Quick Synopsis – In the wake of The Great War, the world is a decidedly unmagical place for Mouse Dunne. She once dreamed of becoming a Faerie anthropologist, but with one telegram, her world shattered. At the Battle of the Somme, her cousin’s body disappeared into the mud, and her brother was left with debilitating shell shock. It was time, she knew, to put aside childish dreams.

When Mouse receives news that her uncle has left her the Faerie-blessed Thistlemarsh Hall, a dilapidated manor in the English countryside, she must leave her brother’s side and return to her childhood home to claim her birthright. But there is a catch in her uncle’s offer: If Mouse does not rehabilitate the crumbling house in one month’s time, she will forfeit her inheritance and any hope of caring for her brother.

It quickly becomes clear it’s impossible to repair the manor in the allotted time, until a mysterious Faerie appears with a proposition. He offers to restore Thistlemarsh…for a price. Mouse knows better than to trust a Faerie—especially one so insufferably handsome and arrogant—but she is out of options. There are dark and magical forces at work in the house, and Mouse must confront the ghosts of her past and the secrets of her heart or lose Thistlemarsh, and herself, in the process.

Song This Reminds Me Of – Irish Eyes by Rose Betts

Publication Date – April 21, 2026

Bookshop Link – Thistlemarsh by Moorea Corrigan (if you purchase using my link, I get a small commission)

Content Notes – There is a lot of classism, sexism, and misogyny that would have been pretty typical for 1920s Britian. This book takes place immediately after WWI and the main character spends time on the front as a nurse. There are descriptions of shellshock (PTSD), war, blood, violence, burns, mustard gas, and other violence associated with WWI.

Spicy Rating – 🌶️

Overall Rating – ⭐⭐⭐⭐ out of 5

Review – I wish there were more books about magical houses. In all honesty, I wish this house was more magical. Thistlemarsh is an adult fantasy novel, there is a romance element, but there is no explicit content beyond some heavy kissing. Mouse is a woman who has faced many hardships in her life. As the daughter of a disowned lady and Irish gardener, she grew up loved, but on the outside of society. While her brother was able to attend Eton with her cousin Bertie, Mouse was locked away (sometimes literally) with her cruel Uncle in Thistlemarsh.

When the Great War (WWI) claims the life of her cousin and mind of her brother, she is suddenly the only heir to Thistlemarsh. The catch is that she must repair the estate or marry in order to keep it, if she fails it goes to her vile cousin Carlyle. Thistlemarsh isn’t a normal manor house, it’s Faerie blessed. In this novel the faeries use to live amongst us making deals and infusing magic into our world. But a hundred years ago they retreated into their own realm, and no one knows why. Of course, Mouse encounters a Faerie trapped in a statue and makes a deal to save Thistlemarsh. Thornwood is a High Faerie and he agrees to work his magic to save Thistlemarsh. Though it isn’t that simple, the magic of the house seems to be fighting back.

I liked this book, but I felt like there could have been a little more history added in. Once we get to the big reveals there could have been more added about the retreat of the faeries and some of the character’s backstories. It felt a little unfinished to me that some characters we never even meet like Bertie have such rich backstories, but there is still so much about Thornwood we’ll never know. Again, I also thought the house could have been more magical. I like it when magical buildings seem to have a little bit of personality.

This is a fun stand alone and I would definitely recommend it if you enjoy fantasy novels.

Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.