House of Desolation by Alex Webster

An eerie supernatural thriller set against a haunted Regency backdrop, House of Desolation by Alex Webster is a chilling portrait of secrets, sanity, and the resiliency of family love.

When Sir Thomas Hargrave inherits a crumbling family manor, the unexpected windfall seems like an ideal foundation for him and his wife Eleanor to begin their new life together. Along with the financial burden of renovation, however, the young couple must weather mysterious occurrences and accidents on the estate, as well as the looming sense that a tragic specter of innocence remains trapped within the walls. As their marriage begins to fracture and madness creeps in from every corner, the pair must purge the unforgivable sin of a bloodline to protect their unborn child.

The consistency of Webster’s historical pastiche is seamless and immersive – every line of dialogue and minor description fits neatly in the Georgian period’s lexicon and style, with subdued emotions that increase the sense of foreboding. Further toying with the reader’s expectations with occasional unreliable narration, the prose is cleverly crafted and alluring, encouraging close reading and analysis for deeper meaning. The supporting cast is rich with lurid aristocrats who act as functional foils, but also facilitate broader thematic explorations of class, religion, parenthood, and mental illness.

Playing on timeless psychological fears with the layered suspense of gothic drama, this novel is a masterclass in historical horror.

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