Inheriting Her Ghosts by S.H. Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was in the mood for another gothic tale, and this one definitely fit the bill.
Eudora Fellowes is happy to live on her own in the city. The only companions she needs are her loyal wolfhounds, Cerberus and Black Shuck. But when she inherits her estranged great-aunt's seaside manor, High Hearth, she decides to move there. Unfortunately, the house is full of dark secrets...
Well, this novella is fantastic! It's a Victorian Gothic story that features everything you would expect from one, with its own unique twist. I mean, who doesn't want to read about a secluded manor by the sea, a mysterious locked door (love this so much I've used this trope in my own gothic stories), ghosts and secrets? I know I do.
Not only is the writing engrossing, the atmosphere creepy, the location perfectly suited to a gothic tale, but Eudora is an amazing character. Loved how she wanted to live her own life and didn't care what people said about her. And her wolfhounds are such an awesome addition to the story.
The sense of creeping dread is there as soon as she arrives at the seemingly abandoned, High Hearth. And although this is a slow burn horror, you definitely want to stick around for the revelations.
Asides from being a moody piece, I also really liked the characters. Mr. Bentley and his wife, Tillie, are absolutely charming. Morwen's story is both intriguing and sad.
I LOVED this!