THE BAKU INHERITANCE

by Anne M. Kennedy

Silver Medal Winner for Adventure Historical Fiction from the Historical Novel Society.

A bankrupt oilfield. A priceless jewel. A deadly promise.

1890 BAKU - An ancient city on the old silk road with far too much oil.

Anton Sabroski has come home. But the once-beautiful mansion on the shores of the Caspian Sea is silent and dark, a decaying relic in a bustling city. Upstairs, nursed by Klara, his father lies dying, his oil empire in ruins, the Sabroski name cursed.

Unable to accept that his father was responsible for the loss of his family’s fortunes, Anton begins to investigate. But Baku is a city of many faces and even old friends are not what they seem. And what of Klara? Untrustworthy and hostile with secrets of her own, she knows far too much.

When Anton inherits a mysterious package, his world darkens further, and it will take all his courage to survive.

'A gripping novel that will especially appeal to readers who like unusual settings and historical fiction that informs as well as entertains.' HNS Society 2025.

'This novel has just about love, loss, grief, acceptance, and fear. Every bit of it brings a colorful and scary world to life. It's been a while since I have experienced such a mind-blowing plot twist.' Reedsy Review.

Genres: Historical Fiction

414 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 4, 2024

About the author

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Anne M Kennedy is a writer of historical mystery thrillers set in Baku, Azerbaijan. The City of Winds is a series of five novels that span the years 1890 – 1920. The first novel, The Baku Inheritance, was published in October 2024.
Anne grew up in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex. She trained as a teacher of History at Homerton College, Cambridge and accepted her first teaching post in Norfolk. She obtained a Bachelor of Education in History, an MSc in Computer Science, and an MA in English Literature with several modules in creative writing. Inspired to work overseas, she embarked on an international career which spanned North Yemen, Turkey, Azerbaijan and Bermuda. It was in Baku, while teaching a class about the 19th century oil barons, that she conceived the idea to write The City Of Winds series.
She currently lives in Cornwall.

Reviews

[Courtney Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This historical fiction is full of vivid imagery of Azerbaijan! There is a mystery to solve and a bit of a romance blooming as the main character tries to figure out what exactly he inherited from his father and who this woman is claiming to have been the man's assistant.
Set in the 1800s this is a fictional story mixed with enough history to intrigue readers of the genre.

I was able to read an ARC copy from Rowanvale Books with no obligation to review. All opinions are my own.

[Sara Jesus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anton returns home in Baku to watch everything he cares falls apart. His father is death, the family oil business is bankrut and his surrender by enemies. Klare, his father secretary, is the only one that can help him but he does not know who she really is.
It is an book that explore Azerbaijan, the diversity and beauty of the Baku city mixed with the violence and corruption working conditions on the oil fields. It is also about spys, secrets and dangerous paths.

[Rabia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't think there are enough words to describe how much I enjoyed reading this book. Kennedy has written an intriguing novel, introducing the reader to the world of oil barons, secret police, corruption, mystery and oil spies, whilst simulateneously weaving in the cultural diversity of the population of Baku.

I received an advanced reader copy for free and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.

Throughout my reading, I found myself on Google searching for more information on historical events that were mentioned, and learning more about Baku, and Azerbaijan as a whole. I was intrigued and impressed by the attention to detail, and the effort that had been put into researching the historical events of the time period that the novel is set in.

I appreciated how the characters were so diverse and flawed. The portrayal of Anton and Rafiq's friendship was by far my favourite character interaction. Kennedy wrote their friendship in such a heartwarming way. There were a number of other notable relationships, but this one stood out for me. The only "criticism" (and I use this term lightly) I have is with regard to the romance that was revealed at the end. I wish it had been fleshed out a bit more. This did not impact the story negatively as Kennedy alluded to it throughout the novel, but I feel it would have added more depth to their relationship.

As I was nearing the end, I worried that the novel would end on a cliff hanger as this is the first book in the series, but I was happy to be proven wrong. The ending did not disappoint, and I look forward to reading the next book in the series as soon as it comes out.

