A Lazy Reader's Review of "The Third Wife of Faraday House" by B. R. Myers

Synopsis

    'Til death do us part . . .

    November 1816: Restless but naïve Emeline Fitzpatrick is desperate to escape her stifling life in foggy Halifax. Her guardian is lining up repugnant suitors, but Emeline has her eyes set on a handsome lieutenant in the British navy. She just needs to persuade him to propose, or her one chance at happiness will be gone forever.

    But when Emeline's hopes end in scandal, she finds herself with only one suitor left: the wealthy and enigmatic Captain Graves. Having already lost two wives to tragic circumstances, the unfortunate widower is seeking a new companion in his cloistered seaside manor, Faraday House. Or at least that is what Emeline had been told, because when she arrives, she is horrified to discover that the second Mrs. Graces, Georgina, has not yet died.

    Emeline is only certain of two things: something ghastly is afoot at Faraday House, and no one is going to save her. She will have to rely on her own courage, her burgeoning bond with the ill but strong-willed Georgina, and the aid of a handsome reverend with a mysterious past to unravel the secrets at the heart of the manor and forge her own destiny.

Review

    B. R. Myers' The Third Wife of Faraday House is a gothic tale with an intriguing premise and atmospheric setting that draws the reader in. The titular Faraday House, steeped in secrets, is as much a character as the people who inhabit it, providing a moody tension into the narrative, and the story's slow-burn unraveling of the house's mysteries keeps you on your toes. I think this is a testament to the writing abilities of Myers as there were several instances where the tension was so thick I had to take a break in order to quell my anxiety.

    The part that shines the most in this book is the protagonist's journey, navigating the perils of her new role as the "third wife," is compelling at first. There are moments of genuine suspense and emotional resonance, particularly when Emeline confronts the burdens of her position and the haunting legacy of the women who came before her. I thought that her development was excellent as we see her grow from a young naïve girl who is waiting to be rescued, to a formidable young women who takes an active role in shaping her own life.

    Some plot twists seem predictable, and key characters remain underdeveloped, leaving the reader wanting more depth and nuance. The pacing also falters in the second half, with certain subplots losing focus or wrapping up too neatly. The writing itself, as it pertains to this aspect of the book, is solid, but it does, at times, lean too heavily on gothic tropes without full reinventing them or making them feel fresh. I will say, however, that when it works, it works.

    Overall, The Third Wife of Faraday House is an enjoyable read for fans of gothic fiction who appreciate a dark, brooding atmosphere. While it may not break new ground in the genre, it's a decent, entertaining story that delivers on mood and mystery, if not always on character complexity or narrative originality.

Dec. 8, 2024 – Dec. 15, 2024

★★★☆☆

Favorite Quote: "We're all prisoners of our fears." ~ pg. 303