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Dark Inheritance
“He said murder-suicide.”
When Rosaline Lysgaard hears those words over the phone she doesn’t realize that she is about to inherit much more than her father’s estate and money. For the first time since she was 13 she must return home to Skummel Manor, with the hope of figuring out what really happened to her father.
Together with her, emotionally disturbed, twin brother Wren, she discovers a dark and disturbing family history. However, something besides secrets lurks in the corners of her childhood home; something sinister that wants what only Rosaline and Wren have to give; their Lysgaard blood line.
Rosaline must dig through her family’s long and sordid past to stop a centuries old curse from taking more lives. She must also sort through and deal with her own past; was the man in the shadows real, or a figment of her childhood imagination? Rosaline knows she doesn’t have a lot of time before the insanity that lingers in her DNA causes her and Wren to follow in their father’s footsteps.
When Rosaline Lysgaard hears those words over the phone she doesn’t realize that she is about to inherit much more than her father’s estate and money. For the first time since she was 13 she must return home to Skummel Manor, with the hope of figuring out what really happened to her father.
Together with her, emotionally disturbed, twin brother Wren, she discovers a dark and disturbing family history. However, something besides secrets lurks in the corners of her childhood home; something sinister that wants what only Rosaline and Wren have to give; their Lysgaard blood line.
Rosaline must dig through her family’s long and sordid past to stop a centuries old curse from taking more lives. She must also sort through and deal with her own past; was the man in the shadows real, or a figment of her childhood imagination? Rosaline knows she doesn’t have a lot of time before the insanity that lingers in her DNA causes her and Wren to follow in their father’s footsteps.
- GenresHorror
248 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 14, 2016
288 people want to read
About the author
Renee Lake
14 books129 followersRenee Lake is a 39-year-old Puerto Rican from Utah.
Renee has four children.
She is married to a fellow book lover and their house has more bookshelves than anything else.
Renee loves bats halloween, dinosaurs and is passionate about women's reproductive rights and equality.
As a small child, she wanted to be a vampire more than a princess and filled notebooks and old floppy disks with stories. She prefers to lend a dark tinge to her writing.
Her stupid super-hero power is the ability to hear a song once and be able to sing it back.
When she's not taming crazy kids or working full time she is writing. You can also find her exploring the wilds of Thedas or shopping at the Citadel.
She has several novels for sale through Smashwords and amazon.com. Some under her maiden name: Renee Travis
Her newest novel The Infested will be released Oct 2023 from Hansen House
You can see more of her flash fiction soon at Spider Road Press and Nightingale and Sparrow.
Renee has four children.
She is married to a fellow book lover and their house has more bookshelves than anything else.
Renee loves bats halloween, dinosaurs and is passionate about women's reproductive rights and equality.
As a small child, she wanted to be a vampire more than a princess and filled notebooks and old floppy disks with stories. She prefers to lend a dark tinge to her writing.
Her stupid super-hero power is the ability to hear a song once and be able to sing it back.
When she's not taming crazy kids or working full time she is writing. You can also find her exploring the wilds of Thedas or shopping at the Citadel.
She has several novels for sale through Smashwords and amazon.com. Some under her maiden name: Renee Travis
Her newest novel The Infested will be released Oct 2023 from Hansen House
You can see more of her flash fiction soon at Spider Road Press and Nightingale and Sparrow.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 4, 2016
My newest novel, a gothic ghost story. Comes out December 14th 2016 for e readers every where! However if you want to order print editions they are available now, in time for Christmas. .PDF, EPUB and .mobi are available if you want to review, just send me a message!!
There are two covers, one for ebooks and one for paperback, let me know which one you like better :)
There are two covers, one for ebooks and one for paperback, let me know which one you like better :)
December 6, 2016
Book Title: Dark Inheritance
Release date: December 14th, 2016. Coming soon to your e-readers!
Book Author: Renee Lake
Source: Was gifted by the author for an honest review
Rating: 5 stars
Dark Inheritance is told primarily from three point of views (the adult twin siblings) and Rosaline's daughter. It was good to see the main character of being a mother, added a little spice to the dark story line. It was also a nice touch to add her daughter's point of view because the girl was doing an homework assignment about the family. With her point of view, we learned what she learned about the family and she was able to tell her mother all about it.
It was good to see her kids being different ages. The author reflected their difference very well in they way of banter, emotions, and events. I'm also embarrassed to say that the teenage conversation over Skype was confusing to me at first... shows my age. Yikes! ;) (I'm not that old but I'm not a teenager either.) The banter between characters and the descriptions were wonderful to read and added more to the story. Good banter and descriptions really do help out in stories that are mainstreams (like about ghosts).
This is not a novel for everyone and is for readers older than 21. There are some explicit adult details, and if you don't read novels that have hints of rape, don't read this one. It's a good book to read during October, ghosts and all, but really can be read any time. It's about a family after all and a spooky house.
The ending is a memorable one and leaves room for a future continuation. It would be interesting seeing a short story or novella to see what happens to the burned 'witches'.
Release date: December 14th, 2016. Coming soon to your e-readers!
Book Author: Renee Lake
Source: Was gifted by the author for an honest review
Rating: 5 stars
Dark Inheritance is told primarily from three point of views (the adult twin siblings) and Rosaline's daughter. It was good to see the main character of being a mother, added a little spice to the dark story line. It was also a nice touch to add her daughter's point of view because the girl was doing an homework assignment about the family. With her point of view, we learned what she learned about the family and she was able to tell her mother all about it.
It was good to see her kids being different ages. The author reflected their difference very well in they way of banter, emotions, and events. I'm also embarrassed to say that the teenage conversation over Skype was confusing to me at first... shows my age. Yikes! ;) (I'm not that old but I'm not a teenager either.) The banter between characters and the descriptions were wonderful to read and added more to the story. Good banter and descriptions really do help out in stories that are mainstreams (like about ghosts).
This is not a novel for everyone and is for readers older than 21. There are some explicit adult details, and if you don't read novels that have hints of rape, don't read this one. It's a good book to read during October, ghosts and all, but really can be read any time. It's about a family after all and a spooky house.
The ending is a memorable one and leaves room for a future continuation. It would be interesting seeing a short story or novella to see what happens to the burned 'witches'.
January 10, 2017
I need to preface this review by saying this is a genre I don't usually read. However, I read the blurb and was intrigued and thought I would give it a go.
The story was interesting, but I will admit was a bit of a hard slog to get through at the start. In fact the first 50 pages were pretty difficult overall. But once it got cracking, it took off and I read most of it in one sitting as I was always wanting to find out what had caused the problem to begin with and how it was ultimately going to be resolved. And when it was, I sat back and thought, 'Really? I'm not sure I like how this has been wrapped up'. But - and this is super important - I still had five or so pages left to read at this stage. I won't say what happened, but it was very well done and took me from the point of going 'I'm not sure' to 'what a great ending'.
However as great as the ending, and the general interest of the storyline was overall there is a reason for the 3 star rating, and it's not just due to the nature of the first fifty pages. There are errors in this book. A lot of them. Some of it is basic grammar, some of it is spelling or the use of incorrect words in places (ie past when it should have been passed), and each of these are types of errors I would have expected an editor to have caught. And that is the big thing with this book: as good as the storyline is, the book is in desperate need of a thorough editing. Without it, it has been enough for my enjoyment of this book to be sullied quite significantly.
If you can look past these errors there is an intriguing read to be found here. I give Dark Inheritance 3/5
The story was interesting, but I will admit was a bit of a hard slog to get through at the start. In fact the first 50 pages were pretty difficult overall. But once it got cracking, it took off and I read most of it in one sitting as I was always wanting to find out what had caused the problem to begin with and how it was ultimately going to be resolved. And when it was, I sat back and thought, 'Really? I'm not sure I like how this has been wrapped up'. But - and this is super important - I still had five or so pages left to read at this stage. I won't say what happened, but it was very well done and took me from the point of going 'I'm not sure' to 'what a great ending'.
However as great as the ending, and the general interest of the storyline was overall there is a reason for the 3 star rating, and it's not just due to the nature of the first fifty pages. There are errors in this book. A lot of them. Some of it is basic grammar, some of it is spelling or the use of incorrect words in places (ie past when it should have been passed), and each of these are types of errors I would have expected an editor to have caught. And that is the big thing with this book: as good as the storyline is, the book is in desperate need of a thorough editing. Without it, it has been enough for my enjoyment of this book to be sullied quite significantly.
If you can look past these errors there is an intriguing read to be found here. I give Dark Inheritance 3/5
May 29, 2024
A gripping, haunting story from beginning to end. A terrific storyline and wonderful characters. And that ending was definitely a surprise!!! I loved this story so much!!!
May 10, 2024
Haunting and thrilling
Dark Inheritance was a fantastic read. I couldn't put it down! The tale of a family with a dark history that seems to repeat itself. Why does this happen? How does this happen? The story starts out with a murder-suicide. There are many flashbacks of ancestors living through impossible love. There is a lot of back and forth in the past and present between diary entries and dream sequences. The whole story was enticing. Definitely recommend this book!
Dark Inheritance was a fantastic read. I couldn't put it down! The tale of a family with a dark history that seems to repeat itself. Why does this happen? How does this happen? The story starts out with a murder-suicide. There are many flashbacks of ancestors living through impossible love. There is a lot of back and forth in the past and present between diary entries and dream sequences. The whole story was enticing. Definitely recommend this book!
December 9, 2016
Following the alleged murder-suicide of her aunt and father, Rosaline finds that she is heiress to the family fortune and estate, Skummel Manor. Having been shielded since early childhood from Skum House—as she and her brother lovingly call it—she revisits the ancestral mansion to tie up some loose ends. Upon her return, and with her own family in tow, she is met by the faithful servants of her youth…and two other entities who prove to be less dutiful.
Dark Inheritance is a combination murder/mystery and paranormal/horror story with an interesting plot and creative jumps between the Lysgaard family back-story and a contemporary narrative. Lake does a nice job weaving the two, dancing back and forth through time in the form of visions, dreams, and diary entries.
The story starts slowly, but if you hang in until after page 45/46, it begins to pick up quickly. The plot itself is interesting and, frankly, the integration of suicide, rape, and incest—all well executed and indispensable to the intrigue of Dark Inheritance—elevate Lake's narrative to a level that other less gallant authors might shy away from. She makes no attempt to use the broad brush of ambiguity in meating out what needed to be told, and I respect that degree of boldness in Lake's brand of storytelling. What I didn’t find particularly believable was the continuous shrugging-off of sightings and events taking place within the house. I also found that, aside from two ghostly encounters involving Rosaline's oldest daughter Tania (the second of three POV characters), the story itself wasn't notably scary. That's not to say it wasn't intriguing (because it is), just that it didn’t heighten my blood pressure.
The biggest detraction, and where Dark Inheritance is let down the most, is in its editing. However unique the plot and however daring its author, the mistakes are enough to pull a reader right out of the story. In the hands of a skilled editor, I think Dark Inheritance has the right bone structure to be deeply satisfying, and could be polished to a golden shine.
I'd *totes* recommend Dark Inheritance to lovers of the murder/mystery and paranormal genres, as well as to readers who have an interest in darker stories by fearless female authors.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'd like to spend the rest of my weekend imagining myself having lunch with the crotchety-old Faline, who I found wildly endearing, and making sure I steer clear of shadows.
Five stars for a unique plot.
Three stars for execution.
Four stars overall.
Special thanks to the author, who provided a copy of Dark Inheritance for my honest opinion, which this certainly is.
Dark Inheritance is a combination murder/mystery and paranormal/horror story with an interesting plot and creative jumps between the Lysgaard family back-story and a contemporary narrative. Lake does a nice job weaving the two, dancing back and forth through time in the form of visions, dreams, and diary entries.
The story starts slowly, but if you hang in until after page 45/46, it begins to pick up quickly. The plot itself is interesting and, frankly, the integration of suicide, rape, and incest—all well executed and indispensable to the intrigue of Dark Inheritance—elevate Lake's narrative to a level that other less gallant authors might shy away from. She makes no attempt to use the broad brush of ambiguity in meating out what needed to be told, and I respect that degree of boldness in Lake's brand of storytelling. What I didn’t find particularly believable was the continuous shrugging-off of sightings and events taking place within the house. I also found that, aside from two ghostly encounters involving Rosaline's oldest daughter Tania (the second of three POV characters), the story itself wasn't notably scary. That's not to say it wasn't intriguing (because it is), just that it didn’t heighten my blood pressure.
The biggest detraction, and where Dark Inheritance is let down the most, is in its editing. However unique the plot and however daring its author, the mistakes are enough to pull a reader right out of the story. In the hands of a skilled editor, I think Dark Inheritance has the right bone structure to be deeply satisfying, and could be polished to a golden shine.
I'd *totes* recommend Dark Inheritance to lovers of the murder/mystery and paranormal genres, as well as to readers who have an interest in darker stories by fearless female authors.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'd like to spend the rest of my weekend imagining myself having lunch with the crotchety-old Faline, who I found wildly endearing, and making sure I steer clear of shadows.
Five stars for a unique plot.
Three stars for execution.
Four stars overall.
Special thanks to the author, who provided a copy of Dark Inheritance for my honest opinion, which this certainly is.
January 3, 2017
Rosaline Lysgaard is living in California, happily married with three children. After receiving the shocking news that her father and aunt are both dead as a result of a murder suicide, she returns to her childhood home of Skummel Manor in Ohio.
Rosaline and her twin brother, Wren, have not been to their old home since they were thirteen. The house has secrets and ghosts. Twins are a common occurrence in the Lysgaard family and it soon becomes clear that twins are the object of a centuries old family curse.
I liked Rosaline who is a no nonsense, capable person. Her character contrasts well with that of Wren, who is overly sensitive and vulnerable. I also liked Tania, Rosaline's sixteen year old daughter; a typical teenager, wanting to impress her friends but fiercely protective of her family. She's working on a school assignment about her family history and through her notes and research written after exploring the manor, she discovers more about the Lysgaards, and her ancestors in Denmark.
The point of view switches between Rosaline, Wren and Tania, giving an insight into these characters' thoughts and feelings.
The plot is interesting and unpredictable with flashbacks to the past depicted through dreams and visions of the main characters. The writing is imaginative and detailed with vivid descriptions of Skummel Manor, adding to the suspense and general feeling of unease. The creepy atmosphere is well conveyed through unexplained noises and sightings.
An intriguing and original paranormal mystery.
Rosaline and her twin brother, Wren, have not been to their old home since they were thirteen. The house has secrets and ghosts. Twins are a common occurrence in the Lysgaard family and it soon becomes clear that twins are the object of a centuries old family curse.
I liked Rosaline who is a no nonsense, capable person. Her character contrasts well with that of Wren, who is overly sensitive and vulnerable. I also liked Tania, Rosaline's sixteen year old daughter; a typical teenager, wanting to impress her friends but fiercely protective of her family. She's working on a school assignment about her family history and through her notes and research written after exploring the manor, she discovers more about the Lysgaards, and her ancestors in Denmark.
The point of view switches between Rosaline, Wren and Tania, giving an insight into these characters' thoughts and feelings.
The plot is interesting and unpredictable with flashbacks to the past depicted through dreams and visions of the main characters. The writing is imaginative and detailed with vivid descriptions of Skummel Manor, adding to the suspense and general feeling of unease. The creepy atmosphere is well conveyed through unexplained noises and sightings.
An intriguing and original paranormal mystery.
June 4, 2024
Dark Inheritance by Renee Lake is a fictional ghost story. This was quite different than my usual read but I like to read and I will read anything that is good. This was well written with a great plot, engaging story line, likable characters and believable world building. I loved learning about Skummel Manor and the family history through the eyes of characters. Rosaline and Wren were characters that you became invested in as you the story. I also enjoyed the flashbacks of the past.
I definitely recommend this tale if you enjoy gothic ghost stories. It was a fun read.
I definitely recommend this tale if you enjoy gothic ghost stories. It was a fun read.
May 10, 2024
Haunting
Absolutely thrilling! This horror story sucked me in right away, and I could not put it down. The characters are interesting and wonderfully done. Renee's attention to detail makes you feel like you are there. I enjoyed the diary and the dream sequences. They added a great depth to the book. An absolute must for horror fans.
Absolutely thrilling! This horror story sucked me in right away, and I could not put it down. The characters are interesting and wonderfully done. Renee's attention to detail makes you feel like you are there. I enjoyed the diary and the dream sequences. They added a great depth to the book. An absolute must for horror fans.
June 11, 2024
This is a murder/mystery intwined with paranormal/horror. The plot is very different than what you expect and weaves a wonderful back story with current life.
It starts slow, building up to the story but once it gets there OMG you won't be able to put it down!
It starts slow, building up to the story but once it gets there OMG you won't be able to put it down!
June 15, 2024
I enjoyed this book as a whole and didn't want to put it down. I do admit that I did not pay attention to the trigger warnings for this book and recommend that you do check the triggers. Even with the triggers I still truly enjoyed the book. I would recommend to anyone that likes Gothic Fiction.
June 22, 2024
Chilling
I've gotta say, this book has an abundance of plot twists. Also, prepare to be spooked! I've still got goosebumps!
I've gotta say, this book has an abundance of plot twists. Also, prepare to be spooked! I've still got goosebumps!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews