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The Inheritance
A novel of a house haunted by an ancient evil. A tale of lies, envy, and curses spanning generations. Mike Gray is still reeling from the sudden death of his father when he inherits Willow House, his father’s childhood home. Keen to move out of the city, Mike decides to move his young family to the small, quaint town, of Fairview. But not all is right at Willow House. There are dark forces at work, which threaten to destroy what remains of the Gray family. The curse at the heart of Willow House has lain dormant for decades, but is about to be re-awakened and unleashed.
315 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 19, 2020
156 people are currently reading
463 people want to read
About the author
J. Galliano
2 books22 followersJ. Galliano is a geographer and environmentalist, having graduated from the University of the West of England, Bristol. She is a horror bookworm and horror movie fanatic and loves to travel. The Inheritance is her chilling debut novel, perfect for those who love occult horror. Isabel is her second novel, a psychological horror that will keep you on the edge of your seat till the very end. She is currently working on her third novel, The Devil is in the Detail, which will be released in 2025.
You can follow her on Twitter @Janine_Galliano and Facebook @J.Galliano Books
You can follow her on Twitter @Janine_Galliano and Facebook @J.Galliano Books
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
March 21, 2022
Michael, a writer, inherits Willow House from grandparents he didn't even know he had. Strange apparitions seem haunt the house. Nevertheless he moves in with his family. Will he reveal the secret his family tried to preserve? Can he overcome a terrible course that runs in the family for many years? Why did his father never return to his little hometown? The author did quite a good job with her debut novel. I even found some allusions to Needful Things by Stephen King. The story starts a bit slow but the characters are well crafted and there are excellent eerie motifs and supernatural elements. I developed into a truly haunting story. Nail biting until the very end. I can highly recommend this uncanny tale!
August 19, 2022
Fine story. 3,5* as I'm wavering between 3 or 4. I like the idea of this story, and it's not badly written; but it's not great written either. Too much of " I said/she said/ he asked/ etc. It's disruptive and make the story lose the balanced flow.
I'm sure Janine Galliano will be great with time and experience.
Funny thing...I just finished reading Left to You By Daniel J. Volpe today also, and these stories albeit not at all the same type of horror, they have much of the dame theme, which I didn't expect to this degree
I'm sure Janine Galliano will be great with time and experience.
Funny thing...I just finished reading Left to You By Daniel J. Volpe today also, and these stories albeit not at all the same type of horror, they have much of the dame theme, which I didn't expect to this degree
May 19, 2021
The first thing that annoyed me is that this is obviously a book written by a British writer that they chose to set in the USA (I’m British). It was full of intensely stereotypical references mixed with blatantly British phrases, units of measurements and spellings (although oddly blonde without an e even though Mom was Mum and everything had a u where I would expect it).
The writing style made me cringe outwardly and inwardly so many times I lost count. I suspect the author has very recently completed some sort of creative writing course because it reminded me of my English language GCSE exam answers. It sometimes read as though a teenager had written it, particularly in any description relating to a person. The descriptions of love were painful and everyone was slim or sensuously curvy. There were also quite a few carefully placed references to technology, news and pop culture which I assume were meant to help the book be relevant but felt a bit like when a grandparent mentions something you liked 20 years ago and will ultimately date this book over time.
Even though this is a book about the supernatural, some of the most far fetched themes were in the every day. I’m sorry but who would ever move to a house they have never seen, in a town in another state that belonged to people you never knew after about ten minutes thought?? And how lucky that this tiny town in Bible Belt America has a Catholic Church equipped with an Italian priest who is an expert in demonology and exorcism.
Ultimately, I’m glad I read this through Kindle Unlimited and didn’t have to pay for it.
The writing style made me cringe outwardly and inwardly so many times I lost count. I suspect the author has very recently completed some sort of creative writing course because it reminded me of my English language GCSE exam answers. It sometimes read as though a teenager had written it, particularly in any description relating to a person. The descriptions of love were painful and everyone was slim or sensuously curvy. There were also quite a few carefully placed references to technology, news and pop culture which I assume were meant to help the book be relevant but felt a bit like when a grandparent mentions something you liked 20 years ago and will ultimately date this book over time.
Even though this is a book about the supernatural, some of the most far fetched themes were in the every day. I’m sorry but who would ever move to a house they have never seen, in a town in another state that belonged to people you never knew after about ten minutes thought?? And how lucky that this tiny town in Bible Belt America has a Catholic Church equipped with an Italian priest who is an expert in demonology and exorcism.
Ultimately, I’m glad I read this through Kindle Unlimited and didn’t have to pay for it.
October 6, 2020
I read The Inheritance on a wet and windy afternoon - the perfect time really. It was a little slow to begin with, as Mike comes to realise there are many secrets his recently deceased father has kept from him, but it picks up when he and his family move into the grand Willow House in the country.
The opening chapters reminded me of the Haunting of Hill House, as Mike explores the house and wonders if there is a supernatural presence in the house or if it is all inside his head. There are a couple of deeply unsettling moments involving his children that will have your heart racing. And there are some tragic moments too in his family's history. However, I thought it ended too quickly - I feel like there could be a possible sequel involving Mike and a local priest and a secret that comes back to haunt them - I would love that!
Overall this is a chilling ghostly mystery featuring suspicious cats, sinister spirit boards, creepy diaries and a deeply disturbing demonic presence at the core of Willow House. I also learnt a thing or two about the history of the ouija board. Looking forward to the next ghostly chiller from the Author.
The opening chapters reminded me of the Haunting of Hill House, as Mike explores the house and wonders if there is a supernatural presence in the house or if it is all inside his head. There are a couple of deeply unsettling moments involving his children that will have your heart racing. And there are some tragic moments too in his family's history. However, I thought it ended too quickly - I feel like there could be a possible sequel involving Mike and a local priest and a secret that comes back to haunt them - I would love that!
Overall this is a chilling ghostly mystery featuring suspicious cats, sinister spirit boards, creepy diaries and a deeply disturbing demonic presence at the core of Willow House. I also learnt a thing or two about the history of the ouija board. Looking forward to the next ghostly chiller from the Author.
April 24, 2022
Was completely surprised that this was the author's debut novel! I would have never known this from the writing. Loved it! Beware, it was creepy and fun, without tons of gore. Great storyteller.
The funniest and weirdest part about this book....I had instantly started listening to this right after finishing ANOTHER book about a haunted house called Willows House! And the parents both have an older daughter and younger son! What is the chance of this EVER happening?!
When Mike moves his two kids into a huge, old and scary house that he inherits from his Grandfather 'that he did not even know existed' they have no idea what they are in for until it is too late. Yes, this is a great haunted house ghost story! And these are my favorite Horror trope to read about and when they are good, even better!
4 👻👻👻👻🐕
The funniest and weirdest part about this book....I had instantly started listening to this right after finishing ANOTHER book about a haunted house called Willows House! And the parents both have an older daughter and younger son! What is the chance of this EVER happening?!
When Mike moves his two kids into a huge, old and scary house that he inherits from his Grandfather 'that he did not even know existed' they have no idea what they are in for until it is too late. Yes, this is a great haunted house ghost story! And these are my favorite Horror trope to read about and when they are good, even better!
4 👻👻👻👻🐕
September 14, 2020
I had been itching for a good haunted house, creepy lurking demon, type of story and this book fit the bill. Here we evil visited upon the next generation after a grandson inherits The Willow House from the grandparents he didn't even know existed. I loved it! These pages contain the sadness of a lonely teen, insecurity and depression We have the creepy shopkeeper and his mysterious gift. In later years...dark shadows, voices, toys that walk...and more. For the dog lovers out there...no dogs die or are harmed in this book, so it's safe to keep reading when the adopt a puppy.
The creepy factor was effective and the author relied on storytelling and imagination rather than gore to spook the reader. I always appreciate that.
The creepy factor was effective and the author relied on storytelling and imagination rather than gore to spook the reader. I always appreciate that.
August 2, 2020
Not great
Plot was ok, but a little hackneyed, but the writing style was largely terrible. Not so much internal monologues from the narrators, more rambling pointless verbal dribbling. Read in places like a high school piece. And if you are going to set a book in the States, then you need to think about basic stuff like using the imperial rather than the metric system. Who, from the States, describes their property in terms of meters and hectares, or a fall of 3 meters rather than ten feet?
Plot was ok, but a little hackneyed, but the writing style was largely terrible. Not so much internal monologues from the narrators, more rambling pointless verbal dribbling. Read in places like a high school piece. And if you are going to set a book in the States, then you need to think about basic stuff like using the imperial rather than the metric system. Who, from the States, describes their property in terms of meters and hectares, or a fall of 3 meters rather than ten feet?
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October 11, 2022Dnf 25%
August 5, 2024
Really disappointing. I got as far as I could with the narrator using a British accent for everything but having the characters talk in American accents. It should all have been American! They were American, the book is set there. There is not one British person in it. So what sort of weird ass characters think in British and speak in American?! The plot was slow, the characters hollow and I can’t believe I listened on as long as I did. I just stopped. Life is to short. 😡
June 18, 2020
Very good spooky story.
September 23, 2024
Spooky house? Family curse? Sign me up!
If you like ghost stories, this one is for you! A generational curse, an inherited family home, a relative he knew nothing about… and a black cat! 🐈⬛ This one has all the spooky vibes combined with a little historical detective work to solve the case of this haunted house! And it’s free right now on Audible Plus!
If you like ghost stories, this one is for you! A generational curse, an inherited family home, a relative he knew nothing about… and a black cat! 🐈⬛ This one has all the spooky vibes combined with a little historical detective work to solve the case of this haunted house! And it’s free right now on Audible Plus!
August 5, 2021
The story itself is a decent ghost story, nothing new necessarily, but I’m not really bothered by that. What blew my mind about this book was the constant “British-isms” used by the supposedly American family and everyone around them. It became entertaining to find them, a curious lesson in our differences (can you imagine a nurse in the states bringing a distressed father a cup of hot sugary tea? Or anyone wanting to go for hot chocolate on a hot summer day in Georgia? What is a Malteaser???), and they were on nearly every page… Needless to say this is weird and distracting no matter how good the story is. I’ve always heard it was difficult to get published…Or is that another thing only true in the states?
October 4, 2020
Mike inherits the family home after the death of his grandparents, hoping this will be a fresh start for him and his family. Unfortunately he soon finds himself living a nightmare that comes from his father's hidden past.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Inheritance which is a fantastic debut novel by J Galliano. Easy to read with a gripping storyline and well constructed characters. I read the book in a day as I had to keep reading to see what happened next.
If you love supernatural books make sure you read this one.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Inheritance which is a fantastic debut novel by J Galliano. Easy to read with a gripping storyline and well constructed characters. I read the book in a day as I had to keep reading to see what happened next.
If you love supernatural books make sure you read this one.
June 22, 2020
Good Freshman Debut
While a haunted house story line can be redundant, this was a good read with well-developed characters and vivid writing. I was drawn into the story, which made the last quarter so disappointing. While it was a good finish, it seemed more rushed than the beginning of the book and did not fit the "flow" of the author's writing.
Regardless, it was worth a read and I will be looking for more releases from Ms. Galliano.
While a haunted house story line can be redundant, this was a good read with well-developed characters and vivid writing. I was drawn into the story, which made the last quarter so disappointing. While it was a good finish, it seemed more rushed than the beginning of the book and did not fit the "flow" of the author's writing.
Regardless, it was worth a read and I will be looking for more releases from Ms. Galliano.
July 31, 2020
Amazing!!
From the very first words written to the very last I was gripped by all that transpired! I loved the last paragraph, I mean nothing is ever as clear and as final as it seems is it! I wish there was a sequel to this book so I could see what happens to Michael and Father Caruso.
An excellent first novel, now I'm ready for more!
From the very first words written to the very last I was gripped by all that transpired! I loved the last paragraph, I mean nothing is ever as clear and as final as it seems is it! I wish there was a sequel to this book so I could see what happens to Michael and Father Caruso.
An excellent first novel, now I'm ready for more!
May 27, 2021
I love horror stories and while browsing Amazon I found this gem, it ticked all the boxes - Scary, atmospheric, supernatural and completely absorbing. It's the author's debut novel but it doesn't feel like it, it reads like it's been written by an established author. I believe the ending is open, will there be a sequel, I hope so.
July 7, 2020
Good read , spooky happenings from the start, only took me over a day to read it, must admit I needed to know what happened
rated 4 stars very good , I would recomend reading if you are into demons or Dominic powers
It leaves you guessing
rated 4 stars very good , I would recomend reading if you are into demons or Dominic powers
It leaves you guessing
July 10, 2020
Good story!!
I love a good ghost / horror story, and this one didn't disappoint. Bit of a quick ending but that's only because I was enjoying it so much I didn't want it to end. Will keep my eyes peeled for this author's future books.
I love a good ghost / horror story, and this one didn't disappoint. Bit of a quick ending but that's only because I was enjoying it so much I didn't want it to end. Will keep my eyes peeled for this author's future books.
July 16, 2020
A decent read
I found the book followed the familiar good versus bad theme that most horror stories do, despite this I found the book to be an easy read and completed it in A couple of days.
I found the book followed the familiar good versus bad theme that most horror stories do, despite this I found the book to be an easy read and completed it in A couple of days.
September 11, 2020
Absolutely brilliant
From start to finish brilliant!It took a couple of hours but read it all just couldn't put it down, absolutely loved this and can't wait to read more of the same yhankyou
From start to finish brilliant!It took a couple of hours but read it all just couldn't put it down, absolutely loved this and can't wait to read more of the same yhankyou
January 24, 2021
Scary as ....
Loved reading this book but it gave me the creeps. I enjoy a good scare and this book gave me one. The ending left on a cliff hanger so will be looking forward to other books from the author
Loved reading this book but it gave me the creeps. I enjoy a good scare and this book gave me one. The ending left on a cliff hanger so will be looking forward to other books from the author
January 16, 2021
Incredible! I'd recent read about 3 similar haunted house books, none of which lived up to what I was wanting, but this book perfectly embodies the genre. Beautiful writing, good pacing, a page turner with a satisfying end! I read it in one sitting!
July 15, 2020
Wow
I really enjoyed this book. Interesting storyline. Kept me hooked. Creepy from start to finish. Really written well. I binged this book in a few hours couldn’t put it down
I really enjoyed this book. Interesting storyline. Kept me hooked. Creepy from start to finish. Really written well. I binged this book in a few hours couldn’t put it down
July 27, 2020
Very good
I really enjoyed reading the book. A very good story and well written. I couldn't put it down until the end.
I really enjoyed reading the book. A very good story and well written. I couldn't put it down until the end.
July 30, 2020
Gripping story
Couldn’t wait to get into bed at night to read this, it takes a lot for me to be kept interested in some books but this was great!
Couldn’t wait to get into bed at night to read this, it takes a lot for me to be kept interested in some books but this was great!
August 5, 2020
Brilliant debut
The prologue opened up the story of the family. Lots of tension and surprise s. The last chapter will have you reeling. Great read
The prologue opened up the story of the family. Lots of tension and surprise s. The last chapter will have you reeling. Great read
August 23, 2020
Well written and enjoyable horror story.
August 29, 2020
Great storyline.
I really enjoy the demonic view of different books and this is one I haven't heard in this context before. Very interesting. I hope there are sequels. Thanks.
I really enjoy the demonic view of different books and this is one I haven't heard in this context before. Very interesting. I hope there are sequels. Thanks.
September 13, 2020
Good book
I read this book thinking it was going to be a slow one to start with but I enjoyed it from the get go. Very well written with a great twist.
I read this book thinking it was going to be a slow one to start with but I enjoyed it from the get go. Very well written with a great twist.
September 14, 2020
I simply could not out this book down
Its ages since a have read a story as good as this one. I shall definitely be looking for more from this author.
Its ages since a have read a story as good as this one. I shall definitely be looking for more from this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews