Ebook: 384 pages in Kindle Edition
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: June 4, 2026 by HarperCollins
Source: NetGalley
First Sentence: I nearly died that day.
Review Quote: The novel has received highly positive early praise, earning critical acclaim as a "captivating novel of friendship and love with rich historical detail". Candis Magazine
The novel was shortlisted for the 2026 Romantic Novelists' Association Romantic Thriller Award.
Setting: Dordogne, France
My Opinion:
Dinah Jefferies is a favourite author of mine because she always transports me to locations that come alive with her vivid descriptions and delightful stories. I have been a fan since 2014 when her debut novel was published and have read and enjoyed all of her published novels since.
Characters from her last novel set in Corfu The Greek House feature in 'The Lost Chateau' as Thirza now married goes to France to look after an aging and ailing aunt. She feels somewhat obliged as this aunt once saved her life. (Note: It is not necessary to have read the preceding novel first). The story is set in 1936 while Thirza is in the Dordogne caring for her Aunt Berenice and in the 1890's as we learn of her aunts past when she was a young bride living in the chateau. The chateau holds so many secrets and Thirza is determined to discover them. She believes unlocking them will give peace to her aunt in her final days.
Once again Dinah Jefferies has written a very satisfying read. An emotional story that draws the reader in with its evocative setting, intriguing mystery and well developed characters. Highly recommended for fans of the author, historical fiction and a little mystery.
Thanks to NetGalley, Harper Collins and the author for the opportunity to read and review.
The Greek House
Précis Courtesy of Goodreads:
A secret lies behind every door… The Dordogne, 1936
Amid tangled gardens and crumbling walls, Chateau Rousseau guards its secrets well.
Pushing open its faded door, Thirza Caruthers arrives to care for her great-aunt. She's made a promise – unaware of what awaits.
As the skies darken above Europe, the chateau begins to reveal its stories of forbidden love, devastating betrayal, and a child who vanished years ago.
But in uncovering the truth, Thirza may lose herself forever.
Author Profile:
Courtesy of Facebook Profile
Biography in her own words from her website
I was lucky that my second novel The Tea-Planter’s Wife became a Sunday Times No.1, Kindle No.1, and Richard & Judy bestseller. Since then I’ve had further Sunday Times top 10s, three Richard & Judy Book Club picks, and become an international best seller charting in Italy, Norway, Israel and elsewhere
I was born in Malaysia but moved to the UK at the age of nine, going on to study fashion design, work in Tuscany as an au pair for an Italian countess, and live with a rock band in a commune in Suffolk.
A family tragedy changed everything, and I draw on the experience of loss in my writing, infusing love, loss, and danger with the seductive escapism of my locations. The sense of place, of history and of human nature is a heady mix in the novels.
Published in over 30 languages in more than 40 countries, I have written an epic three book series for my new publisher Harper Collins (my 8th, 9th, and 10th novels) starting with Daughters of War set in 1944 in France, The Hidden Palace in England, Malta and France, finishing with Night Train to Marrakech set in Morocco which became my third Richard and Judy Pick.
I spent many years living in a tiny 16th Century village in Northern Andalusia, Spain. Now I’m delighted to have settled close to my family in the South West of England with my husband, Richard, and along with our two enormous and very lovely Maine Coon cats.
Photographs and Biographical Information courtesy of the following sites:
Goodreads Author Profile Twitter Profile Dinah Jefferies - Official Website