WILDFIRE AT MIDNIGHT

by Mary Stewart ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 7, 1956

The backdrop of the Cuillin threatens this tale of the Blaven (Blue Mountain) and its history of dead climbers, murders -- almost sacrificial, and doom which overhangs the visitors to the Hebrides on Skye. Gianetta Drury, a model with an early marriage which ended in divorce, comes there for a rest, is quickly alerted to the evil killing of the local young girl, Heather, meets the climbers and the fishermen, and runs right into her ex-husband, Nicholas. There is fear for the unapproved climb of two school teachers who vanish -- one to be found dead, the other nearly so, the quick murder of a famed climber and then her pursuit -- by Nicholas or by another? Gianetta is no equal for Scots Inspector Mackenzie but her path leads her to dizzy eyries, fog and finally to be cornered, at bay, with the killer pounding. More pretentious than Madam, Will You Talk (Morrow-Mill, p. 18) this still has a sense of unease, a vivid montage of scree and heather, the guests at the small fishing hotel and the awkward tensions mounting in an isolated back of beyond place. Not perhaps as graceful as the previous book but persuasive.

Pub Date: Sept. 7, 1956

ISBN: 0060093579

Page Count: -

Publisher: Appleton-Century-Crofts

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1956

Categories: FICTION