicious story.
Sybil is a compelling heroine, an orphan swept into a household filled with secrets, a lady’s companion caught in the awkward middle ground between family and servant. Her charge – Mrs. Chalcroft – is just as intriguing. But even before Sybil can arrive at Croft Towers, her coach is set upon by highwaymen and she arrives at the Towers quite bedraggled for the experience. Even as she’s processing the cast of characters in Mrs. Chalcroft’s family, she’s left reeling by the discovery that Mrs. Chalcroft’s godson Curtis Sinclair is one of the highwaymen who robbed her earlier that evening. Why did he do it? Is someone in the family a spy for the French? Is Sybil unwittingly a participant in treason? This sets off some delightful tension between the two characters, and Sinclair and Sybil form a rather unlikely partnership that hits all the right romantic and suspenseful notes.
Sinclair is just the perfect Regency gentleman hero – the right blend of angst, wit, mystery, and swooniliciousness. You’ll want to trust him immediately but, just like Sybil, you’re not sure you can. He’s very good at distracting with his swooniness, though, so be forewarned lol.
The setting becomes its own character, and Wilson excels at setting the tone with atmospheric details and tension. Croft Towers is a little bit spooky and a little bit comforting, all at once. It’s a refuge and a danger, a retreat and a breeding ground for secrets. The ideal place for such a story to unfold.
Bottom Line: In the Shadow of Croft Towers is everything I love about Regency intrigue. The characters, the setting, the tension – all of it in just the right amounts to weave together a delicious story. The author’s smooth and engaging writing style draws readers in completely and will have them eagerly waiting for the next book after this highly-skilled debut!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
My first read of 2019 has gotten the year off to a very good start indeed! What a fabulous debut novel! Intrigue, secrets, romance, deception, murder, did I mention romance? My readerly heart sighed blissfully all the way through this delicious story.
Sybil is a compelling heroine, an orphan swept into a household filled with secrets, a lady’s companion caught in the awkward middle ground between family and servant. Her charge – Mrs. Chalcroft – is just as intriguing. But even before Sybil can arrive at Croft Towers, her coach is set upon by highwaymen and she arrives at the Towers quite bedraggled for the experience. Even as she’s processing the cast of characters in Mrs. Chalcroft’s family, she’s left reeling by the discovery that Mrs. Chalcroft’s godson Curtis Sinclair is one of the highwaymen who robbed her earlier that evening. Why did he do it? Is someone in the family a spy for the French? Is Sybil unwittingly a participant in treason? This sets off some delightful tension between the two characters, and Sinclair and Sybil form a rather unlikely partnership that hits all the right romantic and suspenseful notes.
Sinclair is just the perfect Regency gentleman hero – the right blend of angst, wit, mystery, and swooniliciousness. You’ll want to trust him immediately but, just like Sybil, you’re not sure you can. He’s very good at distracting with his swooniness, though, so be forewarned lol.
The setting becomes its own character, and Wilson excels at setting the tone with atmospheric details and tension. Croft Towers is a little bit spooky and a little bit comforting, all at once. It’s a refuge and a danger, a retreat and a breeding ground for secrets. The ideal place for such a story to unfold.
Bottom Line: In the Shadow of Croft Towers is everything I love about Regency intrigue. The characters, the setting, the tension – all of it in just the right amounts to weave together a delicious story. The author’s smooth and engaging writing style draws readers in completely and will have them eagerly waiting for the next book after this highly-skilled debut!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
February 8, 2019
In the Shadow of Croft Towers is a mysterious and satisfying debut. Intrigue abounds in this story. From the mystery of Sybil Delafield’s past to the cast of characters who are not quite as they first appear, Croft Towers is shrouded in secrets. Sybil’s auspicious journey to The Towers, in which her coach is robbed by highwaymen, is only a foreshadowing of the twists to come.
Croft Towers has a personality all its own. Both a danger and a sanctuary for Sybil, it contains an unexplained connection to her past. As a companion for Mrs. Chalcroft, Sybil holds the precarious position that is not part of the family but still above a servant. Mrs. Chalcroft’s godson, Curtis Sinclair, arrives very early into this story, and his reappearance is shocking indeed, but as you may imagine, is just another deception that entangles Sybil. There is something so atmospheric in Wilson’s descriptions. Whether the setting is the house, the woods, or the town, a delicious spookiness and a lovely hint of romance permeate these pages. I must say, I thought I knew the culprit, and though in a way I was right, a twist in the plot still caught me by surprise.
Wilson’s writing style is engaging, and Sybil’s character has a clear, compelling voice. I adored the first-person narration, and I hope that she writes more of that in the future. Though Sybil is a bit naïve at first, I applauded the bravery she develops over time, as she decides that doing the right thing may mean sacrificing solving the mystery of her past. The ending is exciting and oh-so romantic. I am so glad that we only have to wait until July for Wilson’s next release – it’s definitely on my list!
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher; this review is my honest opinion.
Croft Towers has a personality all its own. Both a danger and a sanctuary for Sybil, it contains an unexplained connection to her past. As a companion for Mrs. Chalcroft, Sybil holds the precarious position that is not part of the family but still above a servant. Mrs. Chalcroft’s godson, Curtis Sinclair, arrives very early into this story, and his reappearance is shocking indeed, but as you may imagine, is just another deception that entangles Sybil. There is something so atmospheric in Wilson’s descriptions. Whether the setting is the house, the woods, or the town, a delicious spookiness and a lovely hint of romance permeate these pages. I must say, I thought I knew the culprit, and though in a way I was right, a twist in the plot still caught me by surprise.
