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The Heir of Kingsley
“From the deepest desires often comes the deadliest hate.” - Socrates
Nearly on the verge of retirement, Professor James Kingsley inherits the Kingsley Bluemount Arches, a dilapidated plantation bungalow previously owned by his Anglo-Indian uncle, Albert Kingsley. The vast run-down estate in the ethereally beautiful mountains of Munnar is more than just a legacy of ruins.
As James takes over after the death of the old care-taker, Kunju Maria, who had lived on the premises for decades, he begins to feel the suffocating burden of being the heir of Kingsley estate. Kunju Maria’s pervasive presence haunts every corner of his property.
His uneasiness and confusion are magnified when he starts to see the apparition of a young woman even as he sinks into a strange depressive introspection, concerning his own unresolved issues. He is unaware of the danger in his surroundings until he is nearly killed by a freak accident on the estate. As each day becomes a threat to his life, he gets obsessed with the reason behind the mysterious incidents at Kingsley.
James realises quite soon that his hallucinations are not figments of his disturbed mind, but deadly phantoms that have a deeper connection to his past.
Would he succeed in his quest to find the answers to the dark past of Kingsley Bluemount Arches? Or do the apparitions consume him as he grapples with his own lack of faith?
Does James rise out of his diffidence to become the true heir of Kingsley on his journey of self-discovery?
Nearly on the verge of retirement, Professor James Kingsley inherits the Kingsley Bluemount Arches, a dilapidated plantation bungalow previously owned by his Anglo-Indian uncle, Albert Kingsley. The vast run-down estate in the ethereally beautiful mountains of Munnar is more than just a legacy of ruins.
As James takes over after the death of the old care-taker, Kunju Maria, who had lived on the premises for decades, he begins to feel the suffocating burden of being the heir of Kingsley estate. Kunju Maria’s pervasive presence haunts every corner of his property.
His uneasiness and confusion are magnified when he starts to see the apparition of a young woman even as he sinks into a strange depressive introspection, concerning his own unresolved issues. He is unaware of the danger in his surroundings until he is nearly killed by a freak accident on the estate. As each day becomes a threat to his life, he gets obsessed with the reason behind the mysterious incidents at Kingsley.
James realises quite soon that his hallucinations are not figments of his disturbed mind, but deadly phantoms that have a deeper connection to his past.
Would he succeed in his quest to find the answers to the dark past of Kingsley Bluemount Arches? Or do the apparitions consume him as he grapples with his own lack of faith?
Does James rise out of his diffidence to become the true heir of Kingsley on his journey of self-discovery?
110 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 31, 2019
3 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
Leena Varghese
12 books64 followersLeena Varghese is an eclectic writer who has authored books as diverse as Mills & Boon romance to paranormal thrillers. Her stories are laced with humour, passion, intrigue, and hope. The written word is her closest ally and a cathartic outlet to all that simmers within her soul. She loves the myriad world of multi-dimensional characters, and an alternate reality that words can create. Her writing depicts a range of human emotions from animated expression to silent contemplation. Although she loves romance and heart-warming tales that are entertaining, as a writer she has always tested her capabilities without fitting into a convenient box with labels. She is equally versatile in depicting realistic accounts that are thought-provoking and meaningful.
She was a closet writer for a long time, scribbling funny snippets from life, and tales full of hope and happy endings. Eventually, she decided to send a manuscript to Mills & Boon UK, who brought out her debut book, A Perfect Mismatch, under the Indian Author Collection. The second book, A Silver Dawn, was published by Harper Collins under the Harlequin imprint.
She ventured into indie publishing with A Bittersweet Reprieve, Flawless, Wildflowers in the Rain, The Heir of Kingsley, The Stranger in My Dreams, Blight, and Nothing Serious that were published through Amazon KDP.
She is a post-graduate in English Literature, with a Bachelor’s degree in Education, and a Diploma in Fine Arts. As a commissioned artist, she loves to experiment with various media including oils, acrylic, watercolours, and pastels. She enjoys illustrating children’s books and designing her own book covers. Some of her illustrated works are A Date with Daddy, A Date with Mommy, I Can Love You from Anywhere, Cousins, and A Luna Moth, A Lightning Bug, and Mr. Kipling.
