Hazelthorn

Hazelthorn by C. G. Drews is a Gothic tale complete with the classics, a crumbling mansion, mysterious atmosphere, and creepy family members, and modern trappings such as a queer romance, botanical body horror, and being othered - so, yes, it is right up my alley.

Seventeen year old Evander has three rules: never leave the estate, never go into the garden, and never be alone with Laurie - his boyhood friend who attempted to kill him seven years ago - and the grandson of Evander’s guardian, Byron Lennox-Hall.

When his guardian died - or was murdered - leaving the old mansion and his entire estate to Evander, Lennox-Halls appear out of nowhere and descend upon the manor.

Evander and Laurie - though their relationship is strained - start an investigation to uncover Byron’s murderer - with every freshly instated Lennox-Hall as suspects.

As all the best mysteries in crumbling Gothic mansions will, Evander’s investigation finds a lot more than he even knew to look for as he uncovers secrets about the garden, the family, and himself.

I listened to the audiobook, and Michael Crouch perfectly embodied Evander and the other characters and was particularly good at capturing and expressing Evander’s emotional state which is key for an overwrought Gothic sensibility.

Thank you to NetGalley and RB Media for the review copy.

Support your favorite indie bookstore (and me) by using my link to order the audiobook from https://libro.fm/referral?rf_code=lfm60355 OR if you prefer using your eyes to read, support your favorite indie (and give us both 20% off if it’s your first purchase) by using my link at https://refer.bookshop.org/candidanorwood.