Nine Coaches Waiting by Mary Stewart is a gothic romance novel set in the French countryside. The story follows Linda, a young English governess, who takes a position to care for the orphaned Philippe de Valmy. As Linda delves deeper into her role, she becomes suspicious that someone is attempting to harm Philippe. The plot is filled with suspense, danger, and romance, reminiscent of classic gothic thrillers. Stewart's detailed descriptions bring the French countryside to life, creating a vivid backdrop for the unfolding events. The book's writing style is praised for its pace, beauty, and character development, with the author expertly weaving together suspenseful elements and atmospheric details.

Characters:

Characters are deeply drawn and complex, featuring a resilient heroine, a wise child, and enigmatic adults, each contributing to the overall suspense.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by evocative and lyrical prose that effectively establishes atmosphere and builds suspense.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers on a young governess who navigates a web of danger and intrigue while trying to protect her charge, leading to a romantic entanglement.

Setting:

The story takes place in the lush, haunting landscapes of 1950s France, particularly in a grand yet decaying chateau, which serves as a character in itself.

Pacing:

Pacing is carefully managed, with a mix of tension-filled moments and atmospheric descriptions, leading to a gripping climax.

We reached Paris just as the light was fading. It had been a soft, grey March day, with the smell of spring in the air. The wet tarmac glistened underfoot; over the airfield the sky looked very high, ...

Notes:

Nine Coaches Waiting was originally published in 1958.

The story follows Linda Martin, a young orphaned French expatriate.

Linda becomes a governess for Count Philippe de Valmy in France.

The novel has Gothic romance elements and is rich in suspense.

Linda hides her fluent French from her employers, who prefer an English governess.

The backdrop includes a large, historic chateau in the Savoy region of France.

There are mysterious accidents that put Philippe's life at risk.

The book explores themes of trust and danger within a dysfunctional family.

Mary Stewart is known for her atmospheric writing and vivid descriptions.

The protagonist, Linda, is portrayed as intelligent and resourceful, rather than a damsel in distress.

Has Romance?

The romance in the book is significant but subtly woven into the plot, allowing suspense to remain central.

From The Publisher:

The opulence and history surrounding Linda Martin at Chateâu Valmy are all part of some wondrous, ecstatic dream. But there is a palpable terror crouching in the shadows. And then an accident that is no accident nearly kills the young English nanny's innocent, nine-year-old charge.This is not "chance" - this is something planned...and deadly.

Ratings (11)

Incredible (3)
Loved It (3)
Liked It (3)
It Was OK (2)

Reader Stats (29):

Read It (11)
Want To Read (15)
Not Interested (3)

1 comment(s)

Laura Walker

Loved It

2 years

I loved the love/hate relationship between the two lead characters. It had a really good, intense atmosphere to it. The mystery was also well done.

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About the Author:

Mart Stewart is one of the most widely read fiction writers of our time. The author of twenty novels, a volume of poetry, and three books for young readers, she is admired for both her contemporary stories of romantic suspense and her historical novels. Born in England, she has lived for many years in Scotland.

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Nine Coaches Waiting

Mary Stewart