The Last Heir to Blackwood Library

In post–World War I England, a young woman inherits a mysterious library and must untangle its powerful secrets…

With the stroke of a pen, twenty-three-year-old Ivy Radcliffe becomes Lady Hayworth, owner of a sprawling estate on the Yorkshire moors. Ivy has never heard of Blackwood Abbey, or of the ancient bloodline from which she’s descended. With nothing to keep her in London since losing her brother in the Great War, she warily makes her way to her new home.

The abbey is foreboding, the servants reserved and suspicious. But there is a treasure waiting behind locked doors: a magnificent library. Despite cryptic warnings from the staff, Ivy feels irresistibly drawn to its dusty shelves, where familiar works mingle with strange, esoteric texts. And she senses something else in the library too, a presence that seems to have a will of its own.

Rumors swirl in the village about the abbey’s previous owners, about ghosts and curses, and an enigmatic manuscript at the center of it all. And as events grow more sinister, it will be up to Ivy to uncover the library’s mysteries in order to reclaim her own story—before it vanishes forever.

This discussion guide was shared and sponsored in partnership with Graydon House Books.

Book club questions for The Last Heir to Blackwood Library by Hester Fox

Use these discussion questions to guide your next book club meeting.

What role does memory (or the loss thereof) play in the grieving process for Ivy?

Both Ivy and Sir Arthur love their respective fathers, but that love is manifested in very different ways. Do you think Sir Arthur was justified in what he did in trying to win his father’s affection?

If you had been in Ivy’s position, would you have accepted a bequest like that of Blackwood Abbey? Why or why not?

Throughout history and continuing into the present day, women’s knowledge is oftentimes overlooked, diminished, or completely omitted from the historical record. Additionally, women are often not believed when it comes to their own lived experiences. In what ways do we see this in the book, both with Matilda at the beginning, and then Ivy’s storyline?

What part does the theme of isolation—both physical and emotional—play in the story?

Why do you think Ivy is initially attracted to Sir Arthur? If you were in Ivy’s position, would you be willing to sacrifice love for stability and protection? Why or why not?

The Last Heir to Blackwood Library Book Club Questions PDF

Click here for a printable PDF of the The Last Heir to Blackwood Library discussion questions

"Weaves a spell of darkness that’s mysterious and magical, and binds it with a knot of deathless love."—New York Times bestselling author Susanna Kearsley

"An atmospheric and heartbreaking tale of loss, dark magic and the power of love, this brilliant book will stay with you long after the last page."—Constance Sayers, author of The Ladies of the Secret Circus

"Hester Fox transports readers to the windswept Yorkshire moors in The Last Heir to Blackwood Library, delivering a magnificent and poignant tale of family curses, an ancient abbey and the wounds of war. This is every Gothic romance reader's dream come true!”—Rosanna Leo, author of Darke Passion

“With her trademark wit and lyricism, Hester Fox weaves a tale that is equal parts compelling and fantastical gothic mystery, swoon-worthy love story, and a genuine exploration of living with grief. The Last Heir to Blackwood Library gripped me from the very first page, keeping me on the edge of my seat and rooting for its independent and clever heroine until the very last. Rife with classic literary references and loving odes to the magic of reading, this story is a true delight for book lovers that is sure to be a new staple of the modern gothic genre!”—Marielle Thompson, author of Where Ivy Dares to Grow

"Immersive historical detail and a gripping, intricate plot combine to plunge readers headlong into a rags-to-riches tale laced with betrayal and intrigue. This is a treat for bibliophiles."—Publisher's Weekly

“Combining history, the occult, human greed, and a touch of feminism, this is a fine addition to the gothic genre.”—ALA Booklist