Book Review: Past Suspicion

Reviewed By: Cheryl - RAM

Past Suspicion     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Therese Heckenkamp
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Romance   Woman Main Character   Thriller   Young Adult

An attractive young woman with a mysterious past, a gloomy mansion to explore, and two charming young men competing for her attention - this is clearly a novel inspired by the heroine's favourite works, those of Daphne du Maurier, Victoria Holt and their ilk. While not up to the standard of a du Maurier, this is nevertheless a solid novel in that style. The writing and descriptions are good, but there are some aspects of the plot which make it a bit difficult to maintain suspension of disbelief. A certain level of improbability is to be expected in a gothic romance. In another context, the idea that a mansion could or would spend over twenty years unemptied of possibly valuable contents, unrobbed, and not subject to arson would be considered far-fetched. I also found it rather hard to believe that a modern seventeen-year-old would be sent away to live with unknown relatives with only 3 weeks to go before she came of age. Of course, it is necessary for the plot that Robin be old enough to participate in the romance and adventures, but young enough to be forced to live in a distant town with an unknown relative.

Overall, this was an entertaining tale, something of a romance/coming of age story with mystery elements, rather than strictly a mystery novel.

Cheryl - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Cheryl - RAM