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The House of Lies: A BRAND NEW chilling tale of family secrets, betrayal and terror
A BRAND NEW story from bestselling author, Heather Atkinson, guaranteed to keep you up at night. 👻💀😱 Will the Alardyce family be cursed forever...?
For generations, the Alardyce family have lived under the shadow of a curse. Some say it died with Robert Alardyce - the ruthless patriarch whose name was whispered in fear - but others know darkness like his never truly fades.
Decades later, Alardyce House stands empty, its secrets lost behind its walls. Until Kate Alardyce - Robert’s sharp and ambitious great-granddaughter - decides it’s time to reclaim her family’s legacy. And Kate always gets what she wants...
As the family gathers, old secrets resurface, loyalties fracture and the air thickens with menace. When Kate's cousin, Cameron Alardyce walks through the door, his resemblance to Robert sends a chill through them all…and it isn’t long before history begins to repeat itself.
But is the infamous curse really to blame… or is someone alive, watching, and ready to make the Alardyces pay in blood?
If you love Emily Organ and Ann Granger, you’ll love the Alardyce series. Discover bestselling author Heather Atkinson and you'll never look back...
Praise for Heather
‘Heather is a bright star in the world of gangland writing...Read it, you won't be disappointed' Jacqui Rose
‘OH MY GOD what a book! We are transported back to the Victorian times. It sure has hell doesn’t disappoint it is dark, twisty and incredibly gritty!’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
‘One of the best books I've read in a while. Couldn't put it down. Can't wait for the next instalment’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
‘Hope there is more to come, I am hopelessly hooked and need there to be a follow up. These books are certainly not for the squeamish, but if you can get past the bloodlust the stories are excellent. No the bloodlust is a major ingredient, just enjoy the books for what they are, a good story extremely well told’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
‘Heather just keeps getting better and better. Could not put this book down, love the characters Henry, Amy and even bad boy Robert. Exciting, sad and thrilling all at the same time - really would make a great tv drama’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
For generations, the Alardyce family have lived under the shadow of a curse. Some say it died with Robert Alardyce - the ruthless patriarch whose name was whispered in fear - but others know darkness like his never truly fades.
Decades later, Alardyce House stands empty, its secrets lost behind its walls. Until Kate Alardyce - Robert’s sharp and ambitious great-granddaughter - decides it’s time to reclaim her family’s legacy. And Kate always gets what she wants...
As the family gathers, old secrets resurface, loyalties fracture and the air thickens with menace. When Kate's cousin, Cameron Alardyce walks through the door, his resemblance to Robert sends a chill through them all…and it isn’t long before history begins to repeat itself.
But is the infamous curse really to blame… or is someone alive, watching, and ready to make the Alardyces pay in blood?
If you love Emily Organ and Ann Granger, you’ll love the Alardyce series. Discover bestselling author Heather Atkinson and you'll never look back...
Praise for Heather
‘Heather is a bright star in the world of gangland writing...Read it, you won't be disappointed' Jacqui Rose
‘OH MY GOD what a book! We are transported back to the Victorian times. It sure has hell doesn’t disappoint it is dark, twisty and incredibly gritty!’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
‘One of the best books I've read in a while. Couldn't put it down. Can't wait for the next instalment’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
‘Hope there is more to come, I am hopelessly hooked and need there to be a follow up. These books are certainly not for the squeamish, but if you can get past the bloodlust the stories are excellent. No the bloodlust is a major ingredient, just enjoy the books for what they are, a good story extremely well told’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
‘Heather just keeps getting better and better. Could not put this book down, love the characters Henry, Amy and even bad boy Robert. Exciting, sad and thrilling all at the same time - really would make a great tv drama’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
402 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 6, 2026
47 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
Heather Atkinson
111 books177 followers**MY NEXT TRADITIONALLY PUBLISHED BOOK, A SAVAGE INHERITANCE (SAVAGE SISTERS SERIES #4) IS NOW AVAILABLE TO PRE-ORDER ON AMAZON PRICED £2.84. RELEASE DATE 7TH OCTOBER 2024**
**MY NEXT SELF PUBLISHED BOOK, DEADLY GAMES (BLAGGER'S CODE SERIES #6) WILL BE RELEASED ON 29TH SEPTEMBER 2024 ONLY ON AMAZON KINDLE**
Author of over seventy books so far. Living on the beautiful west coast of Scotland with my husband, twin daughters and a cat called Mavis, although I am originally from Lancashire in the north of England.
My tastes in all things are eclectic, which extends to my writing. Although I primarily write crime books - especially gangland thrillers - I also write gothic historical romance and fantasy. I publish on Amazon Kindle and some of my novels are available in paperback too. I also have a traditional publishing contract with Boldwood Books.
When I'm not writing - which isn't very often - I enjoy reading Daphne Du Maurier, Edgar Allan Poe, Shirley Jackson, MR James and the Brontes, among many others. I also enjoy swimming, walking and spending time with my family.
**MY NEXT SELF PUBLISHED BOOK, DEADLY GAMES (BLAGGER'S CODE SERIES #6) WILL BE RELEASED ON 29TH SEPTEMBER 2024 ONLY ON AMAZON KINDLE**
Author of over seventy books so far. Living on the beautiful west coast of Scotland with my husband, twin daughters and a cat called Mavis, although I am originally from Lancashire in the north of England.
My tastes in all things are eclectic, which extends to my writing. Although I primarily write crime books - especially gangland thrillers - I also write gothic historical romance and fantasy. I publish on Amazon Kindle and some of my novels are available in paperback too. I also have a traditional publishing contract with Boldwood Books.
When I'm not writing - which isn't very often - I enjoy reading Daphne Du Maurier, Edgar Allan Poe, Shirley Jackson, MR James and the Brontes, among many others. I also enjoy swimming, walking and spending time with my family.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I know this author from the outstanding gangland crime stories she brings to life on the page. When I saw this cover and read the blurb, I honestly wasn’t sure what genre to expect. It was clearly not gangland—but then what was it?
Because I’ve enjoyed her books so much in the past, I decided to give it a try and see if she could pull me in once again. I can already say that she absolutely succeeded.
The genre? A suspenseful story with a touch of ghost story, a hint of romance, and a dark family history woven throughout. Will it all end well, you might wonder—and yes, that remains the eternal question.
The characters, although many of them are related, form a colorful and diverse mix, which makes the story even more enjoyable. While the book can be quite creepy at times, there’s also a bit of humor sprinkled in, and all the while you can feel the tension steadily building.
Our main character, Kate, is someone who’s used to getting her way, and she doesn’t always rely on the most honorable methods to do so. But of course, those methods only work if the other party is willing to play along. So who’s really to blame? The one dangling the carrot, or the one who grabs it and devours it with pleasure? It takes two to tango, doesn’t it?
For a large part of the book, I feared that not everything would be revealed—and that’s something I’m not particularly fond of. I was therefore very relieved when the story suddenly picked up speed.
Although the book progresses at a good pace overall, the final chapters are packed with action. It felt like being swept away by a waterfall, confronted with several shocking revelations one after the other.
Despite that, it didn’t feel rushed at all—rather like the climax I had been waiting for all along.
It may not be entirely my usual genre, but I still read it with great pleasure and suspense. I’m more than happy to give it five stars.
Thank you.
Because I’ve enjoyed her books so much in the past, I decided to give it a try and see if she could pull me in once again. I can already say that she absolutely succeeded.
The genre? A suspenseful story with a touch of ghost story, a hint of romance, and a dark family history woven throughout. Will it all end well, you might wonder—and yes, that remains the eternal question.
The characters, although many of them are related, form a colorful and diverse mix, which makes the story even more enjoyable. While the book can be quite creepy at times, there’s also a bit of humor sprinkled in, and all the while you can feel the tension steadily building.
Our main character, Kate, is someone who’s used to getting her way, and she doesn’t always rely on the most honorable methods to do so. But of course, those methods only work if the other party is willing to play along. So who’s really to blame? The one dangling the carrot, or the one who grabs it and devours it with pleasure? It takes two to tango, doesn’t it?
For a large part of the book, I feared that not everything would be revealed—and that’s something I’m not particularly fond of. I was therefore very relieved when the story suddenly picked up speed.
Although the book progresses at a good pace overall, the final chapters are packed with action. It felt like being swept away by a waterfall, confronted with several shocking revelations one after the other.
Despite that, it didn’t feel rushed at all—rather like the climax I had been waiting for all along.
It may not be entirely my usual genre, but I still read it with great pleasure and suspense. I’m more than happy to give it five stars.
Thank you.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The House of Lies is a wonderfully atmospheric and compulsively readable gothic thriller that pulls you straight into the shadowy world of the Alardyce family. Heather Atkinson blends family drama, simmering menace, and a touch of the supernatural into a story that keeps you turning pages long after you meant to switch off the light.
The Alardyce curse is the perfect hook — whispered about for generations, tied to the ruthless patriarch Robert Alardyce, and lingering like a stain over every descendant. When Kate Alardyce decides to reclaim the long‑abandoned family home, the tension begins to coil immediately. Kate is sharp, ambitious, and utterly determined, and watching her stride into a house full of ghosts (literal or not) is gripping from the start.
As the wider family gathers, the atmosphere thickens beautifully. Old resentments bubble up, loyalties crack, and the sense of something dark pressing in grows with every chapter. Cameron’s arrival — and his unsettling resemblance to Robert — adds a delicious chill, the kind that makes you wonder whether history is repeating itself or whether someone is deliberately pulling the strings.
Atkinson excels at creating that creeping, gothic unease: the empty house full of secrets, the family bound together by fear and pride, and the constant question of whether the curse is real or whether a very human monster is hiding in plain sight. The suspense builds steadily, and the final reveals land with satisfying impact.
Moody, tense, and irresistibly twisty, The House of Lies is perfect for readers who love dark family mysteries with a gothic edge. Fans of Emily Organ and Ann Granger will feel right at home among the shadows of Alardyce House.
With thanks to Heather Atkinson, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
The Alardyce curse is the perfect hook — whispered about for generations, tied to the ruthless patriarch Robert Alardyce, and lingering like a stain over every descendant. When Kate Alardyce decides to reclaim the long‑abandoned family home, the tension begins to coil immediately. Kate is sharp, ambitious, and utterly determined, and watching her stride into a house full of ghosts (literal or not) is gripping from the start.
As the wider family gathers, the atmosphere thickens beautifully. Old resentments bubble up, loyalties crack, and the sense of something dark pressing in grows with every chapter. Cameron’s arrival — and his unsettling resemblance to Robert — adds a delicious chill, the kind that makes you wonder whether history is repeating itself or whether someone is deliberately pulling the strings.
Atkinson excels at creating that creeping, gothic unease: the empty house full of secrets, the family bound together by fear and pride, and the constant question of whether the curse is real or whether a very human monster is hiding in plain sight. The suspense builds steadily, and the final reveals land with satisfying impact.
Moody, tense, and irresistibly twisty, The House of Lies is perfect for readers who love dark family mysteries with a gothic edge. Fans of Emily Organ and Ann Granger will feel right at home among the shadows of Alardyce House.
With thanks to Heather Atkinson, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
February 8, 2026
I was pulled into this story right away by Kate’s arrival at the house.
I liked the way there was background information sprinkled here and there even then. It did seem to me that once the family members started to arrive, people were introduced a little too quickly. This made me feel a little lost as to who was who, and I had to go back through the book. They didn’t seem very likeable. They are all complex characters, and there are secrets and betrayal in their lives. I liked how these were revealed as the story progressed.
I thought the way Cameron’s likeness to Robert was bought into the story was imaginative and a good twist.
To me, the portraits added to the overall dark atmosphere of the house. The attention to detail for the characters, house, and surroundings is very good.
The plot is a good mix of thriller, romance, and mystery and has a lot of twists.
This is book five in the series. Despite this, I felt the backstory and memories were interesting and in the right places in the book. I’m interested in the previous books.
4 stars
Thanks to Heather Atkinson and Ana at Boldwood Books for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review and for my spot on the book tour for this title.
I liked the way there was background information sprinkled here and there even then. It did seem to me that once the family members started to arrive, people were introduced a little too quickly. This made me feel a little lost as to who was who, and I had to go back through the book. They didn’t seem very likeable. They are all complex characters, and there are secrets and betrayal in their lives. I liked how these were revealed as the story progressed.
I thought the way Cameron’s likeness to Robert was bought into the story was imaginative and a good twist.
To me, the portraits added to the overall dark atmosphere of the house. The attention to detail for the characters, house, and surroundings is very good.
The plot is a good mix of thriller, romance, and mystery and has a lot of twists.
This is book five in the series. Despite this, I felt the backstory and memories were interesting and in the right places in the book. I’m interested in the previous books.
4 stars
Thanks to Heather Atkinson and Ana at Boldwood Books for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review and for my spot on the book tour for this title.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Kate Alardyce has been told stories of the Alardyce House by years by her Grandma. Stories of murder, stories of evil and stories that young impressionable children should not hear. When the opportunity is available to purchase and restore the Alardyce House, Kate is thrilled. Once completed, she invites her cousins to join her for a weekend to revisit family history and the house itself. When odd things begin to happen, is it the family curse that is showing itself or does the house hold evil within its walls, waiting for it's next victim.
I was not impressed with this book at all. The whole book read as if it were written for a middle grade school girl. Silly people, doing silly things to one another, the main character, a beloved movie star yet calculating and manipulative to even her family to get what she wants. Boring read. The use of me and Kate instead of Kate and I drove me nuts. I can't say anything positive about this book, bummer as it sounded promising. Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books.
I was not impressed with this book at all. The whole book read as if it were written for a middle grade school girl. Silly people, doing silly things to one another, the main character, a beloved movie star yet calculating and manipulative to even her family to get what she wants. Boring read. The use of me and Kate instead of Kate and I drove me nuts. I can't say anything positive about this book, bummer as it sounded promising. Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Alardyce #5
For generations, the Alardyce family have lived under the shadow of a curse. Some say it died with Robert Alardyce - the ruthless patriarch name was whispered in fear - but others know darkness like his never truly fades. Decades later, Alardyce House stands empty, its secrets lost behind its walls. Until Kate Alardyce - Robert's sharp and ambitious great granddaughter - decides it's time to reclaim her family legacy. And Kate always gets what she wants.
This is not the author's usual gangland crime story. Instead we get a hint of a ghost story and romance. There were a mixed bunch of characters. The Alardyce curse has been spoken about for generations. Kate is a strong character. This is a tense read.
Published 6th February 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #HeatherAtkinson for my ARC of #TheHouseofLies in exchange for an honest review.
For generations, the Alardyce family have lived under the shadow of a curse. Some say it died with Robert Alardyce - the ruthless patriarch name was whispered in fear - but others know darkness like his never truly fades. Decades later, Alardyce House stands empty, its secrets lost behind its walls. Until Kate Alardyce - Robert's sharp and ambitious great granddaughter - decides it's time to reclaim her family legacy. And Kate always gets what she wants.
This is not the author's usual gangland crime story. Instead we get a hint of a ghost story and romance. There were a mixed bunch of characters. The Alardyce curse has been spoken about for generations. Kate is a strong character. This is a tense read.
Published 6th February 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #HeatherAtkinson for my ARC of #TheHouseofLies in exchange for an honest review.
January 15, 2026
The House of Lies by Heather Atkinson is an engaging and well-written story that kept my interest throughout. The plot is gripping and full of tension, and the story is told very well, making it an enjoyable read from start to finish. I did realise that this is a follow-on book in a series, but even so, I really enjoyed it. While there is clearly background and character history from earlier books, it didn’t stop me from following the story. In fact, it’s made me want to go back and catch up on the rest of the series so I can fully appreciate the characters and their development. a strong, compelling read, and I’m definitely looking forward to reading the other books in the series.
January 15, 2026
I absolutely devoured the previous books in this series about the Alardyce family and was thrilled to see there was now another one. Kate Alardyce has purchased Alardyce House and has organised for a reunion of her four cousins to take place there. Kate is obsessed with the family and the history surrounding them. The backstory of the family and who is who, how they’re connected is threaded through this. The book flows really well, the characters and their interactions brilliantly written and their relationships explored. I really enjoyed how the story developed with intrigue, twists, turns and absolutely no idea how it was all going to end.
February 6, 2026
Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood for a digital copy of this book. The opinions are my own and freely given.
Kate Alardyce, a famous movie star who was finally able to buy her family's heritage estate. After years of being estranges from her cousins, who she spent so much time with in her younger years, she has invited them all to the house.
She seems to have an obsession with Robert, her great grandfather and spends time looking at the portraits she had made, and talking to them. When her cousin, Cameron, shows up that was always the pudgy, geeky kid, the transformation is unbelievable and he looks like the focus of her obsession.
This is #5 in this Aldyce series.
Kate Alardyce, a famous movie star who was finally able to buy her family's heritage estate. After years of being estranges from her cousins, who she spent so much time with in her younger years, she has invited them all to the house.
She seems to have an obsession with Robert, her great grandfather and spends time looking at the portraits she had made, and talking to them. When her cousin, Cameron, shows up that was always the pudgy, geeky kid, the transformation is unbelievable and he looks like the focus of her obsession.
This is #5 in this Aldyce series.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
1 star for me.
Kate Alardyce reclaimed Alardyce House,and invited her cousins to visit after years of not seeing each other.Kate is obssesed with her great-grandfather Robert Alardyce,and she's convinced that her cousin Cameron Alardyce is just like him.
That book have enough lies,manipulation and creepy situations to last me a while.I didn't really liked any of them,and Kate was the worst.Cameron was a weak character and shallow to the end.The story was not scary just disturbing and weird.I guess it's just not for me.
Thank you netgalley and publisher for arc,my review is honest and my own.
Kate Alardyce reclaimed Alardyce House,and invited her cousins to visit after years of not seeing each other.Kate is obssesed with her great-grandfather Robert Alardyce,and she's convinced that her cousin Cameron Alardyce is just like him.
That book have enough lies,manipulation and creepy situations to last me a while.I didn't really liked any of them,and Kate was the worst.Cameron was a weak character and shallow to the end.The story was not scary just disturbing and weird.I guess it's just not for me.
Thank you netgalley and publisher for arc,my review is honest and my own.
February 8, 2026
🏡I haven’t read a good mystery/thriller in awhile! This was soo good! Just when I thought I figured it out, I was wrong! This was my first book from this Author and I can’t wait to read more from her!
🏡I really enjoyed her writing. Everything flowed well, the plot was excellent, so much so I couldn’t put it down! I highly recommend this book, even if it’s not your genre, you won’t regret it!
✨Thank you to Boldwood Books, NetGalley, and the Author for gifting me this book. All opinions and thoughts expressed are my own.
🏡I really enjoyed her writing. Everything flowed well, the plot was excellent, so much so I couldn’t put it down! I highly recommend this book, even if it’s not your genre, you won’t regret it!
✨Thank you to Boldwood Books, NetGalley, and the Author for gifting me this book. All opinions and thoughts expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the eARC.
Kate Allerdyce, a famous and beloved actress, has finally managed to buy her ancestral home and is awaiting a visit from family members.
Her obsession with her ancestors led her to write a movie script and her cousin is to play a leading role.
Tensions are ratcheted up continuously until finally disaster occurs.
The final ending has a shocking twist!
Kate Allerdyce, a famous and beloved actress, has finally managed to buy her ancestral home and is awaiting a visit from family members.
Her obsession with her ancestors led her to write a movie script and her cousin is to play a leading role.
Tensions are ratcheted up continuously until finally disaster occurs.
The final ending has a shocking twist!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I really enjoyed this book with all its twists and turns and hints of the supernatural. The final reveal of blew my mind. If you like your thrillers dark with, frankly, despicable characters with no redeeming features then you will enjoy this one.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews