With the spooky reading season approaching, I was in the mood for a book involving a haunted house. Scrolling through books I saved on the Hoopla app, I came across The Last Heir to Blackwood Library by Hester Fox. Fantasy is always a bit out of my wheelhouse; however, I couldn’t resist a story set just after WWI in an old, gothic English manor with a library. The book description sounded spooky and dreamy!

Ivy Radcliffe lives with her best friend in London. By age 23, she has lost both of her parents and her brother died in the war. She surprisingly learns she is the heir to Blackwood Abbey. She had no prior knowledge of this bloodline, and with nothing holding her to London, she takes the leap and moves to Yorkshire. Upon her arrival, she is coldly welcomed by the servants who help her settle in. Ivy is a humble young woman and overwhelmed by the large manor and servants. She immediately finds herself alone and practically begging the servants to interact with her. 

During a chance meeting with a young fellow at a bookshop, Ivy learns the manor has a library. When she inquires with her staff, she must demand that the library be unlocked and remain accessible. Ivy is in heaven with this library and commits to cleaning and cataloging the books. She spends most of her waking days in the library and begins to suffer headaches. As the story evolves, Ivy learns about ghosts, centuries old curses, and a secret manuscript. 

The story developed at a quick pace. As Ivy became uncertain who to trust, so did I as the reader. The novel contained a lot of suspense and mystery. I enjoyed the story overall, especially the ending. The story wasn’t over when I thought it was, which is always a nice surprise. 

I borrowed The Last Heir to Blackwood Manor from my local library with the Hoopla app. Narration by Ell Potter was a perfect match for this book.

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