Reviews - The Shivering Sands

49 reviews for:

Victoria Holt is a must read author for anyone who loves old fashioned romance. This book had the allure of mystery from the disappearance of her sister, and the romance with a forbidden man.
It's a slower paced book perfect for sitting at your fireplace, cuddled with your cat, and enjoy the twists and turns.

leahbee46's review against another edition

3.0

An entertaining and atmospheric gothic romance that is much heavier on the gothic elements than the romance. I enjoyed this book primarily for it's moody setting, it's strange characters, and my inability to guess the answer to it's central mystery. My only qualms are with the pacing. The middle seemed to be stretched out far more than necessary, while the conclusion with it's whirlwind of new information felt rushed. Still an enjoyable read though.

jjerrit's review against another edition

4.0

mysterious

carlaabra's review against another edition

1.5

This isn’t romantic suspense. This is a Gothic mystery and the MMC is Heathcliff 2.0. And my god is it slow.

What you’ll find inside

Long descriptions of Gothic architecture, the countryside, and rainy weather
An MMC who is definitely an asshole and maybe a murderer
A dead husband who was definitely an asshole but not a murderer
A widow whose type is assholes
So many side characters that I stopped reading their names
Four annoying children who never shut up
Way too much piano playing

There are lots of loose ends to play with and keep you guessing, but I guessed the murderer about halfway through.

karlabrandenburg's review against another edition

5.0

I have been a lifelong Victoria Holt fan, and as I re-read this book, I remember why. She has a twist of a phrase, a view of life that endures and draws a reader in. Is it improbable the main character would be where she was? Absolutely. That she could hold a position that seemed, at best, contrived? Despite that, you walk alongside, seeing things through this character's eyes and feeling her emotions. Danger lurks at every corner. Who killed Caroline's sister? Who killed Napier's wife? Why are they trying to kill Caroline? Suspects around every corner bring you to the satisfying conclusion.

Ms. Holt's stories continue to entertain, even all these years after her death.