Her Dark Inheritance

Willoughby Chronicles #1

by Meg Hafdahl

On the day her mother died, Daphne Forrest learned the devastating truth. She’d never really known the women who raised her, not even her real name. Fueled to unravel the tragic mystery behind her mother’s secrets, Daphne abandons all she knows, traveling to the bucolic yet sinister town of Willoughby, Minnesota.
Navigating through the memories of her own bloody legacy, Daphne throws herself into the insular and haunting small town of her ancestors. She investigates the murder that led to her mother’s shame, with the help of charming, yet tortured, local Edwin Monroe. Edwin has a unique understanding of the darkness in Willoughby, and how the town holds a lurking threat more foreboding than any unsolved murder.
As Daphne gets closer to the truth, Willoughby itself rebels against her. She bears witness to terrifying scenes from the past. Is her mother a murderer? Is this Daphne’s dark inheritance? Is she strong enough to battle an evil more frightening than her own past?

Genres: Horror

381 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 17, 2018

Reviews

[Amy | amysbooknook8 · Rating 3 out of 5]

You're doing what now? BUT WHY... dudeee stahhppp!... uhhhh... ???
**accurate representation of my thoughts throughout this book

❤️ 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱:
- it was creepy
- easy read
- THE SHOES!
💔 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜 𝗱𝗶𝗱𝗻'𝘁 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲:
- felt very YA
- main character
————————————
💬𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪: 2.5/5
I was excited to read a book set in my hometown of southern MN. The first half of the novel is a slow burn. It helps set the stage for the story but I felt that the first half dragged a bit while the last half threw too much at you. **imagine playing information dodgeball for the last half

Daphne, the main character, is in her early 20s but she reads like she's 16. A little too much "woe is me", which I didn't love paired with the fact that every thing that's happening to her is of her own doing. I really enjoyed the premise of the small town cult vibes and I honestly wanted more of the town's story, Caroline's story... basically everyone and everything minus Daphne and Edwin (his need to save the damsel in distress complex had me rolling my eyes)

There was a twist in there that I didn't see coming and I loved that! The novel is really easy to read even though the transitions were confusing to follow at times. The writing was descriptive when it came to the "horror" aspects but it was up to my imagination for a lot of other things.

The ending felt rushed and a bit confusing, for me. There were some plot holes that I couldn't wrap my head around and it didn't jibe with me. Although I didn't love this novel, it's great for readers who enjoy novels with hints of - horror, paranormal, YA vibes, coming of age, etc.

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was pretty good read. The premise is interesting and the characters are decently developed. No synopsis recap here but I will say that I enjoyed the Caroline parts of the story more than that of Daphne, the MC. A lot of information is given out in a way that made it hard for me to suspend my disbelief and I feel like having two protagonists here really muddied things at the end.

That being said, I’d probably pick up the next book in this series just to see where the author takes the storyline. The pace is quick and it makes for an easy, fast read. I feel like the town of Willoughby has more secrets to unravel and I’m curious. So while I didn’t fall in love with THIS book, it has intrigued me enough to seek out more.

Thank you to the author for sending me a copy of her book for review consideration.

[J. Else · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fast-paced character-driven story about a young woman, Daphne, looking or the truth behind her mother's mysterious past. I had a hard time putting the book down. The differing points of view help to add tension at just the right moments as Hafdahl slowly unveils the secrets behind Daphne's mother's past and also the town of Willoughby.

The characters are diverse, and I enjoyed each point of view that Hafdahl fleshed out. There are also plenty of surprises in store. I really could not guess what would happen next, and I enjoyed every minute of it!

Hafdahl's female-driven suspense/horror novel is a creepy, funny, spine-tingling, immersive, and lyrically-told tale. I can't wait for more from this author!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came across Her Dark Inheritance when the author, Meg Hafdahl, took to Twitter to find extra reviewers. This is the first in a trilogy, I have an e-book copy in exchange for my honest review, which follows below. I thank her for this opportunity.

I rated this 4 stars.
There was much I enjoyed about this opening novel of a trilogy: the author gave us a fully realized plot with no sudden cliffhanger to guarantee we would join her for the second installment, the characters were varied and authentic feeling, and I am a fan of strange towns. I removed one star because later in the story, there are some actions that felt hard to believe involving one of the protagonists; I explain this further below under a spoiler warning banner.

The protagonist Daphne is losing her mother to a brain tumor. As the cancer eats away at her mind and body, Daphne feels as if her mother is more a stranger than ever before; verbally, a dam has been toppled, and her mother shares things no daughter would be completely comfortable hearing. All that seems almost inconsequential to the largest confessions: Her mother’s family did not die in a car crash as Daphne had been told, but murdered. Her mother also was known by a different name, born in a different state, because of these murders she lived under another identity; on her deathbed she tells her daughter of these murders, and that she did not commit them, though others think that she did.

I can only imagine how I would feel in her shoes, having her mother’s identity and upbringing ripped away, changed, at the last minutes of her mother’s life. I could see myself reacting much as she did, wanting to connect with her mother’s past, the truthful past, by traveling to the town where her mother was raised, to try and learn something of her mother on her own. After her mother’s funeral, Daphne heads to Willoughby, Minnesota, hoping to find answers. You get the impression that she has been rather timid up to this, non-confrontational and easily stressed; I felt worried and proud for her equally as she began her travels.

If a town is small enough, closed off enough, there is no way to infiltrate invisibly. My fraternal grandparents lived on Lake Frankston in Texas for more than 50 years, the actual town was almost an hour down the road for groceries. When we visited, people knew; adults I had never seen would say hello using my name. If someone that no one knew showed up, that spread like wildfire to all the residents too, quicker than I would have thought possible before cell phones were really a thing. So reading about Daphne’s strangely familiar and comforting experiences with a small town population and mindset was very nostalgic; it’s still making me smile as I type this. She rents a room at the hotel in town, making acquaintance with the owners’ son Edwin, who has his own misgivings about Willoughby.

The house her mother lived in is owned by Doris, who is my favorite person in this book by far, and run as a tourist trap. Edwin helps introduce her around town to people, and ask questions; there seems to be plenty of tragedy to pull from the history of the small town of Willoughby. Daphne, Doris, and Edwin all seem to have their own special way to communicate with Willoughby as well, slowly putting together the pieces of a bloody and ragged puzzle; hopefully before it’s too late.

SPOILERSPOILERSPOILERSPOILERSPOILERSPOILERSPOILERSPOILERSPOILERSPOILERSPOILERSOILERSPOILERSPOILERSPOILERSPOILERSPOILERSPOILERSPOILERSPOILERSPOILERSPOILERSPOILERSPOILERSPOILERSPOILERSPOILERSPOILERSPOILERSPOIERSPOILER ONLY READ MORE IF YOU WANT TO KNOW TWO KIND OF SPOILERS WARNING SPOILS

The two actions involving Daphne that felt out of place for her character, and made me take off one star had to do with after she lost her purse in the water at the site of the flour mill explosion. She did not have her ID, and was described as seeming years younger looking than her actual age, but was able to order beer at a place. I just couldn’t imagine it. Then the next morning, she wanted to drive, again without her drivers license. We had learned not that long ago that she had killed a toddler while backing down her driveway as a teenager; she had not driven by choice since. I just found it too difficult to believe that she would have Edwin be extra careful helping her back the car up, but would be willing to drive without the proper ID. What if there was another accident, of any kind, and there were cops called?

[Haley Kilgour · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly this is more thriller than horror.

Overall I was highly frustrated with Daphne as a character. She was constantly feeling like she was treated like a child. Well, she damn well acted like it. And it was so relieving when Edwin, at her insistence, exploded and finally told her that. Not that it really fixes much of the problem.

The ptsd kind of aspect was good.

