Wednesday, April 2, 2014

When Swallows Fall by Gloria Davidson Marlow

I recently read an excellent historical romantic suspense novel, entitled When Swallows Fall by multipublished author Gloria Marlow.  I was grabbed by this story, even though romantic suspense is not my usual first choice for reading material.  I never figured out the identity of the real killer until the climax in which the identity was revealed. 

It is an atmospheric tale of a twin sister going to her sister's funeral.  The death was unexpected and sudden, murder is suspected.  Ophelia (Fee), the surviving sister and her twin, Desdemona (Desi)had been estranged for years.  Fee was called away from New Orleans and the man she loved to take care of her ailing father.  Desi took her place on the trip and ultimately married Fee's sweetheart, Cade. Needless to say, Fee and Desi never spoke again, though Fee had hopes of reconciliation.

Ms. Marlow has written a darkly beautiful story with lyrical images of the haunted mansion, the people within its walls, and the surrounding land. The quality of the writing reminded me of one of my all-time favorite novels, Rebecca, by Daphne DuMaurier.  It has the same richly shadowed atmosphere vividly presented and characters the reader will remember.

This one's a keeper.  Read it, you won't be disappointed.

Brava, Ms. Marlow!





Blurb

Although Ophelia Garrett loved Cade Scott first, it was her sister he married and took home to his plantation. When Ophelia receives word of her sister's murder and Cade's arrest, she travels there on a mission to learn the truth. She soon finds the halls of Almenara are haunted by secrets, peril, and quite possibly her sister's ghost.

Despite the cold, angry man Cade has become, Ophelia's heart refuses to believe he is a murderer. Vowing to do everything she can to prove his innocence, Ophelia must open wounds she'd hoped were long healed and face the feelings that still burn between her and Cade. As everyone looks to Cade as the suspect, evil haunts the dunes and halls of Almenara, bringing death to two more young women and forcing Ophelia to confront the danger.

Links for purchase:

Amazon.com

The Wild Rose Press


3 comments:

  1. Sounds like a wonderful story. Thanks for the review and pointing me in the right direction.

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  2. Hope you like it, Skye. It really is a wonderful read.

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  3. If you read it, I hope you like it, too, Skye. And thank you Sharon, for such a wonderful review!

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