Books Like...

The Moonspinners by Mary Stewart is a romantic suspense novel set in Crete during the late 1950s or early 1960s. The story follows Nicola Ferris, a smart and capable young woman working at the British Embassy, who embarks on a holiday in Crete. What starts as an idyllic adventure quickly turns into a nerve-wracking suspenseful journey as Nicola stumbles upon a wounded Englishman and becomes entangled in a dangerous web of international intrigue, murder, and kidnapping. As Nicola uncovers a sinister plot orchestrated by a gang of thugs, her knowledge places her in grave danger, leading to a thrilling and suspenseful narrative filled with unexpected twists and turns. Mary Stewart's writing style is praised for its lyrical descriptions of exotic locations, vivid sense of place, and engaging storytelling that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

In "The Ivy Tree" by Mary Stewart, the plot revolves around Mary Grey, a young woman who is mistaken for the missing heiress Annabel Winslow. She is convinced to impersonate Annabel in a scheme to deceive a dying man and gain control of an old family estate. The story is filled with deception, danger, and unexpected twists, set in the atmospheric Northumberland countryside. The writing style is described as lush and original, with a gothic atmosphere that keeps the reader engaged till the thrilling climax.

In "This Rough Magic" by Mary Stewart, set in the early 1960s on the sun-drenched isle of Corfu, British stage actress Lucy Waring finds herself embroiled in a mystery involving sinister activities such as shooting at a dolphin, drownings, and smuggling. Inspired by Shakespeare's "The Tempest", the book follows Lucy's journey as she unravels the mystery and puts herself in harm's way to uncover the wrongdoer behind the mayhem. Told from Lucy's point of view, the book keeps readers on edge with its tension-filled plot and realistic characters.

The story unfolds with a mix of excitement, romance, and suspense as Lucy navigates through the picturesque setting of Corfu, encountering a stowaway, a pregnant sister, and a villain whose identity is revealed early on. With references to "The Tempest" scattered throughout the book, Mary Stewart weaves a tale of danger, action, and courage as Lucy takes on the challenge of stopping the malevolent force threatening to disrupt the tranquility of the Ionian Sea.

'Madam, Will You Talk?' by Mary Stewart is a romantic suspense novel set in the South of France. The story follows Charity Selbourne, a brave and resourceful heroine, who gets entangled in a mystery involving an unhappy young boy and his father, a suspected murderer. As Charity races through the French countryside to protect the boy, she faces unexpected twists and turns, including a gripping car chase scene. The book captures the essence of 1950s France through vivid descriptions of locations like Avignon, Nimes, and Marseille, creating a nostalgic and immersive reading experience. The plot unfolds with intrigue, danger, and surprising love story elements, making it a page-turner that keeps readers engaged till the end.

Charity's character is praised for being level-headed, kind, and competent, particularly in high-stress situations like the car chase. The book is commended for its gothic undertones, interesting motives of the characters, and the suspenseful atmosphere created by the author. Readers appreciate Mary Stewart's writing style, which blends elements of romance, suspense, and mystery seamlessly, offering an entertaining and engaging read that transports them to the beautiful landscapes of the South of France.

Mary Stewart's 'Airs Above the Ground' follows Vanessa March as she unexpectedly spots her husband in Austria when he was supposed to be in Stockholm. This discovery leads her on a journey filled with suspense, danger, and mystery involving a circus, missing jewels, espionage, and the famous Spanish Lipizzaner horses. The book seamlessly weaves together multiple storylines, offering a mix of suspense, romance, and action, set against the backdrop of the Austrian Alps and the intriguing world of the circus and Lipizzaners.

The novel showcases Stewart's talent for creating engaging characters, evocative settings, and intricate plotlines that keep readers on the edge of their seats. With a blend of suspenseful twists, well-developed characters, and a fast-paced narrative, 'Airs Above the Ground' is a captivating tale that combines elements of mystery, romance, and adventure, making it a compelling read for fans of romantic suspense and light mystery novels.

'Touch Not the Cat' by Mary Stewart is a mystery novel that follows Bryony Ashley as she returns to her family's ancestral home after her father's death. Bryony possesses a psychic connection with an unknown man, whom she refers to as her "lover," and she must navigate family secrets, hidden mysteries, and the paranormal elements of the story while trying to uncover the truth behind her father's death. Set in England in the 1970s, the book weaves together themes of romance, suspense, and supernatural elements in a well-paced narrative that keeps readers engaged until the dramatic conclusion.

Set in a big house near the Cornish coast during the second half of the 1800s, "Mistress of Mellyn" follows Martha Leigh, a prim governess determined to win the respect of her difficult charge, Alvean. The plot is filled with suspense, eerie dreams, and a hint of supernatural elements, creating an atmosphere of realism with an edge of suspense. As Martha delves into the mysteries surrounding the death of Alvean's mother and the brooding master of the house, Connan TreMellyn, the tension builds, leading to a surprising ending. The writing style is described as engaging, with well-thought-out plots and convincing characters, such as the sharp-tongued and steel-spined Martha Leigh.

Set in New York City during the Guilded Age of the 1870s, "The Widow of Rose House" by Diana Biller follows Alva Webster, a young widow with a scandalous reputation, as she returns to the city to restore an abandoned and haunted mansion. Alva's plans are disrupted when her construction crew abandons the job due to ghostly sightings, leading her to seek help from Professor Samuel Moore, an inventor with his own interest in the house. As Alva and Sam work together to uncover the truth behind the haunting, a slow-burning romance develops between them, despite Alva's reluctance to trust again after her abusive marriage.

The book is praised for its rich historical setting, engaging storyline that combines romance, ghostly elements, and a slow-burning romance, and well-developed characters like Alva and Sam. The plot weaves together themes of restoration, haunted houses, and trust issues, creating a charming and endearing debut novel that captures the essence of the Guilded Age in New York City.

'Wildfire at Midnight' by Mary Stewart is a romantic suspense novel set in the 1950s on the Isle of Skye, Scotland. The story follows fashion model Gianetta Drury who travels to Skye for a relaxing break but finds herself entangled in a murder mystery involving her fellow hotel guests. The book is praised for its atmospheric setting, engaging lead characters, and suspenseful plot that keeps readers on edge until the end.

The novel is described as a classic Mary Stewart thriller with elements of adventure, danger, and a hint of romance. As Gianetta navigates through the murder investigation while dealing with personal conflicts, the story unfolds in a closed hotel setting reminiscent of Agatha Christie's mysteries. Despite being written in 1956, the book has aged gracefully, offering readers a captivating blend of mystery, crime, and romance in a well-developed and chilling narrative.

Dragonwyck by Anya Seton is a gothic romance novel set in the 1840s in New York's Hudson River Valley. The story follows Miranda, a young girl who becomes a governess at the eerie Dragonwyck mansion and finds herself falling in love with her employer, Nicholas Van Ryn. As Miranda gets closer to Nicholas, she discovers dark secrets within the estate, leading to a twisted and dangerous relationship. The novel combines elements of romance, gothic fiction, and historical events, creating a captivating and atmospheric tale with a hint of the occult.