Review of 'The Peculiar Incident at Thistlewick House' by Jenni Keer

Review of The Peculiar Incident at Thistlewick House by Jenni Keer

Release date: October 11, 2025

Publisher: Boldwood Books

REVIEW

How does she do it? This is another exhilarating drama from Jenni Keer! I was truly captivated by this paranormal riveting twisty plot and mesmerised by the fascinating multi-layered characters. The Peculiar Incident at Thistlewick House is well named as it definitely is unconventional in its direction and turn of events. It certainly kept me guessing as to which way it was going to head thus making it a fun read. Original and persuasive definitely are two words I would use to describe it. It made me believe in this spiritual story world as I was completely engaged from the first page to the last!

The setting is Norfolk, England 1895. Edward Blackmore is a famous spiritualist but not quite what he seems. A man who appears to have everything in material possessions but does not have love. The backstory of his childhood is quite tragic actually. Although he is an affectionate person, ‘he’d spent his childhood surrounded by few people he would lavish his affections on.’ He carries the burden of a heavy secret (or two) that if exposed could ruin his reputation. We learn that Edward’s father was so ashamed of him that he gave his inheritance to another relative—cousin Barnabas: who not only stole Edward’s birthright but also the woman he loved. And if that wasn’t bad enough, in a short space of time Barnabas ruined the family business and sold off the homestead. While facing utter financial loss, Emma stepped in and rescued him. Once they got married, they moved into Thistlewick House.

Edward keeps his distance from his cousin for many years, until he receives a letter from Barnabas begging him to come quickly to Thistlewick House. Emma has fallen ill and now in a dire condition. His cousin informs Edward that Emma insists her name is Esfir and is threatening to kill all the household. Barnabas believes his wife is possessed by the spirit of a dead person and that Edward is the only one who can help since he is a spiritualist. Edward initially does not want to go but the offering of money and his past love of Emma draws him to Thistlewick House. While there, unusual activity happens. It is the beginning of his journey into a bizarre series of events that led to a crime that occurred in the past with a group of circus people. We are able to go back in time and get the backstory to understand how this terrible event transpired and believe me, it is a fascinating and frightening tale!

In the midst of Edward searching for facts, he becomes a target which leads him to a woman who will mean more to him than he ever imagined. I will say no more but all the bizarre threads come together amazingly well by the end. I encourage everyone who loves an exceptionally written mystery with paranormal activity to get a copy of this novel. You will be hooked by this unique, complex, intriguing tale that had me hanging on every word. Great ending, too! Highly recommend. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the ARC.