ABBEYGATE

The author provides enough amusement in congenial characters and dialogue to reduce the traditionally drizzly gothic atmosphere to a light cloud. So, why not enjoy such as an Inspector who quotes from the classics; the ancient matriarch with pearl choker and Cockney twang; the neighboring lord given to monosyllabic honks, the Master who refers to room temperature as evincing a ""wistful frigidity""? As for the contemporary story, it's all about pretty American Elinor employed by a famous actor who brings her to England to be governess to his three children, including thirteen-year-old Anne, haunted by the ghost (?) of a mad mother. Two murders and blinking lights in the gloaming make a dutiful exercise. . . but you'll enjoy all the pother accompanying.