Cloud Over Malverton

by Nancy Buckingham

On her father's death Dulcie finds herself the owner of a mansion in the Cotswolds and part-owner of a medical supplies firm. Should she stay at Malverton or sell up and return to acting? Thedecision seems an easy one - surly Dr Hamilton resents her and MaxTyler is keen to buy her out. But something is wrong at Malverton, and when violence strikes she is horrified to find herself under suspicion of murder. And will she have to face thisordeal alone?

192 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1967

About the author

Nancy Jean Buckingham was born on 10 August 1924 in Bristol, England, UK. In 1949, she married John Sawyer, born on 4 October 1919 in London, England, UK. They formed one of the most popular writing-team marriages. The first books, published under her maiden name Nancy Buckingham since 1967, are classical gothic novels. In the 1970s, they started to used the pseudonyms Christina Abbey and Erica Quest. In 1980, they sold her first novels to Silhouette, and combined their names to create the pen name Nancy John. They also published one novel as Hilary London. The last novels that they published are a popular police series as Erica Quest, protagonized by the Detective Chief Inspector Kate Maddox. Their last novel was released in 1992.

Nancy Jean Buckingham Sawyer was the eighth elected Chairman (1973-1975) of the Romantic Novelists' Association, and is now one of its vice-presidents. John passed away in 1994.

Reviews

[Anna Katharine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Gothic novels aren't usually my thing, unless you count Mary Roberts Rinehart, and this novel didn't really grab me. I enjoyed the setting, and the glimpse of science in the 60's, but protagonist seemed to plucky to just fall into the guy's arms in the end... which, of course, she did. It was worth the $1 I paid in the used bin, but I doubt I'll reread it or look for others by this author. Good writing, but gender roles feel dated, and it's just not my style.