The Wizard’s Daughter
The Wizard’s Daughter by Barbara Michaels 1980 Berkley Book
The mystery/ghost story begins with David Holmes speaking to spirits in 1880 to the nobility of Europe. Then we are introduced to Marianne Ransom whose father has died and left debts. Her godmother Mrs. Jay would take her in but is dying of cancer and arranges for her to travel to London where a friend will help her gain employment.
Marianne is naïve and dreams of singing on the stage. She is hired by Mr. Wilson to perform at his hall, a place where gentleman can purchase an actress. Marianne is protected by Mr. Wilson because her innocence act is popular, but Percival Bagstock comes to her dressing room and tries to take advantage of her. Maggie, her maid, knocks him unconscious, and they escape.
After a job as a governess where she spanks her spoiled charge, lawyer Roger Carlton takes her to the Duchess of Devenbrook who is looking for the long lost daughter of David Holmes. Dr. Horace Griffstone has takenin care of the Duchess Honoria for many years and they indulge her in a séance to try to reach the ghost of David. She is convinced Marianne is David’s daughter.
They travel to the castle of Devenbrook where a host of odd characters add to the story as Marianne denies being David’s daughter but is grateful for Honoria’s care. Roger is in love with her but maintains his distance except in his jealousy of tutor Victor and clergyman St. John.
Michaels keeps us guessing about the ghosts. She also throws in an abduction by Bagstock. The ending was hinted at but still a surprise.
I would have liked more of a romance developed between Marianne and Roger to offset all the gloom and doom of the story.
Michaels allows the narrator to invade the story and reference future scientific discoveries or knowledge Marianne did not know about. They weren’t necessary and were a distraction to the flow of the story.
Point of View is important in a story and is a concept that many writers fail to master. Take time to learn about them and how to write in different styles to learn what works best for you and the story.
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