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Thornwood House
When you're all that stands between the murderous past and the fate of those you love, how far would you go to save them?
When Audrey Kepler inherits an abandoned homestead in rural Queensland, she jumps at the chance to escape her loveless existence in the city and make a fresh start. In a dusty back room of the old house, she discovers the crumbling photo of a handsome World War II medic - Samuel Riordan, the homestead's former occupant - and soon finds herself becoming obsessed with him. But as Audrey digs deeper into Samuel's story, she discovers he was accused of bashing to death a young woman on his return from the war in 1946. When she learns about other unexplained deaths in recent years - one of them a young woman with injuries echoing those of the first victim - she begins to suspect that the killer is still very much alive. And now Audrey, thanks to her need to uncover the past, has provided him with good reason to want to kill again.
When Audrey Kepler inherits an abandoned homestead in rural Queensland, she jumps at the chance to escape her loveless existence in the city and make a fresh start. In a dusty back room of the old house, she discovers the crumbling photo of a handsome World War II medic - Samuel Riordan, the homestead's former occupant - and soon finds herself becoming obsessed with him. But as Audrey digs deeper into Samuel's story, she discovers he was accused of bashing to death a young woman on his return from the war in 1946. When she learns about other unexplained deaths in recent years - one of them a young woman with injuries echoing those of the first victim - she begins to suspect that the killer is still very much alive. And now Audrey, thanks to her need to uncover the past, has provided him with good reason to want to kill again.
451 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2013
79 people are currently reading
5090 people want to read
About the author
Anna Romer
8 books241 followersAnna Romer is an internationally bestselling Australian author of mystery and romance, both historical and contemporary, with paranormal elements – ghosts, haunted houses, and fairytales. She lives on the coast in North Eastern Australia and when she’s not writing she’s a keen gardener, knitter, bushwalker and conservationist.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 445 reviews
April 11, 2017
Mixed thoughts about this one. It was a pleasant read and there was a good story buried within it but there was a lot of extra stuff there that could have been left out. I enjoyed the present day parts except when Audrey was hallucinating all over the place about Ayesha and Sam. Apparently she had a weird psychic connection with the house. Of course it was a technique used by the author to allow us to see the past but I thought the diary was a much better way and found those sections very readable.
The other big problem for me was too many dead people. For one family they attracted an unfair number of murders and suicides. If I had been Audrey I think I would have taken Bronwyn a long, long way away! One more complaint - the ending was silly.
Nevertheless three stars because I enjoyed the story, liked the setting very much and enjoyed the characters and dialogue.
The other big problem for me was too many dead people. For one family they attracted an unfair number of murders and suicides. If I had been Audrey I think I would have taken Bronwyn a long, long way away! One more complaint - the ending was silly.
Nevertheless three stars because I enjoyed the story, liked the setting very much and enjoyed the characters and dialogue.
December 20, 2015
Audrey Kepler inherits an abandoned homestead in rural Queensland. The timing couldn't have come at a better time as Audrey needed to get out and start a new life which she now intended to do. So with her eleven year old daughter Bronwyn by her side Audrey sets off for Queensland.
Once they are settled in the house, Audrey stumbles across an old photo of the former owner Samuel Riordan. In time Audrey starts to get preoccupied with finding out more about Samuel. Only it seems the deeper Audrey digs into the past of Samuel she discovers some disturbing information.
I thoroughly enjoyed Thornwood House. A very entertaining and gripping read and one that I enjoyed from the very first page right through to the final page. Aussie author Anna Romer has written a wonderful novel full of mystery, murder and suspense. Highly recommended.
Once they are settled in the house, Audrey stumbles across an old photo of the former owner Samuel Riordan. In time Audrey starts to get preoccupied with finding out more about Samuel. Only it seems the deeper Audrey digs into the past of Samuel she discovers some disturbing information.
I thoroughly enjoyed Thornwood House. A very entertaining and gripping read and one that I enjoyed from the very first page right through to the final page. Aussie author Anna Romer has written a wonderful novel full of mystery, murder and suspense. Highly recommended.
October 14, 2016
The shock of Tony’s death was only surpassed by the fact that he’d left her an old homestead called Thornwood House, located in Magpie Creek in Queensland – a place she had known nothing about until his will was read. Audrey Kepler and her eleven year old daughter Bronwyn’s journey to view the old and long abandoned homestead had Audrey changing her mind – her view that they would sell Thornwood House and buy in their home city of Melbourne was broken when both Audrey and Bronwyn fell in love with the area…
But it wasn’t long before the past was beckoning Audrey – the mysterious deaths of two young women connected to Tony’s past; the photo of Samuel Riordan and the horrific accusations surrounding him. Audrey felt she needed to know the truth – but could she unravel something from so long ago when the police hadn’t been able to? The secrets which encompassed the people of the district – the feeling of danger that Audrey could sense; was that long ago past suddenly encroaching on Audrey and Bronwyn’s new life in Thornwood House? Should they leave the area before it was too late?
Thornwood House by Aussie author Anna Romer was a wonderful debut novel. Gripping and intense, especially in the second half of the book, it kept me enthralled until the end. Filled with tension and brilliantly written characters, it felt so real! I thoroughly enjoyed Thornwood House and highly recommend it.
But it wasn’t long before the past was beckoning Audrey – the mysterious deaths of two young women connected to Tony’s past; the photo of Samuel Riordan and the horrific accusations surrounding him. Audrey felt she needed to know the truth – but could she unravel something from so long ago when the police hadn’t been able to? The secrets which encompassed the people of the district – the feeling of danger that Audrey could sense; was that long ago past suddenly encroaching on Audrey and Bronwyn’s new life in Thornwood House? Should they leave the area before it was too late?
Thornwood House by Aussie author Anna Romer was a wonderful debut novel. Gripping and intense, especially in the second half of the book, it kept me enthralled until the end. Filled with tension and brilliantly written characters, it felt so real! I thoroughly enjoyed Thornwood House and highly recommend it.
December 4, 2014
I started this book with great anticipation. The story concerns Audrey Kepler, who thanks to her former lover and father of her 11 year old daughter Bronwyn, inherits an abandoned house and land in rural Queensland. In that house she discovers a photograph of Samuel Riordan, a former owner. She becomes obsessed with him and finds herself unable to believe the stories told about him. In the process of trying to find out more about Samuel she discovers the tragic story which includes a couple of deaths in the family.
