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Mistress of Mellyn summary
Brief summary
Mistress of Mellyn is a captivating gothic romance novel by Victoria Holt. It tells the story of Martha, a governess who uncovers dark secrets and finds herself entangled in a forbidden love affair at the mysterious Mellyn Castle.
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Mistress of Mellyn
Summary of key ideas
The Mysterious Mistress
In Mistress of Mellyn by Victoria Holt, we meet Martha Leigh, a young governess who takes up a position at Mount Mellyn, a secluded mansion in Cornwall. Martha is intrigued by her employer, the enigmatic Connan TreMellyn, and his young daughter Alvean. However, she is warned by the housekeeper, Mrs. Medway, to keep her distance from the master of the house and to never enter his private wing.
Despite these warnings, Martha finds herself increasingly drawn to Connan. She is also curious about the mysterious absence of Alvean's mother, who reportedly died in a tragic accident. As Martha begins to unravel the secrets of the TreMellyn family, she discovers that Connan's first wife, Alice, was not as perfect as everyone believed, and that her death may not have been an accident after all.
The Haunting Past
As the story progresses, Martha's relationship with Connan deepens, and she becomes increasingly entangled in the family's dark past. She learns that Alice was a cold, manipulative woman who made life miserable for everyone at Mount Mellyn, including her daughter. Martha also uncovers unsettling details about Alice's death, leading her to suspect that it may have been murder.
Meanwhile, Alvean's behavior becomes more erratic, and Martha suspects that the young girl is being haunted by her mother's spirit. She begins to fear for Alvean's safety and is determined to uncover the truth about what really happened to Alice. Her growing affection for Alvean and her concern for Connan's well-being only deepen her resolve.
The Dangerous Truth
Martha's investigation leads her to a shocking revelation: Connan did not kill his wife, but he is protecting someone who did. Martha confronts Mrs. Medway, who confesses to murdering Alice in self-defense after Alice attempted to kill Alvean. Mrs. Medway's love for the little girl and her loyalty to Connan drive her to take the blame and keep the truth hidden.
As Martha grapples with this newfound knowledge, Connan's feelings for her become more apparent. Despite her growing affection for him, Martha is horrified by the dark secrets that surround him. She decides to leave Mount Mellyn, but before she can do so, a violent storm traps her in the mansion with Connan and Alvean. The storm becomes a metaphor for the turmoil and danger that surround the TreMellyn family.
The Unexpected End
As the storm rages on, Martha is forced to confront her feelings for Connan and her loyalty to Alvean. In a dramatic turn of events, Alvean falls seriously ill, and Martha must rely on her wits and courage to save the young girl's life. In the midst of the chaos, Connan reveals his love for Martha and asks her to stay with him.
In a tense and emotional climax, Martha makes a decision that would change her life forever. She chooses to leave Mount Mellyn, realizing that she cannot ignore the dark truths that lurk within its walls. The story ends with Martha walking away from the mansion, leaving behind the man she loves and the haunting mysteries of the TreMellyn family.
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What is Mistress of Mellyn about?
Mistress of Mellyn by Victoria Holt is a gripping gothic romance novel set in a mysterious mansion on the windswept coast of Cornwall. When Martha Leigh takes a job as governess at the forbidding Mount Mellyn, she becomes entangled in a web of family secrets, forbidden love, and dark intrigue. As she delves deeper into the history of the estate, Martha uncovers shocking truths that threaten to change her life forever.
Mistress of Mellyn Review
Mistress of Mellyn (1960) is a captivating Gothic romance novel that will draw you into a world of mystery and intrigue. Here's why this book is worth the read:
- Unraveling a compelling love story amidst secrets and suspense, it keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
- The atmospheric setting of the Cornish coast adds a rich layer of tension and drama to the plot.
- With its unexpected twists and turns, the book ensures that boredom is never an option while reading.
Who should read Mistress of Mellyn?
Readers who enjoy gothic romance novels with a touch of mystery and suspense
People who appreciate well-developed characters and atmospheric settings
Those who are looking for a captivating and engaging story that keeps them guessing until the end
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Mistress of Mellyn FAQs
What is the main message of Mistress of Mellyn?
Love, mystery, and secrets intertwine in Mistress of Mellyn, revealing the power of forbidden desires.
How long does it take to read Mistress of Mellyn?
Reading Mistress of Mellyn takes several hours, while the Blinkist summary can be read in just a few minutes.
Is Mistress of Mellyn a good book? Is it worth reading?
Mistress of Mellyn is a captivating read with compelling characters and a suspenseful plot, making it a worthwhile choice for fans of gothic romance.
Who is the author of Mistress of Mellyn?
The author of Mistress of Mellyn is Victoria Holt.
What to read after Mistress of Mellyn?
If you're wondering what to read next after Mistress of Mellyn, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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- The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
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- Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys, Judith L. Raiskin
- Just After Sunset by Stephen King
- Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri
- Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye
- Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Nunzio DeFilippis
- Side Jobs by Jim Butcher