A Dreadful Splendor (109)

I turned and found his familiar gait among the bustle of the street. He tipped his hat as he neared, giving me the smile that had sealed my fate the first time I saw it.

I ran to him, eager to share the news of my new family. But once I was in his embrace, I forgot about talking, and kissed him instead.

Maman used to say that love meant heartbreak, but I had learned that love was also the cure.

Gareth lifted me in his arms and swung me around. My eyes were closed tight, but I could see my entire future.

The heart sees.





Acknowledgments




I am indebted to my agent, Jill Marr, for her enthusiasm, unfailing support, and expertise. I will be forever grateful that she picked this story out of the slush pile.

This novel exists because of the passion and brilliant insight of my editors: Julia Elliott at William Morrow in New York, and Iris Tupholme at HarperCollins Canada. They embraced A Dreadful Splendor and were essential in helping me further develop Genevieve’s story to create the most satisfying version. Working with them has been a privilege and a delight. As well, Julia McDowell’s editorial input was valuable and I’m grateful for her acuity and thoughtful attention. This novel also benefited from Janet Robbins Rosenberg, with her meticulous and perceptive copyediting.

Thank you to the superb team of HarperCollins Canada and William Morrow for their dedication and talent. I couldn’t have found a better group to champion this story.

A large slice of gratitude to Kate Forrester for creating this stylishly fabulous cover.

Thank you again to my parents, Eric and Ethel Bishop. Especially my mom for introducing me to Vincent Price long ago and passing on her love of mysteries.

Finally, a note to thank all my family and friends who continue to cheer on my writing from the sidelines. I’m continually grateful and extremely lucky to have in my life my husband, Ken, and our children, Ruth and Adam. And lastly a thank-you to Oscar, the best dog ever.





About the Author




Always in the mood for a good scare, B. R. MYERS spent most of her teen years behind the covers of Lois Duncan, Ray Bradbury,

and Stephen King. When she’s not putting her characters in precarious situations, she works as a registered nurse. A member

of the Writers’ Federation of Nova Scotia, she lives in Halifax with her family—and there is still a stack of books on her

bedside table.

She is the author of nine young adult novels. Her contemporary coming-of-age novel Girl on the Run was a CCBC Best Book for Teens pick of the year. Her publication Rogue Princess was chosen as a Top Ten Best Audiobook from School Library Journal.





Spectacular Early Praise for A Dreadful Splendor




“A Dreadful Splendor is a delightful mix of gothic, mystery, and romance. Con-artist heroine Genevieve is a memorable addition to literature’s gallery of charming rogues. I had such fun reading this book!”

—Gwenda Bond, New York Times bestselling author of Not Your Average Hot Guy “Breathtaking, puzzling, and spine-chilling all at once. A spectacular, haunting mystery with a touch of romance and twists galore. Absolutely brilliant!”

—T. A. Willberg, author of the Marion Lane Mysteries

“Thrilling, atmospheric, and propulsive, with healthy doses of heart and humor thrown in for good measure, A Dreadful Splendor is a cleverly crafted mystery with an irrepressible heroine you won’t soon forget. I can’t remember the last time I had this much fun reading a book!”

—Tom Ryan, International Thriller Writers Thriller Award–winning author of Keep This to Yourself

“Delicious double crosses, a haunted estate, and a heroine who might just lose her heart—if she can keep her neck out of the hangman’s noose. A Dreadful Splendor will keep readers guessing.”

—Kathleen Peacock, author of You Were Never Here