Dark Cries of Gray Oaks

by Lee Karr

Orphaned Briana Anderson was grateful to be offered the job as companion to the mentally ill seventeen-years-old girl, and to be staying at the luxurious Ponce de Leon Hotel and health spa in St. Agustine, Florida. Cassie's eyes were a deep, empty abyss and she was heavily sedated, almost catatonic. She'd be no trouble to look after.

But Dr. Gavin Rodene knew that Cassie's dark, tormented mind held a shocking secret-a secret her family did not want to revealed. Brianna tried to ignore his dire predictions, but her physical attraction the handsome, courtly physician pulverized her will.

Until she began to wonder. Why did Cassie's family insist that she be given hydro-electrical therapy - in a cabinet that resembled an illuminated coffin? Why did they keep increasing her dose of laudanum? Was it because they were afraid she might remember the Dark Cries of Gray Oaks.

Genres: Gothic, Gothic Romance

Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

Pseudonym/s: Leona Karr

From Harlequin.com Author Bio

The first time Leona (Lee) Karr saw her words in print was in the sixth grade when she won an essay contest and her entry was published in the city newspaper. That same thrill, always tinged with a little surprise, is still there after over 30 published books.

Although she has written mysteries, historical romances, gothics, and paranormal romances, her favorite genre is romantic suspense, and her bookshelves are filled with tales of mysterious heroes and courageous heroines caught up in the excitement of an intrigue.

A native of Colorado, she has set many of her books in the majestic Rocky Mountains near her home. Graduating from the University of Colorado with a B.A., and from the University of Northern Colorado with an M.A. degree, she taught as a reading specialist until her first book was published in 1980. Her books have been translated and published in many foreign countries with over a million of her books reprinted.

After being widowed for five years, she recently married and is living her very own romantic story with her new husband and soul mate. Leona "wheels and deals" from a wheelchair after she was struck with a bout of polio just one year before the vaccine was approved for use. She has been blessed with children and grandchildren.

She has been on the Waldenbooks bestseller List, nominated by Romantic Times for Best Romantic Saga, and Best Gothic Author. She has been honored as the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writer of the Year, and has received Colorado's Romance Writer of the Year Award. She is a presenter at numerous writing conferences and has taught college courses in creative writing.

She writes five hours a day, happily chasing new stories of love, danger, and happiness. She is delighted when readers confess that her books kept them up half of the night reading.

Reviews

[Rachel-RN · Rating 2 out of 5]

I remember when I was a teen enjoying these Zebra Gothics. So when I found this one, I think it was at a thrift store, I bought it! Either I've changed, or this one was a dud (or it's both those things).
I didn't find this that suspenseful. Both Brianna and Gavin annoyed me. Brianna was too stubborn at times. Gavin was too bossy, authoritative. I had to scratch my head at their declaration of love. Huh? They really didn't talk or interact much. When they did, Gavin was condescending (IMO) towards Brianna. I really didn't learn much about either character. I could tell you Gavin was a doctor and Brianna a dedicated daughter to her father. But that's it. This was very superficial. I also didn't like that Gavin (supposedly) is engaged to Lynette and pursues Brianna.
This mentioned the different hotel dining rooms- 1 for guests, and 2 for the workers- 1 for white, 1 for colored. And that was it. Nothing else.
Oh, and mental illness can be cured if someone cares enough for you.
And the title. Gray Oaks is the sanitarium up north (Pennsylvania if memory serves) where Cassie was. This book doesn't take place there at all. It takes place in St Augustine, FL. So, ?????
I'm using this for the Southern Gothic square for Booklikes Halloween Bingo 2018.

[Erin *Proud Book Hoarder* · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gothics are a guilty pleasure. The writing suffered some but the story was still intriguing, even if the heroines stubbornness got on my nerves from time to time, the romance didn't feel real all the time, and the melodrama was a wee bit thick. Still a fun read if you like gothics and its lying around.

[H.y · Rating 2 out of 5]

i need three hours to finish this book. light, predictable and cliche.. but i dont know why i find it enjoyable.. maybe because i read it while i got nothing to do during my little baby's nap time.

[Abby Pechin · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to reading this Gothic Romance I purchased with a bunch of them, but alas I was mightily discouraged and rarely do I ever flip through to finish a book, but the male characters were so vicious and dastardly written, I could not stand it! The one male character who has any merit has barely given any room to breathe in this novel, and I am sorry to say I couldn't finish the book or rate it higher. The author is certainly skilled at writing horrible, awful male characters, which is the only reason I am still reading--to hope for their demise! UPDATE: A dreadful conclusion awaits along with a sickening love scene.

[Nattie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story was well enough, though at least fifty pages of filler could have been trimmed away. Brianna and Gavin could have been less annoying as well. There was a nice twist of sorts at the end which was appreciated.

I suppose I've gotten used to clean gothics from the 1960's and 1970's. I didn't like the sex scene and talk of hard pink nipples, that's just not what I want to read in my gothic novel.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely love gothic romances with all of the mystery and the strong female characters. Lee Karr is an amazing author incorporating an unforgettable story with amazing characters.