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Heir: An Ancestral Horror Story of Curses, Wolves, and Gothic Terror
A fractured lineage. A night of reckoning. A curse unchained. Lydia swore she’d never return to Wolfridge Manor—the crumbling estate buried deep in the countryside. She’d chosen to leave her family. Chosen silence. Chosen solitude.
Then a letter arrived. One that was handwritten, persuasive, and impossible to ignore. It hinted at a will. A fortune. One last goodbye.
But from the moment she stepped onto the manor’s grounds, Lydia knew something was wrong. The halls were too quiet. The rooms too cold. And something in the shadows was watching, waiting, remembering.
As their final reunion descends into a weekend of terror, Lydia begins to unravel the truth of her bloodline—and the monstrous inheritance buried beneath the stone floors.
The curse of the Wolfridge family was never broken…
…It was waiting for the heir.
Then a letter arrived. One that was handwritten, persuasive, and impossible to ignore. It hinted at a will. A fortune. One last goodbye.
But from the moment she stepped onto the manor’s grounds, Lydia knew something was wrong. The halls were too quiet. The rooms too cold. And something in the shadows was watching, waiting, remembering.
As their final reunion descends into a weekend of terror, Lydia begins to unravel the truth of her bloodline—and the monstrous inheritance buried beneath the stone floors.
The curse of the Wolfridge family was never broken…
…It was waiting for the heir.
- GenresHorror
172 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 17, 2025
2 people are currently reading
5 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 28, 2025
This is a team that I first enjoyed with Jack and now they have given us Heir. Heir goes at a faster pace, tossing you into the chaos right at the jump while offering up the same style of writing we enjoyed in Jack. You instantly feel the trials of Lydia and her siblings after they return to Wolfridge Manor. Just like their previous story, Heir offers a mix of Goosebumps mixed with Grimm brothers that keeps you hooked. Plus the twists and turns left me wondering what the end game would be for sure. I don’t want to spoil things but to me anyways, the ending sets itself up for a sequel for sure.
On a personal note Howley & Willcocks have started a series that brings me back to earlier times when I use to watch Goosebumps or Are you Afraid of the Dark. This team will hopefully bless us with a long running series as each book plays out in such a way that you know it will be a joy to read. I lack space for physical books but this is one of the series I will collect for sure as I know they will be books I will read over and over again.
On a personal note Howley & Willcocks have started a series that brings me back to earlier times when I use to watch Goosebumps or Are you Afraid of the Dark. This team will hopefully bless us with a long running series as each book plays out in such a way that you know it will be a joy to read. I lack space for physical books but this is one of the series I will collect for sure as I know they will be books I will read over and over again.
August 3, 2025
This read was everything I love in a story.
Family secrets ✔️
A creepy manor ✔️
A badass FMC ✔️
Quick paced, witty and unsettling. The atmosphere was perfection and the dialogue was believable which is much appreciated.
Can’t wait for the next one in the series!
Thank you to the authors for the early copy!
Family secrets ✔️
A creepy manor ✔️
A badass FMC ✔️
Quick paced, witty and unsettling. The atmosphere was perfection and the dialogue was believable which is much appreciated.
Can’t wait for the next one in the series!
Thank you to the authors for the early copy!
October 11, 2025
I feel like I have read a different book to everyone else... There was quite a bit of buzz about this on my small social media circle, so I had high hopes, but ultimately I was underwhelmed.
As one indie author to another, I feel like I should be apologising, because I know how tough a gig this is, but honest reviews/critiques are fundamental to writing.
As always, my review is my honest opinion.
So, I enjoyed the concept and themes of this book: werewolves, a gothic manor, family curses and legacies, bonds between siblings. In some ways, the story reminded me of the werewolf segment in the anthology movie Dr Terror's House of Horrors, being my favourite story from said film. But, sadly the execution wasn't there for me.
Firstly, and this is the reason a book normally ends up on my DNF pile, I simply didn't like any of the characters. My view, they were bland, cardboard cut outs that were underdeveloped with clunky dialogue. In the early chapters, I also struggled to differentiate between Lydia and Emily.
