Dark Dowry

Black Pearl #1

by Willo Davis Roberts

THE CURSE
What was the secret shame that had driven India's proud father from England -- and made him so fanatically determined to shield his daughter from all knowledge of the world?

What inner torment had turned India's Aunt Maude from a legendary young beauty into a hideously obese aging woman living out her days in bitterness and self-hate?

What demonic danger now threatened India herself, as she discovered that she was torn between two handsome, iron-willed suitors -- each warning her of the other, and each demanding that she surrender herself body and soul to him alone?

Somehow, the answer lay in the depths of the glowing black pearl necklace that held India in its hypnotic spell...

Genres: Gothic

252 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1978

About the author

Willo Davis Roberts was an American writer chiefly known for her mystery novels for children and young adults. She won Edgar Allan Poe awards in 1989, 1995, and 1997 for best juvenile and best young adult mysteries. Her books included The View from the Cherry Tree, Twisted Summer, Don't Hurt Laurie, Megan's Island, Baby-sitting is a Dangerous Job, Hostage, The Girl with Silver Eyes, The One Left Behind and Scared Stiff.

Reviews

[Sarah Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty standard gothic rom -- the sheltered narrator, the parentless family, the family secrets, the pair of love interests, etc. If you're a fan of this genre you won't find anything new, but it was an easy, enjoyable read. WDR sometimes likes to spice things up re: grit (Sing a Dark Song, Destiny's Women), but this is one of her less intense offerings; it's a bit slow to get going, though it does reel you in.

3.5, rounded up. Because I can. :P Caro is the heroine of Book 2, which I look forward to reading -- she's a more vibrant page presence than India, who tended to wring her hands & fade into the background.

[Haselbrox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this old paperback on amazon while looking for a cheap copy of The Girl With the Silver Eyes, a childhood fave that I would like to revisit. Who knew that Willo Davis Roberts also wrote adult romantic suspense?? I was very unsure what to expect, as that genre from the 70s can get a little uncomfortable. This happily reminded me of a little Du Maurier cut with VC Andrews at her absolute cleanest. Good times, people! Good storytelling and honest thrills. 4 stars for the writing, 1 star for the INSANE COVERS of the entire series. Look them up. The theme is Women Freaking Out and they are Just Fantastic.