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The Last Daughter of Highdown Hall
Win a free kindle copy of this book!
19 days and 09:18:54
100 copies available
U.S. only
She loved her mother, but did she really know her?
As their mother Milly lies dying, the four Highdown Hall sisters gather at her bedside. For months, the youngest daughter, Zoe, has cared for Milly in the family home. The older sisters all have homes of their own, so Zoe will inherit the crumbling manor house and continue their mother’s legacy.
But then they read their mother’s Zoe is cut out of Highdown Hall entirely—the house goes to her sisters. Zoe is utterly shocked and devastated—did she not know her mother at all?
With tensions rising between the sisters, Zoe begins sorting through Milly’s belongings, trying to find something to help her understand. When she discovers a mysterious iron key that fits no door, she is left only with more questions. What was this terrible secret her mother could never speak about?
As Zoe begins to dig into the past, she tries to hold onto her memories of the mother she loved. But what could have been so devastating that Milly kept silent her whole life? And if Zoe uncovers the truth—will it destroy her forever?
As their mother Milly lies dying, the four Highdown Hall sisters gather at her bedside. For months, the youngest daughter, Zoe, has cared for Milly in the family home. The older sisters all have homes of their own, so Zoe will inherit the crumbling manor house and continue their mother’s legacy.
But then they read their mother’s Zoe is cut out of Highdown Hall entirely—the house goes to her sisters. Zoe is utterly shocked and devastated—did she not know her mother at all?
With tensions rising between the sisters, Zoe begins sorting through Milly’s belongings, trying to find something to help her understand. When she discovers a mysterious iron key that fits no door, she is left only with more questions. What was this terrible secret her mother could never speak about?
As Zoe begins to dig into the past, she tries to hold onto her memories of the mother she loved. But what could have been so devastating that Milly kept silent her whole life? And if Zoe uncovers the truth—will it destroy her forever?
- GenresFiction
317 pages, Paperback
Published May 1, 2026
1025 people are currently reading
1806 people want to read
About the author
Cathy Hayward
8 books98 followersI write historical fiction often set in dual timelines between the past and the present day. I love stories about family secrets and intrigue (think Kate Morton) which it why I write about them. My debut novel The Girl in the Maze comes out in autumn 2021
I trained as a journalist and edited a variety of trade publications, several of which were so niche they were featured on Have I Got News for You. I then moved into the world of PR and set up an award-winning communications agency Magenta Associates.
Devastated and inspired in equal measure by the death of my parents in quick succession, I completed The Creative Writing Programme with New Writing South out of which emerged my debut novel The Girl in the Maze about the experience of mothering and being mothered. It won Agora Books’ Lost the Plot Work in Progress Prize 2020 and was longlisted for the Grindstone Literary Prize 2020 and Flash500 2020.
When I'm not writing (or reading) in my local library, I love pottering in second-hand bookshops, hiking with my husband and our Hungarian Vizsla and wild camping. I live in Brighton – sandwiched between the Downs and the sea – with my husband, three children, dog and two rescue cats – one of whom thinks he’s a dog.
You can buy The Girl in the Maze here: https://linktr.ee/cathyhayward
And you can find out more about my writing journey here: https://cathyhayward.co.uk
Please do get in touch and ask me a question. I read (and respond) to all my reviews and love chatting to readers.
I trained as a journalist and edited a variety of trade publications, several of which were so niche they were featured on Have I Got News for You. I then moved into the world of PR and set up an award-winning communications agency Magenta Associates.
Devastated and inspired in equal measure by the death of my parents in quick succession, I completed The Creative Writing Programme with New Writing South out of which emerged my debut novel The Girl in the Maze about the experience of mothering and being mothered. It won Agora Books’ Lost the Plot Work in Progress Prize 2020 and was longlisted for the Grindstone Literary Prize 2020 and Flash500 2020.
When I'm not writing (or reading) in my local library, I love pottering in second-hand bookshops, hiking with my husband and our Hungarian Vizsla and wild camping. I live in Brighton – sandwiched between the Downs and the sea – with my husband, three children, dog and two rescue cats – one of whom thinks he’s a dog.
