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I love gothic romantic suspense-type books (eg Daphne du Maurier). But the problem is that so many of them are so incredibly steeped in misogyny that I can't even. I love Mary Stewart, but the “Oh, how do I reverse this car? I must do it myself! Oh, here comes a handsome and capable man. Thank goodness!“ is grating, to say the least. Mertz was a scholar and a feminist and she gives you the lovely gothic thrills without the stupidity.

Yes, I enjoyed my reread of this book in all its gothic glory—check out the description on the back. So, so, so, gothic. This was the first of Michaels‘ fiction books to be published & I would argue her writing talent is already apparent. Because I can, I think I may continue rereading her books. Next up, in order, Sons of the Wolf. Finally, I‘ll say it again—I love this old school cover from the 60s!

Love this old school cover!!! And the 60 cent price! Rediscovered this book rummaging around some of my really high bookshelves. I‘ve always been a fan of Barbara Michaels—her stories are fantastic and, small world, we both got our Ph.D.s in the same department at the University of Chicago (although I started long after she finished). The Amelia Peabody series, written as Elizabeth Peters, is what she is most well known for today.