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Crossover
Beauty, romance, suspense: Judith Eubanks handles a timeless mystery with a light, sure touch. CROSSOVER evokes the brooding atmospheres of Daphne du Maurier with the wit, intelligence, and sensibility of Dorothy Sayers.
As she adapts to British university life, Meredith Blake, a young American scholar, discovers that Edwards Hall is not the same for her as it is for the others. For her, it is full of riddles and reminders of the Victorian family that had once lived there, and the tragedy that overtook them.
Intrigued by the mystery hidden in the Hall's past, Meredith begins to explore the manor house and becomes increasingly challenged baffled, and threatened by what she finds there. Something has singled her out, slowly isolating her from the twentieth-century world she knows.
As she adapts to British university life, Meredith Blake, a young American scholar, discovers that Edwards Hall is not the same for her as it is for the others. For her, it is full of riddles and reminders of the Victorian family that had once lived there, and the tragedy that overtook them.
Intrigued by the mystery hidden in the Hall's past, Meredith begins to explore the manor house and becomes increasingly challenged baffled, and threatened by what she finds there. Something has singled her out, slowly isolating her from the twentieth-century world she knows.
236 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1992
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 18, 2015
I received this book as a digital ARC from the publisher through Net Galley in return for an honest review.
This is the story of Meredith Blake, an American scholar who is involved in a Victorian mystery while she was studying in England.
She is intrigued by a mystery murder which occurred at Edwards Hall and she will be “transposed” to this old manor though a travel time phenomenon.
The author uses a different way - a simple faint - to make the character travel from present to the past; the other transitions, the reader must assumes it happens in the same way.
Even if this subject - time travel - has been approached by several authors, the “tunnel” used to travel from present to past is quite simple and unbelievable thus underestimating the reader’s sagacity.
A common point on these time travel books is the desire of the main character to change what happened in the past, in this case, the murder itself.
Despite all points mentioned above, the book is well writing, fast-paced, being a good entertainment book for a free and sunny afternoon.
For those readers which are interested in read some good time-travel books,, there are some interesting options, such as: the the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon; The French Lieutenant's Woman by John Fowles - my favorite book on this subject; Lady of Hay by Barbara Erskine; The Hands of Time by Irina Shapiro; La Femme au miroir by Éric-Emmanuel Schmitt.
July 18, 2014
Disclaimer: ARC read via Netgalley. Also, I didn’t request it, but was invited by the publicist.
I am one of those readers who hated the Physic Book of Deliverance Dane. I thought it was stupid and idiotic, and the heroine was a complete twit who should have taken her dog to the vet. I also hated the Kate Mosse book I read. I’m really, really, really picky about time travel romance/mystery novels. It’s shocking that I actually liked some of the Outlander series.
You should know that in all fairness to Janet Eubank.
Crossover is not a badly written novel. Look at this description, “the house was like a woman of a certain age. There were still good bones and good manners and not a hint of embarrassment at being forced, after years of independence, to go to work in the world. The job might be demeaning and badly paid. Never mind; it was honest work and could be done with dignity and even some grace. Unhappiness was a private matter to be kept strictly inside” (Location 10).
And it gets better.
Description and setting wise the book does grab the reader. Meredith arrives at an English college to start her journey to her master’s degree. She is studying something vaguely 18th century; it’s never quite clear what English literature she is interested in and writing her essays on, but she is apparently brilliant according to her tutor. She finds herself getting stuck into some kind of time replacement, role switcheroo thing where she and a look-alike from the 18th century trade places. Meredith is determined to find more about the family she finds herself time placed with, and she uncovers a mystery featuring affairs and violence.
It’s sad, though, that I found the supporting characters of Sue and Tony, Meredith’s friends, to be far more entertaining than Meredith. Sue and Tony would make a wonderful romance novel; their relationship is interesting. Sue and Tony actually seem interested in scholarship and not just their tutor’s pants. They actually seem to work. Meredith’s relationship with her tutor, on the hand, is not interesting but simply pro forma. It just happens. Meredith seems to just happen.
The mystery itself is slightly more interesting than the time travel and the romance aspects of the novel. If this had been a simple straight forward gothic style mystery drawing on Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights, it would have worked. The time travel aspect allows for modern detective work, but in some ways weakens the book. This could be because all of the people who help Meredith are men. She is given a chance to work a woman tutor who actually specializes in the area of Meredith’s interest, but she rejects it to work with her original tutor. The reason given is believable, but having Meredith being aided by one woman in the story would have alleviated the feeling of Mary Sue specialness that really means Mary Sue twit.
Yep, Meredith is one of those. You know, like you see in those books I couldn’t finish.
Now, granted the novel was first published in 1984 and that means the latter works come after and Eubank’s character is more original, possibly an influence on the others.
What separates this book from its followers is the simple fact that Eubank can write atmosphere extremely well. Place and mood are wonderfully conveyed. This is true regardless of the time period. It’s why I was able to finish it. It’s why if she writes a straight gothic book, I’m there with bells on.
In short, if you like Mosse, you should like this. It’s a better book.
Crossposted on Booklikes.
November 5, 2015
3.5
*Book source ~ NetGalley
Meredith Blake is an American student going to school in England. Lodging at Edwards Hall in Exeter she’s charmed by her surroundings. Until weird things start happening to her and she needs to unravel a mystery regarding past residents of the house before she either loses her sanity or her current way of life.
This is mostly a mystery with a paranormal slant and a dab of romance thrown in. The writing is very wordy and at times the character interaction is choppy. This happens consistently throughout the book, so I’m going to assume it’s just the writer’s style. I was confused a lot of the time with the paranormal part of it. I couldn’t grasp why exactly it was happening and basically only to Meredith. The romance doesn’t get much page time at all and came off as kind of an afterthought, but the mystery is what keeps the story moving forward. I enjoyed Meredith’s research efforts and the ending was a surprise. Nice! Keep in mind that this was first pubbed in 1992, so it is a bit aged. (yeesh, like me lol) Overall though it’s a pretty good read.
*Book source ~ NetGalley
Meredith Blake is an American student going to school in England. Lodging at Edwards Hall in Exeter she’s charmed by her surroundings. Until weird things start happening to her and she needs to unravel a mystery regarding past residents of the house before she either loses her sanity or her current way of life.
This is mostly a mystery with a paranormal slant and a dab of romance thrown in. The writing is very wordy and at times the character interaction is choppy. This happens consistently throughout the book, so I’m going to assume it’s just the writer’s style. I was confused a lot of the time with the paranormal part of it. I couldn’t grasp why exactly it was happening and basically only to Meredith. The romance doesn’t get much page time at all and came off as kind of an afterthought, but the mystery is what keeps the story moving forward. I enjoyed Meredith’s research efforts and the ending was a surprise. Nice! Keep in mind that this was first pubbed in 1992, so it is a bit aged. (yeesh, like me lol) Overall though it’s a pretty good read.
September 3, 2014
Crossover by Judith Eubank is a 2014 Open Road Integrated Media publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review by the publisher and Netgalley.
When Meredith Blake arrives at a British University and housed at Edwards Hall , she is determined to become a scholar. But, the history of Edward Hall itself becomes an obsession for her as she begins to see glimpses of things and people not of her time period, of people who lived at Edward hall in centuries past.
Before Edward Hall was part of the University it was the home of Charles and Isabel Thornton. Now centuries later, Meredith is seeing a double of herself around Edward Hall and begins looking into the family history. At one point Meredith gets the shock of her life when she finds herself back in the 1800's and the governess to Charles and Isabel's daughter, Katherine. The staff presumes she is Nora and apparently sees no difference in her. While in the past she discovers the Thornton marriage is anything but happy. But, want she learns has her convinced a diabolical plan was being hatched and she is desperate to prevent this from playing out the way it apparently did. With the help of her tutor, Peter, she is determined to prevent history from playing out the way it did and to unlock the mystery of why she is able to time trip.
Anytime I review a book that is being reissued, I feel compelled to let the reader know this. This book was released originally in 1999. So, that's not all that long ago, but it's important to note that writing styles and trends do change rapidly and you might find the author's style takes a little getting used to.
I had a little trouble getting into the book at first. It seemed to take a long while before anything interesting started to take place. Once the story got into a groove, I was fully engaged. The dialogue was light and witty with a little bit of a British flare. The light romance kept the book from becoming dull which at times it was in danger of. The time travel element has a very interesting spin on it and was a most unusual explanation for Meredith's special ability. If you think you have it all figured out in regards to the mystery and possible murder that occurred in the 1800's you will be in for a surprise. A few very unexpected twist come about that made sitting through the first part of the book worth it.
The blurb suggest this book could be compared to Daphne Du Maurier and Dorothy Sayers in some respects. I would beg to differ on that account. These two aforementioned names are some pretty heavy weight authors in their respective genres, and I didn't think the comparison was fair. So, that statement is just a wee bit ambitious.
This was a pleasant enough read and I did end up enjoying it once I got passed the half way mark. So, I recommend this one to those who enjoy time travel, paranormal, historical, and light romance. Overall this one gets 3 stars.
When Meredith Blake arrives at a British University and housed at Edwards Hall , she is determined to become a scholar. But, the history of Edward Hall itself becomes an obsession for her as she begins to see glimpses of things and people not of her time period, of people who lived at Edward hall in centuries past.
