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Kirkland Revels
Kirkland Revels loomed high above the wild and eerie Yorkshire moors like a brooding stone fortress. To some there was an atmosphere of evil about the place, but to innocent young bride Catherine Rockwell, the mansion seemed magnificently romantic. She did not know then of the terrible secrets imprisoned behind its massive walls. Or that at the moment she had entered her new home, she had crossed the threshold of terror . . .
365 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1962
18 people are currently reading
1793 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Holt
374 books1,379 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Eleanor Alice Burford, Mrs. George Percival Hibbert was a British author of about 200 historical novels, most of them under the pen name Jean Plaidy which had sold 14 million copies by the time of her death. She chose to use various names because of the differences in subject matter between her books; the best-known, apart from Plaidy, are Victoria Holt (56 million) and Philippa Carr (3 million). Lesser known were the novels Hibbert published under her maiden name Eleanor Burford, or the pseudonyms of Elbur Ford, Kathleen Kellow and Ellalice Tate. Many of her readers under one penname never suspected her other identities.
-Wikipedia
Eleanor Alice Burford, Mrs. George Percival Hibbert was a British author of about 200 historical novels, most of them under the pen name Jean Plaidy which had sold 14 million copies by the time of her death. She chose to use various names because of the differences in subject matter between her books; the best-known, apart from Plaidy, are Victoria Holt (56 million) and Philippa Carr (3 million). Lesser known were the novels Hibbert published under her maiden name Eleanor Burford, or the pseudonyms of Elbur Ford, Kathleen Kellow and Ellalice Tate. Many of her readers under one penname never suspected her other identities.
-Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
May 19, 2010
Fun dive back into my teenage reading habits with this classic Victoria Holt.
I used to devour Holt, and still have several in storage. This one I bought at a used book sale at my local library.
Every Holt book follows a predictable plotline and has interchangable heros, heroines and villians. I say that like it's a bad thing, but truthfully it's comforting to snuggle up with a Holt book and be charmed by the fiesty, plain heroine and her verbal duels with the attractive, always amused hero.
Good literary comfort snack food.
I used to devour Holt, and still have several in storage. This one I bought at a used book sale at my local library.
Every Holt book follows a predictable plotline and has interchangable heros, heroines and villians. I say that like it's a bad thing, but truthfully it's comforting to snuggle up with a Holt book and be charmed by the fiesty, plain heroine and her verbal duels with the attractive, always amused hero.
Good literary comfort snack food.
February 8, 2019
Three and a half stars
After my last harrowing read, I needed something light. I went back to a book that I last read and loved as a teenager. Back then Victoria Holt was one of my favourite authors. The story is told from the point of view of nineteen year old Catherine Corder. After coming home from finishing school Catherine meets Gabriel while out riding. She also finds a mistreated dog which Gabriel helps her rescue. She calls him Friday. For her they are irrevocably linked as the first sentence of the book tells us.
Catherine’s life starts to change when she marries Gabriel and he takes her to his estate Kirkland Revels. Matthew Gabriel’s father and his Aunt Sarah welcome Catherine. But not everyone is happy about the new bride. Death and mysterious happenings occur that leave Catherine frightened, questioning her sanity and wondering who she can trust. While I picked early on who was behind many of the strange scare tactics, it didn’t impinge on me continuing to read. This is an atmospheric gothic romance. Not something that requires lots of deep thought but entertaining enough for a holiday read. Perhaps I wasn’t quite as enamoured as I was when I was a teenager but I still enjoyed it. It’s made me nostalgic to go back and read some other books from younger days. A three star read but an extra half star for nostalgia’s sake.
After my last harrowing read, I needed something light. I went back to a book that I last read and loved as a teenager. Back then Victoria Holt was one of my favourite authors. The story is told from the point of view of nineteen year old Catherine Corder. After coming home from finishing school Catherine meets Gabriel while out riding. She also finds a mistreated dog which Gabriel helps her rescue. She calls him Friday. For her they are irrevocably linked as the first sentence of the book tells us.
Catherine’s life starts to change when she marries Gabriel and he takes her to his estate Kirkland Revels. Matthew Gabriel’s father and his Aunt Sarah welcome Catherine. But not everyone is happy about the new bride. Death and mysterious happenings occur that leave Catherine frightened, questioning her sanity and wondering who she can trust. While I picked early on who was behind many of the strange scare tactics, it didn’t impinge on me continuing to read. This is an atmospheric gothic romance. Not something that requires lots of deep thought but entertaining enough for a holiday read. Perhaps I wasn’t quite as enamoured as I was when I was a teenager but I still enjoyed it. It’s made me nostalgic to go back and read some other books from younger days. A three star read but an extra half star for nostalgia’s sake.
June 18, 2017
3.5
Holt did not disappoint with her cast of colorful characters and a mystery that kept me guessing. The first half was a little drab for me but by the second half I was rapt. The twists and turns toward the end were delightful. Honestly I don't care whether I have figured out who the culprit is in these novels or not. So many reviewers seem to be bothered by that. It's the journey that matters. The atmosphere that is created, the vividly real characters, the angst - all served up in engaging style by Holt.
