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Poinciana
The Palm Beach home of Ross Logan contains his celebrated collection of oriental art, and a prized new possession -- his terrified young bride....
Adorning the Florida coastline stands Poinciana, the fabulous mansion of the Logan family. Inside its regal walls a volcano of intrigue and violent emotion has begun to erupt, and not one of the Logans is safe.
Especially not Sharon Hollis Logan, the lovely young bride of patriarch Ross Logan. For reasons unknown to Sharon, Ross seems to be hated by Gretchen, his daughter from a previous marriage, by her ne'er-do-well husband, Vasily, and by Ross's strange mother, Allegra -- and all their hostility is readily transferred to Sharon.
But as she tries to find out why, Sharon uncovers a devastating secret about her own relationship with her husband -- a secret that, in the end, will test the limits of her courage as well as her ability to love ....
Adorning the Florida coastline stands Poinciana, the fabulous mansion of the Logan family. Inside its regal walls a volcano of intrigue and violent emotion has begun to erupt, and not one of the Logans is safe.
Especially not Sharon Hollis Logan, the lovely young bride of patriarch Ross Logan. For reasons unknown to Sharon, Ross seems to be hated by Gretchen, his daughter from a previous marriage, by her ne'er-do-well husband, Vasily, and by Ross's strange mother, Allegra -- and all their hostility is readily transferred to Sharon.
But as she tries to find out why, Sharon uncovers a devastating secret about her own relationship with her husband -- a secret that, in the end, will test the limits of her courage as well as her ability to love ....
Library Binding
First published January 1, 1980
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About the author
Phyllis A. Whitney
190 books572 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 30 reviews
January 28, 2020
Poinciana by Phyllis A. Whitney is a 2017 Open Road Media publication. (Originally published in 1980)
A solid, classic Gothic mystery from one of the best writers in the genre
This story is centered around Sharon, a young woman who lost both of her parents in a tragic accident. Shortly thereafter, she marries Ross, an old friend of her parents, who is considerably older.
Ross soon installs his new bride in Poinciana, his Florida estate, where she receives a rather chilly reception from Ross’s business associates. From there, Sharon must contend with Ross’s petulant, willful and resentful daughter, and his ex-wife, who gleefully keep Sharon off -balance.
The suspense builds as Ross becomes increasingly cold and controlling and Sharon discovers some shocking secrets Ross initially withheld from her. As the tension mounts, Sharon feels more and more isolated, as it becomes clear that someone is trying to drive her away from the estate…
This book reminded me of how much I enjoy reading Phyllis Whitney’s novels. Whitney published more than seventy books over the course of her career, so there are still many of her novels I have never read- and this was one of them.
The Gothic themes Whitney is famous for are all present and accounted for, as is her signature style of writing, which employs a slower, tantalizing pace that keeps readers on the edge of their seats waiting for the shock they know is coming- but that blindsides them all the same.
Sure enough, this story has a few huge twists I didn’t see coming and the atmosphere is relentlessly thick with tension. I was completely immersed in the story and even stayed up a little late a couple of nights unwilling to put the book down.
That said, there are a few things modern readers should know- and maybe long-time fans should be reminded of:
This book was published many years ago, and the style of writing reflects that. Sharon is a much more innocent, sheltered character than we encounter today, and I’m not sure how contemporary readers will feel about the age difference between Ross and Sharon. The pacing is not as brisk as we are accustomed to now, but in my opinion, that is part of why these stories are so suspenseful. However, despite the slight dated quality of the novel, it is still quite effective.
It also struck me, when I had finished reading the book, that the story was also very refreshing. The book only has a little mild language, and while it is very intense in some places, the violence isn’t graphic, and of course the very mild romance is chaste in the extreme. The story was just as suspenseful, creepy and enjoyable without all the sexual content, F-bombs, (or worse), and violent accoutrements.
Overall, this was a nice change of pace for me and I’m happy to have another Phyllis Whitney novel under my belt. I wish I could find the time to read more of these older books!
4 stars
*Note:
For those who are unfamiliar with PW, The New York Times once dubbed her as the The Queen of American Gothics. If you enjoy Gothic mysteries, or romantic suspense, I think you will like this author. If you are a YA fan- Whitney also wrote mysteries for younger readers as well.
Because many of her books are older, and probably out of print, you may have to get creative if you only read print books. However, there is a nice quantity of her books released by Open Road Media in digital format. I’ve found them on Scribd and on my Overdrive app as well.
