Review: These Fleeting Shadows by Kate Alice Marshall

Author: Kate Alice Marshall
Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: August 2022

Helen Vaughan doesn't know why she and her mother left their ancestral home at Harrowstone Hall, called Harrow, or why they haven't spoken to their extended family since. So when her grandfather dies, she's shocked to learn that he has left everything—the house, the grounds, and the money—to her. The inheritance comes with one condition: she must stay on the grounds of Harrow for one full year, or she'll be left with nothing.

There is more at stake than money. For as long as she can remember, Harrow has haunted Helen's dreams—and now those dreams have become a waking nightmare. Helen knows that if she is going to survive the year, she needs to uncover the secrets of Harrow. Why is the house built like a labyrinth? What is digging the holes that appear in the woods each night? And why does the house itself seem to be making her sick?

With each twisted revelation, Helen questions what she knows about Harrow, her family, and even herself. She no longer wonders if she wants to leave…but if she can.

These Fleeting Shadows follows Helen, who is brought to her mother's childhood home for the funeral of her grandfather.  When she learns that she has to stay on the grounds for one year in order to collect her inheritance, it's a opportunity she can't pass up.  

The beginning of the book was kind of slow. However, it quickly turned in a creepy, dark and wild ride. This book took a turn that I definitely was NOT expecting.  I really liked the twist and it made the slow start very worth it.  The author did an impressive of setting the creepy atmosphere. I would almost love to see this as a movie.  I say almost because they always ruin good books when they make a movie.  I liked Helen's character.  The story is told through her eyes, which was a great way to make sure you discover everything along with her.  I also really loved the romance.  It was very endearing and heartwarming.  I definitely recommend going into this book blind.  You won't be sorry.