Moreover, the storytelling felt rushed to the point of being disjointed and at times, confusing: characters/objects appearing out of thin air, characters seeming teleporting from one location to another then back again. An example of this, at one point a character is in a hallway, then in the next sentence they seem to be stood out in a garden and then, boom, back in the hallway. Perhaps it's my ADHD & dyslexia that caused me to miss things, but all too often I found myself having to re-read whole chapters to make sense of this randomness.
And to say this is a werewolf novel, said creature was criminally underused. One of the scariest moments in the werewolf genre is that first transformation, but this was completely overlooked. This may have been an intentional decision, to avoid spoiling the twists, to build mystery and suspense instead of jump scares and gore, but I didn't feel any suspense. No tension here. However, there was some mystery, and I think that was what kept me reading. Although the ending made me cringe with the almost Deus Ex machina introduction of magic.
In short, Heir felt rushed, resulting in lost potential.
I think that the ideas here would have fared much better as a novel, using the higher word count of the format to fully develop the characters, explore their family history in greater depth, utilise the setting and write more in respect of the werewolves, constructing your own lore and world building.
There in lies the problem for me, a novella isn't a big enough canvas to successfully fit in everything this book seemed to promise.
To sum up, this book was ok for a quick read, but it failed to meet my expectations.
Sorry chaps.
As one indie author to another, I feel like I should be apologising, because I know how tough a gig this is, but honest reviews/critiques are fundamental to writing.
As always, my review is my honest opinion.
So, I enjoyed the concept and themes of this book: werewolves, a gothic manor, family curses and legacies, bonds between siblings. In some ways, the story reminded me of the werewolf segment in the anthology movie Dr Terror's House of Horrors, being my favourite story from said film. But, sadly the execution wasn't there for me.
Firstly, and this is the reason a book normally ends up on my DNF pile, I simply didn't like any of the characters. My view, they were bland, cardboard cut outs that were underdeveloped with clunky dialogue. In the early chapters, I also struggled to differentiate between Lydia and Emily.
Moreover, the storytelling felt rushed to the point of being disjointed and at times, confusing: characters/objects appearing out of thin air, characters seeming teleporting from one location to another then back again. An example of this, at one point a character is in a hallway, then in the next sentence they seem to be stood out in a garden and then, boom, back in the hallway. Perhaps it's my ADHD & dyslexia that caused me to miss things, but all too often I found myself having to re-read whole chapters to make sense of this randomness.
And to say this is a werewolf novel, said creature was criminally underused. One of the scariest moments in the werewolf genre is that first transformation, but this was completely overlooked. This may have been an intentional decision, to avoid spoiling the twists, to build mystery and suspense instead of jump scares and gore, but I didn't feel any suspense. No tension here. However, there was some mystery, and I think that was what kept me reading. Although the ending made me cringe with the almost Deus Ex machina introduction of magic.
In short, Heir felt rushed, resulting in lost potential.
I think that the ideas here would have fared much better as a novel, using the higher word count of the format to fully develop the characters, explore their family history in greater depth, utilise the setting and write more in respect of the werewolves, constructing your own lore and world building.
There in lies the problem for me, a novella isn't a big enough canvas to successfully fit in everything this book seemed to promise.
To sum up, this book was ok for a quick read, but it failed to meet my expectations.
Sorry chaps.
July 15, 2025
The Second book in the Twisted Tales Books by Howley & Willcocks and we have moved from Folk Horror to Gothic Horror. It has the lovely old-fashioned manor and it is a tale of ancestral trauma.
The story follows the only girl in a family of boys, and she returns from self-imposed exile to the family manor, and with it she discovers the family secret.
Lydia is a wild character, as are her brothers. This is a book filled with more twists than you will expect. There is a lot to question and a lot to figure out. There were reveals and twists from the earlier chapters all the way to the final chapter.
They are Two-for-Two thus far with books. I cannot wait to see what else they come out with.
The story follows the only girl in a family of boys, and she returns from self-imposed exile to the family manor, and with it she discovers the family secret.
Lydia is a wild character, as are her brothers. This is a book filled with more twists than you will expect. There is a lot to question and a lot to figure out. There were reveals and twists from the earlier chapters all the way to the final chapter.
They are Two-for-Two thus far with books. I cannot wait to see what else they come out with.
September 7, 2025
Heir: A Gothic Horror
Thank you for the advanced reader copy of Heir, the second book in the Twisted Tales series by Daniel Willcocks and R.P. Howley. It's another hit for me.
I was immediately drawn into the isolated and atmospheric setting of a crumbling old mansion, complete with a cryptic family curse. The story's Gothic vibes pulled me in from the very first page and didn't let go. I couldn't put this book down because I was vested with trying to uncover the secrets hidden within this family.
I'm excited to see what the authors have in store for us in the next standalone book. This is Goosebumps for adults (loving it).
Thank you for the advanced reader copy of Heir, the second book in the Twisted Tales series by Daniel Willcocks and R.P. Howley. It's another hit for me.
I was immediately drawn into the isolated and atmospheric setting of a crumbling old mansion, complete with a cryptic family curse. The story's Gothic vibes pulled me in from the very first page and didn't let go. I couldn't put this book down because I was vested with trying to uncover the secrets hidden within this family.
I'm excited to see what the authors have in store for us in the next standalone book. This is Goosebumps for adults (loving it).
September 17, 2025
I had a wonderful time reading this book. Right from the start, it was so atmospheric, and I fell in love with our protagonist, Lydia, very quickly.
What is going on in Wolfridge Manor? The scene is set so beautifully, I was both frightened and I wanted to be there. I kept thinking about the book, when I had to put it down, I just wanted to go back in, and unravel all the secrets this family, and the manor holds.
To me, this was a moderate paced story, but it worked well, because of the complex narrative.
If you like a gothic horror story, full of secrets, and family history, with a supernatural touch, then I urge you to run and get this book.
Enjoy.
-Vibeke.
What is going on in Wolfridge Manor? The scene is set so beautifully, I was both frightened and I wanted to be there. I kept thinking about the book, when I had to put it down, I just wanted to go back in, and unravel all the secrets this family, and the manor holds.
To me, this was a moderate paced story, but it worked well, because of the complex narrative.
If you like a gothic horror story, full of secrets, and family history, with a supernatural touch, then I urge you to run and get this book.
Enjoy.
-Vibeke.
September 11, 2025
I loved reading Jack, the first book in this Twisted Tales series by R.P. Howley &
Daniel Willcocks.
So when I was given a chance to read an ARC copy of the second book in this series for my honest review, I jumped at it.
I was drawn in the second I started reading it. Couldn’t put it down. I love the gothic horror feel surrounding the story. And the plot twists was something I did not predict.
A very quick read for me. Not too much gore. A perfect horror story.
5 stars
Daniel Willcocks.
So when I was given a chance to read an ARC copy of the second book in this series for my honest review, I jumped at it.
I was drawn in the second I started reading it. Couldn’t put it down. I love the gothic horror feel surrounding the story. And the plot twists was something I did not predict.
A very quick read for me. Not too much gore. A perfect horror story.
5 stars
September 21, 2025
This is a werewolf story. Which you probably guessed from the cover.
It started slow and I was afraid this would be very predictable, but I am pleased to say it wasn't. And that's a hard thing to achieve when you write about something that has been used and reused so many times in both literature and cinematography.
Is it worth your time? If you like monster horror and mansions with old secrets, then absolutely!
It started slow and I was afraid this would be very predictable, but I am pleased to say it wasn't. And that's a hard thing to achieve when you write about something that has been used and reused so many times in both literature and cinematography.
Is it worth your time? If you like monster horror and mansions with old secrets, then absolutely!
September 12, 2025
Heir, a gothic horror that blends both old fashioned horror with a fresh new twist.
definitely a page turner, and each chapter ends on a note that keeps you intrigued enough for one more chapter, which results in finishing the whole book in one sitting.
strong cast of characters, with a good lead. I look forward to reading more from the author.
definitely a page turner, and each chapter ends on a note that keeps you intrigued enough for one more chapter, which results in finishing the whole book in one sitting.
strong cast of characters, with a good lead. I look forward to reading more from the author.
