REVIEW
Oh my! Where do I begin to rave about this fantastic historical mystery that is so riveting it was hard to put down once I started. I really enjoyed Heather Atkinson’s novel and although I have not read the previous books of the series, I don’t think it lessened my experience. Evil at Alardyce House is a good story on its own and it has only whet my appetite for more. I actually bought the first book of the series recently so it will be fun to go back to the beginning. I will definitely read the others, too, as I found this family fascinating.
Evil at Alardyce House focuses on one member of the family, Robert, who had left his wife, child and country to protect them from the effects of his dark whispers. While away, he tries desperately to start over, mature and make himself ready for his return. After he acquires a few mining businesses, he heads home to reclaim his wife and daughter. But he has been away for many years, without a word of his whereabouts or that he is indeed alive. With all the enemies he has made, his family expects the worst. But he returns safely with hopes of finding forgiveness. This is a tall ask considering he had done some pretty horrific things. But despite all this, his mother is overjoyed to see him. His wife, though, is quite another matter. She carries deep wounds from his past actions and anger burns inside her heart. He tries to show her he has changed but doubt hangs like a heavy cloud over his head while enemies line up to beat him. Is he sincere? For he has cleverly disguised his motives before and his good deeds were not pure. But is this what he is doing this time? It is difficult for some to believe otherwise. A lot has happened in his absence. Plus, his stepfather recently passed away and the estate has been left to the younger son to run. This is a position Robert once coveted so will he try to overtake his younger brother? He says not. As the story unfolds, truth rises to the top and many obstacles and events will test Robert’s claims.
This is a story about the darkness in the heart. Robert is fully aware of his own struggles with the dark whispers. But there are seemingly less-innocent souls who discover to their horror, it is a lot easier to cross over to that path given the right scenario, especially when a loved one is threatened. I won’t give anything away of who finds themselves in this desperate position. But this characterisation shows complexity. These are not one dimensional paper cuts. Even Robert who has been fighting his darkness most his life, is not completely evil. He has a kinder side when placed in the right situation. For him his saving grace is the love he has for his wife and daughter.
This novel is excellently written with exquisite descriptions that transported me to a haunting Victorian setting. There’s a tight plot, lots of twists and unexpected turns. Characters we love and those we hate to love. The author has a great grasp on the psycho mind. But also she shows how the morally controlled heart, if pushed beyond its safe and sound limits, can enter grey or dark areas of behaviour. Some individuals are easily given over to their dire appetites and rampant greed. As in Evil at Alardyce House, the more upright can also battle evil voices in his/her head. Yes, there is death and destruction in this story but also life and restoration. While some are redeemed, others fall into the abyss. Deception is everywhere as a curse runs through this prominent family. But friends are sometimes enemies who appear to be upright citizens in respectable jobs until at night in the shadows, evil acts spill from their wicked hearts.
Amy, the matriarch of this Alardyce estate, fights the forces of evil and is one lady easy to admire. But once she unexpectedly loses her husband, she is so grieved she withers and fades. Until her son returns home and her fortitude is re-ignited. For a while, she continues to help and protect Robert from pointing fingers and enemies from his past. But how long can she keep this up? And will the past infringe on the present? As much as she loves her son and family, the longing of her heart to rejoin the love of her life strengthens—and this desire takes her closer to the cliff of death.
This is a brilliant story that kept me furiously turning the pages. It is not a novel I will soon forget! I highly recommend it for those wanting a mesmerising on-the-edge-of your-seat Victorian mystery. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Many thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for my review copy.
