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.

I was asked to review this Arc because I love Historical Mysteries, this is not a typical mystery, it's certainly not a cozy mystery, it's something much darker, gritty, and evil in my opinion. I can understand if this is in the Horror Genre, I wouldn't read it, but I could understand, but for me to have any sympathy with a cold blooded murderer is outside the realms of common decency. Robert, the beloved oldest child of Amy is back after a ten year absence, wealthier than his beloved Mother, the only three people in his life that he loves, Amy, his estranged wife Jane, he is guilty of beating his Mother and Jane, hmmm, and his daughter Emily, whom he is gentle with, my question while reading is, will it last, or will he turn on her too? The family is together at Alardyce House, there has been an unexpected death, and Robert wants to be home, this sounds sweet, normal, something we all have in common, wanting to see family. However, Robert's presence brings unceasing violence, murder, and death, not a body in the library, who did it type of mystery, gruesome and they like it, not a peep of horror and recoil, but a psychopathic turn on for them ! If you like Horror, this is for you, if like me, and you want murderers to be pay for their crimes, then this book series may have you wanting a shower. This is evil personified!
Thank you for sharing this Arc? #Netgalley #BoldwoodBooks

I love this series!! And this book is a true gem! I could not put this gritty page turner down!! I want more in this series!
I just reviewed Evil at Alardyce House by Heather Atkinson. #EvilatAlardyceHouse #NetGalley
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I thoroughly enjoyed this fourth book about the Alardyce family. It starts with the family twelve years after Robert left Scotland under a cloud. They don’t know where Robert is or even if he is still alive. It turns out he is in South Africa but has always missed home. When he sees a death notice in the paper he returns back to Alardyce House and this is where the story really gathers pace. This is just a dark, gritty and gripping as the previous books. I love how Heather Atkinson describes the characters, how they are interlinked and what makes them do what they do. The violence is necessary but there are also some lovely moments. Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

when amy beloved husband dies she is consumed with grieve,her first born son robert had disapeared 12 years ago to escape the hanghan noose but also for the protection of his beloved wife jane and daughter and his mother. he has an evil darkside to his personality who likes to harm women .
Robert has been travelling the world and ends up in south africa were he makes his fortune but has made enemies.
He then sees the notice of his stepfathers death and decided its time to come back to edinburgh.
he wants to make amends and get back his wife and child but there is evil in the house can robert overcome this.and robert has a lot of enemies who want payback he does have the enduring love of jane and his daughter and amy can they save him from his self.
A dark gothic novel that is sublime in tension twists and turns a plenty .heather atkinson has excelled yet again.
thank you netgallery for allowing me to read this brilliant book ,sent review to goodreads will do review on amazon on publication day













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I thought the cover was very pretty, and this looked and sounded like something that I would enjoy.

This was a sophisticated historical mystery, and very nicely written. I thought the author brought the characters and the setting to life very well. I thought about the use of the word "evil" in the title, because while I was reading, there was the suggestion of something sinister. I also became a little attached to some of the characters, and found it emotional to read in places.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.