In this atmospheric follow-up to her award-winning debut The Curse of Penryth Hall, Jess Armstrong brings back the intrepid American heiress Ruby Vaughn for another gothic adventure, this time set in the misty Scottish Borders. While The Secret of the Three Fates delivers on its promises of mystery, murder, and supernatural intrigue, it occasionally stumbles in its execution, resulting in a somewhat uneven but nonetheless engaging reading experience.
The Story and Setting
The narrative begins with Ruby accompanying her elderly employer, Mr. Owen, to Manhurst Castle under the pretense of acquiring illuminated manuscripts. However, their true purpose soon becomes clear when they attend a séance conducted by three mysterious mediums known as The Three Fates. When one of the mediums is found murdered, Ruby and Mr. Owen become prime suspects, forcing them to investigate while uncovering long-buried secrets.
Armstrong expertly crafts an atmospheric setting that becomes a character in itself. The Scottish Borders, with its ancient castles, stormy seas, and fog-shrouded landscapes, provides the perfect backdrop for a story steeped in both supernatural and human mysteries. The author’s detailed descriptions transport readers to a world where the veil between the living and the dead seems remarkably thin.
Character Development and Relationships
Ruby Vaughn
The protagonist continues to be one of the novel’s greatest strengths. Ruby’s sharp wit, independence, and complex past make her a compelling character. Her relationship with Mr. Owen evolves significantly in this installment, revealing layers of trust, betrayal, and familial love that add depth to both characters.
Mr. Owen
The revelation of Mr. Owen’s true identity as Lord Hawick and his connection to the mysteries at Manhurst Castle provides some of the book’s most poignant moments. However, the pacing of these revelations sometimes feels rushed, particularly in the latter half of the novel.
Supporting Cast
The secondary characters are generally well-drawn, though some, like the Three Fates, could have benefited from further development. The introduction of Genevieve and the complex web of relationships surrounding her adds intrigue to the plot, even if some of the connections feel slightly contrived.
Strengths and Weaknesses
What Works Well
Rich atmospheric writing that brings the Scottish setting to life
Complex character relationships and emotional depth
Interesting blend of historical mystery and supernatural elements
Strong feminist themes and commentary on societal expectations
Compelling continuation of Ruby’s character arc from the first book
Areas for Improvement
Pacing issues, particularly in the middle section
Some plot twists feel predictable
Certain supporting characters could use more development
The supernatural elements sometimes feel inconsistent in their rules and applications
Writing Style and Narrative Structure
Armstrong’s prose remains elegant and engaging, with a particular talent for describing both the physical and emotional landscapes of her story. The author skillfully weaves together multiple narrative threads, though sometimes at the cost of smooth pacing. The dialogue is generally sharp and period-appropriate, helping to ground the story in its 1922 setting.
Comparison to The Curse of Penryth Hall
While The Secret of the Three Fates builds upon the foundation laid in the first book, it takes some risks in expanding its supernatural elements. Fans of The Curse of Penryth Hall will find familiar themes of family secrets and historical mysteries, but the sequel ventures into darker territory, both in terms of its plot and emotional content.
Impact and Themes
The novel explores several compelling themes:
The nature of truth and deception
The power of family bonds, both chosen and biological
Women’s agency in a patriarchal society
The thin line between justice and revenge
The impact of war on both individuals and society
Final Verdict
The Secret of the Three Fates is a solid follow-up that will satisfy fans of historical mysteries with supernatural elements. While it doesn’t quite reach the heights of its predecessor, it offers enough intrigue, atmosphere, and character development to make it a worthwhile read. The book is a decent read, with its strongest elements being its atmospheric writing and character relationships, while suffering somewhat from pacing issues and occasional predictability.
Recommendations for Readers
This book would appeal to fans of:
Gothic historical mysteries
Strong female protagonists
Supernatural elements in historical settings
Complex family dynamics
Period pieces set in the 1920s
Similar works readers might enjoy include Deanna Raybourn’s Veronica Speedwell mysteries and Lauren Willig’s Pink Carnation series.
Looking Forward
The ending leaves room for future adventures while providing satisfactory resolution to the immediate plot. Armstrong has established a solid foundation for the Ruby Vaughn series, and it will be interesting to see how she develops these characters and their world in future installments.
The author has shown growth in her writing between the first and second books, suggesting potential for even stronger entries in the series to come. While The Secret of the Three Fates has its flaws, it demonstrates Armstrong’s commitment to crafting complex, character-driven historical mysteries that blend the supernatural with human drama.