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Charlotte Markham and the House of Darkling
Michael Boccacino

William Morrow Paperbacks
July 24, 2012/ ISBN-13:978-0062122612
Contemporary Fiction

AMAZON

Reviewed by Beth E McKenzie

This is one creepy book, and I read every word.

To what lengths would a mother go to make sure her children are well cared for, and how much farther does she have to reach after she is dead? That is the question facing governess Charlotte Markham when she and the children are led to Lily Darrow, the children's mother, in the House of Darkling. The boys, James and Paul, are thrilled to see their mother again and have no trouble believing the same spell that allows them to see their mother must be kept secret from their father. Charlotte is not so sure and pledges to remain vigilant to protect her charges.

Through their visits with Mrs. Darrow, Charlotte and the boys stumble into the equivalent of a gang turf war and lethal drug trade with even more sinister consequences for the townsfolk of Blackfield than the human equivalent. One of the rival leaders, Mr. Whatley, is Lily’s master, and she has made a dark bargain in order to provide safe passage for the children and Charlotte. This safety steadily erodes while Darkling is overcome by events.

This story has all the components of a ghostly gothic horror. There is a manor, a brooding Lord, a hidden family mystery, warnings to leave well-enough alone, otherworldly encounters, and the governess-heroine risking everything to learn the secret and gain the desires of her heart. The surprise is how those desires are satisfied! I particularly enjoyed the vivid descriptions of the creatures of the afterlife, which are neither dead nor alive, and the callous interaction with the human visitors. It reminded me of a party I attended that features a boa constrictor; most everybody wanted to pet it just to say they had, except for the one special guest who really does love snakes. Creepy.

Reviewed 2013
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