Holt did not disappoint with her cast of colorful characters and a mystery that kept me guessing. The first half was a little drab for me but by the second half I was rapt. The twists and turns toward the end were delightful. Honestly I don't care whether I have figured out who the culprit is in these novels or not. So many reviewers seem to be bothered by that. It's the journey that matters. The atmosphere that is created, the vividly real characters, the angst - all served up in engaging style by Holt.
August 9, 2007
What an entertaining book!!! Why can't they ALL be this good? If you only read 100 books this year, make sure 99 of them are by Victoria Holt. Just kidding. Actually, some of her titles are filled with too much "filler", but not this one. This one comes out punching pretty quickly, and doesn't let up for an instant.
One of the most entertaining books I've EVER read.
One of the most entertaining books I've EVER read.
November 29, 2012
I keep losing my reviews. You'd think I'd learn to copy first before I hit save.
So, substitute review until I can get back and rewrite it. Terrific book. I'm two for two for this author so far. Flat out keep me in suspense until the very last minute. Definitely would recommend it.
So, substitute review until I can get back and rewrite it. Terrific book. I'm two for two for this author so far. Flat out keep me in suspense until the very last minute. Definitely would recommend it.
November 7, 2008
I consider this the sunniest of Victoria Holt's beautiful gothic romances... Pure pleasure in reading this... Evokes the beauty of the English countryside...
August 11, 2007
KIRKLAND REVELS (Gothic Suspense-England-1800s) – G+
Holt, Victoria – 2nd book
Fawcett Crest, 1962-US Paperback
First Sentence: I met Gabriel and Friday on the same day, and, strangely enough I lost them together; so that thereafter, I was never able to think of one without the other.
*** Catherine Corder marries Gabriel Rockwell more out of affection and to escape an unaffectionate father than out of real love. Shortly after returning to Gabriel’s home of Kirkland Revels and being introduced to Gabriel’s family, one of whom think she is a fortune hunter, Gabriel dies of apparent suicide. Cathy finds she is pregnant and she is being terrorized by a vanishing monk, things disappearing and being made to question her sanity.
*** It was fun to read this again after probably almost 40 years. I was amazed how much I still enjoyed it. It is a classic gothic suspense with the gutsy female protagonist, a large, brooding building, an undefined threat to her life, sanity and/or child, and a romantic interest to support her. I really enjoyed it.
Holt, Victoria – 2nd book
Fawcett Crest, 1962-US Paperback
First Sentence: I met Gabriel and Friday on the same day, and, strangely enough I lost them together; so that thereafter, I was never able to think of one without the other.
*** Catherine Corder marries Gabriel Rockwell more out of affection and to escape an unaffectionate father than out of real love. Shortly after returning to Gabriel’s home of Kirkland Revels and being introduced to Gabriel’s family, one of whom think she is a fortune hunter, Gabriel dies of apparent suicide. Cathy finds she is pregnant and she is being terrorized by a vanishing monk, things disappearing and being made to question her sanity.
*** It was fun to read this again after probably almost 40 years. I was amazed how much I still enjoyed it. It is a classic gothic suspense with the gutsy female protagonist, a large, brooding building, an undefined threat to her life, sanity and/or child, and a romantic interest to support her. I really enjoyed it.
January 23, 2016
I think this was her first novel and it sets the scene for all of the Victoria Holt genre, as in gothic mystery romance. Lonely young woman finds herself in a strange situation where her life is under threat from a mystery person. They are highly entertaining, easy reads, great when you don't want to be weighted down by some great masterpiece!
June 17, 2020
Catherine Corder was somewhat of a misfit. After finishing school, she comes home to a dejected and distant father and a housekeeper who appeared to dislike her. The whole atmosphere of the house was gloomy. Catherine desperately wants to escape and finds an opportunity when she meets a young man, Gabriel Rockwell. A whirlwind romance and a quick marriage takes Catherine to Kirkland Revels. Unfortunately, the happy couple is not destined to remain happy. Tragedy strikes, and Catherine is left to unpick the mystery and unmask a murderer, who might very well strike again!
Kirkland Revels is one of Holt's better books and her second book under the pseudonym. Set in the wild moors of Yorkshire, this book is full of great atmosphere. From the moment Catherine enters Revel House, we get the sense of a sinister presence. There are some great characters including a sympathetic and kind doctor, a sardonic nephew, and a muddled and elderly Aunt Sarah - the latter was my favourite!
Holt is pretty bad at dialogues considering how many books she has written, and this is the case here too. On the other hand, what I liked was that this was Catherine's show through and through. She does get the mandatory rescue by the knight in shining armour at the end, but otherwise she is alone and she runs the plot forward.
A great comfort read!
Kirkland Revels is one of Holt's better books and her second book under the pseudonym. Set in the wild moors of Yorkshire, this book is full of great atmosphere. From the moment Catherine enters Revel House, we get the sense of a sinister presence. There are some great characters including a sympathetic and kind doctor, a sardonic nephew, and a muddled and elderly Aunt Sarah - the latter was my favourite!
Holt is pretty bad at dialogues considering how many books she has written, and this is the case here too. On the other hand, what I liked was that this was Catherine's show through and through. She does get the mandatory rescue by the knight in shining armour at the end, but otherwise she is alone and she runs the plot forward.
A great comfort read!
March 2, 2021
Es ist (ich habe gerade nachgeschaut) gute 15 Jahre her, dass ich zuletzt ein Buch von Victoria Holt gelesen habe und über die Zeitspanne davor will ich gar nicht nachdenken, denn meine richtige Victoria Holt-Phase hatte ich als Teenie. Dass ich jetzt wieder mal ein Buch der Autorin zu Hand genommen habe, liegt zum einen an unserem Bücherbingo im Forum und zum anderen an der Tatsache, dass die Bücher von Victoria Holt in der Regel eher dünn sind, sich dadurch gut und schnell weglesen lassen.
Das war auch bei dem Roman „Das Schloss im Moor“ der Fall, den sie 1962 veröffentlich hat. Es geht in dem Buch um die junge Catherine, die nach ihrem Zeit im Pensionat in Frankreich zurück in ihre Heimat nach England kommt. Da sie sich im Haus ihres Vaters noch nie wirklich wohl gefühlt hat, sieht sie in ihrer Ehe mit Gabriel Rockwell eine willkommene Gelegenheit, der düsteren Atmosphäre zu Hause zu entfliehen. Doch kurz nach der Heirat stirbt Gabriel unerwartet und Catherine fühlt sich verfolgt. Doch von wem? Vom Geist eines Mönches aus der nahegelegenen Klosterruine? Oder ist es jemand aus dem nahegelegenen Ort, der nicht nur den Tod Gabriels verschuldet hat, sondern nun auch ihr nach dem Leben trachtet?
Alles in allem war auch dieses Buch von Victoria Holt eine ganz nette Unterhaltung, aber ohne das Bingo hätte ich es sicherlich nicht gelesen. Es war auch keine Enttäuschung, denn ich habe das von Victoria Holt bekomme, was ich von ihr gewohnt bin. Wenn man so wie ich relativ viele Bücher von der Autorin gelesen hat, sind einige Dinge recht offensichtlich. Vor allem die Herren der Schöpfung sind in ihren Werken ziemliche Stereotypen. Kennste einen, kennste alle. Die Protagonisten übertreiben gerne, sind meist etwas over the top und leider neigen die Geschichten zu Kitsch und Klischee. Das mag zum einen der Zeit geschuldet sein, in der die Bücher geschrieben worden sind, aber auch dem Genre, in das man die Bücher heute wohl einsortieren würde: Romantic Suspense. Eine Mischung aus spannenden Momenten, Liebesgeschichte (die aber glücklicherweise nicht komplett im Vordergrund steht und auch nicht sonderlich aufdringlich ist) und Mystery vor hist. Hintergrund, auch wenn die Zeit, in der das Buch spielt (2. Hälfte des 19 Jahrhunderts, ohne dass es explizit erwähnt wurde) keine große Rolle spielt. Allerdings verleiht dieser Zeitraum dem Buch wohl etwas mehr Flair, denn ich kann mir nicht vorstellen, dass die Story auch 100 Jahre später wirklich funktioniert hätte. Vielleicht ist es sogar ein wenig mit Lucinda Riley und Co vergleichbar (nur etwas altbackener), denn es gibt auch immer wieder Familiengeheimnisse zu ergründen. Aber im Endeffekt ist das einfach nichts was ich lesen will. Es hat nicht wehgetan, es hätte aber auch nicht wirklich sein müssen.
Das war auch bei dem Roman „Das Schloss im Moor“ der Fall, den sie 1962 veröffentlich hat. Es geht in dem Buch um die junge Catherine, die nach ihrem Zeit im Pensionat in Frankreich zurück in ihre Heimat nach England kommt. Da sie sich im Haus ihres Vaters noch nie wirklich wohl gefühlt hat, sieht sie in ihrer Ehe mit Gabriel Rockwell eine willkommene Gelegenheit, der düsteren Atmosphäre zu Hause zu entfliehen. Doch kurz nach der Heirat stirbt Gabriel unerwartet und Catherine fühlt sich verfolgt. Doch von wem? Vom Geist eines Mönches aus der nahegelegenen Klosterruine? Oder ist es jemand aus dem nahegelegenen Ort, der nicht nur den Tod Gabriels verschuldet hat, sondern nun auch ihr nach dem Leben trachtet?
Alles in allem war auch dieses Buch von Victoria Holt eine ganz nette Unterhaltung, aber ohne das Bingo hätte ich es sicherlich nicht gelesen. Es war auch keine Enttäuschung, denn ich habe das von Victoria Holt bekomme, was ich von ihr gewohnt bin. Wenn man so wie ich relativ viele Bücher von der Autorin gelesen hat, sind einige Dinge recht offensichtlich. Vor allem die Herren der Schöpfung sind in ihren Werken ziemliche Stereotypen. Kennste einen, kennste alle. Die Protagonisten übertreiben gerne, sind meist etwas over the top und leider neigen die Geschichten zu Kitsch und Klischee. Das mag zum einen der Zeit geschuldet sein, in der die Bücher geschrieben worden sind, aber auch dem Genre, in das man die Bücher heute wohl einsortieren würde: Romantic Suspense. Eine Mischung aus spannenden Momenten, Liebesgeschichte (die aber glücklicherweise nicht komplett im Vordergrund steht und auch nicht sonderlich aufdringlich ist) und Mystery vor hist. Hintergrund, auch wenn die Zeit, in der das Buch spielt (2. Hälfte des 19 Jahrhunderts, ohne dass es explizit erwähnt wurde) keine große Rolle spielt. Allerdings verleiht dieser Zeitraum dem Buch wohl etwas mehr Flair, denn ich kann mir nicht vorstellen, dass die Story auch 100 Jahre später wirklich funktioniert hätte. Vielleicht ist es sogar ein wenig mit Lucinda Riley und Co vergleichbar (nur etwas altbackener), denn es gibt auch immer wieder Familiengeheimnisse zu ergründen. Aber im Endeffekt ist das einfach nichts was ich lesen will. Es hat nicht wehgetan, es hätte aber auch nicht wirklich sein müssen.
August 28, 2023
Неоґотичний роман у найкращих традиціях жанру. У нас є старовинний маєток, загадкова смерть одного із його мешканців та купа скелетів, які починають вивалюватися із різноманітних шаф після цієї смерті.
⠀
Роман дуже динамічний, інтригуючий і цікавий. З кожною сторінкою відкриваються все нові й нові таємниці. А ім'я головного злодія настільки несподіване, що в фіналі просто відвисає щелепа.
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Мені дуже сподобалась головна героїня - смілива і рішуча Кетрін, яка завжди знаходила вихід із будь-якої складної ситуації. Також серед улюбленців упевнений в собі та своїх силах Саймон і його бабуся - вольова Агар. Та моїм найулюбленішим персонажем стала тітонька Сара - дивакувата старенька, що ткала гобелени і зображала на них історію сім'ї Роквелів.
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Роман дуже динамічний, інтригуючий і цікавий. З кожною сторінкою відкриваються все нові й нові таємниці. А ім'я головного злодія настільки несподіване, що в фіналі просто відвисає щелепа.
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Мені дуже сподобалась головна героїня - смілива і рішуча Кетрін, яка завжди знаходила вихід із будь-якої складної ситуації. Також серед улюбленців упевнений в собі та своїх силах Саймон і його бабуся - вольова Агар. Та моїм найулюбленішим персонажем стала тітонька Сара - дивакувата старенька, що ткала гобелени і зображала на них історію сім'ї Роквелів.
June 26, 2023
Book Title: Kirkland Revels
Author: Victoria Holt
Genre: Gothic Romance, Mystery, Suspense
Rating: 4/5
Just as people have comfort food to boost their mood, Victoria Holt’s books serve as my go-to comfort reads. Hence, when I found myself in a reading slump, I knew the perfect remedy was Holt’s novel. This time, I picked ‘Kirkland Revels’ which had been sitting on my shelf for quite a few months, and as always, I was swept into the beautiful picturesque views of 18th-century England, the gothic setting, and eerie yet captivating landscapes.
The story revolves around and is narrated through the character of Catherine Corder, a young woman who recently returned from Paris to her gloomy abode, Glen House. She resides there with her distant and aloof father and a toxic governess. Catherine longs to escape the loneliness and the morbid atmosphere of her house. Her prayers are answered when she meets Gabriel, a wealthy man with a weak heart who is also their heir to Kirkland Revels, a manor house. When Catherine agrees to marry Gabriel (out of sympathy for him and desire to escape her lonely life) she is unaware of the mystery and terrors that will soon envelop her. Soon after the marriage, Gabriel allegedly commits suicide, leaving Catherine pregnant with the heir of Kirkland Revels. Soon Catherine starts experiencing strange happenings in the house and becomes a target of a mysterious presence disguising itself as a monk to frighten her.
In my opinion, the novel was a perfect blend of gothic mystery, suspense, and a touch of romance. Victoria Holt is a great storyteller and her books have never disappointed me even though the plot of her books is most of the time similar and predictable. I Love the scenic descriptions of the 18th Century England. This is one of the reasons I love reading books because they transport me to places I have never been before. I can never get enough of reading her books no matter how predictable and similar her plots and characters are. Interestingly, I guessed the culprit when I was halfway through the book long before it was revealed to the readers. I was looking forward to reading his motives behind all the evil acts he had committed in the book which were revealed in the last few pages. What I loved the most about this book is the strong female protagonist. Holt’s protagonists are always strong, educated, and assertive females who are clever, independent, and progressive. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and will rate it four stars.
Author: Victoria Holt
Genre: Gothic Romance, Mystery, Suspense
Rating: 4/5
Just as people have comfort food to boost their mood, Victoria Holt’s books serve as my go-to comfort reads. Hence, when I found myself in a reading slump, I knew the perfect remedy was Holt’s novel. This time, I picked ‘Kirkland Revels’ which had been sitting on my shelf for quite a few months, and as always, I was swept into the beautiful picturesque views of 18th-century England, the gothic setting, and eerie yet captivating landscapes.
The story revolves around and is narrated through the character of Catherine Corder, a young woman who recently returned from Paris to her gloomy abode, Glen House. She resides there with her distant and aloof father and a toxic governess. Catherine longs to escape the loneliness and the morbid atmosphere of her house. Her prayers are answered when she meets Gabriel, a wealthy man with a weak heart who is also their heir to Kirkland Revels, a manor house. When Catherine agrees to marry Gabriel (out of sympathy for him and desire to escape her lonely life) she is unaware of the mystery and terrors that will soon envelop her. Soon after the marriage, Gabriel allegedly commits suicide, leaving Catherine pregnant with the heir of Kirkland Revels. Soon Catherine starts experiencing strange happenings in the house and becomes a target of a mysterious presence disguising itself as a monk to frighten her.
