The master of Aysgarth

by Margaret Mayhew

Used Romance Novel

Genres: Gothic

180 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1976

About the author

Margaret Mayhew was born in London and her earliest childhood memories were of the London Blitz. She began writing in her mid-thirties and had her first novel published in 1976. She is married to American aviation author, Philip Kaplan, and lives in Gloucestershire.

Reviews

[Donna]

This is a sad tale of loss and growth in this dark romance. I really loved most of this book but had a hard time with the hero. I understand that he was in physical and emotional pain but he showed me little true honor. I especially hated his drunken attack on her. I was disappointed in the miraculous healing at the end and felt it was not only unnecessary but detracting from the strength of character that he finally built. (and, quite unbelievable for the time period.) I found that so many people continually calling her ugly or plain was a bit excessive. I don't think there are that many rude people in the world and it makes her amazing transformation a bit unbelievable. The solved mystery of the missing treasure also seemed a bit too easy. It's hard to believe that in over 300 years no one else caught on to the possibility of its location. So... now that I've picked it apart, I still enjoyed it.

[MV]

I really enjoyed this "Beauty and the Beast"-esque gothic romance! This is despite the fact that I correctly guessed the villain from the jump, and the location of a lost treasure almost as quickly. I would've liked to see one snotty character suffer more consequences. And I would've REALLY liked for almost every other character to stop remarking on the heroine's supposed lack of looks ... Seriously, y'all need to shut the F up already. But anyway, if you like a good detailed and atmospheric pulp gothic that's an easy read, this is a nice one to get lost in.

[Cathy Bryant]

Ah, the 1970s....when a book describing itself as 'A Gothic Novel' could have a beige cover with a pretty line drawing on it.
This is Jane Eyre/Rebecca territory, only a tad less literary and with less doubt as to the conclusion. It is beautifully written, though, with an elegance, linguistic ability and sensitivity often missing from today's romances. I enjoyed it and I hope to find more of Margaret Mayhew's work when I need some flouncy escapism.

[Mysteryfan]

A longtime favorite! The heroine, little Alice Chell, ranks as one of my dearest literary friends. Great hero, good romance.

[Kay]

i did not expect to fall in love with a book...but i did with this one! Beautiful gothic love story, very aptly relayed, takes you back to Jane eyre times but it is in NOT a jane eyre retelling. Two "imperfect" people fitting in perfectly with each other. Lovely romance and i highly recommend this book.

[RaiRaiKen]

Perhaps due to my love for Georgette Heyer novels, Mayhew's The Master of Aysgarth is to me a bore and chore.