What do you think?
Rate this book
The Haunting of Willows Cottage
Ingrid and her daughter Susan return to the Western Highlands of Scotland, staying at Strathbairn with Gertrude McCleod while their new home, a cottage by the loch, is redecorated. The very same day, the ghosts of Ingrid's past return when Gertrude's brother Miles arrives with his new bride and his friend Timothy.
When her former beau turned betrayer Hamish starts work on a barn conversion, Ingrid is desperate to leave Strathbairn. She rushes to move into the cottage only to find she is sharing her new home with a violent ghost.
Realising the haunting is somehow connected to Strathbairn and sensing that something at Willows Cottage must be returned, she makes every effort to discover what that it is.
While Hamish and Gertrude conspire to force Ingrid into marriage, Timothy becomes a regular caller with a romantic motive. With two suitors and two marriage proposals, who will she choose - and can she solve the haunting of Willows Cottage?
A gripping conclusion to a classic gothic mystery trilogy laced with dark family secrets.
When her former beau turned betrayer Hamish starts work on a barn conversion, Ingrid is desperate to leave Strathbairn. She rushes to move into the cottage only to find she is sharing her new home with a violent ghost.
Realising the haunting is somehow connected to Strathbairn and sensing that something at Willows Cottage must be returned, she makes every effort to discover what that it is.
While Hamish and Gertrude conspire to force Ingrid into marriage, Timothy becomes a regular caller with a romantic motive. With two suitors and two marriage proposals, who will she choose - and can she solve the haunting of Willows Cottage?
A gripping conclusion to a classic gothic mystery trilogy laced with dark family secrets.
286 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 24, 2025
About the author
Isobel Blackthorn
55 books186 followersIsobel Blackthorn is an award-winning author of unique and engaging fiction. She writes across a range of genres, including dark psychological thrillers, gripping mystery novels, captivating travel fiction and hilarious dark satire. Isobel holds a PhD in Western Esotericism for her groundbreaking study of the texts of Theosophist Alice A. Bailey. Isobel carries a lifelong passion for the Canary Islands, Spain, her former home. A Londoner originally, Isobel currently lives in Spain.
www.isobelblackthorn.com
https://www.creativia.org/isobel-blac...
https://twitter.com/IBlackthorn
https://www.facebook.com/Lovesick.Iso...
www.isobelblackthorn.com
https://www.creativia.org/isobel-blac...
https://twitter.com/IBlackthorn
https://www.facebook.com/Lovesick.Iso...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 30, 2026
Ingrid and her daughter Susan have once again returned to the devious home of Gertrude McCleod in the lovely land of Scotland. The house at Strathbairn has never been a pleasant place for her to be. She has gone from being a mistreated housekeeper to a mistreated guest. Always being manipulated in some way by the family and the staff. They even use Ingrid's daughter to try to gain control over her decisions. But Ingrid is determined to fix up the cottage she has inherited and make it a lovely home for herself and her daughter. As the repairs are coming to completion and she moves into the cottage, she is once again haunted by a harmful ghost, and she must solve the mystery of why.
I have felt transported to the Scotland Highlands and the time of the late 19th century, experiencing the history, and the beauty of the highlands. The way they live and the expectations of propriety. But what lies deep within, are dark family secrets, drama, harmful ghosts, and mystery.
Isobel Blackthorn transports us into a dark, gothic atmosphere with descriptive characters. It takes us on a journey of mystery, intrigue, and a woman's will to overcome her trials and tribulations throughout this trilogy.
I am sad that this has come to an end. I have a love, hate relationship with these characters. It is truly Ingrid's story that I have invested in. She has been through so much turmoil and to see her finally find happiness is just so satisfying.
I have felt transported to the Scotland Highlands and the time of the late 19th century, experiencing the history, and the beauty of the highlands. The way they live and the expectations of propriety. But what lies deep within, are dark family secrets, drama, harmful ghosts, and mystery.
