The Gothic Trim discussion

She's probably the most referred to in gothic writing. Surprisingly I haven't read her yet, but I do have a decent amount of her books from a book buy spree two years ago.

Any favorites, downers, thoughts on the author?

Erin! I joined this group solely to respond to your question. SHE IS THE BEST! I have read all of her novels twice and I own all of them. Start with any of them but my favorites are:
Secret for a Nightingale
On the Night of the Seventh Moon
Snare of Serpents

Thanks for the recommendations Kara :)

Looks like I own Secret of a Nightingale so I will be sure to start with that one first. The others I don't own (yet)

I think I've actually only read two of hers, though I have tons of them. Curse of the Kings and Mistress of Mellyn. It's not that I didn't like them either, I just have so many Gothics. Unless I'm tired of contemporary and am particularly looking for something historical, I generally just grab a random book off my shelf otherwise I'd spend too much time reading all the backs and trying to decide. I preferred Mistress of Mellyn over Curse.

The Mistress of Mellyn was the first Gothic I had ever read. I think Victoria Holt is among the best. Also enjoy Mary Stewart and Dorothy Eden. Wish there were more current Gothic writers now days. it is my favorite genre.

What I find so amazing about Victoria Holt is the number of titles she wrote. When you include books under various pen names, it's astounding. The only other gothic author as prolific is Marilyn Ross, who was really Dan Ross. Maybe it's because back then writers could focus on the business of writing and didn't have to promote themselves.

I am reading Mrs. Poe by Lynn Cullen right now. Though a different genre, the subject matter and historic setting give it a decidedly gothic feel. It's a fascinating book and I can't recommend it highly enough.