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The Last Heir of Bradbury Manor
Not yet published
Expected 29 Sep 26A gothic horror novel of haunted inheritance, family curses, and the terrifying secrets buried beneath a crumbling Yorkshire estate. Perfect for readers of Mexican Gothic, The Silent Companions, and Rebecca.
Lottie Bradbury hasn't set foot in Bradbury Manor for twelve years.
Sent away as a child following her mother's tragic death, she is summoned home in 1919 by the estranged father she barely knows. The once-great estate is failing, burdened by debt, decay, and generations of neglect. Her return comes with a an arranged marriage intended to save what remains of the Bradbury legacy.
But Bradbury Manor is not merely old.
At night, the house makes itself known.
Strange sounds echo through the corridors.Rooms refuse to stay still.Moments slip out of place.The past refuses to remain buried.
As Lottie is drawn deeper into her family's history, she uncovers a pattern stretching back centuries-one marked by unexplained deaths, buried betrayals, and a curse that never truly ends. It simply passes from one generation to the next.
Everyone expects her to take her place.
To continue what came before.
Caught between the expectations of her father, the promise of a future beyond the estate, and the growing realization that something is terribly wrong within Bradbury Manor, Lottie must decide how much of the truth she is willing to uncover-and what it may cost her when she does.
The closer she gets to the answers, the harder it becomes to tell whether she is exposing the darkness surrounding her family...
or being led deeper into it.
Atmospheric, unsettling, and steeped in gothic tradition, The Last Heir of Bradbury Manor is a story of haunted houses, family secrets, generational curses, and the enduring power of the past. For readers who love crumbling estates, supernatural mysteries, psychological tension, and stories where history refuses to stay dead.
Lottie Bradbury hasn't set foot in Bradbury Manor for twelve years.
Sent away as a child following her mother's tragic death, she is summoned home in 1919 by the estranged father she barely knows. The once-great estate is failing, burdened by debt, decay, and generations of neglect. Her return comes with a an arranged marriage intended to save what remains of the Bradbury legacy.
But Bradbury Manor is not merely old.
At night, the house makes itself known.
Strange sounds echo through the corridors.Rooms refuse to stay still.Moments slip out of place.The past refuses to remain buried.
As Lottie is drawn deeper into her family's history, she uncovers a pattern stretching back centuries-one marked by unexplained deaths, buried betrayals, and a curse that never truly ends. It simply passes from one generation to the next.
Everyone expects her to take her place.
To continue what came before.
Caught between the expectations of her father, the promise of a future beyond the estate, and the growing realization that something is terribly wrong within Bradbury Manor, Lottie must decide how much of the truth she is willing to uncover-and what it may cost her when she does.
The closer she gets to the answers, the harder it becomes to tell whether she is exposing the darkness surrounding her family...
or being led deeper into it.
Atmospheric, unsettling, and steeped in gothic tradition, The Last Heir of Bradbury Manor is a story of haunted houses, family secrets, generational curses, and the enduring power of the past. For readers who love crumbling estates, supernatural mysteries, psychological tension, and stories where history refuses to stay dead.
- GenresGothic HorrorFiction
370 pages, Paperback
Expected publication September 29, 2026
About the author
Michael Mizov
1 book5 followersMichael Mizov is a New Jersey-based writer and marketing strategist. His fiction blends gothic atmosphere, dark fantasy, mystery, and psychological tension, often circling questions of inheritance, guilt, power, and the stories people tell themselves to survive.
By day, Michael works in B2B market strategy, bringing nearly two decades of experience in product innovation, sales enablement, and commercial growth. By night, he writes novels, restores an old Victorian house, and reads more Stephen King than is probably reasonable.
He lives in New Jersey with his wife, their twin daughters, and their dog, Tina.
By day, Michael works in B2B market strategy, bringing nearly two decades of experience in product innovation, sales enablement, and commercial growth. By night, he writes novels, restores an old Victorian house, and reads more Stephen King than is probably reasonable.
He lives in New Jersey with his wife, their twin daughters, and their dog, Tina.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 21, 2026
Lottie returns to her childhood home after many years away, only to discover there’s more to the manor than she realizes. As a fan of horror without much experience with historical fiction I wasn’t sure what to expect as I started, but I was quickly hooked. This book was a slow burn that kept me guessing till the end. There were aspects that I felt weren’t as clear as I would have liked but found it easy to overlook and enjoy the ride.
I am thankful to have received an advanced reader copy of this book from Three Dragons Press via Net Galley. All Reviews are my own.
I am thankful to have received an advanced reader copy of this book from Three Dragons Press via Net Galley. All Reviews are my own.
August 2, 2026
One of my favourite book genres is gothic horror and although not a horror in the true sense ,this book is definitely spooky, a bit gory and very eerie!
Centring round Lottie, who returns to her ancestral home after years away at school. Her father is practically a stranger to her and the house has secrets, that don’t stay buried, unfortunately for Lottie.
The novel builds to a great spooky atmosphere and kept me enthralled. However, I did find parts of the book were long and drawn out, and confusing sometimes too, I had to re-read a few sentences, to be clear about what was happening! But the book kept me guessing and I didn’t find it predictable at all!
A very good haunted house story, with good characters too!
Read with Thanks to NetGalley
#NetGalley #TheLastHeirofBradburyManor
Centring round Lottie, who returns to her ancestral home after years away at school. Her father is practically a stranger to her and the house has secrets, that don’t stay buried, unfortunately for Lottie.
The novel builds to a great spooky atmosphere and kept me enthralled. However, I did find parts of the book were long and drawn out, and confusing sometimes too, I had to re-read a few sentences, to be clear about what was happening! But the book kept me guessing and I didn’t find it predictable at all!
A very good haunted house story, with good characters too!
Read with Thanks to NetGalley
#NetGalley #TheLastHeirofBradburyManor
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Last Heir of Bradbury Manor is a wonderfully eerie, slow‑burn gothic mystery that draws you into a house steeped in grief, legacy, and something far older than any family history. Lottie Bradbury’s return after twelve years away is immediately charged with tension — she’s summoned not out of love or reconciliation, but to save the bankrupt estate through an arranged marriage. The emotional distance between Lottie and her father is palpable, and the author captures that brittle reunion with a quiet, aching precision.
But the real power of the novel lies in Bradbury Manor itself. From the moment Lottie steps through its doors, the house feels alive in a way that’s both subtle and deeply unsettling. Strange sounds echo through the halls, rooms shift when no one is looking, and time seems to slip at the edges. The author handles these supernatural elements with beautiful restraint, letting the unease build gradually until it becomes impossible to ignore. The manor isn’t simply haunted — it’s purposeful, watchful, and unwilling to let its secrets fade.
As Lottie begins to unravel her family’s past, the story deepens into a generational mystery that feels both inevitable and terrifying. The pattern she uncovers — one that doesn’t end, only passes on — gives the novel a chilling sense of inheritance. Everyone expects her to take her place, to continue what came before, and the dread of that expectation grows with every chapter. The closer she gets to the truth, the more the narrative blurs the line between discovery and manipulation. Is she uncovering the manor’s secrets, or being led toward them?
The writing is atmospheric and elegant, with a lovely balance of gothic tension and emotional vulnerability. Lottie is a compelling protagonist — determined, frightened, and increasingly aware that her childhood exile may have been less about protection and more about postponement. The house’s presence is crafted with such care that it becomes a character in its own right, one that doesn’t just hold secrets but keeps them alive.
Haunting, immersive, and beautifully crafted, The Last Heir of Bradbury Manor is a gripping gothic tale about legacy, identity, and the dangerous weight of a home that remembers too much. A perfect read for anyone who loves slow‑creeping dread wrapped in elegant storytelling.
