Thursday, October 11, 2012

Witch by Barbara Michaels




About the book:

"For Ellen March, the secluded old house nestled in the pine woods is more than the dream home she's long been searching for. It's an escape, a chance to start over, to forget the pain of her failed marriage and enjoy the restful pace of small-town living. Here, too, is a golden opportunity to get to know Norman McKay, her handsome and worldly new neighbor. But after dark in Ellen's "perfect" house, strange visions invade her restless mind: silent strangers moving through the twilight shadows, the ghostly figure of a woman and a spectral white cat. Ellen came here hoping to bury the past, but something terrifying has taken its place. Her safe haven has become her prison . . . and there is "no" escape."
(from Goodreads)


My thoughts:

I am smitten with Barbara Michaels (also known as Barbara Mertz as well as Elizabeth Peters of the Amelia Peabody series). Her books are so very readable -- she has a breezy style with lots of atmosphere and a touch of wry humor that sucks you right in from the first page. The perfect kind of reading for this time of year -- mystery, suspense, a bit of paranormal, and always a surprise twist. Fun! I have a stack of her books (including more of her Amelia Peabody series) to look forward to -- my collection is definitely growing.

On a fun note, Barbara Michaels, known for her love of Egypt (she earned a Ph.D in Egyptology before turning to writing fiction years ago), recently celebrated her 85th birthday in grand style. Complete with camels, belly dancers, and her hookah, I can only imagine that all who were invited to party with her had a blast! Click here to read an article from The Washington Post  about this fascinating author's birthday bash.



Happy 85th to a favorite author!


3.5/5 stars

5 comments:

Staci said...

Well, I will be giving her another look plus I want to read her other series too!

Melissa @ Confessions of an Avid Reader said...

Witch sounds like a great read for this time of year! I've only read one Michaels' book, The Sea King's Daughter, and have always meant to read more. I really must do so.

Book of Secrets said...

I bought a 1974 paperback edition of WITCH not long ago. I've been on a Vintage Gothic kick lately. I'm looking forward to reading it!

Yvette said...

I'm mad about Amelia Peabody and her sexy lunatic hubby Radcliffe - the only man in fiction I'd ever truly marry. :)

Fabulous books.

I'm also recently reacquainting myself with some of her earlier fare.

Yvette said...

Meant to add: HAPPIEST OF BIRTHDAYS, Barbara!!

Favorite Period Dramas

Mount TBR

Joanne's to-read book montage

On a Highland Shore
A Light on the Veranda
Entwined
The Queen's Vow: A Novel Of Isabella Of Castile
The Edwardians
Maisie Dobbs
Howards End
Lady's Maid
Instruments Of Darkness
When Maidens Mourn
Where Shadows Dance
What Remains of Heaven
Where Serpents Sleep
Why Mermaids Sing
When Gods Die
Shadowfever
Before Ever After
The Sugar Queen
Garden Spells
After the Night


Joanne's favorite books »
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