Dorothy Cannell, Withering Heights

Withering Heights

Dorothy Cannell

St. Martin's, April 2007, $22.95, 288 pp.

ISBN 031234337X

With her three children spending some time at their grandparent's home, Ellie Haskell is looking forward to spending quality romantic time with her husband Ben without the interruptions that kids often bring. Alas, her idea of a romantic week is not to be because thirteen-year-old Ariel, the daughter of Ben's second cousin Tom Hopkins, arrives on their doorstep. Her parents won the lottery and moved to Yorkshire in the town of Milton Moore where they bought Cragstone from a lady who didn't have the money to afford living there.

Ariel wants Ellie, Ben and their housekeeper Roxie Malloy to come to Cragstone House. Strange things are happening there like lights going on and off and doors found open. Ariel's step-mother Betty believes the former owner Lady Fiona wants them out of the place because she killed her husband and buried him on the grounds. When they arrive at Ariel's new home, everyone tells her Betty's imagination is running away from her. Ellie senses evil in the air, starting with Mr. Scrimshank, Lady Fiona and her husband's investment consultant who might be embezzling their funds. Mr. Gallagher's nanny dies and another death occurs which on the surface seem like accidents or natural deaths but Ellie feels there is more to it than meets the eye. She must be on the right track because someone tries to kill her, Betty and Ariel.

It has been a long time since Dorothy Cannell has written an Ellie Haskell book but was well worth the wait. WITHERING HEIGHTS is a delightful and charming amateur sleuth tale with a gothic atmosphere that make the house seem spooky. An entertaining sub-plot involves the beautiful Valeria who has come to take care of Nanny but seems more interested in Ben which make the heroine jealous. Readers will love the eccentric and quirky support cast and eagerly await the next Ellie Haskell mystery.

Harriet Klausner