Strange Unearthly Things by Kelly Creagh

Title: Strange Unearthly Things

Author: Kelly Creagh

Genre: YA, Gothic Romance, Paranormal

Series: N/A

Hardcover, 368 pages 

Publication: August 22, 2023 by Viking Books for Young Readers
Source: I received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for a honest review.
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Eighteen-year-old Jane Reye is a psychic artist. She draws what she sees, and what she sees are spirits and the supernatural. Growing up orphaned, she's now of legal age and can no longer return to the girls' school she's called home for most of her life. Lost and alone after the death of her lifelong friend, she receives an invitation to partake in a study at the English manor Fairfax Hall: an investigation of the property that requires her specific area of expertise. Upon arrival, Jane understands this will be no ordinary study when she meets Elias Thornfield, the elusive proprietor of the estate, a boy her age, roguishly handsome, who dons a mysterious eye patch. During the study it becomes clear that something is amiss--something having to do with Elias and the spiritual activity taking place around the manor. Turning to her art to unravel the mystery, Jane is shocked to find that her talents--and her growing affection for Elias--could be the key to saving him from a horrible fate.

 

MY THOUGHTS

Now that Fall has arrived and spooky season is upon us, Strange Unearthly Things is the perfect book to kick-off the season. This book had me at Gothic Romance. But also a Jane Eyre retelling?! Say less and sign me right up! In Strange Unearthly Things, Jane, who recently aged out of the system had no idea what to do next nor where to go. But thanks to her psychic specialty in drawing what others don’t see, spirits, Jane is offered a high paying assignment at Fairfax Hall Manor to rid of its unwanted guest. Upon her arrival she discovers there’s more going on at the manor and with its owner Elias Thornfield than was previouslyd disclosed. Danger and death lurks in the shadows and the only one that can save Elias and the others is Jane.

I am quite fond of the classics and I unfortunately haven’t found many retelling or re-imaginings living up to its inspirations. However, Cregah takes the beloved Jane Eyre down a whole new route incorporating the paranormal. And if you know me, I’m a sucker for all things paranormal. For readers 

familiar with the story of Jane Eyre will surely be smitten to see the author’s use of dialogue from the original story. I absolutely loved the Gothic setting. But sometimes it was jarring with Elias being all prim and proper, the setting and vernacular of the psychic guests were all 21st century. I wasn’t expecting that and it honestly took a bit to get use to since it clashed when they interacted with Elias. 

I was pleasantly surprised that this wasn’t a straight ghost story. Halfway through the book Jane made a horrifying discovery that changed everything. While many reviewers didn’t like this turn of event, I found it fascinating. I should warn readers now that the ending is somewhat a HEA, but it's probably not one they’d expect or want. Not like the original Jane Eyre. And for that I am glad. I like seeing author put their own spin on the story and make it something similar yet unique. My favorite character in the entire book was Giovanni, his smart and funny quips was endless amusement that kept the story from getting too bleak.

All in all, Strange Unearthly Things was enjoyable. Like I said, my favorite character was Giovanni and I sadly wasn’t as attached to Jane and Elias like I hoped. Oddly, I wanted to know more about Elias and Thea’s backstory and wouldn’t mind if the author wrote a prequel on the events leading up to Elias's predicament. Now that’s a story I’d love to read. I still recommend this book and think it’s the perfect book to get into the spooky season Gothic vibes.