Miramont's Ghost by Elizabeth Hall: A Book Review

Miramont’s Ghost
Author: Elizabeth Hall
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Release Date: February 1, 2015
Pages: 336
Source: This book was given to me by TLC book tours in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis: Miramont Castle, built in 1897 and mysteriously abandoned three years later, is home to many secrets. Only one person knows the truth: Adrienne Beauvier, granddaughter of the Comte de Challembelles and cousin to the man who built the castle.

     Clairvoyant from the time she could talk, Adrienne’s visions show her the secrets of those around her. When her visions begin to reveal dark mysteries of her own aristocratic French family, Adrienne is confronted by her formidable Aunt Marie, who is determined to keep the young woman silent at any cost. Marie wrenches Adrienne from her home in France and takes her to America, to Miramont Castle, where she keeps the girl isolated and imprisoned. Surrounded by eerie premonitions, Adrienne is locked in a life-or-death struggle to learn the truth and escape her torment.

     Reminiscent of Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca, this hauntingly atmospheric tale is inspired by historical research into the real-life Miramont Castle in Manitou Springs, Colorado.

     My review: Miramont Castle, an American castle in Colorado that is not only known for its elegance and luxury, but also for its ghosts. Miramont’s Ghost by Elizabeth Hall tells of Adrienne, a clairvoyant from an aristocratic French family. Because of her visions, she learns dark secrets about her family. In order to keep her silent, her aunt sends her to America to live in Miramont Castle with her cousin and priest to keep her isolated and imprisoned. When she has premonitions about her own tragic fate, Adrienne tries to fight for her life.

     This novel is NOT for the faint of heart. This is a dark story, and it is filled with no hope. There are a lot of disturbing scenes in this book along with adult content. The protagonist is abused and violated. I have to admit. I did not enjoy this book. I felt like I was in a horrible nightmare desperately wanting to escape. I kept wanting to read something lighter and more enjoyable, but I stuck with it wanting to know the ending.

     I really did not like the protagonist. She is a sad figure. I felt creeped out knowing that she knew about her dark fate, yet she didn’t do anything to try to overcome it. She mostly let things be. She was a weak figure, and because of that, she was easily manipulated and trapped.

     The author is a good writer. She paints a gorgeous depiction of France and the castle. It is so seductive that you feel trapped by the dark gothic atmosphere. The book is broken into two parts, when Adrienne is in France and then in America. Even though I didn’t like the book, it is obvious that the author has talent.

     Overall, this is a dark, depressing tale. It is filled with visions, secrets, and ghosts. The characters are not likable, but they are very developed, and it has a good setting. The story is very well-written. It is just that I didn’t like the plot. I felt like this was more like a Stephen King’s novel than Rebecca. So if you are interested in a dark fiction about an American castle and ghosts, then this novel is for you.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars