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Dark Inheritance #1
Scarlet Fever
Scarlet Fever: A Dark, Suspenseful Old Money Equestrian Gothic Romance
Pemberwick Hunt Club has it Exclusivity. Bloodlines. Legacy. But some secrets are too dark to stay hidden.
Unravel a chilling cold case in the heart of Virginia's elite fox hunting country. June Faulconer, the reclusive host of the hit true-crime podcast Defrosted, specializes in mysteries whispered to be supernatural. But when a cryptic email forces her back to Pemberwick Hall, the ancestral estate steeped in her own family's dark legacy, she confronts a chilling the line between human evil and ancient myth is terrifyingly thin.
Fifteen years ago, Georgetown intern Jasmine Robinson vanished from Pemberwick without a trace. Now, newly unearthed evidence links her disappearance to June's own estranged father and a powerful, secretive society known as the Sangren – families rumored to possess uncanny abilities, fueled by adrenaline, and bound by bloodthirsty tradition. As June navigates the opulent, yet dangerous, world of fox hunting, she's drawn into a dangerous dance with Emmett Bingham, a charismatic horse vet whose family holds its own dark secrets. With a hunt saboteur escalating violence and a web of betrayal closing in, June must embrace her own inherited nature, or risk becoming another silenced echo in Pemberwick's haunted past. Perfect for fans of dark academia, romantic suspense, and supernatural thrillers.
Pemberwick Hunt Club has it Exclusivity. Bloodlines. Legacy. But some secrets are too dark to stay hidden.
Unravel a chilling cold case in the heart of Virginia's elite fox hunting country. June Faulconer, the reclusive host of the hit true-crime podcast Defrosted, specializes in mysteries whispered to be supernatural. But when a cryptic email forces her back to Pemberwick Hall, the ancestral estate steeped in her own family's dark legacy, she confronts a chilling the line between human evil and ancient myth is terrifyingly thin.
Fifteen years ago, Georgetown intern Jasmine Robinson vanished from Pemberwick without a trace. Now, newly unearthed evidence links her disappearance to June's own estranged father and a powerful, secretive society known as the Sangren – families rumored to possess uncanny abilities, fueled by adrenaline, and bound by bloodthirsty tradition. As June navigates the opulent, yet dangerous, world of fox hunting, she's drawn into a dangerous dance with Emmett Bingham, a charismatic horse vet whose family holds its own dark secrets. With a hunt saboteur escalating violence and a web of betrayal closing in, June must embrace her own inherited nature, or risk becoming another silenced echo in Pemberwick's haunted past. Perfect for fans of dark academia, romantic suspense, and supernatural thrillers.
471 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 26, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 8, 2025
This was a really gripping read. From the first lines, I was completely swept up by the immersive descriptions and well constructed, suspenseful plot. I really loved the dark old money vibe and the gothic Virginia horse country setting. The supernatural angle was pretty subtle, and unique, and really well executed, and I loved the slow burn romance angle - intense but not explicit, and definitely well integrated into the storyline. The equestrian details were really accurate, too, and that’s not always the case! Highly recommend and hoping for another mystery- suspense novel like this from this author- I’m hooked.
December 7, 2025
Best yet!
I loved this next iteration of the author's work. The supernatural, yet believable, plot line is very intriguing. I'd recommend this book to those who like a little otherworldly bent in their reads, or those who tire of dragons and fae and need a bit more reality and substance. I'm giving thia book 5 stars for its intricate and tense storyline. The self discovery of the main character is unique and fresh.
I loved this next iteration of the author's work. The supernatural, yet believable, plot line is very intriguing. I'd recommend this book to those who like a little otherworldly bent in their reads, or those who tire of dragons and fae and need a bit more reality and substance. I'm giving thia book 5 stars for its intricate and tense storyline. The self discovery of the main character is unique and fresh.
December 9, 2025
I didn't expect to finish it in 1 day.But holy smokes is this a good book.
June 17, 2026
I picked up Scarlet Fever after discovering the author, Kiki Astor, on Instagram. She has a delightful online presence—funny, witty, and engaging—and I was excited to try one of her books. The premise especially appealed to me: a paranormal cold-case mystery with romantic elements.
The story follows a paranormal podcaster investigating a decades-old disappearance connected to the area where she grew up. Alongside the present-day mystery, we also follow the missing young woman in the past, with the narrative alternating between the two timelines.
Unfortunately, this is where the book lost me. The dual-timeline structure simply isn’t a storytelling device that works well for me. Just as I would become invested in one storyline, the narrative would switch to the other, making it difficult for me to build momentum. I know many readers enjoy this approach, but I tend to prefer stories that move forward in a single timeline.
This isn’t a criticism of the writing itself, which I found perfectly competent, nor of the premise, which remains intriguing. Ultimately, this was a case of the book and reader not being the right match.
Not for me, but likely to appeal to readers who enjoy dual timelines, cold-case mysteries, and atmospheric suspense.
DNF 33%
The story follows a paranormal podcaster investigating a decades-old disappearance connected to the area where she grew up. Alongside the present-day mystery, we also follow the missing young woman in the past, with the narrative alternating between the two timelines.
Unfortunately, this is where the book lost me. The dual-timeline structure simply isn’t a storytelling device that works well for me. Just as I would become invested in one storyline, the narrative would switch to the other, making it difficult for me to build momentum. I know many readers enjoy this approach, but I tend to prefer stories that move forward in a single timeline.
This isn’t a criticism of the writing itself, which I found perfectly competent, nor of the premise, which remains intriguing. Ultimately, this was a case of the book and reader not being the right match.
Not for me, but likely to appeal to readers who enjoy dual timelines, cold-case mysteries, and atmospheric suspense.
DNF 33%
December 22, 2025
Scarlet Fever by Kiki Astor drew me in with its slow-burn suspense and the constant sense that something dangerous was lurking beneath the surface. The story weaves together a cold case, a secret society, murder mystery, and romance, with just enough supernatural elements to deepen the tension without overwhelming it.
The suspense builds steadily as clues surface and long-buried secrets begin to unravel, keeping you turning pages to see how it all connects. The supernatural layer adds an eerie edge, making the mystery feel darker and more complex.
By the time the story reaches its conclusion, everything tightens into place in a way that feels earned and satisfying. A compelling read that keeps you guessing right up to the end.
The suspense builds steadily as clues surface and long-buried secrets begin to unravel, keeping you turning pages to see how it all connects. The supernatural layer adds an eerie edge, making the mystery feel darker and more complex.
By the time the story reaches its conclusion, everything tightens into place in a way that feels earned and satisfying. A compelling read that keeps you guessing right up to the end.
January 11, 2026
For me, this was the best of Kiki Astor's books (thus far).
I've enjoyed escaping into all of them but simple word processing spelling mistakes have always set my teeth on edge. I found none in this story.
It was a more detailed and deeper story line than most of her books (imo) and I do believe it could end up being a series from this theme.
I read her books because the offer an escape from the real world problems we are all facing; of genocide and political violence.
Her books are my treat or reward for finishing a more serious book.
I've enjoyed escaping into all of them but simple word processing spelling mistakes have always set my teeth on edge. I found none in this story.
It was a more detailed and deeper story line than most of her books (imo) and I do believe it could end up being a series from this theme.
I read her books because the offer an escape from the real world problems we are all facing; of genocide and political violence.
Her books are my treat or reward for finishing a more serious book.
January 31, 2026
This was my favorite Kiki Astor book yet! I loved the detail, the pacing, the character development. And I’m not a big fan of steamy tbh, so I liked that the romantic scenes were more inferred than overt.
Hiding the review behind the spoiler tag because I was lost about one thing—what happened to Mary? I thought Emmett had tied her up at the end when she bonked her head. But then later when June asked, he said she was “gone” and “they’ll find her” but then nothing was ever resolved there. What did I miss?
Hiding the review behind the spoiler tag because I was lost about one thing—what happened to Mary? I thought Emmett had tied her up at the end when she bonked her head. But then later when June asked, he said she was “gone” and “they’ll find her” but then nothing was ever resolved there. What did I miss?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2026
I purchased this book for in flight reading and it was the perfect story for the trip.
The story centered around a mystery disappearance of a young DC intern and a podcaster who solves cold cases. The detailed descriptions of fox hunting and the social circle who is obsessed with the sport had a new to me energetic being called the Sangren.
I know very little about fox hunting and enjoyed the details of the hunt although I was happy when the fox went to ground. Great character development, highly recommended.
The story centered around a mystery disappearance of a young DC intern and a podcaster who solves cold cases. The detailed descriptions of fox hunting and the social circle who is obsessed with the sport had a new to me energetic being called the Sangren.
I know very little about fox hunting and enjoyed the details of the hunt although I was happy when the fox went to ground. Great character development, highly recommended.
December 28, 2025
A Rich People Behaving Badly ™️ novel set in VA hunt country? Say less. Super enjoyable murder mystery with some supernatural elements thrown in - the background and plot building takes up a huge chunk of the 450
Pages of this book which left some things not as fully fleshed out as you’d hope, but all in all super enjoyable read about boys being boys (barf) and the cult like world of fox hunting. As a rider myself, I’m always pleased to see horses and horse sport done right in books!
Pages of this book which left some things not as fully fleshed out as you’d hope, but all in all super enjoyable read about boys being boys (barf) and the cult like world of fox hunting. As a rider myself, I’m always pleased to see horses and horse sport done right in books!
July 16, 2026
I’m not the correct audience for this book. The short chapters…. Quick jumps in time… I know that is a popular style but it felt distracting to me. As someone who lives in Albemarle county and the town names dropped did not always make sense to me which annoyed my brain while reading. But, if you like supernatural romances… give it a shot.
December 16, 2025
Old money meets modern day suspense. I disliked how the book oscillated between present and past. Most scenarios seemed forced as if the author was trying too hard. Love Kiki’s podcast and instant feed. Was hoping the book would have been more engaging for me.
December 22, 2025
romance in hunt country
I always look forward to this author’s books because they are location driven, in addition to the romances. I learn so much about different countries, the customs, shops, restaurants, lifestyle. She’s a great story teller.
I always look forward to this author’s books because they are location driven, in addition to the romances. I learn so much about different countries, the customs, shops, restaurants, lifestyle. She’s a great story teller.
January 3, 2026
I did not finish this incredibly boring and not well written book. Not one likable or even interesting character. The mystery is boring and predictable. I made it through about 50 pages when I put it on the DNF pile.
June 12, 2026
Truthfully this book felt too close to real life events for me. However for fans of mystery meets people in high places this is an excellent novel.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews