Helpful Score: 1
As a child, I grew up reading Victoria Holt's books and when my future father-in-law gave me this book to read, I couldn't wait to finish reading my other books so I could read this one. And I have to confess, I was not disappointed by this book at all. It has enough mystery in it to keep me guessing and just a little romance to make me wish I was like the heroine and no gory details about any murder or anything. It is just a fascinating book to read especially while soaking in a hot bath.
Carmel March was found in the Marlines' garden at Commonwood House. And when tragedy struck the Commonwood House, Carmel was whisked away to Australia. It wasn't till when she came home to visit England again that she realized that the wrong man was hanged for the murder of the mistress of the Commonwood House. And she embarks on an eventful journey to discover the truth.
This is such an easy read and so delightful too. I snuck in my reading time in between unpacking boxes of books and I couldn't wait to read the next page ~~ so I would sneak off to read it! Holt does it again. I remember again why I was such a big fan of hers while growing up. And I would recommend her books to any mystery lover. She's one of the leading classic writers for the mystery world and you won't regret reading her books.
Carmel March was found in the Marlines' garden at Commonwood House. And when tragedy struck the Commonwood House, Carmel was whisked away to Australia. It wasn't till when she came home to visit England again that she realized that the wrong man was hanged for the murder of the mistress of the Commonwood House. And she embarks on an eventful journey to discover the truth.
This is such an easy read and so delightful too. I snuck in my reading time in between unpacking boxes of books and I couldn't wait to read the next page ~~ so I would sneak off to read it! Holt does it again. I remember again why I was such a big fan of hers while growing up. And I would recommend her books to any mystery lover. She's one of the leading classic writers for the mystery world and you won't regret reading her books.
Helpful Score: 1
I enjoyed this story. Another poor girl who comes out good in the end. Nice mystery.
Typical Victoria Holt bodice-ropper, although actually no bodices are ripped. Quality romance in a historical setting; strong female characters - even the bad ones.
I enjoyed her books back in HS years ago.
Victoria Holt's heroine Carmel March seeks to find out who she really is
The recent death of Eleanor Hibbert, the indefatigable, reliable popular writer who appeared as Jean Plaidy, Philippa Carr and Victoria Holt, has saddened her large following. Hibbert through the years perfected cherished formulas for romantic suspense, real or fictional dynastic dooms and delights (in palaces or English manor houses), and period galloping adventures. Here, in the first Holt novel to be published posthumously, an orphan lass finds love on two continents and helps to solve an old murder. Carmel March had been found as an infant under an azalea bush, and thanks to kind Dr. Marline--the ailing Mrs. Marline is horrid- -Carmel is raised with the Marline children, although she's still regarded as an outsider. Still, Carmel finds people to love. There's the boy Lucian of a titled family nearby; a lovely governess destined for tragedy; some pleasant gypsies, one of whom takes an unusual interest in Carmel; and Mrs. Marline's sea captain brother, Uncle Toby. Then, when Carmel is ten, disaster strikes the Marline house; there's a murder, and Toby whisks Carmel to Australia. Years later, Carmel returns to England alone to unravel a mystery and consider three proposals of marriage. To the beloved Mrs. Hibbert: hail and farewell--and thanks.
KIRKUS REVIEWS
KIRKUS REVIEWS
Abandoned as a baby, her exotic beauty prompted hushed whispers of gypsy blood. But she remainded shrouded in mystery until...
Romantic suspense.
Excellent romantic adventure, keeps your attention and keeps you guessing. A good read.
Abandoned as a baby, her exotic beauty prompted hushed whispers of gypsy blood. But lovely Carmel March remained shrouded in mystery....
When tragedy struck her adopted home of Commonwood House, little Carmel had been bundled off to Australia. Returning to England as a young woman, she became haunted by questions from her past, as well as the shocking revelation that she had been rushed from a murder scene those many years ago.
Yet she was convinced that the wrong man had been sentenced for the crime. Was the answer locked away in her childhood memory--or in the dark, secretive behavior of her old childhood friend, Lucian? And what fateful role did the opals--always present at crucial moments of her life--play? For only when she released the dark secrets imprisoned at Commonwood would she find the freedom to love....
"Victoria Holt's mysteries are among the best."
--Minneapolis Star & Tribune
"The prolific Miss Holt--.combines suspense and romance with the master's touch."
--Boston Herald --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
When tragedy struck her adopted home of Commonwood House, little Carmel had been bundled off to Australia. Returning to England as a young woman, she became haunted by questions from her past, as well as the shocking revelation that she had been rushed from a murder scene those many years ago.
Yet she was convinced that the wrong man had been sentenced for the crime. Was the answer locked away in her childhood memory--or in the dark, secretive behavior of her old childhood friend, Lucian? And what fateful role did the opals--always present at crucial moments of her life--play? For only when she released the dark secrets imprisoned at Commonwood would she find the freedom to love....
"Victoria Holt's mysteries are among the best."
--Minneapolis Star & Tribune
"The prolific Miss Holt--.combines suspense and romance with the master's touch."
--Boston Herald --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
