Review of 'The Mandeville Curse' by Callie Langridge

Review of 'The Mandeville Curse' by Callie Langridge

Release date: January 9th, 2025

Publisher: Storm Publishing

REVIEW

This is another delightful atmospheric historical dual timeline mystery from Callie Langridge. A wonderful new addition to a great series!

As always, Ms Langridge’s descriptions are impeccable and her sense of drama well demonstrated. The Mandeville Curse is another finely executed tale. I was quickly drawn into the memorable locations and effortlessly transported back and forth between 1876 and 1937. I particularly enjoyed the Canadian scenes (my birth home!) and could picture the items and charms unique to the areas. And the romance!

The characterisation of Charles and Hettie were beautifully and carefully crafted. I enjoyed each of their journeys externally and internally. It is easy to see the reasons behind their actions and the consistency of their movements. Their dialogue reflected appropriately their needs, thoughts and dreams. In other words, these dynamic characters fit well in their story worlds. Research is thorough, antique items believably presented and utilised. I was captivated by the mystery and, as before, the unique aspect of Hill House, a character that never fails to impress and intrigue me with its mystical happenings and ability to help those in need. But as one character says to another: ‘…this house needed you as much as you needed it…”

There are many memorable phrases such as “People had to earn a place in other people’s lives” commented by photojournalist Hettie Turner. Stella the cat, though, is outside of the people rules and certainly stole her heart from the start and offered her companionship as a comforter in her new position at the ancestral home of the Mandevilles. Hettie like others, who visit the Hill House, are trying to escape and recover from (even if temporarily) a painful experience. Her parents send her here in hopes that being a visitor at this atmospheric mystical dwelling, will help her overcome the grief she experienced after the peculiar death of her young protégé.

The Mandeville household is also struggling to deal with the loss of world traveller Sir Charles Mandeville. Hettie’s new job is to catalogue the eclectic antiquities left behind by this intriguing man, but it opens a door on a rare and strange world. She learns much about the family’s history and the curse that surrounds them. But is there any truth to the legend? Well, there certainly are lots of strange happenings at the cottage that seem unexplainable which play havoc with her head. For Hettie normally is a person dictated by reason, not emotions but is challenged by the events. While the mystery deepens and the story progresses, she is exposed to unusual mystical incidents.

There is a wonderful colourful support cast in both timelines that keep the story moving with twists and turns! There are some reappearances from the previous books and a villain that keeps returning but Elliot’s words ring true: ‘Heroes often hide their good deeds. Only cowards shout about themselves.’ And Rhys is a protective, kind, handsome and compassionate true gentleman. He understands that women need time to explore and fulfill her destinies.

There are a couple of beautiful eternal romances at the heart of this story in both timelines. There are some stunning secrets, too! I really loved how everything exquisitely came together for the ending. A true triumph that left my heart bursting with positive emotions! The Mandeville Curse is a definite must read paranormal passionate mystery. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for a review copy.