An Insidious Inheritance is the first Clara Dawson historical mystery by Amelie West. Released 28th Jan 2025, it's 303 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.
This is a well written, creepy paranormal historical mystery set in the depths of the American depression in 1933. Clara inherits a run-down inn after the death of her estranged father. Things almost immediately start going bump (or creak) in the night, and between the hostile locals and inexplicable happenings in the environs, she fears she might be losing her mind.
The author has a gift with setting, and the entire novel has an edgy, brooding, and threatening aura that is disquieting and compelling in about equal measure. It feels like the tension ratchets up waiting for a jump scare that doesn't materialize.
The isolated setting adds to the overall Gothic atmosphere. The mystery, denouement, and resolution are self-contained in this volume, though it is marketed as the first of a series; it works well as a standalone.
Four stars. Enjoyable historical mystery. It's not derivative at all, but there are flashes of Shirley Jackson and maybe a little Henry Farrell in the mix. It would make a nice choice for a buddy read or mystery book club selection.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
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