Mistress of Mellyn [Mass Market Paperback]

Victoria Holt (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 12, 1981

As Martha Leigh approached the sprawling mansion of her new employer, Connan TreMellyn, an odd chill of apprehension overcame her. Soon whispers of past tragedy and present danger began to insinuate themselves into Martha's life. Powerless against her growing desire for Connan, she is drawn deeper into family secrets. But though evil lurks in the shadows, so does love -- and the freedom to find a golden promise of forever . . .

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Originally published nearly 40 years ago, this gothic classic has been frightening, romancing, and winning fans ever since. Part Jane Eyre, part Rebecca and all good, clean, campy fun, Mistress of Mellyn will keep you tearing through the pages, and looking for copies to lend out to friends.

Our heroine Martha Leigh is a prim and freshly minted governess who has been hired by the remote and demanding Connan TreMellyn to care for his daughter Alvean. As the departure of the three prior governesses suggests, Alvean is a difficult charge, though understandably so since the recent death of her mother, Alice. As Martha tries to connect with Alvean, she researches the history of Mellyn, and discovers hidden family secrets that still haunt the present. Now familiar with Alvean, she feels herself falling for Connan. Though the desire between Martha and Connan grows, Alice's tragic death continues to haunt them both and endanger any future they may have.

A delightful combination of highbrow writing and lowbrow sentiments, Mistress of Mellyn is a guilt-free treat you can indulge in. The romance, suspense, and mystery tromp across the pages with predictable frequency, and there are enough dark looks and dark corridors for any gothic fan. --Nancy R.E. O'Brien

From the Inside Flap

As Martha Leigh approached the sprawling mansion of her new employer, Connan TreMellyn, an odd chill of apprehension overcame her. Soon whispers of past tragedy and present danger began to insinuate themselves into Martha's life. Powerless against her growing desire for Connan, she is drawn deeper into family secrets. But though evil lurks in the shadows, so does love -- and the freedom to find a golden promise of forever . . .

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback
• Publisher: Ivy Books (September 12, 1981)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0449239241
• ISBN-13: 978-0449239247
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (54 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,046,174 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE gothic romance classic!, February 15, 2000

By 

MelloCello (Upland, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mistress of Mellyn (Mass Market Paperback)

I first read this book in 8th grade, at a summer camp. I've lost count of how many times I've read it thus far; but I'm reading it right now and I'm 42 years old!

As others have said, this is a timeless classic that relies on a gripping story and excellent characters to hold the reader, rather than the sleazy sex scenes that fill many modern-day romance novels. I believe I have read all of Victoria Holt's books over the years (She has also written as Jean Plaidy and Phillipa Carr) and yes, they are somewhat formulaic, but they are always a good, satisfying read.

"Mistress of Mellyn" inspired my interest in all things English, from afternoon tea to English history. It vividly creates a world that completely draws you in, right up to the last page.

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Still Fresh After All These Years, June 4, 2002

By 

Ramona Honan "reviews-by-melva" (Dallas, TX USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mistress of Mellyn (Mass Market Paperback)

This is really dating me because this is the first romance novel I ever read. I read it when it was published about 35 years ago--but then I was rather young at the time--so to speak.

I thought it was one of the most wonderful books I had ever read, but then I was a young teenager. The world of romance was opened to me by this book, and I shall never forget it even though I have moved on to other types of books and away from romances per se.

Besides being a romance, it is a mystery with a surprise ending, which lends itself to being compared to Jane Eyre and Rebecca. This novel, though not a classic, is refreshing still in the 21st century.

Martha Leigh has come to Mellyn to care for Connan Tremellyn's difficult daughter, Alvean. In the process of caring for her, Martha falls under the spell of the home, Mellyn and its many secrets--the main secret being was the former Mrs. Tremellyn murdered, and if so by whom. As she searches for answers, she falls under Connan's spell while still frightened he may have murdered his wife.

This books is still as delightful today as it was many years ago.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My First Victoria Holt Book & Still My Favorite, January 31, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Mistress of Mellyn (Mass Market Paperback)

Set during the 1800s in Cornwall, England, "Mistress of Mellyn" follows a 24-year-old woman's (Martha Leigh) adventure as a governess in a haunted mansion owned by the widowered Connan TreMellyn and his young daughter, Alvean. While struggling with her emotions over Connan and his just-as-difficult daughter, Martha must also try and uncover the mysterious death of his wife before she, too, faces the same fate Alice did.

"Mistress of Mellyn" was the first book I ever read by Victoria Holt, and it also happens to be the first book Eleanor Alice Burford Hibbert wrote under this pseudonym over 40 years ago. It was given to me by one of my aunts when I was about 11 and is still one of my favorites, even though I'm not necessarily a romance fan. But if you are--or even if you're just a reluctant gothic romance reader like I am--, then you'll more than likely enjoy this one. There's nothing offensive or racy in it, so it's appropriate for all ages, yet it's still very suspenseful. Highly recommended.