Just two things: his wealthy family, whom she has never met, and hisįamous pen name, Nathaniel Droll. When Aurelie Harcourt's father dies in debtor's prison, he leaves her I was not obligated to give a favorable review. *I received this book as a giveaway in a contest from Carrie at Reading is My Superpower. I’m anxiously awaiting the next book by Ms. If you like a gothic tale of mystery and romance don’t miss this book. The solution is as complex as a Gordian Knot.

From Aunt Eudora and cousin Juliette to friend of the family Silas Rotherham and old nemesis Jasper Grupp, the interesting supporting characters add to the suspense. The wonderful quotes at the beginning of each chapter tell a story on their own and hint at the substance behind the mystery. Will the answers be worth the quest? How did her father really die and is her life in danger? Aurelia has her own secret - she must finish a serial novel that her father started and uncover what really happened to Lady Jayne. All is not what it seems and everyone is keeping secrets. She arrives at the family estate, Lynhurst Manor, under the protection of her Aunt Eudora who had no idea of her existence. Still grieving the death of her father, Aurelia, a young lady of nearly twenty, feels compelled to solve a mystery as old as she is.

Faith in Christ has been instilled in her and she lives it out by helping those less fortunate than she. Her father, Woolf, has landed there and he manages to raise and provide for her by writing serials for a publishing house under the name Nathaniel Droll. It has a distinct Dickensian flair.Īurelia Harcourt has been brought up in Shepton Mallet Prison for debtors. This captivating mystery has it all: flawless period prose, intriguing premise and surprising scenes as the story unfolds.

Lady jayne disappears