The Devil of Dragon House

by Janis Susan May

A lovely orphan, Drucilla, encounters mystery, adventure, and romance when she sets off on a harrowing journey to her cousin Dorothea's home in Connecticut

Genres: Gothic

254 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1985

About the author

AKA Janis Patterson

Reviews

[Mermarie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A few historical inconsistencies from the heroine's perspective(that was thought to be 'fact'), but the heroine was gutsy, and I appreciated that immensely. Nevertheless, she seemed more English than "Southern" in all honesty.

The plotlike was guessed early on, but it still wasn't told overly poorly, all in all.

[Ephemera Pie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this gothic novel. The ending spun by really quickly, but the build-up to it was great. I'll be keeping it on my shelf, and I'll be recommending it for comparisons of gothic literature. It is, admittedly, a bit on the racist side in some parts, though it's in line with the time period of the setting (1858) and the time of publication (1985). It got a little cringy for someone living in 2018.

Btw, I think this would make a decent film or short television series with a little tweaking.

If your library doesn't have a copy, archive.org has it https://archive.org/details/devilofdr...

[Squeaky · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gothic novel taking place in New England (Connecticut) with a southern heroine in the late 1880's. I enjoyed this gothic novel, it has all the plot devices for a gothic novel, with two questionable hero's, a crumbling mansion, a missing girl.... very good. Second Janis May book I've read and enjoyed.

[Sharon Buxton · Rating 3 out of 5]

B. historical fiction, suspense, mom's stash, keep