Castle Steep

by Beryl Netherclift

Published in the U.S.A. as Mystery at Castle Steep

151 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1970

Reviews

[Charlotte · Rating 3 out of 5]

It sounded like one I'd love. Two girls who are best friends on holiday in the English countryside. They are obsessed by the Lady of Shalott, and just happen to find a ruined castle on an island, one that comes complete with ghost story and secretive boy. But gee, the mystery wasn't much, the Lady of Shalott was referenced too many times (even for my taste, and I love it) and I could not believe, or care, in the final Disaster....still, it did describe very nicely a beautiful place...

Update--I totally forgot I'd ever read this, and bought my own copy. Still didn't love it, with a possible new reason--the main character is consciously telling the story, instead of just living it, which always throws me off.

[Hilary Vivian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Agatha Christie was inspired by Tennyson's Lady of Shallot, to write her bestselling The Mirror Crack'd...and so was Beryl Netherclift. No, I'd never heard of her either, until I spotted this title in a secondhand bookshop in North Devon. The poetic theme is threaded somewhat tenuously throughout this little adventure story - and the verses are printed in full at the end, presumably to tie up some of the loose ones. It's an easy read, a romp through castle ruins, English rivers and meadows and dusty libraries, with a fast-paced, claustrophobic nail-biter set in a labyrinth of waterlogged underground caves. It's Famous Five meets Swallows and Amazons meets Lord Tennyson, it's fun and well written - all enhanced by the exquisite illustrations by Tessa Jordan. £2 well spent!

[Emma Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading 'The Snowstorm' by Beryl Netherclift which was a real page turner, so much so my 8 year old daughter and I were keen to read-aloud together another book written by Netherclift.

In summary 'Castle Steep' is about two young girls who whilst staying with family in the English Countryside at a restored castle during their school holidays go exploring and come across an overgrown island complete with ruins, a mysterious inhabitant, caves ... and adventures continue! Think Swallows and Amazons with Tennyson's "Lady of Shalott" references thrown in throughout the text.

Whilst not as suspenseful as 'The Snowstorm', it was still an enjoyable read.