The Mask of the Enchantress

This Holt novel, unlike the prior one I read (Seven for a Secret), takes off right out of the starting gate and doesn't let you go until the very end. Yes, I could see some of the things that were coming from a mile away, yet others not so much. Holt shows an adept talent in this novel, moreso than the first I read, to twist and turn her plot enough to keep you glued and to care about Suewellen and the intrigue around the Mateland clan with their highly desirable castle estate. True, there are similarities between this book and the first one--that being someone hanging themselves in a barn, identity swapping, and living among island natives, but the story itself moves quickly, and this is a huge asset. Can Suewellen pull off the ultimate hoax and claim the Mateland castle for herself by posing as her deviously wicked half-sister, or will she be found out, resulting in a domino effect of disaster? This book is so delightful I don't want to give too much of the plot away, so you'll just have to read it for yourself. A thoroughly enjoyable read regardless of its flaws, I would recommend it to anyone who appreciates a good and involving novel of suspense.

I enjoyed reading this book and found I cared a great deal about the heroine and was curious about what choices she would make. I enjoyed the different locales and customs and some of the conflicts arising out of culture clashes. Unlike some others I did not find the plot twists so twisty, so the suspense was somewhat spoiled. I guess I have been reading too much for too long. I found most of the relationships pretty believeable, but wish there was a bit more depth to the final romantic male interest.

After fleeing England with her newfound parents, Suewellyn grows up on an island in the waters surrounding Australia. Her life is somewhat sheltered, so when a catastrophe strikes the island, she doesn't know what to do. She decides to go back to England and claim her inheritance, even if it isn't really hers. That proves to be difficult, as she soon finds out.This is one of the first Holt books I read, and it is one of the best!

diseption and romance mixed with adventure. you won't find a better victoria holt book! the 11th i read.