This book, written in the 1960s, is clearly showing its age.

For instance, the manor doesn't even have electricity!

The story is told from the multiple points of view of every single main character, which adds an interesting layer.

The ending is suspenseful, although it might seem quite tame by today's standards.

There's a lot of he-said she-said melodrama going on.

The heroine could have done a better job of exploring and describing The Manor and the Moors.

Nevertheless, it's still a good cozy read that reminded me of Dorothy Eden.

It has its charm and flaws, but overall, it's an enjoyable book that takes you back to a different era.

Despite its shortcomings, it manages to engage the reader and keep them interested until the very end.

If you're a fan of classic mysteries or just looking for a light and easy read, this book might be worth checking out.

My Favourite Book

Over the years, I have read numerous books, but there is one that stands out above the rest and has become my absolute favourite. I have read this book not just once or twice, but over and over again.

This book has a captivating storyline that keeps me engaged from the very first page. The characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy for me to immerse myself in their world. The author's writing style is also a major draw for me. It is descriptive and vivid, painting a clear picture in my mind and allowing me to experience the story as if I were a part of it.

Each time I read this book, I discover something new. I notice details that I missed before or gain a deeper understanding of the characters and their motives. It is a book that never gets old and always manages to bring me joy and entertainment.

In conclusion, this book holds a special place in my heart and will always be my go-to when I'm in the mood for a good read. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a great story and wants to be transported to another world.

I'm not really a big fan of romance reading. I usually prefer other genres. However, this book completely blew me away!

I LOVED LOVED LOVED it! It was such a captivating read that I couldn't put it down. I read it straight through without any stops.

The story was absolutely breathtaking. It had me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. The characters were so well-developed and the plot was full of twists and turns.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a great romance read. It's one that you won't forget!

Library. Reread.

I have a deep love for Susan Howatch. Her works are truly remarkable. The novels she writes are nice and clean romantic suspense stories that are set in the wilds of Scotland. The way she writes is excellent. The story is well-structured and hangs together pretty well. Moreover, the plot moves at a fairly quick pace, which keeps the readers engaged from start to finish. The characters in her books are extremely complicated, and they always leave you guessing about their true motives and actions.

Her novels are truly a great beach read. You can relax on the beach, soak up the sun, and get lost in the wonderful world that Susan Howatch has created. It's the perfect way to unwind and enjoy a good book. Whether you're a fan of romantic suspense or just looking for an entertaining read, Susan Howatch's novels are definitely worth checking out.

This Gothic suspense novel was truly distinct from the typical fare that I usually devour. I found myself thoroughly enjoying every page.

I purchased it (in fact, it was a volume that included this and another Howatch novel, The Devil on Lammas Night) at a library used book sale several years ago. It wasn't until recently that I finally got around to cracking it open and delving into its pages.

The story was a brisk read, set in the alluring and exotic locale of a remote country estate in the Scottish Highlands. It had a captivating blend of mystery, a touch of romance, and a healthy dose of suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat.

The ending was highly satisfying, tying up all the loose ends in a way that left me both content and eager for more. Now, I'm eagerly looking forward to reading the second book in this series to see what other adventures and thrills await.

This is a pulpy gothic thriller that presents a rather unique and engaging scenario.

In this story, it seems as if every single character is engaged in a devious game of trying to gaslight one another. The atmosphere, which is a crucial element of the gothic genre, does suffer to some extent as a significant amount of space is dedicated to bitchy and soapy conversations.

However, despite this minor drawback, the overall experience of the story is still quite enjoyable. It maintains a fun and fast-paced rhythm throughout, which keeps the reader hooked from beginning to end.

Moreover, it offers an atypical take on the gothic genre, presenting a fresh and different perspective that sets it apart from more traditional gothic tales.

While it may fizzle a little bit towards the end, it still manages to leave a lasting impression and provides an entertaining read for those who enjoy the gothic thriller genre.

