Susan Pleydell

This light novel from the 1960s is a Mary stewart-ish blend of mystery and romance set in the west of Scotland. Unlike Stewart's books the viewpoint is shared between the cast of characters so we follow the plot from several different angles. The McKechnie family is short of money and decides to host paying guests at their large house over the summer. They attract a mixed group - a schoolboy, an American couple, a young man who is trying to write a book, and a schoolmistress. Later, a glamorous young pair of siblings from London join the party. The young McKechnies are entertained and dazzled by the Antonys, to the dismay of their lifelong friends and neighbours. And then the CID gets in touch to warn that they may be in danger from one of their guests. This is a pleasant, exciting read with likeable characters whose friendships and relationships are well drawn, and with a marvellous Scottish setting. It's very much of its time with a lot of smoking and one odd racist comment.… (mere)