Lost Heart in King Manor by Celeste Fenton (Book Review #2182)

In Lost Heart in King Manor, Celeste Fenton delivers a slow-burn romantic suspense brimming with atmosphere, secrets, and a dash of humor. This isn’t just a mystery—it’s a layered, character-driven story about a woman who has learned to protect her peace, only to be thrust into a situation that threatens everything she’s built.

Gabby Heart, at 45, is perfectly content running her gift shop on picturesque Dost Island, teaching art classes, and keeping her past buried where it belongs. But life has other plans. When her mother suffers a sudden health crisis, Gabby relocates her to King Manor—a sprawling estate with faded grandeur and, as it turns out, a dark and dangerous history. What begins as a hopeful setting for her mother’s recovery quickly unravels into something far more sinister. Mysterious accidents and shadowy motives soon make it clear: someone within the manor walls is playing a deadly game.

Fenton’s pacing is pitch-perfect, allowing the tension to build naturally while weaving in moments of warmth and wit. The storm outside mirrors the one brewing inside King Manor, and as a hurricane bears down, the sense of claustrophobia and danger is palpable. Gabby must navigate her unease around two compelling men—one her infuriating but magnetic officemate, the other a charming newcomer with his own secrets. The chemistry simmers, the stakes rise, and trust becomes a dangerous gamble.

What sets Lost Heart in King Manor apart is its heroine. Gabby is smart, relatable, and refreshingly seasoned—a woman over 40 whose instincts and resilience are as integral to the story as the romantic tension. The blend of cozy mystery charm with the sharper edges of suspense makes the book appealing to fans of both genres. Fenton’s background as an educator and her deep understanding of human nature shine through, giving the characters and their relationships real emotional weight.

Perfect for readers who love small-town settings laced with hidden danger, brooding romantic leads, and amateur sleuthing with heart, Lost Heart in King Manor is both an engaging page-turner and a testament to the fact that some secrets are worth killing for—and some hearts, when broken, refuse to go quietly.

Written by Jeyran Main

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