In my opinion, the novel was a perfect blend of gothic mystery, suspense, and a touch of romance. Victoria Holt is a great storyteller and her books have never disappointed me even though the plot of her books is most of the time similar and predictable. I Love the scenic descriptions of the 18th Century England. This is one of the reasons I love reading books because they transport me to places I have never been before. I can never get enough of reading her books no matter how predictable and similar her plots and characters are. Interestingly, I guessed the culprit when I was halfway through the book long before it was revealed to the readers. I was looking forward to reading his motives behind all the evil acts he had committed in the book which were revealed in the last few pages. What I loved the most about this book is the strong female protagonist. Holt’s protagonists are always strong, educated, and assertive females who are clever, independent, and progressive. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and will rate it four stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2013
Wonderful storytelling! Very good plot, unique characters that didn't hit the stereotypical - heroine (TSTL syndrone)/villian (ugly, smelly, bad posture) - and a few other characters throw into the mix that were hard to define as being good or not good until the very end.
The heroine was a smart cookie with a good head on her shoulders. Of the one 'bad' decision she made, I wouldn't call it stupidness, only really bad timing, as it brought her into peril. But what would these books be without a heroine in peril, right?
Marks off because of Friday For that reason alone, never mind the villian killed the heroine's husband, I'd push him off a high cliff.
Anyway, good atmospheric descriptions of the manor house, ruined abbey, mysterious tunnels, Yorkshire Jane Eyre-ish desolation and the elements.
Good stuff!
The heroine was a smart cookie with a good head on her shoulders. Of the one 'bad' decision she made, I wouldn't call it stupidness, only really bad timing, as it brought her into peril. But what would these books be without a heroine in peril, right?
Marks off because of Friday For that reason alone, never mind the villian killed the heroine's husband, I'd push him off a high cliff.
Anyway, good atmospheric descriptions of the manor house, ruined abbey, mysterious tunnels, Yorkshire Jane Eyre-ish desolation and the elements.
Good stuff!
March 22, 2013
One of Holts shorter stories. I just love a good Gothic romance murder mystery. She had me second guessing the villain to the end. Victoria Holt paints a pretty picture of the landscape and buildings. I never tire of reading her work even though the plot is generally very similar. I find that the characters have such life to them, that even though they are not central to the love story line, I read for the pleasure of getting to know them.
April 3, 2016
Books written by Victoria Holt are so cheesy, but sometimes that's exactly what you need. I've read a loooot of her books when I was 14/15 years old..that was the last time I've read them. I absolutely loved them at the time. I'm thinking of reading one of her books just for the old times sake! =)
August 6, 2021
I'm glad this didn't turn out to be a British period romance. It was more of a mystery with attempted gaslighting. Most of the characters were potential villains. Young Catherine didn't know who she could trust.
January 9, 2021
Entertaining.
July 17, 2018
8 chapters
312 pages
My initial notes were written before I had finished the story: “Not yet finished with the story, but I just have to get this said: She [the heroine, Catherine Corder] has to be one of the thickest people in noveldom. She knows she can’t trust anyone but goes around trusting just about everyone (especially one she should so obviously not trust)!”
That said, it was still a good story, just frustrating because you’re sidebarring to Catherine: “No. What are you doing? Don’t tell him!” (The very thing you do during horror films when the silly chit’s going up the stairs instead of down and you’re yelling “No! Go down!” or “No! Don’t go through that door!” as she’s about to open the door with the mass murder behind it).
By the time I finished, I was satisfied. The story was very good. Full of mystery, drama, and suspense. Though I had it figured out (who the love interest would be, who the bad guy was), it didn’t stop me from enjoying the ride. I figured both (mysteries) out when each was introduced in the story, but, I’ll admit, Miss Holt did have me wondering if I’d been led astray—she has a very good way of creating red herrings, deflecting guilt on some and casting shadows on, well, everyone!
However, my initial hero and foe turned out to be spot-on, thank God (because I so liked the man for Catherine who turned out to be the good guy—I would’ve been upset if Victoria Holt had allowed him to be the villain).
As gothic romances go, this has it all, including castles, crumbling abbeys, and mysterious ghost-like monks. As silly as Catherine is for marrying Gabriel out of pity and because she wants someone to take care of (to mother), it weaves into the plot well and entangles her in a life-or-death fight for two lives—hers and her baby’s.
Summary: Catherine returns home to England, 18, from her French boarding school. She’s forgotten how much she basically detests everyone at home (her father’s, to say the least, inattentive and strange, and the housekeeper’s a right pill, opinionated, bossy, and a bit mean). Enter Gabriel, who rides in on his horse (literally) and helps Catherine save an abused dog from a mean gypsy. Because of this meeting, they become friends, and, eventually, Gabriel asks her to marry him. Neither of them is in love (and Catherine knows it), but they get married and, after a honeymoon, arrive at Kirkland Revels, Gabriel’s nutty family’s castle. There only a week, I believe, Gabriel dies, and their dog, Friday, goes missing. Catherine, not at home among his very odd family, decides it would be better to return to the erratic home she knows best. But, once home, she discovers she’s carrying the heir of Kirkland Revels and returns to stake a claim on the home and money that rightfully belong to her and Gabriel’s child. Which, of course, upsets the apple cart at Revels, especially Ruth and Luke—the first being the sister of Gabriel (I think) and the latter her son and, if not for Gabriel and this new life’s presence, heir of all he can survey. Throw into the mix Gabriel’s pixilated aunt, his rather loveable but obsessed father (he cares much too much about his property and money and attaining an heir, a direct descendant from his lineage and not the son of his daughter’s sad marriage), an aunt who lives at the estate down the way (and desires that her son, Simon, become owner of it and Kirkland Revels, a sort of combining of the two great family properties), the cousin, Simon, who doesn’t trust Catherine (knowing Gabriel didn’t commit suicide but was killed, and thinking Catherine’s just a gold-digger out to claim the family’s land/fortune), and the neighborly family doctor who seems to have his own share of mysteries surrounding him—and you’ve got a story ripe for danger and murder.