The descriptions of the house and Australian bush were well portrayed. But at times I got fed up with passages of description that seemed to have no relevance to the story e.g. the description of the carnivorous plants in the glass house. I thought it could have done with a serious edit. I found myself skipping bits. I also objected to hearing about emerald eyes. I don’t know about you but I have never seen anyone with eyes the colour of emeralds. Green yes, but not that strong vibrant green of emeralds. Added to this, I found Audrey’s obsession with Samuel and the Aylish story started to annoy me.
Towards the end as events spiralled, I found it harder and harder to suspend disbelief, so while the story was interesting in some ways, it didn’t live up to my expectations. However, having said that this is Anna Romer’s first novel and I will still be interested to read Lyrebird Hill which is on my to read list.
The descriptions of the house and Australian bush were well portrayed. But at times I got fed up with passages of description that seemed to have no relevance to the story e.g. the description of the carnivorous plants in the glass house. I thought it could have done with a serious edit. I found myself skipping bits. I also objected to hearing about emerald eyes. I don’t know about you but I have never seen anyone with eyes the colour of emeralds. Green yes, but not that strong vibrant green of emeralds. Added to this, I found Audrey’s obsession with Samuel and the Aylish story started to annoy me.
Towards the end as events spiralled, I found it harder and harder to suspend disbelief, so while the story was interesting in some ways, it didn’t live up to my expectations. However, having said that this is Anna Romer’s first novel and I will still be interested to read Lyrebird Hill which is on my to read list.
August 31, 2016
A fantastic read from a brilliant new Australian author
I love anything written in Australia, especially if it’s set somewhere I know or have been. And any book that goes back in time via old letters and diaries is high on my list to read. Each chapter of Thornwood House transported me to another time, and was jam packed with surprises, skeletons in family closets, and a cast of both lovable and wicked characters.
There's a little bit of everything in this novel. Love, mystery, murder, war and history. I got teary in places, and laughed in others. And I love a novel which is fiction but includes real facts so I get to learn things I didn't know before.
Delving into the personal lives of people through their diaries and letters always makes me sad, especially when the person is no longer here and stories and secrets unfold that they were never to know. Thornwood House completely hooked me in, with the chapters alternating between past and present. The historical sections were extremely well researched, and gave this novel a real life feel. It's an awesome mix to fold up in one novel and the best thing is, it's all set in Australia.
I can see why it's been called a gothic thriller. The author’s vivid descriptions of the Australian landscape, and of the dangers and creepiness of the Australian bush (especially at night!) are chilling. The author deeply explores her characters, who are not your usual run of the mill, a real mix which made the story all the more interesting. You get the feeling something’s brewing, but you're never really sure what it is, or who you can trust!
I love this author. I love her writing style. You can tell she’s passionate about Australian flora and fauna. Her descriptions make you feel you are actually there with everything going on around you. I could easily visualise the old house and felt as though I knew it, and now I want antique furniture!
Thornwood House keeps you on the edge of your seat all the way through. It's a book that lingers with you long after you've finished, a book you can't stop reading but don't want to end. I can't wait for Anna's next novel, this one goes on my list of best books ever! Put it on your reading list, you won't regret it. It's one I'll be recommending for years to come! I know there are great things ahead for this author!
I love anything written in Australia, especially if it’s set somewhere I know or have been. And any book that goes back in time via old letters and diaries is high on my list to read. Each chapter of Thornwood House transported me to another time, and was jam packed with surprises, skeletons in family closets, and a cast of both lovable and wicked characters.
There's a little bit of everything in this novel. Love, mystery, murder, war and history. I got teary in places, and laughed in others. And I love a novel which is fiction but includes real facts so I get to learn things I didn't know before.
Delving into the personal lives of people through their diaries and letters always makes me sad, especially when the person is no longer here and stories and secrets unfold that they were never to know. Thornwood House completely hooked me in, with the chapters alternating between past and present. The historical sections were extremely well researched, and gave this novel a real life feel. It's an awesome mix to fold up in one novel and the best thing is, it's all set in Australia.
I can see why it's been called a gothic thriller. The author’s vivid descriptions of the Australian landscape, and of the dangers and creepiness of the Australian bush (especially at night!) are chilling. The author deeply explores her characters, who are not your usual run of the mill, a real mix which made the story all the more interesting. You get the feeling something’s brewing, but you're never really sure what it is, or who you can trust!
I love this author. I love her writing style. You can tell she’s passionate about Australian flora and fauna. Her descriptions make you feel you are actually there with everything going on around you. I could easily visualise the old house and felt as though I knew it, and now I want antique furniture!
Thornwood House keeps you on the edge of your seat all the way through. It's a book that lingers with you long after you've finished, a book you can't stop reading but don't want to end. I can't wait for Anna's next novel, this one goes on my list of best books ever! Put it on your reading list, you won't regret it. It's one I'll be recommending for years to come! I know there are great things ahead for this author!
August 2, 2017
I’m participating in a reading challenge with a sweet and lovely fellow bookworm and our July reading challenge was a book that a friend has recommended and Thornwood House was her choice for me and I am so grateful as I’m sure it would have been a long time before it appeared on my TBR pile.
At the start of this year I gave Anna Romer a glowing review of her third book Beyond the Orchard, I never imagined that I would love her debut novel Thornwood House more. This book blew me away, I’m still trying to make sense of my thoughts and feelings towards this exquisite piece of literature. I was spellbound and mesmerised by the most beautiful flowing descriptive language I’ve ever read - every passage took my breath away. Our five senses well and truly come alive during the reading of this magnificent book. You can almost feel yourself stepping into the characters shoes and walking in their footsteps.
Every other focal point of this book was also phenomenal from the characters to the setting, the mystery, the diary entries…
My all time favourite book is Black Diamonds by Kim Kelly and now I have found my second favourite book of all time THORNWOOD HOUSE!
At the start of this year I gave Anna Romer a glowing review of her third book Beyond the Orchard, I never imagined that I would love her debut novel Thornwood House more. This book blew me away, I’m still trying to make sense of my thoughts and feelings towards this exquisite piece of literature. I was spellbound and mesmerised by the most beautiful flowing descriptive language I’ve ever read - every passage took my breath away. Our five senses well and truly come alive during the reading of this magnificent book. You can almost feel yourself stepping into the characters shoes and walking in their footsteps.
