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Inheriting Her Ghosts
Inheritance often comes with strings attached, but rarely are they as tangled as those hanging over High Hearth.
When Eudora Fellowes learns she's the sole heir of her estranged great-aunt's seaside manor, she believes it will be the peaceful escape she's longed for. What awaits, however, is a dark legacy shrouded in half a century of secrets, and it doesn't take long before Eudora realizes she's not the only one to call High Hearth home.
When Eudora Fellowes learns she's the sole heir of her estranged great-aunt's seaside manor, she believes it will be the peaceful escape she's longed for. What awaits, however, is a dark legacy shrouded in half a century of secrets, and it doesn't take long before Eudora realizes she's not the only one to call High Hearth home.
120 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 9, 2021
16 people are currently reading
1124 people want to read
About the author
S.H. Cooper
19 books134 followersS.H. Cooper is a Florida based, multi-genre author with a focus on horror and fantasy. Her titles include the Victorian gothic novella, INHERITING HER GHOSTS, the cosmic horror novella, THE FESTERING ONES, and the YA fantasy novel, THE KNIGHT'S DAUGHTER, in addition to three short story collections and the horror comedy podcast, Calling Darkness. She is also a regular contributor to the award winning anthology series, The NoSleep Podcast. When not writing, she enjoys spending time with her husband, pets, and a cup of Earl Grey.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
November 5, 2025
3.5 stars. This was a very classic, sophisticated style of writing. Lots of foreshadowing, a slow burn approach, and bump in the night antics, which reminded me a lot of Edgar Allan Poe’s The Raven. Eudora was a fantastic lead with her two loyal dogs and desire to be distanced from any sort of social dynamics. Being an introvert myself, I liked this quality of her quite a bit. I did want to do a deeper dive into her character, which felt a little rushed initially, then sort of displaced after the beginning portion of the story. I also wished that other portions of the book were more abbreviated, as to not exhaust certain themes and situations. This was my first reading experience from SH Cooper and I plan to see what her other offerings consist of. Fans of gothic horror and ghost fiction will eat this up.
December 16, 2021
I read S.H. Cooper’s book The Festering Ones last year and enjoyed it quite a bit (review is here if you want to learn more: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...). It featured a strong protagonist who is fearless and determined to get to the root of the mysteries - even if she has to put herself at risk to do it. Inheriting Her Ghosts has another great heroine and it is very mysterious and ghostly and full of the gothic atmosphere that I adore! And it has dogs! Two of ‘em!!
Okay, now that I’ve almost used up all of the exclamation points, I’ll tell you a little bit about the story. Eudora Fellows lives in a time when women have to act a certain way. Women are expected to wear dresses, get married, obey their menfolk, cook every dinner, iron the undies, have lots of offspring, all that crap and all without contemplating murder. Eudora, though? Eudora doesn't do any of those things and instead lives quite happily with her two faithful hounds and her books in her childhood home. When she gets news that she’s inherited her great aunt’s estate in the country, a place so fancy it has its own name “High Hearth”, she leaves the city and is relieved to walk away from all of the gossipy hens who surround her in the city.
“Truth be told, I’d never much cared for the male species. Or, more accurately, the human species as a whole.”
Who can blame her for wanting to move out to the boonies? Not me. Anyhow, High Hearth is HUGE and most likely haunted, rumors surround her deceased aunt and they’re all rather creepy and grownass men are afraid but Eudora thinks it’s all ridiculous until she starts to experience some unexplainable and skin-crawling things within the house for herself. Has auntie tainted the house with darkness forevermore? What secrets are hiding behind the locked door with the missing key? Will the dogs be safe?! Oh, my heart. The suspense and worry nearly did me in on this one but I’m not going to go and ruin anything because all questions were answered in the end and answered in the best way imaginable and you all need to experience the experience that is this story for your own selves.
Inheriting Her Ghosts gets all five of my stingy stars! It is a gruesome gothic-tinged mystery with an edge of revenge, despair, and a few perfectly placed moments of wit and humor that balance out the stabs of grief the author throws at you. I loved it and I love that it’s going to haunt me for a bit and I think a lot of you horror fans will enjoy it very, very much!
Okay, now that I’ve almost used up all of the exclamation points, I’ll tell you a little bit about the story. Eudora Fellows lives in a time when women have to act a certain way. Women are expected to wear dresses, get married, obey their menfolk, cook every dinner, iron the undies, have lots of offspring, all that crap and all without contemplating murder. Eudora, though? Eudora doesn't do any of those things and instead lives quite happily with her two faithful hounds and her books in her childhood home. When she gets news that she’s inherited her great aunt’s estate in the country, a place so fancy it has its own name “High Hearth”, she leaves the city and is relieved to walk away from all of the gossipy hens who surround her in the city.
“Truth be told, I’d never much cared for the male species. Or, more accurately, the human species as a whole.”
Who can blame her for wanting to move out to the boonies? Not me. Anyhow, High Hearth is HUGE and most likely haunted, rumors surround her deceased aunt and they’re all rather creepy and grownass men are afraid but Eudora thinks it’s all ridiculous until she starts to experience some unexplainable and skin-crawling things within the house for herself. Has auntie tainted the house with darkness forevermore? What secrets are hiding behind the locked door with the missing key? Will the dogs be safe?! Oh, my heart. The suspense and worry nearly did me in on this one but I’m not going to go and ruin anything because all questions were answered in the end and answered in the best way imaginable and you all need to experience the experience that is this story for your own selves.
Inheriting Her Ghosts gets all five of my stingy stars! It is a gruesome gothic-tinged mystery with an edge of revenge, despair, and a few perfectly placed moments of wit and humor that balance out the stabs of grief the author throws at you. I loved it and I love that it’s going to haunt me for a bit and I think a lot of you horror fans will enjoy it very, very much!
July 16, 2021
Inheriting Her Ghosts, a story that terrified and left me feeling contented in equal measure. A gothic horror story that screamed with Shirley Jackson’s influences and this was just a palpitatingly compulsive ride back in time. The world of books often brings us our new favourites but conversely, a lot come and go without making any long-term impact. Cooper has created a new favourite, images etched on the brain, a masterpiece that time forgot, but discovered anew. I loved everything about this story.
“Hurt lives in High Hearth. The kind of hurt that doesn’t go away with prettied words and empty gestures. Staining its grounds, tainting its foundation, rooting itself deeply.”
Inheriting Her Ghosts is like perfecting the perfect recipe. You need the special ingredients that will blow your senses away, you need the skill needed to bring the vision to life and you need love. The narrative is tight and executed with clarity and precision. Once you read that first chapter, be fully prepared to not stop reading until that final word has been digested. I craved Cooper’s every word, I was hypnotized with her magic.
The story features my favourite kind of protagonist, a strong-willed, independent woman, Eudora Fellowes. This woman takes no prisoners and doesn’t suffer fools gladly. She also has two massive dogs, the relationship between the three was unbreakable and added another dimension to an already impressive landscape. She has become the only next of kin of her deceased great-aunt, who has left her entire estate to Eudora, including a large residence, High Hearth. The story takes place in Victorian England and it just hit perfectly just why I love gothic horror so much.
Inheriting Her Ghosts is set in a time where propriety in a woman is the expected thing. To hell with that, if a woman wishes not to wed and or have children they should be free to make that decision as they see fit. I loved the scene where she shocks the solicitor by wearing trousers…be still my beating heart…trousers… a devil worshipper! She is most defiantly who I want to be when I grow up. There will be no yes dear, no dear from Eudora, thank you very much.
High Hearth is fascinating. Eudora feels very much at home here but quickly she realizes that something is very wrong within the walls. The dogs aren’t settled, she feels things watching her, and very quickly something lets her presence be known. Has her great-aunt left more than a few secrets behind? Just what is behind the door that has reminded locked without a key to be found? Just why do the villagers hate anything to do with her Aunt?
Inheriting Her Ghosts is superbly executed. The writing and characterization deeply resonate with that gothic Victorian era, with a powerful presence of the afterlife.
“Hurt lives in High Hearth. The kind of hurt that doesn’t go away with prettied words and empty gestures. Staining its grounds, tainting its foundation, rooting itself deeply.”
Inheriting Her Ghosts is like perfecting the perfect recipe. You need the special ingredients that will blow your senses away, you need the skill needed to bring the vision to life and you need love. The narrative is tight and executed with clarity and precision. Once you read that first chapter, be fully prepared to not stop reading until that final word has been digested. I craved Cooper’s every word, I was hypnotized with her magic.
The story features my favourite kind of protagonist, a strong-willed, independent woman, Eudora Fellowes. This woman takes no prisoners and doesn’t suffer fools gladly. She also has two massive dogs, the relationship between the three was unbreakable and added another dimension to an already impressive landscape. She has become the only next of kin of her deceased great-aunt, who has left her entire estate to Eudora, including a large residence, High Hearth. The story takes place in Victorian England and it just hit perfectly just why I love gothic horror so much.
Inheriting Her Ghosts is set in a time where propriety in a woman is the expected thing. To hell with that, if a woman wishes not to wed and or have children they should be free to make that decision as they see fit. I loved the scene where she shocks the solicitor by wearing trousers…be still my beating heart…trousers… a devil worshipper! She is most defiantly who I want to be when I grow up. There will be no yes dear, no dear from Eudora, thank you very much.
High Hearth is fascinating. Eudora feels very much at home here but quickly she realizes that something is very wrong within the walls. The dogs aren’t settled, she feels things watching her, and very quickly something lets her presence be known. Has her great-aunt left more than a few secrets behind? Just what is behind the door that has reminded locked without a key to be found? Just why do the villagers hate anything to do with her Aunt?
Inheriting Her Ghosts is superbly executed. The writing and characterization deeply resonate with that gothic Victorian era, with a powerful presence of the afterlife.
July 18, 2021
I read S.H. Cooper’s book The Festering Ones last year and enjoyed it quite a bit (review is here if you want to learn more: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...). It featured a strong protagonist who is fearless and determined to get to the root of the mysteries - even if she has to put herself at risk to do it. Inheriting Her Ghosts has another great heroine and it is very mysterious and ghostly and full of the gothic atmosphere that I adore! And it has dogs! Two of ‘em!!
Okay, now that I’ve almost used up all of the exclamation points, I’ll tell you a little bit about the story. Eudora Fellows lives in a time when women have to act a certain way. Women are expected to wear dresses, get married, obey their menfolk, cook every dinner, iron the undies, have lots of offspring, all that crap and all without contemplating murder. Eudora, though? Eudora doesn't do any of those things and instead lives quite happily with her two faithful hounds and her books in her childhood home. When she gets news that she’s inherited her great aunt’s estate in the country, a place so fancy it has its own name “High Hearth”, she leaves the city and is relieved to walk away from all of the gossipy hens who surround her in the city.
“Truth be told, I’d never much cared for the male species. Or, more accurately, the human species as a whole.”
Who can blame her for wanting to move out to the boonies? Not me. Anyhow, High Hearth is HUGE and most likely haunted, rumors surround her deceased aunt and they’re all rather creepy and grownass men are afraid but Eudora thinks it’s all ridiculous until she starts to experience some unexplainable and skin-crawling things within the house for herself. Has auntie tainted the house with darkness forevermore? What secrets are hiding behind the locked door with the missing key? Will the dogs be safe?! Oh, my heart. The suspense and worry nearly did me in on this one but I’m not going to go and ruin anything because all questions were answered in the end and answered in the best way imaginable and you all need to experience the experience that is this story for your own selves.
Inheriting Her Ghosts gets all five of my stingy stars! It is a gruesome gothic-tinged mystery with an edge of revenge, despair, and a few perfectly placed moments of wit and humor that balance out the stabs of grief the author throws at you. I loved it and I love that it’s going to haunt me for a bit and I think a lot of you horror fans will enjoy it very, very much!
Okay, now that I’ve almost used up all of the exclamation points, I’ll tell you a little bit about the story. Eudora Fellows lives in a time when women have to act a certain way. Women are expected to wear dresses, get married, obey their menfolk, cook every dinner, iron the undies, have lots of offspring, all that crap and all without contemplating murder. Eudora, though? Eudora doesn't do any of those things and instead lives quite happily with her two faithful hounds and her books in her childhood home. When she gets news that she’s inherited her great aunt’s estate in the country, a place so fancy it has its own name “High Hearth”, she leaves the city and is relieved to walk away from all of the gossipy hens who surround her in the city.
“Truth be told, I’d never much cared for the male species. Or, more accurately, the human species as a whole.”
Who can blame her for wanting to move out to the boonies? Not me. Anyhow, High Hearth is HUGE and most likely haunted, rumors surround her deceased aunt and they’re all rather creepy and grownass men are afraid but Eudora thinks it’s all ridiculous until she starts to experience some unexplainable and skin-crawling things within the house for herself. Has auntie tainted the house with darkness forevermore? What secrets are hiding behind the locked door with the missing key? Will the dogs be safe?! Oh, my heart. The suspense and worry nearly did me in on this one but I’m not going to go and ruin anything because all questions were answered in the end and answered in the best way imaginable and you all need to experience the experience that is this story for your own selves.
Inheriting Her Ghosts gets all five of my stingy stars! It is a gruesome gothic-tinged mystery with an edge of revenge, despair, and a few perfectly placed moments of wit and humor that balance out the stabs of grief the author throws at you. I loved it and I love that it’s going to haunt me for a bit and I think a lot of you horror fans will enjoy it very, very much!
July 4, 2023
This is a Victorian era gothic novel with a strong female protagonist, Eudora and her two wolfhounds, Cereberus and Black Shuck. That's a few buzzwords that I can't just ignore. Eudora gets a chance of peace, to leave behind all the gossip surrounding her being single at 43 and wearing trousers(double gasp). She inherits her great aunt's house without realising that she hadn't just signed up for the house, but whatever resided in it. Brrr.. I appreciated the commentary on the biases laid on unmarried women and their choice of living, which sadly holds true to this day. And I will always be up for exploring grief in horror. S.H Cooper has been added to my list of authors to look out for🖤
May 4, 2021
When S.H. Cooper asked me to read her new Victorian gothic novella I didn't have to think twice. Quiet horror is one of my favourite genres to write and read, there's something about all of the atmospheric slow-burn that ticks all my boxes.
Eudora Fellowes leaves her childhood home after inheriting High Hearth from her great-aunt. Along with her two faithful hounds she arrives at the old house overlooking the cliffs and the wild ocean, hoping for a new start. But High Hearth is a place of tragedy and deception, and Eudora discovers that the secret to her great-aunt's clandestine history lies behind the door with no key.
This novella is beautifully crafted. The setting, the dialogue, the characterisation, all flow together delivering a true slice of Victorian gothic artistry.
Add it to your tbr now - you won't be disappointed!
Eudora Fellowes leaves her childhood home after inheriting High Hearth from her great-aunt. Along with her two faithful hounds she arrives at the old house overlooking the cliffs and the wild ocean, hoping for a new start. But High Hearth is a place of tragedy and deception, and Eudora discovers that the secret to her great-aunt's clandestine history lies behind the door with no key.
This novella is beautifully crafted. The setting, the dialogue, the characterisation, all flow together delivering a true slice of Victorian gothic artistry.
Add it to your tbr now - you won't be disappointed!
November 21, 2023
Cozy Gothic ghost story with a likeable main character and even more likeable doggie companions. This gave me The Haunting of Ashburn House and The Woman in Black vibes. Cooper does a good job at capturing the language of the period without going overboard.
April 30, 2021
I read this to offer a blurb, so I won't be doing a full review, but wow, you're in for a treat once this is released.
June 27, 2022
After loving The festering Ones I was so excited to pick up this novella and I am so glad I did.
We have here another strong and determined main character with a mind of her own and also middle aged which was so refreshing to see.
This is the perfect moody, atmospheric ghost story that anyone would love to binge on a rainy day. The way the author describes the house and the beautiful writing are already enough for you to fall in love with the story.
On top of that I absolutely loved Eudora for being unapologetically herself no matter what as she has to uncover her great aunt’s secrets.
What Eudora didn’t know when she decided to move into her late great aunt’s house was, she would be inheriting more than a property.
Perfect for: fans of Victorian gothic stories and a strong female lead
We have here another strong and determined main character with a mind of her own and also middle aged which was so refreshing to see.
This is the perfect moody, atmospheric ghost story that anyone would love to binge on a rainy day. The way the author describes the house and the beautiful writing are already enough for you to fall in love with the story.
On top of that I absolutely loved Eudora for being unapologetically herself no matter what as she has to uncover her great aunt’s secrets.
What Eudora didn’t know when she decided to move into her late great aunt’s house was, she would be inheriting more than a property.
Perfect for: fans of Victorian gothic stories and a strong female lead
September 17, 2021
Inheriting her Ghosts had everything I yearn for in a gothic ghost story, and a whole lot more. It is steeped in historical detail, subtly swept onto the page, enough for the reader to be thoroughly submerged in the era.
The story follows Eudora Fellowes, a strong-minded, independent woman living outside the boundaries of Victorian values, unwed and headstrong. When Eudora hears of her great-aunt's death, she leaves her childhood home and the memories of lost departed parents, to live in her ancestral home of High Hearth, a seaside manor. Eudora is soon faced with the reality of the dark legacy her estranged great-aunt has left behind...