You can buy The Girl in the Maze here: https://linktr.ee/cathyhayward
And you can find out more about my writing journey here: https://cathyhayward.co.uk
Please do get in touch and ask me a question. I read (and respond) to all my reviews and love chatting to readers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
May 7, 2026
A wonderful and emotional story! This is a slow burn two timeline family saga full of secrets and full of drama. One timeline focuses on a fractured and angry relationship between teenager and mother, and the other timeline slowly unveils the mystery held among four siblings following the death of that same mother.
I really enjoyed this story on audio. The high and low emotions were well captured, the layered mystery kept the pace moving along, and there was a denominator of hope that was felt in all the characters, whether you liked them or not.
Thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio for providing the ALC in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own.
I really enjoyed this story on audio. The high and low emotions were well captured, the layered mystery kept the pace moving along, and there was a denominator of hope that was felt in all the characters, whether you liked them or not.
Thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio for providing the ALC in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own.
April 8, 2026
A tedious book that went nowhere. I was seriously tempted to DNF but I persevered. I found most of characters irritating & I could not engage with them. It was a free Amazon book. Glad it's finished
May 9, 2026
I tried SO hard to put this book down when I had important things to do but the just-one-more-chapter bug won every single time. This book was SO good! It was so layered, so emotional, AND family centered (my favorite!). These types of books are absolutely my weakness. Like I genuinely feel like I am the target audience for these types of stories. The atmosphere of Highdown Hall, the complicated sister dynamics/relationships, the family secrets...There was no way I could NOT be invested!
What I loved most was how emotionally messy and human everyone felt. None of these characters are perfect and the family relationships in this story are incredibly complicated. I really liked the kind of slow unraveling of all the years of trauma, resentment, love, and grief and I just generally loved being immersed in these characters' lives! Some of the reveals felt predictable but honestly that never bothers me as long as the journey getting to them is entertaining and this journey was SO freaking emotional and upsetting (at times) so the predictability did not matter at all to me. I love a good character driven, reflective family drama and this fulfilled that for me so perfectly.
Audiobook Thoughts: I had a really great experience with the narration for this book! I listened while reading along and the audiobook added so much more emotion to a lot of the parts of the book. The tones and being able to hear the dialogue made it so much better though I am 100% sure this book would be amazing without the audio as well. I liked that hearing the audio made it so much easier to understand the emotions and intent behind a lot of the scenes/dialogue and I think I'm now completely obsessed with immersive reading! I loved that the voices were distinct and even when a couple characters sounded somewhat similar to me at times, I never felt confused because the writing and narration made conversations really easy to follow. I ended up listening at 2.5x speed by the end and still found everything extremely clear and easy to understand. I love when a good narration can make the tension and atmosphere of the story feel more real!
Thank you so much to NetGalley for providing me with an audiobook ARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own!
What I loved most was how emotionally messy and human everyone felt. None of these characters are perfect and the family relationships in this story are incredibly complicated. I really liked the kind of slow unraveling of all the years of trauma, resentment, love, and grief and I just generally loved being immersed in these characters' lives! Some of the reveals felt predictable but honestly that never bothers me as long as the journey getting to them is entertaining and this journey was SO freaking emotional and upsetting (at times) so the predictability did not matter at all to me. I love a good character driven, reflective family drama and this fulfilled that for me so perfectly.
Audiobook Thoughts: I had a really great experience with the narration for this book! I listened while reading along and the audiobook added so much more emotion to a lot of the parts of the book. The tones and being able to hear the dialogue made it so much better though I am 100% sure this book would be amazing without the audio as well. I liked that hearing the audio made it so much easier to understand the emotions and intent behind a lot of the scenes/dialogue and I think I'm now completely obsessed with immersive reading! I loved that the voices were distinct and even when a couple characters sounded somewhat similar to me at times, I never felt confused because the writing and narration made conversations really easy to follow. I ended up listening at 2.5x speed by the end and still found everything extremely clear and easy to understand. I love when a good narration can make the tension and atmosphere of the story feel more real!
Thank you so much to NetGalley for providing me with an audiobook ARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own!
April 19, 2026
This is a really good family saga with a little bit of mystery thrown in. 5 stars.
**************************
She loved her mother, but did she really know her?
As their mother Milly lies dying, the four Highdown Hall sisters gather at her bedside. For months, the youngest daughter, Zoe, has cared for Milly in the family home. The older sisters all have homes of their own, so Zoe will inherit the crumbling manor house and continue their mother’s legacy.
But then they read their mother’s Zoe is cut out of Highdown Hall entirely—the house goes to her sisters. Zoe is utterly shocked and devastated—did she not know her mother at all?
With tensions rising between the sisters, Zoe begins sorting through Milly’s belongings, trying to find something to help her understand. When she discovers a mysterious iron key that fits no door, she is left only with more questions. What was this terrible secret her mother could never speak about?
As Zoe begins to dig into the past, she tries to hold onto her memories of the mother she loved. But what could have been so devastating that Milly kept silent her whole life? And if Zoe uncovers the truth—will it destroy her forever?
**************************
She loved her mother, but did she really know her?
As their mother Milly lies dying, the four Highdown Hall sisters gather at her bedside. For months, the youngest daughter, Zoe, has cared for Milly in the family home. The older sisters all have homes of their own, so Zoe will inherit the crumbling manor house and continue their mother’s legacy.
But then they read their mother’s Zoe is cut out of Highdown Hall entirely—the house goes to her sisters. Zoe is utterly shocked and devastated—did she not know her mother at all?
With tensions rising between the sisters, Zoe begins sorting through Milly’s belongings, trying to find something to help her understand. When she discovers a mysterious iron key that fits no door, she is left only with more questions. What was this terrible secret her mother could never speak about?
As Zoe begins to dig into the past, she tries to hold onto her memories of the mother she loved. But what could have been so devastating that Milly kept silent her whole life? And if Zoe uncovers the truth—will it destroy her forever?
May 5, 2026
I really enjoyed this, while I did guess about Zoe's relationship to Steph, I didn't see the other twist, very well done.
A thought provoking book after my own mother dying & things discovered after she died.
A thought provoking book after my own mother dying & things discovered after she died.
May 3, 2026
I really enjoyed this family drama full of secrets. I love when there is a big house, a family who have secrets and slowly the story unravels.
I loved the timelines in this book, present day and in the past when the children of the house are growing up. A lot of the story in the past focused on Steph, a strong willed passionate teenager who cannot keep her anger at times. Her relationship with her mother is fractured and over time it deteriorates.
In the present tense we witness the four sisters back at heir family home after the death of their mother. As the will
Is read and the sisters starts to go through paperwork it becomes clear that the past is not what they thought it was.
I loved the suspense throughout the book as the secrets slowly started to be revealed. I guessed the plot line of the story and that only brought joy as it all became apparent what had happened in the past.
This is wonderful book about family, the love of a father and father who are trying to do the right thing, the bond of sisters and how things in the past resonate in later life. It’s about family secrets which are kept hidden and it’s one that I found hard to put down. Read it in two sittings.
I loved the timelines in this book, present day and in the past when the children of the house are growing up. A lot of the story in the past focused on Steph, a strong willed passionate teenager who cannot keep her anger at times. Her relationship with her mother is fractured and over time it deteriorates.
In the present tense we witness the four sisters back at heir family home after the death of their mother. As the will
Is read and the sisters starts to go through paperwork it becomes clear that the past is not what they thought it was.
I loved the suspense throughout the book as the secrets slowly started to be revealed. I guessed the plot line of the story and that only brought joy as it all became apparent what had happened in the past.
This is wonderful book about family, the love of a father and father who are trying to do the right thing, the bond of sisters and how things in the past resonate in later life. It’s about family secrets which are kept hidden and it’s one that I found hard to put down. Read it in two sittings.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Last Daughter of Highdown is a beautifully layered, quietly devastating novel about mothers and daughters, the weight of inheritance, and the truths we only uncover when it’s almost too late. From the opening pages, there’s a tenderness to the storytelling that makes Zoe’s journey feel intimate and deeply human.
The novel’s emotional centre lies in Zoe’s heartbreak as she discovers she has been cut out of her mother Milly’s will—a decision that feels both inexplicable and cruel after months of devoted care. The shock of that moment reverberates through every chapter, colouring her memories and forcing her to question the woman she thought she knew. The tension between the four sisters is drawn with nuance: old loyalties, unspoken resentments, and the complicated love that binds families even when they fracture.
Highdown Hall itself is wonderfully atmospheric—crumbling, storied, and full of shadows that seem to whisper of the past. As Zoe begins sorting through Milly’s belongings, the discovery of the mysterious iron key becomes the perfect catalyst for a slow unravelling of secrets. The mystery is handled with restraint and emotional intelligence; each revelation feels earned, and the past is never sensationalised. Instead, it’s treated with the same compassion the novel extends to its characters.
What stands out most is the way the story explores the duality of memory: how we hold onto the versions of people we need, and how painful it can be when those versions are challenged. Zoe’s determination to understand her mother—truly understand her—gives the novel its beating heart. The final truths are poignant, surprising, and ultimately healing.
Elegant, atmospheric, and quietly gripping, The Last Daughter of Highdown is a moving exploration of family legacy and the secrets that shape us. A perfect choice for readers who love emotional depth woven through a compelling mystery.
With thanks to Cathy Hayward, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
The novel’s emotional centre lies in Zoe’s heartbreak as she discovers she has been cut out of her mother Milly’s will—a decision that feels both inexplicable and cruel after months of devoted care. The shock of that moment reverberates through every chapter, colouring her memories and forcing her to question the woman she thought she knew. The tension between the four sisters is drawn with nuance: old loyalties, unspoken resentments, and the complicated love that binds families even when they fracture.
Highdown Hall itself is wonderfully atmospheric—crumbling, storied, and full of shadows that seem to whisper of the past. As Zoe begins sorting through Milly’s belongings, the discovery of the mysterious iron key becomes the perfect catalyst for a slow unravelling of secrets. The mystery is handled with restraint and emotional intelligence; each revelation feels earned, and the past is never sensationalised. Instead, it’s treated with the same compassion the novel extends to its characters.
What stands out most is the way the story explores the duality of memory: how we hold onto the versions of people we need, and how painful it can be when those versions are challenged. Zoe’s determination to understand her mother—truly understand her—gives the novel its beating heart. The final truths are poignant, surprising, and ultimately healing.
Elegant, atmospheric, and quietly gripping, The Last Daughter of Highdown is a moving exploration of family legacy and the secrets that shape us. A perfect choice for readers who love emotional depth woven through a compelling mystery.
With thanks to Cathy Hayward, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy
WHY do we not have Kindle First down as a selection when it's a pre-release book ? Sort it out, Goodreads....loads of people I see reviewing use that !! But no, we have to go through an inquisition first these days before we can write a review !
I didn't realise this had even downloaded the day it did. Not quite sure how it happened but upon checking the other selections I think it would have been my choice, anyway. I noticed later I'd also read another by her before, also as a Kindle First read !
I learnt something in this one-what a Baker Day is ! I'd never heard this expression before.
I struggled a lot with this story because the author only shared in dribs and drabs how old the daughters all were. That drove me to distraction attempting to figure out how old they were in present day and then again when we went back in time. She finally told us around 40% into the story what years they were all born......but there was no reason not to share this earlier and make us attempt to figure it out ourselves !!
I thought Steph's behaviour was appalling and they really needed to stand up to her when she first played up the way she did and draw a line in the sand. Not quite sure why she behaved this way, and nor was it ever really explained as she wasn't mistreated or anything. Just a nasty piece of work a lot of the time, yet she loved animals....go figure !!
Two things the family did I wasn't impressed by. One was keeping their mum's wedding ring and then a name being altered. I didn't "get" the reason behind either action.
I put all the secrets and lies together before the end but that didn't spoil anything.
The only error I spotted was a missed comma here-"...since Alice left probably" and that was it so presentation was superb. My only niggle really was the matter of their ages so that's why I knocked it down 1*-aggravation penalisation !!
I didn't realise this had even downloaded the day it did. Not quite sure how it happened but upon checking the other selections I think it would have been my choice, anyway. I noticed later I'd also read another by her before, also as a Kindle First read !
I learnt something in this one-what a Baker Day is ! I'd never heard this expression before.
I struggled a lot with this story because the author only shared in dribs and drabs how old the daughters all were. That drove me to distraction attempting to figure out how old they were in present day and then again when we went back in time. She finally told us around 40% into the story what years they were all born......but there was no reason not to share this earlier and make us attempt to figure it out ourselves !!
I thought Steph's behaviour was appalling and they really needed to stand up to her when she first played up the way she did and draw a line in the sand. Not quite sure why she behaved this way, and nor was it ever really explained as she wasn't mistreated or anything. Just a nasty piece of work a lot of the time, yet she loved animals....go figure !!
Two things the family did I wasn't impressed by. One was keeping their mum's wedding ring and then a name being altered. I didn't "get" the reason behind either action.
I put all the secrets and lies together before the end but that didn't spoil anything.
The only error I spotted was a missed comma here-"...since Alice left probably" and that was it so presentation was superb. My only niggle really was the matter of their ages so that's why I knocked it down 1*-aggravation penalisation !!
April 30, 2026
Synopsis -She loved her mother, but did she really know her?
As their mother Milly lies dying, the four Highdown Hall sisters gather at her bedside. For months, the youngest daughter, Zoe, has cared for Milly in the family home. The older sisters all have homes of their own, so Zoe will inherit the crumbling manor house and continue their mother’s legacy.
But then they read their mother’s will: Zoe is cut out of Highdown Hall entirely—the house goes to her sisters. Zoe is utterly shocked and devastated—did she not know her mother at all?
With tensions rising between the sisters, Zoe begins sorting through Milly’s belongings, trying to find something to help her understand. When she discovers a mysterious iron key that fits no door, she is left only with more questions. What was this terrible secret her mother could never speak about?
As Zoe begins to dig into the past, she tries to hold onto her memories of the mother she loved. But what could have been so devastating that Milly kept silent her whole life? And if Zoe uncovers the truth—will it destroy her forever?
#mythoughts This was an intriguing premise that immediately drew me in—four sisters, a family home full of memories, and a will that changes everything. As their mother Milly lies dying, tensions quietly simmer, especially for Zoe, who has devoted months to caring for her… only to be completely cut out of the inheritance.
The story unfolds as Zoe begins searching for answers, and I did enjoy the mystery element, particularly the discovery of the iron key and the secrets hidden in the past. It kept me curious enough to keep turning the pages, even if it didn’t fully grip me throughout.
For me, the pacing felt a little uneven at times, and while the family dynamics were interesting, I didn’t completely connect with all of the characters. Zoe’s situation was compelling, but I found myself wanting a bit more depth and emotional impact in places.
That said, there were some engaging moments, and the underlying themes of family, secrets, and betrayal added a nice layer to the story. The mystery itself was interesting, although slightly predictable in parts.
Overall, this was an enjoyable, easy read with a steady build of intrigue—but it didn’t quite have the impact I was hoping for.
As their mother Milly lies dying, the four Highdown Hall sisters gather at her bedside. For months, the youngest daughter, Zoe, has cared for Milly in the family home. The older sisters all have homes of their own, so Zoe will inherit the crumbling manor house and continue their mother’s legacy.
But then they read their mother’s will: Zoe is cut out of Highdown Hall entirely—the house goes to her sisters. Zoe is utterly shocked and devastated—did she not know her mother at all?
With tensions rising between the sisters, Zoe begins sorting through Milly’s belongings, trying to find something to help her understand. When she discovers a mysterious iron key that fits no door, she is left only with more questions. What was this terrible secret her mother could never speak about?
As Zoe begins to dig into the past, she tries to hold onto her memories of the mother she loved. But what could have been so devastating that Milly kept silent her whole life? And if Zoe uncovers the truth—will it destroy her forever?
#mythoughts This was an intriguing premise that immediately drew me in—four sisters, a family home full of memories, and a will that changes everything. As their mother Milly lies dying, tensions quietly simmer, especially for Zoe, who has devoted months to caring for her… only to be completely cut out of the inheritance.
The story unfolds as Zoe begins searching for answers, and I did enjoy the mystery element, particularly the discovery of the iron key and the secrets hidden in the past. It kept me curious enough to keep turning the pages, even if it didn’t fully grip me throughout.
For me, the pacing felt a little uneven at times, and while the family dynamics were interesting, I didn’t completely connect with all of the characters. Zoe’s situation was compelling, but I found myself wanting a bit more depth and emotional impact in places.
That said, there were some engaging moments, and the underlying themes of family, secrets, and betrayal added a nice layer to the story. The mystery itself was interesting, although slightly predictable in parts.
Overall, this was an enjoyable, easy read with a steady build of intrigue—but it didn’t quite have the impact I was hoping for.
May 3, 2026
Highdown Hall is a family home, which has been owned by the DeProses for generations. Zoe, the youngest daughter of Camilla, believes she will inherit the now somewhat crumbling family home when her mother dies. She has, after all, been the one who has given up everything to care for her ailing mother and tried her best to keep the house running despite the financial constraints. But when her mother dies and the will is read out, Highdown Hall is split equally among her three sisters, leaving Zoe shocked and devastated. As they try and sort through their mother’s belongings, tensions start to rise between the four women and as Zoe tries to work out why her mother cut her out of the inheritance, the sisters are about to uncover a truth that will change everything they thought they knew about each other and their mother.
Whilst I guessed some of the story early on, it didn’t take anything away from the enjoyment of this novel. The story not only examines the relationships, which can exist between mother and daughter and how parenting can change with each child’s arrival but also the damage long held secrets can cause.
I really liked the dual timeline of this novel and if you are a fan of multigenerational stories with a secret or two at its centre, then this one is definitely for you.
Whilst I guessed some of the story early on, it didn’t take anything away from the enjoyment of this novel. The story not only examines the relationships, which can exist between mother and daughter and how parenting can change with each child’s arrival but also the damage long held secrets can cause.
I really liked the dual timeline of this novel and if you are a fan of multigenerational stories with a secret or two at its centre, then this one is definitely for you.
May 4, 2026
📆 dual timeline.
👀 multi POV
🐢 -🐇 slow-paced
💬 "Maybe there's too much to say and it's impossible to know where to start"
As soon as I saw the title of this book on an email asking if I'd like to review it, I wanted to know more. Basically because my secondary school was called Highdown, and the main building used to be a large house,which is now a listed building. Then I saw the cover and fell in love. It's so beautiful!
When I started reading, my heart went out to Zoe, imagine being the only daughter not to share the inheritance. I always wonder what it is about inheritances and heirlooms that make people lose all sense of fairness. And yet it happens time and time again. I did guess pretty quickly what the big family secret was, but I loved discovering why. And there was another secret that I didn't see coming!
The writing was just perfect. Wonderfully descriptive, genuine characters and a real sense of family. Families are often messy and complicated, and Hayward has captured that perfectly.
I was utterly captivated from start to finish, although cried through a large chunk of the end of the story. So maybe grab some tissues before you start this one!
👀 multi POV
🐢 -🐇 slow-paced
💬 "Maybe there's too much to say and it's impossible to know where to start"
As soon as I saw the title of this book on an email asking if I'd like to review it, I wanted to know more. Basically because my secondary school was called Highdown, and the main building used to be a large house,which is now a listed building. Then I saw the cover and fell in love. It's so beautiful!
When I started reading, my heart went out to Zoe, imagine being the only daughter not to share the inheritance. I always wonder what it is about inheritances and heirlooms that make people lose all sense of fairness. And yet it happens time and time again. I did guess pretty quickly what the big family secret was, but I loved discovering why. And there was another secret that I didn't see coming!
The writing was just perfect. Wonderfully descriptive, genuine characters and a real sense of family. Families are often messy and complicated, and Hayward has captured that perfectly.
I was utterly captivated from start to finish, although cried through a large chunk of the end of the story. So maybe grab some tissues before you start this one!
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
This story revolves around Zoe, her three sisters and the death of their mother. I thought it started well and was enjoying the emerging relationships between the sisters and the mystery surrounding their mother’s decision not to leave their huge family manor to Zoe, the youngest daughter who had nursed her through her final illness. This was all entertaining enough, but it then got quite repetitive and bogged down, with not much character development and predictable plotting. I found myself out of sympathy with Millie, the mother, on almost all counts, and not feeling very convinced by the behaviour of Steph. It also niggled me that a pivotal plot device wasn’t logical - ie that Millie had to leave Zoe out of the will because of the prenuptial agreement that the manor could only be left to her children - when she’d done a perfect fake around Zoe’s birth, including birth certificate, and there was no outside imperative not to continue with it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy
The Last Daughter of Highdown Hall started well with an intriguing premise, but it quickly became tedious as the plot lost its momentum. While the author clearly tries to tick all the neurodiverse boxes to add contemporary relevance, the execution feels forced within a story that is ultimately bland and predictable. Although I could relate to some of the sisters' life choices and their family dynamics, the lack of real tension makes this a mediocre three-star read.
[Amazon First Read choice April 2026]
5 Excellent read, loved it.
4 Enjoyable read, Liked It.
3 Average read, OK and passed the time
2 Below average read, MEH
1 Regrettable read, nearly a DNF
[Amazon First Read choice April 2026]
5 Excellent read, loved it.
4 Enjoyable read, Liked It.
3 Average read, OK and passed the time
2 Below average read, MEH
1 Regrettable read, nearly a DNF
Review of advance copy
Source: Amazon First Reads
2.5 stars
I started off quite engaged, but when the book went back to the past (as many do), I just thought "who cares about this?", there was nothing catchy at all. I still gave it a go, but then the same thing happened again.
This book took so long to get to the point, and it didn't build up in an interesting way.
Maybe the theme is just really not one I enjoy, but I found myself skipping pages at one point, and I missed nothing by doing so.
I'm glad I read it until the end, though, as I got to understand what the book was about - but it could have been a much shorter book than it was.
2.5 stars
I started off quite engaged, but when the book went back to the past (as many do), I just thought "who cares about this?", there was nothing catchy at all. I still gave it a go, but then the same thing happened again.
This book took so long to get to the point, and it didn't build up in an interesting way.
Maybe the theme is just really not one I enjoy, but I found myself skipping pages at one point, and I missed nothing by doing so.
I'm glad I read it until the end, though, as I got to understand what the book was about - but it could have been a much shorter book than it was.
Review of advance copy received from Book of the Month
Fairly enjoyable, although obvious from the outset what the ‘plot twist’ was. I felt that there was a very large flaw in the plot, surrounding the legality of the will which excludes the youngest daughter from inheriting her share of the hall due to a pre-nuptial agreement stating only biological children of her mother could inherit. Although, biologically she wasn’t her daughter, she has a birth certificate listing her as the mother! So unless a DNA test was done (and why would it as her sisters wanted her to have her share) she could contest the will.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2026
I hesitated to give this book a three or four star rating, but on thinking about the full content decided merited a four.
A story of a troubled woman bringing up four daughters, all totally different, but as the story reveals itself it totally explains why they have such different characters and how the decisions made by both their parents bought these differences about.
In the mother’s shoes who can say if they would have handled things differently, enjoy the journey.
A story of a troubled woman bringing up four daughters, all totally different, but as the story reveals itself it totally explains why they have such different characters and how the decisions made by both their parents bought these differences about.
In the mother’s shoes who can say if they would have handled things differently, enjoy the journey.
April 27, 2026
An easy but predictable read
This book was an easy read, the writing style was fine but the story was predictable and there were no surprises.
