The last of an ancient Cornish clan, Carla Tregellas has inherited her historic ancestral home: a massive mansion looming high up on the jagged cliffs of Cornwall. From the moment Carla takes possession of the grand manor she feels right at home, warmly welcomed by everyone--"except" the strange and secretive housekeeper, Mrs. Pendennis, who warns the new owner of the tragic, inevitable fate that will surely befall her if she does not depart at once. But Carla cannot leave, for the unseen bonds of a dark family curse are beginning to tighten . . . and a demon lover waits.
I've read this book at least 15 times. It has great atmostphere and I enjoy the romance. Ms. Michaels plays the story out in the same genre that she makes fun of. The humor, history, good plot, great charactors makes this one of my favorite Michaels book...and she is my favorite authors - so that's saying a lot!
Great Gothic mystery!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 22 years ago
American teacher Carla Tregellas is the last remaining heir to a huge mansion on the cliffs of Cornwall. When she arrives she is confronted by an elderly housekeeper who tells her the tale of one of her ancestors disappearing on a stormy night, apparently taken by a mysterious merman. Carla is the practical type who is not dissuaded by old legends and decides to stay the summer. She becomes entwined with the housekeepers grandson, the local vicar, a young doctor, the lawyer handling the estate, and a myriad of other interesting characters. Carla notices that they all seem very intent on her leaving and she stubbornly refuses to give in. Meanwhile she has dreams and some real horrors in the house. In spite of all that she falls in love with the old estate and plans to stay. That's when the real fireworks start. This was an excellent mystery keeps you guessing until the amazing conclusion. Great fun to read.
Great Gothic!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 22 years ago
I haven't read a Michael's book in ages and picked this one up. I absolutely loved it. Couldn't put it down until the wee hours of morning. If you like old houses, mysteries and ghosts this book is for you. Wish she would write another with these characters.Enjoy!
Excellent Read.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
I read this book one dull, dreary day when I remained home from work, overwhelmingly sick with the flu. This remarkable novel instantly cured my boredom. It is a wild mixture of riveting suspense, soothing romance, chilling dreams and ingenious storytelling. I honestly do not know how she manages to do it, but somehow, Michaels' works have a strange habit of inducing me to read on and on, without rest, without food, without a care in the world... except that of the book glued securely to my hands (and my cough medicine.) The story itself is enchanting, and myself, being a somewhat industrious student of European folklore, was captivated by the Cornish legends surrounding the seas and lakes of Cornwall. The simple idea of a merman-monster seducing young women on Midsummer's Eve so as to capture the essence of their virtuous souls, scared me stiff as if I was there myself. Carla is a practical heroine, full of logic and wit. She is one without fear and supersition. And our hero. Oh, yes, who could possibly forget Michael? The ever-so-charming ex-ballet star whose graceful panther-like composure and his tanned, muscular build blend in nicely to result in a superb specimen of quite a leading man. I enjoyed this book to the highest degree. It is truly satisfying and especially appropriate for a bed-ridden person who needs some delightful literatural entertainment to add some color to the bleakness of having the flu.
Some of the best atmosphere ever created by the author.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 27 years ago
Barbara Michaels really does a great job of capturing the charm and uniqueness of an old castle close to a small village in Cornwall.The heroine is sympathetic, thelove interests are appealling yet annoying,and the plot will send shivers up anddown your spine. I've collected almost all of Michaels' books, but this is one of my favorites
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