The Oxford Inheritance by Ann A. McDonald

ISBN-13:  9780062203670
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Published Date: February 2016
Format: Hardcover, 336 pgs
Source: Publisher via Edelweiss

A mystery set in the prestigious Oxford University. I knew I wouldn't resist reading this by the academic setting alone; plus there is murder and bits of dark power forces in this story. Sounds like a winner to me. 

When Cassandra Blackwell received a mysterious package surrounding her late mother’s past, she knew she has to leave America for England to uncover the truth about Joanna Blackwell. She managed to get through the scholarship system to find a place in the prestigious Oxford University, but she isn't prepared by the erratic schedules, the aristocracy of some students who think they have all the rights to their claims and most of all, the attention of Hugo Mandeville, the guy who both intrigues and intimidates her at the same time. 

As she spends more time in Oxford and trying to mingle with the popular group to get information of her late mother’s existence in the university and the reason why she fled without completing her studies, she stumbles upon a dark secret - a secret society called the School of Night within the University and though there are very few speculations about it, no one dares mention it out loud. Plus, there is no evidence supporting there is such a society and the library archives are equivalent to non-existence if one doesn't has a special pass for the access. But Cassie is smart and determined and she has found one or two resources who have helped her in every means they can. 

When her findings lead her into dangerous circumstances, she knew she has hit the right direction and is more determined to unravel the truth about the society and the activities they undertake, especially seeing her bubbly room-mate, Elvie, is dead and there is no explanation over her suicidal act, as so they claimed. 

I have to admit I didn't know what to expect before reading The Oxford Inheritance. I knew there would be mystery, conspiracies and secrets and I loved the way how the author built the suspense and the academic world-building she created, leading me deeper and deeper into the story until I was as caught up as Cassie's determination in solving the mystery. Although this is unlike the usual crime thrillers or police procedurals which I read, it is intriguing and intense just the same. As I mentioned before, there are bits of dark power forces mentioned so this novel has a little paranormal feel but didn't really take up the overall story; there isn't much romance element (definitely no love triangle here) but I was glad to see there is a love potential between Cassie and one of the characters towards the end. The core of this story is mainly on the characterisations, the search and the mystery behind the society; and of course I was quite satisfied with the ending too. All in all, it was an enjoyable read to me.