A review by alexalala
The Last Heir to Blackwood Library by Hester Fox

dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

I received this as an ARC at a book event. All opinions are my own.

While this book started really strong, I think the execution of the climax and conclusion were disappointing.

Ivy is an every day gal working after the Great War in London, when she suddenly gets word that she is the heir to a huge estate in Yorkshire with one stipulation - she must live in the house. She packs up her life and moves into the countryside where a skeleton staff are acting mysteriously. Inside, she finds an enigmatic library that may be more sinister than it appears...

I absolutely loved the beginning of this book, the set up, the execution, and the mystery were very well done. It kept my attention and I was reading the book at record speed.

However, once we reached the climax it felt very rushed and unsatisfying. Our normally independent Ivy leans on everyone else and stops asking questions,
even when her fiancee's body just mysteriously disappears without explanation of how he died or what happens with his family who were using her for access to the library just also disappear on her word that the library/book's power is gone? I don't know, it was just extremely strange
. The romance to me also felt a little rushed and strange, and the two characters just didn't feel right together (to me).

I do think other people will really enjoy this book if they like mysteries/thrillers. I did enjoy the aspects with the books and especially the prologue. 

You will like this book if you enjoy: mysteries, powerful books, memory loss, English estates, aristocratic vibes, and libraries.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings