Scarlet Fever

Dark Inheritance #1

by Kiki Astor

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.

471 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 26, 2025

Reviews

[Sally Moran · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't expect to finish it in 1 day.But holy smokes is this a good book.

[Ann-Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Elizabeth Dyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

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?

[Morgan Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Michelle Donofrio · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Paula · Rating 1 out of 5]

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.