Inheritance

by Charlene Mattson

Evelyn Brody thought that inheriting her uncle's home in the northwest coast of British Columbia would let her start over. Newly divorced from her alcoholic husband and with two boys in tow, she throws herself into the chance to clear her head in the wild beauty of the coast.

But the house is in need of repair and there are strange rooms that spook her children and make her start to think that leaving her home on the south coast was a bad idea.

Never mind the handsome lawyer from Prince Rupert who seems a trifle too concerned with her well being. Or the weird and yet strangely compelling groundskeeper who refuses to answer any questions about himself.

What happened at the old house in the forest and why does her oldest son in particular seem both oddly fascinated and repulsed by it?

There's something deeply wrong with her summer home and if she doesn't work with her allies to figure it out, her boys' lives may be on the line...

Genres: Thriller

307 pages, Paperback

Published September 29, 2023

About the author

I'm a freelance writer/instructor currently living in north-central British Columbia. I also enjoy playing video games (particularly RPGs and tactics games like Fire Emblem as well as the Mario/Kirby games), reading, hiking, taking care of animals, and shopping (on occasion). I would love to someday be able to make a full (or nearly full) living purely from writing fiction, but at least I'm fortunate enough to be able to work as a writer at all at this point.

Any questions? Feel free to ask!

Reviews

[Charlene Mattson]

No stars cause I wrote it.

I just want to address something that may come up.

Amazon tagged this as a "paranormal ghost romance".

This is not a romance. I don't know why Amazon decided to ignore my categories and assign it this one.

If you came here looking for a romantic love story, you will have to look elsewhere.

It is only a romance in the classic sense that Gothic is sometimes tied to the Romantic, which is not the same as Romance.

No love story here.

But plenty of chills, some ghosts, a creepy house and a dash of Tsy'mysen language.

Thanks!

[Bob Fendt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book - Inheritance

Author - Charlene Mattson

My rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Inheritance is an incredibly suspense-filled paranormal horror, a fast-paced very well-written edge of your seat tense, and gripping spooky tale by Charlene Mattson.

Evelyn Brody going through a divorce from her alcoholic husband and living with her two sons at her best friend Zan's home receives a surprise letter from a firm of lawyers informing her of the death of her uncle, and of her inheriting a large amount of money and his house in the wilds of the northwest coast of British Columbia.

Evelyn thinks this may be her chance to start a new life with her sons and spend the summer at her new house and decide whether to stay or sell up.
She meets up with the dishy lawyer Shawn who shows her around the place, and finds it a bit run down and in need of some minor repair and decorating.

Evelyn and her boys Simon and Christopher soon learn something is not right with in the building, something sinister and supernatural goings on, they hear strange noises and see shadows floating around, and then there's the weird mysterious Kal the groundkeeper employed by her uncle.

They don't like it there thinking it was a bad idea and want to leave, but there's a pulling an unexplainable attraction to stay.
Is whatever happened in the past trying to draw Evelyn in to possess her to help keep the house alive and carry on with its evil deeds.

Charlene's amazing characters are exciting and incredibly portrayed in stunning creepy settings.
Inheritance is addictive reading, I was drawn in and my attention was captured from the prologue and throughout, totally engrossed in this fascinating tale of possession and paranormal psychological horror.

[Elaine Rainbolt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. it was super creepy and definitely kept you on your toes. This was a paranormal thriller. I definitely wouldn't want no part of that land.

[Cecily - MillennialBookGal · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was awesome! The writing in this novel is fantastic and I felt thoroughly creeped out, especially during the first half of the story. I have received a fair amount of education during my Arts degree in Canadian universities to understand indigenous myth with characters like the trickster and the horrendous treatment of Indigenous women and their higher that normal disappearances on the highway of tears. The history goes very deep and is full of generational trauma leading to addiction amongst other horrible issues Indigenous people go through still today due to colonization. All that being said the author touched on all of these issues in a way expressed as a haunting in the Home the main character inhereted. There are many dynamic characters including nature itself. I was enthralled all the way through.

I should also mention I live in northern BC, in the woods, in the middle of nowhere. Being in this setting while reading this book was great.

Awesome Canadian read!

[Danielle Lundquist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trying to get all these 32 books read for the melee. I’m thankful for that or I may not have picked up this book.

The house was creepy, but I wasn’t scared. I’ve yet to find anything that scares me though lol

I enjoyed following Evelyn’s story after divorcing her husband and inheriting a spooky house!

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tense, atmospheric thriller where family secrets and a mysterious house draw you in. Mattson masterfully blends psychological suspense with slow-burn dread, keeping you on edge and guessing until the very end.

[tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great page turner from the beginning.Lots of adventure,suspence and fear along with other emotions.
There is alot of supernatural in this book

[Heather Harsch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It had a great storyline, blending Christian & indigenous deities just everything I love in a good “haunted house” book. The only reason it was only 4 stars rather than 5 stars was the small grammatical errors that really detracted from the story.

[Caroline Hurry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my, Charlene Mattson’s Inheritance kept me up way past midnight three days straight.
Set against the backdrop of British Columbia's coast, it’s brilliant in an indigenous, supernatural, suspenseful way.
Evelyn Brody, divorced and trying to rebuild her life with her two sons, inherits a secluded property from an uncle, but what begins as a potential fresh start quickly unravels into something darker. The old house, the land surrounding it, and the mirrored shadows hold secrets.
Evelyn's courageous exhaustion, her sons’ fearful innocence, conflicted loyalties, and even secondary characters (Zan and Kal) build suspense in this chilling tale about generational trauma, choice, and the unseen ties that bind families across time.
Mattson’s crisp prose and taut reflective pacing are a joy. I loved the Raven symbolism and the poignant diary entries from Evelyn’s father, which added historical layers.
If you enjoy intelligent, character-driven supernatural fiction in the vein of The Haunting of Hill House, you’ll RELISH Inheritance. I did!!

[Philippa Harding · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this: the initial premise was good and it does have some creepy elements.

For me, the characterisation and jumping around suddenly in the plot detracted a lot from the book. A lot of the dialogue is clunky - characters being rude and instantly apologetic whilst standing there apparently socially inept and unable to converse like normal people. Simon ends up in hospital and it's like a side note that's not explained. The climax is rushed and anti-climactic. There was too much "oh, it must be my imagination" and instances of going to sleep (eventually) when something creepy had just happened. It's a shame as it had potential. While I love seeing other languages in books, there needs to be either footnotes, a glossary or context in the character's sentence to help with the translation. I shouldn't have to be googling these (and not actually finding the answers).

[Valentina Gunnis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story mixed with some ghosts and hot angel, a nasty raven and some demons. Deep in the woods you'll never know what's going on. Would love to see a movie based in this book!

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evelyn Brody is freshly divorced from her alcoholic husband, and then she loses her job. She has two sons to support. She finds out that she has inherited her Uncle's home in the Coast of British Columbia. She decides to move there for the summer with her boys, nothing is holding her at home.

She is definitely unprepared for the unkept state of the house and knows she'll need to fix it up and redecorate it if she's going to sell it. Some rooms in the house are extremely scary and it would seem terrible things have happened in this house! Evelyn now wonders if selling it 'as is' and hightailing it back home would be the best (and safest) option....

There's a good looking lawyer who seems obsessed and visits often, and a weird gardener who wants to learn more about Evelyn but is reticent to share details of himself. Strange noises are heard, 'forms' are seen, and her eldest son is fixated on the forest surrounding the house. Things start to spiral out of control. The house is creepy af and full of paranormal happenings.

I loved this book! The characters were well-written and deep. It was a bonus to learn a bit about the culture and language of the area. I was on the edge of my seat throughout it. Whenever Evelyn would decide she'd had enough and wanted to go home, 'something' would pull her back to the house.

Now, let's talk about Kal.... WHAT a character. An enigma. So unique and mysterious, I was instantly drawn to him.

Thanks Charlene, your narrative is chillingly descriptive and realistic. The whole setting unnerved me!!! Sooo spooky 😱. I loved the Raven!!!!

[Gail Clouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evelyn leaves her alcoholic husband after he drives drunk with her two young boys. She stays with her friend Zan, until she receives a letter from a lawyer, stating her uncle has died, leaving her his house and some money. She decides to take her boys and stay there for the summer and decide to keep or sell it. Strange things start to happen and an evil begins to take a grip on her and her family. I enjoyed Inheritance. It's paranormal and creepy!

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this kind of ghost story is really not my thing, the author does an amazing job of meshing the various elements and creating a riveting story. Also, I do love when a story is set in a place I actually know

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this! There were so many parts where I didn't want to put the book down because I needed to know what happened next (I read most of it in one sitting). I loved the inclusion of indigenous lore too.

[Gail McGuire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ghostly Blend of Cultures
The dynamic characters and vivid world building in this novel are superb, and add to its haunting, suspenseful storytelling. It had me hooked in from the start. And the way in which the characters support each other, even while possession threatens to steal friends away, was so heartening. I could enjoy the tension of the main character doing things that made me gasp, while also feeling some amount of relief for the support behind her. The author’s incorporation of indigenous cultures of British Columbia, including the native language, added to the depth and weight of the novel. I really appreciated the author’s ability to spin an intriguingly eerie tale without the explicit gore of many books in the genre. I thoroughly enjoyed this gripping read, and highly recommend it!

[Hayley Bernard-Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story! I read a lot of horror and this book gripped me more than most, and it didn’t need gore to do it which was a welcomed change. The characters were engaging and extremely well written, I sat up straighter in my seat whenever Kal entered any scene- he should have his own book! I also enjoyed reading about the culture and customs of the area in which the book took place. I would run to the theater if this ever became a movie someday. Excellent paranormal tale from this author and I’ll be reading more from her!

[Brittany Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the world of Darcy Coats.Charlene has written a well told Ghost story. Evie and her boys need a clean start. What better way to do that then remodel a home in the secluded mountains. Wild life and small towns are fantastic for doing just that. Shawn and Kal are my favorite characters their vibes and pure hearts bring the story a much needed silver lining. This book is out of my norm but every now and again I like to step out and read something different. If you like a good ghost tale I certainly would recommend Inheritance.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

creepy and suspenseful

This horror story was a joy to read. Creepy and suspenseful with a nice bit of fear factor thrown in. A great story for fans of horror and ghost stories.
When Evelyn inherits her uncles old house it seems like a chance to get her life in order after her divorce and job loss, but the house is more than it seems, and her uncle was hiding some dark secrets.

[Peggy Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evelyn who is going through a divorce and let go of from her job and finds out she inherited her Uncle's house so her and her two sons go hoping for a break for summer.However the house is full of demons and horrible things are happening and a woman turns up dead on her property and people are not what they seem to be.
I could not put this book down.

[Rebecca Chesterman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was good scary fun, just right for spooky season! I hope there will be more about these characters, as I got pretty attached to them.

[Tim Covell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm in unfamiliar genre territory here, so I can't compare this with other contemporary ghost or horror stories. For example, I've no idea if the rather brutal prologue is typical and expected or not, but it certainly took me by surprise. And it did a good job setting up suspense for what follows.

The interior of British Columbia is a relatively sparsely populated and recently settled place, something that becomes more apparent when you move away. This may be one reason why there seem to be few stories set there (though if I may interrupt this review for some self-promotion, I have drafted a romance set in Quesnel in the 1960s). So I enjoyed a story that mentions Quesnel, Prince George, and other familiar northern communities. I lived in Quesnel as a child, and often visited Prince George (they had a shopping mall!) My knowledge of the actual settings (Prince Rupert, Terrace, and so on) is limited to having friends there, but a few scenes also take place in Coquitlam, an often-overlooked (understandably so) bedroom community of Vancouver where I lived for a few years.

I mention all this geographical familiarity not so much because of the locations used but because of the many cultural references to indigenous and other northern residents in Inheritance. Growing up in the BC interior in the 1970s included lots of exposure to indigenous culture, along with racism that is probably still present but better hidden today. Alcohol abuse and other social problems, among natives and settlers, was also common, and I had some exposure to those. Mattson doesn't shy away from including these social issues in her story, adding significant depth, and, at least from my settler perspective, she does a great job of presenting native characters, traditions, culture, and challenges realistically, sympathetically, and without being patronizing.

As for the core plot, I was impressed by the merging of native folklore with gothic traditions to create new horrors. Aspects of the story reminded me of The Golden Pine Cone and other books by Clarke. The Golden Pine Cone is a 1950 children's story, set in the Kootenay region of British Columbia and incorporating folklore from the Ktunaxa people (though with ample sexism and native stereotyping not present in Inheritance). I was also impressed by the ending of Inheritance, which is both ambiguous and satisfactory.

Once I got past the prologue, great creepy reading with lots of local and appreciated details.

[John Randall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the kind of ghost story that does not need to scream to get under your skin. It understands something that some horror forgets: the best suspense is patient. It is atmospheric. It lingers. It lets the walls breathe first. It lets the silence do part of the work. From the prologue on, there is that unmistakable feeling that something is wrong, not in a cheap jump-scare way, but in the deeper, more unnerving way where the house itself seems to be watching and waiting for the characters to catch up. That is where the slow burn becomes the real engine of the novel.

Charlene does not rush the dread. She builds it room by room, secret by secret, until the unease starts to feel structural. The result is a tense, addictive paranormal thriller that pulls you in with mystery and family wounds, then slowly tightens the screws until you are completely trapped in its haunted logic.

What makes it work so well is that the novel never relies on gore or noise to create impact. It is eerie in a more confident way. Evie and her boys are not just dropped into a spooky setting for effect. Their need for a clean start gives the story emotional stake, and that matters, because a secluded mountain home is always more frightening when it also carries hope. That contrast gives the book a pulse. The wildlife, the isolation, the small-town energy, all of it adds texture, but it is the character work that keeps the haunting from feeling hollow.

The setting also deserves real credit. There is something especially haunting about the British Columbia backdrop, and the novel uses that atmosphere beautifully. It is such an amazing and sprawling area of western Canada. The incorporation of Indigenous culture and language adds weight rather than decoration. It deepens the world, deepens the supernatural tension, and gives the story a sense of rootedness that makes the horror feel older and more intimate.

That is what I kept responding to: this is not just a creepy-house book trying to manufacture chills. It feels layered. It feels lived in. It feels like the kind of story where history, place, grief, and the supernatural are all pressing against one another at once. And that is why the suspense works. Real slow-burn suspense is not about delaying the payoff. It is about making the reader feel the pressure gathering in the walls before anything finally breaks.

This book has been in my TBR since my eyes first latched on to its layered and fantastic cover. After I finished this book the only question that came out of my mouth was why did I wait so long to read it.

[The Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Inheritance” by Charlene Mattson is a remarkable supernatural mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. With its atmospheric setting, gripping tension, and compelling drama, this book is undoubtedly one of the best supernatural mystery books that I have read in a long time.

The story revolves around the life of Evelyn Brody, a character who unexpectedly inherits a mysterious house. As she settles into her new home, strange events begin to unfold, and she soon realises that something is terribly wrong. These eerie occurrences not only affect Evelyn but also put her children in danger, particularly her son, who becomes the target of something truly sinister.

What makes “Inheritance” a real page-turner is the perfect balance between suspense and mystery. Charlene Mattson has masterfully crafted a plot that keeps you guessing and wanting more with every turn of the page. Despite a few slight editing issues and typos, which are not significant enough to distract from the overall enjoyment of the story and easily corrected by the Author.

The dialogue in “Inheritance” is credible and adds depth to the characters’ personalities and interactions. The conversations feel natural, and they contribute to the overall authenticity of the narrative. Furthermore, the engaging plot is expertly woven, revealing just enough information at the right moments to keep readers invested and eager to uncover the truth behind the strange occurrences.

Speaking of characters, Charlene’s portrayal of Evelyn Brody and the supporting cast is commendable. Each character feels realistic and relatable, with their own distinct personalities and motivations. It is easy to empathise with their struggles and become emotionally invested in their journey throughout the book.

“Inheritance” is a must-read for fans of supernatural mysteries. With its atmospheric setting, compelling plot, and well-rounded characters, this book will undoubtedly leave you craving for more. Prepare to be captivated by the sinister events that unfold and the chilling secrets waiting to be discovered within the pages of this enthralling novel. Loved it and I award 5 stars!

[Jeanette Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been sitting on my kindle for some months waiting to be read. I wish I hadn’t overlooked it for so long, because once I started reading it, I could hardly bear to put it down. What an absolutely brilliant story! A clever mix of Indian folklore and the paranormal. It’s so scary and yet compelling. I really enjoy this kind of book; so mysterious that it can’t help but capture the imagination. I thought the end was somewhat abrupt; I would have like to know what life had in store for the family once the conclusion had been reached, but it also felt as though there was room for a sequel. I don’t know if there will be a sequel, but even if there isn’t, this is the kind of story that lingers in the mind long after you’ve finished reading it. I was sorry when it ended. I loved Shawn, and Kal was something else, so intriguing. He really should have his own book, even a series!

[Thomas Davison · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Scary Story Without the Gore

Inheritance by Charlene Mattson is my kind of paranormal ghost story. Some readers prefer tons of blood, gore, and a high body count. Others, like me, prefer scary ghost stories where the fear is less visible, leaving it up to the reader’s mind to fill in what is not revealed. I enjoyed learning about the indigenous people of British Columbia but found it frustrating flipping back and forth to find definitions for words. Perhaps footnotes at the bottom of each page where needed would be helpful? The protagonist, Evelyn Brody, battles against an evil influence with the help of a human friend and two more-than-human allies. Evelyn epitomizes a fierce and protective mother who fearlessly defends her two sons. The author leaves enough loose ends during the story's finale to leave the readers demanding a sequel. I give this story five stars.

[Nadija Mujagic · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is spooky as heck. 👻

It follows Evelyn, who recently got divorced and receives a letter informing her that she’s inherited an old house from her recently deceased Uncle Jason. The house is in the northern part of Canada, so after filing for divorce and losing her job, she packs up her boys and moves there for a fresh start.

But once they settle in, strange things begin to happen. Shapes appear. Objects seem to morph out of thin air. And that twist? It had my jaw on the floor.

I love Charlene’s writing — she has a way with words that makes her prose smooth and accessible. I’m usually not into ghost stories because I scare easily, but this one? No regrets.

I think you should check it out too!

[Tom Leverett · Rating 5 out of 5]

The main character goes up the coast of British Columbia to occupy a house she inherits from a man she believes is her uncle; she takes her two boys. The house, in short, has a terrible history and is very much still haunted. It's well written and will give you goosebumps; I also like the setting and think she did well with portraying the native people of the area and their culture. The author admits that it's different from her other work and reflects her love of telling ghost stories and using the supernatural. You have to be willing to believe that ravens talk, and that our ancestors can possess us, but if you're willing, it's a great tale.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was unsure about this story as it started off as a slow burn, but once the action developed, it was difficult to put it down. The way the author describes the environment felt like a movie was playing in my head.

I didn't expect that Kal developed into that character, but it was a great addition. I had wondered how he fit into the story.

Please do more.

[Terry and dog · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. I love books that are set in my home province, so it has that going for it, but I also really liked the characters and story that had a little first nations folklore with Christian beliefs.
I would genuinely have liked it to continue to find out if any relationships developed, or what direction Evelyn's life went.