A story of second chances and secrets, this mysterious Regency romance will transport you to 19th-century England as one young lady reunites with her childhood love to find his missing sister. Her friend is missing. After five years abroad, Charity Halliwell finally returns to Loxby Manor, the home of dear friends–and her lost love. No longer a young girl, she is now haunted by a painful secret … haunted by a painful secret and the demise of her dreams. Instead of the healing and happiness she hopes to find, she encounters a darkness lurking in the shadows of the once-familiar house. When her friend, Seline, disappears the very night of her arrival, Charity is determined to uncover the truth.
Her only hope is the man who broke her heart.
Branded a coward, Piers Cavanaugh has lived the last five years as an outcast far from his family home. When his sister presumably elopes with a stable hand, Piers joins forces with an unlikely partner–the one woman he thought he’d never see again. Together they launch an investigation that leads to strange nightly meetings in the ruins of an old abbey and disturbing whispers of a secret organization. The more they learn, the more desperate the situation becomes.
The house seems determined to keep its secrets.
As they struggle to piece together the clues, Charity and Piers also endeavor to rebuild their friendship. One cryptic letter changed everything between them. To find happiness they will have to overcome the grief and shame keeping them apart. But first they must discover why Seline vanished and confront the growing fear that she may never return.
Settle in, because once you start The Vanishing at Loxby Manor, you won’t be able to put it down.
Praise for The Vanishing at Loxby Manor
“Vanishing at Loxby Manor cleverly combines Regency romance with Gothic intrigue, and the result is a suspenseful, thoroughly entertaining read. Charming and lovely.”–Tasha Alexander, New York Times bestselling author of In the Shadow of Vesuvius
“Like each of Wilson’s novels, The Vanishing at Loxby Manor drew me in from the start and didn’t let go. From the heartfelt characters to the twists that kept me guessing, I relished each turn of the page. Wilson is a master at historical mystery, and I cannot wait for her next story.”–Lindsay Harrel, author of The Joy of Falling
“Abigail Wilson’s latest Gothic romance hits the notes readers have come to expect from her talented pen: romance, shadows and intrigue and a brilliantly executed atmosphere. She is a master at her craft and a rare stand-out in a popular genre.”–Rachel McMillan, author of The London Restoration
“Weaving a shadow of mystery among the gilded countryside of Regency England, Wilson’s tale of love lost, buried shame, and secret societies is a delicious blend of romance and intrigue. Splash in gorgeous historical Regency details, and murder brewing around every stone, and readers will be burning through the pages until the riveting end.”–J’nell Ciesielski, author of The Socialite
“A gothic romance that is filled with great characters and a mystery that unfolds chapter by chapter. A perfect blend of mystery, family relationships, lost years, and star-crossed love. Be warned, you won’t be able to walk away from these characters.”–Cara Putman, award-winning author of Flight Risk
- Sweet but mysterious Regency Romance with Gothic tones
- A stand-alone novel
- Book length: approximately 90,000 words
- Includes discussion questions for book clubs
more
When Charity returns to Loxby Manor after five years away, things are not as they seem. But then, she’s changed too. When Seline, her best friend and daughter of the family she was staying with disappears on her first night back, she’s plunged into a mystery. Added to that, she has to work with the man who broke her heart years earlier, Seline’s older brother Piers, for answers.
The Vanishing at Loxby Manor is written in the first person and took some getting used to as I can’t recall ever reading a book of this type written from the first-person POV. The reader is limited to Charity’s viewpoint and things unfolded slowly because we have to contend with all of her memories, emotions, and uncertainty.
Charity is not the bold heroine I’ve gotten used to in historical fiction, but there’s something about her that draws you in. You want to learn more about her and you want her to keep asking questions so you can unravel the mystery and there was a lot of it.
It seemed as if everyone in the novel had something to hide which made it all the more difficult to unravel the mystery. I have to admit that things didn’t quite turn out as I had imagined them, though looking back the clues were there.
The romance between Piers and Charity was overshadowed by Seline’s disappearance and the characters past but they did get their happy ending.
The Vanishing at Loxby Manor is a reminder that you don’t always know people as well as you think you do. There was also the reminder that people can do strange things in the right circumstances.
The Vanishing at Loxby Manor had a subtle theme that shame stops you from living your best life. It locks you away from the people and pursuits you enjoy and never really go away until you face it.
There wasn’t much of a faith element except for this quote which stuck out for me,
“I’m not certain anyone can go back, not really. It’s more about finding a way to go on, to move forward, to trust God will take something bad that has happened and work it for good.” He stared down at our hands. “It doesn’t mean the path will be easy. I just know now that I don’t want to take it alone.”
The reader is reminded that God is able to use every bad thing for good.
I received an advanced reader’s copy from the publishers through NetGalley and Just Read Tours; a positive review was not required.
A great story, it is a gothic mystery and romance. The tale starts with most of the children playing together at one of the manors. All six of them become very close. Her family was leaving for Ceylon in the morning.
After five long years, she had returned to Luxby Manor while her parents traveled to Boston to see her brother. There was some kind of crisis going on in the house when she got there. She was taken straight away up to her room and was told she would have a tray there. But a few minutes later, her dearest friend charged into her room and gave her a huge hug while talking a mile a minute. She has been caught kissing a groomsman. Charity has trouble hearing and listening in a crowd. Avery, brother #2 was in as much trouble as Seline. He was sent home from school. Five years ago Piers had missed a duel and denounced a coward. So he moved close to Liverpool. Seline borrowed Charity’s cloak, told her, she would be back soon, and left. She disappears. The mystery has begun.
The characters were marvelous and realistic. The book is interesting and engaging. So many things are happening in this novel, it keeps your attention and it keeps you reading. I have never read this author before but I can’t wait to read more.
From the first pages, I was hooked on this gothic mystery! It is evident that Wilson knows how to write for the regency era. The details she included of the customs and culture were great. The setting was wonderful including the mysterious halls of Loxby Manor. The suspense kept building as the heroine searched for her missing friend. I enjoyed the interactions between characters as the heroine had to decide who to trust. The beautiful romance blooms into a real relationship and becomes even more beautiful. I like Wilson’s descriptive writing and the way in which she keeps the reader guessing right up until the end. I look forward to what she writes next! I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
This is my second book by this author, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed both of them. The book has a bit of a gothic feel to it – dark, brooding, and mysterious with secret societies, betrayal, and murder. Both of the lead characters have troubles from their pasts that still haunt them and they also have a past with each other. All of the threads – past and current – have now come together in a well-written, exciting, story that will have you on the edge of your seat. While I figured out who the villain was early on, I doubt most will – I just have a twisted mind. One of my favorite things about the book was that there wasn’t a Duke, Marquess, Earl to be found. There was a Lord Kendal, but we didn’t learn if he was titled or was just a second, etc. son of a title.
Charity Halliwell grew up near Loxby Manor and her along with the other kids from neighboring estates were all the best of friends. There were the three Cavanaugh’s – Piers, Avery, and Seline as well as Hugh Daunt, and Tony Shaw along with Charity, who were inseparable. That is, they were all inseparable until Charity’s parents, when she was sixteen, decided to immediately move to Ceylon, and then before long Piers was branded a coward and had to move to his grandmother’s old cottage outside Liverpool. Charity and Piers were in love with each other. How could they maintain their relationship with thousands of miles between them? Subsequent events caused them to be lost to each other.
Piers returns to Loxby Manor after his sister creates yet another scandal for the Cavanaugh’s. Seline was caught kissing a stable hand – OH! MY! Seline is desperately searching for a way to contain the scandal on the evening Charity arrives from Ceylon for a visit. Charity wants to do what she can to help, but Seline is very secretive about her quickly conceived plan. Piers arrives to find the love of his life visiting – and his sister missing.
Things at Loxby Manor aren’t what they seem to be. There is a tension and pervasive darkness about the place that hadn’t be there before Charity left. What vile things must have happened there? Charity doesn’t know – and nobody will share the information – if they know.
Piers and Charity soon determine they can’t trust anyone other than each other as they try to figure out what happened to Seline. Where has she gone? What about the other strange happenings? What is this secret society they keep hearing about? Is it real? Is it harmless? OH! You’ll just have to read the book to find all of the answers.
I thoroughly enjoyed the read, solving the mystery, and seeing Piers and Charity rekindle the love they have for each other. I love that both Piers and Charity manage to overcome their pasts and move toward a future together.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
2.5/5
I had high hopes for this one, but in all honesty it seemed to take me forever to read it. I thought it much too long, the writing over-the-top with dramatic “glares” and “creeping coldness”, etc. And unfortunately I didn’t particularly like or care much about the characters.
Charity, a young woman who has been living abroad, returns to England to live with her childhood neighbors/friends for a year, and the night of her arrival her friend Seline goes missing. At 80% in, we learn why/how she disappeared, but still have to unmask the villain. While I didn’t sense a real
urgency to find her, Charity and Seline’s brother, Piers (Charity’s former beau), try to solve the mystery.
There’s a sinister secret society, everyone except Charity and Piers are suspects, and the culprit is pretty obvious before the end. Could be better perhaps with more editing, but it just didn’t work well for me.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #ThomasNelson for providing me the ARC. The opinions are strictly my own.
The Vanishing at Loxby Manor is the standalone by Abigail Wilson, published by Thomas Nelson. The story is set in Kent, England 1816, and is about gentlewoman Charity Halliwell who has returned from Ceylon to stay as the Cavanagh family’s guest. She finds them terribly distraught because their daughter has misbehaved and disappeared and keeps seeing lights from the nearby Abbey. Locals are scared and keep away from it while some mysterious activity seems to be going on. She gets help from her close friend and heir to the Manor, Piers Cavanagh, to investigate what has happened to his sister and if the disappearance is part of a lager mystery.
Main character is gentlewoman Charity Halliwell seems a vulnerable woman who has suffered a blow to her selfworth she tries to keep secret. She is relatable and I feel for her, but she also frustrates me as she keeps things hidden and gets in her own way. She seems a well developed character who is easy to like and is my favorite of this story.
Supporting character is heir to the Manor Piers Cavanagh who is a botanist. Having been ostracized from Society following rumors of cowardice, he seems a really good person. Circumstances have not been on his side and he has suffered the harsh, unfair judgment of The Ton.
Main dramatic element of this story is the mysterious disappearance which makes Charity and Piers investigate local matters left alone for years. Rigging of horse races is an interesting element I have not read about before.
The writing has a deliciously dark and mysterious vibe which I love to read this time of year. Charity lands in kind of an investigator role. A“Miss Marple Light” if you will.
Charity and Piers have strong feelings from five years ago before Charity went to Ceylon. I enjoyed the process as complications in their relationship get a chance to be straightened out and feelings rekindled. This is my favorite part of the story.
The faith element is weaved into the last part of the plot as Charity and Piers have to trust God to help them with their struggles.
The ending to this story deserves a few sentences of its own as it was surprising beyond belief. I had my eye on several of the characters, but never the actual culprit. I really loved that.
This is the second book I have read by Abigail Wilson and I have loved them both. She is firmly on my radar now and I am eagerly awaiting what she comes up with next. Readers of Historical romance and Historical mystery I’m sure will enjoy The Vanishing at Loxby Manor. Fans of Abigail Wilson will definitely love it.
Similar authors to explore might be Sarah E. Ladd or Michelle Griep.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for this opportunity to share my honest review. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Conclusion: The Vanishing at Loxby Manor is the intriguingly mysterious historical which includes disappearance, murder and the rekindling of lost love. All tied together in an enjoyably unexpected ending.
The Vanishing at Loxby Manor by Abigail Wilson is a resounding read that will keep you on your toes. A veritable gothic romance reminding me of Austin’s Northanger Abbey, Wilson unveils a tail fraught with tension and mys-tery. Chapter by chapter reveals intrigue both past and present as old wounds rise to the surface and lost love seeks resolution. I found myself second guessing my predictions at every twist and turn of the plot. Wilson truly delivers a tale that captivates the mind and heart! This is an author I will not want to miss.
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
This book is everything a Regency, mystery, history loving reader could want. Plus, a dash of romance. I adored the heroine. She was so brave. She overcame fear and faced it head strong to uncover the truth about her dear friend. I admired her from the beginning. The book is in her point of view and was so well done. The author did a great job making me guess throughout the story who the bad guy was. Thus, the reason I couldn’t put the book down. I loved the book and highly recommend it.
*I was given a copy of the book by the publisher and this my honest opinion.
THE VANISHING AT LOXBY MANOR by Abigail Wilson brings Regency romance, mystery, intrigue and suspense to life in her newest historical romantic suspense novel, set in 1816 in Kent England in the village of East Whitloe.
After five years, our protagonist, Charity Halliwell, returns to Loxby Manor, the home of friends and her only love, Piers Cavanagh. When her friend, Seline, disappears the night Charity arrives, Charity is determined to find her. Can she rebuild her friendship with Piers and rely on Piers, who has been branded a coward and been living as an outcast for the last five years? Every person Charity meets seems to have a secret, but they’re not the only ones. She also has a secret that has fundamentally changed how she approaches life. Questions abound in this story. Where is Seline? What are the secrets of the Cavanaghs and their neighbors? What is Charity’s secret? Why did Piers become an outcast and live in a cottage in Liverpool?
Once again, this author drew me into the book quickly. The characters were compelling, led by strong and capable Charity. Despite her secrets, she came across as intelligent and resilient, but with some trust issues. The secondary characters had a variety of attributes, qualities and flaws that were realistic. This story managed to showcase the emotional landscape of several characters, bringing them to life to this reader.
The plot was suspenseful, fresh, complex and entertaining. The conflicts were both internal and external, arising from characterization and circumstance. There were plenty of plot twists and turns with a couple of them being a complete surprise. The tension, stakes and action in the last third of the book also turned this into a page-turner after a somewhat slow start. What an exciting and dramatic ending!
Once again, this author has brought mystery, romance, disappearances, family dynamics, secrets and much more come to life in a delightful novel. Her attention to detail made me feel like I was actually living in 1816 with Charity and Piers. At various times, it was poignant, heartbreaking and uplifting. The accurate and specific cultural aspects created an authenticity that one does not always find in novels.
Overall, this was an enjoyable and fabulous read. This is the second book I have read by this author and I am looking forward to the next one. I recommend it to those that enjoy historical romantic suspense and historical mystery novels.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson—FICTION and Abigail Wilson via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for January 26, 2021. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
Charity Halliwell has come home after five years spent abroad to stay at Loxby Manor, family seat of an old love,
who spurned her all those years ago. Her good friend Seline, goes missing unexplainably and Charity knows
that something is incredibly wrong. Then Piers Cavanaugh returns home to Loxby, he who spurned her. He has been an outcast from society. Piers and Charity must together try and find out what has happened to Seline and not the story that has been bandied about.
I loved Abigail Wilson’s last book, Masquerade at Middlecrest Manor. It was extremely well done and a wonderful Regency. This one is also quite good. I was so caught up in it and the mysterious goings on that I never had one inkling of the culprit. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers through Net Galley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and I received no compensation.
Oh, how I love an eerie Gothic Regency with musty, opulent mansions, mist-filled, woodsy countryside, deadly secrets, and ghostly happenings—guaranteed to send shivers of goose-pimply delight down my spine! Abigail Wilson’s poetic prose makes for a well-written, descriptive novel, but (and I so dislike putting a but here) the conclusion was just too far-fetched for me. Maybe it was just me but it was all a bit much, and not a plausible outcome in my opinion. That being said I still enjoyed reading this book!
The love story between Charity and Piers was blissfully romantic and Charity’s secret—heartrending, but as Piers so wisely states, “I don’t believe God made us to be looking back all the time, calculating every mistake we’ve made, measuring our worth by actions we can no longer change, particularly when such a practice comes at the expense of our future.”
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.*
This book reminds me so much of the Phylis Whitney and Mary Stewart books I use to read. It kept me on the edge of my seat! The mystery was good and the ending surprised me. I really enjoyed this book! Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the early copy
Sweet suspenseful Regency romance! 5 stars
The Vanishing at Loxby Manor written by talented author Abigail Wilson was the perfect read for me.
What can I say, this book had every elements to please me! It’s sweet, romantic, filled with suspense, darling characters, with a Gothic touch and a haunting dash! The pace was good until Charity and Piers start investigating the disappearance of young Seline. Then the pace picked up!
Perfect read to forget your worries!
Thank you Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my own honest opinion
The Vanishing at Loxby Manor is a standalone book by AW. It is similar to her other books in the tone, setting and that it is a (slightly gothic) regency-era mystery.
Charity Halliwell comes to stay with the Cavanagh family at Loxby Manor while her parents are in America. She had grown up near Loxby until her family suddenly moved to Ceylon five years earlier. Charity is allowed to stay behind to spend time with the daughter of the house, Seline Cavanagh, however, Seline disappears on Charity’s first night home. As a result of Seline’s disappearance, Piers Cavanagh, Seline’s brother, returns to Loxby Manor after a five year absence to investigate her disappearance.
Charity is reluctant to see him because she has learned a difficult life lesson in Ceylon that has changed her from a carefree independent young woman, into a cautious and suspicious one. She has always loved Piers, and he has loved her, but painful events have caused them both to shield their hearts.
I loved Piers, because, like all AW’s heroes, he is warm, kind, intelligent, protective, and serious. I liked Charity too, but she is tooooo much of a thinker. Her worries are repetitive and there is too much inner dialogue.
I thought the mystery, though not very plausible, was a good one. It stretched out too much because over 70% of the book is conjecture about what could have happened to Seline. Except for two house calls to old friends, the entire action takes place either in Loxby Manor, or on the grounds of an old abbey next door.
I didn’t want to give up on this book, but I kept praying that something exciting would happen, and I wanted to be happy for Piers and Charity, but I couldn’t feel any chemistry between them. They started off tacitly agreeing that neither would ever marry (each for their own personal reasons) and put up a wall between themselves. Suddenly, however, they develop a romantic/love relationship. It was too sudden.
While I liked Piers and Charity, I did not like any of the other characters. I felt that they were unsympathetic, or were not developed enough for me to care about them.
Having written this, I would definitely read more AW books. (I have read them all so far). I think she is a good writer, but this novel lacked something both in plot and characterization.
#TheVanishingatLoxbyManor #NetGalley
Weaving a shadow of mystery among the gilded countryside of Regency England, Wilson’s tale of love lost, buried shame, and secret societies is a delicious blend of romance and intrigue. Flawed characters grace each page with a vulnerability and deep desire to be known for their true selves, which is a beauty unto itself. Splash in gorgeous historical Regency details, and murder brewing around every stone and readers will be burning through the pages until the riveting end.
The Vanishing at Loxby Manor by Abigail Wilson is an excellent historical fiction novel that has it all: a wonderful plot, mystery, murder (but not gruesome), suspense, intrigue, twists and turns, and romance.
I have read every book by Ms. Wilson and I have to admit that I have loved every one. This book did not disappoint.
This novel takes place mainly 1816, with flashbacks to the previous 5-6 years in Kent, England.
I loved so many things about this book:
1. The location and time. 19th century England is so fascinating. So many changes socially, culturally, and it is so interesting to see a mix of new and old aristocratic and cultural situations weaved into one time period.
2. I loved the plot. It was creative, intricate, unique, and weaved a wonderful tale of mystery, mayhem, suspense, even a murder (or more?), and of course a slow-burning romance. It kept me enthralled from the beginning to end.
3. I loved the way the author lends her descriptive tones to the novel. There were so many minute details that truly added to the theme and enjoyment of the book. Glances, momentary flashes of memory, looks, small details added to describe events, rooms, clothing, occurrences, facial features, and the wonderful descriptions of the landscapes and homes all added to the complexity of the novel. There were moments of light, shadows, darkness, mists, and rays of sunlight that really added to the moods and overall themes of the book. Quite impressive.
4. loved the full character cast. All the characters were well-thought out, complex, well-placed, and all were entwined with one another. Their physical descriptions, pasts, and personalities were well-explained and perfectly placed into the storyline.
5. I loved the two main characters: Piers Cavenanagh and Charity Halliwell. I really enjoyed these two characters. Both were realistic, likeable, strong moral compass, yet imperfect. Both have had negative experiences and misunderstandings in their pasts. Both have complicated histories with one another and with others. Both are trying to find their way. I love the slow romance, the reawakening of emotions, their interactions, how they seem to bring out the best in one another when they are together, and of course I love their ending.
The whole novel was nothing short of fabulous. This is what every historical fiction novel should be.
5/5 stars enthusiastically.
Thank you EW and Thomas Nelson Fiction for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.