The Black Opal

Just a wonderful read I enjoyed the story line characters and the mysterious adventures

If you're into Victoria Holt novels, you'll love this one. This book has one part mystery, one part adventure, and two parts romance. A good read. I would recommend.

As a child, I grew up reading Victoria Holt's books and when my future father-in-law gave me this book to read, I couldn't wait to finish reading my other books so I could read this one. And I have to confess, I was not disappointed by this book at all. It has enough mystery in it to keep me guessing and just a little romance to make me wish I was like the heroine and no gory details about any murder or anything. It is just a fascinating book to read especially while soaking in a hot bath.Carmel March was found in the Marlines' garden at Commonwood House. And when tragedy struck the Commonwood House, Carmel was whisked away to Australia. It wasn't till when she came home to visit England again that she realized that the wrong man was hanged for the murder of the mistress of the Commonwood House. And she embarks on an eventful journey to discover the truth. This is such an easy read and so delightful too. I snuck in my reading time in between unpacking boxes of books and I couldn't wait to read the next page ~~ so I would sneak off to read it! Holt does it again. I remember again why I was such a big fan of hers while growing up. And I would recommend her books to any mystery lover. She's one of the leading classic writers for the mystery world and you won't regret reading her books.

Carmel March, left under an azalea bush when very young, has grown up in the house of Dr. and Mrs. Marline and their 2 daughters and son. She has never really felt like part of the family yet always being drawn to the gypsies in the forest. When she's about 11 years old, she's taken away to Australia by Mrs. Marlines brother, Toby, and lives the next 10 years or so there, always wondering what happened to the Marlines. While in Australia, she discovers many things about herself and her real family and when she returns to England, Carmel finally discovers the mystery behind what happend to the Marlines and why she's so drawn to the gypsies.

I am an ardent fan of Victoria Holt. I have been reading her books eversince i can remember. She never fails to amaze me. I recently read this book (after a long gap of no victoria holt) and i loved it. The character of Carmel March is strong. The suspense is good cuz u keep wondering and thinking who-done-it? So according to me its a Must read. Other books of Victoria Holt, that i read long time ago but i still remember as great are 'Mistress of Mellyn'; 'Legend of the Seventh Virgin';'The Shivering Sands' and many others.