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Hunter's Green
"The nightmare was one from which I could not waken. I was caught upon a chessboard, a helpless pawn in a game of life and death, and the green rook was hunting me. That tall rook of green-black yew who had it in his power to destroy the king and end the game..."
When Eve North returns to Athmore after three years' separation from her husband Justin, she finds the great estate-and Justin himself-vastly changed. Eve too has changed. She knows now the mistakes she made in her marriage in the past, and she now dares to win back the love of her own husband. Like another Eve, she wanders into the gardens of Athmore, unsuspecting.
Yet she has reason to fear. Justin's brother Marc had once before placed her in a compromising position in that place of secrets-the green velvet room. Justin had believed Marc and never forgiven her. Now Marc waits for her at Athmore. Then, too, she has been warned that Justin has made up his mind at last to divorce her in order to marry Alicia Daven-the cool, serene Alicia whose quiet assurance comes from generations at Grovesend, and who has always taunted the American Eve with her tempting of Justin.
Old Daniel-just before he is sent to his death-tries to warn Eve. It is he who carved from the green-black yew a topiary garden, one of the marvels of Athmore. The dark trees are clipped into the shape of chessmen, at a game forever in play. The black rook stands poised in readiness, like a hunter ready for the kill, challenging the white king. Daniel cries to Eve, "It's the black rook's play!"--but he dies before Eve can learn his fateful meaning.
Eve finds herself entrapped on a chessboard of evil, unsure of her next move, yet aware that the black rook will move again-this time to destroy her.
When Eve North returns to Athmore after three years' separation from her husband Justin, she finds the great estate-and Justin himself-vastly changed. Eve too has changed. She knows now the mistakes she made in her marriage in the past, and she now dares to win back the love of her own husband. Like another Eve, she wanders into the gardens of Athmore, unsuspecting.
Yet she has reason to fear. Justin's brother Marc had once before placed her in a compromising position in that place of secrets-the green velvet room. Justin had believed Marc and never forgiven her. Now Marc waits for her at Athmore. Then, too, she has been warned that Justin has made up his mind at last to divorce her in order to marry Alicia Daven-the cool, serene Alicia whose quiet assurance comes from generations at Grovesend, and who has always taunted the American Eve with her tempting of Justin.
Old Daniel-just before he is sent to his death-tries to warn Eve. It is he who carved from the green-black yew a topiary garden, one of the marvels of Athmore. The dark trees are clipped into the shape of chessmen, at a game forever in play. The black rook stands poised in readiness, like a hunter ready for the kill, challenging the white king. Daniel cries to Eve, "It's the black rook's play!"--but he dies before Eve can learn his fateful meaning.
Eve finds herself entrapped on a chessboard of evil, unsure of her next move, yet aware that the black rook will move again-this time to destroy her.
260 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1968
489 people are currently reading
1461 people want to read
About the author
Phyllis A. Whitney
191 books569 followersPhyllis Ayame Whitney (1903 – 2008) was an American mystery writer. Rare for her genre, she wrote mysteries for both the juvenile and the adult markets, many of which feature exotic locations. A review in The New York Times once dubbed her "The Queen of the American Gothics".
She was born in Japan to American parents and spent her early years in Asia. Whitney wrote more than seventy novels. In 1961, her book The Mystery of the Haunted Pool won an Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America for Best Juvenile novel, and she duplicated the honor in 1964, for The Mystery of the Hidden Hand. In 1988, the MWA gave her a Grand Master Award for lifetime achievement. Whitney died of pneumonia on February 8, 2008, aged 104.
She was born in Japan to American parents and spent her early years in Asia. Whitney wrote more than seventy novels. In 1961, her book The Mystery of the Haunted Pool won an Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America for Best Juvenile novel, and she duplicated the honor in 1964, for The Mystery of the Hidden Hand. In 1988, the MWA gave her a Grand Master Award for lifetime achievement. Whitney died of pneumonia on February 8, 2008, aged 104.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
April 28, 2020
The year of Phyllis A. Whitney rolls on.
My was this story ever good. It had me on the edge of my seat. I am looking forward to the next one.
My was this story ever good. It had me on the edge of my seat. I am looking forward to the next one.
January 5, 2018
I enjoyed this a lot. 1960s setting, England. Not sure if I want to qualify it as romantic suspense, mystery or gothic, or equal elements of all three. I liked how the author peeled back the layers of the back story and character bit by bit, instead of an instant info-dump at the beginning of the story.
August 3, 2017
Open Road managed, apparently, to secure the rights to Whitney's backlist and is issuing them in groups with lovely new covers. The first round released on 7/4/17, and includes this book as well as Domino, Black Amber, The Turquoise Mask, Poinciana, Blue Fire, & Vermilion. I bought this one, as well as Black Amber, to dip my toes back in the Whitney waters.
I simply cannot remember which of her books I read during my teen gothic phase, when I devoured Whitney, Holt, and Mary Stewart, so this may - or may not - have been the first time I read this book. I did not like this one nearly so well as The Window on the Square, which is my favorite Whitney so far - I tend to like historical gothics more than contemporary gothics (even if contemporary gothics are sort of historical documents at this point, being set in the 1960's - 1970's).
This one also didn't completely work for me in terms of the suspense element. It was a long time developing, and wasn't ever really convincing. Those aspects of the story seemed disjointed. I could see where the story was going, but it never really seemed to get there. The main character, Eve, was mostly annoying, and the "hero," Justin, wasn't particularly appealing.
From the perspective of nostalgia, though, it was a winner. Whitney wasn't a fabulous wordsmith (she was no Mary Stewart, for example), but she was a solid writer in the American gothic romance potboiler style. I miss the writers of the 1960's & 1970's - they were all conversant with grammar and other conventions of writing, and their books weren't just sex scenes joined by a few lines of text to get us from one interlude to the next. I'm not a prude, but I'm completely over this aspect of modern romance.
I bought Black Amber when I bought this one, so I may give that one a go next.
I simply cannot remember which of her books I read during my teen gothic phase, when I devoured Whitney, Holt, and Mary Stewart, so this may - or may not - have been the first time I read this book. I did not like this one nearly so well as The Window on the Square, which is my favorite Whitney so far - I tend to like historical gothics more than contemporary gothics (even if contemporary gothics are sort of historical documents at this point, being set in the 1960's - 1970's).
This one also didn't completely work for me in terms of the suspense element. It was a long time developing, and wasn't ever really convincing. Those aspects of the story seemed disjointed. I could see where the story was going, but it never really seemed to get there. The main character, Eve, was mostly annoying, and the "hero," Justin, wasn't particularly appealing.
From the perspective of nostalgia, though, it was a winner. Whitney wasn't a fabulous wordsmith (she was no Mary Stewart, for example), but she was a solid writer in the American gothic romance potboiler style. I miss the writers of the 1960's & 1970's - they were all conversant with grammar and other conventions of writing, and their books weren't just sex scenes joined by a few lines of text to get us from one interlude to the next. I'm not a prude, but I'm completely over this aspect of modern romance.
I bought Black Amber when I bought this one, so I may give that one a go next.
August 16, 2011
Do all of Phyllis Whitney's heros in her gothics hold the heroines in such bitter contempt before falling in love with them? It also seems like they really are NASTY for the majority of the book...and not in that attractive dark brooding Heathcliffe/Nicholas VanRhyn type of way either...just complete cads and crotchety jerks...At least in this book, he had some reason to be angry. But it occurred to me, as this is my 4th book by Whitney, that her heros always seem to act crabby for so much of the book that I cannot see that any sensible woman would want to have anything to do with them.
Anyway, I just had to scream that out, and now that I have,I give this book 3 stars for the suspenseful ending, as well as for the fact that the villain's motive as well as the eventual identification of the villain was at least not as obvious as in some of the other books I've read recently. Still, I am looking for another of her novels that can compare to her Sea Jade, which I really enjoyed (although he was a grouch, too!)
Anyway, I just had to scream that out, and now that I have,I give this book 3 stars for the suspenseful ending, as well as for the fact that the villain's motive as well as the eventual identification of the villain was at least not as obvious as in some of the other books I've read recently. Still, I am looking for another of her novels that can compare to her Sea Jade, which I really enjoyed (although he was a grouch, too!)
September 17, 2025
When I was a teenager, I inhaled books by Phyllis A. Whitney, Victoria Holt, and Mary Stewart (still one of my all-time favorites!). I can’t recall if I’d ever read Hunter’s Green before, but rereading it now, I can see why Whitney appealed to teenage me—drama, romance (the heroine was only 22 and had been married since she was 19!), and just enough mystery to keep me hooked. It was exactly what teenage me loved most.
April 17, 2008
My son just brought home a Phyllis Whitney book from the school library and it reminded me of what a wonderful, fun author she is! She writes interesting mysteries and romantic suspense. When I was a teen, I gobbled up every Phyllis Whitney suspense I could find. I really like her books!
February 25, 2015
I read this during my young teen years and enjoyed it immensely. A recent re-reading wasn't as satisfying, but my memories are just as good. I can still recall where the book was shelved in that junior high library.
I can't say that Whitney's books are to my taste now, but I always appreciated that she immersed her reader into new locales and experiences with each story.
First read in 1970
I can't say that Whitney's books are to my taste now, but I always appreciated that she immersed her reader into new locales and experiences with each story.
First read in 1970
December 20, 2014
I read Hunter's Green back in the 70s and still remember a lot about the story. It started my love of Phyllis A. Whitney. Eve North returns to Athmore, her husband's home, when his cousin summons her. They separated two years before when Justin, her husband, believed she cheated on him. Now Justin wants to remarry and Maggie, his cousin, wants Eve to prevent it. But strange things are happening and accidents that aren't accidents.
The hero was a bit of a jerk but I loved him. I discovered Petula Clark by reading this book. I think I was probably about 11 or 12 when I first read this.
The hero was a bit of a jerk but I loved him. I discovered Petula Clark by reading this book. I think I was probably about 11 or 12 when I first read this.
March 11, 2017
Just completed a reread of this book on Sept. 14 and enjoyed it as much as the first time. It is definitely my favorite book by Phyllis Whitney thus far. Most of her books are set in the U.S but one reason I enjoy this one so much is because it is set in England and has a Gothic feel to it, which are my favorites.
January 30, 2022
Phyllis A. Whitney was an American mystery writer who wrote for almost sixty years and lived to be 104 years old (wow!). She received both the Mystery Writer's of America and Romance Writer's of America lifetime achievement awards during her life.
Her novel, Hunter's Green was published in 1968, and could be considered a standard gothic novel with a young woman experiencing an English mansion with typical family friction and unexplained deaths. By the time Hunter's Green was published Ms. Whitney had been writing for over twenty years, and this is proven by the ease in which she tells her story and how well she wraps everything up at the end. In my opinion, Ms. Whitney was an exceptional writer in telling the stories which were popular at the time. Although I have read very few gothic novels, I must admit, I enjoyed the story very much. It was refreshingly clean, with no bad language; it was intriguing; it continued to pique my interest; and, unlike many current literature offerings, it was plausible.
Probably the only issue I found with Hunter's Green was with Ms. Whitney's protagonist, but, this in itself, appeared to be refreshing considering today's current untenable fiction. Although I didn't have a problem with the heroine being exceptionally feminine, as opposed to feminist, I also found that in many ways she was the spectator of the story rather than the person of action. Everyone around her appeared to have the strong personality and she was simply tossed to and fro depending on their whims. Now, I'm not one who thinks that every heroine needs to strut out on stage with a light saber in one hand and a scimitar in the other, but, in many cases, Eve appeared to be, as it were, in a dream without the capability to effect a change in her situation. I felt like I was watching Ingrid Bergman in Gaslight (if you haven't seen it, you should). Then, on the other hand, maybe this was Ms. Whitney's style for this character, but for me it was a bit frustrating.
Other than that little issue, I found the story very entertaining, and I most likely will read some of her other novels. They are quite fun.
Her novel, Hunter's Green was published in 1968, and could be considered a standard gothic novel with a young woman experiencing an English mansion with typical family friction and unexplained deaths. By the time Hunter's Green was published Ms. Whitney had been writing for over twenty years, and this is proven by the ease in which she tells her story and how well she wraps everything up at the end. In my opinion, Ms. Whitney was an exceptional writer in telling the stories which were popular at the time. Although I have read very few gothic novels, I must admit, I enjoyed the story very much. It was refreshingly clean, with no bad language; it was intriguing; it continued to pique my interest; and, unlike many current literature offerings, it was plausible.
Probably the only issue I found with Hunter's Green was with Ms. Whitney's protagonist, but, this in itself, appeared to be refreshing considering today's current untenable fiction. Although I didn't have a problem with the heroine being exceptionally feminine, as opposed to feminist, I also found that in many ways she was the spectator of the story rather than the person of action. Everyone around her appeared to have the strong personality and she was simply tossed to and fro depending on their whims. Now, I'm not one who thinks that every heroine needs to strut out on stage with a light saber in one hand and a scimitar in the other, but, in many cases, Eve appeared to be, as it were, in a dream without the capability to effect a change in her situation. I felt like I was watching Ingrid Bergman in Gaslight (if you haven't seen it, you should). Then, on the other hand, maybe this was Ms. Whitney's style for this character, but for me it was a bit frustrating.
Other than that little issue, I found the story very entertaining, and I most likely will read some of her other novels. They are quite fun.
September 26, 2018
Hunter's Green - Phyllis A. Whitney for Country House Mystery Would also work for Genre: Suspense, Terrifying Women, Murder Most Foul, Amateur Sleuth, and Romantic Suspense.
It's fun reading these old thrillers that are so slow, with hardly any murder, no kids or really old people, and servents neither seen nor heard. They're charmingly predictable. And although this was published in 68 and makes much of the brash young mods, they feel So Old Fashioned. There are phones, but only to ring up the doctor or the police to haul away the perpetrator. There are cars for running up to Town, and low speed pursuit, and explosive crashes. What I love most is that everyone stops at regular intervals to sit down and eat a hot meal. I suppose this is what people are talking about when they reminisce about a slower time.
I did have one great disappointment though: a device was quite deliberately introduced in the first act, but played no subsequent part in the plot. It wasn't even a red herring: it was just never mentioned again.
The only disturbing part of the story isn't meant to be:
My apologies for my failed spoiler tag.
Library copy
It's fun reading these old thrillers that are so slow, with hardly any murder, no kids or really old people, and servents neither seen nor heard. They're charmingly predictable. And although this was published in 68 and makes much of the brash young mods, they feel So Old Fashioned. There are phones, but only to ring up the doctor or the police to haul away the perpetrator. There are cars for running up to Town, and low speed pursuit, and explosive crashes. What I love most is that everyone stops at regular intervals to sit down and eat a hot meal. I suppose this is what people are talking about when they reminisce about a slower time.
I did have one great disappointment though: a device was quite deliberately introduced in the first act, but played no subsequent part in the plot. It wasn't even a red herring: it was just never mentioned again.
The only disturbing part of the story isn't meant to be:
My apologies for my failed spoiler tag.
Library copy
January 19, 2012
This was my least favorite Phyllis Whitney. I remember I didn't like Justin at all until the car accident part at the end, and I could see what was going to happen and how way in advance. Also, Eve struck me as whiney. Couldn't get emotionally engaged in either main character.
February 19, 2020
Loved her books growing up, reading some I missed and enjoying them immensely. The slow build up is a very nice change of pace.
May 3, 2016
Although I had come across several of Phyllis Whitney's books in second-hand stores and purchased them, this is one of the first that I read. The well-travelled author always did a great job of creating atmosphere and location in her books, which are set in different parts of the world.
A young American woman named Eve is mysteriously summoned back to the English estate Athmore. It is not a happy return as her marriage to Justin North had ended on a decidedly negative note two years earlier but when she receives a letter from his cousin Julia she feels implored to return. Unfortunately, there may be an ulterior motive behind it, a deadly motive. Although Eve has no real hope of rekindling her relationship with Justin, and he appears to be seeing another woman, Eve finds she can't turn off her feelings for him, and the sinister intentions of someone on the property casts the shadow of fear and suspicion. Like every other gothic and/or romantic suspense story, there are other characters who could easily have their own reasons for setting such a deadly trap and some red herrings, and our heroine must try to keep herself safe as well as to solve the mystery, before it's too late.
For the most part, I enjoyed the book, although I suspect some readers will find Justin's attitude toward Eve and his treatment of her appalling at times and tiresome. The most aggravating part is that he doesn't seem to even consider her side of the story, and it's hard to understand what Eve sees in him at times.
An enjoyable read that may prompt you to check out other books from this author.
A young American woman named Eve is mysteriously summoned back to the English estate Athmore. It is not a happy return as her marriage to Justin North had ended on a decidedly negative note two years earlier but when she receives a letter from his cousin Julia she feels implored to return. Unfortunately, there may be an ulterior motive behind it, a deadly motive. Although Eve has no real hope of rekindling her relationship with Justin, and he appears to be seeing another woman, Eve finds she can't turn off her feelings for him, and the sinister intentions of someone on the property casts the shadow of fear and suspicion. Like every other gothic and/or romantic suspense story, there are other characters who could easily have their own reasons for setting such a deadly trap and some red herrings, and our heroine must try to keep herself safe as well as to solve the mystery, before it's too late.
For the most part, I enjoyed the book, although I suspect some readers will find Justin's attitude toward Eve and his treatment of her appalling at times and tiresome. The most aggravating part is that he doesn't seem to even consider her side of the story, and it's hard to understand what Eve sees in him at times.
An enjoyable read that may prompt you to check out other books from this author.
January 17, 2022
Even for the genre, the love interest in this one is a bit of a dick. It's really hard to root for the main character to win him. Aside from that this one feels oddly padded. The main highlight is a twiggy-esque model from swinging London.
March 4, 2023
Eve North is called back to her husband's ancestral home of Athmore in England. It's not a happy return; Eve fled the old house one year earlier under difficult circumstances. She doesn't expect a warm welcome, but is still shocked to see the tension and grim pallor hanging over the house and its residents. Someone is trying to sabotage a groundbreaking research project undertaken by Eve's estranged husband, and that mystery combined with other assorted secrets of the household soon leads to a death.
As often seems to be the case with some of the earlier Whitney books, there is a thread of predictability in Hunter's Green, but only as to one of the overarching plots. I was actually surprised by the true identity of the scoundrel in this story. Perhaps the best feature of the novel is the lush description of Athmore and its grounds, which Whitney renders in sufficient detail for the reader without need for a sketch. A lack of detail as to setting can dampen the reader's enjoyment, but that is never a concern in a Phyllis Whitney novel. And as always, the characters are well-defined and memorable with shades of gray as in any good drama.
A nice novel of romantic suspense to whittle away a snowy afternoon.
As often seems to be the case with some of the earlier Whitney books, there is a thread of predictability in Hunter's Green, but only as to one of the overarching plots. I was actually surprised by the true identity of the scoundrel in this story. Perhaps the best feature of the novel is the lush description of Athmore and its grounds, which Whitney renders in sufficient detail for the reader without need for a sketch. A lack of detail as to setting can dampen the reader's enjoyment, but that is never a concern in a Phyllis Whitney novel. And as always, the characters are well-defined and memorable with shades of gray as in any good drama.
A nice novel of romantic suspense to whittle away a snowy afternoon.
February 4, 2021
3.5 stars.
When Eve North returns to Athmore after three years’ estrangement from her husband, Justin, she finds the great and sprawling English estate—and Justin himself—considerably changed. But Eve has changed as well. She knows the mistakes she made in her marriage, is prepared to admit culpability in their separation, and now dares to win back his love. But for all Eve knows, for all she remembers, and for all she’s ready to face, she still enters Athmore dangerously unaware of what awaits her.
Athmore has its secrets—and those who protect them, including Justin; his brother, Marc, who once preyed on Eve’s emotions; and Justin’s new fiancée, a cool manipulator who now has everything she wants. Eve’s only ally appears to be the old family gardener who has carved from the green-black yew a topiary garden in the form of a magnificent chessboard as both a masterpiece and a warning.
Years ago as a teen I went through my mom's old books and found Phyllis A. Whitney's book Snowfire and I read it. I ended up enjoying it quite a bit. I wanted to get back to reading something vintage and try something similar to Mary Stewart's books. I saw this book and thought, why not? Now I did try reading Whitney's book Dream of Orchids last year, and I just couldn't get into it, so I was a little worried that my fond memories of reading and enjoying Snowfire were maybe a bit too fond. It has been a long time after all, and I was a teen when I read it, so maybe my opinion of it would change if I read it again. Anyway, I decided to give this one a chance.
Overall I liked this book. I thought the mystery was good and it did keep me guessing up to a point. I eventually figured things out though. The main problem I have with romantic suspense books that were written in this time period (1968), is that the male love interests seem to always be so hard to like. The one here was so darn grumpy and would not communicate what he was really feeling or thinking to the main character until it was almost too late. I don't like when book characters are supposedly in love with each other but constantly argue or put each other down. In the case of this couple, there's history between them. They are married and have been separated for a couple of years, and it's no wonder it wasn't working out, and I found very little reason for the main character to still be in love with him. So for that reason I liked this one but didn't love it.
I still plan on reading more from this author when I feel in the mood, but I so far have not enjoyed her books as much as I've enjoyed Mary Stewart's.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
When Eve North returns to Athmore after three years’ estrangement from her husband, Justin, she finds the great and sprawling English estate—and Justin himself—considerably changed. But Eve has changed as well. She knows the mistakes she made in her marriage, is prepared to admit culpability in their separation, and now dares to win back his love. But for all Eve knows, for all she remembers, and for all she’s ready to face, she still enters Athmore dangerously unaware of what awaits her.
Athmore has its secrets—and those who protect them, including Justin; his brother, Marc, who once preyed on Eve’s emotions; and Justin’s new fiancée, a cool manipulator who now has everything she wants. Eve’s only ally appears to be the old family gardener who has carved from the green-black yew a topiary garden in the form of a magnificent chessboard as both a masterpiece and a warning.
Years ago as a teen I went through my mom's old books and found Phyllis A. Whitney's book Snowfire and I read it. I ended up enjoying it quite a bit. I wanted to get back to reading something vintage and try something similar to Mary Stewart's books. I saw this book and thought, why not? Now I did try reading Whitney's book Dream of Orchids last year, and I just couldn't get into it, so I was a little worried that my fond memories of reading and enjoying Snowfire were maybe a bit too fond. It has been a long time after all, and I was a teen when I read it, so maybe my opinion of it would change if I read it again. Anyway, I decided to give this one a chance.
Overall I liked this book. I thought the mystery was good and it did keep me guessing up to a point. I eventually figured things out though. The main problem I have with romantic suspense books that were written in this time period (1968), is that the male love interests seem to always be so hard to like. The one here was so darn grumpy and would not communicate what he was really feeling or thinking to the main character until it was almost too late. I don't like when book characters are supposedly in love with each other but constantly argue or put each other down. In the case of this couple, there's history between them. They are married and have been separated for a couple of years, and it's no wonder it wasn't working out, and I found very little reason for the main character to still be in love with him. So for that reason I liked this one but didn't love it.
I still plan on reading more from this author when I feel in the mood, but I so far have not enjoyed her books as much as I've enjoyed Mary Stewart's.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
June 6, 2019
Actual Rating: 3.5 Stars
Phyllis Whitney's gothic mysteries have always been favourites of mine from way back when. This one was good, but not quite as enjoyable as I would have liked it to be. And, I think the main issue I had was with the characters themselves.
For much of the book, none of them were very likeable, especially Eve and Justin. I found Eve to be weak and whiny until almost the end when she seemed to develop a bit of a backbone and become stronger in her determination to win Justin back. Although I'm not entirely sure why she even wanted the guy back! He was a total impatient, snarly jerk for much of the book and wouldn't even hardly give Eve the time of day let alone a chance to explain her side of the story. Marc was also very unlikeable and deliberately malicious, and Maggie was totally obsessed with protecting him even though she knew he had serious problems. Dacia was about the only character who appealed to me somewhat, despite (or, maybe because of) her rather flighty, colourful personality.
The suspense part was pretty good, and I never guessed who the "bad guy" was until he/she was revealed at the end.
All in all, a fairly pleasurable read, but not one of Ms. Whitney's best. Having said that, I would still recommend it to fans of this type of gothic suspense.
Phyllis Whitney's gothic mysteries have always been favourites of mine from way back when. This one was good, but not quite as enjoyable as I would have liked it to be. And, I think the main issue I had was with the characters themselves.
For much of the book, none of them were very likeable, especially Eve and Justin. I found Eve to be weak and whiny until almost the end when she seemed to develop a bit of a backbone and become stronger in her determination to win Justin back. Although I'm not entirely sure why she even wanted the guy back! He was a total impatient, snarly jerk for much of the book and wouldn't even hardly give Eve the time of day let alone a chance to explain her side of the story. Marc was also very unlikeable and deliberately malicious, and Maggie was totally obsessed with protecting him even though she knew he had serious problems. Dacia was about the only character who appealed to me somewhat, despite (or, maybe because of) her rather flighty, colourful personality.
The suspense part was pretty good, and I never guessed who the "bad guy" was until he/she was revealed at the end.
All in all, a fairly pleasurable read, but not one of Ms. Whitney's best. Having said that, I would still recommend it to fans of this type of gothic suspense.
November 29, 2011
I've been a fan of Phyllis A. Whitney for a long time, so my reviews of her books are not necessarily the best by which to judge how good a book actually is. I grade through nostalgia: for the time of which she writes, and also for who I used to be when I read this book for the first time. I have to admit that it has been many years since I read this particular book, but I did enjoy it - even this second (third or fourth, perhaps?) time around. While the heroine may aggravate many a contemporary reader with her sometimes passive attitude towards how she is treated and viewed, the fashions of Mary Quant and other 60's fashion trends as described in this book will win over many a reader. If you're looking for a good, relatively contemporary Gothic romance for a rainy, gloomy day, then check out Hunter's Green.
November 6, 2015
More like, 1.5.
It was boring. Plain like that. Zzzzzzzzz.
For more than half of the book, nothing happens. Not that that is normally a bad thing. But if nothing happens, there have to be at least likeable characters, good dialogues. And no, this book doesn't have any of these.
Eve was such a pitiful character, always remembering the past. Justin this, Justin that.
The hero was the least likeable one I have read in a PW book (and in the other two, the heroes were pretty unlikeable, always angry). I did not care if Eve leave and stay.
The love triangle was ridiculous, and I am talking about the reasons. And since there has been some affair as far as I can tell, it was also disgusting.
Not her best work.
It was boring. Plain like that. Zzzzzzzzz.
For more than half of the book, nothing happens. Not that that is normally a bad thing. But if nothing happens, there have to be at least likeable characters, good dialogues. And no, this book doesn't have any of these.
Eve was such a pitiful character, always remembering the past. Justin this, Justin that.
The hero was the least likeable one I have read in a PW book (and in the other two, the heroes were pretty unlikeable, always angry). I did not care if Eve leave and stay.
The love triangle was ridiculous, and I am talking about the reasons. And since there has been some affair as far as I can tell, it was also disgusting.
Not her best work.
November 4, 2014
It was a plane story. In every book there is a "take off" of the story from which novel becomes so interesting that you can't put it down. I was unable to find that "take off". One thing was great in the book that it didn't seemed old. I think my disliking of romantic genre was a main cause of one star rating. Overall this book is almost fine for a girl with a soft heart.
January 29, 2016
This is the kind of cozy book I like to read to wind down after a long day. Character-driven suspense is my fave, and this one is set in Britain, to boot . Hunter's Green didn't fail to provide that memorable, yet untrustworthy cast of characters which is Whitney's trademark. However, I did guess the ending, which is always a bit of a letdown. I liked the allusions that tied in with chess pieces.
July 11, 2015
One of my absolute favorites!!!! I absolutely love gothic romances with all of the mystery and the strong female characters. Phyllis A. Whitney is an amazing author incorporating an unforgettable story with amazing characters.
November 4, 2012
This was the first book of hers I read. It does start slow to give a background to the characters but has you read on the characters roles become intertwined and mysterious. You don't know the intent of the characters until the last chapter.
September 7, 2018
Thrilling Writing
I found Phyllis Whitney during my college days in the seventies. Loved her then, love her still🐱 Well done Phyllis
I found Phyllis Whitney during my college days in the seventies. Loved her then, love her still🐱 Well done Phyllis
August 16, 2023
I liked this one and thought that Eve was a good heroine. This time I guessed right about the bad guy, but that didn't stop my enjoyment.
February 23, 2025
3.75 🌟
September 15, 2025
Haven’t read this in 50+ years. I have my old paperback of it somewhere. I barely remembered story line at all. Was an enjoyable reread.
September 4, 2022
I read this book because it was rated one of her best and it was! I didn't know what was going to happen and didn't guess right either.
May 4, 2016
I've really enjoyed every single book by this author. love her suspense.
The nightmare was one from which I could not waken. I was caught upon a chessboard, a helpless pawn in a game of life and death, and the green rook was hunting me. That tall rook of green-black yew who had it in his power to destroy the king and end the game..."
When Eve North returns to Athmore after three years' separation from her husband Justin, she finds the great estate-and Justin himself-vastly changed. Eve too has changed. She knows now the mistakes she made in her marriage in the past, and she now dares to win back the love of her own husband. Like another Eve, she wanders into the gardens of Athmore, unsuspecting.
Yet she has reason to fear. Justin's brother Marc had once before placed her in a compromising position in that place of secrets-the green velvet room. Justin had believed Marc and never forgiven her. Now Marc waits for her at Athmore. Then, too, she has been warned that Justin has made up his mind at last to divorce her in order to marry Alicia Daven-the cool, serene Alicia whose quiet assurance comes from generations at Grovesend, and who has always taunted the American Eve with her tempting of Justin.
Old Daniel-just before he is sent to his death-tries to warn Eve. It is he who carved from the green-black yew a topiary garden, one of the marvels of Athmore. The dark trees are clipped into the shape of chessmen, at a game forever in play. The black rook stands poised in readiness, like a hunter ready for the kill, challenging the white king. Daniel cries to Eve, "It's the black rook's play!"--but he dies before Eve can learn his fateful meaning.
Eve finds herself entrapped on a chessboard of evil, unsure of her next move, yet aware that the black rook will move again-this time to destroy her.
The nightmare was one from which I could not waken. I was caught upon a chessboard, a helpless pawn in a game of life and death, and the green rook was hunting me. That tall rook of green-black yew who had it in his power to destroy the king and end the game..."
When Eve North returns to Athmore after three years' separation from her husband Justin, she finds the great estate-and Justin himself-vastly changed. Eve too has changed. She knows now the mistakes she made in her marriage in the past, and she now dares to win back the love of her own husband. Like another Eve, she wanders into the gardens of Athmore, unsuspecting.
Yet she has reason to fear. Justin's brother Marc had once before placed her in a compromising position in that place of secrets-the green velvet room. Justin had believed Marc and never forgiven her. Now Marc waits for her at Athmore. Then, too, she has been warned that Justin has made up his mind at last to divorce her in order to marry Alicia Daven-the cool, serene Alicia whose quiet assurance comes from generations at Grovesend, and who has always taunted the American Eve with her tempting of Justin.
Old Daniel-just before he is sent to his death-tries to warn Eve. It is he who carved from the green-black yew a topiary garden, one of the marvels of Athmore. The dark trees are clipped into the shape of chessmen, at a game forever in play. The black rook stands poised in readiness, like a hunter ready for the kill, challenging the white king. Daniel cries to Eve, "It's the black rook's play!"--but he dies before Eve can learn his fateful meaning.
Eve finds herself entrapped on a chessboard of evil, unsure of her next move, yet aware that the black rook will move again-this time to destroy her.
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