Review of 'The Secret of The Lantern Keepers' by Jenni Keer

Review of 'The Secret of The Lantern Keepers' by Jenni Keer

Release date: July 10th, 2026

Publisher: Boldwood Books

REVIEW

I absolutely adored this fascinating gothic Victorian mystery by Jenni Keer. The Secret of the Lantern Keepers is a stunning depiction of asylums during that period. The detail, descriptions, plot, pacing and characters are all exceptionally delivered. I was moved by the drama and sensitive handling of such a challenging topic that would have required much careful and in-depth research. Its surreal and realistic elements kept me wholly invested in the story from start to finish. I was motivated by curiosity and kept trying to guess the killer but honestly did not know who it was until close to the climax. Each person analysed had motive and potential but the reveal at the end contained a twist that certainly was surprising!

I have loved all of Jenni Keer’s books as she has a real talent for writing captivating page turners with unique mysteries that often contain paranormal elements. And The Secret of the Lantern Keepers continues in this tradition. The Averly triplets each have an extraordinary gift that allows them to investigate and solve crimes that have gone unsolved. We get to see Edith’s in this novel with the promise of the other two sisters in the next couple of books. So yes, much to my delight, this is a trilogy with each daughter sharing her own assignment and talent.

For a little background: after the triplet’s father dies, his will dictates an unusual requirement. Each daughter must fulfil a quest before taking possession of their homestead. He wants them to go out into the world, crack an unsolved crime he has selected by using their talents, with hopes it will broaden their horizons. For previously they all lived a sheltered life in the confines of their home. 

The first challenge we read about is Edith’s. She is sent to investigate Green Briar Lunatic Asylum near the Cornish moors. The eerie atmosphere of the area is well created and the descriptions are so vivid, I felt I was there. Edith devises a plan to have herself committed so that she can see the inner workings of the institution. The previous superintendent Dr Hawkins was brutally murdered seven years ago and the killer was never found. Edith hopes by infiltrating the community, she can use her special skills to solve the crime. A risky undertaking for sure.

Edith’s journey through this mission has its ups and downs but she accomplishes more than she could ever have imagined. While there, she develops friendships  and a bit of romance sparks in her, too. She develops new strength and appears fearless at times: becoming a woman confident in her own abilities. She also is a great organiser, plus perceptive and offers intelligent solutions to difficult problems. While she pretends to be mentally ill, and is treated by the new superintendent Dr Lambert, we not only get to see her in action but also learn about the man leading the asylum. He is not at all what she and we would expect – nor is the facility. There are many current and hidden past secrets that must be exposed. Along with Edith, we discover that things are not as they appear.

This novel shines in so many areas. One is the fact it gives a voice to the many women and other defenceless souls who were wronged in the Victorian era and beyond. It is a light or lamp in the dark night of injustices. This story took me to unexpected places that touched my heart and mind of unimaginable suffering of victims hidden behind closed doors. It also demonstrated the bravery, courage and resilience of those who fought for the rights of others. The Lantern Keepers waged war on the men in control who placed their wives, sisters, mothers, etc in asylums to get them out of the way for various reasons. Victims often were placed in institutions that were horrible and where they lost all control of their lives. But how many of these facilities offered something different? The author explores this possibility by showing us both kinds of leadership. We are encouraged, like the author, by the thought that maybe better ones existed, too.

We cannot help but feel sadness as Edith wonders how many more women were placed in these asylums, ‘merely because they were struggling with the cessation of menses, or had been labelled insane after the trauma of childbirth.’ And others with various disabilities as they were seen by relatives to be a challenge or an inconvenience. There are some very dark truths in this story. But thankfully there is as much light as darkness with beautiful uplifting moments of hope and grace.

It is such a moving story that I could easily rave on but being a mystery, I don’t want to give anything away. For even revealing more about the excellent characters (who are either delightful or disturbing) I could create spoilers. It is a terrific tale that gave me such a lift – beautifully written, perfect in every way. One of the best, if not the most outstanding gothic Victorian mystery of 2026! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the ARC