I loved this book. A great debut from an Australian author. I will be waiting eagerly for her next novel. Do yourself a favour and read this book. You will not regret it.

I love anything written in Australia, especially if its set somewhere I know or have been. And any book that goes back in time via old letters and diaries is high on my list to read. Each chapter of Thornwood House transported me to another time, and was jam packed with surprises, skeletons in family closets, and a cast of both lovable and wicked characters.

There's a little bit of everything in this novel. Love, mystery, murder, war and history. I got teary in places, and laughed in others. And I love a novel which is fiction but includes real facts so I get to learn things I didn't know before.

Delving into the personal lives of people through their diaries and letters always makes me sad, especially when the person is no longer here and stories and secrets unfold that they were never to know. Thornwood House completely hooked me in, with the chapters alternating between past and present. The historical sections were extremely well researched, and gave this novel a real life feel. It's an awesome mix to fold up in one novel and the best thing is, it's all set in Australia.

I can see why it's been called a gothic thriller. The authors vivid descriptions of the Australian landscape, and of the dangers and creepiness of the Australian bush (especially at night!) are chilling. The author deeply explores her characters, who are not your usual run of the mill, a real mix which made the story all the more interesting. You get the feeling somethings brewing, but you're never really sure what it is, or who you can trust!

I love this author. I love her writing style. You can tell shes passionate about Australian flora and fauna. Her descriptions make you feel you are actually there with everything going on around you. I could easily visualise the old house and felt as though I knew it, and now I want antique furniture!

Thornwood House keeps you on the edge of your seat all the way through. It's a book that lingers with you long after you've finished, a book you can't stop reading but don't want to end. I can't wait for Anna's next novel, this one goes on my list of best books ever! Put it on your reading list, you won't regret it. It's one I'll be recommending for years to come! I know there are great things ahead for this author!