[Nancy Fagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very, interesting story with a variety of characters. It has romance, mystery, and a lot of tangled webs. The ending was not expected.
I received this book from the author through Voracious Readers Only, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ingrid Donaldson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story with interesting characters set in the oilfields of Baku before the Russian Revolution.

[Phillip Kang · Rating 5 out of 5]

In "The Baku Inheritance," Anne M. Kennedy crafts a gripping historical narrative set in 1890 Baku, Azerbaijan, during the pivotal oil boom. The story follows Anton Nikolayevich Sabroski, who returns home after years abroad to find his family's once-thriving oil empire in ruins and his father on his deathbed. The mansion that once symbolized wealth now stands as a decaying relic, reflecting the family's downfall.

As Anton grapples with the reality of his family's bankruptcy, he is determined to uncover the truth behind their financial ruin. He cannot accept that his father was solely responsible for their downfall and begins to investigate the circumstances surrounding their loss. His quest leads him into the shadowy world of oil spies and corporate espionage, where betrayal lurks around every corner.

Anton discovers that he has inherited a priceless Fabergé egg, which contains a coded message that hints at deeper family secrets and potential treachery. He is also introduced to Klara Darkova, a mysterious girl living in his father's house who claims to be his father's assistant, and now his as stipulated in his father’s will. Klara's presence complicates Anton's already tumultuous situation, as she harbours her own secrets and is being watched by unknown forces. She becomes both an ally and a source of frustration for Anton. Together, they navigate a web of betrayal, treachery and hidden agendas as Anton seeks to uncover the truth behind his father's downfall and attempts to restore his family’s fortunes with the help of Klara.

"The Baku Inheritance" ticks many boxes for such a compelling and captivating read. Among these are multi-faceted themes of betrayal, loss, love and revenge, rich historical backdrop of Azerbaijan, excellent multi-dimensional character development, and the author's vivid and immersive writing style.

Overall, "The Baku Inheritance" is a real treat for fans of historical fiction, of whom I’m one. Kennedy has admirably crafted a debut novel that not only entertains but also invites reflection on the complexities of human nature within a rich historical context. So if you are one of those readers who appreciate novels with intricate plots and well-developed characters set against an exotic backdrop but off the beaten track, this might be the one for you.

I received a published copy of the book in Kindle format for free from BookSirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Eliza Payne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really pleasantly surprised when reading this novel! I haven’t read a historical fiction for some time and didn’t know much about this particular period of history, so I was worried this might be a setback to my enjoyment of the book. However, when reading the book, I didn’t find this to be a barrier for me at all, as the book manages to naturally weave its story into the historical context. Coming out the other end, I’m really intrigued by this area of history and interested to read more about it.

In terms of the writing, the book has many strengths, especially its varied cast of characters. I was impressed by Kennedy’s ability to create so many intricate perspectives that were distinct from one another, with each character maintaining the right balance of being likeable yet still flawed.

The pacing of the book was also really strong with many twists and turns building suspense the whole way through. The book was a page-turner with the plot drawing in to a cathartic and satisfying conclusion. I never knew what would happen next, and yet looking back the story leads a satisfying thread through all the twists and intrigue.

The only reason I felt I could not give this book 5/5 stars was due to some areas being a little unpolished. On a couple of occasions I was confused by details like which setting we were in. I think this may have been due to some (rare) areas of description being rushed through in order to keep a high tempo pace.

However, I still think this book is an exciting read - the characters are interesting, the story is suspenseful, the pace is quick and the writing has a very easy flow. I have already recommended the book to some friends and family who I think would enjoy it.

If you are looking to get (back) into historical fiction, then I would say this book is a strong contender for your reading list. Readers who enjoy stories about spies, mystery and suspense will also find this an interesting read.

Please note: I was given the opportunity to read this book as part of Rowanvale Books’ reader pool. However, the review is provided voluntarily and all views expressed are my own.

