by by Pearl S. Buck (Author) 

A Book Review by Jackie Houchin

When you think of Pearl S. Buck, you might think of China, as I do. She is best known for her novel, THE GOOD EARTH, or possibly COME, MY BELOVED, IMPERIAL WOMAN, THE HIDDEN FLOWER, or even LETTER FROM PEKING.

But did you know she wrote gothic romantic suspense?  Me neither.  Nevertheless, I just read DEATH IN THE CASTLE, a Mass-market Paperback, copyright 1965, with the setting in a 1,000-year-old castle in England.

It is about an aristocratic couple, Sir Richard Sedgeley and Lady Mary, aged and without an heir, living in a castle with an ancient butler and his granddaughter Kate as a maid.  The castle is badly in need of repair and upkeep, and possibly… haunted.  They have no money, the farmers connected to the estate all need financial help as well. They are desperate. The government only offers to help if they can turn the castle into a prison, or tear it down for an atomic plant. Both these sweet old people are horrified at the thought.  Finally, an American offers to buy the castle to house a huge collection of grand old art, as a kind of museum.  It seems plausable. But…. the American wants to dismantle it and move it to Connecticut!

The story is about the struggle between the “old ways” and the sad facts of their situation. Of course there are rumors of treasure somewhere in the castle, but – according to Lady Mary – only the “others” know where it is. Who knows what is in the dungeons or the 37 bedrooms with secret passagways.

There are also secrets about Wells, the Butler, and his lovely granddaughter. And there are secrets high in one of the round turrets of the castle – dark secrets that are really creepy. But the $millions the American is offering for the Castle are tempting.  And the handsome American is also tempting to Kate’s solitary heart.

Oh, just jump in and enjoy this gothic tale.  It’s written well, descriptive, poignant in several ways, but there is a happy ending – sort of – after a certain madness and all the spirits of the past glory are defenestrated!

If you are in a mood for something different by this well know author, try this quick, but brooding, spell-binding and provacative gothic novel of suspense.

FOUR STARS

AMAZON BUY LINK (Kindle Version)

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