The random neurodiverse comment thrown in to try and explain Steph’s appalling behaviour shows a lack of understanding of neurodiversity and is completely unnecessary. It almost feels tossed in to tick a box.
Didn’t hate it but I was waiting for a twist that didn’t happen.
This book was an easy read, the writing style was fine but the story was predictable and there were no surprises.
The random neurodiverse comment thrown in to try and explain Steph’s appalling behaviour shows a lack of understanding of neurodiversity and is completely unnecessary. It almost feels tossed in to tick a box.
Didn’t hate it but I was waiting for a twist that didn’t happen.
Review of advance copy received from Book of the Month
For the first few pages I thought this was a bit soppy and slow. Zoe was annoying me with her woe is me/ mum is dying/ dead dialogue. Then it seemed to pick up pace and wow factor.
I loved how it explored family relationships, mother/ child, siblings, domestic violence. For a short book it packed a punch.
I would recommend his to others and j will look for other books by the same author.
I loved how it explored family relationships, mother/ child, siblings, domestic violence. For a short book it packed a punch.
I would recommend his to others and j will look for other books by the same author.
April 25, 2026
This book was ok, I guessed the plot and twist very near the start of the book but continued to read hoping there would be more than what I thought - but no. I was right.
A book to read if you want nothing too taxing,!
A book to read if you want nothing too taxing,!
Review of advance copy
A brilliant book from an author I haven't read before. A dual timeline which was a good one. Reading about the relationships between the four sisters was interesting and the ending was superb.
April 6, 2026
I really enjoyed this book, it was a bit different to what I normally read. I couldn't put it down and finished it within a day! very well written, I can't wait to read Cathy Hayward's other books!
Review of advance copy
Amazon first reads choice.
Quick easy read that kept me engaged but I felt that there were some plot holes by the ending.
Quick easy read that kept me engaged but I felt that there were some plot holes by the ending.
April 19, 2026
A bit boring & long drawn out. Stupid ending
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review to follow blog tour
Review of advance copy
Good story even if a little easy to dictate what the twist would be.
Review of advance copy
Just terribly sad and traumatic.
May 3, 2026
A suspenseful story of family secrets, but also an excellent look at the family dynamics that can arise around misunderstood neurodiversity.
May 4, 2026
I quite enjoyed it. I sussed where it was going towards the end. I found myself really disliking certain characters. It was a decent story and I don't regret reading it.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
If you like a family saga full of intrigue and mystery, then I highly recommend picking up a book by Cathy Hayward I read from her last year and thoroughly enjoyed her writing so I was thrilled to read The Last Daughter of Highdown Hall.
This story follows four sisters as they navigate the death of their mother. Zoe has been the one who cared for her mother at Highdown Hall, their family home, and so it's only right that she continues to live in it after her mothers passing. The other sisters all have homes and lives of their own to live, so Zoe is horrified to find out that she's been cut out of her mother's will and has inherited nothing but some jewellery.
What follows next is an unravelling of family secrets, tension between the sisters, and a feeling that Zoe never knew her mother at all.
The Last Daughter Of Highdown Hall had me completely gripped, and as usual, I loved Cathy's writing style. I did guess the twist was quite early on, but it didn't ruin my enjoyment. The ending came to a satisfying conclusion, and I can't wait to read what Cathy writes next.
This story follows four sisters as they navigate the death of their mother. Zoe has been the one who cared for her mother at Highdown Hall, their family home, and so it's only right that she continues to live in it after her mothers passing. The other sisters all have homes and lives of their own to live, so Zoe is horrified to find out that she's been cut out of her mother's will and has inherited nothing but some jewellery.
What follows next is an unravelling of family secrets, tension between the sisters, and a feeling that Zoe never knew her mother at all.
The Last Daughter Of Highdown Hall had me completely gripped, and as usual, I loved Cathy's writing style. I did guess the twist was quite early on, but it didn't ruin my enjoyment. The ending came to a satisfying conclusion, and I can't wait to read what Cathy writes next.
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