October 14, 2025
An absolutely chilling read! After the first few pages, I knew this was a book I wasn’t going to be able to put down, until I got to The End. Will keep you swiping the pages furiously.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
August 19, 2025
Heir was an amazing book. While reading it, it really draws you in and makes you imagine the scene. You can almost smell the smells that are being described in the book. If you love horror this is a book for you!
August 28, 2025
A chilling Gothic horror atmosphere, festering family curse, an isolated manor, and dark ancestral secrets, a classic recipe for spine-tingling horror story. A definite 5 star review from this reader and enjoyed the tale immensely.
September 12, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. It was a very fast read. I was hooked from the opening pages. The story moves at a good pace and the characters are well developed. Looking forward to the next book in the series. Definitely recommended!
September 17, 2025
An interesting story. You almost know when there's a letter involved, there will be secrets, curses, or a lineage with a darkness one cannot comprehend.
Very strong and suspenseful characters.
Love the Manor.
Very strong and suspenseful characters.
Love the Manor.
September 18, 2025
A very unusual presentation of a gothic werewolf legend, this book was an excellent and entertaining read. There is plenty of atmosphere, action, and even magic to set this at a higher level of horror.
September 18, 2025
A great horror with graphic scenes and a twist in the curse. Well written, good characters, and an air of fear and mystery intertwined. Highly recommended. Read as an ARC and my review is honest and voluntary.
September 23, 2025
This story caught me totally off-gaurd at times. Just as I thought I'd figured it out, everything changed- again! Loved this book and felt for all of the characters. Totally different and entertaining! A must-read!
September 16, 2025
Gothic mansion, scary vibes, family secrets, simple ingredients made into a well written and easy to read story with some twists and turns thrown in.
September 17, 2025
This is a great, solid werewolf story. Quick read, highly recommend!
September 17, 2025
The prologue immediately reels you in to this story. Lydia makes a promise to herself. She will never return to Wolferidge Manor.
Until 2006 when she returns to the manor… to her siblings. They’ve papers they need to sign. Only they’re not alone at the Manor House. There is a creeping dread, fleeting images and Emily winds up dead. I thought this story was going one way as I had not seen the cover for this yet. Then it took a turn in the best possible way and as I always say this is where the story really opened up.
This book gave me haunted mansion and Addams family vibes and I was here for it! I was here for all the spooky YA vibes and this is a perfect read for spooky season!
‘It was already foretold. You cannot erase what is written in blood’.
Until 2006 when she returns to the manor… to her siblings. They’ve papers they need to sign. Only they’re not alone at the Manor House. There is a creeping dread, fleeting images and Emily winds up dead. I thought this story was going one way as I had not seen the cover for this yet. Then it took a turn in the best possible way and as I always say this is where the story really opened up.
This book gave me haunted mansion and Addams family vibes and I was here for it! I was here for all the spooky YA vibes and this is a perfect read for spooky season!
‘It was already foretold. You cannot erase what is written in blood’.
September 17, 2025
Heir is a quick dark easy read that rolls the story out at a steady but moderate pace. As I was reading, I found myself picturing an old black and white gothic tale with the actors eyes darting about and rimmed in kohl. But that may be just me, I watch alot of old movies. I quite enjoyed the story as the sub genre is one of my favorite horror staples. Well written, well paced, not too graphic really, so the faint of heart can be comfortable reading it. Not everyone wants their horror overly bloody. This is perfect for those people. All-in-all, I would definitely recommend the book. As I said at the beginning, a quick dark easy read that is nicely done.
I received a copy of this book via the authors and am voluntarily leaving my opinion of the tale.
I received a copy of this book via the authors and am voluntarily leaving my opinion of the tale.
September 17, 2025
Home
Lydia and her siblings flee Wolfridge Manor one dark night. There is something in the dark with glowing purple eyes. Now everything has changed and they are back. What secrets does the Manor hold? What is watching with the glowing eyes? Fast-paced, paced, action filled chilling read.
Lydia and her siblings flee Wolfridge Manor one dark night. There is something in the dark with glowing purple eyes. Now everything has changed and they are back. What secrets does the Manor hold? What is watching with the glowing eyes? Fast-paced, paced, action filled chilling read.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews