The House on Biscayne Bay

By: Chanel Cleeton

Narrated by: Caroline Hewitt, Frankie Corzo

Named an Anticipated Read of 2024 by Entertainment Weekly and a Best Historical Fiction novel of 2024 by BookBub.

As death stalks a gothic mansion in Miami, the lives of two women intertwine as the past and present collide in New York Times bestselling author Chanel Cleeton’s atmospheric new novel.

With the Great War finally behind them, many Americans flock to South Florida with their sights set on making a fortune. When wealthy industrialist Robert Barnes and his wife, Anna, build Marbrisa, a glamorous estate on Biscayne Bay, they become the toast of the newly burgeoning society. Anna and Robert appear to have it all, but in a town like Miami, appearances can be deceiving, and one scandal can change everything.

Years later following the tragic death of her parents in Havana, Carmen Acosta journeys to Marbrisa, the grand home of her estranged older sister, Carolina, and her husband, Asher Wyatt. On the surface, the gilded estate looks like paradise, but Carmen quickly learns that nothing at Marbrisa is as it seems. The house has a treacherous legacy, and Carmen’s own life is soon in jeopardy . . . unless she can unravel the secrets buried beneath the mansion’s facade and stop history from repeating itself.

Not her best

The book dragged. I loved the Cuba series, but this just didn’t live up to her other books.

Gothic in Miami

This was a paralinear tale of a storied mansion in Miami, but not my kind of book. However, it surprised me with its unspooling of two dark tales. I liked it!
Narration for both worlds was delivered skillfully, nicely transporting me back to life between the wars.

Another Chanel Cleeton hit

Love her inspiration and the gothic feel of the house. I didn’t see the ending coming!

A fun read

The book was very fun to listen to. The characters are great, a few twists and turns. Would recommend.

Love & history

I love the way Chanel can weave such important historical events into all of her work, while still creating beautiful and unique love stories. I especially loved the thriller element that this novel had. Last, the way Chanel adds a nod to her prior novels is always such a treat! Love reading her stories!