Dark, Gothic and utterly brilliant…

This is an author I adore. This is a book that has delivered. I loved everything about this one.

There are plenty of twists which fill the pages of this one. The atmosphere is gothic and haunting which I have adored.

This is a series I have adored, although this does read well as a standalone. I enjoyed this book and found myself racing through page after page.

Atkinson can do no wrong in my opinion. I’ve read most of her books and they keep getting better and better.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Evil at Alardyce House is the latest spine-chilling installment of Heather Atkinson’s creepy and unsettling family saga set in Victorian Scotland.

Amy Alardyce is finally free. Now that her eldest son Robert has left the country, Amy no longer has to worry about the insidious demons that persecute her family and that have compelled her son to commit unspeakable crimes that have sent shockwaves rippling throughout the entire city. Amy and her family hope that Robert has gone as far from Scotland as he possibly can, however, the Alardyce family should know by now that regardless of how far you try to outrun evil, it will always find you.

A decade later and Robert has forged a successful life for himself in Africa having made his fortune from diamond and gold mines. Scotland is far behind him – or so he thinks for when he spots a notice in the newspaper about a death, Robert finds himself with no other choice but to return back home. In the intervening ten years a lot has changed for the family. Can the Alardyce clan ever be free of the curse that has held them prisoner for so long? Or will they be unable to unshackle themselves from the evil forces that have haunted them for so long?

There are twists and turns aplenty in Heather Atkinson’s tense and terrifying new Gothic thriller, Evil at Alardyce House. Dark, scandalous and intriguing, this gritty and compulsively readable page-turner will keep readers gripped and reeling from one shocking revelation after another. Best read in broad daylight and not in an empty house, readers who like being scared witless will love Heather Atkinson’s latest, Evil at Alardyce House.

Twelve years have passed since Robert Alardyce left Scotland to avoid hurting those he loves. Now he sees an opportunity to return home but can he control the evil in his heart?
Evil at Alardyce House is the fourth book in the Alardyce series. I would advise reading the books in order (The Missing Girls of Alardyce House, HIs Fatal Legacy, and The Cursed Heir) as each has spoilers about previous events.
Robert uses his deviousness to demonstrate his business acumen and builds a succesful empire in South Africa. He manages to curb his deadly impulses and I actually warmed to him a little. His love for his mother, wife and child shines through but his darker side is never far away.
Poor Amy. She has been through so much in this series of books! In her new grief, Robert returns and she needs to welcome him whilst protecting her other children. In this book, the timeline has moved on to the early twentieth century and I liked the way the characters moved away from the Victorian era. Amy has always felt surprisingly modern which makes her experiences seem more relatable.
I have really enjoyed this series and felt invested in the characters from the beginning. There is passion, murder, love and hate. The author carefully blends violence and darkness with tenderness and emotion. There continues to be a mix of mystery and supernatural about the writing as Amy is haunted by the past.
Evil at Alardyce House is a fitting conclusion to this enjoyable historical series.

Although originally started as a trilogy, this is in fact the fourth novel in the Alardyce series. While I’d definitely recommend reading the earlier books, The Missing Girls of Alardyce House, The Cursed Heir and His Fatal Legacy, there is always sufficient detail provided to allow each one to be read as a stand-alone.

I’m a huge fan of this series. The writing style is pacy, the plot often dark and treacherous and the time period captured authentically.

I particularly enjoyed the chapters in this one which dealt with Robert’s foray into gold mining during his exile from Scotland as it was fascinating to read not only how he continued to coerce and manipulate, but also his battle to control the dark urges which had forced his departure in the first instance.

Highly recommended!

With thanks to the author, Rachel at Random Resources and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to participate in the tour.

This is the fourth book in the series and although I haven’t read the first three, mystery, murder and Atkinson’s addictive writing kept me hooked.

The author brought the characters and the setting to life well, both of which made the story feel all that more believable.

I will be impatiently waiting for the sequel.

I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook.
I was really looking forward to this book and all the reviews were positive. I will say that I didn't hate the book. I think the author did a good job writing the story I just think that it was not what was advertised. It was not scary (horror) etc. But maybe that is just me.

Her son Robert has left the country after doing some unforgivable things to the family at Alardyce and Amy his mother is still struggling. When tragedy strikes all the demons will come to a head. A gripping historical crime thriller that I read non stop because it is just so enticing. I have read and loved Heather's gangland thrillers but this has all the action and crime minus the gangs. I have not read the previous books in this series but it was easily enjoyable as a standalone although I am now keen to get my hands on the previous three books. The characters were ones that I loved too hate and the plot is breathtakingly action packed with head spinning twists.Heather Atkinson is very fast becoming my favourite author.

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.

This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.

I love historical mysteries and when I saw this one come up, I could not resist!

An exiled man returns to the family home when he sees something in the paper that catches his attention.

This is the 4th book in this series and I have not read the first three. But mystery, murder and some tough stuff goes on and will keep you riveted

A depressing book with not much happening except references to evil people and events in the past. The present part of the story was the same with individuals taking advantage of others for their gain, deaths , killing of unsavoury characters , and the continuing references to past evils. This book was a recount of a family that was stick in the past and their attempts to move forward never happened. A gloomy read .

This is the 4th book in the series, none of which had I read. This book had a quick summary at the beginning so I didn't feel lost. It was a little darker than what I normally read. However, I did enjoy the book.


Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was hooked on to the story from start to finish and I didn't want to put it down until the end. The storyline is comparatively less violent than its previous counterparts. Robert's gone away from Alardyce, most probably for good. Though Amy misses her first born, she knows he's beyond help - he's just like his father, Mathew.

But not all's well at Alardyce House. Amy feels insecure that her husband is still young while she feels old and fragile - thanks to her traumatic past which has left her disfigured and ill. Lydia, Amy's daughter, and Magda, Amy's best friend and healer, are by her side. Henry is, too. Amy's sons too are supportive of her.

Meanwhile, Robert's in South America, wanting to make his mark in the world. He's also managed to control his darkness. He wants to go back to Edinburgh one day, and make up for hurting his wife, Jane. He also misses his daughter Emily.

As the story proceeds, we are given a clear picture of Amy's sufferings - it does seem like the poor thing had one tragedy after another in life. No respite from the darkness surrounding her.

The first half of the book alternates between Amy's grief and Robert's life in South America. The second half is about what's to come next - both, for the series (future installments, if any), as well as for Amy and her family. I liked the second half better as there are multiple twists, betrayals, and lies. In a way, things end well - closure for some many things that were building up since the beginning of this series.

The storytelling is impressive.The ending - I absolutely loved it. Some, happy endings, and some, not so much. But there's closure - and this is what Amy deserved.

A sequel to the Alardyce Trilogy which I did read although I would say that this could easily be read as a stand-alone. The early part of the book mainly deals with Robert’s life after he left Scotland ten years earlier to avoid police arrest and is mainly set in South Africa. A dark historical thriller with a great plot and a good cast of well fleshed characters. Fast paced, there is a lot of stuff going on, but all the threads come together really well.

Briefly, having made his fortune in diamond and gold mines Robert see’s in the press that his step father has died and immediately leaves for home. His mother Amy welcomes him with open arms but his wife is not willing to consider a reconciliation and wants a divorce. But Robert is determined to overcome his dark side and win his wife and daughter back.

Robert is a great character, in the past I’ve found him despicable, but now I’m seeing a different side to him. He has been evil and cruel but he seems to have changed. But has he? Can you ever truly change your personality? I also love Magda, her caring nature and her insights into events and people, a truly kind soul. The author brilliantly explores the dark side of human nature, even the most unlikely people can kill with the right provocation! A very entertaining read, good twists and turns and a great ending. I really enjoyed it. 4.5⭐️

Wow. Now this is an historical fiction that really grabs your attention and makes you sit up and read. It is a wonderful book and story.

The main character, Robert, his struggles in life, his family, his enemies and his dark past. It is a haunting, yet exquisite read, well written and with such fully developed characters you feel you know them. The story follows and flows so well It is at times dark and scary, at times tender and loving and at times you get frustrated and annoyed at the characters and what they do. And that is what makes it a great read. Emotional.

Loved the settings, both Scotland and Africa, and the story takes you on a journey between both countries. The story is well paced, a book you won't want to put down and a story that won't leave you as soon as you finish. It lives on in you mind.

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

I knew as soon as I started this book it was part of the series and oh how I wish I would’ve had the time to go back and read the first three installments but either way I didn’t and so I read on, I am certain that this was one of the best put together books especially one in a series with lots of great twist and surprises that I wasn’t prepared for and those are always the best kind. Robert Alarrdyce comes home after being away for 12 years he left for many reasons but came back just for one and that was to get his wife Jane and daughter back. Unfortunately it’s been 12 years and she is slowly started moving on and says she wants a divorce. He also left murdered servant girls in his week it’s soon after he returns another servant girl is found dead but it couldn’t be him because when she was being murdered he was being looked after by the doctor after being stabbed leaving one of his mini enemies establishments. When his mom Amy questions him he promises her he now can keep the darkness a day and although he means it not many believe him and when Amy warns her other son John to be leery of his older brother Robert John takes it to heart he does his best to become a good Lord of Alarrdyce House but when John confront Robert and tell him for them to have it out this is when tragedy happens it seems Robert pass isn’t done catching up with him but this time instead of him it’s caught up with someone very near and dear to Robert’s heart. Will this tragedy end the great and mighty a Allordyce family or will everything that held it together be gone forever will Robert get Jane back and is he truly a change man? This is a Gothic story with great twists and turns I love Heather Ackinson books but I’ve never seen these before but will definitely be looking for them in the future. This is the fourth book in the collection and it seems to still be going just a strong or even stronger as this is the first one I’ve read in the series but if the rest or as good as this one then OMG I definitely need to read those as well. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and couldn’t put it down I received this book from NetGalley and Saint Martin’s press but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

I didn't like this at all. The entire first chapter read like a dictionary - word after word of an exciting sounding story that was never shown on the page. After a bit of research I see that it is part of a series and not the first so that perhaps explains it but it was clumsily down and I had no desire to continue to read.
DNF

Evil At Alardyce House by Heather Atkinson is the fourth book in the marvellous Alardyce House series. It can be read as a stand-alone but I recommend reading the previous novels first.
Twelve years have passed since the end of book two as we follow the fortunes of Robert Alardyce and his family. We travel from Edinburgh to Africa and back again. The intervening years have helped Robert Alardyce realise what is really important and what he wants from life. Returning to his family they have to decide – is Robert the man he was? Or is he who he now claims to be?
Family is important. Matriarch Amy holds the family together, knowing that one day the mantle will pass to the next generation – but who?
We see the strength of character of both Amy and her daughter-in-law Jane. They have an inner resilience that means they are survivors.
Life is a battle between good and evil. We see souls in torment as a battle rages within.
Modern medicine is on the cusp in 1912 but people still use faith healers and their plant-based remedies. Healers use the natural, the supernatural and powers of intuition.
Greed and the need for revenge dominate the black hearts of some, often with disastrous consequences.
The Alardyce House series has been fabulous. It has been all consuming and decidedly chilling at times. I have thoroughly enjoyed it. Evil At Alardyce House was a marvellous read.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

Oh my! Where do I begin to rave about this fantastic historical mystery that is so riveting it was hard to put down once I started. I really enjoyed Heather Atkinson’s novel and although I have not read the previous books of the series, I don’t think it lessened my experience. Evil at Alardyce House is a good story on its own and it has only whet my appetite for more. I actually bought the first book of the series recently so it will be fun to go back to the beginning. I will definitely read the others, too, as I found this family fascinating.

Evil at Alardyce House focuses on one member of the family, Robert, who had left his wife, child and country to protect them from the effects of his dark whispers. While away, he tries desperately to start over, mature and make himself ready for his return. After he acquires a few mining businesses, he heads home to reclaim his wife and daughter. But he has been away for many years, without a word of his whereabouts or that he is indeed alive. With all the enemies he has made, his family expects the worst. But he returns safely with hopes of finding forgiveness. This is a tall ask considering he had done some pretty horrific things. But despite all this, his mother is overjoyed to see him. His wife, though, is quite another matter. She carries deep wounds from his past actions and anger burns inside her heart. He tries to show her he has changed but doubt hangs like a heavy cloud over his head while enemies line up to beat him. Is he sincere? For he has cleverly disguised his motives before and his good deeds were not pure. But is this what he is doing this time? It is difficult for some to believe otherwise. A lot has happened in his absence. Plus, his stepfather recently passed away and the estate has been left to the younger son to run. This is a position Robert once coveted so will he try to overtake his younger brother? He says not. As the story unfolds, truth rises to the top and many obstacles and events will test Robert’s claims.

This is a story about the darkness in the heart. Robert is fully aware of his own struggles with the dark whispers. But there are seemingly less-innocent souls who discover to their horror, it is a lot easier to cross over to that path given the right scenario, especially when a loved one is threatened. I won’t give anything away of who finds themselves in this desperate position. But this characterisation shows complexity. These are not one dimensional paper cuts. Even Robert who has been fighting his darkness most his life, is not completely evil. He has a kinder side when placed in the right situation. For him his saving grace is the love he has for his wife and daughter.

This novel is excellently written with exquisite descriptions that transported me to a haunting Victorian setting. There’s a tight plot, lots of twists and unexpected turns. Characters we love and those we hate to love. The author has a great grasp on the psycho mind. But also she shows how the morally controlled heart, if pushed beyond its safe and sound limits, can enter grey or dark areas of behaviour. Some individuals are easily given over to dire appetites and rampant greed. As in Evil at Alardyce House, the more upright can also battle evil voices in his/her head. Yes, there is death and destruction in this story but also life and restoration. While some are redeemed, others fall into the abyss. Deception is everywhere as a curse runs through this prominent family. But friends are sometimes enemies who appear to be upright citizens in respectable jobs until at night in the shadows, evil acts spill from their wicked hearts.

Amy, the matriarch of this Alardyce estate, fights the forces of evil and is one lady easy to admire. But once she unexpectedly loses her husband, she is so grieved she withers and fades. Until her son returns home and her fortitude is re-ignited. For a while, she continues to help and protect Robert from pointing fingers and enemies from his past. But how long can she keep this up? And will the past infringe on the present? As much as she loves her son and family, the longing of her heart to rejoin the love of her life strengthens—and this desire takes her closer to the cliff of death.

This is a brilliant story that kept me furiously turning the pages. It is not a novel I will soon forget! I highly recommend it for those wanting a mesmerising on-the-edge-of your-seat Victorian mystery. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Many thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for my review copy.

Another fantastic book by Heather Atkinson . I have read every book she has wrote and they just get better and better each time . Heathers books are a must read .

What a brilliant story this one was. A family split and at odds, a son leaving the country for the good of himself and those he left behind, murder, dark deeds and animosity are just the tip of the iceberg in this historical fiction novel. I have read books by this author before but they are very different to this one, they are gangland crime thrillers, and Evil at Alardyce House does have that thriller and crime edge, but is very far from gangland crime.

Robert had left the family home of Alardyce house under a shadow and is hoping to start life anew in another country where he will be anonymous. While he wants a new start will he also leave behind his old bad habits? He left behind a wife and daughter, siblings and parents. He makes himself a new life and after 12 years he needs to return home.

This is such an addictive read and while it is a historical thriller it also has that crime and thriller edge to it, as well as a darker shadow lurking in the wings. As much as Robert is not altogether honest, I did like his character and using other characters to help cement his bad-boy image works well. Not everyone is as they seem and it soon becomes evident when he does have to return home.

Set in Scotland and South Africa, the author does travel with this story and the settings described are fabulous although the focus is more on the characters. This is a historical fiction story as well as a mystery, but don't think this is a cosy mystery because it isn't, the author brings the blood to this one as she does to her others, but it is relevant to the style and the overall feel of the story. After all the title is Evil at Alardyce House!

This story is well-paced and at times runs amok through events, well the characters do! There are quieter contemplative moments but then you suddenly get an explosive emotional outburst, that could be followed by a simmering anger. The emotions of the characters of this book are great and for me, this really helped cement the nature of the story as well as the characters.

If you like a gritty and dark historical fiction story that explores a family that has been split, full 9of secrets and underhanded thoughts then this is one that will interest you. It is a fabulous book and I adored it a huge amount. It is one I would definitely recommend.