“The Frangitelli Mirror” by G.R. Thomas

The Frangitelli Mirror

G.R. Thomas
Independently Published (2023)
ISBN Number: 978-0994506993
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (08/2026)

Written by G.R. Thomas, The Frangitelli Mirror is a chilling tale that blends the supernatural, mystery, and family legacy into a gothic horror novel. Beginning in 1915, the story follows Rose Carbonelli, who lives with her mother in extreme poverty. Her life changes forever after she finds a mysterious book of magic that appears to have been dropped by an old crone. The cursed book refuses to leave her. It reappears no matter what she does, even after she tries to burn it. After she starts reading this book, she develops the terrifying ability to see ghosts, and she is followed by a raven that is clearly more than just an ordinary bird as it tries to communicate with her.

Hoping to escape the spirits haunting her home and the hardships of poverty, Rose accepts a position as a live-in maid at the creepy Rutherford House. She is hired by an enigmatic man who shares her Italian heritage. She cares for the mysterious, ailing Lady Mary Rutherford, who has not left the property in years. Among the unusual rules that she must follow, one stands out above the others: she must never cover the mirrors. And there are a lot of mirrors in Lady Rutherford’s quarters. The mysteriously foreboding Frangitelli Mirror soon becomes the focal point where increasingly horrifying events take place. Rose is drawn into a terrifying mystery that she soon discovers is tied to her own family history and related to the disappearance of her father.

As she searches for answers, she reconnects with her former love Eric, who is determined to protect her. This relationship adds warmth and emotional depth to this dark narrative. Together they work to unlock truths about this mysterious estate, and they fight the evil that has it under attack. Revelations build up to a thrilling climax that will have readers finding themselves holding their breath, hanging on to the very end.

Thomas excels at creating complex characters who readers will find themselves feeling emotionally invested in, especially in the case of Rose and Eric. Rose is a courageous heroine who goes through a tremendous amount of emotional growth and self-discovery throughout the novel. The supporting cast is also memorable. When readers discover answers to the mystery behind Lady Rutherford’s insanity, they will also see that she is a character with many layers of emotional depth. The decaying Rutherford House is vividly well described. It becomes a character on its own. The gothic features of the shadowy halls and haunted atmosphere really help heighten the suspense. G.R. Thomas’ The Frangitelli Mirror is one of the best gothic horror novels that I have read. I look forward to reading more works by this talented author.