This article is truly great.

It is extremely entertaining and makes for a very quick read, especially during the summer months.

When the weather is warm and you're looking for something enjoyable to pass the time, this piece fits the bill perfectly.

It has the ability to capture your attention from the very beginning and keep you engaged until the end.

The writing style is engaging and the content is interesting, making it a pleasure to read.

Whether you're relaxing by the pool, on the beach, or just sitting in your backyard, this article will provide you with the entertainment you need.

So, if you're looking for a fun and quick read this summer, look no further than this article.

You won't be disappointed.

These three novels share only one thing in common, which is murder.

The Shrouded Walls is a "woman in front of the house" book. In my youth (and perhaps still), the book jackets of such books tended to feature a young woman in a flowing gown standing in front of a large, menacing dwelling. In terms of the plot, it has some similarities with Georgette Heyer's Regency romances, with the addition of a sense of menace that becomes all too real. However, Howatch, at least at that point in her career, did not write historical characters well. Although the protagonists enter into a marriage of convenience, they seem to talk and think not very differently from their 1960s counterparts in the other two books bound with this one.

In April's Grave, a woman who believes her twin sister maliciously broke up her marriage realizes three years later that the sister (April) hasn't been seen or heard from since. On a trip back to England, she and her (not-yet-divorced) husband decide to try for a reconciliation. But can she get past her suspicions about whether April is still alive? The plot is well-planned, and it doesn't have the anachronisms that plague The Shrouded Walls.

The Devil on Lammas Night is something else entirely - a romantic suspense thriller with more than a touch of the supernatural. Susan Howatch had been known to me for many years as someone who wrote books my mother liked to read for relaxation. It wasn't until I came across her Starbridge series and the three related books that followed (they deal with factions in the Church of England and the personalities of various adherents, and if you think this sounds dull, all I can say is they kept me reading feverishly until the end) that I truly appreciated her work. In The Devil on Lammas Night, I saw hints of Howatch's interest in the problem of evil and her belief in its supernatural existence. All three books kept me interested, but none of them could compare to her later works.

A really interesting insight into the development of one of my favourite author’s creative writing style.

Although the early works are short novels, fans can easily trace the evolution to the later, more mature pieces.

This includes the settings, such as the Gower Peninsula in "The Wheel of Fortune", and the themes, like the occult in "The Heartbreaker".

Also, the recurring names like Gywneth, Evan, and Neville in "The Wheel of Fortune" and the Starbridge novels add a sense of continuity.

Echoes like the line "following someone who never looks back" in "The Wheel of Fortune" and the scene on the unconsecrated chapel in "Starbridge" all give the feeling of encountering younger versions of a beloved friend.

It's truly fascinating to see how the author's style has developed and matured over time, while still maintaining those elements that make their work so beloved by fans.

Each new piece seems to build on the previous ones, creating a rich and immersive world that readers can't help but get lost in.

It makes me eager to see what the author will come up with next and how their creative writing style will continue to evolve.

A superb set of short stories by a master storyteller awaits you.

The collection is a literary gem, filled with captivating tales that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Each story is crafted with precision and skill, drawing you into a world of mystery, suspense, and intrigue.

For a detailed review, please click on the link below:

http://onerightword.blogspot.co.uk/20...

Discover the magic of these short stories and embark on a thrilling literary journey.

Immerse yourself in the master storyteller's world and let the tales transport you to another realm.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to experience the excellence of these short stories.

Click the link and get ready to be amazed.

I got this book simply because I have a deep love for Susan Howatch.

Her works have always had a special charm for me, captivating my attention and imagination.

However, I must admit that these earlier stories in this book are not quite on par with her later masterpieces.

Nonetheless, they still manage to be a compelling read.

The characters are well-developed, and the plots have enough twists and turns to keep me engaged.

Although they may lack some of the depth and complexity that her later works possess, there is still a certain magic in these earlier stories.

They offer a glimpse into the evolution of Howatch's writing style and her ability to create interesting and believable worlds.

Overall, while not her best, this book is still worth reading for any fan of Susan Howatch or those who enjoy well-written fictional stories.

In the early 1800s, a murder mystery unfolds in the marshy landscapes of England.

The foggy marshes, with their eerie mists and hidden channels, provide the perfect backdrop for a tale of mystery and intrigue.

A wealthy landowner is found brutally murdered in his isolated mansion, sending shockwaves through the small community.

The local constable, a determined and resourceful man, begins his investigation, suspecting that the murderer is someone close to the victim.

As he delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of secrets, lies, and hidden motives.

The suspects include the landowner's estranged wife, his greedy business partner, and a mysterious stranger who was seen lurking around the mansion on the night of the murder.

With each new clue, the constable edges closer to the truth, but the murderer is always one step ahead.

Will he be able to solve the mystery and bring the culprit to justice before it's too late? Only time will tell in this thrilling murder mystery set in the marshy England of the early 1800s.