Isobel Blackthorn transports us into a dark, gothic atmosphere with descriptive characters. It takes us on a journey of mystery, intrigue, and a woman's will to overcome her trials and tribulations throughout this trilogy.
I am sad that this has come to an end. I have a love, hate relationship with these characters. It is truly Ingrid's story that I have invested in. She has been through so much turmoil and to see her finally find happiness is just so satisfying.
May 21, 2026
Ingrid and her daughter Susan have returned to Scotland. They stay at Strathbairn while her cottage is being renovated. This is book three in this series and I would recommend reading them in order. This story has a bit of a gothic feel to it and feels dark at times.
November 5, 2025
Great book & great series.
This one though was harder hitting. Especially with Susan and her connection to Straithbairn.
That family though. Make me so annoyed the control they need.
But that’s what makes these books. We can read and see what Ingrid needs to do but have to wait for her to act and do what she herself needs to do.
Loved them. Gothic. Haunting, historic tales.
This one though was harder hitting. Especially with Susan and her connection to Straithbairn.
That family though. Make me so annoyed the control they need.
But that’s what makes these books. We can read and see what Ingrid needs to do but have to wait for her to act and do what she herself needs to do.
Loved them. Gothic. Haunting, historic tales.
July 23, 2026
This third instalment of the Strathbairn Trilogy is a haunting and puzzling historical mystery with a sinister ghost, perfect for fans of Simone St. James.
After Susan’s behavior causes problems at their home in Hampshire, Ingrid decides to move them back to the Scottish Highlands and make a home at a property she inherited—Willows Cottage. While renovations happen to make the cottage liveable, they stay at the Strathbairn house where once again, Susan falls under the spell of Ethel.
Life becomes even more complex for Ingrid when Hamish—a former suitor who betrayed her—surfaces at Strathbairn and tries to coerce her into marriage. Meanwhile, a second suitor named Timothy enters the picture. Overwhelmed, Ingrid flees to her cottage for sanity only to be tormented by an unknown malevolent spirit.
Ingrid’s character grows braver and more independent throughout the series, endearing her to readers. The secondary cast of characters also continue to evolve—especially Ingrid’s rebellious daughter—providing support and obstacles to Ingrid achieving her goal of establishing a safe and sustainable home of her own.
The isolated location of Willows Cottage provides an ominous gothic vibe, especially with Ingrid spending nights alone and at the mercy of the ghost haunting her. I also liked the mystical connection woven into the narrative by a trip to the Isle of Skye. With the perfect amount of descriptive details, I could picture the scenes in my mind.
The character driven plotting in this book merged different subplots seamlessly, with certain people having their own entertaining hidden agendas. The paranormal element of uncovering the reasoning behind Ingrid’s vicious haunting was my favorite part of the story. I also enjoyed the way every thread merged, leaving me satisfied with how the series ended.
I highly recommend this book for fans of spooky gothic locations and locked room mysteries with paranormal elements.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Michelle
This review first appeared: https://substack.com/@nnlightsbookhea...
After Susan’s behavior causes problems at their home in Hampshire, Ingrid decides to move them back to the Scottish Highlands and make a home at a property she inherited—Willows Cottage. While renovations happen to make the cottage liveable, they stay at the Strathbairn house where once again, Susan falls under the spell of Ethel.
Life becomes even more complex for Ingrid when Hamish—a former suitor who betrayed her—surfaces at Strathbairn and tries to coerce her into marriage. Meanwhile, a second suitor named Timothy enters the picture. Overwhelmed, Ingrid flees to her cottage for sanity only to be tormented by an unknown malevolent spirit.
Ingrid’s character grows braver and more independent throughout the series, endearing her to readers. The secondary cast of characters also continue to evolve—especially Ingrid’s rebellious daughter—providing support and obstacles to Ingrid achieving her goal of establishing a safe and sustainable home of her own.
The isolated location of Willows Cottage provides an ominous gothic vibe, especially with Ingrid spending nights alone and at the mercy of the ghost haunting her. I also liked the mystical connection woven into the narrative by a trip to the Isle of Skye. With the perfect amount of descriptive details, I could picture the scenes in my mind.