[Martin Cannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been waiting for the publication of this book series for a while now since finding out about the scope and subject matter the author is covering. I've been a fan of historical fiction (and nonfiction) for several years, on topics ranging from the Classical world to contemporary literature, and this area of the Caspian Sea and Baku was intriguing. And I was not disappointed. Ms Kennedy wrote the first novel in the series, leaving her readers salivating for more!

With several characters - initially, I found them a little confusing but that was probably sorting out who was who, their relationship(s) and their importance to the development of the plot. Anton, the main character, is brooding and complex, returning from the East to attend to his father's death and loss of assets. Klara is, early on, established as somewhat of an enigma: capable, mysterious and a driving force in the novel, she emerges as descending from royalty, the product of an illicit liaison between a Romanov prince and lover. Both Klara and Anton are at the heart of the novel although there are numerous other characters developed very well by Ms Kennedy to drive the narrative forward. The plot and narrative are largely tenable and the language and setting of the novel are well-written and convincing.

I particularly liked the setting, the enigmatic city of Baku, an amalgamation of oriental and modern, East meets West, the development of the oil industry and the emergence of what turned out to be a major commodity of the twentieth century. Ms Kennedy has left the story poised at the turn of the century, the characters developed enough for the reader to want to find out more and share in what's to come. As I was reading the novel I couldn't help but think of its potential as a mini-series or a movie! Congratulations on writing and publishing the first of the series and we look forward to more to come!

[virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anna M. Kennedy’s The Baku Inheritance was a fantastic departure from some historical fiction I’ve encountered this year. The book incorporates mystery, suspense, and some of the most well-developed characters I have envisioned in some time.

The story’s setting took me to an oil town along the Caspian Sea in Russia during the late nineteenth century. Fast-paced, with a very well-written narrative and believable dialogue, I became immersed in the story from the very first page. As the story unfolds, a young man returns to his hometown after nearly a decade in the Orient to find his father dead, his family business bankrupt, and the family lawyer presenting him with his inheritance, which includes a mysterious Faberge egg from unknown origin, a monthly stipend to live on, and the family home in tatters and need of repair. The MC, Anton, also finds a young woman ensconced in the house and his life, someone his father trusted and passed onto him as a resource in his business.

The book took me on a journey alongside Anton, who is determined to uncover the mystery behind his inheritance and how the family fortune became bankrupt when he knew oil was under the family’s claim. Because of its loaded twists and turns, the tale kept me interested and kept me reading over a long weekend, with lots of Java and the occasional nap to refresh me.

Anne Kennedy's style of storytelling pleasantly impressed me. Her choice of subject and setting was a nice departure from some overcooked historical novels on bookshelves today.

If you love a good historical mystery or suspense with a dollop of romance and lots of adventure, I highly recommend The Baku Inheritance—an excellent five-star read. I want to thank the Niche Reader for the free advanced copy. This review is voluntary and is mine alone.

[Madeleine Dale · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am thrilled to recommend a novel that is guaranteed to broaden geographical and historical horizons. Set in the 1880s Azerbaijan, this tale of redemption and retribution has the grit of a western, the intrigue of a spy thriller, the exotic spice of Russian nobility and the suspense inspired by ruthless villains. When Anton, scared by adventures in the Orient, returns home to Baku he finds his father on his deathbed and the family oil fields in ruin. To salvage his father's integrity, Anton has only his strange inheritance: plans for an oil tanker to traverse the Suez Canal, a mysterious young woman his father had pledged to protect, and a priceless Faberge egg. To reverse the oil fields' demise, Anton fends off sabotage attempts from local rivals and brutal attacks from thugs, all pawns in a feud between more powerful players: Rockefeller and Rothschild. Oil is a global commodity with international brokers pulling the strings, but the real betrayal, and romance, occurs close to home. The author, a teacher who lived in Baku and has extensive knowledge about 19th century oil barons, has created an immersive world. Vivid descriptions, (details about everything from ornate tapestries, to local dishes, to opium pipes) bring the history to life. Though Anton's story is a clever fictional account, the history is still relevant. In 1892, the first tanker carried Baku oil through the Suez Canal, and launched the Corporation now known as Shell Oil.

[Felina Pittman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sweeping historical fiction is set in the exotic capital of Azerbaijan, Baku. Now an independent nation, Azerbaijan was once integrated into the Soviet Union and was formerly a major source of oil for Russia.

It is the bone of contention for this book as it depicts how Anton Nikolayevich attempts to turn around Sabroski Oil, his deceased father's inheritance, from a ruined company to a thriving enterprise. Aiding him to understand why it went bankrupt is Klara Darkov, a competent lady with a mysterious past who used to work with Nikolai Mikhailovich, Anton's father, and who seemed knowledgeable about the intricacies of the business.

The novel is inundated with betrayals, revenge, oil spies, dark family secrets, unlikely romantic liaisons, and violent action as portrayed in the later years of the 19th century in a melting pot of a city where Russians, Armenians, and Persians converge and Jews, Christians, and Muslims co-exist. The resurfacing of a priceless Faberge egg that's traceable to nobility, as part of Anton's endowment, only adds to the intrigue.

Notwithstanding the fascinating premise of the narrative, the reader will be drawn to the intense rivalry between Americans and Europeans to control the oil fields of the Caspian region. This beautifully constructed literary masterpiece is indeed replete with riveting characters with stimulating backstories that are guaranteed to entertain as well as elicit one's undivided attention.

[N RNO · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Baku Inheritance - The City Of Winds by Anne M Kennedy is a richly crafted novel set in late nineteenth-century Baku, during the booming oil era when European powers and the U.S. sought a share. Blending historical figures with real events, the author skillfully develops complex characters with deep political and economic connections, capturing the diversity of Baku’s society.

Through third-person narration, the author delves into the characters’ emotions and thoughts, allowing readers to uncover secrets hidden in their lives. The suspense surrounding each event builds a captivating progression that keeps the reader engaged. The detailed descriptions of attire on various occasions are a standout feature, used effectively to convey the characters' wealth and power. The elegant writing style reveals layers of each character, drawing the reader further into the narrative. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, with its engaging plot and magnificent characters, despite some grammatical and spelling errors.

The story begins with a fallen father who loses the family oil business, leaving his long-absent son to pick up the pieces. At its heart lies a thrilling chain of interconnected events and enigmatic characters. Deceived by unexpected figures, the late father fell victim to betrayal, but will his son avoid the same fate?

[Robynne Lozier · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have been fascinated by Caucasus and Middle Eastern history for many years. I have also been fascinated by the History of the oil industry as well. Way back in the 1990s, I read a non fiction book called The Prize by Daniel Yergin. It was all about the oil Industry in the USA. It won a pulitzer prize and was a wonderful book to read.

The setting of the booming oil trade in Baku is what attracted me to this book and I honestly thought this book might be very interesting. Sadly, somehow it missed the mark.

As much as I really wanted to love the Baku Inheritance, I was unable to get into it. I found that there was too much info dumping about oil, finance and the men who financed the industry. I think this story spent too much time on the characters and descriptions and not enough on the storyline, and I prefer a story with a plot, not necessarily just character development.

I had to DNF this book. I got to chapter 18. I may pick it up later on, but not right now. It also doesnt help that I am in a reading slump. I chose to read this book because I though the location of Baku would be interesting enough to get me out of my slump. But sadly it did not.

I gave it 2 stars mostly for the exotic location in Baku.

[Lynne Hannmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Baku Inheritance is the first installment in The City of Winds series detailing the economic and cultural history of Baku, Azerbaijan in the 1890s through its oil industry. Being totally unfamiliar with this Middle Eastern area located on the Caspian Sea, I found the history of this former Russian province to be quite interesting. The oil industry background is based on rivalry between Rockefeller and Rothschild, and the founding of what became Shell Oil by Marcus Samuel.
There is plenty of family drama, secrets, underhanded dealings, and various tragedies to keep a complicated storyline moving. I especially appreciated the author’s the well drawn characters and her treatment of the interchange of widely divergent cultures. The emphasis on historical detail was essential to understanding the plot and provides a strong basis for grounding the series moving forward. I would have preferred the pace of the action to be a bit faster at times. I look forward to continuing to read this series.
Thank you to the author, the publisher, Wonky Cat Press, and BookSirens for the opportunity to read and review an ARC.

[Elizabeth Ayre · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this thrilling historical fiction set at the end of the nineteenth century, author Anne Kennedy captures all the intrigue and danger in the intense race to control the world’s oil trade. The story takes place in Baku, a frontier city rich in untapped oil, located on the edge of the Russian Empire.
When the hero Anton Nikolayevich Sabroski returns to Azerbaijan with secret plans for an oil tanker capable of navigating the Suez Canal, the competition is desperate and willing to do anything to stop him. This new development would provide a short cut for the Rothschilds to supply Baku oil to the Orient, bypassing Rockefeller’s hold on the industry.
There is everything a reader could desire in The Baku Inheritance - sabotage, violence and murder carried out by secret police of the Tsar and American spies; vivid descriptions of the period clothing, food and unique architecture; a fabulous Fabergé egg cloaked in mystery; and unexpected romantic liaisons.
This first novel in The City of Winds series is highly recommended and sets the stage for continuing the fascinating story by this talented author.

[Melissa Cavanagh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read. It started off a bit slow but within the first two chapters the story began to draw me in. From that point through the rest of the book, the pacing is wonderful with events unfolding and details being revealed exactly when the story needs them to be.

Each character that I met as I read was brought vividly to life with rich descriptions. They are realistic and believable individuals, very real and very human. The relationships between the characters are intricate, emotional and compelling. The physical settings in which these characters act out their story is described well enough that I felt I was opening doors and walking through dark streets with them.

I'm definitely looking forward to the next book in this series and highly recommend it for fans of historical fiction, mysteries, stories set in the late nineteenth to early twentieth centuries, and those set in the same region as Baku.

My review is based on an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) that I received free of charge, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Hannah Mcintosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Baku Inheritance by Anne M. Kennedy is a compelling tale set amongst a rich, historical backdrop of Azerbaijan. The narrative explores themes of identity, heritage, and the intricate relationship between the past and present while following the life of a multigenerational family. Kennedy's lyrical and vivid prose engrosses readers in Baku's complex cultural fabric. Each of the well-developed characters is negotiating both personal and political upheaval while battling their own legacies. In the end, the book offers a comprehensive examination of the ways in which history influences particular lives, making it an engaging read for anybody curious about the relationships between memory and culture.

Thank you to Rowanvale Publishing for providing me the opportunity to read this innovative novel, I have left my review voluntarily.

[Gayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anne Kennedy powerfully brings Baku, Azerbaijan in 1890 to life with a splendidly drawn cast of characters who are intriguingly linked together in pursuit of wealth and status set in the messy, complex birth of the nascent oil industry. This human drama is grippingly played out with diamonds, pearls, silk and oil all part of the city’s rich historical heritage. The Russian Royal Family, the Nobel brothers, the Suez Canal, Faberge eggs all come together in the driving narrative that is all consuming. The attention to historical detail is outstanding and the overall effect is a gripping historical mystery. An educational, all consuming masterwork.

[Lynette · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.75 ⭐

adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes


I received a free copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
Great story - This novel has a very vivid historic details of the city of Baku and of the oil extraction industry of the 19th century. I enjoyed the documentary aspect as well as the storyline. I felt immersed in the time period and the rat-race competition for oil wealth.

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via The Niche Reader". This story has interesting moments but was not really my "cup-of-tea". There was not enough history of the area ad the time period for me to really connect with the characters. It would have helped for there to be some text about the politics of the ear and place as many were alluded to but not enough. I do not like having to do research while reading a historic novel to figure out why things happened to certain characters during the story lines.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! So glad to see someone write about Baku. I lived there in the 90’s just when the major oil companies were realizing the oil potential. I became really close to a woman whose father/grandfather was one of the first oil barons. This book reminded me of the stories that she told about living in Baku as a child and dealings with Rockefellers and the Rothchild’s among other interesting tales.

The characters are wonderful, I could visualize this time period. Definitely some twist and turns with a few surprises.

I loved my time there and Baku will always have a special place in my heart.

Highly recommend this book if you are interested in the early days of oil exploration and what everyone in the oil industry went through during this time period. I can’t wait to continue the adventure of Klara, Anton, Julia, Stefan and Marcus.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

He is shocked when he gets home to find everything in ruins with his father dying. All he has will be a valuable egg and the guardianship of a young girl, who is hostile to him. He is determined to find out what has happened as he does not believe his father would lose it all. He is about to be pulled into a mystery with secrets everywhere and it will not be easy to find the answers. How will he get on? Can he win her over? Will he get everything back? See what he will find out

[Carol Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a enigma wrapped in a mystery. It is fast paced and leaves you wanting to know more about the characters and how the story turns out. Why did a successful oil company go bankrupt? Why did the son go to the Orient? Who is the young female assistant? Where did the egg come from? Who to trust or not trust. You can feel the tension in the book as the returned son tries to make sense of a dead father, bankrupt company, and who is paying a trust fund for him? He doesn't know who to trust or who will turn up dead next. The book has it all, a beautiful female, handsome male and lots of villinious characters. Throughly enjoyed the book and had the opportunity to read it from The Niche Reader. Looking forward to tthe next book in the series.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an interesting read. Intertwined mysteries to be solved, hostile neighbours and a girl inherited from his late Father who he never knew he needed. I really enjoyed this. The characters were well developed and the story unfolds at a great pace. Covering a range of topics, it makes you evaluate what is truly important.

Thank you to Rowanvale Books for the opportunity to read this book early.

[Di Paterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, although the plot is sometimes disjointed. I don't mind reading books with the perspective changing, but when it focused on Klara it lost some of its intensity, making her story more of an afterthought than a major plot point. Much of the plot is also predictable, but the writing style is very engaging and the setting is unique, which adds to the enjoyment. My thanks to BookSirens for the opportunity to read it.

[Adam Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Baku Inheritance is a fun, fast moving historical mystery that I have thoroughly enjoyed reading. It strikes a good balance between bringing to life the fascinating backdrop of Baku in the 1890s and developing the characters of Anton, Klara, Rafiq and all the other protagonists we get to know. The last quarter of the book was riveting; I didn't want it to finish, and I am really looking forward to the sequel!

[Katrina Freckleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much intrigue, suspense and mystery . Throw in a smattering of romance in an historical era that leaves you wanting more. I did not understand much about the religious side of it but I leant a lot thru the authors very descriptive wording that made the characters and events come alive.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Shalom Thein · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book to read, learn, enjoy and of course……recommend!

The story flows, is pleasant to read and provides interesting historical facts which surface time and again. Likewise, geographic information that was unknown to me together with political events and involvement of countries and interests of powerful individuals. The romantic part is lovely and a bonus.

[Coleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book through VRO in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed it immensely. The story unfolds at a good pace, lots of accurate historical details and characters that were nicely flushed out. It was a mystery story with political and cultural aspects on top of the historical details about Azerbaijan and parts of Asia. A most satisfying read!

[Emily Phelps · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this very interesting story. There were a variety of characters that were a nice mixture of fictional and based on a real person. There is romance, mystery, and a few unexpected twists.

I received this book from the author through Voracious Readers Only, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.