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shivansh_k's review
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
"And I was blushing, certainly in every part that was visible."
Naughty.
Naughty.
jackwilliam's review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
gretel7's review
3.0
We are born, we suffer, we love, we die, but the waves continue to beat upon the rocks; the seed time and the harvest come and go, but the earth remains.
Excerpt From: "Mistress of Mellyn: The Classic Novel of Romantic Suspense" by Victoria Holt.
3.25 ☆
Excerpt From: "Mistress of Mellyn: The Classic Novel of Romantic Suspense" by Victoria Holt.
3.25 ☆
mw2k's review
4.0
Let's see now...
Setting in a castle or large house -- check
Said house or castle holds dread family secrets -- check
Woman in distress -- check
Woman is in awe of powerful, often tyrannical male -- check
Male hero is of the Byronic variety, handsome, troubled -- check
Strong, engaging emotions -- check
Omens and portents -- check
Strange events that appear as supernatural experiences -- check
Yes, it all comes together. What we have here is a Gothic novel, by golly! And even though it wears its Rebecca and Jane Eyre influences proudly on its sleeves, this story holds it own quite well. The protagonist, governess Martha Leigh, isn't the fainting, gasping maiden found in many other books of this kind. No, she's more like Jane Eyre - a conscientious, somewhat knowing young lady who sees through flattery and devices for what they are. But like Miss Eyre of yore, Miss Leigh is still susceptible to being swept off her feet by the loving pronouncements of the towering Byronic hero.
There's not a new idea anywhere to be found in this novel, but that's really beside the point. It's an enjoyable outing into the world of Gothic fiction and should please adherents of the genre, as well as those looking for a solid romance to bite into. Only a couple of contrivances stop me from awarding this five stars. The most sinful of these is every character seems willing to spill the beans on vital matters, which is a fault a few mystery novels have.
Setting in a castle or large house -- check
Said house or castle holds dread family secrets -- check
Woman in distress -- check
Woman is in awe of powerful, often tyrannical male -- check
Male hero is of the Byronic variety, handsome, troubled -- check
Strong, engaging emotions -- check
Omens and portents -- check
Strange events that appear as supernatural experiences -- check
Yes, it all comes together. What we have here is a Gothic novel, by golly! And even though it wears its Rebecca and Jane Eyre influences proudly on its sleeves, this story holds it own quite well. The protagonist, governess Martha Leigh, isn't the fainting, gasping maiden found in many other books of this kind. No, she's more like Jane Eyre - a conscientious, somewhat knowing young lady who sees through flattery and devices for what they are. But like Miss Eyre of yore, Miss Leigh is still susceptible to being swept off her feet by the loving pronouncements of the towering Byronic hero.
There's not a new idea anywhere to be found in this novel, but that's really beside the point. It's an enjoyable outing into the world of Gothic fiction and should please adherents of the genre, as well as those looking for a solid romance to bite into. Only a couple of contrivances stop me from awarding this five stars. The most sinful of these is every character seems willing to spill the beans on vital matters, which is a fault a few mystery novels have.
aleena123's review
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
lc8558's review
4.0
Martha Leigh is to become the new governess at Mount Mellyn. She finds that her new charge, Alvean, lost her mother a year ago. Alice is said to have run off with her lover and then died in a train crash. Miss Leigh finds that Alvean tries to please her father and that Connan Tremellyn hardly takes any notice. The longer Martha is at Mount Mellyn the more curious she becomes about Alice's death. She also longs to have Alvean receive her fathers approval. The book is full of suspense and there is some romance. I enjoyed all the twists and was surprised by the ending.
ladyhighwayman's review
3.0
Good, solid, Victorian Gothic mystery. Nothing spectacular or astounding. A good, light read.