With thanks to Michael Mizov, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
But the real power of the novel lies in Bradbury Manor itself. From the moment Lottie steps through its doors, the house feels alive in a way that’s both subtle and deeply unsettling. Strange sounds echo through the halls, rooms shift when no one is looking, and time seems to slip at the edges. The author handles these supernatural elements with beautiful restraint, letting the unease build gradually until it becomes impossible to ignore. The manor isn’t simply haunted — it’s purposeful, watchful, and unwilling to let its secrets fade.
As Lottie begins to unravel her family’s past, the story deepens into a generational mystery that feels both inevitable and terrifying. The pattern she uncovers — one that doesn’t end, only passes on — gives the novel a chilling sense of inheritance. Everyone expects her to take her place, to continue what came before, and the dread of that expectation grows with every chapter. The closer she gets to the truth, the more the narrative blurs the line between discovery and manipulation. Is she uncovering the manor’s secrets, or being led toward them?
The writing is atmospheric and elegant, with a lovely balance of gothic tension and emotional vulnerability. Lottie is a compelling protagonist — determined, frightened, and increasingly aware that her childhood exile may have been less about protection and more about postponement. The house’s presence is crafted with such care that it becomes a character in its own right, one that doesn’t just hold secrets but keeps them alive.
Haunting, immersive, and beautifully crafted, The Last Heir of Bradbury Manor is a gripping gothic tale about legacy, identity, and the dangerous weight of a home that remembers too much. A perfect read for anyone who loves slow‑creeping dread wrapped in elegant storytelling.
With thanks to Michael Mizov, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I gave this a blind chance on the basis of it promising to be both supernatural and gothic. It was certainly the former, less so the latter, and on the whole I enjoyed what I read.
The year is 1919. Lottie Bradbury has spent her childhood years cloistered away in a finishing school before returning to her family estate in North Yorkshire at the behest of her father. Despite belonging in the upper echelons of a society that follows Downton Abbey lines, it’s clear that Bradbury Manor has fallen upon hard times. M’Lord expects Lottie to be married off to their heir of a nouveau riche family in Middlesbrough, which will allow them to accede to the House of Lords while preserving what remains of her estate.
But Bradbury Manor is very old and riddled with sour memories. There’s an apparent curse that kills off male members of the family once they have sired an heir, which goes back to the roots of the Bradbury line, and helped by the estate’s handsome young gardener, Lottie starts piecing together the mystery that has made her family’s history one of sadness and tragedy. Meanwhile, she is assailed at all times by unease - strange sounds echoing through the manor, disused and locked away wings of the house that hold dust-laden secrets, memories of long dead Bradburys who suddenly become corporeal…
After some dry scene setting in the early chapters, the book hits the ground in its second half as some characters begin to display strange, unsettling characteristics, people from the past appear to deliver warnings or undermine everything Lottie believes to be true, and even reality itself starts to unravel. Characters appear in two separate places as very different people. Lottie isn’t sure if she is going mad, succumbing to the same mental downfall that led to the early death of her mother.
Technically, the writing is a little uneven, not quite leaning into the Gothic trappings of the narrative, but it’s well paced with aspects of the mystery laden with surprise twists, and some of the supernatural elements are certainly unsettling. As an American author writing about such traditionally English subjects, it’s a creditable effort and I look forward to reading more from Mizov.
I gave this a blind chance on the basis of it promising to be both supernatural and gothic. It was certainly the former, less so the latter, and on the whole I enjoyed what I read.
The year is 1919. Lottie Bradbury has spent her childhood years cloistered away in a finishing school before returning to her family estate in North Yorkshire at the behest of her father. Despite belonging in the upper echelons of a society that follows Downton Abbey lines, it’s clear that Bradbury Manor has fallen upon hard times. M’Lord expects Lottie to be married off to their heir of a nouveau riche family in Middlesbrough, which will allow them to accede to the House of Lords while preserving what remains of her estate.
But Bradbury Manor is very old and riddled with sour memories. There’s an apparent curse that kills off male members of the family once they have sired an heir, which goes back to the roots of the Bradbury line, and helped by the estate’s handsome young gardener, Lottie starts piecing together the mystery that has made her family’s history one of sadness and tragedy. Meanwhile, she is assailed at all times by unease - strange sounds echoing through the manor, disused and locked away wings of the house that hold dust-laden secrets, memories of long dead Bradburys who suddenly become corporeal…
After some dry scene setting in the early chapters, the book hits the ground in its second half as some characters begin to display strange, unsettling characteristics, people from the past appear to deliver warnings or undermine everything Lottie believes to be true, and even reality itself starts to unravel. Characters appear in two separate places as very different people. Lottie isn’t sure if she is going mad, succumbing to the same mental downfall that led to the early death of her mother.
Technically, the writing is a little uneven, not quite leaning into the Gothic trappings of the narrative, but it’s well paced with aspects of the mystery laden with surprise twists, and some of the supernatural elements are certainly unsettling. As an American author writing about such traditionally English subjects, it’s a creditable effort and I look forward to reading more from Mizov.
August 8, 2026
The Last Heir of Bradbury Manor is exactly the kind of gothic novel I want when I pick up a haunted house story: atmospheric, unsettling, character-driven, and full of secrets that feel buried in the walls.
Set in post-WWI England, the novel follows Lottie Bradbury as she returns to the decaying family estate she hasn’t seen since childhood. Her father is desperate to preserve what remains of the Bradbury legacy, but the manor itself seems to have its own ideas. Strange sounds echo at night, rooms feel wrong in ways Lottie can’t explain, and the deeper she digs into her family’s past, the more the house seems to tighten around her.
What I loved most was the atmosphere. Bradbury Manor feels alive, not in a loud or obvious way, but in the slow, suffocating way of the best gothic fiction. The horror is eerie rather than excessive, built through dread, family history, and the terrible sense that Lottie has stepped into a story that began long before her and may already know how it ends.
The book also does a great job balancing supernatural mystery with psychological uncertainty. I was never completely sure how much to trust what Lottie was experiencing, which made the story even more compelling. The family curse, the arranged marriage, the buried betrayals, and the echoes of her mother’s life all build into something tragic and genuinely haunting.
There were a few moments where the prose lingered a little longer than necessary, but honestly, that is also part of the gothic texture. This is not a frantic horror novel. It is a slow-burn descent into family legacy, grief, and the kind of house that does not let go easily.
A beautifully eerie, suspenseful haunted house novel for readers who love the genre. I closed the book still thinking about the ending, which is exactly what I want from gothic horror.
Set in post-WWI England, the novel follows Lottie Bradbury as she returns to the decaying family estate she hasn’t seen since childhood. Her father is desperate to preserve what remains of the Bradbury legacy, but the manor itself seems to have its own ideas. Strange sounds echo at night, rooms feel wrong in ways Lottie can’t explain, and the deeper she digs into her family’s past, the more the house seems to tighten around her.
What I loved most was the atmosphere. Bradbury Manor feels alive, not in a loud or obvious way, but in the slow, suffocating way of the best gothic fiction. The horror is eerie rather than excessive, built through dread, family history, and the terrible sense that Lottie has stepped into a story that began long before her and may already know how it ends.
The book also does a great job balancing supernatural mystery with psychological uncertainty. I was never completely sure how much to trust what Lottie was experiencing, which made the story even more compelling. The family curse, the arranged marriage, the buried betrayals, and the echoes of her mother’s life all build into something tragic and genuinely haunting.
There were a few moments where the prose lingered a little longer than necessary, but honestly, that is also part of the gothic texture. This is not a frantic horror novel. It is a slow-burn descent into family legacy, grief, and the kind of house that does not let go easily.
A beautifully eerie, suspenseful haunted house novel for readers who love the genre. I closed the book still thinking about the ending, which is exactly what I want from gothic horror.
August 12, 2026
Reading the other reviews for this book, I fear I am in the minority on my opinions. Granted, this is a departure from my usual genres but I did still enjoy the gothic horror elements. However there were some key elements that caused it to be a three star for me. Firstly, it felt as though the plot was on fast-forward. Everything happens so fast, without enough build up, that I felt detached from the story and the characters. Lottie’s familiarity with people she had not seen for 12 years, or indeed ever, felt unbelievable. Her and Arthur’s closeness comes out of no where and suddenly she’s completely besotted. The same could be said for Gregory, although later developments do clear that up a little. It was all these references to their closeness that I found irritating and pulled me out of the plot because I just didn’t believe them. For example, the line about Audrey “they had always comforted each other through all sadness and despair”, when they’d only met by all accounts about 4 times?! It seemed almost at times as if the writer had forgotten parts of the backstory that had already been introduced, both with character relationships and even timelines — the Winthrops arrive for breakfast at the beginning of the book yet they’re served wine and stew, and then after they leave Lottie’s father says about going in for dinner as they missed lunch, all on the same day.
I also did not really understand the events of the final chapters and how that was meant to solve anything. Overall I was left with more questions and answers, but perhaps this was just not the book for me.
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy.
I also did not really understand the events of the final chapters and how that was meant to solve anything. Overall I was left with more questions and answers, but perhaps this was just not the book for me.
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book is everything I crave in a gothic horror novel and so much more. From the moment the gates of Bradbury Manor creak open, you are pulled into a suffocating, shadow drenched world filled with generational secrets, decaying corridors, and a relentless sense of creeping dread. I fell head over heels for Lottie, whose vulnerability and emotional turmoil felt so raw and real. Watching her confront the sinister legacy of her family line, unravel twisted psychological traps, and fight to claim her own autonomy amid absolute terror had my heart racing.
As someone who gets spooked at the drop of a hat, the atmosphere in this story had my skin prickling from start to finish. The way the eerie mystery builds, blending classic haunted house elements with sharp psychological suspense, kept me on edge and constantly looking over my shoulder. It is that rare, beautifully crafted kind of scary story where the emotional stakes are just as high as the supernatural danger, making the Lottie's courage and resilience shine through all the darkness.
I ended up staying up until well past midnight tucked under a pile of blankets to finish the final chapters, completely jumping out of my skin when the wind rattled our bedroom window pane. I woke up the next morning feeling emotionally spent but completely exhilarated, greeting my husband and kids in the kitchen with a huge cup of coffee and a heart full of gratitude for our warm, safe little home. If you love rich gothic atmospheres, genuine scares, and a character you will root for with everything you have, this is an absolute must read.
As someone who gets spooked at the drop of a hat, the atmosphere in this story had my skin prickling from start to finish. The way the eerie mystery builds, blending classic haunted house elements with sharp psychological suspense, kept me on edge and constantly looking over my shoulder. It is that rare, beautifully crafted kind of scary story where the emotional stakes are just as high as the supernatural danger, making the Lottie's courage and resilience shine through all the darkness.
I ended up staying up until well past midnight tucked under a pile of blankets to finish the final chapters, completely jumping out of my skin when the wind rattled our bedroom window pane. I woke up the next morning feeling emotionally spent but completely exhilarated, greeting my husband and kids in the kitchen with a huge cup of coffee and a heart full of gratitude for our warm, safe little home. If you love rich gothic atmospheres, genuine scares, and a character you will root for with everything you have, this is an absolute must read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I picked this up as a Read Now on netgalley purely based on the cover and I'm so glad I did.
I love anything with gothic vibes, especially with a touch of the supernatural and this book was no exception. The story begins with Lottie being summoned home by her estranged father who sent her away several years ago after the tragic death of her mother. However, it is not a joyous reunion. Her father feels almost a stranger to her and the manor itself is dark and forbidding.
The manor itself was a standout for me. I loved the atmosphere. Even in the beginning, there's such a sense that something is wrong and the tension is excellently written. There's so many layers and it was great seeing Lottie begin to peel them back as she works to unearth the manor's past and understand the curse. It's not gory but some parts were very unsettling and I genuinely feared for Lottie, as evidenced by my now non-existent fingernails.
There is a bit of shifting between past and present which was a little confusing at times and I found parts of the writing, particularly in the first few chapters, to be a bit stilted before it found its flow. But then, wow. The characters are well written, even the manor is such a malevolent entity, it feels like its own character. The haunted house to end all haunted houses. The world building and plot was suitably spooky but without being nightmare inducing. Pacing was good with no chapters feeling overly long and I found myself flying through it, I was so eager to see how it would turn out!
I love anything with gothic vibes, especially with a touch of the supernatural and this book was no exception. The story begins with Lottie being summoned home by her estranged father who sent her away several years ago after the tragic death of her mother. However, it is not a joyous reunion. Her father feels almost a stranger to her and the manor itself is dark and forbidding.
The manor itself was a standout for me. I loved the atmosphere. Even in the beginning, there's such a sense that something is wrong and the tension is excellently written. There's so many layers and it was great seeing Lottie begin to peel them back as she works to unearth the manor's past and understand the curse. It's not gory but some parts were very unsettling and I genuinely feared for Lottie, as evidenced by my now non-existent fingernails.
There is a bit of shifting between past and present which was a little confusing at times and I found parts of the writing, particularly in the first few chapters, to be a bit stilted before it found its flow. But then, wow. The characters are well written, even the manor is such a malevolent entity, it feels like its own character. The haunted house to end all haunted houses. The world building and plot was suitably spooky but without being nightmare inducing. Pacing was good with no chapters feeling overly long and I found myself flying through it, I was so eager to see how it would turn out!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Last Heir of Bradbury Manor was such a refreshing gothic mystery for me. From the beginning, I loved the atmosphere of the manor, the unsettling events and the sense that there was something deeply wrong hiding beneath the surface. The story takes its time building the mystery, but I never felt like there was nothing happening, and the tension continued to build as more clues were revealed.
I particularly enjoyed the different layers of the story, from the diary entries and strange occurrences to the questions surrounding the curse and the manor's past. The shifting between past and present, visions and reality could occasionally become confusing, but it also added to the uncertainty of what was actually happening.
The characters grew on me as the story progressed, and I really enjoyed seeing Lottie try to uncover the truth while figuring out who she could actually trust. The final act was especially strong, with the curse requiring a devastatingly personal sacrifice to finally be broken. The tension in the ending worked incredibly well for me, and I thought the resolution was both heartbreaking and satisfying.
Overall, this was exactly the kind of atmospheric, mysterious and slightly supernatural gothic story I was hoping for, with a writing style and characters that kept me invested until the end.
4.5/5 ⭐
I particularly enjoyed the different layers of the story, from the diary entries and strange occurrences to the questions surrounding the curse and the manor's past. The shifting between past and present, visions and reality could occasionally become confusing, but it also added to the uncertainty of what was actually happening.
The characters grew on me as the story progressed, and I really enjoyed seeing Lottie try to uncover the truth while figuring out who she could actually trust. The final act was especially strong, with the curse requiring a devastatingly personal sacrifice to finally be broken. The tension in the ending worked incredibly well for me, and I thought the resolution was both heartbreaking and satisfying.
Overall, this was exactly the kind of atmospheric, mysterious and slightly supernatural gothic story I was hoping for, with a writing style and characters that kept me invested until the end.
4.5/5 ⭐
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley for my advance copy of this book!
Imagine being a young girl who has just lost her mother and is promptly sent away to finishing school for 12 years. All the while, you have no contact with your family and develop no real friendships--a lonely existence. Then you are summoned back to the home you once knew but it is a complete stranger to you now as is your father. Worst of all, you have no idea the otherworldly experiences that lie in wait for you there. That is the story of Charlotte "Lottie" Bradbury, the titular last heir of Bradbury Manor.
This book has a fabulously Gothic atmosphere and it was very hard to put down. The more I read, the farther the book pulled me down into its depths much in the way that Bradbury Manor does with Lottie. This book had me questioning things at every turn alongside Lottie and wondering what was real and what wasn't. This was a great haunted house story and those seem to be pretty difficult to come by for me lately. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to have an atmospheric and spooky good time!!
