Retro Friday is a weekly meme hosted at Angieville which focuses on reviewing books from the past. This can be an old favorite, an under-the-radar book you think deserves more attention, something woefully out of print, etc.
After ten long years of living as an orphan and expatriate in England, Linda Martin has finally returned to Paris. There is something right about the cool spring night, and how the language has come back like it never fell into disuse. Although she enters the country as a governess and technically hired help, Linda is relieved to come home, even if it is to the great estate Chateau Valmy outside of Paris. Her charge, nine-year-old Phillipe, is an orphan himself, living with his uncle Leon and aunt Heloise, and is due to inherit Valmy when he comes of age. As comforting as it is for Linda to be in France there is an underlying feeling of wrongness to the estate, managed by charming, imposing Leon and cold, remote Heloise de Valmy. Beneath his own charm and attention to Linda, Leon’s son Raoul even bears a resemblance to his father that is both uncanny and a little frightening. As mysterious accidents begin to happen without a logical explanation Linda realizes her fears are founded, but who can she trust, and how can she keep herself and Phillipe safe?
I’m just going to come out and say it: Nine Coaches Waiting
Note: I read this along with Chachic, which was a blast. She is the proud owner of the newest (and prettiest) edition on the top right. Head on over to see what she thought of the book. And if you’re interested, you can check out my status updates as I read the book. As is often the case, many thanks go to Angie for introducing another wonderful author to us.
Second Opinions
A Girl Walks into a Bookstore Review
Angieville Review
Chachic’s Book Nook Review
She Reads Novels Review
Lovely review for a beautiful book! I had so much fun reading this along with you, Holly.
I think mysteries are awesome readalong choices because you get to discuss the twists with someone else. This one is a great introduction to Mary Stewart’s novels and I’m really looking forward to reading more of her work.
Thank you! Mysteries definitely make good readalongs. I do agree, NCW was a great introduction to her work.
Mysteries are great for readalongs because we get to discuss spoilery details that we can’t mention in our reviews. I remember going online right after Berthe finished talking to Linda because I wanted to talk to you about it.
This is one of my favourite books and one of my favourite authors. I’m so pleased you enjoyed it. I’m linking to this on my FB author page because I wish more people knew about Stewart’s books.
Thank you Linda! It’s always nice when you stop in. I didn’t know you were a Mary Stewart fan! She definitely needs more exposure.
I’m not just a fan, I’d say she was one of my writing influences. In terms of snappy dialogue and likeable-but-realistic heroes & heroines, it was always Mary Stewart’s books that I wanted to emulate.
There’s a long interview with MS here on Youtube – http://youtu.be/CBm_kyaPh4I It’s an old Scottish book programme.
Oh wow. An influence. I definitely need to read more of her than! Thanks for the interview link! Very cool
Ah, I loved this one – it is up there with THE IVY TREE as my favourite Stewart. Thanks for reminding me of how wonderful it is (and yes, I was grinning madly at your Goodreads status updates!).
Which cover was on your copy?
The first one on the left. Very vintage.
Ooh, I’m glad to hear you enjoyed the updates. So hard to choose which one to read next! *adding THE IVY TREE to the list*
Such a gorgeous review, Holly. Really. Thinking of you re-reading this one over the years puts an enormous smile on my face.
O.O Oh thanks! That means a lot. I hope that makes up for me breaking your book.
Oooo! This one does sound interesting.
Well yes. It is.
Thanks for stopping by Jenny. I’m off to visit Alternate Readality (coolest name ever!)
so nice to see new fans for one of my favorite authors! I’ve been re-reading her for 30 years now (yoiks! But I started young….)
What a lovely image, Charlotte! I hope to be able to say the same.
Nine Coaches Waiting sounds like the perfect winter read to me, with the lushness, the full sensory engagement AND the cozy mystery. Those are my favorite elements to read out a snow storm with.
I said this on Chachic’s review, but it bears repeating, I am TOTALLY putting NCW on my wish list. Great review
So glad we sold you!
Between you and Chachic, I’m now dying to read this! It sounds like a delight, and just like the sort of book I’m in the mood for.
It is a delight! Perfect word to describe it.
I’m jealous of the two of you! I’ve been meaning to read this for ages. Between the two of you – I definitely plan on reading it soon!
I’d been wanting to read it for ages as well! I probably would’ve kept putting it off if it weren’t for Chachic. SO glad the excuse for a readathon kicked me into gear.
I’ve only read Stewart’s Arthurian series, but I LOVED those, so I am not sure why I don’t also read her mysteries. I shall add her to my list, though, as I love older mysteries and think this would really be up my alley! I love those first and last covers.
You loved them? So good to know! I was wondering if they were any good and if I should read them.
Thanks for coming over Aarti!
I love the sound of this. I’ve read anything by her (and I’m not a big fan of the Arthur legend) but I absolutely love Jane Eyre and Rebecca. I’ll have to add this to my wishlist. This is such a great feature, I’ve enjoyed reading Angie’s as well. (I came over from Tempting Persephone – nice to meet you!)
Nice to meet you too! I’ve been over to Giraffe Days before and have always admired your thoughtful, articulate reviews. SO happy you stopped by!
I loved this one so much!
Oh, that’s great! I will have to go over and read your review.