When a story combines the charm of a snowbound English manor, the tension of a murder mystery, and the warmth of a Christmas romance, it’s practically guaranteed to steal my reader’s heart. Danger at Darkmoor Park delivers all that and more—a Gothic-tinged historical mystery that feels like curling up by the fire with a steaming mug of cocoa and a secret you can’t wait to unravel.
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Title: Danger at Darkmoor Park
Author: Syrie James
Series: The Audacious Sisterhood of Smoke & Fire
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: 5 out of 5 ⭐
Disclaimer
Affiliate links can be found within this post. If you need additional information, please see the disclaimer.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
My Thoughts:
This book featured some of my favorite elements: Christmas-time historical romance and a cozy mystery. When those two things are done well, it makes for an absolute treat of a read—and Danger at Darkmoor Park hits that perfect balance between charm and suspense.
Mrs. Hillman has gathered her circle of friends for a festive Christmas celebration at her grand estate, Darkmoor Park. Helping her host is Selena Taylor, her friend and heir, who runs a school for girls inside Darkmoor Park. With the students away for the holidays, Selena is ready for a rare break from her busy life, but a raging snowstorm soon traps everyone on the estate. When one of the guests, Mr. Clarke, is found dead at the bottom of the stairs—after whispering a cryptic clue about hidden treasure—Selena begins to suspect something much darker than an accident.
Enter Dr. Adrian Scott, the mysterious physician who arrives out of the blizzard and quickly becomes her partner in the investigation. Together they must unravel a trail of secrets, lies, and buried motives—all while the tension (and their attraction) rises. As another death shakes the house and threatening notes appear, Selena begins to question everything… including whether the man she’s falling for might be hiding something deadly.
I loved the interplay between humor, holiday warmth, and whodunit suspense. The snowbound setting, paired with the atmospheric charm of a creaking manor and flickering firelight, gave this book such a cozy yet eerie vibe. Selena is a strong and engaging heroine—clever, independent, and deeply loyal—while Adrian adds a perfect mix of intrigue and heart. The mystery kept me guessing, the romance was delightfully restrained yet charged with chemistry, and the treasure-hunt twist added a dash of adventure that made this story sparkle.
This is the kind of winter read that makes you want to light a candle, pour some tea, and lose yourself in a world of hidden rooms, whispered secrets, and slow-burn affection.
Publisher’s Blurb:
Hidden treasure. Murder. Mystery. Romance. All while snowbound at Christmas.
While trapped by a blizzard at a remote country manor house over Christmas, a school headmistress teams up with a charismatic doctor to solve a murder and hunt for hidden treasure.
But can she trust the man who has stolen her heart?
Selena Taylor is thrilled to cohost a Christmas house party at Darkmoor Park, the beautiful Yorkshire estate she will one day inherit. But a massive snowstorm hits the area, and no one can leave. When one of the guests dies after giving Selena a cryptic clue to a cache of hidden money, she suspects that he was murdered.
Dr. Adrian Scott arrives out of the blizzard and he and Selena, fueled by a burning mutual attraction, become partners in investigating both mysteries—a thrilling hunt for hidden treasure and the search for a ruthless killer—while trapped with holiday guests who all seem to be hiding a secret.
When another guest dies and she starts receiving threatening notes, Selena realizes that she is in terrible danger, pursued by a relentless villain and involved with a man whose touch makes her heart race but who may be hiding a deadly secret of his own.
Tropes you’ll love:
- Amateur Sleuth Duo
- Murder Mystery
- Snowbound Romance
- Gothic Suspense
- Dark Secrets
- Strong Heroine
- Secretive Hero
- Woman Sleuth
- Forced Proximity
- Victorian Mystery
Perfect for fans of Julie Klassen, Mimi Matthews, and Claudia Gray who enjoy romantic historical suspense with a Gothic twist.
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Final Thoughts:
Danger at Darkmoor Park is the perfect read for anyone who loves a dash of danger in their Christmas cheer. With elegant prose, a touch of Gothic mystery, and just enough romance to make your heart flutter, it’s a delightful addition to any winter reading list.
Would you trust a charming stranger to help you solve a mystery in a snowed-in manor house… or keep your secrets close until the storm passes?
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