When Ingrid flees a violent husband to become a housekeeper in the Scottish Highlands, she discovers the family she works for has a much darker history than her own.
Who haunts Strathbairn? Why are the adult McCleod children at each other’s throats? And why does the youngest sneak off at night? As Ingrid searches for answers, she grows ever more fearful that her husband will track her down.
Set in late 19th century Scottish Highlands, WHAT HAPPENED AT THE ABBEY is a gothic mystery brimming with intrigue, ghostly drama, and family secrets.
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Author Bio
Isobel Blackthorn is a prolific novelist of unique and engaging fiction. She writes across a range of genres, including gripping mysteries and dark psychological thrillers.
The Unlikely Occultist: A biographical novel of Alice A. Bailey received an Honorable Mention in the 2021 Reader’s Favorite book awards. A Prison in the Sun was shortlisted in the LGBTQ category of the 2021 International Book Awards and the 2020 Readers’ Favorite Book Awards. Her short story ‘Nothing to Declare’ was shortlisted for the Ada Cambridge Prose Prize 2019. Her dark thriller A Legacy of Old Gran Parks won a Raven Award in 2019. The Cabin Sessions was nominated for the Bram Stoker Award 2018 and the Ditmar Awards 2018.
Isobel holds a PhD in Western Esotericism from the University of Western Sydney for her ground-breaking study of the texts of Theosophist Alice A. Bailey. Her engagement with Alice Bailey’s life and works has culminated in the biographical novel The Unlikely Occultist and the full biography Alice A. Bailey: Life and Legacy.
Isobel carries a lifelong passion for the Canary Islands, Spain, her former home. Six of her novels are set on the islands of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. These standalone mystery novels are setting rich and fall into the broad genre of travel fiction.
Isobel has led a rich and interesting life and her stories are as diverse as her experiences, the highs and lows, and the dramas. A life-long campaigner for social justice, Isobel has written, protested and leant her weight to a range of issues including asylum seekers and family violence. A Londoner originally, Isobel currently lives in the Canary Islands, Spain.
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Why Should You Read This?
Isobel Blackthorn’s “What Happened at the Abbey” transports readers to the atmospheric landscape of the late 19th-century Scottish Highlands, where the beauty of the surroundings masks the haunting mysteries that unfold within the walls of Strathbairn Abbey. This gothic mystery, filled with intrigue, ghostly drama, and family secrets, captivates from the first page to the last.
The protagonist, Ingrid, seeks refuge from a violent past by becoming a housekeeper in the secluded Scottish Highlands. Little does she know that the family she works for harbors a much darker history than her own. Blackthorn skillfully weaves a web of suspense as Ingrid delves into the unsettling dynamics of the McCleod family. The tensions between the adult McCleod siblings, the nocturnal escapades of the youngest, and the pervasive sense of unease create an atmosphere that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
The setting of the Scottish Highlands is not just a backdrop but a character in itself. Blackthorn’s vivid descriptions transport readers to a world shrouded in mist, with the abbey standing as a looming presence amidst the untamed beauty. The author’s attention to historical detail enhances the authenticity of the narrative, immersing readers in the complexities of the late 19th century.
The gothic elements of the story add an eerie and supernatural layer, making “What Happened at the Abbey” a true page-turner. As Ingrid grapples with the mysteries surrounding Strathbairn Abbey, readers are drawn into a web of ghostly occurrences and family secrets. The tension escalates as Ingrid’s fear of her violent past catching up to her intertwines with the enigma of what haunts the abbey.
The characters are well-drawn and multi-dimensional, each carrying their own secrets and burdens. Ingrid’s resilience and determination make her a compelling protagonist, and her journey of self-discovery is both relatable and poignant. The dynamics between the McCleod siblings are portrayed with nuance, adding depth to the familial conflicts at the heart of the mystery.
Blackthorn’s prose is evocative, painting a vivid picture of the gothic and atmospheric landscape. The pacing is well-managed, gradually unveiling the layers of mystery while maintaining a sense of urgency that propels the narrative forward.
In conclusion, “What Happened at the Abbey” is a masterfully crafted gothic mystery that combines the allure of historical fiction with supernatural intrigue. Isobel Blackthorn’s ability to create a richly atmospheric setting, coupled with a compelling narrative and well-developed characters, makes this novel a standout in the genre. For readers who appreciate a haunting tale of family secrets, ghostly drama, and the resilience of the human spirit, “What Happened at the Abbey” is a must-read.
Thanking you warmly for this exceptional review.