1896, Alardyce House, Scotland. The heir to the house Robert is celebrating his engagement to his childhood love Jane. But his mother Amy realises that her son has a dark nature like his biological father and fears for his young fiancee…
The Cursed Heir is the second book in the Alardyce trilogy. The events from the first book The Missing Girls of Alardyce House are quickly caught up on in the first chapter so I would advise reading the books in order or reading this as a stand alone.
Amy is devastated when she realises that her treasured son has the same sadistic tendencies as his father. She is made aware of his violent behaviour towards one of the maids and fears what he will do next. It also brings back awful memories of her own torture from the first book.
This book is full of conflict as Amy battles with her own conscience as well as her son’s proclivities. As a parent, she wants to think the best of her child and loves him dearly. Yet he also scares her and she fears for the safety of others.
There is a lot of darkness and adult content in this book as it contains instances of violence as well as several sex scenes. I enjoyed the sinister atmosphere and mentions of ghosts and witches, but Amy’s fears are very real and human.
The Cursed Heir is a dramatic novel full of history, emotion and danger.
The Cursed Heir
Edinburgh 1896. At Alardyce House, the family are gathered to celebrate the engagement of the heir to the estate, Robert, to his childhood sweetheart. But what should be a precious memory for his mother Amy, is marred by darkness. For Robert’s biological father was a demon and a criminal, and now Robert is coming-of-age, disturbing reports are beginning to emerge about his behaviour.
Amy is torn between her love and loyalty to her son, her hope that she can save his soul, and her growing sense of dread that the streets of Edinburgh aren’t safe when Robert is in town. Meanwhile the increasing distance between Robert and his stepfather Henry threatens the peace of her loving marriage.
The Alardyce family is riven by secrets and scandal, but will this most cursed heir of all, be the one to ruin their reputation forever, or can the power of a mother’s love save them all?
If you love Emily Organ, Kate Saunders and Ann Granger, you’ll love The Cursed Heir. Discover bestselling author Heather Atkinson and you’ll never look back…
Please note this book was previously published as Corruption of the Son.
Heather Atkinson is the author of over fifty books – predominantly in the crime fiction genre. Although Lancashire born and bred she now lives with her family, including twin teenage daughters, on the beautiful west coast of Scotland. Her gangland series for Boldwood, set on the fictional Gallowburn estate in Glasgow begins with the title Blood Brothers.
