When Clive and Henrietta arrive in England they discover that Castle Linley is in serious financial trouble, so much so that the family may need to sell some, or all, of the property. It seems that someone wants Castle Linley to remain the property of the family, so much so that they are willing to do anything, including poisoning an estate agent. As the investigation progresses strange things begin to happen on the property, things so strange that some believe that the ghost of a hanged maid is responsible. Is it really the ghost, or is something more sinister at work within Castle Linley?
On a farm in Omaha Gunther and Elsie, along with little Anna, are starting their new lives as husband and wife, and while things aren’t always easy for them they are happy in the path they have chosen. They soon face a roadblock in the form of a surprise visitor, Oldrich Exely, who makes an offer that will be hard to refuse.
Julia is herself facing a tough decision. Does she stay with her husband, for better and for worse, even with the brutality he inflicts upon her and the threats he makes, or does she leave, regardless of the consequences such a decision can create?
A Haunting at Linley is the seventh novel in the Henrietta and Inspector Howard series, a series that builds upon the previous novels. I myself have only read this one and the novel preceding it–A Spying Eye–and while it is obvious that the plot builds upon the previous novels, I did not feel totally lost; in fact, I was less lost having read the previous novel than I was when actually reading A Spying Eye. I liked revisiting the characters, sharing in their triumphs and rooting for them when they faced their respective obstacles. The characters are extremely endearing and I love how a majority of the women are treated as equals, more so than was typical during that time, within most of the relationships. I can’t wait to see what is in store for Clive and Henrietta, Gunther and Elise, Julia, and many others in the next novel.
Available October 24th, A Haunting at Linley is a book I highly recommend, especially if y9ou have read other novels in the series. Thank you to Michelle Cox for allowing me to be a part of her street team and for gifting to me an electronic copy of A Haunting at Linley, given in exchange for an honest review; all opinions are my own.