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King of the Castle

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Back in Ireland for the first time since the mysterious death of her husband, Kit McHennessey finds herself haunted by the unanswered questions from that night. Justin O’Niall, the man who comforted her through the tragedy eight years ago, is as darkly compelling now as he was then. And while she is passionately drawn to him, she is also certain she cannot trust him. Kit must uncover the deadly truths she once fled in order to confront the danger that threatens their future.

Originally published in 1987

269 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1987

126 people are currently reading
161 people want to read

About the author

Heather Graham Pozzessere

66 books257 followers
Heather Graham Pozzessere
aka Heather Graham, Shannon Drake

Heather Graham was born on March 15, 1953 and grew up in Dade County, Florida, and attended the University of South Florida at Tampa, majoring in theater arts and touring Europe and parts of Asia and Africa as part of her studies. After college, she acted in dinner theaters, modeled, waitressed, and tended bar. She married Hershey Dennis Possezzere, and after the birth of her third child, she was determined to devote her efforts to her writing: her dream. She sold her first book in 1982.

Today, this author's success is reflected not just by reader response and the over 20 million copies of her books in print, but in many other ways. In addition to being a New York Times bestselling author, Heather has received numerous awards for her novels, including over 20 trade awards from magazines such as Romantic Times and Affaire de Coeur, bestseller awards from B. Dalton, Waldenbooks, and BookRak, and several Reviewers' Choice and People's Choice awards.

Heather has appeared on Entertainment Tonight, Romantically Speaking, a TV talk show that aired nationwide on the Romance Classics cable channel, and CBS Sunday News. She has been quoted in People and USA Today, been profiled in The Nation, and featured in Good Housekeeping. Her books have been selections for the Doubleday Book Club and the Literary Guild. She has been published across the world in more than 15 languages and has published over 70 titles, including anthologies and short stories.

Now, she had five children. Somehow, this prolific author manages to juggle it all - family, career, and marriage - while reaching a level of success to which few can aspire.

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5 stars
79 (37%)
4 stars
68 (32%)
3 stars
42 (19%)
2 stars
17 (8%)
1 star
5 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Profile Image for Rainz ❤️rainnbooks❤️(on a break).
1,368 reviews88 followers
May 26, 2021
Heather Graham’s romantic suspense story King of The Castle has been in TBR for a long time. As I am strapped for time to focus on my pending ARC’s thought to divert myself with this fast-paced story set in Ireland.

Kit McHennessey has returned to the village where she has lost her husband on their honeymoon after 8 long years. As an established travel author, her latest project taking her back to the place she never wished to return.

The suspense of the murders that occurs around the time of All Hallow’s Eve and the legacy of the O’Nialls who are like royalty in the area was interesting. The angst of the romance between Kit and Justin with a surprising element of the young Michael brought about an unexpected twist. I loved the description of the place by the author and it gives a different feel to the legends and folklore surrounding the area.

An exciting quick read!

This review is published in my blog https://rainnbooks.com/, Goodreads, Amazon India, Facebook, and Twitter.
Profile Image for Myself.
282 reviews7 followers
August 4, 2018
2,5/5
#RitaGraham #RetoRita2
Empezó con fuerza pero luego se ha ido desinflado hasta el final.
La autora no ha sabido sacar partido a la historia y ha estropeado tanto la trama de intriga como la trama amorosa y ha convertido a los protagonistas en dos plastas insoportables, sobre todo a ella.
Este mes voy mal con el reto. Dos truños de dos.
Profile Image for Katrina Alexander.
Author 3 books113 followers
June 16, 2025
This book was obviously one of the earlier books by this author. The characters' reactions seemed to fluctuate and not always match the situation. I did enjoy the somewhat Gothic element to the story, reminiscent of Victoria Holt or Daphne de Maurier, which is why I gave it 3 stars.
562 reviews3 followers
April 27, 2024
I was just a few pages in when I realized I had read the book years before. However, I decided to stick with it. The book was definitely dated. Usually that does not bother me, but it did this time. Kit smoked. I don't know when I have read a book when one of the characters smoked. I never did like it even 37 years ago when this book was written. No cell phones, but that part did not bother me. Kit just let 7 year old Mike go off with Douglas to school and Mike went with no argument. There is no way that would be allowed today and the kid would not have gone willingly. The book was published in 1987. I had a 7 year old, myself, at that time. I never would have let him go off like that. I would have taken him to school myself. Plus he would have questioned it.

I did like the fact that the book had been edited. That seems to be the trend with older books. Not so with current books. However, I did notice 2 things that were wrong. At one point, Kit called Mike, Justin. Justin was not even present at the time. Another time Kit had on a lavender gown. Once she went to the bedroom it became blue.

I will say the book was okay. But it just did not do it for me. Some books I reread, I enjoy, but not this one. The whole plot was weird.
Profile Image for Jane.
120 reviews1 follower
October 5, 2020
Strange short book.

The whole premise is strange. I could tell this was written a few decades ago- so much cigarette smoking!

It’s about a woman named Kit who goes to Ireland for a honeymoon at like age 18 and her husband dies there the first day. The lord of the area, Justin, finds her... helps her... and wants her.

They accidentally spend one drugged up passionate night and Kit runs back to the states. 8 years later she has a 7 yr old son... and a job offer to write a travel book for tourists who are interested in history... in Ireland.

So she packs up and goes back to Ireland with her kid and everyone still remembers her, especially Justin, and the whole place is already abuzz with a recent murder that has taken place.

It has a strange pacing I didn’t enjoy and Kit drove me nuts with her anxiety. The conversations were just circular arguments.

I didn’t really feel much attachment or connection to the story or characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
2,115 reviews8 followers
September 29, 2019
Kit McHennessy is only 18 when when goes on her honeymoon to Ireland with Michael. When he "falls" off the cliffs soon after they arrive and the same night a young girl is murdered, Kit is devastated. Justin O'Niall is the hereditary "ruler" of the area. Ten years older, he helps her out in the next few months. Drugged one night, Kit and Justin make love. Appalled the next morning, Kit flees back to the U.S. Eight years later, Kit is living in NY with her 7-year-old Mike. She writes travel books and is offered the chance to do one on Ireland. Reluctantly, she agrees to go back with Mike to do it. Her attraction to Justin is still there, but weird things related to an ancient fertility/sacrifice practice start to happen and murder is again a problem that must be overcome. Kind of a weird story with the Irish folklore thrown in. Too strange to really enjoy.
1,909 reviews18 followers
May 22, 2025
Great!

This book is as enjoyable now as it was over 35 years ago, when it was first published! This excellent author has created great stories for her readers all these years! This story was much better than much of what is being published by new authors who can not write complete sentences, know grammar, spell, or develop a decent , believable plot! That is why I choose to reread books published by those authors, like Heather Graham , who continue to bring readers books worth purchasing and reading!
667 reviews7 followers
February 23, 2018
King of the Castle

This I'd another winner. I have read over 200 of her books and everyone of them have been great. She writes different series and all of them are winners. I highly recommend all her books to everyone who love good mystery's and wonderful love stories. Diana Romano
65 reviews
May 24, 2017
Too slow...

She returns to the Irish estate where her husband was found dead 8 years ago. She meets the Laird and falls in love with him all over again. Not up to her usual quality.
Profile Image for Rebecca Delio.
1,116 reviews5 followers
May 29, 2017
Wonderful Story

I read all Heather Graham books and have read them for years I lo e all her books. This story was very good and I can't wait for her next book....
Profile Image for Jim Swike.
1,866 reviews20 followers
May 7, 2018
If you had been to Ireland or am Irish, you may enjoy the history mentioned throughout. A great mystery and page turner. Enjoy!
Profile Image for EvilAntie Jan.
1,590 reviews13 followers
March 11, 2020
Great story

A great story wrapped in the lore of Ireland. Interesting plot but, the story seemed rushed at the end and it was short for a Graham novel.
3 reviews
April 21, 2025
nice escape

Recommended by a friend and I’m so glad she did. This was a wonderful escape on a rainy Saturday evening.
Profile Image for Dai.
672 reviews41 followers
April 23, 2016
Que protagonista tan insoportable, pero me gustó la ambientación y el protagonista obviamente.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews

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