The character driven plotting in this book merged different subplots seamlessly, with certain people having their own entertaining hidden agendas. The paranormal element of uncovering the reasoning behind Ingrid’s vicious haunting was my favorite part of the story. I also enjoyed the way every thread merged, leaving me satisfied with how the series ended.
I highly recommend this book for fans of spooky gothic locations and locked room mysteries with paranormal elements.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Michelle
This review first appeared: https://substack.com/@nnlightsbookhea...
May 30, 2026
Having read the previous two books in the Strathbairn Trilogy I was thrilled to be invited onto the book tour for The Haunting of Willows Cottage.
This final instalment blended gothic suspense, romance, and family secrets against the haunting backdrop of the Scottish Highlands. The story immediately drew me back into the world of Strathbairn as Ingrid returns hoping for a fresh start, only to find herself facing both the ghosts of her past and a terrifying supernatural presence within Willows Cottage itself.
The haunting elements were genuinely eerie at times, and the mystery surrounding the cottage unfolded at a steady pace that kept me completely invested.
Ingrid remains a strong and sympathetic protagonist, and I really enjoyed following her emotional journey throughout the novel. Trust, betrayal, and manipulation were central themes within the story. Seeing familiar characters return and watching long-running secrets finally come to light made this feel like a truly satisfying finale.
One of the strongest aspects of the trilogy has always been the authors atmospheric writing, and this book captures the isolated beauty and darkness of the Highlands perfectly.
The Haunting of Willows Cottage
This final instalment blended gothic suspense, romance, and family secrets against the haunting backdrop of the Scottish Highlands. The story immediately drew me back into the world of Strathbairn as Ingrid returns hoping for a fresh start, only to find herself facing both the ghosts of her past and a terrifying supernatural presence within Willows Cottage itself.
The haunting elements were genuinely eerie at times, and the mystery surrounding the cottage unfolded at a steady pace that kept me completely invested.
Ingrid remains a strong and sympathetic protagonist, and I really enjoyed following her emotional journey throughout the novel. Trust, betrayal, and manipulation were central themes within the story. Seeing familiar characters return and watching long-running secrets finally come to light made this feel like a truly satisfying finale.
One of the strongest aspects of the trilogy has always been the authors atmospheric writing, and this book captures the isolated beauty and darkness of the Highlands perfectly.
The Haunting of Willows Cottage
May 25, 2026
The Haunting of Willows Cottage brings the Strathbairn Trilogy to a thoughtful and atmospheric close. The story blends a gentle historical setting with a genuine sense of unease, creating a world where emotional tension and supernatural threat sit side by side. Ingrid’s return to the Highlands feels grounded and believable, and her desire to build a safe life for herself and her daughter gives the novel a steady emotional core.
The haunting at Willows Cottage is handled with restraint. It never overwhelms the narrative, yet it adds a constant pressure that keeps the pages turning. The ghostly presence is tied to the land and to the past, and this connection enriches the story rather than distracting from it. The relationships around Ingrid are equally important. Her complicated history with Hamish, her uneasy dependence on Gertrude, and the quiet sincerity of Timothy all create a web of choices that feel both personal and inevitable.
The Highlands setting is one of the book’s strengths. The landscape shapes the mood without becoming heavy. The writing remains clear and accessible, and the pacing is steady, allowing the emotional and supernatural threads to unfold naturally.
A satisfying conclusion for readers who enjoy historical fiction with a touch of mystery and a hint of the uncanny.
Highly recommended. Many thanks for this digital copy, all opinions are mine
The haunting at Willows Cottage is handled with restraint. It never overwhelms the narrative, yet it adds a constant pressure that keeps the pages turning. The ghostly presence is tied to the land and to the past, and this connection enriches the story rather than distracting from it. The relationships around Ingrid are equally important. Her complicated history with Hamish, her uneasy dependence on Gertrude, and the quiet sincerity of Timothy all create a web of choices that feel both personal and inevitable.
The Highlands setting is one of the book’s strengths. The landscape shapes the mood without becoming heavy. The writing remains clear and accessible, and the pacing is steady, allowing the emotional and supernatural threads to unfold naturally.
A satisfying conclusion for readers who enjoy historical fiction with a touch of mystery and a hint of the uncanny.
Highly recommended. Many thanks for this digital copy, all opinions are mine
October 26, 2025
The Haunting of Willows Cottage by Isabel Blackthorn
In this, the third book in the series, Ingrid Barker, against her better judgment, goes back to Strathbairn, the stately home where she once worked. She has inherited a dilapidated cottage and wishes to live at Strathbairn until the completion of the renovations. But she soon regrets her decision to return.
Strathbairn is a toxic soup of hatred, jealousy and hidden agendas. She doesn’t know whom to trust or who is playing games with her affections. Nobody seems to want her there, and everyone appears to harbour hidden rancour. Even Ethel, the cook, tries to cause a rift between Ingrid and her young, rather precocious daughter, Susan.
Even when the cottage renovations have finished, and Ingrid moves in, she can’t find respite. She’s plagued by a violent ghost who is intent on repeatedly destroying part of her house. She must discover what the angry spirit wants, while trying to coax her daughter away from the tight clutches of Straithbairn. Neither one will be an easy task.
This is a dark book, filled with negative emotion, that kept me enthralled until the last page.
In this, the third book in the series, Ingrid Barker, against her better judgment, goes back to Strathbairn, the stately home where she once worked. She has inherited a dilapidated cottage and wishes to live at Strathbairn until the completion of the renovations. But she soon regrets her decision to return.
Strathbairn is a toxic soup of hatred, jealousy and hidden agendas. She doesn’t know whom to trust or who is playing games with her affections. Nobody seems to want her there, and everyone appears to harbour hidden rancour. Even Ethel, the cook, tries to cause a rift between Ingrid and her young, rather precocious daughter, Susan.
Even when the cottage renovations have finished, and Ingrid moves in, she can’t find respite. She’s plagued by a violent ghost who is intent on repeatedly destroying part of her house. She must discover what the angry spirit wants, while trying to coax her daughter away from the tight clutches of Straithbairn. Neither one will be an easy task.
This is a dark book, filled with negative emotion, that kept me enthralled until the last page.
October 2, 2026
This was an interesting continuation of the series with Ingrid and Susan. The story is about Ingrid's return to Strathbairn and her moving into Willows Cottage. There is lots of drama around the renovations at Strathbairn and the start of Ingrid and Susan's new life.
The story held my interest. The author did a great job ensuring that the character's actions were consistent with their characters. For instance, Ingrid questioning people's motives was consistent with a widow trying to protect herself and her child. As Ingrid settles in, she learns more about the people living in rural Scotland and their past connections to each other. Isobel Blackthorn did a great job depicting the social rules of that era regarding protecting one's reputation, class distinctions, etc. She also did a great job describing how Ingrid was haunted by spirits and the fear that she felt. It was a very good depiction of a small community where everyone knows everyone else.
If you like historical fiction books, you will likely enjoy reading The Haunting of Willows Cottage.
I received a free advance reader copy of the book. The opinion that express is my own.
The story held my interest. The author did a great job ensuring that the character's actions were consistent with their characters. For instance, Ingrid questioning people's motives was consistent with a widow trying to protect herself and her child. As Ingrid settles in, she learns more about the people living in rural Scotland and their past connections to each other. Isobel Blackthorn did a great job depicting the social rules of that era regarding protecting one's reputation, class distinctions, etc. She also did a great job describing how Ingrid was haunted by spirits and the fear that she felt. It was a very good depiction of a small community where everyone knows everyone else.
If you like historical fiction books, you will likely enjoy reading The Haunting of Willows Cottage.
I received a free advance reader copy of the book. The opinion that express is my own.