Written with an air of a classic Victorian tale, Inheriting her Ghosts delivers a veritable feast of the macabre, with sinister twists and turns, and the perfect ending fitting for this sublime Gothic ghost story.
The story follows Eudora Fellowes, a strong-minded, independent woman living outside the boundaries of Victorian values, unwed and headstrong. When Eudora hears of her great-aunt's death, she leaves her childhood home and the memories of lost departed parents, to live in her ancestral home of High Hearth, a seaside manor. Eudora is soon faced with the reality of the dark legacy her estranged great-aunt has left behind...
Written with an air of a classic Victorian tale, Inheriting her Ghosts delivers a veritable feast of the macabre, with sinister twists and turns, and the perfect ending fitting for this sublime Gothic ghost story.
June 8, 2021
It would not do to offer a full-length review of this book, in view of the fact that it has yet to be released. However, what I will say is this:
I have been a fan of SH Cooper's writing since we both were working on the r/NoSleep subreddit, and especially of her facility with dread as a form of horror. This book positively oozes with dread, a feat made all the more impressive because so little is left to the imagination. Cooper does not shy away from showing us the most lurid and ghastly spectral manifestations, even early on, and yet somehow despite getting such a lot of face-time with the ghosts, we somehow still find them mysterious and inscrutable until their explanation, which is a testament to Cooper's skill.
This book gives no indicators of having been written in 2021, and given its Victorian-era setting, that is a compliment to its style. Rather, there are shades of all the most timeless female ghost story writers from the Victorian era onward, from E. Nesbit, to Alison Prince, to Susan Hill. In fact, near the end, the book particularly resembles a Susan Hill piece, while still managing to avoid seeming derivative. Cooper plays with your sympathies throughout the book, leaving it very unclear who the victims and perpetrators are in the family melodrama behind her haunted house. Even in the end, this distinction is purposefully muddied, making the book (like many great ghost stories) a meditation on the immiserating and corrupting influence of grief. This book will sit particularly well with lovers of classic moralizing Victorian ghost stories such as "The Snow" and "Mrs. Lunt" by Hugh Walpole, "Seaton's Aunt" by Walter de la Mare, and "Madam Crowl's Ghost" by Sheridan Le Fanu, for aside from its publication date, it may as well be one of them. A bravura performance from one of the internet's great spook story writers.
I have been a fan of SH Cooper's writing since we both were working on the r/NoSleep subreddit, and especially of her facility with dread as a form of horror. This book positively oozes with dread, a feat made all the more impressive because so little is left to the imagination. Cooper does not shy away from showing us the most lurid and ghastly spectral manifestations, even early on, and yet somehow despite getting such a lot of face-time with the ghosts, we somehow still find them mysterious and inscrutable until their explanation, which is a testament to Cooper's skill.
This book gives no indicators of having been written in 2021, and given its Victorian-era setting, that is a compliment to its style. Rather, there are shades of all the most timeless female ghost story writers from the Victorian era onward, from E. Nesbit, to Alison Prince, to Susan Hill. In fact, near the end, the book particularly resembles a Susan Hill piece, while still managing to avoid seeming derivative. Cooper plays with your sympathies throughout the book, leaving it very unclear who the victims and perpetrators are in the family melodrama behind her haunted house. Even in the end, this distinction is purposefully muddied, making the book (like many great ghost stories) a meditation on the immiserating and corrupting influence of grief. This book will sit particularly well with lovers of classic moralizing Victorian ghost stories such as "The Snow" and "Mrs. Lunt" by Hugh Walpole, "Seaton's Aunt" by Walter de la Mare, and "Madam Crowl's Ghost" by Sheridan Le Fanu, for aside from its publication date, it may as well be one of them. A bravura performance from one of the internet's great spook story writers.
October 6, 2024
Legal disclaimer: If you read this book late at night you may be entitled to monetary compensation 💀🗝️
🗝️ Victorian horror
🗝️ scary af
🗝️ intelligent and strong heroine
🗝️ big dog energy
🗝️ unique, distinct tone, unforgettable
💀🔪👻
🗝️ Victorian horror
🗝️ scary af
🗝️ intelligent and strong heroine
🗝️ big dog energy
🗝️ unique, distinct tone, unforgettable
💀🔪👻
August 9, 2021
I buddy read this one with a few pals on the LOHF team, and I can already tell it's going to be a favorite amongst fans of both the horror genre in general, and more specifically, gothic horror. I haven't heard a bad word about it, and didn't have a single thing to say that wasn't glowing while we chatted about it!
Something I've come to love and expect in S.H. Cooper's books is a badass woman character that isn't afraid to do what needs to be done - however terrified she actually may be - and I love that so much in my fiction, holy smokes! Inheriting Her Ghosts' Eudora Fellowes is exactly that type of lady, and I loved her - what a fierce protagonist!
Cooper absolutely nailed the atmosphere and aesthetic of gothic horror in this; I could almost feel the salty atmosphere outside of High Hearth, could almost see the flickering of light from the candelabra as Eudora walked through the halls. There was so much tension in some of the spookier scenes that I found myself unable to put the book down, finishing it in less than an hour because I didn't want to stop flipping the pages to find out what was going on.
I think a lot of books written in specific time periods forget how little respect/power women actually had in an effort to make the character more relatable in modern times, and I really enjoyed how well it was handled here, and how that lack of power (from the perspective of men, at least) was referenced so often here - from the way the townsfolk viewed Eudora to the way she held herself and spoke to the men that visited her. I enjoyed the times she stood tall and fierce and said what she wanted, regardless of the looks it might earn her - such a cool lady!
I also really, really loved her dogs, omg! Dogs are such pure, wonderful creatures, and having them be such focal points in the story was a treat. So comforting, aww.
My only regret is that I read this on a sunny day - it'd have been PERFECT for a rainy afternoon indoors! But it was still great, definitely recommended.
