The Curious Inheritance of Blakely House

By: Joanna Davidson Politano

Narrated by: Amy Scanlon

A clever young woman, a contested will, and an estate that does not easily give up its secrets.

It is 1901 when clockmaker and tinker Sydney Forrester receives a most unusual inheritance. Blakely House, the island estate of an estranged uncle she's never met, seems almost alive, revealing and hiding its secrets at will. It is filled with remarkable inventions, including an intriguing unfinished automaton Sydney is itching to get her skilled hands on.

The estate is also home to a number of peculiar people—including two men intent on removing this interloper from the island. Convinced that Sydney has something to do with their uncle's death, the late master's nephews contest the will and work against their cousin at every turn.

Sydney finds a sometimes-ally in the estate's butler, an ex-adventurer who ran aground on the island years ago. But when a mysterious man washes ashore with a stunning surprise that upsets everything, Sydney must prove she has inherited the late master's brilliance as well as his property—or someone else will.

"Readers will be on tenterhooks from start to finish."—Publishers Weekly

©2025 Joanna Davidson Politano (P)2025 Recorded Books

Nooooo it ended way too soon! I want more

I love this author so much. She pulls you into her stories as if you’re a spectator to everything unfolding in the lives of her characters.
This story is another brilliant story with so much depth and heart. Great imagination, creativity, whimsy, and delight. But solid storytelling and strong characters. The story wrapped up nicely but I wanted more to the story. I didn’t want it to end. I feel like I just got to know the characters. But then again if she did write more it might of felt like it dragged on too long. Guess the author knows best. I would love to see a book 2…. Sadly I’ve listened to all her books so now I’m going to have to wait again for a new one to come out.
The voice actor does a fantastic job as well I don’t want to skip her. She also does a fine cat impression LOL.
Definitely highly recommend this wonderful story

Beautiful imagery!

Beautiful imagery portrayed throughout the storyline. Especially as it mirrors the love of Jesus in that he left his home to sacrifice himself to rescue us and how he is ever present to help us in our brokenness.

Simply beautiful!

Love love love this book and narration. Beautifully written with such detail. The descriptions were great and the love story woven in was just perfect.

A most beautiful love story!

I really love this story, it was so well written and read beautifully. This author is becoming one of my favorites.

Won Me Over

I don’t usually pick up gothic steampunk mysteries but Politano won me over w her poetic prose, multi-layered characters, and deft use of suspense. Loved it. Excellent narrator to boot!