The House on Biscayne Bay is a page-turning historical fiction mystery/thriller by popular author, Chanel Cleeton.

The House on Biscayne Bay by Chanel Cleeton

Genre/Categories/Setting: Historical Fiction (1918 and 1941), Historical Mystery, Women’s Fiction, Sisters, South Florida

*This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

My Summary of The House on Biscayne Bay:

Thanks #NetGalley @BerkleyPub #BerkleyBuddyReads for a complimentary e ARC of #TheHouseOnBiscayneBay upon my request. All opinions are my own.

Marbrisa, a glamorous mansion in Southern Florida, is the setting for this atmospheric historical mystery with gothic vibes. In dual timelines, we are introduced to two mysteries and two sets of characters (1918 and 1941) whom we follow in alternating chapters.

My Thoughts:

Main Characters

In 1918, Anna’s husband builds her a mansion in Florida as a birthday surprise. She’s not exactly thrilled or comfortable with the extravagance, the expense, or the wildlife, but she swallows her feelings and attempts to make the best of her new life. She is also unsettled by a death that has occurred on the property. However, she does enjoy the gardens and that’s where she spends her time and devotes her energy. The architect befriends her and makes sure the gardens are designed to meet her wishes.

In 1941, Carmen’s sister and brother-in-law are the new owners of the mansion. Because Carmen is young and has no means of supporting herself after her parents die, she plans to move from Cuba into the Florida mansion until she turns twenty-one and is entitled to her inheritance. Her sister has been estranged from the family for some time and the reception Carmen receives from her is chilly.

Both women are determined, brave, clever, and face danger.

A Haunted Mansion?

There are unexplained deaths in both timelines that seem connected, and we are led to ponder the possibility of a hunted mansion. Carmen is intrigued by the death in 1918 and wonders if the two deaths two decades apart are connected in some way and if the circumstances from the past can shed light on the current death. She is determined to solve the mystery even though her own life may be in danger.

Gothic Historical Mystery/Thriller

If you enjoy your histfic with generous sides of page-turning mystery and thriller, I think you’ll enjoy this story! From page one, Chanel Cleeton immerses us in this atmospheric story. There’s a lot to figure out as we contemplate the marriage and sibling relationships. Cleeton keeps us busy collecting clues and figuring out whom we can trust.

Content Consideration: murder, grief

Recommending The House on Biscayne Bay

Fans of Chanel Cleeton will definitely want to add this new release to their TBRs! Readers who love a side of mystery/thriller with their historical fiction will appreciate this author’s work. Those who love a Florida setting will find a lot to love in The House on Biscayne Bay. All the books I’ve read by Cleeton lend themselves to fabulous book club discussions.

Related: You might also enjoy The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba, The Last Train to Key West, Our Last Days in Barcelona, and The Cuban Heiress by Chanel Cleeton. I’m almost a Cleeton completist!

My Rating:  4  Stars

Meet the Author of The House on Biscayne Bay, Chanel Cleeton

Chanel Cleeton is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick Next Year in Havana, When We Left Cuba, The Last Train to Key West, and The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba. Originally from Florida, Chanel grew up on stories of her family’s exodus from Cuba following the events of the Cuban Revolution. Her passion for politics and history continued during her years spent studying in England where she earned a bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Richmond, The American International University in London and a master’s degree in Global Politics from the London School of Economics & Political Science. Chanel also received her Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law.

Learn more about her on her website at http://www.chanelcleeton.com.

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QOTD:

Is this histfic mystery/thriller on your TBR or have you read it?

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