Lady Anne and the Howl in the Dark [Mass Market Paperback]

Donna Simpson (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Simpson (Awaiting the Moon) launches her Lady Anne historical mystery series with flair, though at times its daring heroine seems more Victorian than Georgian. Lady Anne Addison, a clever, capable bluestocking, arrives at Darkefell Castle after receiving a distress-filled missive from her flighty best friend, Lady Lydia Bestwick, about werewolf sightings. Walking the last few miles to the castle, Anne hears screams and discovers a dead woman along the way. Lydia's concerns extend beyond the paranormal, and soon Anne becomes embroiled in gothic goings-on that clumsily point to the overbearing marquess of Darkefell, Lydia's brother-in-law, who aggressively pursues Anne despite disliking her independent nature. A slave trade subplot works well, and romance fans will love the witty byplay if not the decidedly unromantic conclusion. (Apr.)
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Review

I enjoyed Lady Anne immensely and cannot wait to read more of her adventures. (Alexandra Cenni Romance Reader at Heart 20090309)

Simpson (Awaiting the Moon) launches her Lady Anne historical mystery series with flair... [R]omance fans will love the witty byplay. (Publishers Weekly 20090316)

Donna Lea Simpson is like Victoria Holt but with twice the impact! (Kerensa Wilson Crave More Romance 20090317)

If you are looking for a historical mystery with romance, suspense, and a suggestion of paranormal, then read Lady Anne and the Howl in the Dark. (Stephanie B. Fallen Angel Reviews 20090320)

This is a fabulous historical amateur sleuth that introduces readers to a terrific Georgian Era gender bending detective... Donna Lea Simpson's first Lady Anne eighteenth century mystery is a howling success. (Harriet Klausner Amazon.com #1 Reviewer 20090325)

This story combines the best parts of a mystery and historical romance in one story. (Maura Frankman The Romance Studio 20090330)

Ms. Simpson pulls off the creepy, spine-tingling thrill of the gothic with great flare and keeps the reader on her toes with a very intriguing mystery. (Marlene Once Upon a Romance 20090330)

Overall, if you enjoy Agatha Christie, Victoria Holt, and historical mysteries, this is well worth a read. (Nicola Onychuk Alpha Heroes 20090330)

Simpson writes in a witty and engaging voice... if you like mystery, intrigue, werewolves, and Gothic you will love this book! (Keira Gillet Love Romance Passion 20090324)

Ms Simpson has set up a well-drawn Gothic horror setting here, so the atmosphere is fantastic, what with it being chilling, mysterious, and menacing all at once. (Lim Teck Choom Mrs. Giggles 20090401)

All in all, Lady Anne and the Howl in the Dark is a very enjoyable read, and I can't wait for the sequels. (Marlene Breakfield ParaNormal Romance Reviews 20090401)

I really enjoyed the story for the mystery, touch of romance and definitely the spunk of Lady Anne and the mysterious darkness of Lord Darkefell. (Darlene Smoliak Peeking Between the Pages 20090401)

It is light and very entertaining, with a healthy dose of humor (which I think is very important) and an endearing heroine, with whom I think many women can easily identify. (Lilianna Swistek Reading Extravaganza 20090402)

Lady Anne is a feisty gal, extremely smart and engaging. (Lori Noe Lori's Book Den 20090403)

This book has everything that a good cozy mystery needs -- a tower, a castle, a purported werewolf and a terrible mother-in-law -- all scary things! (Kristen Metson We Be Reading 20090407)

The author does a wonderful job of expressing the consternation of logical, serious Anne when she encounters the sizzle of passion for the first time in her life. (Carey Anderson The Tome Traveller's Weblog 20090409)

You can almost feel the tension that Lord Darkefell feels when he is around Lady Anne - and her optimism in the face of crises abounds. I really enjoyed Lady Anne and am glad that I will get to read more of her in the future. (Kristi Hebrand Books and Needlepoint 20090406)

I thought the concept for this story was a good one. It encompassed the best of both worlds... historical and paranormal. (Cheryl Koch Cheryl's Book Nook 20090420)

The beginning of this book hooked me right in... I really can't wait to read it to find out what happens next with Lady Anne. (Carrie Zimmerman The Book Girl 20090421)

Once you start this book you won't want to put it down until you finish the very last page. (CC Butterfy Fang-tastic Books 20090427)

Donna Lea Simpson has managed to write an inspiring, creative and pleasurable tale, with appealing characters and an intriguing plot that will have the reader guessing until the very end. (Amy Ramsey Ramsey's Book Reviews 20090622)

Lady Anne is a very strong woman who knows what she wants and when she wants it and is somewhat different to what a reader might traditionally expect. (Heather Eye on Romance )

I was stunned by how well-orchestrated the novel was. Everything fell together seamlessly, and the interplay between the leads was humorous and natural. An lovely mystery and romance. (Jennifer Beautiful Reads )

The atmosphere and mystery written by Donna Lea Simpson is top notch. (Kate Garrabrant Fresh Fiction )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (April 7, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402217919
• ISBN-13: 978-1402217913
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.3 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,306,684 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mysterious happenings at Darkefell Castle, April 2, 2009

By 

K. Herbrand - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Lady Anne and the Howl in the Dark (Mass Market Paperback)

Lady Anne is not the typical "lady" of the late 1700's. She tried to be the hair-brained, I-need-a-husband lass, but when her fiance dies, it is a blessing for her. Having been left a considerable amount of money by her paternal grandmother, she decides she would rather be single and not have to hide her intelligence and quick wit. Not being a beauty, she doesn't have to worry about fending off any would-be suitors.

When Lydia, a dear friend and her deceased fiance's sister, writes her and begs her to come, Lady Anne immediately responds. Lydia hinted at there being mysterious things going on at Darkefell Castle and the possibilities of a werewolf. Unfortunately Lydia fails to tell the rest of the household of Lady Anne's imminent arrival.

Since there is no carriage to take Lady Anne from the post house to the castle, and it is nearing dusk, she sets out on foot. As darkness descends, she hears a howl and a woman's screams. Trying to find the woman in the dark seems futile, until, as luck would have it, she stumbles over her body - but it is too late. She continues to make her way to the castle and arrives, unannounced, covered in blood with questions already arising.

The Marquess of Darkefell is a brooding handsome man who finds Lady Anne to be very bothersome. She insists on prying into his family's secrets - secrets he wishes to remain hidden. At the same time, her seemingly unflappable resolve and calm around him has him mystified. He has never met a woman who has been immune to his charms. He is also entertained by her quick wit and intelligence.

I highly recommend this book. Donna Lea Simpson's writing style is very engaging and draws you in immediately. She gives great descriptions of both countryside and characters.


She had dressed her bonnet with some of the purple tulips from her crushed bouquet, and as they nodded above her shadowed face, she looked both absurd and oddly adorable. He glanced at the path then back at her. It was true her nose was a little too long and her chin too pointed. There was a faint equine suggestion about the nose and generous mouth. Her color was good, though, and her dark hair glossy; she glowed with health and vivacity. (from Lady Anne and the Howl in the Dark, p 207, uncorrected copy)

"But cultivated gardens have their place, my lord," she said, ambling toward the eddy, a swirling, shadowed pool at the base of the waterfall. She stood on a humped hillock of moss and stared, admiring the sparkle of sunlight on the drops that scattered as a rivulet hit a rock. Mist billowed from the force of the falls and bedewed her cheeks. (from Lady Anne and the Howl in the Dark, p 215, uncorrected copy)




You can almost feel the tension that Lord Darkefell feels when he is around Lady Anne - and her optimism in the face of crises abounds. I really enjoyed Lady Anne and am glad that I will get to read more of her in the future. Donna Lea Simpson has two more books coming out with Lady Anne - Lady Anne and the Ghost's Revenge and Lady Anne and the Gypsy Curse.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Pleasing Gothic, Historical Paranormal Romance!, September 13, 2009

By 

Lori Hedgpeth "Psychotic State" (California) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Lady Anne and the Howl in the Dark (Mass Market Paperback)

"Lady Anne" was my introduction to Donna Lea Simpson and I was not disappointed. I admit that I was attracted to the book initially due to the cover, which has just enough historical mood, darkness and a bare man's chest to spur my desire. Reading the plot sealed the deal for me.

How to describe "Lady Anne"? It's gothic, in the same vein as Daphne DuMaurier and Victoria Holt. It's historical in the same vein as Philippa Gregory. It's a romance for the thinking and discriminating reader. It has a taste of the paranormal that reminds me a bit of Jane Austen's "Northanger Abbey". And it has a neat little mystery to wrap up into a pleasing literary gift.

One of the things I loved best about this book was the central character of Lady Anne Addison. She is certainly no frail flower of the time (England of 1786), fainting and keeping to women's interests (sewing or having children). She is more like a man of that time period - - curious, inquisitive, willful, bold and determined to remain unmarried.

I also felt a connection with the character of Boatin, Darkefell's secretary and his story of how he came to England from Africa. Here was a man who was well-read, if not superiorly educated, who was fiercely loyal to his employer, while still recognizing his faults, and who treated Anne as both a lady and as an equal. In fact, I felt somewhat more of a connection with Boatin than I did with Darkefell - - although Darkefell is quite reminiscent of Darcy from Pride and Prejudice, with his perceived arrogance and hidden sensitive nature.

Another wonderful thing about this book are the luscious details of the 18th century - - the attire, the headwear, the castles and estates - - which will cause readers of historical fiction to devour this tale. Boatin's tale, as mentioned above, is an accurate recounting of true events, giving even more depth to Ms. Simpson's story and characters.

The only downside to this book, in my own opinion, is the somewhat unresolved ending . . . which makes perfect sense if you realize "Lady Anne" is the first of a new three-part series. The ending leaves this reader, at least, wanting more and anxious to see where Lady Anne's travels take her next and what part the mysterious and moody Darkefell will play in her life in the future.

I recommend "Lady Anne" without reservation, if you're a fan of gothic, historical, paranormal romance.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars terrific Georgian Era gender bending detective tale, April 11, 2009

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Lady Anne and the Howl in the Dark (Mass Market Paperback)

The letter from her best friend Lady Lydia Bestwick seemed hysterical to sensible Lady Anne Addison. However, concerned about her buddy's mad rant regarding werewolf sightings, Anne travels to Darkefeel Castle in Yorkshire to prove her wrong and bring some peace of mind to Lydia.

Forced to go on foot to complete her trek to the remote castle, Anne hears the scream of a woman in the dark gloomy woods before stumbling upon a corpse. As she investigates the homicide she tripped over and the alleged werewolf sightings sworn to God by the villagers and employees of the castle, Anne realizes the evidence points towards the only uncooperative person in the vicinity, Lydia's recalcitrant brother-in-law the Marquess of Darkefell. As Anne finds indications of a poorly developed frame with ties to the bustling slave trade, the Marquess makes it clear he wants her in spite of his objection to her independence and courage.

This is a fabulous historical amateur sleuth that introduces readers to a terrific Georgian Era gender bending detective. The story line contains three wonderful subplots that tie together with a Moebius Knot twist: romance, investigation including into potentially paranormal and the profound look at the slave trade with its biblical "Curse of Ham" misinterpretation rationalization. With a nod to The Hound of the Baskervilles albeit a century plus earlier, Donna Lea Simpson's first Lady Anne eighteenth century mystery is a howling success.

Harriet Klausner