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Dec 21, 2009FredC rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
Although the heart of this Victorian novel is the search for identity and the quest for love, it is distinctly a mystery novel about a haunted mansion in the English countryside and the imaginary (or are they real?) goings-on of a secluded gentry. Don't be put-off by its slow start, let it envelop you in the era with engaging writing, looming suspicions and a wish for some dastardly and fiendish activity to satisfy your inner ghost-seeker, you. The first half is quasi-Sherlock Holmes as the plot is generously laid out, the story develops and the tale is fleshed out. The heroine struggles to find a reason to explain her love-less life as we are easily manipulted by her tragic childhood and riches to rags story, but then she reads a strange notice in the Times, and her fortunes are soon to change or get worse? The second half is the inevitable exploration of the mansion. There's the imposing house with guarded secrets that begs to be explored. It is haunted, it is huge, it is draughty, it is ugly with a series of strange deaths and disappearances to add to its creepiness. An expert party of do-gooders try to de-mystify it, but wind up stirring up more dust than they intended. The heroine is a pretty keen observer and reaches conclusions worthy of Mr. Holmes. The shattering climax and the surprising dénouement will satisfy and make you yearn for more from author Harwood.