Book Review | Inheriting Her Ghosts by S.H. Cooper

Eudora Fellowes inherits the High Hearth manor after her distant aunt passes away. Eudora lives alone as an unmarried woman with her two large dogs, defying society’s expectations. She chose to move to the country manor away from the prying eyes of those in the city. But the people in the village shun her due to rumours of her late aunt being a witch. Strange incidents start happening as soon as Eudora arrives. Can she find the source of the troubles and bring peace to High Hearth?

The house inherited me as much as I did it. We were alike, this house and I. Both filled with bones that creaked and dark hallways where memories lingered still.

Inheriting Her Ghosts is an old-fashioned haunted house story that brings the scares and the feels! I’m a huge fan of gothic horror and I thought this book has the perfect amount of atmosphere, setting and character. It has ghosts, séances, witchcraft and family secrets. I was thrilled by the moody description of the manor and the creepy scenes where mysterious things happen in the dark. There’s also the mystery of a locked room where the reveal is worth the wait.

Eudora is a wonderful protagonist – independent, compassionate and lively. She’s a refreshing change from the usual portrayals of Victorian heroines in that she’s not bitter or angry at her situation. While she has experienced heartbreak from her parents’ deaths, her desire to be alone is a choice. I really enjoyed her scenes with her wolfhounds, Cerberus and Black Shuck, especially when they meet other characters. Though there are moments where I thought she could have made different decisions, I liked that she took charge of High Hearth from the moment she arrived. She’s determined to seek out its secrets, even if she has to rely on others for help.

While I did find the storyline falls on familiar tropes, the book brings a nice touch by making Eudora sympathetic towards the spirits she meets. The mystery of High Hearth relates to her ancestors’ past as much as her present and the resolution is satisfying. It’s a tragic, eerie and beautifully written ghost story. And don’t worry, the dogs are safe!

Inheriting Her Ghosts is a great addition to the library of Victorian gothic horror. Add this book to your spooky season list!

CW: child death

About the author: S.H. Coooper

Photo by Mitchell Luo