Review: The Black Feathers - Rebecca Netley

 

In this chilling historical horror novel from Rebecca Netley, Annie has just married widower Edward Stonehouse and arrived at his 17th Century Yorkshire estate, where she receives a warning from his sister, a taxidermist and medium: watch out for black feathers. The question arises: what really happened to Edward’s first wife?

Having thoroughly enjoyed Netley's debut Gothic thriller, 'The Whistling', I eagerly anticipated her second offering. Set amidst the remote Yorkshire Moors, 'The Black Feathers' unfolds within the confines of Guardbridge, an isolated manor house where Edward Stonehouse, a widower and artist, brings his second wife, Annie, and their newborn son, John. Annie, our troubled protagonist, finds herself haunted by the lingering presence of Edward's late wife, Evie, whose portraits adorn the mansion's walls.

Netley masterfully weaves a spiderweb of words, crafting a captivating world within Guardbridge and its secluded community. I found myself delightfully immersed in the unfolding mysteries of the Stonehouse family history, captivated by Iris, the sister-in-law, with her peculiar fascination for taxidermy and séances. The titular black feathers, the enigmatic silences of Edward, and the hauntings all contribute to an atmosphere of suspense and intrigue.

While the supporting cast, including the nurse, maids, and staff, adds depth and texture to the narrative, it is Annie's unspoken past and the relentless, oppressive weather that truly imprison her within the confines of Guardbridge.

This is a Gothic thriller brimming with moments of pathos and terror. However, the final chapters, while effectively storm and ghost-ridden, lean heavily on exposition, with lengthy revelatory conversations between characters. The ultimate twist, in my opinion, felt superfluous, slightly diminishing the overall impact of the novel.

Despite these minor shortcomings, «The Black Feathers» remains a captivating and atmospheric read, a testament to Netley's mastery of the Gothic genre.