The Vanishing by Wendy Webb

CAST OF CHARACTERS:
Julia Bishop - a young, beautiful, and vulnerable widow in need of a safe haven.
Amaris Sinclair - a "famous and rather eccentric horror novelist" with a deep interest in the occult who dropped out of public view ten years ago, and who currently resides at Havenwood.
Adrian Sinclair - Amaris' grown-up son who purportedly hires Julia to be a companion to his aging mother, but who has another reason for wanting Julia at Havenwood.
Drew McCullough - the sexy Scotsman who takes care of the horses; he's also Havenwood's real owner and heir.
Tundra, Tika and Molly - the three Alaskan Malamutes who protect Havenwood from ALL trespassers, both ghostly and real.

While not a perfect book, The Vanishing is an entertaining mix of mystery, psychological thriller and supernatural ghost story. And it takes place in one of those atmospheric gothic mansions, complete with library, that I've always wanted to visit. But Havenwood seems to be haunted by more than just the spirits of the dead. Are Julia's ghostly visions real, or mere hallucinations? And what secrets are Amaris and her son hiding? The fun part of this book is in trying to figure out just where the truth lies. The setting is great and the characters are sympathetic and likeable. So ignore the few minor flaws here and there and enjoy the ride.

Happy Reading!

The Fate of Mercy Alban by Wendy Webb

I like a bit of Gothic in my fiction now and then, maybe that's why I like The Fate of Mercy Alban by Wendy Webb.  Not only does this novel have a haunted house with hidden passageways and lurking ghosts, but there's also some strange deaths, a tragic love story, a hushed-up family curse, and a lost manuscript that may or may not exist.  What more could you ask for?

In the wake of her mother's death, Grace Alban discovers some old love letters that lead her to question her family's past.  As she searches for the truth, the web of secrets and lies surrounding Alban House begins to unravel.  Strange things start to happen in the house.  Even more threatening, Grace feels she is being watched...not by the ghosts from her past, but by something much more malevolent.

If you're looking for a fun Gothic thriller, check out The Fate of Mercy Alban.  The ending, especially, will keep you reading late into the night.  Wendy Webb's first novel, The Tale of Halcyon Crane, is also worth checking out.