Suspicion

October 1, 2014
This omnibus paranormal/mystery/suspense/romance follows as many gothic memes as possible within a modern setting. New Yorker Imogen, 17, inherits an English dukedom, which embroils her in a centuries-old mystery. During childhood visits, she fell in love with Lord Sebastian Stanhope. He, however, became attached to her cousin Lucia in the interim. But now Lucia has died, making orphaned Imogen the only remaining heir. Imogen appears to be the direct descendant of Lady Beatrice, hanged as a witch in the early 1800s (some 150 or so years after the last recorded witch hanging in England, but who cares about historical accuracy when there is a trope to exploit?). The young duchess has inherited her progenitor's supernatural power to grow flowers in an instant, among other useful abilities. She must also contend with such genre staples as the cold and intimidating housekeeper and her daughter, the nasty maid. A murder mystery explodes into the plot; can Imogen use her powers to unravel the mystery? Unfortunately, the entire effort is rife with cliches. In keeping with the genre, all protagonists are extraordinarily beautiful/handsome, all major characters are titled, and the palatial mansion has four turrets and a supernatural garden maze. A simplistic entry in the genre for undemanding fans of Downton Abbey. (Paranormal romance. 12-18)

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November 1, 2014

Gr 8 Up-When Imogen was a child, she and her family spent the summers at Rockford Manor. At age 10, she accidentally conjured a flower out of nothing. That night, still troubled by her supernatural power, she wakes to a fire in the garden-one that traps her parents and her cousin's parents, leaving the girls orphans. After returning to New York to live with friends, Imogen cuts off contact with Cousin Lucia. Now, right before her high school graduation, Imogen's grandfather and cousin have both died, and Imogen inherits the estate-and the title of Duchess. Rockford Manor holds many secrets-ghostly whispers, strange winds, and a return of Imogen's elemental powers. The first half of the book is more reminiscent of Meg Cabot's "The Princess Diaries" (HarperCollins) than it is of Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca, on which this story is based; the supernatural elements are hardly necessary to the plot. Teens may get frustrated with plot points that don't make sense, but a hinted-at sequel might offer clarification in future installments.-Brandy Danner, Perkins School for the Blind, Watertown, MA

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 15, 2014
Grades 7-10 Imogen Rockford has been living in New York City with her guardians since a tragic fire at her family's home in the English countryside left her orphaned at age 10. Now 17, she learns that both her grandfather and her cousin have died, leaving her the sole heir to Rockford Manor. She reluctantly agrees to move back to the estate and accept the title that comes with it. Once there, Imogen must learn how to be a duchess in an atmosphere of growing mystery and suspicion. Further complicating matters is the sudden reappearance of magical powers Imogen barely remembers from childhood, which might indicate that she is the descendant of an ancestor hanged for witchcraft in the nineteenth century. The return of the boy next door she fell in love with as a child, the former boyfriend of her dead cousin, adds to her confusion. Intensely dramatic, fast-paced, and twisty, Monir's mystery ticks every gothic suspense box. The combination of paranormal elements with a star-crossed romance between almost-royals should keep readers rapt.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)