Leena firmly believes that everyone comes into the world equipped with an umbrella for rainy days. Anyone can be creative enough to turn lemons into lemonade, topped with iced pragmatism. A life spent learning and doing new things even when failure stares you in the face is a life well lived indeed. She lives in Mumbai with her family. She loves listening to music, watching movies, and having heated debates on existentialism and spirituality.
Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.in/stores/Leena-Va...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luminosabooks/
She was a closet writer for a long time, scribbling funny snippets from life, and tales full of hope and happy endings. Eventually, she decided to send a manuscript to Mills & Boon UK, who brought out her debut book, A Perfect Mismatch, under the Indian Author Collection. The second book, A Silver Dawn, was published by Harper Collins under the Harlequin imprint.
She ventured into indie publishing with A Bittersweet Reprieve, Flawless, Wildflowers in the Rain, The Heir of Kingsley, The Stranger in My Dreams, Blight, and Nothing Serious that were published through Amazon KDP.
She is a post-graduate in English Literature, with a Bachelor’s degree in Education, and a Diploma in Fine Arts. As a commissioned artist, she loves to experiment with various media including oils, acrylic, watercolours, and pastels. She enjoys illustrating children’s books and designing her own book covers. Some of her illustrated works are A Date with Daddy, A Date with Mommy, I Can Love You from Anywhere, Cousins, and A Luna Moth, A Lightning Bug, and Mr. Kipling.
Leena firmly believes that everyone comes into the world equipped with an umbrella for rainy days. Anyone can be creative enough to turn lemons into lemonade, topped with iced pragmatism. A life spent learning and doing new things even when failure stares you in the face is a life well lived indeed. She lives in Mumbai with her family. She loves listening to music, watching movies, and having heated debates on existentialism and spirituality.
Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.in/stores/Leena-Va...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luminosabooks/
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
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November 9, 2019I am not a fan of the horror genre. I feel very uncomfortable with the dark side of things. However, sometimes as a writer it's good to step out of your comfort zone and explore new territory. The Heir of Kingsley has been brewing in my head for some time now. My first attempt at the paranormal genre was a different experience from anything that I have previously written.
It is a mix of paranormal/thriller that explores the innumerable facets of human nature, its complexities that add dimensions to our existence, and the choices we make based on our judgement of what we perceive as right and wrong.
Hope you enjoy reading it and please do post a review!
It is a mix of paranormal/thriller that explores the innumerable facets of human nature, its complexities that add dimensions to our existence, and the choices we make based on our judgement of what we perceive as right and wrong.
Hope you enjoy reading it and please do post a review!
February 16, 2020
A good thriller....
A decent paranormal thriller story. Even though it was a short read the pace employed to build the tempo was impressive...
A decent paranormal thriller story. Even though it was a short read the pace employed to build the tempo was impressive...
November 30, 2019
A haunting tale from a predominantly romance writer shows that the author can handle paranormal as convincingly as she does romance. This is one quality I would admire in any writer who can come out of the box and present something different. Leena Varghese has done precisely that in this tale. Unfortunately, most writers today follow the trend rather than being original.
As the story begins, a reader arrives with James Kingsley at the Kingsley bungalow and instantly falls in love with the view described so eloquently. The settings and scenes are presented so beautifully that one feels not just on the big screen but as part of the cast. You are in there, seeing and feeling everything as a silent spectator while the horrific deeds of a troubled soul unfold before your eyes.
The domineering character of Kochamma still haunts the Kingsley estate after her death, leading to unimaginable revelations that would freeze your blood. Paranormal tales, where an author’s imagination often goes too wild are not easily believable, but this one has elements that are reasonably closer to reality.
It would not be right to discuss the intricate plot in any detail but the twists and turns in the tale will leave you glued to the book until the last page. Above all, the rich prose of this gifted author, and her exquisite choice of words will not allow you to turn the pages in a hurry. I confess that I am a great fan and admirer of this versatile author but trust me, she knows the craft of writing better than the most who venture to write in this language, including some of the most celebrated.
As the story begins, a reader arrives with James Kingsley at the Kingsley bungalow and instantly falls in love with the view described so eloquently. The settings and scenes are presented so beautifully that one feels not just on the big screen but as part of the cast. You are in there, seeing and feeling everything as a silent spectator while the horrific deeds of a troubled soul unfold before your eyes.
The domineering character of Kochamma still haunts the Kingsley estate after her death, leading to unimaginable revelations that would freeze your blood. Paranormal tales, where an author’s imagination often goes too wild are not easily believable, but this one has elements that are reasonably closer to reality.
It would not be right to discuss the intricate plot in any detail but the twists and turns in the tale will leave you glued to the book until the last page. Above all, the rich prose of this gifted author, and her exquisite choice of words will not allow you to turn the pages in a hurry. I confess that I am a great fan and admirer of this versatile author but trust me, she knows the craft of writing better than the most who venture to write in this language, including some of the most celebrated.
December 8, 2019
The Heir of Kingsley
A gripping narrative with twists and turns to keep you hooked till the last word. It's not just the story telling that holds your attention. The characterization is layered with terrific realism. Kunju Maria's life is revealed in snippets of information through the eyes of the other characters. James Kingsley's internal chaos, his submissive nature is contrasted beautifully with that of the fierceness of Kunju Maria. The narrative meanders deep into his thoughts revealing his unconscious mind, flowing into the past and joining the dots at those relevant points that help the story forward.
Above all, the beautiful Kingsley estate may well be a real place and the characters living, breathing people there based on the author's portrayal.
An excellent read!
A gripping narrative with twists and turns to keep you hooked till the last word. It's not just the story telling that holds your attention. The characterization is layered with terrific realism. Kunju Maria's life is revealed in snippets of information through the eyes of the other characters. James Kingsley's internal chaos, his submissive nature is contrasted beautifully with that of the fierceness of Kunju Maria. The narrative meanders deep into his thoughts revealing his unconscious mind, flowing into the past and joining the dots at those relevant points that help the story forward.
Above all, the beautiful Kingsley estate may well be a real place and the characters living, breathing people there based on the author's portrayal.
An excellent read!
November 15, 2019
A searing portrayal of human nature and realistic characterisation.Its a hauntingstory that will stay with you for some time. The twists in the plot are fantastic. Its a short read. But the place and people seem real.
Loved it!
Loved it!
February 7, 2020
This book is gripping - so well written as to have me stay up later than I usually do so I could finish it in one go. The author has pulled off a coup of sorts - managing to move from writing romance to presenting her readers with her first paranormal without a blip. Written in the first person, the narration manages to neatly show us nuances in all the main characters, from James Kingsley to the decrepit Mathan and the mysterious, disdainful Kochamma.
An absolute must read!
An absolute must read!
January 27, 2020
This book is the author’s first attempt at paranormal by the author and I must say that she has done a convincing job.
The story has been written in first person from the point of view of James Kingsley. She has added many layers to the story and they keep coming off as the story proceeds. The characters, though not many, have been developed well and something or the other about them kept coming up as the story proceeded.
The scenes have been described in detail and I could actually visualise the arches and also Kunju Maria. The twists and turns kept me at the edge of my seat.
The story is crisp and to the point and the author gets to the end of the mystery beautifully. But that is not all, she leaves us with a sentence that tells us that there is more to come.
The story has been written in first person from the point of view of James Kingsley. She has added many layers to the story and they keep coming off as the story proceeds. The characters, though not many, have been developed well and something or the other about them kept coming up as the story proceeded.
The scenes have been described in detail and I could actually visualise the arches and also Kunju Maria. The twists and turns kept me at the edge of my seat.
The story is crisp and to the point and the author gets to the end of the mystery beautifully. But that is not all, she leaves us with a sentence that tells us that there is more to come.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews