Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner
Thale's Folly
Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Dorothy Gilman
Class/Genre: Mystery Romantic Suspense
Ballantine, Apr 1999, $19.95, 199 pp.
His efforts to be a novelist have left Andrew Oliver Thale depressed. Working for his business executive father, who fails to hide his disappointment with his son, leaves Andrew even more despondent. His father sends Andrew to western Massachusetts to inspect his deceased Aunt Harriet's property, THALE'S FOLLY, that the family pays taxes to keep.
To his shock, Andrew finds the empty farmhouse is home for six eccentric individuals, who welcome him as a lost stranger. Apparently, Aunt Harriet invited the six people to stay with her. Andrew enjoys the company, but especially likes nineteen-year-old Tarragon. However, someone breaks in and enters the farmhouse seeking an alleged lost treasure. That assailant will do anything to obtain the missing treasure. Andrew and Tarragon begin to search for Aunt Harriet's missing will and a supposed treasure too. Andrew soon learns that to love and to be loved are the greatest treasures that his great-aunt could have bestowed on him.
The popular author of the Mrs. Pollifax tales, Dorothy Gilman writes a charming romantic suspense novel that her myriad of fans will enjoy. Though the entertaining story line is simplistic, sub-genre readers will take much pleasure from it. The author only develops the eccentricities of the six squatters, which leaves readers wondering about their motives. Andrew remains the only character fully refined. However, in spite of the lack of character development, THALE'S FOLLY is a delightful reading experience.
Harriet Klausner
Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner
If you enjoy this website, a link would be appreciated. |