Enchanted Hill By Emily Bain Murphy
Paperback published by Union Square 23rd November 2023
ISBN 9781454955511
Pages 384
The year is 1930 and Cara McCavanagh is posing as a maid at Hollywood magnate Truman Byrd’s legendary estate. She’s closing in on the damming evidence she needs for a high-profile client. An aspiring PI, Cara was trained by her father, a former prison guard at the notorious Pelican Island, where Cara grew up by hardened criminals. Which is why she recognises Jack Yates as soon as she walks through the door. The last time she saw him was on the ill-fated night that changed the course of her life and still haunts her more than a decade later. Cora never expected to see Jack again and now a single misstep could cause both their secret identities to come crashing down. They strike a tentative truce to help each other during a week of parties overflowing with champagne and caviar. But there are puzzles hidden in every corner of Truman Byrd’s labyrinthine estate, and Cora is to finally learn the truth about Jack Yates, she must unravel a sinister history that the rich and the powerful will do anything to keep concealed.
MY REVIEW
For anyone who has loved watching Downtown Abbey you will adore Enchanted Hill.
If you haven’t watched any historical fictional TV series, like Downtown Abbey, all you need to do is put the kettle on, sit back and relax, with a copy of this book, that will take you from your arm chair to the Byrd castle, the magnificent mansion, with lots going on.
Wealthy, Truman Byrd had married Mabel young when she was a second -rate actress. Truman had big ideas to break into politics. Now Mabel is nearly fifty and wants a divorce from her husband Truman Byrd, but she needs more than rumours and society gossip,about her husband to be granted a divorce.
This is why, Cora McCavanagh arrives at Byrd castle, working as an undercover maid, for Mabel Byrd. Cora has to live in the servant cottage, she has to dress in a black and white uniform with an apron.
Escape to the Enchanted Hill in this historical mystery where two people with a dark, shared past collide while working uncover at a glittering mansion on the California coast.
The story is filled with intrigue and old Hollywood glamour. WhT I can tell you is, Enchanted Hill, is an unforgettable, sweeping romantic novel set in a world you won’t want to leave.
I would like to thank midaspr for sending me a proof copy to read and review.
About author Emily Bain Murphy
Emily Bain Murphy was born in Indiana and raised in Hong Kong and Japan. She graduated from Tufts University and has also called Massachusetts, Connecticut, and California home.
Murphy is the author of young adult historical fantasy novels “Splinters of Scarlet” and “The Disappearances.” “The Disappearances” was a Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year, an ALAN Pick, and shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize. “Splinters of Scarlet” received starred reviews from School Library Journal and BookPage and has been translated into multiple languages.
“Enchanted Hill,” Murphy’s debut adult novel, will be published in 2023.
Murphy is represented by Peter Knapp at Park & Fine Literary and Media. She currently lives in the St. Louis area with her husband and three children.
Find her online on Instagram @emilybainmurphy and Facebook @emilybainmurphy, and at her website http://www.emilybainmurphy.com.
Bookread2day 