Vaughan Springthorpe is a solicitor. So far, so good, but we’re in England, it’s the end of the nineteenth century, and women just don’t do legal work. They’re supposed to stand there, be pretty, and snatch a rich husband while in their prime. Vaughan has other ideas, however.

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** 3.6 Stars **

The Curse of Morton Abbey is Clarissa Harwood’s third novel, but it is the first of hers I’ve read. For me, it wasn’t a quick-paced, exciting read, but it was a slow and steady build to a tingling end. This is a book that was crying for an epilogue because the ending was just so abrupt, I found myself sitting there with my mouth open asking – Is this it?

Vaughan Springthorpe grew up in her father’s law office learning the law at his knee. The time spent in those law offices was the best of her life because her mother and sisters were dismissive, condescending, and full of criticism and pity for her. She was as good a solicitor as her father was, but, of course, at that time women didn’t become solicitors. When he passed away, Vaughan finished up all of his legal work for him and was then determined to find a job for herself rather than live with her older sister and mother. Wasn’t she lucky that the perfect opportunity presented itself in the form of Sir Peter Spencer? He hired her, sight unseen, to put his estate, Morton Abbey, into shape so he could sell it and she couldn’t wait to get started. Should she tell him she is a female? Maybe . . . later.

Morton Abbey is certainly an eye-opener for Vaughan. When she arrives, she finds a cold, forbidding, unwelcoming edifice populated with people who definitely do not welcome her. Granted, it is winter, and most places look stark and cold in the winter, but there is something more sinister about Morton Abbey. The door is opened by Bedford, the scowling, unwelcoming butler who reminds her of a specter hovering in the entry. Mrs. Wilson was the pink-cheeked, round-faced housekeeper who seemed more welcoming, but distrustful. Were they the only two people in residence? No, Sir Peter’s sickly brother Nicholas (Nick) Spencer was also in residence. Then, as the only bright spot, there is Joe Dixon, the gardener.

Somebody is trying to frighten Vaughan away, but she’s having none of it. She is steady and pragmatic and doesn’t believe in ghosts. Yet, the nightly crying – by a child is unsettling. Could it really be a ghost? Perhaps the ghost of Nick Spencer’s deceased child?

Vaughan perseveres in her task for Sir Peter as she makes friends with Nick and Joe. Still, everyone isn’t who they seem. What is going on at Morton Abbey? Why? The answer will surprise you as there is more than one villain.

I enjoyed the story, but I did feel it was a bit draggy in places and I found myself skimming. Then, there was the ending – it was just too abrupt, too quick. I always love an epilogue, but this book just begged for one – especially since I just didn’t buy the fact that the couple was devotedly in love if she could just leave as she did and he didn’t contact her for almost a year. No, the end was definitely dissatisfying for me. I will recommend the story as it was interesting – but I’m not recommending it as enthusiastically as I normally would. This story didn’t make me want to go back and read the previous books by this author nor did it make me want to seek out future books. ( )

A truly gothic read, well-written and atmospheric. However, it is more of a historical romance with a strong tint of female emancipation than a mystery. The mystery aspect of the hauntings and the child felt a bit forced sometimes. By the way, I still don't understand completely why the child was hidden... ?
That being said, I really enjoyed the flow of the story – And: Nick Spencer has become my new fictional crush.

I received this ebook from the author via LibraryThing's MemberGiveaway program in exchange for an honest review. ( )

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I do like a gothic novel and this fits the bill. I like a bleak atmosphere and drug out mystery with a little supernatural suspense.
I think the characters could have been a little more developed visually speaking. It was very hard to imagine what Vaughan actually might look like: her short and frumpy? But dark haired and eyed and pretty? A lame leg and disfigured foot were very prominent but that was about all.
Nick was better described but I think only because his appearance transformed as his health improved.
I also don’t know why Rose Dixon would look like a princess or own a blue silk dress, how Joe looked except that he was good looking to Vaughan, etc.
The crying night child added a little suspense but fell very flat and kind of made no sense in the end.
I don’t think Mrs. Dixon’s actions as a midwife did anything to enhance the story and Bedford and Mrs. Wilson’s actions were also a little strange.
I read quickly through the second half of the book but it was pieced together a little too complexly with everyone having a piece in the puzzle although again I felt this completely unnecessary for the actual story and imo it actually took away from it a little making things confusing with a lot of needed explanation tied together.
The end concluded in a weird feminist way which I understand was Vaughan’s thing from the beginning but also jarring after all of the events at Morton. And the reunion and happily ever after for all involved was almost wrapped up with a bow too well for my liking.
Basically I really liked all of the book until the ending which probably to most was very satisfying but for me was disappointing. ( )