Twilight at Moorington Cross
1819 Kent, England: Amelia is a widow and a patient at Cluett’s Mesmeric Hospital suffering from a disorder that causes her to fall asleep without warning. In a strange turn of events, she learns that her doctor, Mr. Cluett, has altered his will naming her his primary beneficiary and heiress to his estate. However, to inherit, she has to marry one of two specific men, neither of whom she knows. She has thirty days to decide, even though she is attracted to someone else entirely. Not long after informing her of this, Mr. Cluett passes away. Amelia is determined to investigate the sudden death of her benefactor while at the same time trying to choose from two possible husbands.
This is a wonderful combination of mystery and romance that is sure to please fans of both genres. The premise is intriguing and includes a will, a forced marriage, a murder, and a sleep disorder. The history of mesmerism, a type of hypnosis, and its use in medical treatment is explored a bit. We are reminded of the limited rights of women in the 1800s through Amelia, whose life is controlled by guardians and then by an abusive husband. The murder mystery is well thought out and contains many twists and red herrings. It will most definitely keep the reader guessing until the end. The house itself, Moorington Cross, holds many secrets and is almost a character in the story. This is a book that is heavy on suspense and mystery in Agatha Christie style but still delivers with romance as well.
