Novel with a Gothic twist set in WARWICK

20th August 2026

Thornby Manor by Stephanie Bramwell-Lawes, novel with a Gothic twist set in Warwick (and London)

When Briar Monroe is compelled to leave London and heads for Warwickshire to meet her aunt, she hopes to leave behind all her troubles. She has no intention of going back and intends to head north towards Scotland. Thornby Manor by Stephanie Bramwell-Lawes is a triumph of Victorian Gothic style with a modern twist.

In some ways, you see, Briar is a modern young woman, apparently free to travel and express her opinions. She finds herself compelled to speak out on behalf of those who are oppressed. But her travels, it turns out, are out of necessity and she is reliant on her aunt to fund them. Moreover her forthright manner comes at a cost in a society where women are not expected to speak out and indeed, women were often confined to asylums for far less.

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The longer Briar stays at Thornby the more she discovers that it holds secrets and that the death of its mistress might not be as straightforward as she’s been led to believe. She soon faces threats due to her inquisitiveness but her determination to discover the truth in undimmed. Meanwhile, she makes friends with local people who, while bearing their own burdens, are able to help her with her own problems. There’s even an element of romance, as Briar encounters men who might – or might not – be dependable and help her in her quest to help others.

[In true Gothic fashion, the setting is described as  perpetually shrouded in mist and this leads to a mystical atmosphere that reflects the gloom of Thornby Manor’s inhabitants. The house itself is part of the mystery, with its occupations seemingly in denial that half of it even exists! Briar is determined to get to the bottom (or rather the top) of that particular dilemma and there is much scurrying about with and without candles in draughty attics. Warwick itself is outside this realm of darkness, and the author draws strongly on the town’s history and ancient architecture to create and more solid, dependable location.

If you’ve read and loved the Victorian classics, this book is for you. If you weren’t sure what all the fuss was about, this book is still for you! In its examination of the range of human emotions, it will appeal to anyone. This is a book about Victorian manners and the courageous spirit of Briar, who dares to confront what is expected of her. The mystery and intrigue add another layer, and the author sustains the secrets of both Thornby Manor and Briar Monroe herself until the final pages. A pacy and involving novel that is highly recommended.

Sue for the TripFiction Team

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