Curse of Penryth Hall

Ruby Vaughn, an American heiress living in post-World War I England, finds herself in a precarious situation when she accepts a marriage proposal from a man she barely knows. Desperate to escape her controlling guardian and secure her independence, she agrees to marry Ruan Kivell, a Cornish farmer who needs her money to save his ancestral estate, Penryth Hall. But when Ruby arrives at the crumbling manor on the remote Cornish coast, she discovers her new husband dead under mysterious circumstances, and she becomes the prime suspect in his murder. Determined to clear her name and uncover the truth, Ruby must navigate the suspicious locals, ancient Cornish folklore, and the dark secrets lurking within Penryth Hall's walls. The estate is said to be cursed, and as Ruby investigates, she encounters strange occurrences that blur the line between superstition and reality. With the help of Ruan's brother Tamsyn, who has his own reasons for distrusting her, Ruby races against time to solve the mystery before she becomes the curse's next victim. This atmospheric debut combines elements of gothic mystery with historical fiction, offering readers a compelling blend of romance, suspense, and supernatural intrigue. Armstrong crafts a moody, immersive setting that captures the wild beauty and isolation of the Cornish landscape, while Ruby's determination and wit make her an engaging protagonist. Perfect for fans of classic gothic tales with a modern sensibility, the novel explores themes of independence, belonging, and the price of secrets.