I truly enjoyed this recently republished novella by Mary Stewart! There's also such an exquisite feeling of adventure and intrigue about all of her nI truly enjoyed this recently republished novella by Mary Stewart! There's also such an exquisite feeling of adventure and intrigue about all of her novels set in exotic locals. Perdita and her employer, Cora Gresham, are indeed interesting and amusing characters. I'm so glad that the character of Perdita continues in The Lost Ones (an even shorter story that I loved more). I just cannot get enough of Mary Stewart's books this year!
If you've never read this story set in the Canary Islands, I definitely recommend giving it a try!...more
A new Mary Stewart novel to love! A refreshing, light mystery with a hint of romance and appealing descriptions of a beautiful little Scottish island�A new Mary Stewart novel to love! A refreshing, light mystery with a hint of romance and appealing descriptions of a beautiful little Scottish island—another wonderful example of the author's winning story formula! From the ratings, I thought this would be a lesser favorite of mine, but I really enjoyed it.
I loved reading about Cambridge professor Rose Fenemore's writing retreat (and adventure!) on the island of Moila. The supporting characters of John Parsons and Ewen Mackay turn Rose's mini-vacation into a triangle of crime and suspicion.
Although the plot was somewhat predictable, I still thought it was very interesting. I do wish there was more development between Rose and her possible love interest, too. But, I will absolutely read this book again sometime soon.
If you're looking for a quick and lovely escape to a small, secluded island in Scotland, this is the book for you! ...more
My least favorite Mary Stewart novel so far, but I still liked it. There was a great deal of writing about the landscape (too much for me), Greek histMy least favorite Mary Stewart novel so far, but I still liked it. There was a great deal of writing about the landscape (too much for me), Greek history and also a very, very long description of a violent fight between two men. Ugh. Luckily, the author's talent for creating interesting characters, suspenseful plot and lively conversations shines through. I don't think I'll revisit this story anytime soon, but I'm glad I got through it (but it was pretty close to being a 'DNF')....more
I'm loving the Mary Stewart reading streak I'm in right now! All of her books are so compelling, dramatic and suspenseful—though not in a too stressfuI'm loving the Mary Stewart reading streak I'm in right now! All of her books are so compelling, dramatic and suspenseful—though not in a too stressful way.
I was ready to absolutely love this book like my favorites Nine Coaches Waiting, Madam Will You Talk and Rose Cottage. But, I had to go down to four stars because I just could not stand one of the main characters, Connor (or "Con"). He was just so immensely despicable that I could barely handle it when he came into a scene of the story.
Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, the characters and the family drama. The main character of Mary Gray (posing as Annabelle) was wonderful! I only wish that she had more confidence in her strength, skill and ability to handle tight situations.
There are many characters in this story to love and to despise. It makes for a truly interesting read! My dear friend @carosbookcase recommended this book to me and it was an excellent choice for my next Mary Stewart read.
I can't wait to immerse myself in more of her books! ...more
A surprisingly thrilling murder mystery! I'd been recommended this book so many times by lots of book friends, but I don't think I expected such a griA surprisingly thrilling murder mystery! I'd been recommended this book so many times by lots of book friends, but I don't think I expected such a gripping story. It was almost like an Agatha Christie book with less coziness and more action.
I really liked it, but I'm definitely the type of person who loves cozy, everyday happenings and less intrigue and adventure in a novel.
The story really kept me on my toes and I'm glad I read it. The audio book was fantastic, although the adore looking at the cover of my lovely vintage edition.
It was so much fun to do another Mary Stewart buddy read with my friend, Gina.
I don't think I've ever found a Mary Stewart book that I didn't enjoy. This one wasn't my favorite, but it was still awesome. If you favor stories about spies, murder and Greece/Corfu (or ones that keep you on the edge of your seat), you would love this book!...more
I finished my 7th Mary Stewart novel and it was wonderful! Mary Stewart has such a talent for creating tension, atmosphere and mystery in a novel. I wI finished my 7th Mary Stewart novel and it was wonderful! Mary Stewart has such a talent for creating tension, atmosphere and mystery in a novel. I wanted to love this book more, but traveling circuses are not one of my favorite subjects. I did fall head over heels for the secluded castle, resourceful Timothy and brave Vanessa.
Now that I've read a number of books by this amazing author, I'm noticing that she often adds a sidekick to the main female character, usually an adolescent male. For some reason, this works so well! Not only in this book, but in Nine Coaches Waiting and Madam, Will You Talk.
Although this isn't my favorite novel of hers, I still enjoyed it immensely and I would read it again. Now, onto The Ivy Tree, This Rough Magic and My Brother Michael!...more
Absolutely thrilling! As soon as I read the very first chapter, I could not put this book down. The Secrets of Hartwood Hall has every single element Absolutely thrilling! As soon as I read the very first chapter, I could not put this book down. The Secrets of Hartwood Hall has every single element one loves from a gothic Victorian novel...with a more modern viewpoint. I adored it!
Mrs. Margaret Lennox and Mrs. Charlotte Eversham (two of the main characters) are mysterious and deep, while also incredibly interesting to read about. You are compelled to keep reading so you can discover what what happen next and who is involved in the secrets of Hartwood Hall.
My favorite people to read about in this suspenseful story were Paul the gardener and Mrs. Eversham's little boy, Louis. There is just something wonderful, warm and attractive about them both (in different ways, of course). For some reason, my heart just lit up when the story turned back to them.
I don't want to say too much and ruin this evocative plot, but I was on the edge of my seat until the very last chapter. First, I thought things would go one way and then, surprise, I was wrong! The twists and turns were not frustrating, but amazingly crafted. This first novel by Katie Lumsden is magnificent and I hope with all of my heart that she gives us more books to enjoy...and soon!
If you love Jane Eyre, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, or enjoy a dark Victorian novel, you must read this book!
One tiny thing: If I was the main character of this novel (which, of course, I am not), I would have made different choices at the end of the story. I think the decisions that she makes (trying not to spoil things and be too transparent about who it is) would have been pretty shocking during that time period, so it was a bit unusual to end the book in that way. But, I think it still worked well.
Laura Purcell is wonderful at creating atmosphere and it really shows in this new novel. If you are intrigued by Shakespeare, theater life, tragedies Laura Purcell is wonderful at creating atmosphere and it really shows in this new novel. If you are intrigued by Shakespeare, theater life, tragedies and betrayals, this is the book for you.
Sadly, this wasn't quite the right book for me, but I still enjoyed it. My favorites are still her first four books. I love them all!
NOTE: I was disappointed that this new book did not have that same narrow, chunky hardcover style as her first four books. It looks very odd next to the rest on my shelves and I'm not sure why. It's the same publisher (Raven) and I just adored the designs on the first three books. I wish publishing companies would be consistent when they are creating books for the same author. ...more
Great spooky reads! I'm a huge lover of ghost stories and short stories, so this book was a must buy. I love my Waterstones edition with the gorgeous Great spooky reads! I'm a huge lover of ghost stories and short stories, so this book was a must buy. I love my Waterstones edition with the gorgeous sprayed edges, too. This book is worth owning for the cover itself. I really enjoyed all of the stories, especially The Eel Singers and the Chillingham Chair. It was an excellent opportunity to be introduced to new authors in the genre, too. Overall, an interesting and ghostly collection that kept me interested until the very end. ...more
Super fun and spooky read! 4.5 Stars! I don't usually like contemporary thrillers, but this one had me glued to my book for the last 5 chapters. ReallSuper fun and spooky read! 4.5 Stars! I don't usually like contemporary thrillers, but this one had me glued to my book for the last 5 chapters. Really awesome and such great characters. Perfect read for Halloween! ...more
A wonderfully eerie book that takes the reader on a journey from the past to the present and back again. The characters of Bryony and her "lover" AshlA wonderfully eerie book that takes the reader on a journey from the past to the present and back again. The characters of Bryony and her "lover" Ashley are well developed and likable. I felt myself hoping for their unconventional connection and relationship to be a success with all of my heart.
There is a bit of tension in this novel, which I usually try to avoid, but Mary Stewart has an excellent way of blending rich characters, lush atmosphere and a compelling story line that makes it hard to resist.
I found myself very frustrated with the rest of the Ashley family (mostly because I hate bullies) and I was desperate for Bryony to stand up for herself more often. All in all, this myterious story swept me away in both the present and bygone history of this tragically romantic family line.
The perfect read for October. Every part of it oozes spookiness and unease. I truly enjoyed this book....more
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