I’m not much of a psychological thriller reader, but members of book club really enjoy the genre, and so I picked this one as a balance for us all – I like dark academia and Scotland, and they got a gothic psych thriller. Win-win, right?
Synopsis
From the publisher marketing:
Discover the secrets of Caldonbrae Hall in this riveting, modern gothic debut set at an all girls’ boarding school perched on a craggy Scottish peninsula.
For 150 years, high above rocky Scottish cliffs, Caldonbrae Hall has sat untouched, a beacon of excellence in an old ancestral castle. A boarding school for girls, it promises that the young women lucky enough to be admitted will emerge “resilient and ready to serve society.”
Into its illustrious midst steps Rose Christie: a 26-year-old Classics teacher, Caldonbrae’s new head of the department, and the first hire for the school in over a decade. At first, Rose is overwhelmed to be invited into this institution, whose prestige is unrivaled. But she quickly discovers that behind the school’s elitist veneer lies an impenetrable, starkly traditional culture that she struggles to reconcile with her modernist beliefs–not to mention her commitment to educating “girls for the future.”
It also doesn’t take long for Rose to suspect that there’s more to the secret circumstances surrounding the abrupt departure of her predecessor–a woman whose ghost lingers everywhere–than anyone is willing to let on. In her search for this mysterious former teacher, Rose instead uncovers the darkness that beats at the heart of Caldonbrae, forcing her to confront the true extent of the school’s nefarious purpose, and her own role in perpetuating it.
A darkly feminist tale pitched against a haunting backdrop, and populated by an electrifying cast of heroines, Madam will keep readers engrossed until the breathtaking conclusion.
They want our silence…
They want our obedience…
Let them see our fire burn
We must use the errors of the past to reflect on our own future.
A Gripping but Uneven Psychological Thriller
Phoebe Wynne’s Madam immerses readers in a gothic, suspense-filled atmosphere at Caldonbrae Hall, an all-girls’ boarding school perched on the rugged cliffs of Scotland. The story follows 26-year-old Rose Christie, an eager new Classics teacher, who arrives at the prestigious school only to find its veneer of excellence hiding dark secrets and oppressive traditions.
Rose quickly becomes aware that Caldonbrae is far from a utopian institution. The students are rigidly controlled, expected to conform to outdated beliefs, while the faculty perpetuate an atmosphere of power, manipulation, and secrecy. Rose’s gradual realization that she is caught in a web of control, both from the staff and the students, intensifies the psychological tension of the narrative. The oppressive atmosphere of the school, steeped in tradition, is chilling, and Rose is soon drawn into a search for answers about the strange departure of her predecessor, whose ghost seems to haunt the hallways.
Unfortunately, Madam struggles with pacing, particularly in its first half. The slow-burn tension that builds is palpable, but it often drags on without a clear sense of progression, which was frustrating. It also frequently lingers on descriptions and Greek mythology references that, while interesting in their own right, feel disconnected from the main story and only slow down the plot’s development. Additionally, the book is set in 1992, yet the antiquated culture of Caldonbrae makes it feel like a tale out of the early 20th century, further disorienting readers who might have expected a more contemporary atmosphere.
Rose’s character arc is one of the book’s highlights. She is relatable in her struggle to balance her modern values with the rigid, traditional expectations of the school, yet her reluctance to assert herself for much of the novel can be maddening. This internal conflict plays into the larger themes of power dynamics and authority, particularly the way women manipulate and control each other.
The gothic setting of Caldonbrae, though rich in atmosphere, at times feels underutilized. The castle-like architecture and remote location are perfect for a story about power and oppression, but the plot never quite explores them to their full potential. While the book teases the reader with intriguing elements of mystery and tension, the payoff is often unsatisfying, with the pacing and predictability of the twists detracting from the story’s emotional impact.
Ultimately Madam is a hauntingly atmospheric gothic thriller that offers an intriguing exploration of power and tradition but falters in its execution. While some readers may appreciate the slow-building suspense and eerie setting, I was frustrated by the lack of meaningful development and underwhelming conclusion.
Rating: 7 out of 10
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