If all I’ve written about this book (mystery, drama, romance, suspense, ghosts, castles, madhouses) is your cup of tea, you won’t be dissatisfied with this book. Though only eight chapters, they’re very long chapters, but don’t let that dissuade you. You’ll soon find, once Catherine’s returned to Kirkland Revels, that you can’t put the book down or stop until you’ve read through till the end of a chapter (and chapter 5 is almost 100 pages!).
This would be a great read on a rainy day or lazy weekend.
Enjoy!
Grade: A+
312 pages
My initial notes were written before I had finished the story: “Not yet finished with the story, but I just have to get this said: She [the heroine, Catherine Corder] has to be one of the thickest people in noveldom. She knows she can’t trust anyone but goes around trusting just about everyone (especially one she should so obviously not trust)!”
That said, it was still a good story, just frustrating because you’re sidebarring to Catherine: “No. What are you doing? Don’t tell him!” (The very thing you do during horror films when the silly chit’s going up the stairs instead of down and you’re yelling “No! Go down!” or “No! Don’t go through that door!” as she’s about to open the door with the mass murder behind it).
By the time I finished, I was satisfied. The story was very good. Full of mystery, drama, and suspense. Though I had it figured out (who the love interest would be, who the bad guy was), it didn’t stop me from enjoying the ride. I figured both (mysteries) out when each was introduced in the story, but, I’ll admit, Miss Holt did have me wondering if I’d been led astray—she has a very good way of creating red herrings, deflecting guilt on some and casting shadows on, well, everyone!
However, my initial hero and foe turned out to be spot-on, thank God (because I so liked the man for Catherine who turned out to be the good guy—I would’ve been upset if Victoria Holt had allowed him to be the villain).
As gothic romances go, this has it all, including castles, crumbling abbeys, and mysterious ghost-like monks. As silly as Catherine is for marrying Gabriel out of pity and because she wants someone to take care of (to mother), it weaves into the plot well and entangles her in a life-or-death fight for two lives—hers and her baby’s.
Summary: Catherine returns home to England, 18, from her French boarding school. She’s forgotten how much she basically detests everyone at home (her father’s, to say the least, inattentive and strange, and the housekeeper’s a right pill, opinionated, bossy, and a bit mean). Enter Gabriel, who rides in on his horse (literally) and helps Catherine save an abused dog from a mean gypsy. Because of this meeting, they become friends, and, eventually, Gabriel asks her to marry him. Neither of them is in love (and Catherine knows it), but they get married and, after a honeymoon, arrive at Kirkland Revels, Gabriel’s nutty family’s castle. There only a week, I believe, Gabriel dies, and their dog, Friday, goes missing. Catherine, not at home among his very odd family, decides it would be better to return to the erratic home she knows best. But, once home, she discovers she’s carrying the heir of Kirkland Revels and returns to stake a claim on the home and money that rightfully belong to her and Gabriel’s child. Which, of course, upsets the apple cart at Revels, especially Ruth and Luke—the first being the sister of Gabriel (I think) and the latter her son and, if not for Gabriel and this new life’s presence, heir of all he can survey. Throw into the mix Gabriel’s pixilated aunt, his rather loveable but obsessed father (he cares much too much about his property and money and attaining an heir, a direct descendant from his lineage and not the son of his daughter’s sad marriage), an aunt who lives at the estate down the way (and desires that her son, Simon, become owner of it and Kirkland Revels, a sort of combining of the two great family properties), the cousin, Simon, who doesn’t trust Catherine (knowing Gabriel didn’t commit suicide but was killed, and thinking Catherine’s just a gold-digger out to claim the family’s land/fortune), and the neighborly family doctor who seems to have his own share of mysteries surrounding him—and you’ve got a story ripe for danger and murder.
If all I’ve written about this book (mystery, drama, romance, suspense, ghosts, castles, madhouses) is your cup of tea, you won’t be dissatisfied with this book. Though only eight chapters, they’re very long chapters, but don’t let that dissuade you. You’ll soon find, once Catherine’s returned to Kirkland Revels, that you can’t put the book down or stop until you’ve read through till the end of a chapter (and chapter 5 is almost 100 pages!).
This would be a great read on a rainy day or lazy weekend.
Enjoy!
Grade: A+
September 17, 2015
An entertaining story. In a way sad. Like romances, it has the familiar patterns. A young woman who in some way, must prove herself. A man who is reviled at first, comes to become attractive. Status, wealth and family in the end. I don't think the "Alfred Hitchcock" statement on the cover is to be taken too seriously. What sad about it is that death and murder are all too horrid but all too easy going. Happy endings eliminate all. The characters are, of course, flat, and the main motive of the story is to change how the reader feels about them all. In that sense, it is successful.
February 25, 2013
It's the standard gothic romance: innocent girl goes to an old manor with a dark secret, and meets a dashing gentleman who falls in love with her despite her lowly station. Sooner or later she runs into grave danger. Will her lover save her, or is he the real enemy? You know everything's going to turn out fine, but you still keep reading till the last page.
July 3, 2013
What a wonderful book. I used to read Victoria Holt in the mid-1980s when I was in middle school and have been anxious to re-read her books for years. My memories of them were wonderful. After having finished book number two, I was not disappointed again. A great story. Plenty of suspense. Well written and wonderful language. I am going to read book number 2, "Bride of Pendorric" immediately.
July 24, 2016
Great trip down memory lane, I used to avidly read Victoria Holt when I was a teenager. Super gothic romance with all the trappings; sudden love affair, mysterious house and family, mystery surrounding parentage, strong hero who starts off a bit arrogant then becomes The One, reading this is like having a lovely bath with candles and a glass of wine, indulgent!
October 11, 2015
Victoria Holt is always readable even though her plots are often transparent and predictable. I turn to her books when I'm in need of a relaxing, unchallenging book which I can pick up and put down without a thought.
May 24, 2016
I devoured all of this authors books with great enthusiasm. What a pity she eventually died of old age. I reckon if she hadn't--I'd still be reading her stories. Of all her books, this particular one was my supreme favourite.
November 19, 2016
I am sure that I read this back in high school when I was going through a Victoria Holt phase but I didn't remember it at all. It was good though. Typical Victoria Holt, gothic romance. The main character was likeable and the plot intriguing. Overall a good read.
June 25, 2020
Loved it! She makes your mind jump from one character to another trying to figure out who the "bad guy" is. You're never sure until the very end.
April 24, 2021
This book was delightful; pretty much everything I could have asked for in this genre.
A chance encounter (rescuing an abused dog from a gypsy) introduces Catherine Corder to Gabriel Rockwell (who has a weak heart and is convinced he will not live for much longer); calling their relationship a romance seems like an overstatement, but Catherine is fond of Gabriel and desperate to leave her home, so when he proposes marriage she accepts. They quickly marry and Gabriel brings her to his family home known as Kirkland Revels. It quickly becomes clear that the reason none of Gabriel's family attended the shotgun wedding is because he didn't tell them about Catherine or the event; likewise he never told Catherine the extent of his wealth or that he was the heir to the Revels.
There are many family tensions (both between Gabriel/Catherine and the others in the household who stand to inherit if Gabriel dies without an heir, and between the Rockwell and their cousins the Redvers, who also jealously lust after the Revels), which contributes to the overall sinister atmosphere at Kirkland Revels and the nearby spooky ruins of an ancient abbey.
As you may have guessed, Gabriel dies early on, presumably by suicide (due to his despair over his heart condition); fortunately (or unfortunately from the viewpoint of Luke and his mother Ruth who were absolutely delighted for Luke to now be the heir), Catherine managed to get pregnant during her two week marriage. She remains at Kirkland Revels, as if she has a son, he will inherit. Catherine befriends Simon Redvers and his grandmother Hagar as well as the local doctor, Deverel Smith, who has a close personal relationship to the residents of Kirkland Revels.
Just when it's starting to get boring (Catherine is convinced that Gabriel did not commit suicide, but no one is trying to solve that mystery), Catherine wakes one night to see a silent hooded figure staring at her. This is the first of several mysterious occurrences, which are designed to make Catherine seem crazy so the family (at the recommendation of Dr. Smith) can commit her to Worstwhistle, the local asylum,
At the last possible moment the culprit is caught and Catherine is saved by Simon Redvers and they live happily ever after (she of course has a son that she names Gabriel).
A chance encounter (rescuing an abused dog from a gypsy) introduces Catherine Corder to Gabriel Rockwell (who has a weak heart and is convinced he will not live for much longer); calling their relationship a romance seems like an overstatement, but Catherine is fond of Gabriel and desperate to leave her home, so when he proposes marriage she accepts. They quickly marry and Gabriel brings her to his family home known as Kirkland Revels. It quickly becomes clear that the reason none of Gabriel's family attended the shotgun wedding is because he didn't tell them about Catherine or the event; likewise he never told Catherine the extent of his wealth or that he was the heir to the Revels.
There are many family tensions (both between Gabriel/Catherine and the others in the household who stand to inherit if Gabriel dies without an heir, and between the Rockwell and their cousins the Redvers, who also jealously lust after the Revels), which contributes to the overall sinister atmosphere at Kirkland Revels and the nearby spooky ruins of an ancient abbey.
As you may have guessed, Gabriel dies early on, presumably by suicide (due to his despair over his heart condition); fortunately (or unfortunately from the viewpoint of Luke and his mother Ruth who were absolutely delighted for Luke to now be the heir), Catherine managed to get pregnant during her two week marriage. She remains at Kirkland Revels, as if she has a son, he will inherit. Catherine befriends Simon Redvers and his grandmother Hagar as well as the local doctor, Deverel Smith, who has a close personal relationship to the residents of Kirkland Revels.
Just when it's starting to get boring (Catherine is convinced that Gabriel did not commit suicide, but no one is trying to solve that mystery), Catherine wakes one night to see a silent hooded figure staring at her. This is the first of several mysterious occurrences, which are designed to make Catherine seem crazy so the family (at the recommendation of Dr. Smith) can commit her to Worstwhistle, the local asylum,
At the last possible moment the culprit is caught and Catherine is saved by Simon Redvers and they live happily ever after (she of course has a son that she names Gabriel).
April 9, 2018
Young Catherine came home from school in France--a school paid for by her sea captain uncle--to a somber home with a distraught, moody, emotionally unavailable widowed father and acerbic, unsympathetic servants. She longs to have back the gay life she'd had in school and had convinced herself that things were better at home. Things were, instead, intolerable. As her only escape she went out for horseback rides on the moors.
I get the impression that Victoria Holt likes moorlands, or at least romanticizes the moors, peaty-smelling bogs, and wide open grassy places with large boulders just a bit. This was overdone, in my opinion. But I digress. Catherine meets Gabriel while they are rescuing a dog, and their friendship turns into a whirlwind romance. There are LOTS of clues she's getting herself into something over her head, but like many young people she marries not so much for love as for escape. Gabriel, like the dog, seems to need love and rescue. But from what?
A gothic romance setting needs an old house with a perhaps sketchy past, and Gabriel's home, Kirkland Revels certainly is that. The mansion was built in the 1400s from 1300s stone taken from an abbey and the ruins of the abbey near the grounds add further mystery to the setting. Both Kirkland Revels and the abbey are dangerous: the mansion since two of its owners suicided by jumping off its top floor and the abbey due to an unprotected well..and both by, perhaps, ghosts. And they're surrounded by moors, of course.
Her new husband dies by what is decided to be suicide but she is not convinced. Someone wants the house (it IS a gothic romance, after all) and is getting rid of the heirs. Who, how and why this person was doing the murders was the best part of this book. And leaking clues via an elderly woman with dementia making stories in tapestries was downright brilliant.
I get the impression that Victoria Holt likes moorlands, or at least romanticizes the moors, peaty-smelling bogs, and wide open grassy places with large boulders just a bit. This was overdone, in my opinion. But I digress. Catherine meets Gabriel while they are rescuing a dog, and their friendship turns into a whirlwind romance. There are LOTS of clues she's getting herself into something over her head, but like many young people she marries not so much for love as for escape. Gabriel, like the dog, seems to need love and rescue. But from what?
A gothic romance setting needs an old house with a perhaps sketchy past, and Gabriel's home, Kirkland Revels certainly is that. The mansion was built in the 1400s from 1300s stone taken from an abbey and the ruins of the abbey near the grounds add further mystery to the setting. Both Kirkland Revels and the abbey are dangerous: the mansion since two of its owners suicided by jumping off its top floor and the abbey due to an unprotected well..and both by, perhaps, ghosts. And they're surrounded by moors, of course.
Her new husband dies by what is decided to be suicide but she is not convinced. Someone wants the house (it IS a gothic romance, after all) and is getting rid of the heirs. Who, how and why this person was doing the murders was the best part of this book. And leaking clues via an elderly woman with dementia making stories in tapestries was downright brilliant.
February 18, 2018
I adored Victoria Holt as a teen, but haven't read any of her work in nearly 30 years. I don't recall a particular favorite (i was a voracious reader, but not particularly discriminating), but I picked this up for a quarter and decided to give it a go.
The writing isn't bad, but quite a lot of redundancy in description and dialogue (no worries if you missed something the first time around, it will be repeated!). And oh, the sweet but lonely (and misunderstood) heroine! The timeline laid out here or Catherine and Gabriel is hard to swallow, but I don't recall most of her books having such a whirlwind "romance." I was surprised to find that the mystery was actually pretty well done, and though I figured it out before the end not completely predictable (and the perpetrator was not a random minor character - my pet peeve!)
I can't say I now have a burning desire to re-read all of Holt's work (or Jean Plaidy or Philippa Carr) but I probably will read one or two more.
The writing isn't bad, but quite a lot of redundancy in description and dialogue (no worries if you missed something the first time around, it will be repeated!). And oh, the sweet but lonely (and misunderstood) heroine! The timeline laid out here or Catherine and Gabriel is hard to swallow, but I don't recall most of her books having such a whirlwind "romance." I was surprised to find that the mystery was actually pretty well done, and though I figured it out before the end not completely predictable (and the perpetrator was not a random minor character - my pet peeve!)
I can't say I now have a burning desire to re-read all of Holt's work (or Jean Plaidy or Philippa Carr) but I probably will read one or two more.
March 6, 2021
2nd read, originally bought July 26, 1972 in the Idaho Falls, Idaho Mall. Some years later 1976 I was living in England and went to see ruins of a Kirkland Cathedral which immediately brought back memories of this suspenseful thriller of mystery and romance. Catherine comes as a new bride to the ancestral stone fortress above the Yorkshire moors. (This is the part of England where I lived and first beheld the vast rolling moors of purple heather. A lonely, desolate part of that marvelous country,) Tragedy follows as her beloved dog disappears at the same time her husband Gabriel dies. Now she is face with an uncertain future even as she unravels terrible family secrets. Absorbing and haunting read.
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