Maybe 3.5 ( )

One of my all time favorites written by Mary Stewart. I’ve read it many times and will likely read it again. Well written, page turner, great characters, wonderful story with action, romance, mystery and vivid descriptions. ( )

I'm pretty sure I read this back in my youth, but Mary Stewart is always worth a reread. Linda Martin takes a job as a governess to a young French boy, Philippe, the Comte de Valmy. His guardians are his uncle and aunt; the uncle is in a wheelchair but the boy seems afraid of him. Attempts are made on Philippe's life and Linda doesn't know who to trust.
This isn't my favorite Stewart book, but it's still pretty good. The descriptions of the French countryside near the Swiss border are lovely. The characters are appropriately mysterious and the reader can't see the twists coming: is Raoul, the attractive son of the aunt/uncle looking out for Philippe or trying to kill him? The romance happens pretty quick, which is why I took a star off, but it's still a great read. ( )

I love the gothic romance feel and the slow-growing romance between Linda and Raul. A really good ending too and a great mystery. Unputdownable!

https://friendlyebooks4u.wixsite.com/laurawalker-1

https://books2read.com/u/3nDkG5 ( )

Re-read, April 2020. Keeping it at five stars for a first-time reader, though of course as a reread it doesn't pack quite as much punch because you know what's going to happen. Still, the suspense and the action scenes remain pretty breathtaking!

PS. The romance is pretty dated! But it works within the suspenseful, broody atmosphere, I guess.

Original review:

It's the wee hours of the morning but I HAD TO KNOW WHAT WOULD HAPPEN.
Ugh, a book like this might wreck your bedtime, but it's amaaaazing suspense. ( )