How daphne and Edwin were “in love” by the end bewilders me cause they knew each other for like less than a week.

I do with there’d been more actual investigation instead of just fluff.

I did like the twist with the killer. I didn’t see it coming.

The povs with any character aside from daphne and Caroline were pretty much useless.

I also didn’t care for the supernatural aspect of the book. It just felt so left field and not really developed or explained.

[Kerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy from the publisher in exchange for a honest review. And I'm really glad I did! This was Meg Hafdahl's debut novel, but I was completely unable to believe that as I read her words. Her writing makes you feel as though you can actually see the people and the town, as any good book will do.
The story itself was a pretty good one, it kept me interested throughout, without any lags. The only part that, in my opinion, could have been a little better, was describing the "thing" that inhabited the town. Well, describing the how and why could have been a bit better, not the "thing" itself.

[Noelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

This is Meg Hafdahl’s debut novel and I delighted in reading it, so much so that I devoured it in one sitting! The story was compelling and well-paced. I liked the way the plot was developed so that you weren’t so sure if it’s purely the town that is the evil force or the thing that is in the town. I can definitely see myself checking back into this series for more reveals.

[Kelly Florence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Dark Inheritance is an incredible, interwoven story with a rich, dark world and fully realized characters living in a fictional town. Willoughby is a fascinating place with so much history and thoughtful creation it feels like it could be real. Thankfully, it’s a creation of the brilliant author’s! She tells the story perfectly through various perspectives and time periods to build the mystery and suspense towards the climax. The writing reminds me of some of my favorite Stephen King novels and ranks with them as well. I couldn’t put it down!

[elise · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book was pretty decent. It was a fast paced read — I liked that I was able to piece the ending together, but also there were some things I didn’t see coming. I loved the eerie small town mid west vibes of this book.

I’d be curious to read the sequel and see where the story goes.

This was an ARC from the author I got when it came out, in an exchange for an honest review … and only read it just now, kinda embarrassing for me

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received e-book versions of this novel and it's follow up Daughters of Darkness from Author Meg Hafdahl in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.


I was recently given the opportunity to review the first two books of the Willoughby Chronicles by Author Meg Hafdahl. This post is in regards to the first book in the series, Her Dark Inheritance.

Daphne Forest, shocked by her mother's deathbed confession of living under an assumed identity and of her family's tragic murders, sets off to Willoughby, Minnesota, to learn the truth of her mother's existence while also dealing with her own dark past.

Willoughby, MN is your normal blue collar town where everyone knows each other, and all their dirty secrets. At night, it becomes a whole different environment where the citizenry knows not to venture out in the dark.

Once in town, Daphne meets townspeople who remember the murders of her mother's family well, and learns that the town has even built up a tourism trade built around being where the Bergman family were murdered and how the "Minnesota Borden", Daphne's mother, got away with murdering her parents and twin brother and left town never to be seen again.

Afraid of how the town will react, Daphne, goes incognito while seeking to prove her mother's innocence with the help of Edwin, a local man who works at the hotel where Daphne is staying, who also believes that Willoughby has a dark side it is hiding.


I really enjoyed reading this book. While there is a slow burn learning about Daphne's own secret, the story was fast paced, there is great character development, and development of the town of Willoughby was outstanding. I found it refreshing that the story is told by two main characters, Daphne in the present, and her mother in the past. Neither of the main characters are perfect, they are both flawed individuals who have secrets they want to keep hidden at all costs. I finished reading the story in two days, moving through it quickly because the story was compelling and the twists kept me from wanting to put the book down.

I will be starting book two in the Willoughby Chronicles, Daughters of Darkness, as soon as possible because I want to see what becomes of Daphne and Edwin as well as what secrets the town of Willoughby is still hiding. I can't wait until my next trip to Willoughby.

[K. Lincoln · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daphne's mother is dying of brain cancer, but the tumor is changing the reserved artist into a woman who confesses a dark secret: her name is fake and she's from a small town in Minnesota where the townspeople believe she slaughtered her entire family with an axe.

Despite Daphne's own inner darkness and fear, she travels to Willoughby, MN and there meets a helpful young man Edwin, an enthusiastic amateur sleuth Librarian, and an old lady who claims to see dead people. But in this town people don't go out alone after night, and there's a strange preponderance of tragedies.

Can Daphne overcome her own weakness to discover what truly happened with her mother all those years ago before Willoughby claims another life?

This is straight up the best kind of horror: tense psychological mystery, quirky characters, creepy atmosphere all leading up to a satisfyingly horror movie gory end.

The prose here is quite visual, details conveyed in a way that made it easy to imagine the action. Take this bit of vivid imagery: "The blade appeared dull and as rusty as the shed's door hinges. When she ran the pad of her thumb down the edge, it sliced into her skin, causing a teardrop of blood to drip from the swirls of her fingerprint. It was sharp after all."

But what's great about horror is the ability to plumb psychological depths in ways "regular" novels sometimes can't. And this book goes both into the guilt one feels after making a terrible mistake as well as what weakness vs strength is in terms of survival. One part that made me especially happy along this vein was that Edwin is an adopted Korean boy in a town of blonde Minnesotans, and this book doesn't ignore that, but incorporates a bit of race issues into the town's relationship with Edwin.

There was a teaser for the next book in the back, and I'll definitely be following along to find out if Edwin and Daphne have further Willoughby adventures.

[Daphne Strasert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Dark Inheritance follows in a glorious tradition of American ax murderers, but it’s far from the typical tale.

Meg Hafdahl creates characters real enough to climb off the page, including a monster that stalks you long after the novel’s last sentence. The town of Willoughby itself is as real as any character. Vividly described, it’s delightful and terrifying in equal measure. It embodies an abusive relationship that traps the residents in a situation where manipulation masquerades as protection and “this is for your own good” can be just as sinister as any threat. The story raises questions that strike to the core of all of us: What does it mean to be evil? What does it mean to be weak?

Hafdahl weaves an intricate tale of betrayal, murder, and small town intrigue. Her brilliant narrative style keeps you guessing from beginning to end about the next shocking twist. Whether it’s the truth about the Bergman murders or Daphne’s ultimate fate, Hafdahl keeps you at her mercy through every page.

I haven’t read a book in one sitting in a long time, but I couldn’t put down Her Dark Inheritance. ‘One more chapter’ led to ‘one more chapter’ and ‘one more chapter’ after that. The book is labelled for Young Adults, but is just as gripping for adults. I recommend it whole-heartedly, especially for those who like to see the darker side of the American Dream.

[Ryan Langr · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Her Dark Inheritance, Meg Hafdahl weaves a fascinating story of small-town Minnesota that is at once an uncomfortably accurate and supernaturally riveting portrayal. While the book suffers from a notable lack of distinction amongst its different character's perspectives, it is overall a minor weakness that doesn't detract from the overall enjoyability of the book.

The beginning of the book is a slow burn as Hafdahl validly works to establish the setting and plot, and at times the Minnesota references seem heavy-handed and not relevant to the plot. Still, the second half of the book explodes with consecutive revelations and satisfying twists that culminate in an action-packed climax and satisfying denouement.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and have already purchased #2. Can't wait to read it!

[Shelley Kubitz Mahannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Hafdahl's debut novel is a vividly sketched story that's set in the heart of the Midwest in Willoughby - a Minnesota town that's not as quiet and idyllic as it seems. Ms. Hafdahl does an incredible job of creating characters that a reader can invest in. Willoughby is more than a town - Meg has created Minnesota's version of Stephen King's Castle Rock. I am glad to know that this is the first book in a series. I want to go back to Willoughby and hear again from Daphne Forrest, sooner rather than later.

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Dark Inheritance captures the reader right from the start! The descriptive writing style of this amazing author makes the reader feel as though they are in the story alongside the characters, experiencing everything with them. Through the twists and turns around every corner, you will be completely taken in and won’t want to put this book down! Don’t miss out on this debut novel from a very talented writer! Meg Hafdahl does not disappoint!

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can totally see this book as a mini tv series with the town’s charm, secrets and history. The characters are easy to grow attached to and the author’s writing has me wanting to add the town of Willoughby to my travel list. If you love mysteries and horror, this one is for you! Can’t wait until another release! :)

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great debut novel! I would rate this a 4.5 if .5’s were allowed! Great characters, great writing, liked the jumping of time periods to reveal what happened with the town! I would have liked if the story delved more into the creature that seemed to be a part of the town! Waiting patiently for more from Meg Hafdahl!!

[Karen Routledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this

Really liked this book, was nice to see the main character wasn't the stereotypical heroine. Nicely paced with a few twists i didn't see coming. Looking forward to the next instalment

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely outstanding! Daphne is a relatable and lovable character and Edwin makes my heart happy!!
The horror element took me by surprise-so many twists and turns, and it created some trouble sleeping too! Bravo!

[Pat Neumann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was not sure at first about this book. Different then what I normally read.
I really enjoyed it. I really got involved with the characters and the premise of the story. May have to order the other books.
A little late on this review but sometimes life gets in the way.

[Fernanda Brady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing to the very end. Loved the town concept and looking forward to the next installment.

[Brendon Mckeon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The twist and turns keep coming as you read on and on. It keep me reading . One of best books of its type I have read in many years. I would tell anyone to read it.

[Greg Stenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing writing and such a good horror story! You just want to keep reading to see what happens next. Highly recommend this to any horror/mystery fan!

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can read my full review here

Rounded up to 4 stars bc Goodreads dislikes nuance.

[Sauce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comparable to a Stephen King type novel. Starts off all normal until it's not anymore. Mysterious, creepy, and picks up a lot at the end.

[Kim Sundling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolute perfection!

[Ernest Burdett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay

It was good. Not a book that I would tell people you must read this. Seem to be coming across more books that are just okay.

[Zachary Conyers · Rating 3 out of 5]

At first the storyline of this novel might be considered overdone. How many books and movies do we really need that follow a young protagonist unearthing the mysteries of her family’s past? Don’t be so quick to lump Her Dark Inheritance in with all the rest. This one sets itself apart from the rest with a juicy controversy and all the components of a lurid small-town drama – all with a malevolent twist.

Inheritance starts with our heroine of the tale (Daphne) losing her mother to a long battle with cancer. Before her death, Daphne’s mother cryptically hints at a secret, dark past in her hometown of Willoughby, Minnesota – one that culminated with a tragedy that resulted in a runaway to a new life. Spurred by the desire to clear her dead mother’s name, Daphne makes the long trek from Washington to the backwoods of the Midwest to find out what she can about her mother’s past. What follows is an investigation into eerie 1980s Willoughby that culminates with the unveiling of a tantalizing scandal, and the truth about an infamous murder that had a resonating effect on the town for decades to come.

[Kasey Box · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Her Dark Inheritance" is an amazing book. Meg Hafdahl is truly an incredible author. Her character development is spot on. She succeeds where other authors fail in that all of here characters are like a good stew. You add all of the ingredients into your slow cooker and let the flavors meld together into an amazingly hearty meal. Then you have the storyline...she doesnt overwhelm the reader with too much too fast. She gives you the right amount of detail to keep you invested and turning the pages from page 1 all the way through till the very last. This is NOT my 1st book of hers that I have read and I am 10000000000000% certain it wont be my last. She is definitely a part of the small fraternity of authors that I will classify as my Favorites...King, Rice, Hafdahl, Hamilton, etc...

If you have never read one of her books then I highly recommend picking up "Her Dark Inheritance", and I dare you NOT to fall in love with Daphne and Edwin