I flew through this book with great ease.

Despite being only 175 pages long, it is a remarkably quick, fast-paced, and utterly intriguing Regency whodunit.

From the very beginning, it had me firmly hooked and I couldn't put it down until the very end.

Admittedly, there were parts that were a bit cheesy and the story line followed a somewhat formulaic pattern.

However, the author has managed to skillfully pack an impressive amount of content into such a short novel.

The characters were well-developed and the plot had enough twists and turns to keep me engaged.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will most definitely give more of her works a try in the future.

I'm looking forward to seeing what other exciting stories she has in store for her readers.

Overall, it was a great read and I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good Regency mystery.

The story takes an unexpected turn as the ending unfolds.

For the majority of people, it turns out to be rather depressing.

The events that lead up to this conclusion seem to have conspired against them, leaving them with a sense of disappointment and unfulfillment.

However, there is one exception, and that is the heroine.

Somehow, through all the turmoil and challenges, she manages to find a glimmer of hope and happiness.

Perhaps it is her unwavering spirit or her ability to see the good in even the most difficult situations.

Whatever the reason, she stands apart from the rest, a shining example of resilience and strength.

As the story comes to a close, we are left to wonder what the future holds for her and whether her newfound happiness will last.

Will she be able to build on this moment and create a fulfilling life for herself?

Only time will tell.

This was a truly solid mystery that was enhanced by appropriate gothic flourishes.

The story had an air of mystery and intrigue from the very beginning, captivating the reader's attention and keeping them on the edge of their seats.

While I did find the ending a bit too neat, it didn't detract too much from the overall enjoyment of the book.

The characters were well-developed, with their own unique personalities and motives.

I could have done with a bit more fleshing out of the characters, but that's just being nit-picky.

The mystery itself was thrilling and engaging, with plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing until the very end.

Overall, this was a great read for fans of the mystery genre, and I would highly recommend it to others.

An Enjoyable Easy Read

Reading is a wonderful activity that can transport us to different worlds and provide us with countless hours of entertainment. There are many types of books available, but sometimes, we just want an enjoyable easy read.

An enjoyable easy read is a book that is not too difficult to understand, yet still manages to engage and entertain the reader. It might be a lighthearted romance, a thrilling mystery, or a humorous story. The language used is simple and accessible, making it a great choice for readers of all ages and levels.

One of the best things about an enjoyable easy read is that it can be read quickly and easily. You don't have to spend a lot of time and effort trying to understand complex plotlines or difficult vocabulary. Instead, you can simply relax and enjoy the story.

Whether you're looking for a book to read on the beach, on a long flight, or just before bedtime, an enjoyable easy read is always a great choice. So why not pick up a good book today and start reading? You're sure to have a great time!

This is a review of a book.

The reviewer starts by saying that it is a good book. However, they clarify that it is not really scary. Instead, it is a good mystery.

The lack of scariness might be a disappointment for some readers who were expecting a thrilling and spine-chilling experience. But for those who enjoy solving mysteries and following the clues, this book seems to be a great choice.

The reviewer doesn't go into too much detail about the plot or the characters, but they do mention that the mystery aspect is well-done.

Overall, it sounds like a book that would be enjoyable for mystery lovers, even if it doesn't have the element of scariness.

One volume with "The Dark Shore" (also read)

"The Dark Shore" is a captivating volume that takes readers on a thrilling journey. It delves into a world filled with mystery, danger, and unexpected twists. As you turn the pages, you'll find yourself immersed in a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The author's vivid descriptions bring the characters and settings to life, making it easy to envision every scene. Whether you're a fan of mystery, adventure, or simply a good read, "The Dark Shore" has something for everyone. It's a volume that will leave you eager for more and is definitely worth adding to your bookshelf. So, pick up a copy and prepare to be transported to a world of excitement and intrigue.

My Summary: Marianne and her brother Alex were completely unaware that their parents had failed to make any provisions for them in the event of their deaths. Now, left orphaned and penniless, the twins have no alternative but to rely on themselves. Marianne, being the illegitimate child of a prominent politician, has limited options. She can either become a governess or get married, fearing that otherwise her brother might be compelled to join the army.

Along comes Axel Brandson, a wealthy foreigner. He proposes to Marianne, asking her to become his wife so that he can meet the conditions of his father's will and inherit the land bequeathed to him. She agrees, and everything seems to be going smoothly until she arrives at the secluded family home, which unfortunately was the site of a horrific murder - Axel's father's. And it's uncertain whether the murderer is still living under the same roof. One thing is for sure, though: every member of the family stood to gain in some way from Axel's father's death, and they might also benefit from Marianne's....

My Thoughts: I read this book almost eight years ago and absolutely loved it. It was like no other book I had ever read before, and it introduced me to the world of gothic literature. I found it in a box of discarded books outside the library and decided to give it a try. A few days ago, as I was tidying up my bookshelves, I rediscovered it and decided to see if I would enjoy it just as much the second time around. Needless to say, twelve-year-old me was spot on. Susan Howatch's writing is truly timeless, captivating you from the start and not letting go.

Marianne's situation initially sounds like the beginning of an Austen novel, but it quickly becomes evident that she is embroiled in much more than a straightforward family drama. The plot is intricate and the writing is detailed, yet not overly burdened with adjectives and descriptions to the point of boring the reader. It was a relatively short novel, but it never felt rushed or hasty.

Final Thoughts: I wholeheartedly recommend this novel to anyone who has a penchant for gothic literature and anyone who enjoys a good mystery. This book serves as proof that when it comes to books, newer isn't necessarily better!

Susan Howatch is truly one of my all-time favorite modern authors. Her writing style is rather terse, lacking an overabundance of adjectives, yet she manages to construct realistic and empathetic characters with great skill.

In this, one of her early 'gothic' novels, she employs, as she frequently does, a first-person narrative. This allows the reader to delve deep into the mind of the main character, a 17-year-old girl living in the 18th century, who finds herself in rather worrying and mysterious circumstances.

The story is somewhat of a thriller, almost in the vein of Mary Stewart's genre, albeit without the rapid chases or exotic settings. It also functions as a kind of whodunit, as the narrator gradually pieces together clues by conversing with various individuals in the household and jotting down her thoughts and discoveries as she writes to her brother. Naturally, the puzzle is ultimately solved, and everything is neatly tidied up, but not without a few shocks in the gothic style.

It's a quite good book; towards the end, it became truly gripping as I found myself increasingly drawn into the story. On the other hand, it doesn't feel entirely authentically 18th century. The research is commendable; I can't find fault with the daily routine or the way people dressed or traveled. However, the conversation and general descriptions seem more like those of 20th century people: they lack the older style inflections or styles of speech that more accomplished historical authors use so effortlessly.

Nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it as a form of escapism. It's not a long book (under 200 pages), and the gothic horror elements aren't unpleasantly gory. It provides an engaging and entertaining read that offers a brief respite from the real world.

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I have an unwavering love for a good, old-fashioned gothic mystery. There's something truly enchanting about the genre that draws me in every single time. And this particular one that I've come across is truly a gem!

The atmosphere it creates is nothing short of captivating. The dark and foreboding settings, the shadowy figures lurking in the corners, and the sense of mystery that pervades every page all combine to make it a thrilling read. I find myself completely immersed in the story, eager to uncover the secrets and solve the mysteries that lie within.

It's like taking a step back in time to a world of mystery and intrigue. The language used is rich and evocative, painting vivid pictures in my mind's eye. I can almost feel the chill in the air and the sense of unease that surrounds the characters. This gothic mystery is a wonderful escape from the ordinary, and I can't wait to see where the story takes me next.

When I recently reorganized my collection of gothic romantic suspense novels that I had collected and read in my teens, I came across this particular title.

Neither the title nor the author was familiar to me. Needing something light to read, I decided to give it a try. And to my pleasant surprise, it was quite enjoyable.

It's not the most outstanding book I've ever come across, but it was good and comforting, much like slipping on a pair of old, familiar slippers.

If you have read and adored Victoria Holt's writing, you might have a similar reaction to this one. I really appreciated that the author didn't shy away from presenting some rather unpleasant realities.

Whether it was the difficult situation of the children of rich men's mistresses when their noble fathers could no longer offer them any help, or the less than pleasant nature of wedding nights in loveless marriages.

I must admit that at times, it was rather hard to believe that Axel truly cared for Marianne. Besides his seemingly lackluster performance in the bedroom, he treated her like a child for the most part.

Given their age difference, it did seem like a somewhat realistic attitude, especially in an era when women were generally treated in such a manner regardless of their age. However, it was no less unappealing.

The way their characters grew together and developed a relationship was, nevertheless, quite enjoyable. And perhaps it was more in line with the times than if Axel had treated Marianne as an equal to a man.

Overall, it was a quick and engaging read that provided a perfect break from the heavier non-fiction books that I had been delving into. I definitely plan to look for more books by this author in the future.

A simple gothic romance that has a murder mystery intertwined within it.

The story progresses quite nicely. However, there isn't an abundance of creepy suspense or spine-chilling situations that one might anticipate in a gothic mystery. Nevertheless, it still manages to hold the reader's interest.

The characters are well-developed, and their relationships add depth to the plot. The setting, with its dark and mysterious atmosphere, further enhances the overall mood of the story.

Despite the lack of intense scares, the author does a good job of creating a sense of mystery and intrigue. The reader is constantly wondering what will happen next and how the various elements of the story will come together.

Overall, it's an enjoyable read that combines the elements of romance and mystery in a unique and engaging way.