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The Curse of the Golden Touch: A Greystone Manor Mystery
All twenty-year-old Jillian Harrington wants is to live a predictable, ordinary life. One where she can ride her horses and read books in peace. And for her haunting memories of the past to stay buried.
But, when life throws her a curveball in the form of her reckless cousin Xander, Jilly is dragged into a deadly adventure. Not only is she forced to face the secrets of her eccentric family, but the creepy mansion they’re stranded in has a dark past of its own; along with a resident ghost or two.
With her best friend Gilbert, and her four-legged side-kicks, Morris and Bally at her side, Jilly will have to fight harder than she ever has to make it through this adventure alive.
This series is set in Canada and is written in Canadian English so you might notice slight differences in spelling and grammar. Happy Reading!
But, when life throws her a curveball in the form of her reckless cousin Xander, Jilly is dragged into a deadly adventure. Not only is she forced to face the secrets of her eccentric family, but the creepy mansion they’re stranded in has a dark past of its own; along with a resident ghost or two.
With her best friend Gilbert, and her four-legged side-kicks, Morris and Bally at her side, Jilly will have to fight harder than she ever has to make it through this adventure alive.
This series is set in Canada and is written in Canadian English so you might notice slight differences in spelling and grammar. Happy Reading!
252 pages, Paperback
Published September 4, 2021
About the author
Genevieve Mckay
33 books86 followersGenevieve Mckay is a freelance writer, short story author, and novelist living by the ocean. When she isn't busy creating new worlds she enjoys playing outside in the dirt and riding ponies.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 4, 2026
The Curse of the Golden Touch is a charming blend of cozy mystery, supernatural adventure, and family-friendly suspense that captures the excitement of uncovering long-buried secrets without sacrificing heart or humor.
What stood out most is Jilly Harrington as the reluctant heroine. Unlike protagonists who eagerly chase danger, Jilly simply wants a normal life, making every mysterious twist feel more authentic and relatable. Watching her gradually confront ghosts, family secrets, and unexpected danger creates an engaging character arc that keeps the story grounded.
Greystone Manor itself feels like a character. The mysterious estate, eccentric relatives, hidden history, and lingering supernatural presence create an atmosphere that constantly invites readers to turn the next page. The addition of Bally and Morris brings warmth and personality, while Gil provides a strong friendship that balances the suspense throughout the story.
I also appreciated how the novel blends several genres without becoming overly dark. The combination of ghosts, mystery, horses, family secrets, and just enough danger makes it accessible to a wide audience, especially readers looking for clean mysteries with a supernatural twist.
Fans of cozy mysteries, light paranormal fiction, family adventures, and atmospheric mysteries will find The Curse of the Golden Touch to be an entertaining introduction to what promises to be a delightful series.
What stood out most is Jilly Harrington as the reluctant heroine. Unlike protagonists who eagerly chase danger, Jilly simply wants a normal life, making every mysterious twist feel more authentic and relatable. Watching her gradually confront ghosts, family secrets, and unexpected danger creates an engaging character arc that keeps the story grounded.
Greystone Manor itself feels like a character. The mysterious estate, eccentric relatives, hidden history, and lingering supernatural presence create an atmosphere that constantly invites readers to turn the next page. The addition of Bally and Morris brings warmth and personality, while Gil provides a strong friendship that balances the suspense throughout the story.
I also appreciated how the novel blends several genres without becoming overly dark. The combination of ghosts, mystery, horses, family secrets, and just enough danger makes it accessible to a wide audience, especially readers looking for clean mysteries with a supernatural twist.
Fans of cozy mysteries, light paranormal fiction, family adventures, and atmospheric mysteries will find The Curse of the Golden Touch to be an entertaining introduction to what promises to be a delightful series.
February 4, 2024
It's hard to find a good horse book. I really enjoyed Genevieve Mckay's 'The October Horses' series and it has quickly become my favourite horse series. This led me to want to try out more of her books and she kindly offered some free books over the Christmas period and so I started The Curse of the Golden Touch.
It centres around a quiet, reserved character who is very conformative to her demanding mother. They live at a wonderful manor called Greystone Manor and they train horses. Jilly gets roped into visiting a 'strange' aunt and enters a bit of a magical journey, discovering she has some gifts along the way.
I liked how The Curse of the Golden Touch had magical realism- a favourite of mine. I loved the character of Bally, he reminded me a lot of my own horse. I also really liked the main character Jilly, though I felt she came across younger than she was meant to be. I really enjoy a book where the character starts out a little bit fickle and ends up becoming stronger and more confident, which is certainly what happened in this book.
Overall, an easy and comforting read!
It centres around a quiet, reserved character who is very conformative to her demanding mother. They live at a wonderful manor called Greystone Manor and they train horses. Jilly gets roped into visiting a 'strange' aunt and enters a bit of a magical journey, discovering she has some gifts along the way.
I liked how The Curse of the Golden Touch had magical realism- a favourite of mine. I loved the character of Bally, he reminded me a lot of my own horse. I also really liked the main character Jilly, though I felt she came across younger than she was meant to be. I really enjoy a book where the character starts out a little bit fickle and ends up becoming stronger and more confident, which is certainly what happened in this book.
Overall, an easy and comforting read!
June 16, 2025
This was a BLAST. I loved it. Horses, mysteries, exploring old estate, ghosts, this book has it all.
I can't wait to see what Jillian does next.
(I am not sure why this book is tagged as M/M Romance. It is not romance genre at all. I have contacted the author about having it corrected.)
I can't wait to see what Jillian does next.
(I am not sure why this book is tagged as M/M Romance. It is not romance genre at all. I have contacted the author about having it corrected.)
November 1, 2021
My review for The Curse of the Golden Touch
I very much enjoyed this book. It was well written and had a few twists. This is a very good read.
I very much enjoyed this book. It was well written and had a few twists. This is a very good read.
January 7, 2023
This story had horses, a cat and spirits. All of the things that I enjoy reading about. This is a fun mystery. I enjoyed it very much.
February 1, 2023
Fun read with twists and turns
It was a fun read with twists and turns. I like the writing style that keeps me turning the page.
It was a fun read with twists and turns. I like the writing style that keeps me turning the page.
May 8, 2024
This is a fun mystery with a cat, horses and spirits. Well-written with a few twists and interesting characters.
August 31, 2019
Finished the book but still confused .............
It was a good read but frankly the ending was Blah! What was the phrase about? What happened to the body? How did she know what had been done to her gift? All her memories are like dreams so why was she positive?
The characters are still slightly airy fairy but should get better with more books. However the main character really needs to think for herself a bit more. Why did she let the incident of the orange juice go. A plot of greed, family pride (or rather her mother's arrogance), a missing great aunt, strange happenings and a miss will. Why are there figurines everywhere? Does her cat have special powers?
Everything was boiling up well - the tension and suspense grew and then the ending. For me a total damp squid. What a shame - as the rest was brilliant!
It was a good read but frankly the ending was Blah! What was the phrase about? What happened to the body? How did she know what had been done to her gift? All her memories are like dreams so why was she positive?
The characters are still slightly airy fairy but should get better with more books. However the main character really needs to think for herself a bit more. Why did she let the incident of the orange juice go. A plot of greed, family pride (or rather her mother's arrogance), a missing great aunt, strange happenings and a miss will. Why are there figurines everywhere? Does her cat have special powers?
Everything was boiling up well - the tension and suspense grew and then the ending. For me a total damp squid. What a shame - as the rest was brilliant!
August 30, 2022
Review to follow.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews