Withering Heights

by: Dorothy Cannell

Published by: St. Martin's Minotaur

Reviewed by Diane Keyes

I love an author who can convey a strong sense of presence with her words. Just listen to the first page from Withering Heights, "The storm hurled itself against the blurred contours of the house like an angry sea....fit only for human beasts of prey and the shadowy vigils of unholy spirits denied respite beneath a sanctified churchyard earth."

I must confess I began reading this book on a similarly stormy night while on vacation, tucked in the attic of an ancient Irish manor. It was an irresistible combination. With a bit of romance, mystery, humor, psychology, a pinch of the supernatural, and a dollop of murder thrown in for good measure, Withering Heights has all the necessary ingredients for an evening's enjoyment.

Dorothy Cannell's style is delightful and properly spiced with wonderful English sayings that while common to the Brits, sound quaint and utterly charming to my American ear. Not too scary, graphic, or morbid, Withering Heights is a comforting, yet contemporary reminder of simpler times and simpler crimes.

Told in the first person, the protagonist, Ellie Haskell, is a finely drawn character who is easily to love. Her unabashed adoration for her husband Ben, and her all-too-human insecurities where he is concerned, makes her a sympathetic and compelling figure.

Add a compassionate nature, a strong maternal instinct and a partner-in-crime whose droll humor and fashion sense (or lack thereof) make for entertaining conversations and lively adventures--and you have the perfect recipe for an infinitely sustainable mystery series along the lines of Agatha Christie.

My only complaint with Withering Heights is a minor one--there are so many characters. I readily admit it could have been jet lag, the frequent thunderous claps or my advancing years, but I did have difficulty keeping them all straight. That being said, I'm looking forward to reading more of Ellie Haskell and Mrs. Roxie Malloy, the next time I'm looking for something to pass the wee hours.

Armchair Interviews says: Wonderful read for the wee hours or the beach or in front of the fireplace.