Before Edward Hall was part of the University it was the home of Charles and Isabel Thornton. Now centuries later, Meredith is seeing a double of herself around Edward Hall and begins looking into the family history. At one point Meredith gets the shock of her life when she finds herself back in the 1800's and the governess to Charles and Isabel's daughter, Katherine. The staff presumes she is Nora and apparently sees no difference in her. While in the past she discovers the Thornton marriage is anything but happy. But, want she learns has her convinced a diabolical plan was being hatched and she is desperate to prevent this from playing out the way it apparently did. With the help of her tutor, Peter, she is determined to prevent history from playing out the way it did and to unlock the mystery of why she is able to time trip.
Anytime I review a book that is being reissued, I feel compelled to let the reader know this. This book was released originally in 1999. So, that's not all that long ago, but it's important to note that writing styles and trends do change rapidly and you might find the author's style takes a little getting used to.
I had a little trouble getting into the book at first. It seemed to take a long while before anything interesting started to take place. Once the story got into a groove, I was fully engaged. The dialogue was light and witty with a little bit of a British flare. The light romance kept the book from becoming dull which at times it was in danger of. The time travel element has a very interesting spin on it and was a most unusual explanation for Meredith's special ability. If you think you have it all figured out in regards to the mystery and possible murder that occurred in the 1800's you will be in for a surprise. A few very unexpected twist come about that made sitting through the first part of the book worth it.
The blurb suggest this book could be compared to Daphne Du Maurier and Dorothy Sayers in some respects. I would beg to differ on that account. These two aforementioned names are some pretty heavy weight authors in their respective genres, and I didn't think the comparison was fair. So, that statement is just a wee bit ambitious.
This was a pleasant enough read and I did end up enjoying it once I got passed the half way mark. So, I recommend this one to those who enjoy time travel, paranormal, historical, and light romance. Overall this one gets 3 stars.
March 26, 2020
This is a tricky review. I find really bad books the easiest to review. You summarize and snark and it’s done. And Crossover is certainly a book with structural & ethical quandaries, yet I passed two rainy afternoons reading this book, and was loath to put it aside.
The closest approximation I can make to this novel is those old late 70’s early 1980’s TV movies that were always airing on a cable channel on Sunday afternoons in the 1980’s. Now that is to say hardly high literature, admittedly sometimes a bit problematic, still engaging enough for a wet afternoon.
The novel follows Meredith Blake an American who comes to England to pursue a thesis, but her academic work is halted as she begins to time slip into the early part of the 20th century. In the Edwardian Era, the hall Meredith lives in was occupied by a wealthy family and through her trips to the past, Meredith becomes convinced she must go back to the past to prevent a murder.
Eubank, as other reviewers have noted, is an absolute master of setting and atmosphere. She makes Edwards Hall come alive in both the early & late 20th century and creates a credible sense of location. Eubanks also does a credible job presenting the early 20th century mystery.
The problem is Eubanks, likely for commercial reasons, inserts an absolutely unnecessary romance, and in the process provides a checklist of problematic male behavior illogically presented as romantic. Over time, this dynamic really muddles the narrative.
Peter Grant, Meredith’s tutor, supposedly endured an embarrassing incident mere months before, where a former female pupil accused him of inappropriate behavior. Yet, within a few meetings he’s kissing Meredith, buying her presents, as well as trying to dictate her choices…all behavior that is glaringly inappropriate, suggesting Peter is the creeper the previous student accused him of being… Because Eubanks had done so well setting up the atmosphere, and the mystery I was expecting Peter’s behavior to either mirror the past or somehow link with the larger story. Apparently, however, we are to view the romance as straight forward, whereby Peter’s intrusive inappropriate behavior is painted as gallant and soul stirring.
I understand reading past works one cannot demand a me to sensibility, but I do believe that such attitudes can detract from the overall work. It took what was for me a 3.5 star story down to a three.
Still there is much to enjoy here. And even if Crossover is not a great novel, it's a good way to pass an afternoon. And I do regret that Eubank did not write more novels, it would have been interesting to see her evolution as a writer.
The closest approximation I can make to this novel is those old late 70’s early 1980’s TV movies that were always airing on a cable channel on Sunday afternoons in the 1980’s. Now that is to say hardly high literature, admittedly sometimes a bit problematic, still engaging enough for a wet afternoon.
The novel follows Meredith Blake an American who comes to England to pursue a thesis, but her academic work is halted as she begins to time slip into the early part of the 20th century. In the Edwardian Era, the hall Meredith lives in was occupied by a wealthy family and through her trips to the past, Meredith becomes convinced she must go back to the past to prevent a murder.
