Finding a 'Lost' Mary Stewart Book

Like many other modern romance writers, I adored the romantic suspense novels of Mary Stewart. I no sooner finished one than I was desperate to read the next. As well as being mysteries set in interesting locations, the titles always grabbed my attention: Airs Above the Ground, Nine Coaches Waiting, Wildfire at Midnight, The Gabriel Hounds, to name a few.



I was therefore delighted to discover by accident what is seemingly one of Stewart's 'lost' books while browsing in my favourite independent bookshop. The Wind off the Small Isles is a small, very short book and the story is set on the island of Lanzarote. Apart from being written by one of my all-time favourite authors, the hard cover is so pretty I would have bought it anyway!


I'm sure I'm not alone in wondering if an author has stood the test of time and I was a little apprehensive about reading this, especially since it's little more than a fairly short novella. However, I didn't put it off for long and as soon as I started reading it, I was strangely transported back to my late teenage years when this type of book was my most relaxing escape from everyday life.

Yes, it's a bit too short which gives it less depth and makes the hint of romance less believable, but the author still had the power to take me to another place and involve me in the characters' lives for a couple of days. Moreover, she also managed to add in a little mystery and danger that is such a feature of her novels. I think this is a little book I'll treasure as a special, unexpected treat.

Did you read Mary Stewart?

Rosemary