WOMS: The Last Heir of Blackwood Library

I wasn’t looking for a ghost story, but I am so glad I stumbled upon The Last Heiress of Blackwood Library by Hester Fox.

Introducing mysteries back into my rotations of genres has allowed me to branch out a little, especially since so many I read are historically inspired. Okay, all of them are, but what I’m trying to get to is that I have found myself “accidentally” reading historical novels I wouldn’t have necessarily picked up at first had it not hinted at some sort of mystery within its pages.

This atmospheric, eerie historical novel with fantasy elements was quite a spooky read for the middle of April. Should have read it in October! It also felt different than my usual read. You see, the mystery in this case was less murder and more ghostly. Though, sure, there might have been a couple of murders, the main character isn’t sleuthing to find out who did it. Instead, she’s trying to learn the secrets of this dilapidated library she’s inherited, her connection both physical and psychological to the estate she became the heiress of overnight, and why her servants are so tightlipped and rude.

If you recall the Guy Ritchie adaptation of Sherlock Holmes starring the illustrious Robert Downey, Jr. and Jude Law, this novel had similar vibes with a dark, twisted secret society manipulating the characters—just set in Post-World War I era, not Victorian England. Also, it had a narrower scope, which felt much more intimate than grand, sweeping London. It helped deepen your attachment to the characters and their struggle.

Despite the usual ingredients I find myself inclined to taste, their mixture was different than anything I’ve tried in a while. I must have loved it because my husband came home to find me still reading hours later, dinner forgotten, as well as lunch. I was too engrossed in its pages. I don’t know if it requires mentioning, but I also stayed up late to finish it, too.

There are some plot points which were predictable, but the solution to the mystery was not quite what I expected. Perhaps that’s what kept me entranced, and I utterly loved the exhilaration. The characters were likeable, but the library setting, its history and atmosphere, are what captivated me most. It’s not your usual ghost story, but then again, I don’t normally read them so what do I know? I still recommend it if you want a gentle spook because like me you scare too easily. This was enough horror for me without making me panic too much.

If you want to be transported to 1920s England in a lush, atmospheric, haunted setting (no matter the time of year), then go out and read The Last Heir of Blackwood Library. It’ll do just the trick!

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