Every other focal point of this book was also phenomenal from the characters to the setting, the mystery, the diary entries…
My all time favourite book is Black Diamonds by Kim Kelly and now I have found my second favourite book of all time THORNWOOD HOUSE!
September 1, 2013
it is no secret..... Any story about an old house is high on my reading list! This is an amazing debut novel. I read it in two days because it was impossible to put down. i guess that is why it is on the Aussie 50 Books You Can't Put Down list! I am so captivated by the setting and the sensory journey Anna's story took me on that I am heading to QLD to visit the town that apparently inspired the story. This story is so much more than the back cover blurb. the complexity of the tale that transcends decades will have you guessing all the way to the end. The authors's voice, her characters, her storytelling is fresh and exciting. I loved the first person POV and the clever way the author utilised different storytelling techniques to tell the story. This is an award-winner for sure. I cannot wait for book two.
January 25, 2016
Forgive me, darling?
Audrey Kepler and her 11 year old daughter, Bronwyn inherit an abandoned homestead "Thornwood House" in rural Queensland. Determined to make a new start for themselves, they pack up and move into the house. While settling in, Audrey becomes drawn to the dusty back room of the old house and discovers an old photo of the former owner Samuel Riordan. Intrigued and fuelled by the lack of her former partner's forthcomings about his family and past, Audrey soon finds herself obessed with Samuel's story.
As Audrey digs deeper into Samuel's story, she discovers he was accused of bashing to death a young woman on his return from the war in 1946. As one thread appears to end, Audrey finds more unraveling and with her doing all this digging around, the stirring she has created, has now drawn the eye on her from someone who is very determined to keep the past where it lies.
I loved Thornwood House, it was the debut novel for Anna Romer. There is so much to love about this story. I loved the descriptions of the bush and rural Queensland in small country town like Magpie Creek. The characters are all different from one another. The moment you read the first page to the last there is incredible subtle tension of suspense within your heart (well it was there for me), that just wanted you to hurry up and get back to the story for the what's next.
Normally when I cannot sleep I would bring out the books and continuing reading, but due to my lack of sleep lately, I found myself only reading Thornwood House during the daylight hours, allowing my imagination not to run wild during the night, thought was an interesting side note...lol
Some aspects of the story that I loved is the character of Danny, he is so robust and just a delight to have come alive in my imagination. I enjoyed the fact that Romer didn't over power or force a huge romance in the book but rather let it blossom slowly. I loved dipping into the past through letters and diary entries - it was very well portrayed in the story.
I did over the course of the novel find myself skimming the heavily descriptions of the bush or an object at times, eager to get on with the story, I think this is ultimately what stopped me from giving it a full 5 stars.
Overall I was engaged from the start to the finish, I even found myself becoming detective to try and solve the mystery before Audrey. Thornwood House provided my mind and my heart with suspense, adventure, mystery, romance, love.
I would definitely read another novel by Anna Romer
Audrey Kepler and her 11 year old daughter, Bronwyn inherit an abandoned homestead "Thornwood House" in rural Queensland. Determined to make a new start for themselves, they pack up and move into the house. While settling in, Audrey becomes drawn to the dusty back room of the old house and discovers an old photo of the former owner Samuel Riordan. Intrigued and fuelled by the lack of her former partner's forthcomings about his family and past, Audrey soon finds herself obessed with Samuel's story.
As Audrey digs deeper into Samuel's story, she discovers he was accused of bashing to death a young woman on his return from the war in 1946. As one thread appears to end, Audrey finds more unraveling and with her doing all this digging around, the stirring she has created, has now drawn the eye on her from someone who is very determined to keep the past where it lies.
I loved Thornwood House, it was the debut novel for Anna Romer. There is so much to love about this story. I loved the descriptions of the bush and rural Queensland in small country town like Magpie Creek. The characters are all different from one another. The moment you read the first page to the last there is incredible subtle tension of suspense within your heart (well it was there for me), that just wanted you to hurry up and get back to the story for the what's next.
Normally when I cannot sleep I would bring out the books and continuing reading, but due to my lack of sleep lately, I found myself only reading Thornwood House during the daylight hours, allowing my imagination not to run wild during the night, thought was an interesting side note...lol
Some aspects of the story that I loved is the character of Danny, he is so robust and just a delight to have come alive in my imagination. I enjoyed the fact that Romer didn't over power or force a huge romance in the book but rather let it blossom slowly. I loved dipping into the past through letters and diary entries - it was very well portrayed in the story.
I did over the course of the novel find myself skimming the heavily descriptions of the bush or an object at times, eager to get on with the story, I think this is ultimately what stopped me from giving it a full 5 stars.
Overall I was engaged from the start to the finish, I even found myself becoming detective to try and solve the mystery before Audrey. Thornwood House provided my mind and my heart with suspense, adventure, mystery, romance, love.
I would definitely read another novel by Anna Romer
October 6, 2013
If you are a fan of Kate Morton, you will probably really enjoy this debut novel Thornwood House by Anna Romer. This story is full of mystery, intrigue and murders through four generations! The book is set in 2006, but Audrey is able to piece together some family mystery by finding photo’s, a diary and some old letters. That’s probably why I gave it four stars and not five – there was just too many murders and drama through each generation, and there were a few characters since the book jumps around between these four generations so you have to keep in touch with the book to keep up with who was who really. The book is beautifully written and Anna Romer has a certain talent to be able to skilfully put words together…….A great Australian debut novel ……….
June 22, 2024
English version below
******************
Es war mir von vornherein klar, dass es sich bei diesem Roman um ChickLit handelt, es ein Familiengeheimnis gibt und es sich mit an Sicherheit grenzender Wahrscheinlichkeit um eine Schmonzette handelt. Aber auch eine Schmonzette kann ja zwischendurch mal Spaß machen. Diese hier allerdings nicht….
Die Protagonistin Audrey hat es innerhalb kürzester Zeit geschafft, es sich mit mir zu verderben.
Audrey ist eine Frau um die 30, hat eine 11-jährige Tochter und der Kindsvater hat sie vor 5 Jahren verlassen. Der Mann hat ihr nie Kindesunterhalt gezahlt und sie steht auf dem Standpunkt, dass sie “ihm diese Genugtuung ohnehin nicht geben wollte”.
Eine Frau mit einer solchen Einstellung kann man unmöglich ernst nehmen.
Jedenfalls nimmt sich der Kindsvater dann das Leben und sie erbt das alte Herrenhaus seiner Familie, von dem sie zuvor nichts wusste.
Angekommen im Haus, das in einer entlegenen Gegend liegt, wird Audrey immer hysterischer, hat Albträume und fühlt eine merkwürdige spirituelle Verbindung zum toten Großvater ihres toten Exfreunds (Geister?).
Die Geschichte lebt in erster Linie von Audreys rational nicht nachvollziehbaren emotionalen Ausbrüchen, die Tochter ist in der Frühpubertät und entsprechend unausstehlich und die Autorin überschwemmt uns mit einem wahren Tsunami an Adjektiven und Klischees.
Ich habe also die Zähne zusammengebissen und die obligatorischen 100 Seiten gelesen, die ich jedem Buch gönne, bevor ich über einen Abbruch entscheide. In diesem Fall fiel die Entscheidung zugunsten des Abbruchs.
1 Stern, da für meinen Geschmack nicht zumutbar.
------------------------
It was clear to me from the start that this novel was chick-lit, that there was a family secret involved and that it would almost certainly be a kitschy romance, but even a kitschy romance can be fun from time to time. But not this one....
The protagonist Audrey has managed to spoil it for me in no time at all.
Audrey is a woman in her 30s, has an 11-year-old daughter and the father of the child left her five years ago. The man has never paid her child support and she is of the opinion that she "didn't want to give him that satisfaction anyway".
It is impossible to take a woman with such an attitude seriously.
In any case, the child's father then takes his own life and she inherits his family's old manor house, which she previously knew nothing about.
Once she arrives at the house, which is in a remote area, Audrey becomes increasingly hysterical, has nightmares and feels a strange spiritual connection to the dead grandfather of her dead ex-boyfriend (ghosts?).
The story lives primarily from Audrey's rationally incomprehensible emotional outbursts, her daughter is in early puberty and correspondingly obnoxious and the author floods us with a veritable tsunami of adjectives and clichés.
So I gritted my teeth and read the obligatory 100 pages that I give every book before deciding whether to abandon it. In this case, the decision was made in favour of abandoning it.
1 star, as it was not bearable for my taste.
******************
Es war mir von vornherein klar, dass es sich bei diesem Roman um ChickLit handelt, es ein Familiengeheimnis gibt und es sich mit an Sicherheit grenzender Wahrscheinlichkeit um eine Schmonzette handelt. Aber auch eine Schmonzette kann ja zwischendurch mal Spaß machen. Diese hier allerdings nicht….
Die Protagonistin Audrey hat es innerhalb kürzester Zeit geschafft, es sich mit mir zu verderben.
Audrey ist eine Frau um die 30, hat eine 11-jährige Tochter und der Kindsvater hat sie vor 5 Jahren verlassen. Der Mann hat ihr nie Kindesunterhalt gezahlt und sie steht auf dem Standpunkt, dass sie “ihm diese Genugtuung ohnehin nicht geben wollte”.
Eine Frau mit einer solchen Einstellung kann man unmöglich ernst nehmen.
Jedenfalls nimmt sich der Kindsvater dann das Leben und sie erbt das alte Herrenhaus seiner Familie, von dem sie zuvor nichts wusste.
Angekommen im Haus, das in einer entlegenen Gegend liegt, wird Audrey immer hysterischer, hat Albträume und fühlt eine merkwürdige spirituelle Verbindung zum toten Großvater ihres toten Exfreunds (Geister?).
Die Geschichte lebt in erster Linie von Audreys rational nicht nachvollziehbaren emotionalen Ausbrüchen, die Tochter ist in der Frühpubertät und entsprechend unausstehlich und die Autorin überschwemmt uns mit einem wahren Tsunami an Adjektiven und Klischees.
Ich habe also die Zähne zusammengebissen und die obligatorischen 100 Seiten gelesen, die ich jedem Buch gönne, bevor ich über einen Abbruch entscheide. In diesem Fall fiel die Entscheidung zugunsten des Abbruchs.
1 Stern, da für meinen Geschmack nicht zumutbar.
------------------------
It was clear to me from the start that this novel was chick-lit, that there was a family secret involved and that it would almost certainly be a kitschy romance, but even a kitschy romance can be fun from time to time. But not this one....
The protagonist Audrey has managed to spoil it for me in no time at all.
Audrey is a woman in her 30s, has an 11-year-old daughter and the father of the child left her five years ago. The man has never paid her child support and she is of the opinion that she "didn't want to give him that satisfaction anyway".
It is impossible to take a woman with such an attitude seriously.
In any case, the child's father then takes his own life and she inherits his family's old manor house, which she previously knew nothing about.
Once she arrives at the house, which is in a remote area, Audrey becomes increasingly hysterical, has nightmares and feels a strange spiritual connection to the dead grandfather of her dead ex-boyfriend (ghosts?).
The story lives primarily from Audrey's rationally incomprehensible emotional outbursts, her daughter is in early puberty and correspondingly obnoxious and the author floods us with a veritable tsunami of adjectives and clichés.
So I gritted my teeth and read the obligatory 100 pages that I give every book before deciding whether to abandon it. In this case, the decision was made in favour of abandoning it.
1 star, as it was not bearable for my taste.
March 21, 2018
¡Me ha encantado!
Empecé como si nada, pero me enganchó enseguida y sólo quería leer y leer para ver el desenlace final. Prácticamente en dos días lo he devorado.
Historia con mucha intriga y secretos familiares contados en dos tiempos (pasado y presente). Ambas historias te mantienen en suspenso hasta que llegas al final… un final que me ha gustado muchísimo y el epílogo todavía más.
Súper recomendado para quién le guste el suspenso. También tiene su toque romántico.
Empecé como si nada, pero me enganchó enseguida y sólo quería leer y leer para ver el desenlace final. Prácticamente en dos días lo he devorado.
Historia con mucha intriga y secretos familiares contados en dos tiempos (pasado y presente). Ambas historias te mantienen en suspenso hasta que llegas al final… un final que me ha gustado muchísimo y el epílogo todavía más.
Súper recomendado para quién le guste el suspenso. También tiene su toque romántico.
October 17, 2016
«El silencio no es necesariamente ausencia de sonido.»
Reseña -> http://thewordsofbooks.blogspot.com.e...
Reseña -> http://thewordsofbooks.blogspot.com.e...
February 1, 2014
This book is really good - really good! The writing is so good that I am wishing I had not listened to it as an audio; its the kind of book (I have since borrowed from the library) that you want to slowly absorb, letting the prose sink into your very being, go back and read again. Which I may well do. If you are Australian your will love the local lingo. Brilliant! Captivating! Great new Aussie writer.
September 21, 2013
An Australian gothic novel, Thornwood House is a haunting story of mystery and murder spanning four generations.
When Audrey Kepler inherits a neglected homestead in rural Queensland she decides to make it a home for herself and her eleven year old daughter. The childhood home of her daughter's late father, Anna is surprised to discover Thornwood House harbours a tragic history. In 1946, Tony's grandmother, Aylish was murdered in the grounds, a crime his grandfather, Samuel, was accused of committing. Two generations later, Tony's teenage sister Glenda died in the same clearing, though her death was ruled accidental. Plagued by vivid dreams, Audrey develops an obsession with the deaths and as she digs into the past uncovers secrets that may threaten any future happiness.
What particularly impressed me about Thornwood House was Romer's vivid descriptions of the Australian landscape, the contradictions of the bush, its dangers and its beauty, nurtures the haunting atmosphere of the story. I could easily visualise Thornwood House, and the other locations important to the story. Overall, I thought the writing to be expressive and evocative.
I think the mystery of Aylish and Glenda's deaths were well plotted, the author offers deft misdirection and clever twists, at least one I didn't see coming at all. Though Audrey is the primary narrator, Aylish and Glenda find a voice through letters, diary entries and dream visions.
Sadly I have to admit that I grew somewhat impatient with Audrey, I have never been a great fan of the gothic heroine despite finding the other elements of the genre appealing. For me, Audrey's obsessive nature was tiring after a while, seven years seems far too long to be pining after a man who treated her as Tony did and I found the way her obsession transferred to Samuel creepy, but not in a good way.
I did enjoy Thornwood House despite not really connecting with Audrey. It is well written novel, atmospheric with a well crafted plot. An impressive debut from Anna Romer and I will definitely be picking up her next book.
June 17, 2017
Nicely written tale set in beautiful Australia. Full of family secrets, mysteries, and romance too. Started out a little slow, but picked up and became very interesting. The eccentric characters came easily to life. Will give the authors other books a try:)
May 19, 2017
I really enjoyed this one! Set in Queensland so close to me!!!! ... I loved reading about the country, the towns, the setting - it was all so familiar and not something I get very often!!
I loved the story, the mystery and the twists along the way. A great read from an Aussie author!
I loved the story, the mystery and the twists along the way. A great read from an Aussie author!
February 6, 2017
Just before Christmas I brought a stack of books to read over the holidays. Some were on kindle, some were paperbacks. I read Anna Romer's Lyrebird Hill while on holiday, but didn't have a chance to review it properly, although I did rate it 4★. So when I returned from holidays and sorted through the paperbacks I bought, I knew I had to read Thornwood House next.
Audrey is a great character. She's insecure but also strong-willed, and wants to do the best she can for her daughter, Bronwyn. At the same time, she's curious, wanting to know more about Tony, Bronwyn's father - the man she thought she knew completely, but really didn't. The supporting cast is introduced slowly and we get to know the characters as Audrey does. I liked that Audrey didn't know who to trust at first, made snap judgements, but also tried to keep an open mind. I like that the romantic thread of the story in the present developed slowly and didn't feel forced. Extra brownie points because the love interest has a disability, but doesn't feel the need to be any different.
Plotwise, this is a really well-written book. There was the first mystery about why Audrey's former partner killed himself, and then the secrets kept coming. The heightened tension as Audrey came closer to uncovering the truth meant I could barely put the book down. Throughout the book, there were a few misdirections to keep you on your toes. The supernatural element added was intriguing, although I did wonder where it would go in the end. I'm pleased to say it was handled rather well.
In short, this novel contained everything I love in a book - mystery, historical fiction, contemporary fiction, romance, action, and a supernatural twist. 4.5★
Audrey is a great character. She's insecure but also strong-willed, and wants to do the best she can for her daughter, Bronwyn. At the same time, she's curious, wanting to know more about Tony, Bronwyn's father - the man she thought she knew completely, but really didn't. The supporting cast is introduced slowly and we get to know the characters as Audrey does. I liked that Audrey didn't know who to trust at first, made snap judgements, but also tried to keep an open mind. I like that the romantic thread of the story in the present developed slowly and didn't feel forced. Extra brownie points because the love interest has a disability, but doesn't feel the need to be any different.
Plotwise, this is a really well-written book. There was the first mystery about why Audrey's former partner killed himself, and then the secrets kept coming. The heightened tension as Audrey came closer to uncovering the truth meant I could barely put the book down. Throughout the book, there were a few misdirections to keep you on your toes. The supernatural element added was intriguing, although I did wonder where it would go in the end. I'm pleased to say it was handled rather well.
In short, this novel contained everything I love in a book - mystery, historical fiction, contemporary fiction, romance, action, and a supernatural twist. 4.5★
June 11, 2014
I thought this was a great debut novel and look forward to reading more of Anna Romer's work. It had a bit of the thriller about it, with a 2-generations-old mystery surrounding old Thornwood House. I was listening to this one as an audiobook and I got to the point of the final 3 hours (of 16.5) one evening, and I had to decide whether to keep going for another hour or 90 minutes and then stop, continue to the end (and get to bed later than usual), or stop right then and continue at another time. I kept going for a little bit longer and then couldn't stop at all!!
I did work out the answer to the mystery about half-way through the book, although I couldn't explain the whys or wherefores of it.
It is a very descriptive book of the Australian bush and its birds, animals, insects and plants. Sometimes it felt as though the author was trying to cram as much description in as she could with a bit of plot on the side, but generally I enjoyed the depiction of the Australian countryside.
I did work out the answer to the mystery about half-way through the book, although I couldn't explain the whys or wherefores of it.
It is a very descriptive book of the Australian bush and its birds, animals, insects and plants. Sometimes it felt as though the author was trying to cram as much description in as she could with a bit of plot on the side, but generally I enjoyed the depiction of the Australian countryside.
February 7, 2019
This book is set in Australia on a quiet piece of property where secrets are deep and dark. I liked the mystery of this. It had a genealogy vibe as Audrey tried to unravel some family mysteries. I liked her but her mothering skills had me wondering if she was really a mother.
I liked some of the descriptive strokes. The author was creative. Sometimes I thought, "Wow," and other times I was doing page math because it felt long. The author was especially wordy in her descriptions of place. Sometimes it felt like the setting was supposed to be its own character in the story which added a certain beauty and some eeriness to this, but other times the wordiness was the kind of detail that didn't add much, like the color of things, and the obvious details that were repeated several times, etc. But overall I liked this. The pace was like the lazy river at a water park which is something I have to be in the mood for. And as it turns out, it was a perfect fit for my day. So 3 stars.
I liked some of the descriptive strokes. The author was creative. Sometimes I thought, "Wow," and other times I was doing page math because it felt long. The author was especially wordy in her descriptions of place. Sometimes it felt like the setting was supposed to be its own character in the story which added a certain beauty and some eeriness to this, but other times the wordiness was the kind of detail that didn't add much, like the color of things, and the obvious details that were repeated several times, etc. But overall I liked this. The pace was like the lazy river at a water park which is something I have to be in the mood for. And as it turns out, it was a perfect fit for my day. So 3 stars.
February 24, 2019
This just couldn't catch my interest, but I'm not sure why. Perhaps because I was so annoyed by the initial first person present tense style in the prologue. I thought I could get past it, but for the entirety of the 20 minutes I gave this audio, my mind kept wandering and I found myself both unmoved and uninterested in the story.
Audiobook via Audible. DNF after 20 minutes.
Audiobook via Audible. DNF after 20 minutes.
September 19, 2013
I first heard of this book when it was being spoken about locally as it was set in my local area and the author has strong ties here. This was enough for me to obtain a copy and give it a go. I'm glad I did.
I expected a nice read and I was looking forward to seeing local icons in the book. But what I wasn't prepared for was the depth, the mystery and suspense throughout the book. It is a whodunit with murders spanning four generations. There are heaps of twists as the book unfolds but there are subtle clues all the way along. I ended up working out whodunit or rather the feelings I'd developed proved to be correct as the answers were revealed in the last chapters.
The scenes in the novel were wonderfully described and I felt I was there as the drama unfolded. I could see the house, I could see the tree with its hidey holes and I could see the gully where all the action happened.
I will be seeking out future novels by Anna. She has a gift.
I expected a nice read and I was looking forward to seeing local icons in the book. But what I wasn't prepared for was the depth, the mystery and suspense throughout the book. It is a whodunit with murders spanning four generations. There are heaps of twists as the book unfolds but there are subtle clues all the way along. I ended up working out whodunit or rather the feelings I'd developed proved to be correct as the answers were revealed in the last chapters.
The scenes in the novel were wonderfully described and I felt I was there as the drama unfolded. I could see the house, I could see the tree with its hidey holes and I could see the gully where all the action happened.
I will be seeking out future novels by Anna. She has a gift.
February 20, 2016
(8,5)
HISTORIAS PASADAS QUE REGRESAN...
He pasado unas horas muy entretenidas con esta novela.
La mezcolanza de historias del pasado, dolores y pérdidas presentes, y misterios terroríficos me ha parecido una gozada.
Además, la autora me ha enseñado una nueva visión prácticamente desconocida para mí: la situación de Australia durante la II Guerra Mundial.
Y la localización de la historia me ha fascinado: la parte menos 'conocida' de Australia, exuberante, frondosa, verde.
Y todo esto viene presentado con una traducción de gran nivel (un aplauso para la editorial por mi parte).
Los 'peros' que le pongo a la novela?? Mi mente inquisitiva necesita saber todos los por qués, todas las razones, y en el desenlace final he echado en falta un par de ellos.
HISTORIAS PASADAS QUE REGRESAN...
He pasado unas horas muy entretenidas con esta novela.
La mezcolanza de historias del pasado, dolores y pérdidas presentes, y misterios terroríficos me ha parecido una gozada.
Además, la autora me ha enseñado una nueva visión prácticamente desconocida para mí: la situación de Australia durante la II Guerra Mundial.
Y la localización de la historia me ha fascinado: la parte menos 'conocida' de Australia, exuberante, frondosa, verde.
Y todo esto viene presentado con una traducción de gran nivel (un aplauso para la editorial por mi parte).
Los 'peros' que le pongo a la novela?? Mi mente inquisitiva necesita saber todos los por qués, todas las razones, y en el desenlace final he echado en falta un par de ellos.
June 11, 2014
This book is absolutely brilliant! It's not just my favourite for this year but it's the best book I've read in a few years now. This isn't even a genre I particularly like but I couldn't read this fast enough. It not only has a break neck speed but the suspense keeps you on edge throughout the entire book. The writing is superb with a beautiful flow to it. Anna Romer is up there with Jodie Picoult and Diane Chamberlain and if you like these authors then add her to your must read list.
October 6, 2014
This was like reading an episode of Home and Away! It has potential and the setting in Queensland is lovely, but the writing was riddled with clichés and the plot was straight out of a bad movie. I mean…the ‘dead’ guy’s eyes opened and it turns out 20 years later that he never actually died. Please!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2015
Me ha gustado muchísimo, la historia, la intriga y la forma delicada y bella en la que está escrira
April 17, 2020
3.5 stars. I found this book a bit heavy on all the descriptions, but enjoyed the story. It was also a nice change to read a novel set in the Australian bush.
June 10, 2017
Inhalt/Klappentext:
Als die Fotografin Audrey Kepler das verlassene Thornwood House im ländlichen Queensland erbt, ergreift sie sofort die Chance, ihrem hektischen Leben in Melbourne zu entkommen und einen Neustart zu wagen. In einem entlegenen Zimmer des alten, aber noch immer prächtigen Hauses entdeckt sie die verblasste Fotografie eines gutaussehenden Mannes. Wie sie bald herausfindet, handelt es sich um Samuel Riordan, den vormaligen Besitzer von Thornwood House, und Audreys Interesse ist geweckt. Schließlich erfährt sie, dass Samuel beschuldigt wurde, kurz nach dem Krieg eine junge Frau ermordet zu haben, was Audrey nicht glauben will. Doch als sie immer tiefer in Samuels Geschichte eintaucht, hat Audrey die böse Ahnung, dass der Mörder von damals noch lebt. Und dann droht sich ihr Verdacht auf gefährliche Weise zu bestätigen ...
Meine Meinung/Fazit:
Gefallen hat mir auch der faszinierende und exotische Handlungsort. In vielen Abschnitten spürt man die tiefe Liebe der Autorin zur australischen Landschaft und zur Flora und Fauna des 5. Kontinents. Man riecht förmlich den Duft der Eukalyptusbäume oder des wilden Jasmins, sieht die Glockenvögel und Loris vor dem inneren Auge vorbeifliegen. Die kleinen Zeichnungen der Autorin am Anfang des Buches von Thornwood House und Umgebung fand ich ebenfalls sehr nett gemacht und hilfreich.
Der Klappentext hat mit eine packende Geschichte über alte Erinnerungen, Obsessionen, Verdächtigungen und eine große Liebe absolut ins Schwarze getroffen.
Das Rosenholzzimmer ist eine großartige, verzweigte und düstere Familiengeschichte, die ihre Finger über ein halbes Jahrhundert bis in die heutige Zeit ausstreckt.
Nur leider konnte sie mich nicht von der ersten bis zur letzten Seite fesseln. Ich hatte am Anfang meine Schwierigkeiten mit dem Schreibstil & immer wieder war ich aus der Geschichte raus, was sich dann aber innerhalb der Seiten gab.
Es war lange ein 5 Sterne-Buch. Aber der Schluss hat dann doch den 5 Stern gekostet. Ich mochte das Ende so gar nicht. Es war so 0815 für mich. Ich hätte da definitiv mehr erwartet.
Als die Fotografin Audrey Kepler das verlassene Thornwood House im ländlichen Queensland erbt, ergreift sie sofort die Chance, ihrem hektischen Leben in Melbourne zu entkommen und einen Neustart zu wagen. In einem entlegenen Zimmer des alten, aber noch immer prächtigen Hauses entdeckt sie die verblasste Fotografie eines gutaussehenden Mannes. Wie sie bald herausfindet, handelt es sich um Samuel Riordan, den vormaligen Besitzer von Thornwood House, und Audreys Interesse ist geweckt. Schließlich erfährt sie, dass Samuel beschuldigt wurde, kurz nach dem Krieg eine junge Frau ermordet zu haben, was Audrey nicht glauben will. Doch als sie immer tiefer in Samuels Geschichte eintaucht, hat Audrey die böse Ahnung, dass der Mörder von damals noch lebt. Und dann droht sich ihr Verdacht auf gefährliche Weise zu bestätigen ...
Meine Meinung/Fazit:
Gefallen hat mir auch der faszinierende und exotische Handlungsort. In vielen Abschnitten spürt man die tiefe Liebe der Autorin zur australischen Landschaft und zur Flora und Fauna des 5. Kontinents. Man riecht förmlich den Duft der Eukalyptusbäume oder des wilden Jasmins, sieht die Glockenvögel und Loris vor dem inneren Auge vorbeifliegen. Die kleinen Zeichnungen der Autorin am Anfang des Buches von Thornwood House und Umgebung fand ich ebenfalls sehr nett gemacht und hilfreich.
Der Klappentext hat mit eine packende Geschichte über alte Erinnerungen, Obsessionen, Verdächtigungen und eine große Liebe absolut ins Schwarze getroffen.
Das Rosenholzzimmer ist eine großartige, verzweigte und düstere Familiengeschichte, die ihre Finger über ein halbes Jahrhundert bis in die heutige Zeit ausstreckt.
Nur leider konnte sie mich nicht von der ersten bis zur letzten Seite fesseln. Ich hatte am Anfang meine Schwierigkeiten mit dem Schreibstil & immer wieder war ich aus der Geschichte raus, was sich dann aber innerhalb der Seiten gab.
Es war lange ein 5 Sterne-Buch. Aber der Schluss hat dann doch den 5 Stern gekostet. Ich mochte das Ende so gar nicht. Es war so 0815 für mich. Ich hätte da definitiv mehr erwartet.
October 3, 2013
I just love discovering fresh Australian talent, a new author that will have me counting down the days until their next book release. Anna Romer is on that list!
When I sat down to write this review, I had so many thoughts and feelings buzzing around that I worried I wouldn’t be able to get across how much I loved this book. Then I read back over the S&S media release for Thornwood House and sighed with relief. They’ve already come up with a perfectly succinct summary of the book.
“A beautifully crafted Australian rural gothic thriller.”
That’s exactly what this story is and the fun part is picking up the book and discovering exactly that- plus all the things about the story that can’t be captured in one sentence.
Rather than give a recount of the synopsis, I’m just going to share my feelings about the book. There’s so many story threads that weave together that it would be impossible for me to give it justice and I think it’s far more enjoyable discovering that for the first time when reading this story.
By about a third of the way into the book, I was completely hooked. I felt the eeriness of the house that Audrey and her daughter Bronwyn inherit in rural Queensland and my curiosity was piked. There’s something about Romer’s writing style that really drew me in, the way she created characters that felt so real and how skilfully she did all that with a novel written in first POV, all told from Audrey’s perspective (and interspersed with dreams and letters). I felt the obsession and the anticipation as Audrey devoured the letters and diaries, I was turning the pages of the book just as quickly.
The romance sub-plot was also beautifully done. Who would’ve thought a deaf hero could come so alive on the page and the attraction between Audrey and Danny was sizzling just like the Aussie sun. The mood and tension so cleverly developed to make this romance very believable and realistic.
The suspense in Thornwood House has to be one of its main strengths. I honestly didn’t feel like I could trust anyone in the town (a projection of Audrey’s own suspicious nature) and I was eager to find out who the villain was. By the last 100 pages, I sat up reading late into the night, turning the pages so quickly with my heart literally pounding in my chest. I felt like I was Audrey and that my life was in danger. So much so, that by the time I finished the book and turned off the bedside lamp it took me hours to fall asleep because I felt so hypervigilant!
Thornwood House is jam packed with tension, intrigue, suspense, romance, Aboriginal folklore, the quaintness (and peculiarities) of a small town and hidden truths. I can’t recommend this book enough!
When I sat down to write this review, I had so many thoughts and feelings buzzing around that I worried I wouldn’t be able to get across how much I loved this book. Then I read back over the S&S media release for Thornwood House and sighed with relief. They’ve already come up with a perfectly succinct summary of the book.
“A beautifully crafted Australian rural gothic thriller.”
That’s exactly what this story is and the fun part is picking up the book and discovering exactly that- plus all the things about the story that can’t be captured in one sentence.
Rather than give a recount of the synopsis, I’m just going to share my feelings about the book. There’s so many story threads that weave together that it would be impossible for me to give it justice and I think it’s far more enjoyable discovering that for the first time when reading this story.
By about a third of the way into the book, I was completely hooked. I felt the eeriness of the house that Audrey and her daughter Bronwyn inherit in rural Queensland and my curiosity was piked. There’s something about Romer’s writing style that really drew me in, the way she created characters that felt so real and how skilfully she did all that with a novel written in first POV, all told from Audrey’s perspective (and interspersed with dreams and letters). I felt the obsession and the anticipation as Audrey devoured the letters and diaries, I was turning the pages of the book just as quickly.
The romance sub-plot was also beautifully done. Who would’ve thought a deaf hero could come so alive on the page and the attraction between Audrey and Danny was sizzling just like the Aussie sun. The mood and tension so cleverly developed to make this romance very believable and realistic.
The suspense in Thornwood House has to be one of its main strengths. I honestly didn’t feel like I could trust anyone in the town (a projection of Audrey’s own suspicious nature) and I was eager to find out who the villain was. By the last 100 pages, I sat up reading late into the night, turning the pages so quickly with my heart literally pounding in my chest. I felt like I was Audrey and that my life was in danger. So much so, that by the time I finished the book and turned off the bedside lamp it took me hours to fall asleep because I felt so hypervigilant!
Thornwood House is jam packed with tension, intrigue, suspense, romance, Aboriginal folklore, the quaintness (and peculiarities) of a small town and hidden truths. I can’t recommend this book enough!
June 18, 2015
This an acceptable 1st novel, but it was flawed. I feel the editor loving mentioned at the end failed in their duty to make this a better novel.
So- what are some of the issues for me: really - one family can have that much drama & bad luck?? Too, too mysterious deaths generation after generation. It beggered belief and I felt I was dealing with a midday soap opera. Next were the atmospheric descriptions of the countryside. There were way too many of them & too many plants & animals mentioned. As a botanist who recognised the setting, having species from the coast & inland growing together, really REALLY annoyed the hell out of me.
And then there was description on carnivarous plants & how they worked. It was obviously plagarised from some textbook. It is not often you get the words amylase and amino acids in a light thriller! I suspect I am one of the few who actually knew what that paragraph meant - it certainly didn't feel like Miss Romer did.
It was also slow- this was a problem for an audiobook, with huge sections between tracking, so I was not able to skip sections that just dragged the action to a stand still.
The concept of this novel is fine, the development of most of the characters worked well & some of the suspense sections worked beautifully & enthralled, but they were surrounded by bland stodge. This will read as all negative, but I feel, with another editor, Romer has the potential to write much better than this book gave us.
So- what are some of the issues for me: really - one family can have that much drama & bad luck?? Too, too mysterious deaths generation after generation. It beggered belief and I felt I was dealing with a midday soap opera. Next were the atmospheric descriptions of the countryside. There were way too many of them & too many plants & animals mentioned. As a botanist who recognised the setting, having species from the coast & inland growing together, really REALLY annoyed the hell out of me.
And then there was description on carnivarous plants & how they worked. It was obviously plagarised from some textbook. It is not often you get the words amylase and amino acids in a light thriller! I suspect I am one of the few who actually knew what that paragraph meant - it certainly didn't feel like Miss Romer did.
It was also slow- this was a problem for an audiobook, with huge sections between tracking, so I was not able to skip sections that just dragged the action to a stand still.
The concept of this novel is fine, the development of most of the characters worked well & some of the suspense sections worked beautifully & enthralled, but they were surrounded by bland stodge. This will read as all negative, but I feel, with another editor, Romer has the potential to write much better than this book gave us.
September 26, 2013
I'm pretty sure this book came out of nowhere just to floor me. Never have I been so glad that I find it impossible to put down a book! The first 150pages-ish were just really average, I wasn't interested, nothing grabbed me and it just felt a little too unbelievable that this woman was having visions of the past. But then the truth started to unfold and I realised that for the first time my feeble attempts to convince myself not to put a book down because 'it might get better' we're actually coming true. Once I hit this point I simply smashed through the rest, and this was a bit of a hard slog of a read. It's not light, it's not easy and it's not quick. I ended up finishing this book much too late last night and much too creeped out to be about to go to sleep.
The entire way through the book I was much more interested in the flashback chapters than the 2006 chapters. I just found Audrey a bit annoying and a bit nothing, but then again there was always spunky deaf Danny near to hand ( a note here though: Danny what a weird time and place to try for the first kiss). I also struggled with trying to remember four generations of family most of who (whom?) died in mysterious circumstances, but maybe that's just me, I find it near impossible to follow too many characters.
Overall impression:
Thornwood House was a gem of a novel, even if you have to work at it a bit first.
The entire way through the book I was much more interested in the flashback chapters than the 2006 chapters. I just found Audrey a bit annoying and a bit nothing, but then again there was always spunky deaf Danny near to hand ( a note here though: Danny what a weird time and place to try for the first kiss). I also struggled with trying to remember four generations of family most of who (whom?) died in mysterious circumstances, but maybe that's just me, I find it near impossible to follow too many characters.
Overall impression:
Thornwood House was a gem of a novel, even if you have to work at it a bit first.
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