Thursday, July 17, 2014

Audiobook Review: Thornwood House by Anna Romer

Title: Thornwood House
Author: Anna Romer
Genre: Gothic Mystery/Romance
Publication Date: 1st March 2014 (1st published 1st Sept 2013)
Time: 16hrs 25mins
Narrator: Eloise Oxer
Book Source: own audio

Synopsis: 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 Two 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.

My Thoughts: 
That ethereal cover caught my eye, (reminiscent of Picnic at Hanging Rock) the synopsis appealed and when I discovered Thornwood House was the work of Australian author Anna Romer, I had to have it. Thornwood House is a beautiful atmospheric read, where the past and present collide in dark secrets and obsession.   

Audrey Kepler welcomes the chance for a fresh start with her daughter Bronwyn when she inherits an old homestead in the small town of Magpie Creek in South East Queensland. Thornwood House was the childhood home of Bronwyn's father, Tony. 

Thornwood House holds tragic history - an old photo, letters and a diary open the door on a haunting love story and murder and mystery spanning four generations.  

Reading Anna Romer's website; Magpie Creek is based on the actual town of Boonah ... I spent quite a bit of time in the area growing up and Anna captures the essence of rural Queensland, the beauty and harshness of the Australian landscape ... her writing is a sensory treat. 

Eerie, haunting ...  Eloise Oxer's narration adds that extra special something to the story. 

Anna Romer is a fresh new voice in Australian fiction; with her debut novel she's earned herself a fan. I'll definitely be picking up her next book. 


Connect with Anna Romer

Thornwood House











20 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. all sorts of good Julie ... thanks for stopping by :)

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  2. Ohh Gothic feel sounds really nice

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    1. haven't read anything gothic-y for quite a while B, was really refreshing :)

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  3. Very little reading of Australian authors by me. Time to rectify this.

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  4. Hmm I think I had this marked as possibility read for this year. I need a gothic book for The Eclectic reading challenge, so this just could be it. Although will probably read it, not sure I'd cope with the audio. A wuss!

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    1. I think because I listened to this one over a longer period of time than I normally would, it lost some of the suspense but still had that eerie quality. Can't wait to see what you think Kathryn, another talented Aussie author.

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  5. This sounds like a book I'd really enjoy. Thanks for the recommendation, Teddyree!

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    1. It has a very Australian feel, hope you love it Beth :)

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  6. I sometimes need an atmospheric read, and this one sounds so good. Thanks for the tip!

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    1. Definitely checks that box Rita, hope you get the chance to pick it up!

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  7. Ooo this is right up my alley! I added it to my audible wishlist..thanks so much!

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  8. Oh I hacn't heard of this one but it sounds so good!

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  9. Looks like I'll need to add this to my wish list!

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