Belladonna by Adalyn Grace: A Gothic Mystery with Death as a Love Interest

Belladonna by Adalyn Grace is a gothic murder mystery wrapped in lush, atmospheric writing and laced with romance. The story centres on Signa, a young orphan raised by a string of ill-fated guardians, and her eerie connection with Death, who has shadowed her since infancy. When Signa moves in with her last remaining relatives, the mysterious Hawthornes of Thorn Grove, she becomes embroiled in uncovering the truth behind her aunt’s death, with Death himself becoming both her guide and her greatest challenge.

Belladonna by Adalyn Grace

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Orphaned as a baby, nineteen-year-old Signa has been raised by a string of guardians, each one more interested in her wealth than her well-being—and each has met an untimely end. Her remaining relatives are the elusive Hawthornes, an eccentric family living at Thorn Grove, an estate both glittering and gloomy. Its patriarch mourns his late wife through wild parties, while his son grapples for control of the family’s waning reputation, and his daughter suffers from a mysterious illness. But when their mother’s restless spirit appears claiming she was poisoned, Signa realizes that the family she depends on could be in grave danger and enlists the help of a surly stable boy to hunt down the killer.
 
However, Signa’s best chance of uncovering the murderer is an alliance with Death himself, a fascinating, dangerous shadow who has never been far from her side. Though he’s made her life a living hell, Death shows Signa that their growing connection may be more powerful—and more irresistible—than she ever dared imagine.

Signa is a complex protagonist who navigates a world full of secrets and danger, grappling with her unique connection to Death. Orphaned as a baby, she’s spent her life being passed from one guardian to another, only to lose them all to untimely deaths. Her vulnerability and determination to uncover the truth about her family’s mysteries make her a compelling lead. While I appreciated her stubbornness and the vulnerability that underpins her strength, I couldn’t help but feel that she often falls into the damsel-in-distress trope, frequently needing a man to swoop in and save her. She strives for independence but often gets distracted by her romantic entanglements with Death and Sylas, which sometimes overshadow her character growth.

Death is a fascinating character. He has been with Signa since she was an infant, watching over her life and intervening at key moments. His relationship with Signa, which evolves into a romance, is both compelling and unsettling. I couldn’t ignore the discomfort of their dynamic, with Death’s predatory and possessive nature making him a rather creepy figure, especially considering he has known Signa since she was a baby. While the chemistry between them is undeniable, the power imbalance and his grooming behaviour are troubling aspects that linger throughout the story.

Thorn Grove, the Hawthornes’ estate, is a character in itself. Its gothic atmosphere, filled with secrets and restless spirits, sets the perfect stage for the novel’s dark and mysterious events. The house and its gloomy, yet opulent surroundings enhance the eerie vibe of the story, making the setting one of the most engaging aspects of the book.

Sylas is another prominent figure in Signa’s life. He’s charming, with a snarky attitude and little regard for personal boundaries, often encroaching on Signa’s space. While his interactions with Signa are meant to add tension, I found his character to be somewhat superficial, with typical traits of the roguish love interest.

The story starts off slowly, with a heavy focus on setting up the characters and the mystery surrounding Thorn Grove. Initially, the pacing can feel sluggish, but it picks up significantly in the second half as the mystery deepens and the connections between characters become clearer. The final portion of the book is filled with twists and revelations, though many of these twists were somewhat predictable. Despite the initial drag, the book redeems itself towards the end, leading to a satisfying conclusion that sets up nicely for the sequel.

Adalyn Grace’s writing is lush, descriptive, and captures the gothic atmosphere beautifully. The prose has a lyrical quality that enhances the eerie setting and the dark, fairy-tale-like quality of the story. However, the writing also indulges in repetitive descriptions, especially concerning characters’ appearances, which can occasionally pull the reader out of the narrative. Despite these quirks, the atmospheric writing kept me engaged.

The novel explores themes of death, freedom, and the search for belonging. Signa’s journey is as much about solving the mystery as it is about understanding her place in a world that has continually tried to control or discard her. The story also touches on darker themes, like the inappropriate dynamics between Signa and Death, which may not sit well with all readers. The gothic elements blend with a coming-of-age tale, adding layers to the narrative that reflect both personal and external conflicts.

Belladonna fits well within the gothic romance and mystery genres, combining elements of supernatural intrigue with historical settings. It flirts with the boundaries of YA and adult fiction, particularly with its mature themes and dark romantic entanglements. The book offers a mix of mystery, paranormal romance, and gothic drama, making it a unique entry in the genre, albeit with some controversial choices in character relationships.

Positives of Belladonna

• Atmospheric Setting: The vivid, gothic descriptions of Thorn Grove create a captivating and immersive backdrop for the story.
• Compelling Main Characters: Signa’s journey and her evolving relationship with Death provide the core of the story’s intrigue and emotional pull.
• Strong Gothic Vibes: The novel successfully captures the essence of gothic fiction, with elements of mystery, romance, and a haunted estate.
• Lush Writing Style: Grace’s descriptive prose enhances the moody and dark atmosphere, making the setting feel alive and integral to the plot.

Negatives of Belladonna

• Problematic Romance: The relationship between Signa and Death can feel predatory and unsettling, with power dynamics that raise ethical concerns.
• Slow Pacing: The beginning of the book drags, with the main plot and action taking too long to develop, which may deter some readers.
• Superficial Side Characters: The supporting cast, including Sylas, lacks depth and often serves more as plot devices than fully fleshed-out characters.
• Repetitive Descriptions: Overly detailed descriptions, especially of character appearances, can feel redundant and distract from the plot.

Belladonna by Adalyn Grace is a gothic mystery filled with atmospheric charm, dark romance, and a hint of the supernatural. While the novel’s slow pacing and problematic romance between Signa and Death may not appeal to everyone, its richly detailed setting and compelling main characters make it an intriguing read. If you’re a fan of gothic tales with a mix of romance and mystery, Belladonna might just be the haunting escape you’re looking for. I’d rate it 3 out of 5 stars for its unique atmosphere and engaging plot, but caution readers about the mature and potentially unsettling dynamics within the story. If you’re drawn to moody, character-driven tales, give this one a try – just be prepared for a slow start and some controversial themes along the way.

I received Belladonna by Adalyn Grace from the publisher. This is an unbiased and honest review

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