Wilson’s writing style is engaging, and Sybil’s character has a clear, compelling voice. I adored the first-person narration, and I hope that she writes more of that in the future. Though Sybil is a bit naïve at first, I applauded the bravery she develops over time, as she decides that doing the right thing may mean sacrificing solving the mystery of her past. The ending is exciting and oh-so romantic. I am so glad that we only have to wait until July for Wilson’s next release – it’s definitely on my list!
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher; this review is my honest opinion.
January 14, 2020
This is a stunning debut novel by Abigail Wilson. It has all the elements of a good gothic romance.
Sybil Delafield is an orphan but has been gifted with a good education by an anonymous donor. She is summoned to Croft Towers by Mrs Chalcroft to be a companion. She is eager to find a connection to her past at the old estate, but finds herself embroiled in the politics of the times. Who can she trust?
While written in first person, it is easy to get lost in these pages. The prose flows poetically. The plot is a first class mystery. The story unfolds smoothly and the clues kept me guessing. I was a bit disappointed that there wasn’t a stronger faith thread but it did pit good versus evil.
I look forward to more from Ms. Wilson.
*I purchased this book. All opinions are my own.*
Sybil Delafield is an orphan but has been gifted with a good education by an anonymous donor. She is summoned to Croft Towers by Mrs Chalcroft to be a companion. She is eager to find a connection to her past at the old estate, but finds herself embroiled in the politics of the times. Who can she trust?
While written in first person, it is easy to get lost in these pages. The prose flows poetically. The plot is a first class mystery. The story unfolds smoothly and the clues kept me guessing. I was a bit disappointed that there wasn’t a stronger faith thread but it did pit good versus evil.
I look forward to more from Ms. Wilson.
*I purchased this book. All opinions are my own.*
Read
October 3, 2018Read for Endorsement:
A sensory delight. With a keen eye for historical detail, Abigail Wilson spins a beautiful tale of intrigue, espionage and romance set amidst a world that will put readers yearning for Thornfield Hall or Northanger Abbey completely at home. Blending the unputdownable Regency flair of Georgette Heyer with the intricate plotting of Julie Klassen, Wilson not only places herself competently amidst beloved authors but carves out a unique place of her own.
A sensory delight. With a keen eye for historical detail, Abigail Wilson spins a beautiful tale of intrigue, espionage and romance set amidst a world that will put readers yearning for Thornfield Hall or Northanger Abbey completely at home. Blending the unputdownable Regency flair of Georgette Heyer with the intricate plotting of Julie Klassen, Wilson not only places herself competently amidst beloved authors but carves out a unique place of her own.
January 3, 2019
Read for endorsement. 😍
What a deliciously satisfying debut from Abigail Wilson! In the Shadow of Croft Towers is everything I love in a novel: a classic gothic feel from very well written first person storytelling, a regency setting, a mysterious hero... and secrets abounding! In the Shadow of Croft Towers is now counted as one of my very favorite books, and I can’t wait for more from this new author!
What a deliciously satisfying debut from Abigail Wilson! In the Shadow of Croft Towers is everything I love in a novel: a classic gothic feel from very well written first person storytelling, a regency setting, a mysterious hero... and secrets abounding! In the Shadow of Croft Towers is now counted as one of my very favorite books, and I can’t wait for more from this new author!
February 4, 2022
I listened to this as an audio, and the narration was superb! I have struggled to get through any sort of an audio book as of lately, but this ten-hour audio flew by for me. I am a fan of Wuthering Heights, and this book, with its suspenseful, mysterious, and gothic setting, and the gripping first-person voice, at times surprisingly reminded of Wuthering Heights.
I was also surprised by how suspenseful this was. I was expecting a sweet, little Regency read, and I was not expecting the main focus to be so heavy on the mystery! I found it to be very engaging. I was always looking for a moment to listen to it.
Abigail Wilson was a new author for me, and now I'm hooked!
Note: Although this is labeled Christian Fiction, there wasn't anything in it that alluded to Christ or faith in Him. Wonderful writing though, and I look forward to seeing what Wilson's other books have to offer!
I was also surprised by how suspenseful this was. I was expecting a sweet, little Regency read, and I was not expecting the main focus to be so heavy on the mystery! I found it to be very engaging. I was always looking for a moment to listen to it.
Abigail Wilson was a new author for me, and now I'm hooked!
Note: Although this is labeled Christian Fiction, there wasn't anything in it that alluded to Christ or faith in Him. Wonderful writing though, and I look forward to seeing what Wilson's other books have to offer!
November 18, 2018
Sybil Delafield's arrival at Croft Towers is marred by highwaymen stopping the mail carriage she's riding. Then when one of the highwaymen shows up at the estate she's working at, she's not sure who to trust. Thus begins a novel that gently tugged me through its pages with a story and characters that engaged me. Sybil just wants to know who she is and why she's sent on mysterious errands. Add the hints of romance with not one but two men, and it is an intriguing story. This was an enjoyable Regency story with overtones of mystery, romance, and a gothic feel with the large home. Abigail Wilson is a welcome addition to the Regency genre.
January 19, 2019
Delightful debut! I was quickly drawn into the mystery surrounding Sybil's parentage and the activities at Croft Towers. Beginning the novel with a stage coach robbery was attention grabbing.
This novel contains a cast full of complex characters, plenty of intrigue and a dash of romance. I thoroughly enjoyed In the Shadow of Croft Towers. Bravo to Abigail for a stunning debut!
My gratitude to Thomas Nelson for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
This novel contains a cast full of complex characters, plenty of intrigue and a dash of romance. I thoroughly enjoyed In the Shadow of Croft Towers. Bravo to Abigail for a stunning debut!
My gratitude to Thomas Nelson for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
July 9, 2023
I think I may have found one of my new favorite authors in Abigail Wilson. Her regency mystery/clean romance novels are really good. I loved the characters in this book, and thought the story was truly intriguing. 5/5 well-deserved stars.
January 20, 2019
This was a Gothic regency that was a bit much for me. I enjoyed most of it. The mystery I thought I had figured out and then got thrown completely off track and then figured some of it out. Lots of the end was a surprise to me tho and I liked that a lot. It was a fun story line and the characters were interesting. The part that could have been more developed was the romance. It was just there all the sudden. The mystery and the stupidity of the leading lady got a little old. It drug a little for me near the end and I just wanted it to get over with. For a first book the author shows promise.
October 9, 2018
“The more difficult the journey, the sweeter the reward.”
A complex plot, mystery and a bit of romance spice up this Regency era tale set at an old manor in rural England. It is told through the first person viewpoint of the heroine, Sybil, a young woman sent from school to be a companion to an elderly woman. A colorful cast of characters surrounds her and everyone seems to be hiding something. It kept me guessing along with Sybil who could be trusted, and where the twisted path of seeking the truth would eventually lead her. It was an interesting plot with a lot of potential 'bad guys'.
"Everyone at the Towers had a secret...And I could do nothing but claw my way through their web of lies."
This was a satisfying read, well written, and held my interest until the very end when the truth is finally evident. The setting and first person viewpoint reminded me of Jane Eyre at first, with some Dickens elements. Readers who enjoy Gothic-type stories, or Regency romances with some mystery, like Sarah Ladd, Michelle Griep, or Joanna Politano's, will enjoy this clean romance. (There are no real references or overtly Christian messages other than the accepted morality of the time, a mention of a churchyard, and "thank God" exclamations.)
4.5 stars
(I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
A complex plot, mystery and a bit of romance spice up this Regency era tale set at an old manor in rural England. It is told through the first person viewpoint of the heroine, Sybil, a young woman sent from school to be a companion to an elderly woman. A colorful cast of characters surrounds her and everyone seems to be hiding something. It kept me guessing along with Sybil who could be trusted, and where the twisted path of seeking the truth would eventually lead her. It was an interesting plot with a lot of potential 'bad guys'.
"Everyone at the Towers had a secret...And I could do nothing but claw my way through their web of lies."
This was a satisfying read, well written, and held my interest until the very end when the truth is finally evident. The setting and first person viewpoint reminded me of Jane Eyre at first, with some Dickens elements. Readers who enjoy Gothic-type stories, or Regency romances with some mystery, like Sarah Ladd, Michelle Griep, or Joanna Politano's, will enjoy this clean romance. (There are no real references or overtly Christian messages other than the accepted morality of the time, a mention of a churchyard, and "thank God" exclamations.)
4.5 stars
(I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
November 14, 2019
I’m reviewing this as a secular book as there was nothing overtly Christian about it until the author's acknowledgements at the end. But was it clean? Yes. Were there storylines that were uncomfortable? Maybe...
- A few kissing scenes that were chaste in my estimation.
- Mild expletives like "blast or blasted" or "drat". I don’t really find them offensive, but some might.
- Two murders you don’t see, but hear about
- A stage coach robbery at gun point
- A main character getting shot
- A main character being abducted
- A main character being blackmailed
- A husband so brutal the wife ran away for her child's safety (told, not shown)
- Some serious flirting in an attempt to secure an "understanding"
- A single woman finds herself pregnant, and her own self-serving brother basically casts her away to deal with it on her own.
- One female character hid a male character in her bed (Dragoons are searching each room for a shot man. She's in the bed "playing sick" on top of him thinking he's unconscious, so he doesn’t know he's being hidden in this fashion).
Phew, that seems like a lot of questionable scenes, written with some violence mixed into those, but the book flowed so well and not lurid, nor over-the-top in violence, nor too provocative, that it seemed fairly clean. And if I roll my eyes only once during a book, that says a lot. 😁 Mostly it was the story and the twists throughout that kept my interest all the way through.
Story:
Poor Sybil Delafield, an orphan who lived her entire life at a boarding school, is given a job as a lady's companion right out of school. Because of a mysterious letter from a Mr. Stanton while still at school, there's hope of finding her roots. It leads her to believe the very place she’s going may shed light on her birth parents.
Once Sybil arrives at Croft Towers, she learns the lady for whom she's to be a companion doesn’t have long to live. With the vultures about the house ready to swoop in to take their inheritances, Croft Towers is going to be an interesting place to live.
Aaaaand, a certain highwayman who robbed her coach seems to be popping into her life. Uncomfortable at first, yet intriguing.
Good book. Good writing. I will be looking into Ms. Wilson's other books.
- A few kissing scenes that were chaste in my estimation.
- Mild expletives like "blast or blasted" or "drat". I don’t really find them offensive, but some might.
- Two murders you don’t see, but hear about
- A stage coach robbery at gun point
- A main character getting shot
- A main character being abducted
- A main character being blackmailed
- A husband so brutal the wife ran away for her child's safety (told, not shown)
- Some serious flirting in an attempt to secure an "understanding"
- A single woman finds herself pregnant, and her own self-serving brother basically casts her away to deal with it on her own.
- One female character hid a male character in her bed (Dragoons are searching each room for a shot man. She's in the bed "playing sick" on top of him thinking he's unconscious, so he doesn’t know he's being hidden in this fashion).
Phew, that seems like a lot of questionable scenes, written with some violence mixed into those, but the book flowed so well and not lurid, nor over-the-top in violence, nor too provocative, that it seemed fairly clean. And if I roll my eyes only once during a book, that says a lot. 😁 Mostly it was the story and the twists throughout that kept my interest all the way through.
Story:
Poor Sybil Delafield, an orphan who lived her entire life at a boarding school, is given a job as a lady's companion right out of school. Because of a mysterious letter from a Mr. Stanton while still at school, there's hope of finding her roots. It leads her to believe the very place she’s going may shed light on her birth parents.
Once Sybil arrives at Croft Towers, she learns the lady for whom she's to be a companion doesn’t have long to live. With the vultures about the house ready to swoop in to take their inheritances, Croft Towers is going to be an interesting place to live.
Aaaaand, a certain highwayman who robbed her coach seems to be popping into her life. Uncomfortable at first, yet intriguing.
Good book. Good writing. I will be looking into Ms. Wilson's other books.
February 3, 2019
I am not keen on romance novels unless they are loaded with suspense or historical intrigue—this book has both! Wilson’s debut is remarkably well-crafted and her imagery rapidly transported me into the dark and drafty corridors of Croft Towers. The promise of discovering the contents of Mrs. Chalcroft’s secret missives along with her odd fascination with Sybil would have been enough to compel me to keep reading. Toss in highwaymen, murder, and rumors of espionage, and this was a book I couldn’t put down for long. If Abigail writes more faith-filled fiction in the future, I’ll be sure to read it posthaste.
Christian Shelf-Esteem received a book to facilitate this review. The views and opinions expressed are 100% honest and my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC's 16 CFR, Part 255 Guidelines, concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising.
Christian Shelf-Esteem received a book to facilitate this review. The views and opinions expressed are 100% honest and my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC's 16 CFR, Part 255 Guidelines, concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising.
December 28, 2018
I enjoyed this book! The voice, especially, hooked me right from the beginning. I don't always love first-person POV. Sometimes it can feel like you're being told the story—narrated to—rather than feeling like you're actually experiencing everything right along with the characters. But that wasn't the case with this novel. The voice reminded me somewhat of Julianne Donaldson...I was sucked right in! I loved the action in the beginning, the sense of mystery and intrigue...and of course, the romance. An enjoyable debut novel...and I'll look forward to reading more from Abigail Wilson!
*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
August 23, 2019
3-plus-a-smidge stars.
The author definitely kept me guessing!
However, I just didn’t care for the FMC/narrator of the story, nor did I ever understand what the MMC saw in her to deem her so trustworthy and exceptional. Maybe it was just me? The supporting cast was also very vaguely drawn, and I never fully understood why Mr. Roth was even a part of the story?
I really enjoyed the intrigue and the mystery, and though it took forever to build, it was all wrapped up rather quickly—though that seems to be how it is in real life crime solving—a lot of build up and then BOOM.
Anyway, it was a decent read, and I am going to read the next one by this author.
The author definitely kept me guessing!
However, I just didn’t care for the FMC/narrator of the story, nor did I ever understand what the MMC saw in her to deem her so trustworthy and exceptional. Maybe it was just me? The supporting cast was also very vaguely drawn, and I never fully understood why Mr. Roth was even a part of the story?
I really enjoyed the intrigue and the mystery, and though it took forever to build, it was all wrapped up rather quickly—though that seems to be how it is in real life crime solving—a lot of build up and then BOOM.
Anyway, it was a decent read, and I am going to read the next one by this author.
December 14, 2018
I loved this book! It had all the essentials I want to read in a story. It had mystery, intrigue and romance to keep me up late in the night turning the pages. I was biting my nails several times and not able to breathe in certain scenes. The ending was amazing. By the way, the hero, Sinclair is my new book boyfriend.
This author is new to me and I will certainly be following her for more books in the future.
* I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This author is new to me and I will certainly be following her for more books in the future.
* I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 23, 2019
4.5 stars
Loved this debut novel and can't wait to see what this author writes next. Filled with suspense and secrets, and I loved the first person narrative.
Loved this debut novel and can't wait to see what this author writes next. Filled with suspense and secrets, and I loved the first person narrative.
January 6, 2023
First completed book of 2023! Mystery, Murder, Dancing, and Romance! This regency novel had it all. The mystery and the romance kept building while intertwining together! This was a fast paced read that I completed in two sittings. I will definitely read more from this author.
February 11, 2019
Eeeeppp...Regency...Gothic...Mystery....Danger....Romance....I....I....I...can't find the words. In the Shadow of Croft Towers is speechless redefined! Truly indescribably good.
I was riveted from the very first sentence -- "I often wonder what my life would have been like if I had never learned the truth." Wilson creates the moody ambiance of a classic Gothic novel to sweet perfection. From highwaymen to an ancestral home shrouded in mystery and everyone who lives there harbors secrets. And I mean everyone! Some of them deadly. And the way the author weaves it all together is absolutely sublime.
So beautifully written that it begs to be read out loud and savored. All told from Sybil's first person point of view. I get delicious shivers of delight just thinking about it. She's the newly arrived lady's companion that takes everyone by surprise. Caught between upstairs and downstairs -- not quite a servant but definitely not one of the family either. But she feels inexplicably drawn to her elderly charge whose failing health has the family gathered round. They maintain the old woman is losing her mind, but Sybil can't help but feel there is a method to Mrs. Chalecroft's madness and she is soon thrust into the midst of desperate intrigue and danger.
And then we have Mr. Sinclair. Brush off your fainting couches, order in an extra stock of smelling salts and prepare to be...swoonified! Oh dear, I think I'm going speechless again. He's so...so...very Regency-gentleman-cloaked-in-mystery-masked-by-sardonic-wit-with-a-touch-of-heated-glances. Thud, that's me bouncing off my fainting couch again. I need to get that spring fixed. My swooning is turning into more of a jack-in-the-boxing which isn't at all the effect I'm after. Just know that Mr. Sinclair will turn your mind to mush and put curls in your toes and encourage irregular heartbeats in an all too regular manner. I can't even...
An atmospheric delight of intrigue and romance!
I was riveted from the very first sentence -- "I often wonder what my life would have been like if I had never learned the truth." Wilson creates the moody ambiance of a classic Gothic novel to sweet perfection. From highwaymen to an ancestral home shrouded in mystery and everyone who lives there harbors secrets. And I mean everyone! Some of them deadly. And the way the author weaves it all together is absolutely sublime.
So beautifully written that it begs to be read out loud and savored. All told from Sybil's first person point of view. I get delicious shivers of delight just thinking about it. She's the newly arrived lady's companion that takes everyone by surprise. Caught between upstairs and downstairs -- not quite a servant but definitely not one of the family either. But she feels inexplicably drawn to her elderly charge whose failing health has the family gathered round. They maintain the old woman is losing her mind, but Sybil can't help but feel there is a method to Mrs. Chalecroft's madness and she is soon thrust into the midst of desperate intrigue and danger.
And then we have Mr. Sinclair. Brush off your fainting couches, order in an extra stock of smelling salts and prepare to be...swoonified! Oh dear, I think I'm going speechless again. He's so...so...very Regency-gentleman-cloaked-in-mystery-masked-by-sardonic-wit-with-a-touch-of-heated-glances. Thud, that's me bouncing off my fainting couch again. I need to get that spring fixed. My swooning is turning into more of a jack-in-the-boxing which isn't at all the effect I'm after. Just know that Mr. Sinclair will turn your mind to mush and put curls in your toes and encourage irregular heartbeats in an all too regular manner. I can't even...
An atmospheric delight of intrigue and romance!
December 19, 2018
“In the Shadow of Croft Towers,” from debut author Abigail Wilson, has easily become one of my favorite books of 2018! I love a good Gothic romance and this book is certainly just that. Ms. Wilson is very good at setting the Gothic tone.
The story starts off with danger and a highway robbery during a storm. I was hooked! Our hesitant heroine, Sybil, arrives at house shrouded in mystery and secrets. There are all the elements for a perfect Gothic read in this story: mysterious rooms, hidden motives and identities, secrets and resident ghosts.
Not only that, but Ms. Wilson is a fabulous writer. The story and writing style can be described as a mix of Dickens and Daphne du Maurier. I loved this book and looked forward to reading it every night! I highly recommend it!
Content: I give this book a PG rating for some content. Some examples of the content are: the word devil is used; mention of a woman’s bosom; people drink alcohol; mention of illegitimate children; mention of “ravishing” a woman; a man is drunk and tries to apprehend a woman.
Rating: I obviously give this book 5 stars!
Genre: Christian fiction; Historical; Gothic; Regency; Mystery; Romance
I want to thank Abigail Wilson, Celebrate Lit and Thomas Nelson for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.
The story starts off with danger and a highway robbery during a storm. I was hooked! Our hesitant heroine, Sybil, arrives at house shrouded in mystery and secrets. There are all the elements for a perfect Gothic read in this story: mysterious rooms, hidden motives and identities, secrets and resident ghosts.
Not only that, but Ms. Wilson is a fabulous writer. The story and writing style can be described as a mix of Dickens and Daphne du Maurier. I loved this book and looked forward to reading it every night! I highly recommend it!
Content: I give this book a PG rating for some content. Some examples of the content are: the word devil is used; mention of a woman’s bosom; people drink alcohol; mention of illegitimate children; mention of “ravishing” a woman; a man is drunk and tries to apprehend a woman.
Rating: I obviously give this book 5 stars!
Genre: Christian fiction; Historical; Gothic; Regency; Mystery; Romance
I want to thank Abigail Wilson, Celebrate Lit and Thomas Nelson for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.
July 13, 2019
Full review on FaithfullyBookish.com
The setting has a cold, damp, and dreary atmosphere and I was completely lost within the pages of this story. The majority of the plot is shrouded in mystery and various characters wear that particular figurative cloak with intelligence and subtlety. Readers who enjoy an underdog hero or heroine to encourage on his or her way will be completely smitten with Sybil as she seeks to unravel the tangled web and discern who is worthy of her trust and perhaps affection.
Books which captivate me despite being outside of my comfort zone deserve a standing ovation and I say BRAVO to Abigail Wilson for this stirring and intriguing debut! I look forward to reading her future stories and highly recommend this one!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
The setting has a cold, damp, and dreary atmosphere and I was completely lost within the pages of this story. The majority of the plot is shrouded in mystery and various characters wear that particular figurative cloak with intelligence and subtlety. Readers who enjoy an underdog hero or heroine to encourage on his or her way will be completely smitten with Sybil as she seeks to unravel the tangled web and discern who is worthy of her trust and perhaps affection.
Books which captivate me despite being outside of my comfort zone deserve a standing ovation and I say BRAVO to Abigail Wilson for this stirring and intriguing debut! I look forward to reading her future stories and highly recommend this one!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
October 27, 2020
I loved this Christian-friendly, clean, historical romance and mystery novel set in Regency England.
It follows Sybil who is travelling to take up a position as a companion at Croft Towers, when her coach is attacked by highwaymen. When she eventually reaches the Towers she recognises one of the guests as one of the robbers.
Everyone at Croft Towers has a secret, and as she seeks to understand what is going on, she also seeks to find out the truth of her own identity.
I loved the character of Sybil, who was resourceful, brave and not afraid to break conventions to help those in need. The romance was compelling, and the mystery had many twists and turns.
The book is listed on Amazon as Christian fiction, but I did not find any spiritual content. However, it is clean, with no sex scenes or bad language.
The narrator suited the main character well, and I enjoyed her performance.
It follows Sybil who is travelling to take up a position as a companion at Croft Towers, when her coach is attacked by highwaymen. When she eventually reaches the Towers she recognises one of the guests as one of the robbers.
Everyone at Croft Towers has a secret, and as she seeks to understand what is going on, she also seeks to find out the truth of her own identity.
I loved the character of Sybil, who was resourceful, brave and not afraid to break conventions to help those in need. The romance was compelling, and the mystery had many twists and turns.
The book is listed on Amazon as Christian fiction, but I did not find any spiritual content. However, it is clean, with no sex scenes or bad language.
The narrator suited the main character well, and I enjoyed her performance.
September 8, 2025
4.75 stars!
Wonderful story! Loved the characters and the bit of mystery thrown in. And the romance was lovely!
Wonderful story! Loved the characters and the bit of mystery thrown in. And the romance was lovely!
December 20, 2018
The Shadow Knows the Best Thing about This Book
There are a lot of excellent things about In the Shadow of Croft Towers, but I’ll get to them in a minute. I want to throw out the things that bothered me and get them out of the way before I get to the good stuff—the really good stuff.
First, there were a few words that jumped out as out of place. I don’t know if it was a thing back then, but I suspect it was. Americans wear pants. The English wear trousers or breeches. While this was an ARC, I can’t imagine that’s one of the things that’ll be caught at this stage. Reading along and seeing him give her pants (or was it that his pants were dirty? Can’t remember)… well, it jarred me out of the story.
I have no idea if “exit wound” was a term during the Regency period, but I really don’t care. Because like many things we say or do today that make other things sound modern when they aren’t, it feels very modern. Too many crime shows talking about exit wounds—it makes any reference to it two hundred years earlier feel anachronous.
There were also a few inconsistencies—one stood out in particular.
At one point, Sybil reads over someone’s shoulder as the woman begins writing a letter. Later, she ruminates that she’d never seen that name before. Um, yeah. Ya did.
Also… amid excellent writing (and really, for first person it was excellent), we come to those romantical moments… and the declarations of love. Gag. Seriously, gag. They read like a third-rate dime novel. “Oh, my darling… my dear… my precious… my pet…” Wait. I think that was Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Still, it felt like it.
Not my cuppa (my nod to the English and their love of tea).
Finally, there was the Christian element. Or, rather, lack of it. My biggest complaint, if you want to know.
In fact, the way some scenes begin and then cut off abruptly, I would have sworn this book was written for a mainstream market with more of a PG-13 rating and cleaned up for the Christian market instead. I just finished the book a few hours ago, and I can’t even remember if there was a prayer in the book.
Token prayers to “baptize”fiction are annoyances in themselves, but a lack of faith at all in a book by a Christian publisher… Yeah. I shouldn’t be surprised. I’ve noticed a lot more of that in Thomas Nelson’s recent offerings. Regardless if it’s there and I missed it or not, I got no spiritual lessons out of it aside from those I dug out myself. I just enjoy seeing characters benefit from those lessons.
That said, at least it wasn’t preachy! THAT is a blessing.
Speaking of the good stuff… nay the best thing the shadows of Croft Towers can tell us…
This is a fabulous mystery-slash-suspense novel with enough twists and turns and edge-of-your-seat moments to keep you going right until the end. I saw elements used in ways I haven’t before, and not too many anachronisms or attitudes that reflect modern sentiments and foisted on a mindset that didn’t hold them.
That’s a problem in historical fiction today, and the only one I really saw fit the scenario and the character who showed it. Thank you for that, Ms. Wilson.
Well written with a lovely balance of description and interwoven backstory—I seriously enjoyed this book. I didn’t love it, but I liked it enough that I’ll be looking for more from Abigail Wilson. I’m so glad I requested this review copy—despite my “criticisms.”
Considering Abigail Wilson was a finalist for a Daphne Du Maurier award, I suspect I’m going to find some wonderful books among her backlist. And I look forward to the next.
There are a lot of excellent things about In the Shadow of Croft Towers, but I’ll get to them in a minute. I want to throw out the things that bothered me and get them out of the way before I get to the good stuff—the really good stuff.
First, there were a few words that jumped out as out of place. I don’t know if it was a thing back then, but I suspect it was. Americans wear pants. The English wear trousers or breeches. While this was an ARC, I can’t imagine that’s one of the things that’ll be caught at this stage. Reading along and seeing him give her pants (or was it that his pants were dirty? Can’t remember)… well, it jarred me out of the story.
I have no idea if “exit wound” was a term during the Regency period, but I really don’t care. Because like many things we say or do today that make other things sound modern when they aren’t, it feels very modern. Too many crime shows talking about exit wounds—it makes any reference to it two hundred years earlier feel anachronous.
There were also a few inconsistencies—one stood out in particular.
At one point, Sybil reads over someone’s shoulder as the woman begins writing a letter. Later, she ruminates that she’d never seen that name before. Um, yeah. Ya did.
Also… amid excellent writing (and really, for first person it was excellent), we come to those romantical moments… and the declarations of love. Gag. Seriously, gag. They read like a third-rate dime novel. “Oh, my darling… my dear… my precious… my pet…” Wait. I think that was Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Still, it felt like it.
Not my cuppa (my nod to the English and their love of tea).
Finally, there was the Christian element. Or, rather, lack of it. My biggest complaint, if you want to know.
In fact, the way some scenes begin and then cut off abruptly, I would have sworn this book was written for a mainstream market with more of a PG-13 rating and cleaned up for the Christian market instead. I just finished the book a few hours ago, and I can’t even remember if there was a prayer in the book.
Token prayers to “baptize”fiction are annoyances in themselves, but a lack of faith at all in a book by a Christian publisher… Yeah. I shouldn’t be surprised. I’ve noticed a lot more of that in Thomas Nelson’s recent offerings. Regardless if it’s there and I missed it or not, I got no spiritual lessons out of it aside from those I dug out myself. I just enjoy seeing characters benefit from those lessons.
That said, at least it wasn’t preachy! THAT is a blessing.
Speaking of the good stuff… nay the best thing the shadows of Croft Towers can tell us…
This is a fabulous mystery-slash-suspense novel with enough twists and turns and edge-of-your-seat moments to keep you going right until the end. I saw elements used in ways I haven’t before, and not too many anachronisms or attitudes that reflect modern sentiments and foisted on a mindset that didn’t hold them.
That’s a problem in historical fiction today, and the only one I really saw fit the scenario and the character who showed it. Thank you for that, Ms. Wilson.
Well written with a lovely balance of description and interwoven backstory—I seriously enjoyed this book. I didn’t love it, but I liked it enough that I’ll be looking for more from Abigail Wilson. I’m so glad I requested this review copy—despite my “criticisms.”
Considering Abigail Wilson was a finalist for a Daphne Du Maurier award, I suspect I’m going to find some wonderful books among her backlist. And I look forward to the next.
January 13, 2019
This is an outstanding debut! I was fully engrossed by this story I couldn't put it down. I loved the characters and Sinclair is now a favorite hero of mine. The best part of the story was all of the mystery surrounding every single person in the book. I love a good mystery that you can't solve within the first few chapters. While there was a constant intrigue there was also some rather humorous parts that had me giggling. The romance was very well done and not over the top all while being swoon-worthy. This book reminded me a bit of a Julie Klassen novel. Needless to say this was a wonderful read and I am eager to get my hands on Abigail's next book!
FIVE STARS
"I received this book from BookLook Bloggers for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."
FIVE STARS
"I received this book from BookLook Bloggers for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."
August 13, 2022
~I love the characters
~Once again Abigail has written a story to rival the likes of Agatha Christie
~The thing that breaks my heart time and time again is the lack of Christian content! Every time I read one of Abigail's books I come across perfect places for the addition of a Bible verse or a prayer scene, but they're just missing and it leaves me bereft.
Jeremiah 29:11
~Once again Abigail has written a story to rival the likes of Agatha Christie
~The thing that breaks my heart time and time again is the lack of Christian content! Every time I read one of Abigail's books I come across perfect places for the addition of a Bible verse or a prayer scene, but they're just missing and it leaves me bereft.
Jeremiah 29:11
June 1, 2019
(Review originally posted here, with Bookstagram photos!)
Set in Regency England, IN THE SHADOW OF CROFT TOWERS is a delightful mix of Regency romance and murder mystery.
Sybil Delafield travels to Croft Towers to become a companion to the old woman who owns the estate, and finds that nearly everyone at the mansion and nearby town has secrets, including Mr. Sinclair. As the mysteries and shadows deepen, Sybil doesn’t know who to trust, even as she begins unraveling the secrets of her own past.
Highwaymen, Dragoons looking for French spies in rural England, smugglers, and people turning up murdered are only some of the interesting twists. Secret messages, blackmail, and the shadow of an old tragedy, all hang over Croft Towers and those designing to inherit it from old Mrs. Chalcroft, who has her own secrets.
It has a delightful autumnal, onset of winter feel, with a somewhat eerie mansion and night rides through the woods and moors and town.
This book kept me totally absorbed! I particularly loved the middle bits where the mysteries kept mounting higher and higher. It was fascinating how every single person had something to hide, or at least were not as they seemed. I loved finding out what was going on, and guessing at things, and the experience alone was so delightful.
I also loved how the romance and the mystery were perfectly balanced and neither overwhelmed each other. It was such a neat idea to mix Regency romance with a mystery, and I loved how it was so exciting. There’s a sort of love-triangle, though I didn’t feel totally convinced by the one part of it, but I’m not the biggest love-triangle fan, so that might simply be me.
I particularly liked Mr. Sinclair’s character and all his mysteriousness! Mrs. Chalcroft (his godmother) was a fascinating, eccentric character. I found myself rooting for Sybil to discover what was going on, and for a certain romance. ;)
The ending wrapped things up fairly well, but I found myself wishing for more or for something different for a few of the details (like I was disappointed there wasn’t more about a certain character mentioned near the end), and there were one or two happenings that seemed surprisingly dark for this sort of book, particularly what happened with one of the other characters (no spoilers!). A few things also felt off, or at least improbable, for the time period—at least to me, though I’m not an expert—and there were one or two inconsistencies.
But none of that detracted from my sheer enjoyment of the book, and I absolutely loved the shadowy mysteriousness mixed with the Regency era!
I’m going to have to pick up more from this author in the future, because I had a thoroughly good time reading this—I totally recommend it if it sounds like your cup of tea!
I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Set in Regency England, IN THE SHADOW OF CROFT TOWERS is a delightful mix of Regency romance and murder mystery.
Sybil Delafield travels to Croft Towers to become a companion to the old woman who owns the estate, and finds that nearly everyone at the mansion and nearby town has secrets, including Mr. Sinclair. As the mysteries and shadows deepen, Sybil doesn’t know who to trust, even as she begins unraveling the secrets of her own past.
Highwaymen, Dragoons looking for French spies in rural England, smugglers, and people turning up murdered are only some of the interesting twists. Secret messages, blackmail, and the shadow of an old tragedy, all hang over Croft Towers and those designing to inherit it from old Mrs. Chalcroft, who has her own secrets.
It has a delightful autumnal, onset of winter feel, with a somewhat eerie mansion and night rides through the woods and moors and town.
This book kept me totally absorbed! I particularly loved the middle bits where the mysteries kept mounting higher and higher. It was fascinating how every single person had something to hide, or at least were not as they seemed. I loved finding out what was going on, and guessing at things, and the experience alone was so delightful.
I also loved how the romance and the mystery were perfectly balanced and neither overwhelmed each other. It was such a neat idea to mix Regency romance with a mystery, and I loved how it was so exciting. There’s a sort of love-triangle, though I didn’t feel totally convinced by the one part of it, but I’m not the biggest love-triangle fan, so that might simply be me.
I particularly liked Mr. Sinclair’s character and all his mysteriousness! Mrs. Chalcroft (his godmother) was a fascinating, eccentric character. I found myself rooting for Sybil to discover what was going on, and for a certain romance. ;)
The ending wrapped things up fairly well, but I found myself wishing for more or for something different for a few of the details (like I was disappointed there wasn’t more about a certain character mentioned near the end), and there were one or two happenings that seemed surprisingly dark for this sort of book, particularly what happened with one of the other characters (no spoilers!). A few things also felt off, or at least improbable, for the time period—at least to me, though I’m not an expert—and there were one or two inconsistencies.
But none of that detracted from my sheer enjoyment of the book, and I absolutely loved the shadowy mysteriousness mixed with the Regency era!
I’m going to have to pick up more from this author in the future, because I had a thoroughly good time reading this—I totally recommend it if it sounds like your cup of tea!
I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
July 28, 2022
I liked this but I didn't love it. It was a good story, really creative. You can always count on Abigail's books beginning immediately with excitement and pulling you in instantly!
I liked the mystery and the romance, but the writing was a little weak compared to the other books that I've read by Abigail Wilson.
I'm glad I read this book last, or I might not have continued reading her other books. I'm actually still a little confused about the information that was conveyed to 'piece together' the mystery at the end ...it's still a mystery to me. 😜
I didn't really like Sybil, the heroine, she had many conversations in her head (the book is written in first person) but didn't communicate with others in the same way. A lot of her dialogue in the book was very brief and abrupt. Also, I felt like the relationship development between Sybil and all other characters--especially the hero, was lacking. There wasn't a lot of conversation between them to justify the feelings that develop. This is true IMO of Sybil and all the characters.
I highly recommend Abigail Wilson's other books; The Vanishing at Loxby Manor, Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey and Midnight on the River Grey are my favs!
This one was good enough but not the same reading experience as the others.
I liked the mystery and the romance, but the writing was a little weak compared to the other books that I've read by Abigail Wilson.
I'm glad I read this book last, or I might not have continued reading her other books. I'm actually still a little confused about the information that was conveyed to 'piece together' the mystery at the end ...it's still a mystery to me. 😜
I didn't really like Sybil, the heroine, she had many conversations in her head (the book is written in first person) but didn't communicate with others in the same way. A lot of her dialogue in the book was very brief and abrupt. Also, I felt like the relationship development between Sybil and all other characters--especially the hero, was lacking. There wasn't a lot of conversation between them to justify the feelings that develop. This is true IMO of Sybil and all the characters.
I highly recommend Abigail Wilson's other books; The Vanishing at Loxby Manor, Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey and Midnight on the River Grey are my favs!
This one was good enough but not the same reading experience as the others.
August 25, 2021
Sybil’s ancestry was obvious to me from only two or three chapters in, so most of the plot twists were not surprises to me. I’m disappointed, because I’d heard this was a twisty, scrumptious Gothic mystery. It was… but because I’ve read so many in the genre already, this story was much too predictable to me. It was well written for what it was, and I rather enjoyed the author’s voice and the variety of mysterious, dramatic characters. The setting was deliciously creepy. I only wish the familial connections “orphaned” Sybil had would have been better disguised. The story was still a good one, but I feel other reader will likely enjoy it better than I.
The spy ring was most delightful. It was much less predictable than the familial “mystery.” This is the thread that kept me interested.
Content: replacement expletives, substance abuse, alcohol, tobacco, suicide
The spy ring was most delightful. It was much less predictable than the familial “mystery.” This is the thread that kept me interested.
Content: replacement expletives, substance abuse, alcohol, tobacco, suicide
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