The Secrets of Hartwood Hall

Lumsden’s atmospheric debut follows recently widowed Margaret Lennox, who arrives at Hartwood Hall in 1852 to become a governess to 10-year-old Louis Eversham. It is immediately apparent that the manor harbors many secrets. Louis’s mother, Mrs. Eversham, appears to be hiding something; she is often away on business, has few servants, and never mingles with the townspeople. For their part, the townspeople believe Hartwood Hall is haunted and spread unfounded rumors about Mrs. Eversham. While Margaret doesn’t believe in ghosts, the late-night sounds, multiple locks on the front door, and blocked-off parts of the house give her pause. Chaos ensues when a mysterious and sinister visitor appears, until all secrets come to light. Narrator Olivia Vinall conveys the tension of Lumsden’s unsettling story, which has all the elements of a classic gothic novel—a secluded English estate, a forbidden wing of the house, strange noises in the night, and burning candles in an empty room. Narrator Olivia Vinall breathes life into the characters, skillfully employing various voices and accents.