Can one develop feelings for the man you swore to see hanged? That’s just what Rebecca fears she has done in this Gothic Regency romance. After her brother’s mysterious death, Rebecca Hunter vows to expose the man she believes responsible: Mr. Lewis Browning—known by the locals as the Midnight Devil and by Rebecca as her new guardian.Summoned to his reclusive country estate to await her London … his reclusive country estate to await her London season, Rebecca plans her own secret investigation among the darkened corridors of the mysterious Greybourne Hall. Yet Lewis Browning is not as she once imagined, and his motivation is horribly unclear. Recurrent nightmares and Rebecca’s restless feelings are further complicated by the shadow of her mother’s prior descent into madness and wondering if she, too, will follow the same heartbreaking path.
Even as midnight rides, strange injuries, and further murders lead back to Mr. Browning, Rebecca can’t ignore the subtle turn of her heart. Has she fallen for the man she swore would pay for her brother’s death? And moreover, can she trust him with her uncertain future?
Praise for Abigail Wilson
“A wonderfully suspicious cast of characters, intriguing clues, and lush backdrop that readers can easily get lost in.” —Historical Novels Review of Midnight on the River Grey
“In the Shadow of Croft Towers is everything I love in a novel: a classic gothic feel, a regency setting, a mysterious hero . . . and secrets abounding!” —Dawn Crandall, award-winning author of the Everstone Chronicles series
“Enough jaw-dropping plot twists to give readers whiplash.” —Hope by the Book, Bookmarked review of In the Shadow of Croft Towers
“Shades of Gothic romance in a portrait of Regency England . . . if Jane Austen ever met Jane Eyre, it would be at Croft Towers!” —Kristy Cambron, author of Castle on the Rise, of In the Shadow of Croft Towers
“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.” —Rachel McMillan, author of the Van Buren and DeLuca Mysteries
“Beautifully written, suspenseful, and satisfyingly romantic.” —Jennifer Beckstrand, author of Home on Huckleberry Hill
This sweet Regency romance is a standalone novel. Book length: approximately 90,000 words. Includes a reading group guide.
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Midnight on the River Grey is Abigail Wilson’s sophomore novel. I thoroughly enjoyed her debut and was looking forward to this book as well. In no way did the author disappoint—in fact I liked this one even more than her first!
I have read many Regency novels, it is one of my favorite genres, but I love how the author is able to add in historical details that further my knowledge of the time period and help to flesh out the world these characters live in. Details about medicine at the time, tensions with other countries, and the roles and expectations of women are all included, and in a way that contributes to the plot and my enjoyment of the book.
The characters are strong and well-rounded, especially Rebecca and Lewis. They are complex and have varied motivations and reactions to the events they experience. The tenuous truce between the two adds to the feeling of uncertainty and suspense, keeping the reader in a perpetual state of unease right along with the characters.
Backstory figures into Rebecca’s actions heavily, where her family’s past threatens to prevent her from having a happy ending, unless she can learn to trust the God who holds the future in His hands. Her struggles are realistic and I appreciated her fears and the desire to overcome them even as she isn’t positive it’s possible.
Well-written, this book immediately drew me in and kept me immersed in its world; in a few instances, I became so engrossed in the novel that my husband caused me to jump when he tried to get my attention. I highly recommend this novel for fans of the Regency period, historical suspense, mysteries, or even just historical fiction in general. With enough twists to keep things moving along, this fast-paced novel is sure to please those who like their romance with a dash of mystery.
I received a review copy of this book through Celebrate Lit but was under no obligation to post a positive review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own.
What I think you should know:
Midnight on the River Grey is the second novel by author, Abigail Wilson. It is romantic mystery set in the Regency Era . Against her wishes Rebecca Hunter is brought to her guardian’s home, however that is the last place she wants to be as her guardian Mr. Lewis Browning played a part in her brother’s death. Rebecca is convinced that she will be able to find out the truth. I do not know that I would call this a Christian novel as it was not strong on a faith message.
What I enjoyed most about this book:
Rebecca is character i enjoyed, she has such spunk, but she always has her fears that makes her character very interesting for me. I also loved Aunt Jo, she was more fun than most chaperones that I have read about. The book had a little bit over everything it needed to make it an enjoyable read, mystery, romance, suspense. I will definitely read more of Wilson’s books.
Who will love this book: ( just to name a few)
Fans of Regency Era Novels
Fans of Mystery
Fans of Clean Romance
I received a complimentary copy for this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
Midnight on the River Grey
Rebecca is trying to find out what happened to her brother. Yet another death occurs right moving to Greybourne Hall. She has quite a investigation going. I did have my suspicions about her brother. Which I was right but I won’t give it away.
Her aunt Jo lived with her. She has a little dog that adds so much to the story. She kept running off and Rebecca had to go find her. She kinda helps solve the mystery in a round about way.
I don’t know why, but by the book cover I wasn’t sure how I would like the book. I loved it. Even though I figured it out. Read the book and see what you figure out.
I received an advanced copy of the book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit. This review is my own opinion.
Midnight on the River Grey by Abigail Wilson is a regency novel set in an early English countryside estate. Rebecca Hunter wants to find out how her brother was murdered but the only problem is, her new guardian is the suspect. I loved the adventurous nature of Rebecca. How even though she was frightened she didn’t let her fear stop her from seeking answers to her questions. She wasn’t afraid to admit when she was wrong. I really enjoyed the story-line. It kept my interest all the way to the surprising end. I love plot twists!
I received this book from Celebrate-Lit in exchange for my honest review.
This book started out pretty interesting, but I had a bit of a hard time following what was happening. It kept my interest, however, there were a lot of characters and things happening that for a while just didn’t make sense or add up.
It kind of follows a similar romantic pattern to her previous book, A Shadow in Croft Towers. In both books, the main characters are attracted to men who seem to have different personalities, and they don’t know whether to trust them or not because of all the secrets. In this book, Rebecca is attracted to, but doesn’t exactly trust Lewis, who may somehow be responsible for her brother’s death. And yet, she also can’t seem to resist him and part of her wants to believe he is upstanding. You’ll have to read to see whether he is or not.
It was past the halfway mark in the book before, I began to be able to put the pieces together and the who’s, who and how that all affects the story. However, even though a bit of a challenge to read, the author still kept me interested in the plot. Rebecca at times felt just a little ditsy on figuring things out. Maybe she just wanted to trust people, but there was quite a bit to be suspicious about that she seemed to overlook. I was able to relate to all the different thoughts that were going through her mind though, questioning people and circumstances, and trying to make sense of things.
I was blessed with this book courtesy of Celebrate Lit Bloggers. I was not asked or required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Abigail Wilson’s sophomore release builds the gothic suspense and mystery from the first chapter to the last.
When Rebecca Hunter and her aunt are relegated to Greybourne Hall, there are a lot of questions she is determined to find answers to around the death of her brother. Who exactly is Lewis Browning and what is going on in the woods around this country estate? Who can she trust?
Wilson’s tale weaves intrigue, danger, and a growing romance until the unexpected climax that rushes the reader toward the satisfying conclusion while the first-person narrative keeps emotions and anticipation at the edge throughout the book.
Fans of regency stories with a dark and mysterious atmosphere should not miss Midnight on the River Grey.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
This book started out a little slow for me but by the middle I was completely hooked and loved how it ended. There were many twists and turns in the second half of the book. I was quite surprised by the ending and loved it. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
Midnight on the River Grey swept me away with the heavy current of mystery, deception, and madness. Whom could I believe? What clues could be trusted? I was left guessing until the end! It was one of those books where you can hardly put it down, but you don’t want it to end. Yet–you must know what happens next!!
This is only the second book I’ve read in the gothic-type style. The darkness of Greybourne hall, an intruder lurking like a ghost within the estate, and episodes of madness are all typical qualities of the genre. The first person narrative can take some getting used to, but it is a great tool to keep secrets, as we only get to ‘live’ in one person’s mind (Rebecca).
Speaking of Rebecca Hunter, I loved her spunk and her quick wit. More than once, she was able to put others in their place while still maintaining a polite tone to the conversation. But it was her fortitude to discover the truth about her brother’s death despite her deepest fears lurking in the shadows of Greybourne Hall that really endeared me to her. I wanted her to find peace both in the mystery surrounding her brother’s death and in her own troubles.
Mr. Lewis Browning is so intricately entangled in the dark mysteries of the book, I wasn’t sure if it was safe to like him. But just as he is able to soften Rebecca’s heart, he will soften yours as well. You will be drawn to the quiet, yet confident man who keeps his emotions well guarded and his work often hidden in the dark of night.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. From the very beginning, I appreciated the well-developed characters. And as I delved into the meat of the mystery, I got wonderfully lost in the pages for hours. The romance is not at the forefront but is still satisfying for romance lovers like me. It is a genuine connection and will warm your heart.
If you enjoy Regency-era novels, Gothic novels, Christian suspense and mystery, then you’ll enjoy this book from front to back.
Happy reading!
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
This was a great book. It had mystery, drama, intrigue, and romance. It took me one page to become invested and want to read this riveting story with the haunting blue cover. This was a page turner.
This is the tale of feisty, determined Rebecca Hunter. Her brother, Jacob, has been murdered, and Rebecca has determined Lewis Browning also known as the Midnight Devil, is responsible. Since all of her immediate family are dead, Rebecca and her aunt must live with her new guardian, who happens to be Browning.
The twists and turns are plentiful as well as much drama in this exquisite Regency romance. I was very disappointed it was listed as a Christian novel. The faith and inspirational message is very light.
Author Wilson has done a great job with her second novel. Her writing style is even and has a nice, steady pace. I enjoyed the authentic dialogue and her exceptional descriptions which whisked me off to Regency England.
The characters were not developed enough for me to become totally engaged with them. I was to a degree but not totally. They just needed a little more honing.
I definitely recommend this to Regency lovers and mystery lovers. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but I was under no obligation to write a review. These are my own words. I rated it a 4 out of 5.
“Two murders. One bridge. And the truth as elusive as the fog.”
Such is the crux of the adventure and intrigue of Abigail Wilson’s “Midnight on the River Grey”. Not only is the cover gorgeous, but it also perfectly reflects the sinister ambiance that characterizes the novel. Atmospheric and foreboding, this book ushers in a sense of unease that lingers throughout the story. The setting further highlights this, with stunning descriptions that seem to make Greybourne Hall rise up out of the fog, right before readers’ eyes. With contemporaneous language, Wilson brings Regency England to life, infusing the narrative with gothic elements that serve to enhance the suspense.
From the secluded estate to the prototypical characters, “Midnight on the River Grey” has a decidedly cinematic quality to it. All is not as it seems at first blush, and there is no certainty in determining who is trustworthy. Murders, madness, conspiracy, and romance coalesce into this gently ominous novel, with a building crescendo that reverberates through the denouement. The characters are foils for each other, in both humorous and ominous ways. Rebecca Hunter relates the story from her first-person viewpoint as she works toward discovering the true story behind her brother’s death. Headstrong and impulsive, Rebecca is a daring figure, particularly during a time period when women were expected to be simpering and submissive. Lewis Browning is something of an enigma, his role as protector or villain hazy. Including the King Charles spaniel, Sophie, adds some lightheartedness while also furthering the mystery.
“Midnight on the River Grey” contains all of the essential qualities of an eerie mystery and is a clean read, albeit with only a few passing mentions of Christianity (my only complaint). I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys light suspense, Regency-era fiction, and historical romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through CelebrateLit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
‘There are some ghosts you might not want to summon back to life.’
The author has once again done a fabulous job of drawing the reader into the web of intrigue. Between nightmares, insanity, murder and suspicious occurrences you will find this Regency era story impossible to put down! I loved all the details about the Gothic style castle that added so many incredible ideas of what mystery surrounded it. The dark halls with nothing but candlelight, the creaking and shadows made me grateful I was reading in the daylight. The walks among the greenery just made me wonder if good or evil was around the corner.
Young Rebecca is banished first to Scotland and just when she thinks things are getting better she must leave London for Greybourne Hall, close to where her brother died. Will she be able to discover what really happened that dark night? Perhaps these are some of the ghosts she doesn’t want resurrected! I must admit, I was very caught up trying to figure out who could be trusted.
I received an ARC through NetGalley and CelebrateLit. These impressions and opinions are my own.
I enjoyed the time period set during the 1800s in London. I could already feel a chill come over me as I started the book. The author grabbed my attention right away with the way she makes the story eerie and mysterious with words that send chills down your spine. It sure wasn’t fun to be kicked out of your home and find out your new guardian was a distant cousin. Rebecca and her aunt are not thrilled but maybe Rebecca can gather information into her brothers’ mysterious death.