Imagine being a young girl who has just lost her mother and is promptly sent away to finishing school for 12 years. All the while, you have no contact with your family and develop no real friendships--a lonely existence. Then you are summoned back to the home you once knew but it is a complete stranger to you now as is your father. Worst of all, you have no idea the otherworldly experiences that lie in wait for you there. That is the story of Charlotte "Lottie" Bradbury, the titular last heir of Bradbury Manor.
This book has a fabulously Gothic atmosphere and it was very hard to put down. The more I read, the farther the book pulled me down into its depths much in the way that Bradbury Manor does with Lottie. This book had me questioning things at every turn alongside Lottie and wondering what was real and what wasn't. This was a great haunted house story and those seem to be pretty difficult to come by for me lately. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to have an atmospheric and spooky good time!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Last Heir of Bradbury Manor follows Charlotte (Lottie) as she returns home from finishing school to her single father, the Baron of Bradbury Manor.
Quickly upon her return, Lottie is consumed by her ancestral home, the mystery of the early deaths of the patriarchs in her family, and the suspicious events that lead to her own mother’s death.
Lottie must uncover the secrets buried within the manor in order to save herself and her family’s legacy.
This book is a PAGE TURNER with twists and turns to keep readers on their toes and more than a few eerie moments. The horror element was perfect for a reader like myself, who enjoys nail-biting suspense without actually giving me nightmares.
Quickly upon her return, Lottie is consumed by her ancestral home, the mystery of the early deaths of the patriarchs in her family, and the suspicious events that lead to her own mother’s death.
Lottie must uncover the secrets buried within the manor in order to save herself and her family’s legacy.
This book is a PAGE TURNER with twists and turns to keep readers on their toes and more than a few eerie moments. The horror element was perfect for a reader like myself, who enjoys nail-biting suspense without actually giving me nightmares.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I grabbed this blind from a reddit post and I'm glad I did. The story follows Lottie Bradbury, a nineteen year old girl thrust back into a world she thought she was leaving behind forever.
She shows more agency than I expect out of a Gothic horror, and really drives the plot forward, especially when everything, including her father and the house itself, is actively working against her.
I really enjoyed the Arthur character. He had no expectations of her and in a way it allowed her to be freer, and was her partner in uncovering the secrets of her family.
I blazed through this book fast, the chapters are a good length and they always left me eager to find out what happens next. The writing is clear and the plot is focused, and I was surprised with how everything turned out!
She shows more agency than I expect out of a Gothic horror, and really drives the plot forward, especially when everything, including her father and the house itself, is actively working against her.
I really enjoyed the Arthur character. He had no expectations of her and in a way it allowed her to be freer, and was her partner in uncovering the secrets of her family.
I blazed through this book fast, the chapters are a good length and they always left me eager to find out what happens next. The writing is clear and the plot is focused, and I was surprised with how everything turned out!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What a fun ride this was from start to finish. As Lottie peels the onion that is her family history things go from a little off to downright oppressive and scary.
This is a slow build type of horror that starts off with things that go bump in the night to realizing that the house is a malevolent entity that wants Lottie to propagate the curse that's been on her family for centuries.
Not gory but unsettling and I feared for Lottie as the plot built and wondered if I would make similar decisions in the same situation.
Audrey was a standout character to me, she was a ray of sunshine for Lottie and I enjoyed all of their scenes together.
Highly recommend for anyone that loves gothic horror, mysteries, or historical fiction.
This is a slow build type of horror that starts off with things that go bump in the night to realizing that the house is a malevolent entity that wants Lottie to propagate the curse that's been on her family for centuries.
Not gory but unsettling and I feared for Lottie as the plot built and wondered if I would make similar decisions in the same situation.
Audrey was a standout character to me, she was a ray of sunshine for Lottie and I enjoyed all of their scenes together.
Highly recommend for anyone that loves gothic horror, mysteries, or historical fiction.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What stayed with me most was the atmosphere. Bradbury Manor feels like a character in its own right, and the story leans into that slow-building gothic tension instead of relying on constant jump scares. The mystery unfolds a piece at a time, with enough twists to keep me guessing without feeling forced, and just when I thought I understood what was happening, it pulled the rug out from under me again. Even the final pages don't tie everything up neatly, leaving the mystery lingering in a way that feels unsettling rather than frustrating. If you enjoy haunted houses, family secrets, and stories where the setting is just as important as the characters, this is a satisfying read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Last Heir of Bradbury Manor is a beautifully written fast paced gothic horror story. Lottie takes the lead as a strong protagonist in taking down a very dark family curse that plagued all of her male predecessors. It’s such a breath of fresh air to see a book written tastefully by a male author where a strong female character lead fights expected, traditional gender norms. The book is spooky and makes you question whether or not something is really happening or if it’s Lottie’s sense of reality being shaken by the spooky house. I’m already looking forward to re-reading this beautifully written book in the fall to give me all the spooky yet cozy vibes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from NetGalley.
I really enjoyed The Last Heir of Bradbury Manor. It hit all of my favorite genres: historical fiction, supernatural thriller, a romance subplot, and a good mystery to solve. I really found myself drawn to the characters. Lottie was a pleasant POV to read from, and trying to discern what was real/not real was a fun task throughout the story. The ending for me was also satisfying, which is important to me. I've been thinking about this book for a few days after finishing: for me, that is the tell of a good book. It sticks with you. This is one that will stick with me.
I really enjoyed The Last Heir of Bradbury Manor. It hit all of my favorite genres: historical fiction, supernatural thriller, a romance subplot, and a good mystery to solve. I really found myself drawn to the characters. Lottie was a pleasant POV to read from, and trying to discern what was real/not real was a fun task throughout the story. The ending for me was also satisfying, which is important to me. I've been thinking about this book for a few days after finishing: for me, that is the tell of a good book. It sticks with you. This is one that will stick with me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book was a one sit read for me. I did find the concept intriguing; however, I was finding myself speed reading multiple pages throughout the book. The first chapter was especially tough as I found the repetitive mention of a character's death grating. Much like the film, "The Haunting" (adapted from Shirley Jackson's novel, "The House on Haunted Hill"), the idea that a house can keep score and torment its inhabitants is an interesting one.
I also feel that the ending should have been different and capitalized on a piece of the plot, but that is just me.
I also feel that the ending should have been different and capitalized on a piece of the plot, but that is just me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Last Heir of Bradbury Manor is a thrilling read for anyone who enjoys creepy old houses, mysterious curses, and family secrets. This book is hard to put down once you start, and I loved how it kept me guessing. The descriptions of the setting and the characters made me feel immersed in the time and place, and though gothic and horror are not usually my preferred genres to read, I thoroughly enjoyed this because of how addicting the story is! Highly recommend!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I found The Last Heir of Bradbury Manor to be a deeply atmospheric and satisfying read. The author does an excellent job of building tension while maintaining a classic gothic feel, it's somehow both fresh and classic. I especially appreciated the way the house itself essentially became a character, adding to the sense of creeping dread. It is a well-paced mystery that turns into so much more.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Last Heir of Bradbury Manor! I found the story interesting and enjoyable from beginning to end. The characters kept me invested, and I was always curious to see what would happen next. It was an entertaining read that held my attention, and I’m glad I had the opportunity to read it through NetGalley. I would definitely recommend it!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Once the scene is set, it really comes into its own.
There's some pretty creepy goings on in here.
There's a mystery to solve too, and Lottie looses no time in doing so.
Atmospheric, with great pacing.
I enjoyed this one.
Thanks to netgalley for the free digital copy
There's some pretty creepy goings on in here.
There's a mystery to solve too, and Lottie looses no time in doing so.
Atmospheric, with great pacing.
I enjoyed this one.
Thanks to netgalley for the free digital copy
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Great suspense and spookiness from the first chapter. A lot of fun to read and very fast paced.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Very solid book. Spooky, gothic, well paced. Nice work for a debut!
August 8, 2026
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