Review of Thornby Manor by Stephanie Bramwell-Lawes

After watching Wuthering Heights, I was desperate to fill that intoxicating Gothic void. As a devoted fan of Daphne du Maurier, I was thrilled to get my hands on Stephanie Bramwell-Lawes’ debut, Thornby Manor, and, dear reader, it did not disappoint.

We are immediately transported to 1891 Warwickshire, where we meet Briar Monroe, newly orphaned and seeking refuge at Thornby Manor, the imposing home of Lord Danville.

Surrounded by fog and perched high above the town, Briar begins to sense that not all is as it seems. With its claustrophobic setting and unreliable narration, I was swept up in this beautifully written, intriguing piece of gothic fiction, where a constant sense of suspicion chilled me to the core.

Stephanie Bramwell-Lawes is the new exciting voice in Gothic fiction, and I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!

Published on 23.04.2026 by Orenda Books

Reviewed by Danielle

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