One might also be surprised to learn that the publisher has been promoting this book as a ‘domestic thriller’, probably to appeal to a more contemporary reader, and perhaps to introduce Whitney to a new audience. However, I admit I was a little skeptical, and slightly dismayed, to find her books categorized within a sub-genre I have mixed feelings about right now. However, I will grudgingly admit this book certainly could meet the criteria for a psychological thriller or domestic thriller, so if you are a fan of those genres, you might find this book to your liking as well.
A solid, classic Gothic mystery from one of the best writers in the genre
This story is centered around Sharon, a young woman who lost both of her parents in a tragic accident. Shortly thereafter, she marries Ross, an old friend of her parents, who is considerably older.
Ross soon installs his new bride in Poinciana, his Florida estate, where she receives a rather chilly reception from Ross’s business associates. From there, Sharon must contend with Ross’s petulant, willful and resentful daughter, and his ex-wife, who gleefully keep Sharon off -balance.
The suspense builds as Ross becomes increasingly cold and controlling and Sharon discovers some shocking secrets Ross initially withheld from her. As the tension mounts, Sharon feels more and more isolated, as it becomes clear that someone is trying to drive her away from the estate…
This book reminded me of how much I enjoy reading Phyllis Whitney’s novels. Whitney published more than seventy books over the course of her career, so there are still many of her novels I have never read- and this was one of them.
The Gothic themes Whitney is famous for are all present and accounted for, as is her signature style of writing, which employs a slower, tantalizing pace that keeps readers on the edge of their seats waiting for the shock they know is coming- but that blindsides them all the same.
Sure enough, this story has a few huge twists I didn’t see coming and the atmosphere is relentlessly thick with tension. I was completely immersed in the story and even stayed up a little late a couple of nights unwilling to put the book down.
That said, there are a few things modern readers should know- and maybe long-time fans should be reminded of:
This book was published many years ago, and the style of writing reflects that. Sharon is a much more innocent, sheltered character than we encounter today, and I’m not sure how contemporary readers will feel about the age difference between Ross and Sharon. The pacing is not as brisk as we are accustomed to now, but in my opinion, that is part of why these stories are so suspenseful. However, despite the slight dated quality of the novel, it is still quite effective.
It also struck me, when I had finished reading the book, that the story was also very refreshing. The book only has a little mild language, and while it is very intense in some places, the violence isn’t graphic, and of course the very mild romance is chaste in the extreme. The story was just as suspenseful, creepy and enjoyable without all the sexual content, F-bombs, (or worse), and violent accoutrements.
Overall, this was a nice change of pace for me and I’m happy to have another Phyllis Whitney novel under my belt. I wish I could find the time to read more of these older books!
4 stars
*Note:
For those who are unfamiliar with PW, The New York Times once dubbed her as the The Queen of American Gothics. If you enjoy Gothic mysteries, or romantic suspense, I think you will like this author. If you are a YA fan- Whitney also wrote mysteries for younger readers as well.
Because many of her books are older, and probably out of print, you may have to get creative if you only read print books. However, there is a nice quantity of her books released by Open Road Media in digital format. I’ve found them on Scribd and on my Overdrive app as well.
One might also be surprised to learn that the publisher has been promoting this book as a ‘domestic thriller’, probably to appeal to a more contemporary reader, and perhaps to introduce Whitney to a new audience. However, I admit I was a little skeptical, and slightly dismayed, to find her books categorized within a sub-genre I have mixed feelings about right now. However, I will grudgingly admit this book certainly could meet the criteria for a psychological thriller or domestic thriller, so if you are a fan of those genres, you might find this book to your liking as well.
May 17, 2015
This was one of Phyllis Whiney's earlier books. I really enjoyed it. It had lots of mysterious happenings along with a little romance. I loved the descriptions of Poinciana,a wealthy family's Florida estate, and could picture it quite clearly from the good descriptions. The ending was quite a shock to me, and I can honestly say I had no idea who the murderer was till the very end. I love when a book can keep me guessing.
July 5, 2021
One of her better outings. Her stock characters, while still present aren't as arch as they can sometimes be and the main character not as helpless. All in all a fine example of late seventies gothic romance.
