Syrie James

 

 

I’m excited to share with you today that my new novel, The Mysteries of Pendowar Hall, debuts on February 22, 2025!

This is the first book in my new historical mystery romance series, The Audacious Sisterhood of Smoke & Fire, about three bold sister sleuths in Victorian England who are each swept up in mystery, Gothic suspense, and romance set in ancient English country manor houses.

 

 

Isn’t the cover of The Mysteries of Pendowar Hall stunning? All credit is due to the talented designer at my publishing house, Dragonblade.

I’ll begin by telling you about the inspiration behind my new novel, followed by a sneak peek at some of the fantastic advance endorsements by fellow historical fiction authors.

 

 

My Addiction to Gothic Romantic Suspense

Ever since I was a girl, when I discovered Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë in the school library, along with the novels of Mary Stewart, Daphne du Maurier, and Victoria Holt, I have been in love with Gothic suspense. I devoured these authors’ novels, entranced by the thrilling atmosphere, the twists and turns of the page-turning plots, the intriguing characters, and the romance—always the romance. Later, I became addicted to murder mysteries, especially the novels of Agatha Christie.

As an author, until now, I’ve mainly written historical fiction and romance. But all my life, I’ve been hankering to return to my first loves, Gothic romantic suspense and murder mysteries, and to write a series set in nineteenth-century England, my happy place. And now I’ve done it!

 

 

Jane Eyre Sparks The Mysteries of Pendowar Hall

Many readers know I’m a huge fan of Jane Austen, but I also adore the Brontës. Jane Eyre is one of my favorite novels of all time. A couple of years ago, as I was rereading it for the zillionth time, I was intrigued by the character of Diana Rivers, one of Jane Eyre’s cousins, with whom Jane takes refuge during the last part of the book. Diana Rivers and her sister—both strong, compassionate, intelligent women—were born into a well-to-do family but were obliged to become governesses when their father lost his fortune in a bad investment. I thought that was an interesting backstory for a character. In the final chapter of Jane Eyre, we are informed that Diana Rivers married a captain in the Royal Navy, “a gallant officer and a good man.” I wondered: how did that romance come about?

All of which sparked an idea for the heroine in my novel The Mysteries of Pendowar Hall. In an homage to Jane Eyre, I named my main character Diana Taylor, and she becomes a governess at an ancient manor house, working for a brooding gentleman with “a past.” Apart from this, the storylines are completely different … this is a murder mystery, after all … however, just for fun, a careful reader will find a few “Easter eggs” and loving little tributes to Jane Eyre sprinkled throughout the book.

Infused with Classic Gothic Mystery & Romance Elements

In true Gothic suspense form, I sent Diana Taylor on a mission to solve a murder that puts her own life in peril. And I wanted the pupil in Diana’s care to present another mystery to solve. So, I gave the brilliant Miss Emma Fallbrook a learning difficulty that was quite mysterious in 1849. I hope you enjoy following Diana’s quest to find a way to help the young student in her care.

Challenges on the Road to Self-Discovery

I had such fun writing this novel. My goal, as always, is to write heartfelt, page-turning stories about strong, smart, sympathetic women and men who must rise above difficult challenges on the road to self-discovery, finding their soul mate, and falling madly in love.

 

 

I can’t wait for you to meet Diana, and all of the characters in The Mysteries of Pendowar Hall, and I am so honored by these endorsements by my fellow authors!

 

Advance Praise for The Mysteries of Pendowar Hall 

“A wonderfully atmospheric and suspenseful tale brimming with everything that fans of Victorian historical romance and mystery love: a bright and feisty heroine, a perfectly Gothic coastal estate full of secrets, and the brooding and mysterious navy captain in charge of it all.” —Natalie Jenner, international bestselling author of The Jane Austen Society, Bloomsbury Girls, and Every Time We Say Goodbye 

“A page-turning Victorian Gothic that invokes all the romance, mystery, and atmosphere of a Brontë novel. I couldn’t put it down!” —Mimi Matthews, USA Today bestselling author of The Belles of London series

“A pitch perfect homage to the classic Gothic novel — I loved it! The Mysteries of Pendowar Hall is packed with intrigue, mystery, treachery, and tension — and brimming with romance! I couldn’t put it down and eagerly await the next installment of James’ new series!” —Katherine Reay, author of The London House and The Berlin Letters

“With its gothic Cornwall setting, a brooding master of the Hall, and a spirited, engaging heroine, this novel of romantic suspense is a charmer — a must-read for fans of Poldark.” —Karen Odden, USA Today bestselling author of Down a Dark River and Under a Veiled Moon

“The Mysteries of Pendowar Hall is a delectable gothic romance that hits all the right notes: a mysterious hero, a plucky governess, and a family curse. Syrie James keeps the pages turning in this affectionate tribute to the beloved mysteries of Victoria Holt, and Jane Eyre. —Kris Waldherr, bestselling author of Unnatural Creatures: A Novel of the Frankenstein Women and The Lost History of Dreams

“Another stunning James tale that sweeps you into a mystery and romance which has to be read to be believed.” —Emily E K Murdoch, USA Today Bestselling author

 

Available for Preorder Now!

The eBook of The Mysteries of Pendowar Hall is available for preorder now. Trade paperback copies will be available to order soon, and it will also be available on Kindle Unlimited.

I hope you will be as swept up in the Gothic mystery and romance in The Mysteries of Pendowar Hall as I was while I was writing it!

 

The Audacious Sisterhood of Smoke & Fire Series

Book 1 – The Mysteries of Pendowar Hall (Feb. 22, 2025)
Book 2 – The Secrets of Thorndale Manor (June 28, 2025)
Book 3 – Danger at Darkmoor Park (Oct. 28, 2025)