Overview

The House of Footsteps is set in 1923 on the Scottish border and follows Simon Christie, who takes a job cataloguing the art collection of the wealthy Mordrake family. He arrives at Thistlecrook House expecting quiet work and a generous wage. Instead, he is met with constant headaches, strange sounds, and a feeling that the house is watching him. As Simon settles in, it becomes clear that the estate holds dark memories, and that some things within its walls refuse to stay silent.

Writing & Voice

We found Mathew West’s writing calm and controlled, which suits the slow build of dread. The language is clear and measured, letting atmosphere do most of the work. Grand rooms, old paintings, and long corridors create a sense of unease that grows steadily rather than relying on sudden shocks.

Characters

Simon is an easy character to follow, curious but increasingly aware that he may be in over his head. The Mordrake family remain distant and guarded, their silence suggesting long buried secrets. Thistlecrook House itself feels alive, shaping events and pressing in on everyone inside.

Themes

The novel looks at inheritance, memory, and the weight of the past. It asks what we take on when we inherit wealth, property, or family history. We liked how the story connects art, place, and guilt, showing how old wrongs can echo through generations.

What Worked

• Atmospheric setting the isolated house and border landscape create constant tension.
• Slow burn horror fear builds through suggestion and detail rather than graphic scenes.
• Strong themes ideas of legacy and memory add depth to the haunting.

Minor Quibbles

• The careful pacing may feel slow for readers looking for fast moving horror.
• Some gothic elements will feel familiar to fans of classic haunted house stories.

Final Thoughts

The House of Footsteps is a quietly unsettling gothic novel where the past lingers in every room and nothing stays buried for long.

Rating: ★★★★☆ / 5