Cameron's Landing (Candlelight Intrigue, No. 504) Paperback – 1 January 1979

Setting: 1880s Maine, USACAMERON'S LANDING is an older novel, and a gothic in the truest sense of the word. For being nearly 45-years-old it has held up pretty well too I think. This was only Stuart's second published title, but I thought showed marked improvement over her debut. Just like that book this one is told in the first person narrative by our heroine Lorna. I have to admit I'm not usually a fan of this type of storytelling, mainly because the focus is only on one person's point of view, which is the case here. It worked for me however because I felt a connection to Lorna that I likely wouldn't have had it been told any other way.If you're looking for a great love story though then this book is probably not for you. It's much more of a mystery than an actual romance, and Lorna's love interest is a little too aggressive for comfort. At one point Lorna slaps him and he doesn't hesitate to slap her right back. He's a good example of the anti-heroes that Anne Stuart has become known for and it was interesting to see she had the knack for this sort of leading man early on in her long and illustrious career.Be aware however that this kindle edition is filled with typos. I'm always annoyed when well known authors put out poorly edited stories, it just doesn't serve them well in my opinion. My other issue is with the fact that the villain's almost blatantly obvious. There are a few clues dropped that I never forgot and so when the revealing was done I wasn't shocked in the least. Still, there were plenty of surprises and suspense along the way and the story held my interest too, which isn't an easy thing to do anymore. As gothics go I definitely think it's a good example of one though and I enjoyed all the thrills and chills along the way.Length: The story ended at the 99% mark on page 243 and location 3385.

This is one of the earliest Anne Stuart's (Doubleday 1977). It came out during the period when Gothics ruled the woman's book market, before Historical Romance came along and took command. And it's one of the best Gothics ever written. Since Gothics are making a wee bit of a comeback, it's a shame this book is not reprinted!Lorna MacDougall, a big redheaded lass, must enter service because her father fell and breaking his back. With 9 brothers and sisters, she has to secure the post on Cameron's Landing - a small island. In the 1880s women had few choices how they could earn a living, so she knows even though the island is foreboding, she must impress Lady Margaret, the matriarch of the Landing. She at first is accepted as Lady Margaret's companion, but slowly finds herself being the woman's "ears and eyes" in solving the mystery of Cameron's Landing. Margaret believes someone - someone in her family - is a murderer. Her husband was recently stabbed to death and the killer never revealed. Josiah Cameron's enemies were legion, so anyone about Lorna might be the killer. It a classic Gothic with the dark mysterious hero tossed in.The writing is pure Stuart, though done in the traditional first person Gothic voice. Since nearly all Stuart's books are third person (which I prefer permitting a wider range of emotions and actions from the hero and secondary characters) Stuart handles this with panache. It's very interesting to her fans to see her so effortlessly moving through this different voice.Well, worth it to any Stuart fan or fan of Gothics or if you are looking for a super read that is a wee bit different from today's market.

good condition, interesting story; love these old intrigue books