An eerie, dangerous landscape, a wealthy family, a children’s nurse, a controlling husband, and characters with secrets greet us in this delicious, Gothic novel.

Ruby May graduated from Norland Institute, a nursing school in London, to take her first position as a nursemaid to an infant.

Her first position did not last long because she couldn't leave England for America with this family. The school found her another position at the remote Hardcastle House taking care of the four children of Mr. and Mrs. England.

Ruby May was worried about taking care of four children, but the children should not have been her main concern.

The staff at Hardcastle House was not welcoming, and Ruby had to do many things she hadn't done in her first position.

Along with everything else, Mr. England was subtly controlling, and Mrs. England was quiet as a mouse. Mrs. England seemed to be afraid of her husband, and Ruby saw cigar burns on her hands.

Was this house safe for her and for the children?

Why was Mrs. England so quiet, and why did she seem so indifferent to her children?

Why did Mr. England not trust his wife to take care of their children?

MRS. ENGLAND is very descriptive, very well written, and it drew me in immediately.

I had read Ms. Halls' book THE LOST ORPHAN/THE FOUNDLING and thoroughly enjoyed her writing style and story line.

This book is just as amazing.

If you enjoy spending time with wealthy families in Edwardian England and feel an undertone of danger as you turn every page, be sure to add MRS. ENGLAND to your reading list.

Ms. Halls does not disappoint and will have you staying up late so you can find out what's going on in this household and with each character. 5/5

This book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.