Snowfire

they don’t write gothic romance like this anymore

I’ve always loved gothic romances, and found this one translated to ebook. Set on the ski slopes and a ski lodge, and the mysterious family who lives nearby, Linda sets out to clear her half brother from a murder charge. I never guess the killer! And there are very few books I can say that about.

Whitney writes romance novels with a mystery as part of the story. There is no real detective work, just repeated ruminations about who might or might not have done the deed, and the clues needed are not revealed until the last chapters, in a spate of knowledge that should have been gradually but subtly introduced.
The characters are "stock" such as in the old theater of Harlequin and Pantomime: plucky but feminine protagonist; strong but initially repellant man; assorted bit players. The romance is always a foregone conclusion, but the woman has to struggle against her emotions all the way.
In this novel, the milieu is a skiing world, including a lodge and famous athletes. Many of the terms are never defined or explained, which detracted show more from my reading enjoyment. Otherwise, she is a master of description. Dialogue is natural and well-used, but not rising to witty or profound.
The Characters are plot-driven, and often behave inconsistently from one situation to another. There were a number of "mysterious happenings" that were left as loose ends, such as 'the cat and the medallion."
Whiles away the time pleasantly.

NOTES: p.155 & 157 (for example) The child, Adria, sometimes calls her parents by name, and much less often by mother or father, for unexplained reasons. Possibly just a cultural habit of Whitney's.
p. 173 The author digresses a bit on the personality and habits of writers.

The long reading time is due to situational factors, could easily be done in one or two sittings. show less

grown-up Nancy Drew — good twist/quick ending — Skiing + Snow Lodge

The master of Greystones is Julian McCabe, a champion skier whose career was cut short by a tragic accident. He has been teacher and sponsor to Linda's talented step-brother. But now this promising young athlete is in jail, accused in the bizarre death of Julian's wife.

Linda soon discovers that this death has cast its shadow over all the residents of Greystones. Julian's ethereal sister is full of tales of reincarnation and visions of more death. And his eight-year-old daughter is haunted by fear and guilt.