From Kirkus Reviews
The recent death of Eleanor Hibbert, the indefatigable, reliable popular writer who appeared as Jean Plaidy, Philippa Carr and Victoria Holt, has saddened her large following. Hibbert through the years perfected cherished formulas for romantic suspense, real or fictional dynastic dooms and delights (in palaces or English manor houses), and period galloping adventures. Here, in the first Holt novel to be published posthumously, an orphan lass finds love on two continents and helps to solve an old murder. Carmel March had been found as an infant under an azalea bush, and thanks to kind Dr. Marline--the ailing Mrs. Marline is horrid- -Carmel is raised with the Marline children, although she's still regarded as an outsider. Still, Carmel finds people to love. There's the boy Lucian of a titled family nearby; a lovely governess destined for tragedy; some pleasant gypsies, one of whom takes an unusual interest in Carmel; and Mrs. Marline's sea captain brother, Uncle Toby. Then, when Carmel is ten, disaster strikes the Marline house; there's a murder, and Toby whisks Carmel to Australia. Years later, Carmel returns to England alone to unravel a mystery and consider three proposals of marriage. To the beloved Mrs. Hibbert: hail and farewell--and thanks. (Literary Guild Dual Selection for Fall) -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

ANNOTATION

First time in paperback--the final bestseller from one of the world's most beloved authors is full of her trademark romance and suspense. As a child, Carmel March had been rushed from a murder scene and bundled off to Australia. Now, she has returned to England, where she is haunted by questions--including whether the wrong man had been sentenced for the crime.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Abandoned as a baby, her exotic beauty prompted hushed whispers of gypsy blood. But lovely Carmel March remained shrouded in mystery....

When tragedy struck her adopted home of Commonwood House, little Carmel had been bundled off to Australia. Returning to England as a young woman, she became haunted by questions from her past, as well as the shocking revelation that she had been rushed from a murder scene those many years ago.

Yet she was convinced that the wrong man had been sentenced for the crime. Was the answer locked away in her childhood memory—or in the dark, secretive behavior of her old childhood friend, Lucian? And what fateful role did the opals—always present at crucial moments of her life—play? For only when she released the dark secrets imprisoned at Commonwood would she find the freedom to love....

"Victoria Holt's mysteries are among the best."
—Minneapolis Star & Tribune

"The prolific Miss Holt—.combines suspense and romance with the master's touch."
—Boston Herald

FROM THE CRITICS

Kirkus Reviews

The recent death of Eleanor Hibbert, the indefatigable, reliable popular writer who appeared as Jean Plaidy, Philippa Carr and Victoria Holt, has saddened her large following. Hibbert through the years perfected cherished formulas for romantic suspense, real or fictional dynastic dooms and delights (in palaces or English manor houses), and period galloping adventures. Here, in the first Holt novel to be published posthumously, an orphan lass finds love on two continents and helps to solve an old murder. Carmel March had been found as an infant under an azalea bush, and thanks to kind Dr. Marline—the ailing Mrs. Marline is horrid—Carmel is raised with the Marline children, although she's still regarded as an outsider. Still, Carmel finds people to love. There's the boy Lucian of a titled family nearby; a lovely governess destined for tragedy; some pleasant gypsies, one of whom takes an unusual interest in Carmel; and Mrs. Marline's sea captain brother, Uncle Toby. Then, when Carmel is ten, disaster strikes the Marline house; there's a murder, and Toby whisks Carmel to Australia. Years later, Carmel returns to England alone to unravel a mystery and consider three proposals of marriage. To the beloved Mrs. Hibbert: hail and farewell—and thanks. (Literary Guild Dual Selection for Fall)