Snare of Serpents

I rate “Snare of Serpents” as one of Victoria Holt’s most bland novels. I rarely felt engaged with the story.

The narrative is slow, with little of the suspense featured in a typical Holt novel, and crucial events are largely predictable. At times, it’s quite boring.

As usual with this author, there’s too much *telling*, as opposed to *showing*. Many times in this book the reader is told what happened, when the author could’ve dramatized scenes to show what happened.

I liked the heroine of the piece, but in general, not many of the cast are memorable characters.

I have complained in some more recent Victoria Holt read of her tendency to throw in just about every plot line she possibly can and this was no exception but at least most of them made some sense and were used. But my, multiple intrigues and murder plots and secrets hidden and revealed and just add the relief of Kimberly while you are at it! Davina was not the cleverest of heroines but she was plucky at times, even if she seems to have little judgement of character. Zillah was an interesting one that I didn't expect in a Holt novel. It's been fun reading more of hers that I never got to but I think a little break might be in order on them.

Snare of Serpents by Victoria Holt
The book begins with the main character, Davina Glentyre, who lives in Edinburgh with her parents. Her mother dies in the first few pages of the book and she gets a new governess, Zillah Grey, replacing her old governess, Lilias Milne who has been accused of theft.
The death of her father, David Ross Glentyre, from arsenic is blamed on Davina and she is judged not proven, which is neither innocent or guilty but an acquittal. (This is a term still used in Scottish courts). Her lawyer, Ninian Grainger, believes her innocent and he becomes an important part of her life.
Davina changes her name and begins a new life in South Africa with her old governess and friend, Lilias.
The mystery of her father's death show more continues and so does her relationship with Ninian and Zillah.
The book has mystery, love, betrayal, death and questioning. There is also some historical facts such as Holyrood House, a palace in Edinburgh (I have visited there in the past-Leona) and the use of the word bawbee, an old Scottish coin. There are letters written to Davina and her replies, which I think add to the book. Descriptions are good and brings interest to the Snare of Serpents. As usual, another good read and page turner from Victoria Holt. Usually, I can get through these books quickly and can lay down the book and come back to it; this one was different.
Enjoy the read. show less

interesting story but I don't like the style of writing

not her best

good novel @ England girl framed her father's death - goes to S. Africa - a governess
"not proven"

Davina Glentyre's happy young life in Edinburgh was shattered by her mother's death and made even more unbearable by her father's sudden marriage to her new governess. Her one joy was her friendship with a poor but charming student, Jamie, whom her father forbade her to wed. When her father suddenly died from arsenic poisoning, the means, motive, and opportunity all pointed to Davina herself. Alone, she escaped to the colonies in Africa. But with the Boer War came danger and the return of dark secrets from the past that threatened her reputation and her very life

Loaned to pop