July 4, 2017
This gothic romance is set on Palm Springs Island at the family mansion of the wealthy Logan family. The poinciana is in full bloom. The mansion is full of art and other valuable collections. Some of the pieces are missing. Ross Logan returns bringing his bride, Sharon to stay. She must contend with her step daughter, a confidence man, his ex-wife, his executive assistant, and his elderly mother. The servants defer to others rather than her. Sharon is crushed as she realized that Ross married her because of he is love with her Mother. One night the alarms echo through the mansion, arriving at the office Ross is found dead. Sharon is the heir to all Ross own. I recommend this book.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Open Roads Integrated Media through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Open Roads Integrated Media through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
August 9, 2016
The Palm Beach home of Ross Logan contains his celebrated collection of oriental art, and a prized new possession -- his young bride. Inside Poinciana a tidal wave of intrigue swells and not one of the Logans is safe. Especially not Sharon, who is hated by Gretchen, Ross's daughter from a previous marriage, by her ne'er-do-well husband, Vasily, and by Ross's strange mother, Allegra. Sharon uncovers a devastating secret about her own relationship with her husband -- a secret that, in the end, will test the limits of her courage as well as her ability to love. Another Whitney gem.
May 25, 2013
I normally like Phyllis A. Whitney but I had a lot of trouble finishing this book. The main reason was because I wanted to slap the heroine for being so hesitant.
July 14, 2017
3.5 stars
I enjoyed this American gothic set on a Palm Beach Florida estate, Poinciana. It's a women's mystery-suspense of the slower moving type, a gentler one, if you will. To set the stage, we have newlyweds Sharon & Ross coming to live in his family mansion. He's famous, wealthy, and older than her, and she's a bit insecure and needy for love, and is recently orphaned by an accident. Her mother was a famous singer/actress, and gave her only daughter very little attention and real love. Sharon is hoping for a new start with a new family where she will be safe, loved, and happy. Unfortunately, there are many things at play to interfere with her hopes and dreams. Secrets are lurking around every corner and no one is willing to be truthful with her. She has to share the estate with people who don't respect or even like her. Will she have the courage to face the hostility all around her? Can she unravel the mysteries and remain safe? Great descriptions and plenty of characters to keep you interested and guessing!
Poinciana is an e-book re-release, originally published in 1980. It's my second Phyllis Whitney book in a few weeks time, and I have enjoyed them both! This one in particular I had a bit of a hard time connecting emotionally with the relationships, but otherwise a good, solid read. I wouldn't term it romantic though, but more women's fiction, because to me there was very little actual romance.
**Many thanks to NetGalley and Open Road Media Publishers for an e-copy to read and honestly review!**
I enjoyed this American gothic set on a Palm Beach Florida estate, Poinciana. It's a women's mystery-suspense of the slower moving type, a gentler one, if you will. To set the stage, we have newlyweds Sharon & Ross coming to live in his family mansion. He's famous, wealthy, and older than her, and she's a bit insecure and needy for love, and is recently orphaned by an accident. Her mother was a famous singer/actress, and gave her only daughter very little attention and real love. Sharon is hoping for a new start with a new family where she will be safe, loved, and happy. Unfortunately, there are many things at play to interfere with her hopes and dreams. Secrets are lurking around every corner and no one is willing to be truthful with her. She has to share the estate with people who don't respect or even like her. Will she have the courage to face the hostility all around her? Can she unravel the mysteries and remain safe? Great descriptions and plenty of characters to keep you interested and guessing!
Poinciana is an e-book re-release, originally published in 1980. It's my second Phyllis Whitney book in a few weeks time, and I have enjoyed them both! This one in particular I had a bit of a hard time connecting emotionally with the relationships, but otherwise a good, solid read. I wouldn't term it romantic though, but more women's fiction, because to me there was very little actual romance.
**Many thanks to NetGalley and Open Road Media Publishers for an e-copy to read and honestly review!**
July 1, 2022
After suffering almost unimaginable loss, Sharon Hollis retreats to the safety of a May-December marriage to tycoon Ross Logan and to the architectural embrace of the family's compound, Poinciana, in Palm Beach. There, she will begin to feel oppressed by the insularity of the wealthy clan, the house itself, and her own marriage. Soon enough, the past spills over into the present, bringing danger. Although the trope of the young bewildered bride can be a cliché, Sharon is a throwback to the more capable, admirable Whitney heroines of old. No shrinking violet, nor naive, Sharon is sympathetic, well-rounded character. If the secondary characters sometimes feel a little thin—we've seen the spiteful, self-destructive character of Gretchen before, in many of Whitney's novels—and if the love plot seems less of interest to the author and rather perfunctory—the well-drawn atmosphere of the estate makes for an atmospheric novel.
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November 15, 2008F Whi
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August 15, 20091980's
October 11, 2017
I remember growing up Phyllis Whitney was one of my mom's favorite authors and I also read some of her young adult books when I was a teenager, so I was greatly looking forward to revisiting her work. Unfortunately, I did not find this novel to be what I was hoping for. It felt like a winding journey to get to the end and there were many digressions from the main storyline. It seemed that just as Sharon would discover some plot twist and I would think the story would take off, it felt flat. I struggled to finish it and did not find myself wanting to come back to the book. The end actually was surprising, but I just wish the pacing could have been better.
I received this book courtesy of Open Road Integrated Media through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book courtesy of Open Road Integrated Media through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 11, 2015
Not a particular favorite but still a great story. 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.
July 12, 2009
Set in Palm Beach a new bride seeks to find a family and a home. Romantic mystery.
April 11, 2026
Victoria Holt might be the most famous Gothic romance novelist but in terms of consistently good output, I think Phyllis A. Whitney is by far the best. POINCIANA, with its twists and turns of family drama, inheritance, Japanese art, and revenge, reminded me why I love these books so much. If you ever read those Point Horror middle grade novels as a kid, the effect of these is much the same, only with more sex and scandal, and with adult characters instead of kid ones.
Sharon is the newly orphaned daughter of a famous stage actress and her admiring husband. After her parents died in a terrible accident, she ended up marrying one of her parents' friends, a man named Ross many years her senior. He takes care of her and appreciates art as much as she did, particularly Japanese netsuke (kimono decorations), which he collects. She doesn't mind the age gap and thinks herself incredibly fortunate-- until he takes her to his family estate in Palm Beach, Poinciana. There, his mood takes a dark and sinister turn. He's no longer the man she's married, and every single one of his relatives and staff seems to hate her and want her to leave.
Jarrett, her husband's executive assistant, is sullen and resentful, and though attractive, Sharon can't help but feel hurt and annoyed that he appears to regard her as a gold-digging trophy wife. Ross's daughter, Gretchen, is similarly suspicious and resentful, and drops many hints that Ross's dark side might not be as hidden as he'd like his new wife to think. Gretchen's husband, Vasily, an easy-going European playboy, is the only one who's even remotely friendly, but it's obvious he's got something to hide. Allegra, Ross's mother, helped build the house, but now she's got dementia and is living in a lonely cottage off the property under the care of a servant named Myra while heavily sedated. And then there's Ross himself-- Ross, who's obsessed with her dead mother, keeps a portrait of her in a locked room, and even plays recordings of her singing while they make love. What's wrong with Ross? What is he, and his family, hiding? And why do they desperately want her to leave?
This was just so deliciously creepy. I was never 100% sure who was responsible for the murders and attempted murders, which is always a good sign. Whitney is so good at conjuring up this slow and creeping sense of doom, and while many Gothic romances have the atmosphere down, most of them can't quite manage the mystery. Some of Whitney's books toe the line between Gothic romance and romantic suspense, and I think you could say that this is one of these, although the ramshackle house, secretive family, and mysterious artwork definitely make this more like a traditional Gothic. I can't recommend these books enough to anyone who loves a good mystery-- they're so atmospheric and fun.
4 stars
Sharon is the newly orphaned daughter of a famous stage actress and her admiring husband. After her parents died in a terrible accident, she ended up marrying one of her parents' friends, a man named Ross many years her senior. He takes care of her and appreciates art as much as she did, particularly Japanese netsuke (kimono decorations), which he collects. She doesn't mind the age gap and thinks herself incredibly fortunate-- until he takes her to his family estate in Palm Beach, Poinciana. There, his mood takes a dark and sinister turn. He's no longer the man she's married, and every single one of his relatives and staff seems to hate her and want her to leave.
Jarrett, her husband's executive assistant, is sullen and resentful, and though attractive, Sharon can't help but feel hurt and annoyed that he appears to regard her as a gold-digging trophy wife. Ross's daughter, Gretchen, is similarly suspicious and resentful, and drops many hints that Ross's dark side might not be as hidden as he'd like his new wife to think. Gretchen's husband, Vasily, an easy-going European playboy, is the only one who's even remotely friendly, but it's obvious he's got something to hide. Allegra, Ross's mother, helped build the house, but now she's got dementia and is living in a lonely cottage off the property under the care of a servant named Myra while heavily sedated. And then there's Ross himself-- Ross, who's obsessed with her dead mother, keeps a portrait of her in a locked room, and even plays recordings of her singing while they make love. What's wrong with Ross? What is he, and his family, hiding? And why do they desperately want her to leave?
This was just so deliciously creepy. I was never 100% sure who was responsible for the murders and attempted murders, which is always a good sign. Whitney is so good at conjuring up this slow and creeping sense of doom, and while many Gothic romances have the atmosphere down, most of them can't quite manage the mystery. Some of Whitney's books toe the line between Gothic romance and romantic suspense, and I think you could say that this is one of these, although the ramshackle house, secretive family, and mysterious artwork definitely make this more like a traditional Gothic. I can't recommend these books enough to anyone who loves a good mystery-- they're so atmospheric and fun.
4 stars
October 29, 2021
Once called the Queen of American Gothic by the New York Times, the novel is a classic example of Whitney’s work with such themes. Her writing style is slow, tantalizing, and very smooth. Both writing style and character actions reflect the period in which the novel was written. Violence isn’t graphic, and romance is likewise typical of the period. Called a romantic mystery, this book is really a mystery because romance exists only in the earliest and latest pages.
Sharon Hollis, the key character, is an innocent and sheltered individual who marries a much older man, Ross Logan. A friend of her parents. he came to her rescue after her parents are killed by a bomb in the theater in which her mother was performing. Her mother was a famous actress whose life focused on the stage with little time for Sharon. Her father, Ian, lived to promote her mother’s career. Lonely and starved for affection, Sharon turns to Ross for what she needs.
A refreshing and enjoyable tale, the reader finds surprising plot twists amid a tense atmosphere. The couple return from their honeymoon to the ancestral home, Poinciana, to find an uneasy atmospherer. (The mansion's name is from the flame tree called Poinciana which Ross‘s mother loved.) Several incidents make Sharon uneasy. She is shoved down stairs but emerges largely unhurt, only bruised and frightened. Dismayed, she finds a decaying coconut laden with ants on her dressing table and begins receiving notes letting her know that there are those who resent her presence at Poinciana and asking her to leave. With the suspicious deaths of Ross and his daughter, Gretchen, suspense builds. Who is doing all of this and why?
Sharon Hollis, the key character, is an innocent and sheltered individual who marries a much older man, Ross Logan. A friend of her parents. he came to her rescue after her parents are killed by a bomb in the theater in which her mother was performing. Her mother was a famous actress whose life focused on the stage with little time for Sharon. Her father, Ian, lived to promote her mother’s career. Lonely and starved for affection, Sharon turns to Ross for what she needs.
A refreshing and enjoyable tale, the reader finds surprising plot twists amid a tense atmosphere. The couple return from their honeymoon to the ancestral home, Poinciana, to find an uneasy atmospherer. (The mansion's name is from the flame tree called Poinciana which Ross‘s mother loved.) Several incidents make Sharon uneasy. She is shoved down stairs but emerges largely unhurt, only bruised and frightened. Dismayed, she finds a decaying coconut laden with ants on her dressing table and begins receiving notes letting her know that there are those who resent her presence at Poinciana and asking her to leave. With the suspicious deaths of Ross and his daughter, Gretchen, suspense builds. Who is doing all of this and why?
December 14, 2020
As I began Poinciana, I expected what most people typically expect from Phyllis A. Whitney: a suspenseful book heavily tinged with romance. To my surprise this book is light on romance and instead has a focus on mystery, secrets and psychological drama. It begins when young Sharon Hollis, after suffering a terrible tragedy, is swept into a marriage with one of the wealthiest men in America. They return to his family estate, Poinciana, where Sharon quickly learns that her new husband and his family live in a web of secrets. Death is not far behind.
This is my third Whitney novel. I now see a very appealing pattern in her books outside of mystery and romance. Her books involve a geographical setting that the author makes come alive, and there is also a bit of subtle education as a bonus. In this book the setting was Palm Beach in Florida, and one of its mysteries involved netsuke (of which I knew nothing). In another book, Star Flight, Whitney vividly described Lake Lure in North Carolina and parts of that mystery involved kudzu (I had never heard of it). These touches make the books more memorable and provide a richer experience (more so in this day, when we can quickly search online for photos of things and places mentioned in books).
Whitney received the Grand Master award from the Mystery Writers of America in 1988. Her characters, plotting and scene-setting are just that: masterful.
This is my third Whitney novel. I now see a very appealing pattern in her books outside of mystery and romance. Her books involve a geographical setting that the author makes come alive, and there is also a bit of subtle education as a bonus. In this book the setting was Palm Beach in Florida, and one of its mysteries involved netsuke (of which I knew nothing). In another book, Star Flight, Whitney vividly described Lake Lure in North Carolina and parts of that mystery involved kudzu (I had never heard of it). These touches make the books more memorable and provide a richer experience (more so in this day, when we can quickly search online for photos of things and places mentioned in books).
Whitney received the Grand Master award from the Mystery Writers of America in 1988. Her characters, plotting and scene-setting are just that: masterful.
August 6, 2017
Poinciana
by Phyllis A. Whitney
Open Road Integrated Media
Mystery & Thrillers , Romance
Pub Date 04 Jul 2017
I am voluntarily reviewing Poinciana through Open Integrated Media and Netgalley:
Poinciana is the fabulous mansion of the Logan's Family standing on the Florida Coastline. Sharon is Ross Logan's new bride. Ross's first wife died and his second divorced him.
Soon after she arrives Sharon realizes it is not at all what she hoped it would be. She can't ignore the strange undercurrents of hostility coming from everyone residing their. When Sharon asks questions everyone including Ross turns dark and menacing.
It begins to seem as if everyone in the house is plotting against each other, but are they?
I give Poinciana five out of five stars.
Happy Reading!
July 15, 2022
I was a little disappointed as I had discovered the Gillian early one, they were like a spider at the Center of a web, seeking out information about everyone. Too guileless to be true. However I enjoy the gothic romances but probably not as much as when I was younger. Now I want to tell women, especially young ones, do not depend for your worth on men. The characters do come very alive for me so I keep wanting to issue my warnings. I love books like this that can draw me in and feel as if I am a bystander in their world and sometimes the characters keep living on in my mind and I hope that their riding off into the sunset will indeed be happy. The author did, close to the end, make me wonder if I had indeed figured out the wicked one. If you like gothic this is a good one.
November 30, 2023
This gothic romance started off strong with an interesting mystery, sprawling estate, tragic pasts, mixed-up family, and all the trappings. I thought Ross was super creepy/skeevy, and there were some batsh1t crazy scenes with him in the beginning! Then roughly mid-way through, a Big Incident happened and things went downhill from there. It wasn't bad, I was just struggling to keep interest through what felt like a lot of filler. Before the ending, I did correctly guess the villain.
This isn't my favorite Whitney - of the several I've read, I'd place it right about in the middle. I do love the cover on my version, though.
This isn't my favorite Whitney - of the several I've read, I'd place it right about in the middle. I do love the cover on my version, though.
September 11, 2024
Another Phyllis A. Whitney novel with her usual twists and turns and many characters to sort out. This one was rather difficult to figure out with so many characters who seem very suspicious. The protagonist arrives at a large home in Florida with her new husband and quickly is unsure of many people who seem to be playing tricks on her. The home is filled with many expensive items, some that seem to be missing from time to time. I couldn't really decide why I was suspicious of one person but I felt good coming up with the right person.
August 30, 2019
I really enjoyed this one. This also may be the first Phyllis A Whitney where I guessed right on the villain.
February 13, 2020
interesting book not at all what I thought it would be, but very poignant since I knew the places well that were described therein
September 16, 2021
I've her writing and set up of story! Always find out something about the location of the story!
January 5, 2022
A solid gothic read. If you're a fan of Phyllis Whitney, this is a good one to read if you haven't already.
November 23, 2022
These are the books I read when I was younger, They dont make them like this anymore. It hasn't lost any of its magic at all I loved it, Good old fashioned mystery
November 7, 2023
Bought for cover and title. Enjoyed the setting and atmosphere, but story dragged,
February 12, 2020
Not my favorite Whitney - Sharon's a bit of a drip and passive to a frustrating degree (even within the bounds of a typical Whitney heroine trajectory). Also, none of the dudes are particularly compelling, although I guess the setting is nice?
September 14, 2025
I love Phyllis Whitney books. This was another great read.
February 24, 2017
Set in Palm Springs, Florida. A rich estate owner dies and his young bride inherits all-if she survives. Good mystery and kept me guessing until the end.
newly-indexed
February 4, 2019At first, i hesitated whether or not im going to buy this, but bought this anyway. The story is good. It has great plot and twists. I enjoyed reading this. Thank GOD!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews