Due to the old fashioned hardcover of this book, I didn't think I would like it but I was drawn in by the different characters and the intrigue that surrounded them. Set in the 1890's, the world is a much different place for a woman, especially one with no family and no prospects. Meg is the main character and you root for her throughout the book. The snob and boorish Esmeralda is a pain but the surprising characters are Aunt Harriet and "Giles". This is a very good read with unexpected twists and turns. ( )

A very rich old man summons the members of his divided family to hear his plans for his estate, but then someone starts murdering some of the possible heirs. A poor young governess (and kinswoman) meets an attractive Italian policeman. ( )

June 22, 2000
Summoned to Darkness
Anne-Marie Sheridan

This was one of those rare library-sale finds that can’t be found anymore, from 1978. A period piece (Victorian) set in 19th century Italy. One of my favorite kind of stories – poor gentry girl, a poor relation to the rich side of a very wealthy family, who lives a life of servitutde to her snotty cousin Esmeralda. The wealthy old patriarch is dying, and summons his family to Italy for the will proceedings. Only one will inherit. Meg (the protagonist) goes along simply as Esmeralda’s servant, and the reader gets to see the opulence and drama through her fresh eyes (for a wide-eyed innocent - as all of these characters seem to be – she wasn’t too sickening). A couple of murders – killing off heirs, of course – makes things interesting, and we all know what happens in the end….Meg inherits it all! I love it. I’m such a sucker. ( )

A dark fascinating mystery involving the branches of a very rich but dissolute family. Everyone is gathering at the Viennese villa of Rich Great-Uncle to find out how the fortune will be divided. One by one the heirs begin dieing. Sweet but poor shirt-tail relation falls in love with member of Vienna police force, who turns out to be a prince. He is not the only character who is not what he or she seems to be. ( )