#127 – Nine Coaches Waiting by Mary Stewart (HarperCollins, reissue 2001, c.1958)

"A strange terror coiled in the shadows behind the brooding elegance of the huge chateau. It lay there like some dark and twisted thing -- waiting, watching, ready to strike. Was it only chance encounter that had brought Linda Martin to Chateau Valmy? Or was it something planned? The lovely young English governess did not know. She only knew something was wrong and that she was afraid. Now she could not even trust the man she loved. For Raoul de Valmy was one of them -- linked by blood and name to the dark secrets of the de Valmy past."

Rating:  Excellent - 5 stars

If I was stranded on a desert island - this is the book I would want with me.  I've probably read it 40 times since I was 12!

Again, although written in 1958, this book stands the test of time.  Linda Martin is a very strong and intelligent heroine and other than a mention of WWII, it could fit in any decade.

This is a great suspense, slightly gothic story - the romance is secondary but the interaction between Linda and Raoul and his dark intensity, certainly draws the reader into their strong chemistry.  I think I fell in love with Raoul years ago.

Another excellent story by Mary Stewart - I highly recommend it.  It's been re-issued a number of times and you can still purchase it in retail stores, like Amazon.

Excellence Factor: Excellent - 5 stars

Steaminess Factor: Romantic

Total Books Read:  127

HARL - 95 

Other - 32

TBR Challenge totals: 40 out of 127 (31.5%)

4-July-2008

~ ElleJay - Team member of Novel Obsession
There is no pleasure in having nothing to do; the pleasure is having lots to do and not doing it!