VOICES IN SUMMER

by Rosamunde Pilcher ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 16, 1984

Another attractive domestic Pilcher pother, this time during a Cornwall-coast summer, in small but distinguished country digs--where, sozzling in sea air, expansively good sorts enjoy exquisitely simple pleasures of eye and palate. In London Laura Haverstock, 37, second wife of 50-ish banker Alec, yearns to have a baby--perhaps to ""replace"" Alec's adored daughter Gabriel, who was spirited away to Virginia six years previously (at age 13) by her mother Erica. And now, about to have a minor operation, Laura is also worried that she might prevent Alec from taking a ritual Scotland holiday with his middle-aged crowd, ""the club"" of which she sadly realizes she'll ""never be a member."" So Alec promises he'll go anyway--and sends Laura for recuperation to ""Tremenheere,"" the Cornwall retreat of his 60-ish uncle Gerald, a retired naval officer, married to loving, compassionate Eve (who collects ""lame ducks""). Indeed, Laura is divinely happy at Tremenheere, delighted and bemused by the tiny complex and its residents: Eve's architect-son Ivan (famous for nipping out on his wedding practically at the altar); nature-child Drusilla, a flutist with a fat baby (origin unknown); Eve's ancient and eccentric old nanny, May; plus, down the road, neighbor Silvia Marten, a lonely widow and gardener extraordinary. Lazy days of sea and sun ensue. There's a champagne evening with flute music in the distance. And, after picnics and jaunts with Ivan, Laura finds she really doesn't want to accompany Alec on a trip to New York. But then Gabriel arrives at Tremenheere from a yacht in the Caribbean--bringing a happy little secret. . . and a deadly one: poison-pen letters are followed by some real poison for Laura's little dog. So Gerald and Ivan will play detectives--and, when Alec returns, true love will bloom sweet as summer skies. Perfect hammock reading.

Pub Date: May 16, 1984

ISBN: 0312925271

Page Count: -

Publisher: St. Martin's

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 1984

Categories: FICTION