Haworth 1847 - Anne and Emily Brontë have had their books accepted for publication, while Charlotte's has been rejected everywhere, creating a strained atmosphere at the parsonage.
At the same time, a shocking court case has recently concluded, acquitting a workhouse master of murdering his wife by poison. Everyone thinks this famously odious and abusive man is guilty. However, he insists he is many bad things but not a murderer. When an attempt is made on his life, he believes it to be the same person who killed his wife and applies to the detecting sisters for their help.
Despite reservations, they decide that perhaps, as before, it is only they who can get to the truth and prove him innocent - or guilty - without a shadow of doubt.
At the same time, a shocking court case has recently concluded, acquitting a workhouse master of murdering his wife by poison. Everyone thinks this famously odious and abusive man is guilty. However, he insists he is many bad things but not a murderer. When an attempt is made on his life, he believes it to be the same person who killed his wife and applies to the detecting sisters for their help.
Despite reservations, they decide that perhaps, as before, it is only they who can get to the truth and prove him innocent - or guilty - without a shadow of doubt.
Product details
- Publisher : Hodder & Stoughton (9 Feb. 2023)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 352 pages
- ISBN-10 : 152936342X
- ISBN-13 : 978-1529363425
'Your ghost will always be in the pub, Branwell.' Emily said. 'And yours up on the moor, singing with the wind,' Branwell said, fondly. 'Charlotte will be ordering everybody around, absolutely furious that nobody is paying her any attention,' Emily added. 'And Anne will just be Anne, a light for others always.'
Thank you to Steven Cooper of Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley UK for the digital arc in exchange for my review.
I have read, enjoyed, and reviewed all the novels in the Bronte Mystery series. However, the fourth and final book, A Gift of Poison is by far the best! This is truly a Gothic and supernatural themed mystery on par with Edgar Allan Poe. I am truly impressed with how author, Rowan Coleman (pen name Bella Ellis) has completed the series with the Bronte sisters, Branwell, and Rev. Bronte, helping along the way. When the sisters are not solving mysteries they are writing and publishing their 'masterpiece' novels. Branwell is always in his sisters shadow feeling like a failure and drinking himself to death.
A wonderful part of the book was Haworth being filled with friends and family such as, Ellen Nussey Charlotte Bronte's oldest friend and newest friend, fellow authoress, Catherine Crowe. Along with Tabby, and the pets and Arthur Bell Nicholls, well, its a wonder the Bronte's ever finished anything!
The chapters with Abner Lowood, the self imposed tortured spirit of a man; who swears he is innocent, are wonderful to read. You can sense the gothic spirit rising up to the surface. I loved the not knowing if he really was innocent until you finished the book.
There is a thread of family throughout this book; familial life and familial death. Three different families living in and around the parsonage all with their hidden secrets and Charlotte, Emily and Anne are about to figure them all out!
This is a true page turner and what more could you ask for!
To purchase A Gift of Poison from the publishing company, Hodder & Stoughton
To purchase from, Amazon UK
