From Booklist
Although Olivia Moreland is one of the "Mad Morelands," so named by Victorian society because of her family's ample store of eccentricities, she doesn't believe in ghosts, spirits, or anything otherworldly. What Olivia does believe is that the mediums who hold seances are charlatans, so she sets herself up as an "Investigator of Psychic Phenomena." The problem is, unbeknownst to her, this avid nonbeliever is psychic herself, and no one is more surprised than Olivia herself when she starts seeing real ghosts. Stephen, Lord St. Leger, also begins observing them. He hires Olivia to prove that his mother's medium is a fake, and Olivia is drawn to him as specters of two lovers from the Middle Ages haunt their days and nights. Camp has ever so skillfully intertwined the tale of Stephen and Olivia with suspenseful flashbacks to the mysterious medieval couple. From its delicious beginning to its satisfying ending, Camp's delectable paranormal offers a double helping of romance. A sure bet for connoisseurs of Amanda Quick's Lavinia Lake and Tobias March books (Slightly Shady [2001], Don't Look Back [2002], and Late for the Wedding [BKL F 15 03]). Shelley Mosley
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Mesmerized FROM THE PUBLISHER
Her Cross to Bear
All her life, Olivia Moreland has denied her clairvoyant abilities, working instead to disprove the mediums that flock to London. But when Stephen, Lord St. Leger, requests her help in investigating an alleged psychic, she can't ignore the ominous presence she feels within the walls of his ancient estate. Nor can she ignore the intimate connection she feels with Stephen, as if she has somehow known him before . . .
His Gift to Treasure
The last time he'd lived in Blackhope Hall, Stephen had watched as his elder brother claimed both the family title and the woman he loved. Now, following his brother's death, Stephen reluctantly returns home and finds his family ensconced in scandal. Who is behind his brother's murder -- a dark spirit or the psychic who claims to have channeled it? And what is it about psychic investigator Olivia Moreland that awakens his long-dormant passion?
As they search for answers, Stephen and Olivia discover that the only way to fight a powerful evil is with a powerful love. . .
FROM THE CRITICS
Publishers Weekly
Readers looking for a good 19th-century ghost story need look no further than this latest charmer from prolific Camp (The Hidden Heart, etc.). Lord Stephen St. Leger is at his wit's end over his mother's obsession with Madame Valenskaya, a medium with more tricks up her sleeve than the Artful Dodger. In an attempt to expose the medium as the fraud he knows she is, he employs the services of Miss Olivia Q. Moreland, Investigator of Psychic Phenomena. Olivia joins Stephen and his family at Blackhope, Stephen's medieval country estate outside London, where Madame Valenskaya is setting up s ances to supposedly communicate with Stephen's deceased brother. Upon her arrival, Olivia senses she's been to Blackhope before. Through a series of dreams, she and Stephen discover that they share a psychic connection with 12th-century lovers Lady Alys and Sir John, who may have died a horrific death at the hands of Lady Alys's evil husband. To put the 700-year-old spirits to rest, they must learn the truth about the couple's fate. Hidden rooms, a secret treasure, murder, demonic possession and treachery are just a few of the ingredients that make up this lively tale. Add a fine romance with likeable characters, and you have a truly enjoyable read. (Oct.) Forecast: Unlike many romance authors who have latched onto the coattails of the fast-growing paranormal romance niche, Camp has the wit and skill to make a name for herself in the field. This offering should increase her visibility, as will ads in Romantic Times. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
Art & Photography
Book Info