Lewis was a strange character to me. I wasn’t sure if he could be trusted and it made for a wonderful treat to find out more about him. The estate they were staying at sounded spooky and yes I would be the first to go explore the place. The land seemed to always be surrounded by fog with a heaviness that almost chocked you. How safe is she and her aunt at this new dwelling?
Regency novels can be quite intriguing if written with words that take you back in time. The author does this with such brilliance that I started to really get into the story. Oh my the secrets, dishonesty, plotting and unsavory characters were there in the midst of the story. What I liked is that the author doesn’t make things obvious, rather she has readers dig deep into the story and find clues that startle them. Not everyone is who they say they are. Rebecca is getting close to finding out something about her brother that could have a lasting affect on many people.
People in the area don’t think highly of Lewis and in fact believe him to be a murderer and a danger to everyone. Rebecca will need to distinguish the truth from lies in order to trust the right person. I loved how the suspense builds and how Lewis and Rebecca start to grow close. Now my question for Rebecca is, Are you keeping your friends close and your enemies closer? Get ready for a fast paced story that will leave you with unexpected outcomes and a book that has been crafted by an author that can write a story with layers that need to be peeled away to find the truth one step at a time.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
MIDNIGHT ON THE RIVER GREY is a story with a very Gothic feel and a constant undertone of danger while romantic sparks fly. The characters are easy to like and the story is engaging from beginning to end. Recommended to historical romantic suspense fans!
This story was so much fun! From the start you could feel romantic tension begin to build between Rebecca and Lewis and that tension just continued to grow, with plenty of swoon-worthy moments. I also really liked Rebecca and her aunt. Their relationship was simply charming and I adored it! The suspense was constant. At one point, it felt very Jane Eyre like and I wondered if there was a mentally unstable person hidden away. There were so many secrets and Rebecca had to figure out who to trust, who to believe, and what questions she needed to ask. There were some predictable parts, but there were also quite a few twists. I also could not put this down and stayed up late to finish it because I just had to find out what would happen. The characters were great and I really enjoyed the roller-coaster of emotions and figuring out the mystery.
There were just a few things that didn’t quite work for me. The reasoning behind selling the townhouse in London and some other things were never explained. I also did get a little frustrated that Rebecca didn’t just ask Lewis about her brother instead of always feeling like she had to be careful, and that the letter from Lewis explaining things wasn’t part of the story until quite a ways in. The other thing was that knowing what I did at the end of the story, I didn’t see how one of the things that happened could have under the circumstances (I can’t say more without spoiling it). I also felt the epilogue was unnecessary.
In the end, was it what I wished for? Again, this was a really fun story! I had a few issues, but they didn’t affect my overall enjoyment of it. This author writes really great characters and the romance was fabulous!
Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Celebrate Lit, which did not require a positive review nor affect my review in any way.
My Thoughts on Midnight on the River Grey:
Great read. New author to me but reading her bio made me want to get to know her. I love curling up with a good book and hiking as well so we must be kindred spirits. Oh and England is definitely a dream destination of mine. Let’s not even forget crazy little children, I have a few or more of those too.
First things first. The book is definitely unique. You’ve got madness and spells(not the witchcraft kind) plus murder and mystery. Everything a good suspense book has plus the added bonus of some love story thrown in.
I can’t help but feel connected to Rebecca. While I’m not an orphan and don’t have a guardian I do feel that she’s a new friend who I fiercely want to protect and champion. To lose both parents and your brother within a few years has to be hard. Add on that having a guardian that you don’t feel so friendly towards and certainly don’t trust definitely tends to muddle the thinking.
Rebecca does have an older relative who stays with her as her companion and chaperone. While Rebecca vows to never marry her companion might have other ideas.
So, I like the author’s style of writing. But there are some parts of the story that seem to drag or I don’t see the significance. I love the setting as I love anything English countryside. The resident of the dower house though, I don’t like her from the start. Just letting you know.
I consider this a great read and recommend it as a good romance/mystery. It’s not an overtly Christian one though so would be a good book to gift to a friend who might not be receptive to “preachy” fiction works.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
English moors beset by swirling mists and winds; wicked storms, dreary weather, and centuries-old decrepit buildings slowly decaying; combine to make a great Gothic tale, but not a place I would care to visit. Abigail Wilson, in Midnight on the River Grey, carefully employs dark words, effectively painting a very dreary, spooky mood in Regency England.
