The Framed Women of Ardemore House by Brandy Schillace

A friend brought this book to my attention because it is written by a woman on the autism spectrum and the novel’s protagonist is also on the spectrum. Those of you who know me also know my son is on the spectrum, as is a main character in my novel Peculiar Savage Beauty. So, while I don’t often read mysteries, this book made it on my to-read stack.

This is a contemporary mystery set in a historical location in North Yorkshire, England. Because of my affinity for historical fiction, the elements of the story that revolved around a missing painting and a possibly-haunted family estate appealed to me. Add in a cast of fully-formed, quirky characters, and this novel had a great deal that captured my attention.

I enjoyed it so much, in fact, that I reached out to the author. Brandy is not only a talented writer, she’s also a talented artist. For members of her street team (which I now am), Brandy created fun portraits set in the Ardemore Estate in the style of the mysterious missing Netherleigh painting. We had our choice of locations, and of course I requested the library!

Here are the before and after photos. I love the way the light is coming in from the window, and how the chandelier is reminiscent of the fountain in the original image.

This novel has a lot to love for any reader. Mystery fans, in particular, are sure to adore it (and if you do, you’ll be thrilled to know she’s hard at work on the second book in the series).