Something I've come to love and expect in S.H. Cooper's books is a badass woman character that isn't afraid to do what needs to be done - however terrified she actually may be - and I love that so much in my fiction, holy smokes! Inheriting Her Ghosts' Eudora Fellowes is exactly that type of lady, and I loved her - what a fierce protagonist!
Cooper absolutely nailed the atmosphere and aesthetic of gothic horror in this; I could almost feel the salty atmosphere outside of High Hearth, could almost see the flickering of light from the candelabra as Eudora walked through the halls. There was so much tension in some of the spookier scenes that I found myself unable to put the book down, finishing it in less than an hour because I didn't want to stop flipping the pages to find out what was going on.
I think a lot of books written in specific time periods forget how little respect/power women actually had in an effort to make the character more relatable in modern times, and I really enjoyed how well it was handled here, and how that lack of power (from the perspective of men, at least) was referenced so often here - from the way the townsfolk viewed Eudora to the way she held herself and spoke to the men that visited her. I enjoyed the times she stood tall and fierce and said what she wanted, regardless of the looks it might earn her - such a cool lady!
I also really, really loved her dogs, omg! Dogs are such pure, wonderful creatures, and having them be such focal points in the story was a treat. So comforting, aww.
My only regret is that I read this on a sunny day - it'd have been PERFECT for a rainy afternoon indoors! But it was still great, definitely recommended.
September 11, 2024
4.5 ⭐️ ( Rounded up for Goodreads)
Inheriting Her Ghosts is a quintessentially cozy, gothic, and atmospheric haunted house story. S.H. Cooper uses authentically historical prose that feels true to form but remains easily accessible.
The story revolves around Eudora Fellowes and her two wolf hounds, Cerberus and Black Shuck. Eudora inherits a seaside manor, High Hearth, from her estranged great-aunt. However, secrets and ghosts lurk within the halls of the estate and Eudora’s determined to solve the mystery.
There’s nothing overtly terrifying or gory in this little book but it’s abundantly spooky. High Hearth home has a personality all its own and Cooper’s attention to detail paints a lovely portrait. As much as I loved the haunted mansion and salty seaside setting, Eudora simply steals the show. She’s fiercely independent and has a feminist voice that’s well ahead of her time.
“At forty-three I was an oddity. By my matronly age, there were expectations, and I’d failed to meet them all. Truth be told, I’d never much cared for the male species. Or, more accurately, the human species as a whole. I was alone, and it suited me. But society cares not for the simple pleasures in which individuals indulge. If a person, particularly one of the fairer sex, does not fall into the status quo, then surely they must suffer from one malady or another. A woman’s choice is a questionable thing indeed when it does not lead to marriage and procreation.”
Inheriting Her Ghosts is the first time I’ve had the pleasure of reading S.H. Cooper and I was pleasantly delighted. At just 146 pages it’s a perfectly quick, cozy read on a dreary fall day.
Inheriting Her Ghosts is a quintessentially cozy, gothic, and atmospheric haunted house story. S.H. Cooper uses authentically historical prose that feels true to form but remains easily accessible.
The story revolves around Eudora Fellowes and her two wolf hounds, Cerberus and Black Shuck. Eudora inherits a seaside manor, High Hearth, from her estranged great-aunt. However, secrets and ghosts lurk within the halls of the estate and Eudora’s determined to solve the mystery.
There’s nothing overtly terrifying or gory in this little book but it’s abundantly spooky. High Hearth home has a personality all its own and Cooper’s attention to detail paints a lovely portrait. As much as I loved the haunted mansion and salty seaside setting, Eudora simply steals the show. She’s fiercely independent and has a feminist voice that’s well ahead of her time.
“At forty-three I was an oddity. By my matronly age, there were expectations, and I’d failed to meet them all. Truth be told, I’d never much cared for the male species. Or, more accurately, the human species as a whole. I was alone, and it suited me. But society cares not for the simple pleasures in which individuals indulge. If a person, particularly one of the fairer sex, does not fall into the status quo, then surely they must suffer from one malady or another. A woman’s choice is a questionable thing indeed when it does not lead to marriage and procreation.”
Inheriting Her Ghosts is the first time I’ve had the pleasure of reading S.H. Cooper and I was pleasantly delighted. At just 146 pages it’s a perfectly quick, cozy read on a dreary fall day.
December 9, 2021
I am a huge fan of the No Sleep Podcast and also read the stories on Reddit. When this one came out there was no doubt I’d be picking it up.
I love historical horror as a genre and just find the dreary and dark atmosphere so perfect for a ghost story. This had just that atmosphere. Perfect to read by the fire on a stormy night; with your dog sitting protectively close by.
The relationship between the MC and her dogs was lovely. I’m a sucker for animals, dogs in particular, in any book I read so this was a huge draw.
I also enjoyed the independence of the main female protagonist. At this point in history it was frowned upon for a woman to be single and self-sufficient. This was a refreshing take. She was strong and took on her problems (haunted house, evil ghosts, possible witchcraft) with a pragmatic and clear head.
Delightful ghosty read! I’ll be looking for more from S.H. Cooper!
I love historical horror as a genre and just find the dreary and dark atmosphere so perfect for a ghost story. This had just that atmosphere. Perfect to read by the fire on a stormy night; with your dog sitting protectively close by.
The relationship between the MC and her dogs was lovely. I’m a sucker for animals, dogs in particular, in any book I read so this was a huge draw.
I also enjoyed the independence of the main female protagonist. At this point in history it was frowned upon for a woman to be single and self-sufficient. This was a refreshing take. She was strong and took on her problems (haunted house, evil ghosts, possible witchcraft) with a pragmatic and clear head.
Delightful ghosty read! I’ll be looking for more from S.H. Cooper!
May 31, 2023
the atmosphere this book created was immaculate, true gothic delight! and Eudora Fellowes ily! just my kind of character🥰
October 16, 2023
This just oozed gothic. The prose was rich and delicious. It is a short tale but took me longer than expected to read, I took my time with the lavish description.
It was properly creepy in places, and i loved the strong female MC who did her own thing. The dogs were the stars of the story 5 stars.
It was properly creepy in places, and i loved the strong female MC who did her own thing. The dogs were the stars of the story 5 stars.
August 21, 2021
3.5⭐
Inheriting Her Ghosts is my second book by SH Cooper (the first was The Festering Ones). They are pretty different, and I liked seeing the author's range! This one is a spooky gothic story, and I especially loved the dogs.
Inheriting Her Ghosts has a slower pace, which fits with the gothic mood, but I had trouble staying invested after a while. This is a common experience for me with gothic stories, so I think readers who love this style will have a great time with this book.
Inheriting Her Ghosts is my second book by SH Cooper (the first was The Festering Ones). They are pretty different, and I liked seeing the author's range! This one is a spooky gothic story, and I especially loved the dogs.
Inheriting Her Ghosts has a slower pace, which fits with the gothic mood, but I had trouble staying invested after a while. This is a common experience for me with gothic stories, so I think readers who love this style will have a great time with this book.
January 3, 2022
When I read the initial synopsis of this book, I knew I was going to have to check it out. Then I watched this book reaction from J on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzEDn... and I realised I couldn't wait any longer.
I was VERY glad I picked it up right away, as it's a superb read.
Inheriting her Ghosts begins with a very calm, stately mood, as we read about the rich heiress who, with her two dogs, really doesn't fit in with the high society life. When she inherits High Hearth, in an isolated, rural community, she sees it as the perfect opportunity to move away from the city and the obligations and expectations that brings. This initial segment is full of great description, some really great humour and some thinly-veiled social commentary on the way women were expected to live at the time.
Up to this point, I was enjoying the book, but felt things were quite mild. "I hope things get a bit creepier" I thought to myself.
Well, I need not have worried, because when the scares arrive... suffice to say, I had more than one incident of my heart hammering in my chest.
The way the titular ghosts are described is somewhat different to what I'm used to in hauntings, but performed to such great effect that I was seriously uncomfortable at various points.
Things build to a satisfying end for the intriguing cast, so I can't really recommend this book enough.
I'll be delving into more of Cooper's long fiction soon.
I was VERY glad I picked it up right away, as it's a superb read.
Inheriting her Ghosts begins with a very calm, stately mood, as we read about the rich heiress who, with her two dogs, really doesn't fit in with the high society life. When she inherits High Hearth, in an isolated, rural community, she sees it as the perfect opportunity to move away from the city and the obligations and expectations that brings. This initial segment is full of great description, some really great humour and some thinly-veiled social commentary on the way women were expected to live at the time.
Up to this point, I was enjoying the book, but felt things were quite mild. "I hope things get a bit creepier" I thought to myself.
Well, I need not have worried, because when the scares arrive... suffice to say, I had more than one incident of my heart hammering in my chest.
The way the titular ghosts are described is somewhat different to what I'm used to in hauntings, but performed to such great effect that I was seriously uncomfortable at various points.
Things build to a satisfying end for the intriguing cast, so I can't really recommend this book enough.
I'll be delving into more of Cooper's long fiction soon.
July 17, 2021
INHERITING HER GHOSTS by S.H. Cooper – I Love This Book, I Love The Writing—Highly, Highly, Highly Recommend!!
The opening sentence:
‘The house inherited me as much as I did it. We were alike, this house and I. Both filled with bones that creaked and dark hallways where memories lingered still.’
Here’s another example:
‘‘Night made a labyrinth of the house and it seemed to build itself further in shadow. Rooms doubled in the dark, hallways pressed in and pointed on, longer than they had before. It was a restless place in a way I had not known a building could be; unsatisfied, hungry, the very air thick with its disquiet.’
Thank you, S.H. Cooper, for providing me with an eBook of INHERITING HER GHOSTS in the request for an honest review.
The opening sentence:
‘The house inherited me as much as I did it. We were alike, this house and I. Both filled with bones that creaked and dark hallways where memories lingered still.’
Here’s another example:
‘‘Night made a labyrinth of the house and it seemed to build itself further in shadow. Rooms doubled in the dark, hallways pressed in and pointed on, longer than they had before. It was a restless place in a way I had not known a building could be; unsatisfied, hungry, the very air thick with its disquiet.’
Thank you, S.H. Cooper, for providing me with an eBook of INHERITING HER GHOSTS in the request for an honest review.
October 23, 2021
3.5 “was quite content to fill my rooms with books and art instead of people.” Me too Eudora, me too.
This book was a really enjoyable novella. If you’re looking for a bite-size entry into quiet gothic horror, then look no further.
Cooper creates a very eerie atmosphere at High Hearth. Eudora is a very strong female character who know her own mind and isn’t afraid to tell you all about it. I love the fact that Eudora has to dogs that she references as “my pair” aka Black Shuck and Cerberus.
But, I really wanted more from this. I wanted a little bit more character development and a little bit more haunting.
Still a very quick, enjoyable read!
This book was a really enjoyable novella. If you’re looking for a bite-size entry into quiet gothic horror, then look no further.
Cooper creates a very eerie atmosphere at High Hearth. Eudora is a very strong female character who know her own mind and isn’t afraid to tell you all about it. I love the fact that Eudora has to dogs that she references as “my pair” aka Black Shuck and Cerberus.
But, I really wanted more from this. I wanted a little bit more character development and a little bit more haunting.
Still a very quick, enjoyable read!
April 30, 2025
Eudora Fellowes leads for the most part a simple life, one for a woman of her time may appear to others as odd being single at forty three with only her dogs as companions, but for her she could not ask for anything more. That is until she discovers she is the sole heir to her Great Aunt Emmeline's fortune, including a seaside estate in the country side and while she is a little hesitant at first to accept, remembering little of the aunt or her home she decides a vacation home away from the city may be nice. The minute Mr. Bentley her aunt's solicitor brings her in High Hearth she knows she's made the right choice, the huge mansion may cluttered and too much for one woman and her dogs but she knows that this is her home. What she doesn't know is that others are already there, trapped for eternity, who spiraled from grief to madness.
First of all that cover is next freaking level genius as well as the title it all ties in so well to the story that had I not already bought the book on the strength of the cover alone I'd buy it again. Hell, I might actually do that and buy a copy for my kiddo.
Onto the review.
This was a wonderfully done Gothic horror that delves into grief, women's agency, and how we all choose to approach these things in a manner that is so very complete for such a short read. Both Eudora and Emmeline faced ridicule in their lives due to their decisions to remain unmarried, and they both take very different approaches to deal with them. While Eudora certainly does not experience the pain of losing a child as her Great Aunt does, even if she had I simply do not see her opting to become the bitter, hatred filled human her Aunt does. The only thing I will disagree with Eudora on with this is I wholeheartedly believe her aunt was probably a horrible person her whole life. I understand snapping, but there's a difference between snapping and what Emmeline does. I definitely have zero sympathy for Emmeline. Which of course makes her a great bad guy! I have even less for Ms. Bell, I'm not going to go into her right now because I don't want to spoil too much, but woah, did that woman make a choice, and it was a terrible one.
Since this was a short story, I'm not going to go too much into pacing as ya know it had to be quick, but I loved the world building here. Obviously the world is simply nothing more than a handful of rooms in a giant home but Cooper does such an excellent job describing this really kind of tiny area that by the end when the final battle goes down I didn't have to worry if I knew where the parlor was or what hall Eudora was referring too. She really does an excellent job of giving the reader important background details for both her life and her aunt's in a manner that is simply a part of the story. Again, given how short it is, these points could have come across as feeling like bulletpoint facts, but their beautifully worked into the story. Especially the fact that Eudora's parents supported her whatever she chose to do with her life.
The dogs can not review this without the dogs. Let's just say Cerebrus and Black Shuck and the very best of boys!
Highly recommend this for anyone who likes a good gothic horror and especially if you like dogs!
First of all that cover is next freaking level genius as well as the title it all ties in so well to the story that had I not already bought the book on the strength of the cover alone I'd buy it again. Hell, I might actually do that and buy a copy for my kiddo.
Onto the review.
This was a wonderfully done Gothic horror that delves into grief, women's agency, and how we all choose to approach these things in a manner that is so very complete for such a short read. Both Eudora and Emmeline faced ridicule in their lives due to their decisions to remain unmarried, and they both take very different approaches to deal with them. While Eudora certainly does not experience the pain of losing a child as her Great Aunt does, even if she had I simply do not see her opting to become the bitter, hatred filled human her Aunt does. The only thing I will disagree with Eudora on with this is I wholeheartedly believe her aunt was probably a horrible person her whole life. I understand snapping, but there's a difference between snapping and what Emmeline does. I definitely have zero sympathy for Emmeline. Which of course makes her a great bad guy! I have even less for Ms. Bell, I'm not going to go into her right now because I don't want to spoil too much, but woah, did that woman make a choice, and it was a terrible one.
Since this was a short story, I'm not going to go too much into pacing as ya know it had to be quick, but I loved the world building here. Obviously the world is simply nothing more than a handful of rooms in a giant home but Cooper does such an excellent job describing this really kind of tiny area that by the end when the final battle goes down I didn't have to worry if I knew where the parlor was or what hall Eudora was referring too. She really does an excellent job of giving the reader important background details for both her life and her aunt's in a manner that is simply a part of the story. Again, given how short it is, these points could have come across as feeling like bulletpoint facts, but their beautifully worked into the story. Especially the fact that Eudora's parents supported her whatever she chose to do with her life.
The dogs can not review this without the dogs. Let's just say Cerebrus and Black Shuck and the very best of boys!
Highly recommend this for anyone who likes a good gothic horror and especially if you like dogs!
May 1, 2023
Full text review: https://jamreads.com/reviews/inheriti...
Inheriting Her Ghost is a short gothic horror novella, written by S. H. Cooper. As it placed 4th in the BBNYA 2022, it was on my radar for a long time, and I can say it hasn't disappointed me, especially with how well the atmosphere aspect is done.
Eudora Fellowes is a woman that doesn't adjust to the conventions of her epoque, living alone with the only company of her dogs; and when she becomes the only inheritor of High Hearth, it seems like the escape she was waiting for has come to her.
Once she moves, she will start discovering that High Hearth is not exactly the pleasant place she hoped; and that the ghosts of her past are still haunting it.
With this premise, we have a nice gothic horror novella, in line with what we could expect of the genre, describing a haunting, putting a lot of the narrative weight in constructing an oppressive atmosphere, probably the brightest aspect of the story.
We can perfectly say that this story complies with many of the elements of the genre, remembering by moments to The Haunting of Hill House. Even if some of the elements are not exactly original, they are well executed.
Taking into account the novella's length, and pacing it is in a great spot, as Cooper uses perfectly the number of words to create an engaging story that doesn't stop for a single moment, introducing many of the characters as long as the plot advances.
Inheriting Her Ghosts is an excellent example of what can be done in a novella, and a great representation of the gothic horror subgenre. If you loved other books such as The Turn of the Screw or The Haunting of Hill House, you should try this one.
Inheriting Her Ghost is a short gothic horror novella, written by S. H. Cooper. As it placed 4th in the BBNYA 2022, it was on my radar for a long time, and I can say it hasn't disappointed me, especially with how well the atmosphere aspect is done.
Eudora Fellowes is a woman that doesn't adjust to the conventions of her epoque, living alone with the only company of her dogs; and when she becomes the only inheritor of High Hearth, it seems like the escape she was waiting for has come to her.
Once she moves, she will start discovering that High Hearth is not exactly the pleasant place she hoped; and that the ghosts of her past are still haunting it.
With this premise, we have a nice gothic horror novella, in line with what we could expect of the genre, describing a haunting, putting a lot of the narrative weight in constructing an oppressive atmosphere, probably the brightest aspect of the story.
We can perfectly say that this story complies with many of the elements of the genre, remembering by moments to The Haunting of Hill House. Even if some of the elements are not exactly original, they are well executed.
Taking into account the novella's length, and pacing it is in a great spot, as Cooper uses perfectly the number of words to create an engaging story that doesn't stop for a single moment, introducing many of the characters as long as the plot advances.
Inheriting Her Ghosts is an excellent example of what can be done in a novella, and a great representation of the gothic horror subgenre. If you loved other books such as The Turn of the Screw or The Haunting of Hill House, you should try this one.
August 30, 2021
Review to come in apex magazine
October 17, 2022
A sad tale
I love Eudora Fellowes and her dogs, Cerberus and Black Shuck. It’s lovely to read about an introverted woman who enjoys her own company and spending time with her dogs.
This gothic tale is moving and sad. I liked the grief aspect to it. The people are all very well drawn, and the descriptions of High Heath and what haunts it were vividly depicted.
An absorbing read.
I love Eudora Fellowes and her dogs, Cerberus and Black Shuck. It’s lovely to read about an introverted woman who enjoys her own company and spending time with her dogs.
This gothic tale is moving and sad. I liked the grief aspect to it. The people are all very well drawn, and the descriptions of High Heath and what haunts it were vividly depicted.
An absorbing read.
August 8, 2021
I love reading books by S.H. Cooper.
I'm not always a fan of Gothic stories, but Cooper's writing style works so well for me in Inheriting Her Ghosts. This book is filled with ghosts, dogs, and a strong woman MC among other things, but that's really all I need.
Inheriting Her Ghosts turned out to be such a comfort read for me. When I need a hug from something scary, I will reach for this book again. Recommended!
I'm not always a fan of Gothic stories, but Cooper's writing style works so well for me in Inheriting Her Ghosts. This book is filled with ghosts, dogs, and a strong woman MC among other things, but that's really all I need.
Inheriting Her Ghosts turned out to be such a comfort read for me. When I need a hug from something scary, I will reach for this book again. Recommended!
June 5, 2021
Wow! I am a sucker for a great ghost story. Especially if it’s set in the Victorian Era, huge gothic castle by the sea, dreaded by all who live near by. People missing, whispering of evil, ghosts and the occult. Shady history and it’s all been inherited by one long lost great niece.
Full review soon closer to release date once it’s announced but look for it in July. Trust, me this is a novella you will devour!
Full review soon closer to release date once it’s announced but look for it in July. Trust, me this is a novella you will devour!
May 2, 2023
I was lucky enough to be allocated Inheriting Her Ghosts for every round of BBNYA 2022. It was one of my favourites in both rounds 1 and 2, so I was so happy to read the whole book for the final round.
The story begins with Eudora Fellowes, the sole heir of her estranged great-aunt’s manor. Eudora had had a rough time in her current home and with the people who lived in the local area, especially since the death of her parents, and believed that moving to High Hearth was the perfect solution to her problems. In reality, High Hearth would become her living nightmare. It held secrets of the past, secrets about Eudora’s family that she probably would have preferred to not uncover.
There are some very interesting characters in this story. I liked Eudora a lot, and my main reason was because she didn’t conform to society’s expectations, and she wasn’t bothered about what people thought of her either. She was unapologetically herself, always. I adored Cerberus and Black Shuck! Who doesn’t love animal side characters? They do say that animals (particularly dogs) can sense things better than humans and the way that the boys behaved showed that. They were both so protective of Eudora, and unquestionably loyal, the perfect companions. I know that if I was ever in Eudora’s situation, I would want Cerberus and Black Shuck by my side.
The build up of the hauntings is slow and steady throughout the story, but the intensity really picks up in the second half. The horror elements completely take hold, with some chilling, and spine tingling moments that will leave you sleeping with the lights on, if you can even sleep at all. High Hearth holds a darkness that if you’re not careful will totally consume you.
The spooky mansion house, the lone new occupier, the creaking floorboards, this book has all of the elements of your classic ghost story, and I loved every second of it. I really enjoyed the writing style too, and I will definitely be reading more from this author in the future.
I give Inheriting Her Ghosts a 4.5 star rating!
The story begins with Eudora Fellowes, the sole heir of her estranged great-aunt’s manor. Eudora had had a rough time in her current home and with the people who lived in the local area, especially since the death of her parents, and believed that moving to High Hearth was the perfect solution to her problems. In reality, High Hearth would become her living nightmare. It held secrets of the past, secrets about Eudora’s family that she probably would have preferred to not uncover.
There are some very interesting characters in this story. I liked Eudora a lot, and my main reason was because she didn’t conform to society’s expectations, and she wasn’t bothered about what people thought of her either. She was unapologetically herself, always. I adored Cerberus and Black Shuck! Who doesn’t love animal side characters? They do say that animals (particularly dogs) can sense things better than humans and the way that the boys behaved showed that. They were both so protective of Eudora, and unquestionably loyal, the perfect companions. I know that if I was ever in Eudora’s situation, I would want Cerberus and Black Shuck by my side.
The build up of the hauntings is slow and steady throughout the story, but the intensity really picks up in the second half. The horror elements completely take hold, with some chilling, and spine tingling moments that will leave you sleeping with the lights on, if you can even sleep at all. High Hearth holds a darkness that if you’re not careful will totally consume you.
The spooky mansion house, the lone new occupier, the creaking floorboards, this book has all of the elements of your classic ghost story, and I loved every second of it. I really enjoyed the writing style too, and I will definitely be reading more from this author in the future.
I give Inheriting Her Ghosts a 4.5 star rating!
July 23, 2021
Absolute gothic perfection.
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December 23, 2022Congratulations for placing 4th in the 2022 BBNYA Competition!
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