This review contains affiliate links, which earn me a small commission when you click and purchase, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my small business and allowing me to continue providing you a reliable resource for clean book ratings.
This supernatural mystery is set in the aftermath of World War I on the Yorkshire moors. Twenty-three-year-old Ivy Radcliffe inherits an estate, complete with a sentient library that holds ancient secrets. Despite cryptic warnings from the staff, Ivy is drawn to the library’s dusty shelves and senses something ominous lurking within its walls. As Ivy unravels the truth, she is plagued by gaps in her memory and increasing paranoia, leaving the reader to question what is real and what is imagined.
From the very beginning, Blackwood Abbey steals center stage, overshadowing even the protagonist. With its misty moors, sinister library, and enigmatic past, the abbey is a character in its own right — one that does most of the heavy lifting when it comes to building tension. Inspired by gothic novels such as Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights, the author overly relies on the Yorkshire setting to create an eerie mood, sacrificing atmospheric prose and finely honed word choice for readability.
Even so, Ivy’s role as an unreliable narrator brings an element of suspense to Hester Fox’s writing that might otherwise be lacking. The gaps in her memory and the resulting confusion create a sense of unease that keeps the reader guessing, underscoring the power of memories. However, this storytelling technique hinders the romantic subplot between Ivy and her chauffeur, Ralph, as their budding relationship is told rather than shown. While Ivy’s memory lapses heighten suspense, they also keep the reader at a distance, making it difficult to fully experience Ivy’s love story in a way that feels authentic.
In short, The Last Heir to Blackwood Library is a solid addition to the gothic mystery genre. While the writing style and romance might have their shortcomings, the atmospheric setting and Ivy’s unreliable narration will keep the reader on the edge of their seat. Fans of the Brontë sisters and supernatural mysteries will find much to enjoy in this hauntingly beautiful tale.
Rated: Moderate. Profanity includes 1 use of strong language, 4 instances of moderate profanity, and 18 instances of the name of Deity in vain. Sexual content includes passionate kissing and references to sex, but no details. Violence includes mention of a man poisoning his wife, war themes, gun violence, murder, dead/decomposing bodies, a man drowning in a pool of blood, assault, and human experimentation. Other content warnings include death of a family member, a moderately graphic description of the effects of the Black Plague, some recreational drinking, drug usage (morphine prescribed by a doctor), drug-induced hallucinations and symptoms, gaslighting, involuntary drugging, and cults/black magic.
Click here to purchase your copy of The Last Heir to Blackwood Library on Amazon.