Eubank, as other reviewers have noted, is an absolute master of setting and atmosphere. She makes Edwards Hall come alive in both the early & late 20th century and creates a credible sense of location. Eubanks also does a credible job presenting the early 20th century mystery.
The problem is Eubanks, likely for commercial reasons, inserts an absolutely unnecessary romance, and in the process provides a checklist of problematic male behavior illogically presented as romantic. Over time, this dynamic really muddles the narrative.
Peter Grant, Meredith’s tutor, supposedly endured an embarrassing incident mere months before, where a former female pupil accused him of inappropriate behavior. Yet, within a few meetings he’s kissing Meredith, buying her presents, as well as trying to dictate her choices…all behavior that is glaringly inappropriate, suggesting Peter is the creeper the previous student accused him of being… Because Eubanks had done so well setting up the atmosphere, and the mystery I was expecting Peter’s behavior to either mirror the past or somehow link with the larger story. Apparently, however, we are to view the romance as straight forward, whereby Peter’s intrusive inappropriate behavior is painted as gallant and soul stirring.
I understand reading past works one cannot demand a me to sensibility, but I do believe that such attitudes can detract from the overall work. It took what was for me a 3.5 star story down to a three.
Still there is much to enjoy here. And even if Crossover is not a great novel, it's a good way to pass an afternoon. And I do regret that Eubank did not write more novels, it would have been interesting to see her evolution as a writer.
July 27, 2014
A time travel mystery set in Devonshire, England, and revolving around Meredith Blake and her 19th century twin.
My thanks to NetGalley and Carroll & Graf Publishers for providing this ARC for my enjoyment.
My Take
The description compares Crossover to Daphne du Maurier, but I certainly contest comparing it to Dorothy Sayers. While I did enjoy the witty, lively interactions with Tony and with Peter, they were more like islands within unconnected and shallow scenes.
From the very start, Eubank has me asking questions as to why. Why do these two women insist on going through the door at the same time the gardener is trying to haul their luggage through it? And she calls him rude! And the idiocy of this action is typical of the disconnects throughout.
If anyone can explain the Little Dorrit joke, I'd appreciate it.
I wish Eubank had built the romance up instead of simply plunging us into it. It moves from deprecating the scandal from last term involving Graham and Meredith's predecessor — Kimberly Hays — and Meredith refusing to succumb to find her immediately succumbing, and we never learn why. After all her protesting, there's nothing about why she's suddenly all over him. To be fair, Meredith does doubt he can deliver an interesting lecture.
She slides right into time traveling, an activity most people would consider unbelievable without really questioning how it could be possible — psst, I think Eubank slipped Meredith a copy of the manuscript so she'd know what was coming… As for the ease with which Peter accepts the news…oh, brother.
For such a determined woman, she gets distracted very easily nor does Eubank build any reason into the why of it. There's a quick dip into possible insanity, but it goes nowhere. The bit about ley lines is interesting, and it's a pretty image Eubank builds at the end, a-n-d she doesn't go anywhere with this. Again. Oh, there's a nice bit of history and chit-chat about them as she confirms that the stone wall is on a ley line, but is all this talk only to confirm this? I'm not sure if Eubank is setting the scene for book 2 or was simply padding this story out.
Eubank goes on about the Thorntons missing for a length of time, but, again, goes nowhere with it. As for it being "pretty clear that" Meredith has to leave school or investigate the path. Huh? How does that compute? She's popping in and out of time, she's supposed to be a scholar, so why doesn't she determine what the circumstances are that send her back in time so she can avoid them if she desires?
Eubank leaps to conclusions like a deer at the sound of a rifle going off. Whatever led her to think that Giles would know anything? Sure there's a Ben Martin mentioned in the older scenario and there are Martins around now, that doesn't mean Giles knows about time travel? It does mean the Martin family has lived in the area for a good long time. I mean, yeah, later we find out he does, but what makes Meredith believe he does before this? I swear to God, Eubank gave Meredith a cheatsheet.
It is an interesting and easy way to time travel. And Eubank did create a nice bit of suspense in Henslowe's culpability with Thornton. That bit of back history on the Thorntons' romance helps create suspicions. Nor do I like his temper and quick fists, although he does appear to have been industrious.
I very much enjoyed her descriptions. They were nicely rich with a good bit of show.
Peter is certainly supportive, and he must be psychic! He knows Meredith's current predicament will be resolved in two weeks. Maybe he peeked at the manuscript as well…
If Henslowe has been with the household for more than a month, I should expect she'd already know the household walked to church every Sunday. So why does Mrs. Nash feel compelled to explain it to "Henslowe"?
It almost sounds as if Giles is in love with Miss Henslowe, but then we learn he has a girlfriend.
The sisters are quite the pair; you'll crack up at their scheming.
Through Meredith, Eubank makes an excellent point about the constriction of clothing for women and their inability to react to violence in the nineteenth century …and that there wasn't much difference for Meredith in her time.
I can't believe it's taken this long for Meredith, ahem, to pick up on the fact that Henslowe is alike enough to her to be her twin and what that might mean for the timeline.
And then there's the end…with its interesting bit of a twist…
The Story
Meredith is determined to gain her degree here in England, and nothing will get in her way.
Except those inadvertent trips back in time that expose her to an unhappy family. One crumbling before her eyes.
The Characters
Meredith Blake is an American coming to Edwards Hall to read eighteenth century English fiction.
Dr. Peter Graham, an Oxford man, will be Meredith's tutor; he's got a bit of a reputation. His field is Victorian fiction. He has a younger sister, Elizabeth, reading mathematics at Cambridge. His parents are in the foreign service.
At Edwards Hall, a redbrick university
Edwards Hall is located in England and is part of Exeter, a redbrick university. Fellow students include the Kiwi, Susan Franklin who's aiming for French; Imogen Shepherd; Hilary Jamison is a fresher; Gillian is the snotty bicycle rider; Alice is the stunning redhead; Marian is a dedicated Marxist; and, Tony Moffat, an Australian, has a great, and malicious, sense of humor.
Dr. Young is the Warden, I'm thinking a warden is similar to a college's headmistress or principal. Giles Martin is the gardener and man of talents who will be handing in his notice. He's also had some unexpected experiences as a lad. His father runs a pub in Exeter. James Stoddard is Tony's tutor; he's fascinated by ley lines. Hermione is Stoddard's cat. Dr. Ramsey is a behaviorist.
The Reverend Mr. Nicholas Creel is the rector at St. Dunstan's Church. He has a friend, Dr. Dudley, who can lend a hand, or rather a couple of names: Miss Grace Redding and Mrs. Sophy Neville. They're a pair of rogues!
The nineteenth century characters
The house is not called Edwards but Upper Durward and is part of Charles Thornton's Devonshire estate. He's also the husband in love with the governess while Isabel Dobbs is his fragile wife. Nora Henslowe is the latest governess, and she's been brilliant with Katherine, their remaining daughter after the son, Arthur, died. Mrs. Mainwaring is a friend of Mrs. Thornton's. Mrs. Augustus Redding is another old friend of Mrs. Thornton's and one of Katherine's godparents.
Ben Martin is part of the staff. Mrs. Nashe is the housekeeper. Dr. Wylie treats Henslowe/Blake. Agnes is one of the maids. Old Weems is the gamekeeper. Jeffreys has been Mrs. Thornton's dresser since she was a bride. Mr. Emory is the butler. Tom is the footman.
A redbrick university is a provincial or recently founded university in England.
The Cover
The cover begins at top and bottom with a narrow band of red with a much wider band of a deep royal blue. The graphic in the middle is an overhead view of Edwards Hall, with, I'm guessing, a collage of of ruin and stone wall in a grassy field — I suspect it's meant to represent the ley line crossovers.
The title tells us what happens, it's a Crossover that puts Meredith in danger.
My thanks to NetGalley and Carroll & Graf Publishers for providing this ARC for my enjoyment.
My Take
The description compares Crossover to Daphne du Maurier, but I certainly contest comparing it to Dorothy Sayers. While I did enjoy the witty, lively interactions with Tony and with Peter, they were more like islands within unconnected and shallow scenes.
From the very start, Eubank has me asking questions as to why. Why do these two women insist on going through the door at the same time the gardener is trying to haul their luggage through it? And she calls him rude! And the idiocy of this action is typical of the disconnects throughout.
If anyone can explain the Little Dorrit joke, I'd appreciate it.
I wish Eubank had built the romance up instead of simply plunging us into it. It moves from deprecating the scandal from last term involving Graham and Meredith's predecessor — Kimberly Hays — and Meredith refusing to succumb to find her immediately succumbing, and we never learn why. After all her protesting, there's nothing about why she's suddenly all over him. To be fair, Meredith does doubt he can deliver an interesting lecture.
She slides right into time traveling, an activity most people would consider unbelievable without really questioning how it could be possible — psst, I think Eubank slipped Meredith a copy of the manuscript so she'd know what was coming… As for the ease with which Peter accepts the news…oh, brother.
For such a determined woman, she gets distracted very easily nor does Eubank build any reason into the why of it. There's a quick dip into possible insanity, but it goes nowhere. The bit about ley lines is interesting, and it's a pretty image Eubank builds at the end, a-n-d she doesn't go anywhere with this. Again. Oh, there's a nice bit of history and chit-chat about them as she confirms that the stone wall is on a ley line, but is all this talk only to confirm this? I'm not sure if Eubank is setting the scene for book 2 or was simply padding this story out.
Eubank goes on about the Thorntons missing for a length of time, but, again, goes nowhere with it. As for it being "pretty clear that" Meredith has to leave school or investigate the path. Huh? How does that compute? She's popping in and out of time, she's supposed to be a scholar, so why doesn't she determine what the circumstances are that send her back in time so she can avoid them if she desires?
Eubank leaps to conclusions like a deer at the sound of a rifle going off. Whatever led her to think that Giles would know anything? Sure there's a Ben Martin mentioned in the older scenario and there are Martins around now, that doesn't mean Giles knows about time travel? It does mean the Martin family has lived in the area for a good long time. I mean, yeah, later we find out he does, but what makes Meredith believe he does before this? I swear to God, Eubank gave Meredith a cheatsheet.
It is an interesting and easy way to time travel. And Eubank did create a nice bit of suspense in Henslowe's culpability with Thornton. That bit of back history on the Thorntons' romance helps create suspicions. Nor do I like his temper and quick fists, although he does appear to have been industrious.
I very much enjoyed her descriptions. They were nicely rich with a good bit of show.
Peter is certainly supportive, and he must be psychic! He knows Meredith's current predicament will be resolved in two weeks. Maybe he peeked at the manuscript as well…
I did like this bit…
"'In fact, no one touches my books but me. Do you know why?'
'Of course. The little slips of paper might fall out.'
'… This must be fate.'"
If Henslowe has been with the household for more than a month, I should expect she'd already know the household walked to church every Sunday. So why does Mrs. Nash feel compelled to explain it to "Henslowe"?
It almost sounds as if Giles is in love with Miss Henslowe, but then we learn he has a girlfriend.
The sisters are quite the pair; you'll crack up at their scheming.
Through Meredith, Eubank makes an excellent point about the constriction of clothing for women and their inability to react to violence in the nineteenth century …and that there wasn't much difference for Meredith in her time.
I can't believe it's taken this long for Meredith, ahem, to pick up on the fact that Henslowe is alike enough to her to be her twin and what that might mean for the timeline.
And then there's the end…with its interesting bit of a twist…
The Story
Meredith is determined to gain her degree here in England, and nothing will get in her way.
Except those inadvertent trips back in time that expose her to an unhappy family. One crumbling before her eyes.
The Characters
Meredith Blake is an American coming to Edwards Hall to read eighteenth century English fiction.
Dr. Peter Graham, an Oxford man, will be Meredith's tutor; he's got a bit of a reputation. His field is Victorian fiction. He has a younger sister, Elizabeth, reading mathematics at Cambridge. His parents are in the foreign service.
At Edwards Hall, a redbrick university
Edwards Hall is located in England and is part of Exeter, a redbrick university. Fellow students include the Kiwi, Susan Franklin who's aiming for French; Imogen Shepherd; Hilary Jamison is a fresher; Gillian is the snotty bicycle rider; Alice is the stunning redhead; Marian is a dedicated Marxist; and, Tony Moffat, an Australian, has a great, and malicious, sense of humor.
Dr. Young is the Warden, I'm thinking a warden is similar to a college's headmistress or principal. Giles Martin is the gardener and man of talents who will be handing in his notice. He's also had some unexpected experiences as a lad. His father runs a pub in Exeter. James Stoddard is Tony's tutor; he's fascinated by ley lines. Hermione is Stoddard's cat. Dr. Ramsey is a behaviorist.
The Reverend Mr. Nicholas Creel is the rector at St. Dunstan's Church. He has a friend, Dr. Dudley, who can lend a hand, or rather a couple of names: Miss Grace Redding and Mrs. Sophy Neville. They're a pair of rogues!
The nineteenth century characters
The house is not called Edwards but Upper Durward and is part of Charles Thornton's Devonshire estate. He's also the husband in love with the governess while Isabel Dobbs is his fragile wife. Nora Henslowe is the latest governess, and she's been brilliant with Katherine, their remaining daughter after the son, Arthur, died. Mrs. Mainwaring is a friend of Mrs. Thornton's. Mrs. Augustus Redding is another old friend of Mrs. Thornton's and one of Katherine's godparents.
Ben Martin is part of the staff. Mrs. Nashe is the housekeeper. Dr. Wylie treats Henslowe/Blake. Agnes is one of the maids. Old Weems is the gamekeeper. Jeffreys has been Mrs. Thornton's dresser since she was a bride. Mr. Emory is the butler. Tom is the footman.
A redbrick university is a provincial or recently founded university in England.
The Cover
The cover begins at top and bottom with a narrow band of red with a much wider band of a deep royal blue. The graphic in the middle is an overhead view of Edwards Hall, with, I'm guessing, a collage of of ruin and stone wall in a grassy field — I suspect it's meant to represent the ley line crossovers.
The title tells us what happens, it's a Crossover that puts Meredith in danger.
July 30, 2014
An American woman is accepted at a small rural English College to work on her graduate degree. The college is house in a converted Victorian country estate. She loves the town and the school but finds out that ‘house’ has been the scene of ‘weird’ goings on for many years. The locals talk of odd occurrences and ghosts.
One day while walking in a secluded part of the campus, she faints. When she wakes up she finds herself in a bedroom in the house, dressed in nineteenth century clothing. She finds herself living with the original family who owned the house. The year in 1836.
At this point I’m going to stop writing about the story and concentrate on the book. I hate to downplay the book (since I was invited to review it) but it’s not original at all and could be an episode of “Sleepy Hollow” or “Twilight Zone”.
There is nothing in this book that you haven’t read or seen in other books of this genre. She finds that one of the ‘old’ characters dies two weeks from the time she is going back to, she falls in love with one of her colleagues, they plan how to help stop the death, the worry about the consequences, etc.
The book was originally published in 1992 and has zero reviews on Amazon. What does that say about this book. Goodreads has 15 ratings, seven reviews that average 3.6. So I don’t see this as being a popular nor worthwhile read.
Zeb Kantrowitz zworstblog.blogspot.com
One day while walking in a secluded part of the campus, she faints. When she wakes up she finds herself in a bedroom in the house, dressed in nineteenth century clothing. She finds herself living with the original family who owned the house. The year in 1836.
At this point I’m going to stop writing about the story and concentrate on the book. I hate to downplay the book (since I was invited to review it) but it’s not original at all and could be an episode of “Sleepy Hollow” or “Twilight Zone”.
There is nothing in this book that you haven’t read or seen in other books of this genre. She finds that one of the ‘old’ characters dies two weeks from the time she is going back to, she falls in love with one of her colleagues, they plan how to help stop the death, the worry about the consequences, etc.
The book was originally published in 1992 and has zero reviews on Amazon. What does that say about this book. Goodreads has 15 ratings, seven reviews that average 3.6. So I don’t see this as being a popular nor worthwhile read.
Zeb Kantrowitz zworstblog.blogspot.com
July 15, 2014
What if you were going to school in another country – England, say – and your dormitory was in an old country house, but one that had a kind of ‘wormhole through time’ in it.
And what if you suddenly found yourself back in the past, 180 years or so ago, in the body of a woman, a governess, who looks just like you, and found yourself wrapped in mystery? You find out your name and you discover that the master of the house is crazy in love with you?
Later, you’re back in your own body, do some research, and see that that the man’s wife suddenly died days after you were there. Was she murdered? Were you – the governess who looks like you – part of the murder plot?
But the now you, has a love – your tutor – a handsome witty guy – and he’s going to help you go back and discover what happened 180 years ago so you can be free of this crazy country house and your obsessive curiosity.
Join Meredith and her friend, Peter, as they unravel on of the most offbeat mysteries you will meet this year – but a warning! You’ll want to turn off the phone, call in sick, and pile up the food and drinks so you can read this through till the last startling pages!
And what if you suddenly found yourself back in the past, 180 years or so ago, in the body of a woman, a governess, who looks just like you, and found yourself wrapped in mystery? You find out your name and you discover that the master of the house is crazy in love with you?
Later, you’re back in your own body, do some research, and see that that the man’s wife suddenly died days after you were there. Was she murdered? Were you – the governess who looks like you – part of the murder plot?
But the now you, has a love – your tutor – a handsome witty guy – and he’s going to help you go back and discover what happened 180 years ago so you can be free of this crazy country house and your obsessive curiosity.
Join Meredith and her friend, Peter, as they unravel on of the most offbeat mysteries you will meet this year – but a warning! You’ll want to turn off the phone, call in sick, and pile up the food and drinks so you can read this through till the last startling pages!
September 17, 2014
This is an interesting and subtly romantic read.
We meet Meredith, a student doing a postgrad degree in English fiction who comes from America to a seventeenth-century Devon house. She finds facilities basic but starts to see shadowy figures moving about the place as she meets new friends and gets on with her studies. An Aussie student warns her that her lecturer is allegedly over-romantic so we get the intricacies of study, research and trips around the country mixed with a growing but arms-length friendship.
Meredith never feels threatened by the shadowy figures even as she starts researching the family who used to live in the house and whose servants still have family nearby. Then it is Meredith's turn to travel through time - taken for granted by the past denizens as a governess. She learns how easy it was for controlling family members to dismiss a woman as 'hysterical' and how jealousy can turn to dangerous hate.
Well written and sprinkled with details such as ley lines and country hiking trips, this book will prove absorbing to romance lovers and paranormal fans alike.
We meet Meredith, a student doing a postgrad degree in English fiction who comes from America to a seventeenth-century Devon house. She finds facilities basic but starts to see shadowy figures moving about the place as she meets new friends and gets on with her studies. An Aussie student warns her that her lecturer is allegedly over-romantic so we get the intricacies of study, research and trips around the country mixed with a growing but arms-length friendship.
Meredith never feels threatened by the shadowy figures even as she starts researching the family who used to live in the house and whose servants still have family nearby. Then it is Meredith's turn to travel through time - taken for granted by the past denizens as a governess. She learns how easy it was for controlling family members to dismiss a woman as 'hysterical' and how jealousy can turn to dangerous hate.
Well written and sprinkled with details such as ley lines and country hiking trips, this book will prove absorbing to romance lovers and paranormal fans alike.
July 20, 2014
Crossover reminded me of the gothic mystery/romance of Victoria Holt, Dorothy Eden and Phyllis A. Whitney. Set around about the 1980's although it is never stated in the book, Meredith Blake, a young American scholar arrives in Essex to work on her thesis on 18th century fiction. She finds herself living at Edwards Hall, once the home of a early Victorian family, the Thorntons. However, Meredith soon starts experiencing unusual happenings, she starts seeing people that others can't see and she then finds herself transported back in time and finds herself within the body of the Thorntons' governess. She begins to suspect that a murder may have occurred and she decides to do anything she can to right past wrongs. With the help of her tutor Peter Graham, Meredith discovers how to 'crossover', hoping to stop a possible murder from taking place.
With likeable character and an easy to read plot, this time-travel gothic romance/ghost story will entertain.
With likeable character and an easy to read plot, this time-travel gothic romance/ghost story will entertain.
September 6, 2014
3 STARS
Crossover is a good time travel mystery. That has a old time feel to the story. Makes you see the country side.
Meredith Blake is a American going to college for a year in England. She is living at Edwards Hall a old manor house dormitory. It is interesting look of how different college life traditions.
While there Meredith starts experiencing things that no one else has seen or felt. She finds herself back in time switching places with Nora a governess. No one can tell them apart. The Mystery is back in the past. I missed how or why they could switch places.
Meredith falls for Peter her tutor Professor who fell in love with the previous American exchange student.
My favorite part was her learning to be a college student and life at living in Edwards Hall. Like Marching together first day of school ect.
It is a light easy read.
I was given this ebook from Net Galley and Open Road Integrated Media and in exchange agreed to give a honest review.
Crossover is a good time travel mystery. That has a old time feel to the story. Makes you see the country side.
Meredith Blake is a American going to college for a year in England. She is living at Edwards Hall a old manor house dormitory. It is interesting look of how different college life traditions.
While there Meredith starts experiencing things that no one else has seen or felt. She finds herself back in time switching places with Nora a governess. No one can tell them apart. The Mystery is back in the past. I missed how or why they could switch places.
Meredith falls for Peter her tutor Professor who fell in love with the previous American exchange student.
My favorite part was her learning to be a college student and life at living in Edwards Hall. Like Marching together first day of school ect.
It is a light easy read.
I was given this ebook from Net Galley and Open Road Integrated Media and in exchange agreed to give a honest review.
July 15, 2014
In CROSSOVER, a graduate student arrives in England to begin her thesis and takes up residence in an old hall. Soon she is seeing visions of people dressed in old-fashioned clothing. At first, she doubts her own sanity, but soon she actually changes places with her look-like from an earlier time. This is a fun time-shifting story with romance and mystery.
July 14, 2014
Pithily: your average early-80s gothic romance crossed with "Charlotte, Sometimes" and set at a British University. Of course I loved it. Thanks to Open Road for not only for digging it up and publishing the e-book. And even for the marketing email suggesting that I read it.
August 28, 2008
Thsi book is not new, but one that i really enjoyed. It's a different take on a time travel novel. It's one I caught on bookcrossing.com and I plan to release it soon.
August 6, 2014
I got so bored during the first chapters, that by the time the first time travelling experience happened, I decided enough is enough and deleted the book from my kindle ...
November 16, 2014
Interesting plot
It was an interesting plot and for much of the book it seemed to work. But the characters seemed to go flat by the end.
It was an interesting plot and for much of the book it seemed to work. But the characters seemed to go flat by the end.
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