Evil at Alardyce House (Alardyce House #4) by Heather Atkinson
Genre: Historical thriller, Gothic
Read: 1st July 2023
Published: 30th June 2023
★★★★★ 5 stars
DESCRIPTION:
The history of the Alardyce family is fraught with scandal and intrigue.
But after her eldest son Robert leaves the country, finally Amy Alardyce can enjoy some peace. Robert is wanted by the police for some unspeakable crimes, and his family hope he has run far enough and never looks back.
A decade after his disappearance, Robert has forged a successful life for himself, making his fortune from the diamond and gold mines of Africa. But when he sees a death notice in the newspaper, the call to go home to Scotland grows ever louder.
At Alardyce House, there are big changes too, and the fragile peace the family have enjoyed for so long is feeling more fragile than ever. And as the past comes back to haunt Amy and her children, will she have to finally accept that the curse of the Alardcye family can never be outrun…
MY THOUGHTS:
Can the curse of the Alardyce family be outrun...?
I'm saddened to have come to the end of this brilliant series but wow! What an ending. EVIL AT ALARDYCE HOUSE is the fourth, and I'm guessing the final book to what was essentially a trilogy to begin with. But having read the previous three, given where the third one "His Fatal Legacy" ended a fourth one was needed to bring the story full circle and to give closure to the Alardyce curse.
It's now 1910 - a new century, a new era - and twelve years have passed since Robert Alardyce fled his home after a violent confrontation with his mother and stepfather. He bought a passage to the first ship leaving port and headed to the South Americas where he bounced around before finding his feet and a new purpose. South Africa and the diamond mines. That's where he wanted to be, to make his fortune and drive out the dark whispers that tempt him. He makes contacts there and is as ruthless as ever as he gains control of the biggest diamond mine in the country. But after twelve years, he decides to head home to reclaim his wife and daughter whom have never been far from his thoughts.
When the door knocks at Alardyce House some two weeks later, everyone is shocked to see Robert standing there. If he was expecting forgiveness then he was to be disappointed. Twelve years may be a long time but people have long memories. But of all of them, his mother Amy is overjoyed to see her firstborn return home. His wife, Jane, is another matter. While he returned with the intention of reuniting with her, Jane has spent the past decade trying to move on from the torment he had put her through. The deep wounds have lasting scars as anger continues to burn inside her heart. He assures her that he is a changed man but the past looms heavily with its cloud of doubt. Past actions tell a different story. Is he sincere? She cannot be sure. Amy is quick to give him the benefit of the doubt but then she is his mother. And Robert has always cleverly disguised his motives in the past.
Alardyce House has always had its fair share of tragedy and it seems that isn't over. Although change has come, the family legacy must continue though some have trouble adjusting to their new roles. Amy has always been the matriarch that holds the family together but does she have the strength to continue now? Or is it time to pass the mantle over to the next generation?
I wasn't sure what to expect from this final installment of the Alardyce series when I began but I thoroughly enjoyed it. All our old favourites return, as well as some not-so favourite. There are a few surprises along the way and I even shed a few tears. Though the era has moved from Victorian times, there is still that element that runs over from the previous era. Certainly there are some Victorian traditions which Amy is quick to continue to recognise despite the changing times.
If you like gritty, dark and sometimes chilling historical fiction then I thoroughly recommend this series! I do advise that they be read in order. And be warned, the first one is especially dark, graphic and very chilling.
Overall, EVIL AT ALARDYCE HOUSE is an addictive read that will keep you turning the pages until the very shocking end. The entire series has been just as addictive, just as absorbing and decidedly very chilling at times. But a brilliant read from start to finish. I've enjoyed my time with the Alardyces.
I would like to thank #HeatherAtkinson, #Netgalley, #BoldwoodBooks and #RachelsRandomResources for an ARC of #EvilAtAlardyceHouse in exchange for an honest review.
MEET THE AUTHOR:
Heather's tastes in all things are eclectic, which extends to her writing. Although she primarily write crime books - especially gangland thrillers - she also write paranormal, historical romance and fantasy. She publishes on Amazon Kindle and some of her novels are available in paperback too. She has also signed my first traditional publishing contract with Boldwood Books for the gangland Gallowburn series, set in Glasgow. As well as the republication of the Alardyce Trilogy, beginning with "The Missing Girls of Alardyce House".
When she's not writing - which isn't very often - she enjoys reading, especially the Assassin's Creed novels, Agatha Christie, Oscar de Muriel and Edgar Allan Poe, among many others. Heather also enjoys walking, exercising and spending time with her family.
Social Media links:
No comments:
Post a Comment