VOICES IN A HAUNTED ROOM

by Philippa Carr ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 30, 1984

Continuing her century-by-century English family saga, Carr now picks up the tale of Claudine, half-French sprout of Lottie (queenpin of Knave of Hearts, 1983). Widowed Lottie has returned to England from Revolution-torn France, marrying Richard ""Dickon"" Frenshaw of Everleigh, one of those smoldering, forceful males who so distract Carr's ladies. Dickon has twin children of his own: chip-off-the-old-rock Jonathan; mild, scholarly David. And, in addition to daughter Claudine, Lottie has brought along son Chariot and her dead husband's by-blow, Louis Charles. So, happily hitched, Lottie and Dickon would like nothing better than to have Claudine marry one of Dickon's sons. Ah, but which? Well, mysterious Jonathan's bed-chamber eyes have those blue flashes! . . . but Claudine weds gentle David. Soon, however, Jonathan turns on the heat; Claudine, who hates herself right into the tip-top of the Act, and knows she shouldn't, succumbs to adulterous passion. And then Claudine starts hearing a voice warning her to ""Beware!"" Could this have to do with those unsettling hints from crude Mrs. Trent, rumored to have had a child by Claudine's grandfather? (Mrs. T. is seeking a rich suitor for her lovely granddaughter Evie.) Meanwhile, Chariot and Louis Charles are again in France; Jonathan and Dickon are on Secret Errands; Lottie and Claudine produce babies (Jessica and Amaryllis); there's a robbery, a kidnapping, a suicide, a patriotic execution, another marriage and pregnancy. . . and someone is set on murdering Claudine, a breathy drip of a heroine. Still, Carr reins the busy action and the large cast in with a light hand, producing lots of old acquaintances for series followers.

Pub Date: April 30, 1984

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Putnam

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 1984

Categories: FICTION