Rachel receives an invitation to stay at a magnificent castle in Scotland. She arrives there along with several others, and from the moment they meet, an air of suspicion lingers among them.

As the days pass, strange things start to happen. One fateful night, tragedy strikes, leaving everyone in shock. Rachel, however, conceals some crucial information that she knows.

Years go by, and Rachel's secret continues to haunt her. The story builds tension and suspense as we wonder what exactly she is hiding and how it will all come to light.

This exciting and suspenseful tale keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, eager to uncover the truth behind the mystery. Will Rachel finally reveal what she knows, or will the secret remain buried forever?

The only reason I can envision for having perused this mystery novel is that someone--but precisely who?--commended it.

Absolutely nothing lingers in my memory regarding it. It must have been the case that I read it in a hasty manner.

Perhaps I was drawn to it by the allure of the mystery genre, hoping to be captivated by its twists and turns.

Or maybe I was simply looking for a quick read to pass the time.

Whatever the reason, it seems that this novel did not make a lasting impression on me.

I cannot recall the plot, the characters, or even the setting.

It is as if it never existed in my literary journey.

However, I do wonder if I would have had a different experience if I had taken the time to savor the story and truly engage with it.

Maybe upon a second reading, I would discover the hidden gems and appreciate the author's craftsmanship.

Only time will tell if I decide to give this mystery novel another chance.

Lovely Old-School Gothic

The charm of old-school gothic is truly enchanting.

It takes us back to a time when architecture was a masterpiece of elegance and mystery.

The pointed arches, elaborate tracery, and soaring spires give these buildings a sense of grandeur and awe.

The dark and moody interiors, with their stained glass windows and ornate carvings, create an atmosphere of solemnity and romance.

Old-school gothic is not just about the physical structure; it is a style that evokes a feeling of the past and a connection to a bygone era.

Whether it's a cathedral, a castle, or a small chapel, these buildings have a unique allure that continues to captivate us today.

Lovely old-school gothic is a testament to the creativity and craftsmanship of our ancestors, and it will always hold a special place in our hearts.

Although I have a particular preference for her later work, namely the Starbridge Series, this early romantic suspense novel penned by Howatch truly showcases her remarkable skills as a writing craftsman.

The story unfolds in a captivating manner, drawing the reader in with its engaging plot and well-developed characters. Howatch has a unique ability to create a sense of mystery and anticipation that keeps the pages turning.

The romance aspect of the novel is also delicately woven, adding an extra layer of depth and emotion. It's not overly complicated or demanding, making it a perfect choice for those who are looking for an enjoyable and轻松的 read.

Overall, this early work by Howatch is a testament to her talent and creativity. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good romantic suspense novel that doesn't require too much mental effort but still provides a satisfying reading experience.

I really didn't like the characters in this story at all, with the sole exception of the dog.

The human characters seemed rather one-dimensional and uninteresting. They lacked depth and complexity, making it difficult for me to form any kind of emotional connection with them.

However, the dog was a different story. It had a certain charm and personality that immediately caught my attention.

Maybe it was its loyalty or its playfulness, but for some reason, I found myself rooting for the dog throughout the entire narrative.

In fact, I often found myself more interested in what was happening to the dog than in the actions and interactions of the human characters.

Overall, while the story as a whole didn't quite do it for me, the dog was definitely a bright spot and managed to salvage at least some of my enjoyment.

I just wish there had been more of the dog and less of the unappealing human characters.

Susan Howatch is a remarkable author who has an innate ability to craft captivating stories that blend romance and suspense seamlessly.

Her novels are a treat for readers who enjoy being swept away in a world of passion and mystery.

With each turn of the page, Howatch weaves a web of intrigue that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, eager to discover what will happen next.

Her characters are vividly drawn, and their relationships are complex and engaging.

Whether it's a forbidden love affair or a dangerous mystery that needs to be solved, Howatch always manages to deliver a story that is both thrilling and emotionally satisfying.

So if you're looking for a good read that will keep you entertained from start to finish, look no further than the works of Susan Howatch.