Dark Temptation-Allison Chase

Dark Temptation
Allison Chase
Signet, Nov 2008, $6.99
ISBN: 045122552X

In 1829 Sophie St. Clair’s misbehavior has her family sending her into exile to stay with to relatives in Cornwall in order to avoid a potential scandal. However, Sophie is unable to resist some sleuthing when she notices strange lights in the harbor; she ponders whether they can be connected to nearby Edgecombe Manor.

His father’s fiery death two years ago has shaken Chad Rutherford, the fifth Earl of Wycliffe, so much so he avoids Edgecombe Manor as if it contains the plague. He knows he must go back one last time, but does not plan to hang around because he knows what “lives” there. Chad and amateur sleuth Sophie meet and are attracted to one another. He joins her on her inquiry into the mysterious lights and the corpses that come ashore even as matchmaking spirits encourage them so they can finally obtain peace.

The second Blackheath Moor gothic romance (see DARK OBSESSION) contains a strong amateur sleuth suspense subplot that enhances the lead couple's romantic relationship. The story line is filled with warm passion and terrifying events that will keep readers on the edge wondering who is chasing whom in this dangerous search for the truth.

Harriet Klausner