Books, Boots and Bakeries

Lauren Gilley’s The Skeleton Key is another standout in the Dartmoor series, and it delivers exactly what I love in a book: layered characters, a well-crafted villain, and a sense of authenticity that pulls you in.

Emmie and Walsh’s story is steeped in tension, history, and that push-and-pull dynamic that keeps you turning the pages. Gilley doesn’t write cookie-cutter characters; instead, she gives us people who feel real, shaped by their pasts, their choices, and their environments. Emmie isn’t just a love interest—she’s fully formed, carrying her own weight in the narrative. And Walsh? The perfect mix of intensity and vulnerability, with a delicious age gap to boot. Their romance isn’t easy, but it’s worth it.

One of my favourite things about this book is how Gilley handles her villains. If you’re a fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, you know the power of a well-done “big bad.” The antagonist in The Skeleton Key has presence. They’re not just there to create drama—they’re a real threat, which raises the stakes in a way that makes the entire story more gripping.

And then, of course, there’s the horses. Gilley’s background as a horsewoman shines through in every scene involving them. This isn’t just a book that happens to feature horses; they’re woven into the fabric of the story in a way that feels natural and lived-in. If you’ve ever been around horses, you’ll appreciate the little details she gets right. If you haven’t, this book might just make you want to be.

I’m definitely seeing Sherlock Holmes influences in the way the story unfolds, the deductions, the way certain characters act and the naming of Briar Hall. It adds a cerebral layer to the tension, compelling the plot. This is a character-based story, and what makes it even richer is how the home, Briar Hall, becomes a character unto itself. It’s not just a setting—it breathes, shifts, and influences the lives of those within it, adding another layer of depth to the book.

The Skeleton Key proves why Gilley is an auto-buy author for so many. It’s gritty, emotional, and immersive. Whether you’re here for the romance, the action, or the sheer depth of storytelling, this book delivers.