May 25, 2026
I picked this up assuming it could be read as a standalone but I genuinely believe that reading books one and two would have given me the relationship context and depth that I found lacking throughout this one, so please factor that into how you weigh my experience.
With that said, this is a classically atmospheric gothic mystery set in the Scottish Highlands with a haunted cottage, dark family secrets, and a slow deliberate pacing that leans heavily into atmosphere and setting. The haunting and the central mystery did not fully surface until about seventy percent of the way through, which was a longer wait than I personally wanted. Susan, Ingrid's daughter, frustrated me throughout and a thread about her connection to the house felt underdeveloped.
For readers who have followed Ingrid from the beginning of this trilogy I think this conclusion would land in a completely different and much more satisfying way. If you are new to this series, start with book one.
With that said, this is a classically atmospheric gothic mystery set in the Scottish Highlands with a haunted cottage, dark family secrets, and a slow deliberate pacing that leans heavily into atmosphere and setting. The haunting and the central mystery did not fully surface until about seventy percent of the way through, which was a longer wait than I personally wanted. Susan, Ingrid's daughter, frustrated me throughout and a thread about her connection to the house felt underdeveloped.
For readers who have followed Ingrid from the beginning of this trilogy I think this conclusion would land in a completely different and much more satisfying way. If you are new to this series, start with book one.
June 22, 2026
This book offers strong characters, beautiful settings and an intriguing mystery. I love a good gothic mystery, and this is one. The author keeps the mood taut, dropping the right number of hints to drive you through the novel. Gothic horror is largely psychological and eerie, rather than more overt horror. For me, that's the sweet spot, but others might prefer more grab-and-stab than this novel provides.
This is part of a trilogy and I wish I had read the other books for a deeper understanding of the backstory and characters. So, consider reading these books in order for the best experience.
This is part of a trilogy and I wish I had read the other books for a deeper understanding of the backstory and characters. So, consider reading these books in order for the best experience.
May 31, 2026
Oops I did it again. I got so caught up in the whole 'haunted house' trope without realising this was the third and final book in The Strathbairn Trilogy!
However, I enjoyed it easily as a standalone and will definitely be going back to the beginning to catch up on context.
The author captures the Scottish Highlands perfectly. The sparse population, bleakness and seclusion adding to an atmosphere of unease and mystery.
It's deliberately paced, seasoned with family secrets and a pinch of romance.
Definitely one to be savoured.
However, I enjoyed it easily as a standalone and will definitely be going back to the beginning to catch up on context.
The author captures the Scottish Highlands perfectly. The sparse population, bleakness and seclusion adding to an atmosphere of unease and mystery.
It's deliberately paced, seasoned with family secrets and a pinch of romance.
Definitely one to be savoured.
September 28, 2026
I really have enjoyed this series but this was probably my least favorite. I found Ingrid's continuous giving up and backing down to be so irritating I almost gave up in the middle of the book! Specifically, the situation with Ethel and Ingrid was exceptionally frustrating. That said, I really loved the characters of Derwent and Mary. The storyline with Derwent and the cottage might be one of my favorites in the entire series. I'd love to read more of this series, but only if Ingrid grows a spine!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 13, 2026
This is the final instalment of this gothic mystery trilogy and is just as gripping as the previous books. Past events are cleverly weaved through this either as a reminder if you’ve read the previous books in the series ( which I’d highly recommend!) or not. It is also easy to work out who’s who and how everyone is connected. While their new home by the loch, Willow Cottage, is being renovated Ingrid and her daughter Susan return to Strathbairn to stay with Gertrude McCleod. However things don’t run smoothly as along with people from her past turning up, Ingrid finds that her new cottage isn’t as peaceful as it should be. Something or someone is haunting her. I absolutely love how this pulls you in and keeps you hooked. A very intriguing storyline that has plenty of twists and turns, well thought out and descriptive characters and a dark, sinister atmosphere. Thoroughly enjoyed this!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews