Stormclyffe Hall has a dark and dangerous past. One that Bastian Carlisle, the Earl of Weymouth, would very much like to put behind him. Determined to ignore the ghost stories and the evil looks the villagers give him, Bastian has come to Stormclyffe Hall with one purpose in mind: rebuild the Hall to its former glory and finish the work his late father began. This might be easier said than done after a meddlesome, and annoyingly attractive, American scholar arrives on his doorstep determined to uncover the secrets behind his family's tragic history.

All Jane Seyton needs to finish her doctorate studies at Cambridge is proof that her theory behind Stormclyffe Hall's mysterious past is correct. For years she has been pulled to Stormclyffe Hall by some inexplicable force. Her obsession has cost her much, including her fiancé, but she is determined that it won't cost her the degree she has worked so hard to achieve. Standing in her way, though, is the stoic owner of the Hall, the Earl of Weymouth, who is just as determined to keep her out of his family's personal affairs. When a strange occurrence in town leads Jane to take refuge at the Hall itself, uncovering the truth soon becomes a necessity. Can Bastian keep Jane safe from the evil that seems to lurk everywhere and threatens them all?

When one hears the word "gothic novel" many images come to mind. Cowering damsels. Mustache twirling villains. Dashing heroes. Haunted castles. Well, two out of four isn't bad. Actually, two out of four is fantastic! THE SHADOWS OF STORMCLYFFE HALL is not your typical gothic novel, but in a very good way. Thrilling and mysterious, it draws you in and holds you captive while you experience the dangers and excitement right alongside the hero and heroine. The characters are well organized and reach out in an eerily direct manner to make you empathize with them. The personalities of the hero and heroine are revealed slowly through plot twists and dialogue, instead of back story, allowing the reader to truly become immersed in the story. Other, supporting characters lend to the overall eerie feel of the story in ways that will having you considering a night light.

Bottom Line: Lauren Smith does a masterful job setting up a dark and twisted plot and keeps it going full force with little-to-no lag time. To say I am impressed would be an understatement.