About the Book

Book: Midnight on the River Grey

Author: Abigail Wilson

Genre: Historical Romance/Mystery

Release date: July 2, 2019

Abigail Wilson returns to Regency England with another tale of murder, mystery, and romance.

After her elder brother’s mysterious death, Rebecca Hunter vows to expose the man she believes responsible-Mr. Lewis Browning-known by the locals as the Midnight Devil and by Rebecca as her new guardian. He alone was on the bridge that fateful night and openly admits striking her brother with his horse, but he claims he remembers little else.

Summoned to his reclusive country estate to await her London season, Rebecca plans her own secret investigation. Yet, Lewis Browning is not as she once imagined, and his motivation is horribly unclear. Recurrent nightmares and Rebecca’s restless feelings are further complicated by the shadow of her mother’s prior descent into madness and whether she too will follow the same heartbreaking path.

Even as midnight rides, strange injuries, and further murders lead back to Lewis, Rebecca can’t ignore the subtle turn of her heart. Has she developed feelings for the man she swore to see hanged? And moreover, can she trust him with her uncertain future?

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About the Author

Abigail Wilson combines her passion for Regency England with intrigue and adventure to pen historical mysteries with a heart. A Registered Nurse, chai tea addict, and mother of two crazy kids, Abigail fills her spare time hiking the National Parks, attending her daughter’s gymnastic meets, and curling up with a great book. In 2017, Abigail won WisRWA’s Fab Five contest and in 2016, ACFW’s First Impressions contest as well as placing as a 2017 finalist in the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. She is a cum laude graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and currently lives in Dripping Springs, Texas, with her husband and children. Connect with Abigail at www.acwilsonbooks.com; Instagram: acwilsonbooks; Facebook: ACWilsonbooks; Twitter: @acwilsonbooks.

An excerpt from Midnight on the River Grey

My heartbeat turned sluggish as an ache swelled in the back of my throat.

This man—the person responsible for my brother’s death—expected me to live with him? In his house? Madness.

“And if we refuse?”

“I’m afraid there is little choice in the matter at this point. The arrangements are already complete.”

Mr. Browning narrowed his blue eyes, scrutinizing me, no doubt, as the numbing shock of his declaration faded to resignation across my face. He sighed. “I do realize Greybourne Hall might hold unfortunate associations for you—”

“Unfortunate?” My voice came out a bit louder than I’d expected. “Is that what you choose to call it?”

He gave a sideways glance at Aunt Jo then returned to me, a pained look hovering about his eyes. His voice, however, remained firm. “Forgive me if I startled you. I hadn’t expected such a violent reaction to what I assumed was the logical next step. Perhaps I should make myself a bit clearer.” He gave a curt sigh. “I only intend for you to stay at Greybourne Hall till some place more suitable can be arranged. Unfortunately, there are few options at present.”

Ice enveloped my heart. I had no wish to travel to, let alone live at that dreadful house, not even for a single night. In his letters, Jacob had described the rambling structure as a gray pile of stones fit for vampires, or worse. I could only image Mr. Browning, this dark-headed devil before me, at home in such a place.

My Review

“Two murders. One bridge. And the truth as elusive as the fog.”

Such is the crux of the adventure and intrigue of Abigail Wilson’s “Midnight on the River Grey”. Not only is the cover gorgeous, but it also perfectly reflects the sinister ambiance that characterizes the novel. Atmospheric and foreboding, this book ushers in a sense of unease that lingers throughout the story. The setting further highlights this, with stunning descriptions that seem to make Greybourne Hall rise up out of the fog, right before readers’ eyes. With contemporaneous language, Wilson brings Regency England to life, infusing the narrative with gothic elements that serve to enhance the suspense.

From the secluded estate to the prototypical characters, “Midnight on the River Grey” has a decidedly cinematic quality to it. All is not as it seems at first blush, and there is no certainty in determining who is trustworthy. Murders, madness, conspiracy, and romance coalesce into this gently ominous novel, with a building crescendo that reverberates through the denouement. The characters are foils for each other, in both humorous and ominous ways. Rebecca Hunter relates the story from her first-person viewpoint as she works toward discovering the true story behind her brother’s death. Headstrong and impulsive, Rebecca is a daring figure, particularly during a time period when women were expected to be simpering and submissive. Lewis Browning is something of an enigma, his role as protector or villain hazy. Including the King Charles spaniel, Sophie, adds some lightheartedness while also furthering the mystery.

“Midnight on the River Grey” contains all of the essential qualities of an eerie mystery and is a clean read, albeit with only a few passing mentions of Christianity (my only complaint). I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys light suspense, Regency-era fiction, and historical romance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through CelebrateLit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.