Web of Deception

Edgecliffe Manor #1

by Jane Peart

Jane Peart launches an enthralling fictional series set against the dramatic backdrop of Victorian England. In this suspenseful romance, a young governess' suspicions of a house guest are fueled by strange noises and missing valuables.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Romantic Suspense, Adult Fiction, Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Christian

204 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1996

About the author

Jane Johnson Peart of Asheville, North Carolina, Humboldt and Marin counties, California, and in recent years, Hawaii, passed away in 2007. She was the author of more than 60 works of suspense, historical fiction and romance, which touched the hearts and minds of thousands of readers whose correspondence she treasured. She wrote for the secular and Christian market, and is best known for the Brides of Montclair series.

Reviews

[Alisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full of tropes and predictable plot points but fast, easy reading if you're in the mood for some fluff in the Victorian-governess-dealing-with-sinister-goings-on category.

[Haley Whitehall · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a mystery set in Victorian London with a light romantic element. Even though the heroine was a vicar's daughter there wasn't much of a Christian aspect which was fine. This is the first book I've read by Jane Peart. She excels at description. I felt the setting come alive. However, I never felt close to the characters. Too much of the book was telling. Also, I figured out the mystery early on in the story and it was irritating that it took the characters so long. I will read another one of Jane Peart's books and see if I like it better.

[Nadine Keels · Rating 3 out of 5]

As my taste for historical mysteries has grown over the past few years, I decided to give this author a go for the first time, reaching for this novel published in the 1990s.

Now, this tale set in Victorian England isn't deep or action-packed, it has repetitive patterns, and the mystery doesn't really kick in until more than halfway through the book. It's the pretty predictable kind where the guilty parties eventually tell on themselves through their thoughts and dialogue, rather than a detective or sleuth figuring out what happened. There's a light romance threaded in too, which was neither here nor there for me.

Nevertheless, as a quick, easy, old-fashioned, and moderately mysterious read, it kept me entertained for a spell, which is all I really wanted out of it. I plan to continue on to the next Edgecliffe Manor Mystery when I'm in a similar mood.

[Cris · Rating 3 out of 5]

You find out how defined the Household rolls were in the late 1800 in England. A major Train wreck delays the arrive of the children Aunt, the Governess must do her best with little knowledge of the Children. When the Aunt arrives and fires the Housekeeper things go very wrong.

[Lisa M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jane Peary writes fluffy but good books. They will keep you interested but they go quick.

[B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fairly predictable, but well written.

[Cindy aka "The Book Fairy" · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great intrigue!

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This Victorian mystery/romance, which takes place in 1875, was about a young woman, Rachel, who became a governess at a mansion that was far out in the country. The owner, and father of the two children she was in charge of, was in Australia on business. Aunt Templeton has come from Canada to run the house, but she is a terrible person. Is she the real Aunt Templeton or an imposter?

The book was a clean read with just a little romance. It got off to a slow start, but then picked up. I'll probably read more of Jane Peart's books. I am happy to find an author who writes clean novels.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is about a young lady named Rachel who becomes a governess to two children in a mansion owned by a widower. The widower leaves, and his brother, Townsend, and aunt, Verdonia, arrive. There's a mystery to be solved as objects begin to disappear--and as Rachel tries to figure out what Townsend's true feelings are for her.

[Cws]

JMYA-Pea

[Eileen · Rating 3 out of 5]

predictable but enjoyable