What is the allure of a musty setting like this? It “must” be the reader’s desire to see if the unfortunate characters can find hope or color in their lives, against all the odds of the Dickens-like environment. Rebecca has an overriding fear that she must face head-on. Lewis Browning has a horrible reputation that causes townspeople to ostracize him completely. Under the darkness of this tale is a thin ray of light struggling to find greater purchase and freedom. As a reader, I raced through the pages hoping to free Rebecca from her invisible prison. Would she determine the cause of the turmoil in her new surroundings, or would she become the next victim?
Who will not like Rebecca? She can’t seem to stay safe, but she is determined to prove her loved one innocent and make the guilty pay. Rebecca has spunk, inquisitiveness, and clear thinking in spades, although some might like her to think otherwise.
I loved the slow unwrapping of the romance as if one were unwrapping a present covered in layers of newsprint. Lewis was kind enough to sympathize with Rebecca’s feelings. That goes a long ways towards winning her respect, as opposed to just defending her father. Lewis also proves himself to be thoughtful and generous in undeniable ways. By this point, I didn’t care if Lewis was good-looking or not. Actions transform the face and person.
I wondered if maybe Rebecca had unfairly judged both her father and Lewis. My Bible reading just yesterday cautioned against judging. It seems we point fingers back at ourselves when we refuse to extend grace to others.
Aunt Jo is very likable and seems to have a quiet caution and wisdom. She is an excellent foil for Rebecca.
A quote. (I will post longer ones as memes.)
“Sometimes people do awful things when they feel justified.”
I recommend this book, with a few caveats. While it is clean, there are, however, a few situations that would make it for mature readers. There was no mention of faith, which is disappointing when the book comes from a Christian publisher.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit and NetGalley. No positive review was required and all opinions are my own.
Midnight on the River Grey is a must read for readers who love gothic suspense. It is filled with dark family secrets, spies, unsolved murder, a sweet romance and a beautiful atmospheric setting. With an independent heroine and an enigmatic hero, the unpredictable but sweet romance was fun to watch unfold. The mysterious setting of Greybourne Hall almost appears as a character itself under the skillful pen of Abigail Wilson. The beautiful and vivid descriptions appeal to the senses, drawing the reader into the gothic setting, providing for the perfect fictional escape.
I eagerly await Ms. Wilson’s next book. Gothic suspense was one of my first loves and it is nice to find one that is a clean read.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
In a mysterious castle we find mystery, history, suspense and secrets in the early 1800’s England. She vowed to find the truth and also find justice. Her new guardian was so much more than who she was expecting. I really liked how her search kept the story moving and how the romance developed.
I was gifted a copy no review was required. My review is voluntary.
Midnight on the River Grey by Abigail Wilson is a historical Regency mystery filled with a creepy suspenseful setting and delightful characters. Wilson’s novels reminded me a lot of Wurthering Heights by Emily Bronte. A mysterious hero who takes in a heroine and the entire house acts as a mysterious character in the novel. The writing is exceptional because Wilson writes the story in first person, so as soon as Rebecca sees something or discovers something to help her in discovering what happened to her brother, Jacob, we learn it for the first time too. The mystery was the train of thought for Rebecca during the entire novel. She didn’t think about it once and then move onto wooing Lewis; Rebecca actually wanted to solve what happened to her brother. She even included Lewis, her guardian, in the discovery. The romance did seem a little odd at first, but after a while, it did seem to fit the characters well. Overall, Midnight on the River Grey by Abigail Wilson is definitely a suspenseful book for fans of classic literature like Wurthering Heights or Jane Eyre.
I received a complimentary copy of Midnight on the River Grey by Abigail Wilson from Thomas Nelson Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
I did not want this book to end! So suspenseful and so much intrigue. I absolutely loved the characters, the patience, the very human weaknesses, the hope, the strength. Just all around great characters! The story was wonderful. Just what I love: happy ending, sweet love story, clean and beautiful. This author is truly talented and I will be looking for more by her.
I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions are my own and are expressed voluntarily.
I have been waiting months to read this! Ever since reading and loving Abigail’s debut novel in January, I knew I HAD to read this one. I am happy to say it did not disappoint! It was a bit of a slower start for me and it took a bit for me to really connect to the characters, but once I did I was hooked. The mystery was great and had a couple twists I did not see coming which I really liked about the book. It connects to her first book(which I HIGHLY recommend) and also to her upcoming book that releases in the Spring of 2020. Make sure you check out Abigail’s books soon!
I received this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.